Travel search site Kayak now displays Southwest fares, the company announced Monday. This allows users to compare prices and itinerary options directly with those of other airlines.
It’s a major shift. Historically, Southwest has not allowed third-party companies to display its schedule and fare data.
That has started to change in recent months, though.
In May, TPG reported Southwest fares began displaying on Google Flights, boosting flight comparison options for users.
And on Monday, Kayak joined the short list of companies that can display Southwest’s data.
A quick flight search confirms the change: You can see Southwest options pop up in search results for an October flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Southwest hub Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). It includes both the carrier’s Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares.
KAYAK
You can’t book directly on Kayak’s website. Once you find the Southwest itinerary you want, you can click and be transferred to the carrier’s website for a direct booking. This is part of what Southwest is calling a pilot partnership.
“This is a great development for travelers,” Kayak CEO Steve Hafner said in a statement Monday. “We first started showing Southwest in 2022 to Kayak for Business customers. We’re thrilled to expand that relationship to the millions of leisure travelers who use Kayak.”
Allowing Kayak to display its fare data is the latest in a series of recent moves that amount to something of a transformation at Southwest, amid lagging financial performance in recent quarters.
On the company’s July 25 earnings call, chief commercial officer Andrew Watterson cited its recent entry onto Google Flights, among “some of our other customer acquisition activities,” as key in trying to fill more of its aircraft with passengers.
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That same day, Southwest announced additional efforts to boost revenue, including ditching its longtime open-seating setup and adding extra-legroom options. It also revealed it would boost utilization of its jets through red-eye flights.
Of the expansion to Kayak, the airline said that it’s hoping to offer customers “enhanced visibility” into its available fares and flight options.
“We’re excited to continue finding ways to expose more consumers to the appeal of our unique combination of value, friendly and flexible policies, and breadth of flight service,” Southwest said in a statement to TPG Monday.
The airline did not give any indication as to whether it plans to let additional third-party sites display its flight information in the near future.
Southwest joining Google Flights and Kayak is among the handful of recent changes in the U.S. airline industry that are making it simpler for customers to compare flight prices across a wide range of airlines.
In recent months, budget airlines Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines have both announced shifts in how they display fares and add-on charges. Each now plans to offer four distinct ticket types, or bundles, upfront — with product offerings ranging from basic and unbundled to premium.
It’s a four-tiered setup that’s ostensibly far more similar to the pricing buckets offered by the larger network airlines.
That, plus Southwest’s fares showing up in more places, should give travelers a better apples-to-apples glimpse at their flight options when deciding on the best airline and itinerary.
The Lane Bryant Credit Card is yet another store-issued credit card that offers a modicum of value for brand loyalists and not much else. It features some decent rewards for those who spend a lot at Lane Bryant but extremely limited value for everyone else. Card rating*: ⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The Lane Bryant card has no annual fee, and TPG recommends a credit score of 670 or higher for the best chance of approval.
You’ll also want to remember that this card can only be used at Lane Bryant-branded locations — meaning Lane Bryant stores, lanebryant.com and Cacique.
Let’s break down this card’s perks and benefits to help you decide if it’s a good fit for you.
The information for the Lane Bryant Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Lane Bryant Credit Card pros and cons
Pros
Cons
No annual fee
Earn points on all purchases
Birthday offer and expanded return window
Most perks also require a Lane Rewards membership
Very limited earning and redemption options
Rewards aren’t worth much when compared to major issuers’ points and miles
The welcome offer on the Lane Bryant card is rather uninspiring: You’ll get $20 off your first purchase when you open and use your Lane Bryant card on the same day.
THE POINTS GUY
Even aside from its paltry value, this offer is restrictive. You’ll have to use your new card on the same day to qualify for your $20 reward.
Still, many store cards don’t offer a welcome bonus, so the Lane Bryant card is a little ahead here in comparison.
If you have this card alongside a Lane Rewards membership, you can earn a few perks that offer some value for Lane Bryant loyalists.
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You’ll get a $10 reward for every 3,000 points you accumulate (more on earning points later). You’ll also enjoy an extended window for returns, a special birthday reward offer and free standard shipping on qualifying online purchases of $75 or more.
That’s not a long list of perks, but since this card has no annual fee, it can add a bit of value to your next Lane Bryant trip. It’s worth noting, however, that you can get most of these perks through a Lane Rewards membership on its own, so the Lane Bryant card isn’t making a compelling case for itself here.
As mentioned, this card is tied to your Lane Rewards membership, meaning you’ll have to have one to earn and redeem rewards. All Lane Bryant cardholders earn an extra 5 points per dollar spent on top of their tiered rewards. Here’s how the rewards system breaks down:
Lane Rewards status
Annual spending requirement
Rewards earned
Silver
$0
15 points per dollar
Gold
$350
20 points per dollar
Platinum
$800
25 points per dollar
You must use your Lane Bryant card to make all of your purchases to earn maximum points per dollar spent.
A baseline of 15 points per dollar on your purchases might sound lucrative, but as you’ll see, it’s more difficult than you might want it to be to squeeze value out of those rewards.
For every 3,000 points earned on the Lane Bryant card, you’ll get $10 back in rewards. Therefore, points earned on this card are worth a paltry 0.3 cents apiece. Of course, cardholders can only redeem their rewards at Lane Bryant locations.
That means Lane Rewards Silver members will essentially earn around 4.5% back on their purchases, Lane Rewards Gold members 6% back and Lane Rewards Platinum members 7.5% back.
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Those rewards rates look nice on paper, but unless you spend a lot with Lane Bryant every year, you’re better off with a general cash-back or travel rewards card.
Which cards compete with the Lane Bryant Credit Card?
You should consider a different card if you don’t spend frequently and exorbitantly at Lane Bryant. Here are three options to consider:
If you want solid earnings on all your purchases: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% back on all purchases (1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay it off). With it, you won’t have to worry about whether you’re shopping at the right place to get your best earnings. To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
If you spend lots at Amazon: The Prime Visa earns 5% back on Amazon, Whole Foods Market and Chase Travel℠ purchases; 2% back at restaurants, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting (including ride-hailing); and 1% back on all other purchases. Prime Visa cardholders can also earn 10% or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on amazon.com. To learn more, check out our full review of the Prime Visa.
If you want to earn 5% at multiple merchants: The Chase Freedom Flex® earns 5% back on quarterly rotating categories, such as grocery stores, gyms and even Target, giving you a wider range of opportunities to maximize your cash back (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter you activate). It also earns 5% back on Chase Travel, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% on all other purchases. To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
The Lane Bryant Credit Card offers some decent earning rates for Lane Bryant loyalists, but if that isn’t you, you’re better off with a general cash-back or travel rewards card. On the other hand, if you’re planning a Lane Bryant shopping spree or two and want to earn some brand-specific rewards for no annual fee, it might be worth checking out.
The Lane Bryant card is a strong option for regular Lane Bryant shoppers who want a simple escalating rewards structure. But given its limited earning and redemption potential, you’re almost always better off opening a general no-annual-fee cash-back or travel card instead.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
I stayed at the Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton in South Africa shortly after it opened in 2021. When I checked my account activity after my stay, I noticed an “opening bonus” of 2,000 points. Then, I remembered that Hyatt offers 500 bonus points per night on qualifying stays at new hotels.
I unknowingly received the benefit since Hyatt doesn’t require members to register for this promotion. Perhaps you, too, have forgotten this promotion or never knew about it. In either case, here’s what you should know about World of Hyatt‘s new hotel promotion, which allows you to earn 500 bonus points per night.
How to earn 500 bonus Hyatt points per night
This promotion is simple: World of Hyatt members receive 500 bonus points per night for qualifying stays at select new-to-the-Hyatt-portfolio hotels. You must stay within a set time frame to earn the bonus points, typically in the first few months after the property opens. Specifically, you’ll only earn bonus points if your checkout date takes place within the offer period for your hotel.
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To get the bonus points, you must provide your World of Hyatt number when you check in. You must also pay an eligible rate or redeem a Hyatt free night award (including redeeming Hyatt points). You’ll only earn bonus points for one room per night.
The terms of this promotion note that it may take three to four weeks for the bonus points to appear in your account. In practice, though, Hyatt typically posts the new hotel bonus with the other points you earned during your stay.
Hyatt’s website displays an updated list of participating properties. Here’s a quick overview of where you can currently earn 500 extra points per night.
4 hotels in North America
Mazatlan, Mexico: Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort from June 16 to Sept. 30
Linthicum Heights, Maryland: Hyatt House BWI Airport / Baltimore from Aug. 6 to Nov. 30
Reno, Nevada: Hyatt Place South Reno from Aug. 15 to Nov. 30
Arden, North Carolina: Hyatt Place Asheville Airport from Aug. 29 to Nov. 30
6 hotels in China
Nantong: Hyatt Place Nantong, Xinghu City Plaza from May 20 to Aug. 31
Changsha: Park Hyatt Changsha from June 1 to Aug. 31
Fuzhou: UrCove Pingtan Tannan Bay from July 1 to Sept. 30
Weifang: UrCove Weifang City Center from July 12 to Oct. 31
Kunming: Grand Hyatt Kunming from Aug. 6 to Nov. 30
Lanzhou: UrCove Lanzhou Xiguan Cross Zhongshan Bridge from Aug. 7 to Nov. 30
6 hotels in other regions
Taipei, Taiwan: Episode Daan Taipei from June 1 to Aug. 31
Paracas, Peru: The Legend Paracas Resort from June 11 to Sept. 30
Osaka, Japan: Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka from June 12 to Sept. 30
Marrakech, Morocco: Park Hyatt Marrakech from July 1 to Sept. 30
Mainz, Germany: Brunfels Hotel from Aug. 19 to Nov. 30
Rouen, France: Hyatt Place Rouen from Aug. 27 to Nov. 30
The 500 Hyatt points you’ll get per night when booking an eligible rate or free night are worth about $8.50, based on TPG’s August 2024 valuations. So, this promotion may be the tiebreaker when considering where to stay the next time you travel to a destination with a new Hyatt hotel.
On top of earning 500 extra points per night, staying at a new Hyatt hotel can also be fun since you’ll likely get to stay in a room with new furnishings. However, new hotels may still be working through some issues, and not everything on-site may be completely functional.
Editor’s note: Singapore Airlines provided TPG with a complimentary round-trip flight to Singapore so that we could get an inside look at both the airline’s refreshed premium economy product and the new route. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the airline or any external entity.
Quick take: One of the world’s leading airlines delivers an impressive step up from economy, but there is still some minor room for improvement.
Pros
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) remains a fantastic ground experience for passengers.
The small and intimate cabin contains just 24 seats with wide seats and generous legroom.
Champagne is available, and hearty meals are served on beautiful ceramic plates.
Cons
Passengers don’t get predeparture drinks, and during the flight, drinks are offered in plastic and paper cups.
There are no dedicated crew or bathrooms for premium economy.
Cash prices are at least twice the price of economy.
Can one of the world’s best airlines deliver a premium economy that’s up to snuff?
Singapore Airlines is renowned around the globe for its passenger experience, from its award-winning hub at SIN to its talented cabin crew in their iconic sarong kebaya uniforms (introduced some 50 years ago). The airline has a widespread route network, including the world’s longest flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to SIN, as well as various fifth-freedom routes across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Growing up in Adelaide, South Australia, Singapore Airlines was one of the only international airlines flying to my hometown of around 1 million people.
I’ve flown Singapore Airlines more times than I can count since I was a kid, and so far, I’ve never had a bad flight with the storied carrier.
Round-trip cash fares in Singapore Airlines’ premium economy product are usually at least twice — and sometimes as high as three times — the cost of regular economy. Business class is usually around twice the cost of premium economy.
Singapore Airlines’ new SQ312 service to LGW operates four days per week. Flights depart SIN Friday to Monday at 11:55 p.m. and arrive at LGW about 13 hours later at approximately 6:25 a.m. Flights going the other way depart LGW Saturday to Tuesday at 10:15 a.m., landing at SIN at around 6:20 a.m. the following day. (All times are local.)
Checking into premium economy on Singapore Airlines
If you’re departing from SIN, don’t miss The Jewel waterfall outside of security in Terminal 3. It’s a spectacular, free-to-visit indoor rainforest so popular that other airports seem to have taken inspiration.
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A premium economy ticket on Singapore Airlines (whether booked with cash or KrisFlyer miles) includes free seat selection and — for flights to and from North America — two checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds each. For flights to other destinations, premium economy fares include one checked bag that can weigh up to 77 pounds.
As you might expect, the airline has a huge check-in area at its home hub in Terminal 3. There are plenty of self-service kiosks and manned counters; premium economy passengers have dedicated check-in areas.
I expected the priority check-in area to be easy to find and grand like the one Emirates offers at Dubai International Airport (DXB). However, all premium economy passengers were relegated to just two check-in counters in row 9 — the same number given to cabin crew checking baggage before signing on. While there was no line to check in, I was surprised at how low-key this priority check-in area was given that the airline operates premium economy on most long-haul routes and pitches it as an elevated experience.
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It’s easy to see why SIN is consistently awarded as the world’s best airport. It feels more like a luxury shopping mall than an airport terminal thanks to its noise-reducing carpeting, numerous shiny boutiques and plentiful activities to entertain children and adults. It even includes a butterfly garden and a free 24-hour movie theater.
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Despite being busy with a bank of European flights all leaving around midnight, the terminal felt spacious and peaceful — not words I would usually use to describe an airport.
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SIN’s Terminal 3 is unique because passengers clear security at the gate rather than just after check-in. In my case, gates A1 through A8 shared a single, large security checkpoint.
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While premium economy passengers were not offered a priority security queue, the process was smooth, calm and efficient.
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Only a few flights were departing from the large eight-gate space at this late hour, so hundreds of seats (complete with charging points) were available for passengers waiting to board.
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Staff called boarding by group numbers and instructed passengers to remain seated until their group was called.
Premium economy passengers boarded through the same lane as economy but were called to board with Group 3 (along with KrisFlyer Gold and Star Alliance Gold members). Regular economy passengers boarded afterward in Group 4.
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With a 13-hour overnight flight ahead of us, nobody seemed in a huge rush to board and start sitting, which made for an orderly process.
How comfortable was premium economy on Singapore Airlines?
Economy
Premium economy
Business class
Layout
3-3-3
2-4-2
1-2-1
Seat pitch
32 inches
38 inches
60 inches (78 inches in bed mode)
Seat recline
6 inches
8 inches
Fully flat
Seat width
17.3 inches
19 inches
28 inches
Screen size
11.1 inches
13.3 inches
18 inches
The premium economy cabin was surprisingly small, with just 24 seats spread across three rows directly behind the second luxurious business-class cabin.
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The front row seats in row 31 have a little extra legroom due to the bulkhead in front; they are an especially good choice if traveling as a couple — although you won’t be able to stow a personal item in front of you.
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At 6 feet tall, I found the legroom in row 32 generous, and I had a bit more personal space than in economy.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
The small size of the cabin had both positives and negatives.
While intimate and exclusive, it also felt a little cramped, with walls at the front and back. For example, there was no way to move across from one aisle to the other without going halfway back through the economy cabin behind.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
The right side armrest had buttons to manually recline the seatback and pop out the legrest.
Rather than a footrest folding out from the bottom of the legrest, the footrest came down from the seat in the front. The seatback in front was also outfitted with a large and sturdy literature pocket along with a water bottle holder; this was already stocked with a bottle of water for each premium economy passenger.
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There was a universal power outlet for each seat in the center armrest, a USB-A port next to the inflight entertainment screen and another next to the headphone jack between the seats.
Unfortunately, this modern A350 aircraft did not have USB-C ports, wireless charging or Bluetooth connectivity.
A tray table that popped out of the armrest was large and sturdy enough for a full-size MacBook.
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I also liked the adjustable reading light next to the headrest; it was handy for reading the menu without disturbing passengers trying to rest on this overnight flight.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
Amenities in Singapore Airlines premium economy
A pillow and a blanket wrapped in plastic were waiting on each seat when passengers boarded.
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Both items were plush and larger than you would expect to receive in economy.
The carrier also provided decent over-ear noise-canceling headphones — another luxury perk that made this long-haul flight more comfortable.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
One of the enhancements the airline has promoted in premium economy this year is a new amenity kit by the brand Out of the Woods. I didn’t care for the crumpled bag it came in (similar to Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy amenity kit), and the contents — slippers, an eye mask and an airline-branded lip balm — were fairly basic. It was better than nothing, though.
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More impressive was the large, crisp seatback touchscreen.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
It was filled with 43 new releases, including “Kung Fu Panda 4”, “Arthur the King” and “Dune: Part Two.” I enjoyed watching “Ricky Stanicky” — a silly but funny way to pass the time to London.
If I hadn’t wanted to lean forward to tap the screen, I could use the hand-held remote that popped out of the center armrest console to control the screen.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
There was unlimited Wi-Fi at no charge for KrisFlyer members in all cabins. While this initially seemed like a luxurious perk, my various tests of the speeds throughout the flight never registered more than a poor 2 Mbps download or 1 Mbps upload. I quickly gave up on using it.
Given the small cabin — just three rows — it wasn’t surprising that there were no dedicated bathrooms for premium economy passengers. Still, it was a little disappointing. Instead, five bathrooms were shared with the economy cabin behind, and there were regular lines to use them.
They were kept clean but were tight to move around in.
How was the food in Singapore Airlines premium economy?
I was surprised that I did not receive a welcome drink during the boarding process, as this is common in premium economy on other carriers — especially ones as well regarded as Singapore Airlines.
I was offered a hot towel that I gladly accepted after the sticky tropical heat of Singapore.
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Shortly after takeoff, the crew distributed printed menus and began serving dinner.
Since I was flying in premium economy, I could have used the airline’s Book The Cook service. This would have allowed me to choose from a much larger selection of entree dishes, provided I had selected it online more than 24 hours in advance.
While Book the Cook is an awesome perk available to passengers in premium economy and above, I decided to stick with the regular menu to try what most other passengers would be eating.
Given how long the flight was, I had expected the first service to be prolonged a bit; I imagined I would receive a round of drinks or perhaps a drink with some mixed nuts before dinner. However, the staff served the main meal quickly after takeoff. I guess because of the late departure hour, this method allowed guests to eat quickly and then get some rest.
I was excited to try the recently enhanced dining options, and there were some hits and misses. I was pleasantly surprised to see Charles de Cazanove Brunt NV Champagne, which retails for around $38 per bottle on the ground. Proper Champagne in premium economy, as opposed to sparkling wine, was a real treat; however, I wish they had served it in glassware rather than a plastic tumbler.
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For dinner, there was a smoked salmon salad appetizer along with just two entree course options:
Pork fricassee with lentils, lyonnaise potatoes, blanched broccolini and roast carrots
Kuay teow neua (Thai braised beef noodles with beef meatballs and braised beef)
Dinner came with cheese, crackers and garlic bread on the side, and dessert was a chocolate orange cake with raspberry compote.
The meal was served on a single tray, and everything looked reasonably well presented. However, I wish they removed the plastic and foil covers before handing the trays to the passengers.
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I was expecting a third main entree option — perhaps vegetarian or something without pork or red meat (which some customers avoid).
I chose the beef noodles, and they were excellent. The beef was juicy, and the noodles were properly cooked without sticking together.
The beautiful ceramic crockery was a real step above economy class, and metal cutlery is always welcome.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
The entire dinner service was fast: It was fully cleared within 90 minutes of departure. This gave passengers plenty of time to rest on the way to London.
Snacks — including sandwiches, fresh fruit, muffins, nuts and chips — were available from the rear galley between meal services. I slept for most of the flight, so I didn’t try this out.
Due to a recent turbulence incident, Singapore Airlines is taking an extra cautious approach to meal service. Meals are not served anywhere along the flight path where pilots see a potential for turbulence, so breakfast happened a lot sooner than normal. It was served three hours before arriving in London, with some bumpier weather expected a bit closer to landing.
Breakfast included strawberry yogurt with fresh fruit, a croissant and a choice of tea, coffee or juice with two entree options:
Vegetarian omelet with grilled mushroom, baked tomato, garlic and wilted greens
Chai tow kueh (a savory fried carrot cake with prawns and preserved turnips)
Again, I was surprised not to see a third option on the menu. The meal was all served on one tray.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
Based on the flight attendant’s recommendation, I chose the Singaporean carrot cake entree. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it was delicious. It was a hearty seafood-forward dish with a delicious spicy sauce that filled me up for the remaining three hours of the flight.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
I do wish the juice and hot drink had been served in proper glassware or ceramic mugs rather than plastic and paper cups. This is an easy way to make a premium economy experience feel more elegant.
Just like on every other Singapore Airlines flight I’ve taken, the crew on my premium economy flight to London was polished, professional and welcoming. Their rigorous training was evident. No request was too much trouble, and everything was delivered graciously with a warm smile.
The hospitality is more formal; the crew members probably won’t crack many jokes or engage in much frivolous small talk. But that said, it’s unlikely you’ll find a bad crew member on your next Singapore Airlines flight.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
Was Singapore Airlines premium economy worth it?
This class of service is a noticeable step up from Singapore Airlines economy class, which is already a world-class coach product.
The seats are wider, and there’s more legroom. Seats recline more than in economy, and the legrest makes the flight more comfortable. Plus, receiving Champagne in premium economy was a real treat, as was the metal cutlery.
Still, Singapore’s premium economy has some room for improvement. The lack of dedicated crew and lavatories makes this more of an “economy plus” experience rather than “business lite.” The lack of proper glassware and predeparture beverages was disappointing. The airline could add a third option to the entrees for dinner and breakfast, though next time, I would use the fantastic Book The Cook service.
Emirates and KLM remain the most impressive premium economy products I’ve flown, but Singapore Airlines would probably just scrape its way into the top five.
Since it tends to be at least twice the price of an already excellent economy product, I would probably be happy to stick with economy class on my next flight to Singapore. However, if you can find a slightly less expensive upcharge over economy — either with cash or miles — then you can be assured it’s a comfortable way to travel on one of the world’s best airlines.
The summer of 2024 is in full swing and visitors are flocking to Europe from around the globe.
In terms of events, it’s been kind of a big year for Europe. This year, the continent has hosted several world events, including the UEFA European Football Championship, the Paris Olympics, the Tour de France and a huge music tour by Taylor Swift. We’ve also seen an upswing in travelers to various destinations, from classic popular spots such as Portugal and Italy to less-known destinations like Albania.
Factor in all of this with the frenzy of large crowds, high temperatures, increased inflation and recent reports of backlash to tourism, and there are more than a few things you should be aware of if you’re planning a European vacation.
If you’re heading to Europe this summer, here are some tips on what you can do to prepare.
Southern Europe is scorching
While we’ve seen plenty of hot weather across Europe, the mercury is peaking in Southern Europe.
While the height of Europe’s summer heat wave has passed, plenty of destinations, including the United Kingdom, Italy and France, are still seeing temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and above.
In mid-July, temperatures in Spain rose to 111 degrees. Italy put more than 15 cities under high-heat warnings. And in Greece and Croatia, extreme heat has also caused forest fires.
ORBON ALIJA/GETTY IMAGES
The extreme temperatures seem to have mostly spared Northern Europe, but this year, the region experienced more erratic weather and rain patterns, according to the U.K.’s Meteorological Office. In fact, a huge storm caused the washed-out weather that dampened the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. That said, weather can change quickly, and there are signs that the rainfall may soon give way to a heat wave.
If you’re planning a trip, do your research ahead of time. Have a trip planned to the Mediterranean? Have plenty of sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a portable fan and loose, breathable clothing on hand. Additionally, plan to do outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day. If you’re headed to Northern Europe, invest in a nice umbrella.
No matter where you go, it’s a good idea to check to see if your accommodations have air conditioning — not every place in Europe has it.
COVID-19 is still here, but don’t expect too many masks
While COVID-19 has not disappeared, most people in Europe no longer wear masks. However, the virus still circulates and has surged at some destinations this summer.
The Gran Via in Madrid. ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES
Compared to 2023 data, COVID-19 cases in Europe have decreased. As of July 24, the U.K. had 17,500 reported cases, almost double the figure recorded in May. Incidents in Greece, meanwhile, more than quadrupled from May (3,200 reported cases), with around 15,100 cases reported in July. Portugal reported 10,100 cases, a huge increase from 472 cases in mid-May.
The rise in COVID-19 has most likely been spurred by a number of factors, including increased summer tourism and several large global events such as the UEFA European Football Championships, the Tour de France and the ongoing Paris Olympics.
Despite the increase in COVID-19 cases, most people don’t wear masks — but that doesn’t mean you need to follow the crowd if you’re uncomfortable doing so. Travelers should ensure they’re vaccinated and take any precautions they see fit, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.
It’s much busier
Tourists sunbathing in Praia do Camilo, Portugal. MARCO BOTTIGELLI/GETTY IMAGES
Travel to Europe is booming this summer. According to the European Travel Commission, foreign arrivals and overnight stays for the first half of 2024 are above 2019 levels.
The surge in tourism to Europe is primarily driven by increased travel to Southern Europe and Mediterranean destinations. The second quarter of the year has seen noticeable tourism increases in Serbia (up 40%), Malta (up 37%), Portugal (up 26%), and previously lesser-known destinations such as Albania (up 86%) and Montenegro (up 31%).
Albania’s Porto Palermo beach. MATT MOFFITT/THE POINTS GUY
Despite the increase in overall tourism, the number of flights operating to Europe is still slightly below that seen in 2019. This meansit’s good to be organized and book European flights as far in advance as possible,
Both airports and tourist spots are bustling, and travelers should be prepared for longer lines and increased wait times at security checkpoints and other travel-related services. Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for navigating crowded areas if you can.
Your dollar won’t stretch as far as it did a few years ago
During the height of the pandemic, the euro fell below parity with the dollar, causing economic panic. However, because the euro was at a historic low, it was not a bad time to travel to Europe if you wanted to get the most bang for your buck.
Currently, the euro is on the road to recovery and its value is fluctuating — you won’t get the same deals that you could have a few years ago. At the time of writing, $1 is worth around 92 euro cents. For perspective, last September showed a five-year high, with $1 peaking at 1.04 euros.
GOOGLE FINANCE
In the U.K., you’ll find a similar conversion rate, with $1 worth around 78 pence, down from 83 pence last September.
There are still European destinations you can visit and get great prices. For example, in the Czech Republic, $1 will net you 23.48 korunas; in Turkey, $1 is worth 33.15 liras.
However, if you’re heading to a destination where euros are the currency, expect to shell out more. Couple this with high interest rates across the continent, and you’ll also find entry fees to attractions and food prices have also increased.
Due to increased tourism, occupation rates in European hotels are also much higher, particularly at luxury properties.
Ensure you’ve budgeted accordingly if you’re traveling to Europe soon, and expect to pay a little more than you did a few years ago.
Some destinations are protesting overtourism
With its historical sites and beautiful landscapes, Europe has always been a bucket list destination. However, in recent years, overtourism has been an issue in certain areas.
It’s not unusual to be charged a tourism tax when visiting many of Europe’s iconic cities. For example, this April, Venice, Italy, began charging visitors who entered the city at certain times of day to help combat crowds and fund the maintenance of canals.
Other destinations, such as Amsterdam, have funded ad campaigns to discourage the “wrong” type of visitors from coming to the city. Elsewhere, there have been increased crackdowns on vacation rental property licences as Airbnb usage soars at popular destinations, affecting local hotel revenue and affordable housing availability,
Some protestors sprayed water at tourists sitting in a restaurant during protests in Barcelona. ADRIA PUID/ANADOLU/GETTY IMAGES
Antitourism protests have cropped up across Europe in locations including the Netherlands, Greece and perhaps most notably Spain — where protestors were seen spraying tourists with water pistols in Barcelona in July.
While we’ve not personally witnessed a backlash during our travels, it’s worth noting that tensions do exist, especially in heavily visited areas. It’s important to be conscious and aware while traveling. Be respectful, considerate and engage with local culture positively. Remember that while you may be on vacation, local people are not. As always, the best rule of thumb is to be nice, polite and respectful, no matter where you are.
Bottom line
This summer has been a vibrant and bustling season for travel to and within Europe. While travel is much easier than we’ve seen in recent years, travelers should be prepared for higher prices, larger crowds and high temperatures.
Patience and planning are essential to navigating your European trip smoothly. By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy a memorable and hassle-free summer vacation in Europe.
As of Aug. 1, the annual price of Clear is up $10 and will now cost $199, per a company spokesperson.
The expedited airport security program is currently available at 58 U.S. airports and can also be used at stadiums and other large venues — the service has more than 22 million members nationwide.
The secure identity platform uses members’ biometric data, including fingerprint and iris scans, to automate the identity verification step in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration screening process. Instead of waiting in line for a TSA agent to review their license or passport, Clear members can go through a separate, dedicated security lane with separate check-in kiosks.
With Thursday’s price increase, Clear now costs $199 annually, but some cards can cover the cost entirely or at a discounted rate.
The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, American Express Green Card, American Express Corporate Platinum Card and the Centurion Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
As of April, Clear users can enroll in TSA PreCheck for a bundled rate of $199. To get that price, travelers must apply for both TSA PreCheck and a Clear Plus Membership on the Clear website. After they complete the process and are approved, Clear will issue a rebate of $77.95.
In addition to the price increase, Clear launched Clear Perks. “[It’s] an array of new benefits aimed at enhancing the travel experience,” said a Clear spokesperson. “Benefits include services like luggage delivery to home or hotel and recovery of lost items at the airport through Clear Scout, assisted by our ambassadors.”
Clear did not respond to a request for more information on the Clear Perks at the time of publication.
If you consider layovers one of the least appealing aspects of traveling, you’re going to love this new deal featuring Oneworld alliance members. American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia have cut rates on nonstop flights from the U.S. to some of the most popular destinations in Europe. We’re talking Amsterdam, London, Madrid, Paris and Rome, to name a few.
When we spotlight fare sales, the lowest-priced itineraries almost always include layovers. So this is a good time to book a nonstop across the Atlantic at a discount.
The departure cities are Charlotte, Dallas and New York City, and the discounted fares are available for travel between August 2024 and March 2025.
This deal is for economy fares, which include a carry-on bag. Checked luggage costs around $75 each way.
Routes: From Charlotte, Dallas and New York City to various destinations in Europe
How to book: Browse Google Flights, then book directly with the airline
Travel dates: Primarily between August 2024 and March 2025 for economy fares
This deal was originally sent out by the deal alert company Going. Sign up for Going to get up to 90% off select flights via its Premium membership, which users can try for free for 14 days and then $69 per year. You can also upgrade to the Elite tier for $199 per year for access to all the Premium deals, plus premium economy, business-class and first-class alerts.
Destinations from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) include:
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO)
Destinations from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
DUB
FRA
LHR
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD)
CDG
FCO
Destinations from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) include:
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
MAD
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
You can fly nonstop to Dublin from Charlotte in the fall for $481 round-trip.
GOOGLE FLIGHTS
According to Google Flights data, this is a huge discount from what this itinerary usually costs.
GOOGLE FLIGHTS
American has nonstop flights from Charlotte to Frankfurt in January for $553 round-trip.
GOOGLE FLIGHTS
If you live in Texas, you can score excellent prices on flights to Spain. Fly nonstop from Dallas to Madrid in February for just $447 round-trip.
GOOGLE FLIGHTS
We also found nonstop flights from Dallas to Paris. You can fly from DFW to CDG for less than $500 round-trip in February and March. Plus, there was good availability at this price.
GOOGLE FLIGHTS
We found availability on nonstops from JFK to LGW on British Airways. This itinerary in February is available for only $429 round-trip.
American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
Some of the routes featured in this sale work as open-jaw flights. This means you can fly into one city and depart from another. It’s a great way to visit several countries during a single vacation. It’s ideal for European vacations because rail service can help you get from, say, Amsterdam to London in just a few hours.
I am not a hot-weather person. As soon as the thermometer starts climbing toward 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll find me indoors with the air conditioning blasting. So it should come as little surprise that I prefer to skip typical summer vacations to warm-weather destinations in favor of milder — or perhaps even snowy — climes.
Fortunately, since northern summer is southern winter, there’s the entire Southern Hemisphere to explore. But there are also destinations across the Northern Hemisphere that remain delightfully cool all summer long.
To help inspire your next “coolcation,” here are nine destinations around the world for those looking to escape the heat, whether you’re looking for snow, sweater weather, or simply a lack of oppressive heat and humidity.
Grampians National Park, Australia
Sunrise at Baroka Lookout in Grampians National Park in Australia. JOHN CRUX PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES
Australia is known for its soaring temperatures in its harsh desert interior and tropical rainforests along the northern coast. But the southern part of the country does cool down throughout the winter months of June, July and August — particularly if you get up in elevation.
That’s why Grampians National Park in Victoria, about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, is an ideal cool-weather vacation destination. The average August temperature is in the mid-50s Fahrenheit.
With hiking trails along mountain ridges dotted with waterfalls, cool-climate wines, and art ranging from ancient Aboriginal rock art to contemporary galleries, there’s plenty to do, taste and see here. Cool weather aside, winter is also the offseason, so there will be fewer crowds.
Accommodations vary from campgrounds to private rentals to hotels. For the last, we recommend the Royal Mail Hotel (rates start at $159 per night), known for its two restaurants: the fine-dining Wickens by executive chef Robin Wickens, which serves a seasonal tasting menu, and the more relaxed a la carte restaurant Parker Street Project.
Bariloche, Argentina
Ski slope at Cerro Catedral in Bariloche, Argentina. PEDRO TRUFFI/GETTY IMAGES
Are you craving a summer ski getaway? Make your way south to San Carlos de Bariloche, more typically called Bariloche, in Argentinian Patagonia. The ski season in this Andean alpine town begins in July and runs through September, with temperatures hovering just above and below freezing.
Bariloche is a great dupe for the Swiss Alps, so long as you are OK with the flip in seasons. Germans who had originally immigrated to Chile founded the town at the end of the 19th century, with immigrants from various Alpine countries following in subsequent decades. In the 1930s, the town redesigned its center to emulate Swiss Alpine architecture to boost tourism. (Bariloche is also particularly known for its chocolatiers.)
For a points-friendly city-center stay, book the Sheraton Bariloche Hotel (rates start at $170 or 18,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), or for a more picturesque stay outside of town, try the Llao Llao Hotel (rates start at $240 per night).
Lapland, Finland and Sweden
Kotisaari is an island in the Kemi River in Rovaniemi, Finland. SHAOCHEN YANG/GETTY IMAGES
This northern region in Finland and Sweden is often thought of as a winter wonderland — particularly the Finnish town of Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. But Lapland is also a pretty magical place to spend the summer.
Temperatures are typically in the 60s Fahrenheit, with sunlight lasting up to 24 hours. For that reason, you shouldn’t expect to see the northern lights during a summer visit, but you can hike or bike through the Arctic wilderness here at pretty much any time of day.
Many visitors, including domestic Swedish and Finnish tourists, stay in cabins, but there are a few hotels in the region. The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (rates start at $257 per night) near Rovaniemi has a collection of stand-alone stilted “nests” with picture windows.
Newfoundland, Canada
The Battery neighborhood is built directly into the hillsides of St. John’s, Newfoundland. FEDEVPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Summer temperatures in Newfoundland, Canada, are usually in the pleasant high 60s Fahrenheit (though heat waves are not uncommon, so beware). Start this road trip by flying into St. John’s, the largest city on the island. Be sure to visit its colorful “jellybean” houses on your way to the scenic overlook at the Scenic Hill National Historic Site. Stay at the Alt Hotel St. John’s (rates start at $189 per night) for harbor views and a top-notch restaurant.
Then, drive 3 1/2 hours to Gander, home of the iconic Gander International Airport. Once a crucial refueling stop for transatlantic flights, this airport has welcomed the Beatles, Queen Elizabeth and even Fidel Castro. The airport’s lounge is now a little museum dedicated to this history and its heartwarming role in receiving passengers diverted on 9/11 (you might be familiar with this story from the Broadway musical “Come From Away”).
Finally, visit Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a hiking, camping or boating adventure. Parks Canada operates special programs throughout the summer — don’t miss the Indigenous programs, from a fireside sharing circle to a guided hike with Mikmaw interpreters.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Snorkeling off Santa Cruz Island. ANDREW PEACOCK/GETTY IMAGES
It might be hard to believe that a destination on the equator can be cool, but the northern summer months start the Galapagos’ cool season. Thanks to the Humboldt current that ferries frigid water from Antarctica up to the archipelago, July and August can prove quite cool in the Galapagos, usually in the 60s or 70s Fahrenheit.
That makes hiking across the islands a pleasant experience versus the hot season when temperatures are regularly in the 90s. Plus, the current brings up vital nutrients for sea life, meaning the waters are teeming with fish, sharks, turtles, rays — the list goes on.
View of the harbor of Seydisfjordur, Iceland. MANUEL ROMARIS/GETTY IMAGES
Iceland is certainly not an under-the-radar destination, with big-name hotels — looking at you, The Reykjavik Edition (rates start at $615 or 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) — and dozens of cruise itineraries. But for a cool-weather summer vacation, the island nation is a pretty ideal spot, with temperatures in the 50s Fahrenheit from June to September.
To escape the high-season crowds — and the volcano that may soon erupt again on the Reykjanes peninsula — rent a car and make for the Ring Road that circles the country. The farther you get from Reykjavik, the less crowded it’ll be. Visit small towns and villages, swim in a local pool or hot spring, and hike along volcanic hills or black-sand beaches (Reynisfjara is a favorite, but Diamond Beach by the glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon sparkles with ice).
Are you looking for something even more remote? Head to Iceland’s central highlands and stay at the Highland Base Kerlingarfjoll (rates start at $430 per night), which the team behind the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon opened in 2023. This summer, the property debuted a series of geothermal baths, a welcome respite after hiking in the wilderness of Asgardur Valley.
Alaska
Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska. DORADALTON/GETTY IMAGES
Interior Alaska can get fairly warm in the summer, but if you stick to the coast, it’ll likely be fairly brisk all season long: Temperatures will range from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit, depending on where you go.
If you stay in Anchorage (or just about an hour outside it at the Alyeska Resort, where rates start at $299), you can explore cultural sites, museums and state parks, like Chugach State Park. It has over 280 miles of maintained hiking trails, including dozens of shorter 2- to 5-mile treks that are ideal for day trips.
Or you can opt for a cruise in Southeast Alaska to explore small towns like Ketchikan and Skagway, see wildlife like bald eagles and brown bears, and perhaps even catch an iceberg calving off a glacier. Bring a raincoat, though, as this region is notoriously rainy, particularly in the late summer.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Water of Leith in Edinburgh. K NEVILLE/GETTY IMAGES
Scotland’s capital makes a great city getaway in the summer. Edinburgh’s temperatures usually max out in the 60s Fahrenheit in July and August, which is perfect for city strolling. Wander the cobblestone streets, visit Edinburgh Castle or stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The city has no shortage of luxury hotels, but for something more unusual, consider Fingal, a converted supply ship docked in the Leith port district (rates start at $456 per night).
When you’ve had enough of city life, take day trips into the Scottish countryside or seaside. Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, is just 20 minutes from Edinburgh by train, while the oceanfront town of North Berwick is just 30 minutes away by train.
Svalbard, Norway
Polar bear running across ice in Svalbard, Norway. PAUL SOUDERS/GETTY IMAGES
The icy Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is another destination most commonly visited by cruise ship, but you can book a stay at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen (rates start at $182 per night) to stay in the main town of Longyearbyen. From here, you can take day trips to see wildlife (polar bears and walruses and sea birds, oh my!), have a beer at the world’s northernmost brewery, and go glacier hiking.
Bring a hat, coat and gloves, as temperatures often sit comfortably in the 40s Fahrenheit throughout the summer. And while this is a popular northern lights destination, remember that you won’t be able to see the aurora unless there’s darkness at night — and there won’t be any in Svalbard until the autumn.
While airlines, hotels and other travel providers scrambled to offer refunds and alternative travel, given the likelihood of a delayed or canceled travel journey, you may have considered abandoning your trip altogether.
This is where refundable travel becomes valuable. You don’t need to wait on hold for hours for your airline to tell you there are no alternative flights available or scour the cancellation policy of a hotel booking you made last year to determine if you will receive your money back.
You can change or cancel your travel at your leisure by booking refundable travel.
If you want to avoid being caught up in the next travel meltdown, here is everything you need to know about booking refundable flights, hotels and rental cars, as well as travel insurance policies.
A lot can go awry on a trip, so carrying one of the best credit cards with travel insurance can offer peace of mind. This protection can save money by covering unexpected trip delays or lost baggage.
Many credit cards offer travel insurance when you use them to book travel. Here are some of the best options available right now:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Offers trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
United Club℠ Infinite Card: Offers trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, purchase protection, extended warranty protection and return protection
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Offers an auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption/accident insurance, emergency medical and dental, primary car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Offers trip cancellation/interruption insurance*, trip delay reimbursement* and primary car rental insurance when traveling on business*
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.*
Consider purchasing independent travel insurance
Your premium credit card benefits usually offer robust protection for a simple weekend getaway. However, some may only cover transportation-related cancellation or interruption costs for illness, injury or death.
Furthermore, most credit card-based benefits cover expenses and activities paid with that particular credit card. Finally, credit card terms and conditions may limit you to a certain number of claims or maximum reimbursement amount within 12 months. There are also many exclusions and exceptions to be aware of, and you likely won’t be able to customize your credit card’s travel insurance policy to have all the perks you want and need.
So, you might want to consider purchasing an independent travel insurance policy instead.
You can purchase a third-party plan that covers many aspects of your travel, from the flights and hotel stays to the prepaid, nonrefundable tours and excursions, for any trip. Various policies are available, including comprehensive coverage and plans that offer coverage for specific travel-related concerns, such as emergency medical evacuation and travel medical protection.
If you’re looking for broad coverage, look for a comprehensive travel insurance plan that can cover your costs in the event of canceled, delayed or interrupted transportation, medical expenses and emergency evacuations, and any costs associated with lost or delayed luggage.
“Cancel for any reason” coverage means exactly that: Cancel because your flight was likely to be delayed by a global IT outage. Cancel because your significant other dumped you at the airport. Cancel because you feel like it. Whatever the reason, this level of coverage allows you the peace of mind of knowing that you can get your money back when plans go awry.
There are a few key points to note about this level of coverage:
Cancel for any reason plans usually must be purchased within 14 and 21 days from your initial trip payment. You can’t purchase it at the last minute.
You can expect the plan to cost at least 10% to 12% of your trip expenses.
You may have to insure 100% of your nonrefundable trip costs.
Though policies vary, most claim you must cancel your trip at least 48 hours before departure time to receive a refund. (Refunds vary per policy but typically amount to up to 75% of the trip cost.)
Book refundable flights
KEVIN CARTER/GETTY IMAGES
Frequent travelers know that they can cancel flights operating within or to the U.S. within 24 hours of booking; however, each airline has specific policies regarding last-minute bookings. For example, Alaska Airlines flights must be booked at least 24 hours before departure, while American Airlines flights must be booked at least two days before departure. Be sure to check each specific airline’s policies if you’re booking a last-minute trip.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is the governing entity behind this policy, meaning foreign carriers must adhere to this rule when they purchase a fare that arrives in the U.S.
If you don’t cancel within 24 hours of booking your flight, here are some other tips to ensure you can get your money back if you decide not to travel.
Book full-price flights
Nobody wants to pay full price, especially if discount options are available. But sometimes, that full-price flight is what you need when things go wrong because those are the only fully refundable tickets without cancellation or change fees. Basic economy tickets are cheap for a reason — the lower price reflects the increased restrictions.
Here at TPG, we often tout the value of points and miles for getting outsize value on travel. For first-class travel, an out-of-pocket cash cost of a few dollars toward taxes and fees or last-minute flights to see a family member in an emergency, points and miles are your biggest money savers.
This principle also holds true regarding canceling award bookings. Most airlines and hotels offer more lenient rules regarding award reservations because they’re refunding you in the company’s loyalty currency. If you cancel in advance, you can usually request to redeposit your miles for a fee, depending on whether or not you hold elite status with the airline. For instance, United MileagePlus members are eligible for full refunds on award mile redeposits up to travel time, meaning there is no charge to cancel your award booking, and you’ll receive all the miles.
Just be sure to cancel award tickets before your flight is scheduled to depart. For some airlines, those miles are forfeited the moment the flight takes off without you. For others, you’ll have to pay a higher fee to reinstate those miles.
Book budget airlines you don’t mind abandoning, if necessary
Most frequent flyers don’t celebrate low-cost carriers for either comfort or convenience. Instead, budget airlines usually win on one front alone — cost. The reason is simple: If you need to get from point A to point B, a good fare on a low-cost carrier can cost less than a tank of gas. Similarly, if you’re planning a trip but don’t want to drop cash on a travel insurance plan, purchasing a budget fare may make more sense than paying for a full-fare ticket you may have to abandon.
Book refundable hotels
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Each chain, brand and property has its own rules and guidelines, and sometimes, different room rates will even have varying cancellation times and dates.
It’s important to read through specific hotel policies as some cost-saving or discounted rates often include a nonrefundable clause. Additionally, some properties will request greater advance-notice windows despite its parent company policies. Ensure you read the fine print carefully, ideally more than once, before hitting “confirm” for peace of mind.
And if unique circumstances are working against you so that last-minute cancellation is inevitable, keep in mind a cardinal rule of travel: It never hurts to ask for what you want (in this case, a refund). If you are in a bind, try asking for what you hope to accomplish in a nice, courteous manner without a sense of entitlement.
Regarding online travel agencies like Hotels.com, Expedia and Priceline, which purchase travel in bulk, know that these companies have little to no negotiating power with the hotels that offer room inventory. Moreover, OTAs aren’t as incentivized to help you because if you cancel, they lose out as well, unlike hotels under a chain seeking to earn your long-term business. Moreover, most of the best rates through Hotels.com or Expedia will include a nonrefundable clause because you’re trading your flexibility to guarantee they’ll earn your money.
Use hotel points to book award redemptions with more flexibility
Generally, you can get your hotel points redeposited to your account when you cancel hotel award bookings as long as you do so before your stay. Better yet, most hotels don’t charge redeposit fees on award bookings, unlike airlines.
Some properties require at least 48 hours of advance notice; therefore, you’ll also want to read the fine print carefully before booking.
Try booking an Airbnb instead of a hotel
Hotels generally tend to be more strict about refunds and no-shows. However, individual Airbnb hosts have control over their own cancellation policies.
You are neither guaranteed nor entitled to a refund if you must cancel, particularly when it’s at the last minute, but it never hurts to ask very nicely and offer some explanation, especially if the reason you can’t make it is out of your control. For instance, if your flight is canceled and you cannot get to your destination, it makes logical sense that you won’t be able to make it to your Airbnb.
AIRBNB.COM
Each Airbnb property includes that host’s cancellation policy at the bottom of the listing page.
Book refundable rental cars
SIXT/FACEBOOK
Many companies want your business when it comes to booking rental cars. However, the industry can include many hidden fees throughout the booking process, and it isn’t always clear what is and isn’t mandatory.
Fortunately, you can shop around for prices and generally cancel rental car reservations without penalty since you don’t pay at the time of booking but instead at pickup. (This is a great time to read the fine print on your particular booking, just in case.) However, it’s still courteous to call and notify the rental car company if you know you won’t be picking up the car you reserved. This frees up your designated vehicle for another customer needing it to get home.
Canceling a trip you were eagerly looking forward to can be incredibly disappointing, no matter the reason for the cancellation. Nonetheless, following certain guidelines can help minimize the financial impact of canceling your trip. This way, while you may feel a sense of loss emotionally, at least your finances may not take as much of a hit.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.
From savings to upgrades, the benefits of elite status are popular with savvy travelers. But rental car elite status doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Rental car status can pay off — it helped one TPG staffer rent a $100,000 BMW 7 Series for $3 per day. Whether you’re planning a road trip or looking for a vehicle to explore your destination, rental car status can help you skip lines, take the keys and be on your way in record time.
Many rental car elite status tiers are obtainable by holding the right credit cards or airline or hotel status, making them more accessible than you might think.
We’ll explore the different elite tiers offered by major rental car companies and how you can earn and make the most of your rental car status. Don’t forget to check out our post on how to save money on rental cars, particularly by using AutoSlash.
The baseline membership with Avis is called Avis Preferred. Anyone can join, and it’s completely free — and right now, Avis is offering 100 bonus points to new members who rent a car within three months of joining. Redemptions start at 700 points per day.
Basic membership allows you to go straight to your car, which has saved me lots of time over the years. You can also earn Avis Preferred points on paid rentals, though you’ll forgo earning airline miles or hotel points if you select this option. The higher status tiers allow you to earn points faster and provide additional benefits like free vehicle upgrades. Here’s an overview:
Avis Preferred
Avis Preferred Plus
Avis President’s Club
Qualifications
Free to join
10 rentals or spending $4,000 per calendar year
20 rentals or spending $6,000 per calendar year
Point accrual rate
1 point per dollar spent on rentals
2 points per dollar spent on accessories
1.25 points per dollar spent on rentals
2.5 points per dollar spent on accessories
1.5 points per dollar spent on rentals
3 points per dollar spent on accessories
Expedited service
✓
✓
✓
Dedicated support phone number
✓
Upgrades
Free one-car-class upgrade when reserving a midsize or above
Free two-car-class upgrade when reserving a midsize or above
Avis President’s Club is available to those who earn 100,000 American Airlines Loyalty Points or hold United Premier Platinum, Premier 1K or United Global Services status.
Primary cardmembers of the United Club℠ Infinite Card, the United Presidential Plus℠ Card, the United Club Business℠ Card and the United Presidential Plus Business Card (no longer available to new applicants) are eligible for instant President’s Club status.
Avis also has an unpublished Chairman’s Club status tier that is invite-only.
The information for the United Presidential Plus Card, United Club Business Card and United Presidential Plus Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Enterprise rental car elite status
OSCAR WONG/GETTY IMAGES
The Enterprise Plus program works similarly to Avis Preferred. Anyone can join as a base member and begin earning points for qualifying rentals (you earn 1 point per dollar spent as a basic member). You can then redeem these points for free rental days. The program also has three elite status levels with additional benefits. Here are the details:
Plus
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Qualifications
Free to join
Six qualifying rentals
12 qualifying rentals or 40 days
24 qualifying rentals or 85 days
Point accrual bonus
10%
15%
20%
Free car upgrades
One per year
Two per year
Four per year
While the benefits are limited, elite status with Enterprise can help you get free rentals faster.
The Hertz loyalty program is called Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. Like Enterprise’s and Avis’ programs, it’s free to join. Basic members enjoy designated aisles where they can choose any car at some Hertz locations. You can earn 1 Gold Plus Rewards point per dollar spent on qualifying rentals and optional charges like satellite radio and car seats, and you can redeem your points for free rentals. Members can also transfer points to their spouses or domestic partners.
If you reach the elite status tiers, you’ll earn more points per dollar and have access to more vehicle choices and free upgrades. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to qualify and the benefits you’ll receive:
Gold
Five Star
President’s Circle
Qualifications
Free to join
10 rentals or $2,000
15 rentals or $3,000
Point accrual bonus
25%
50%
Upgrades
As available
Guaranteed
Ultimate Choice aisle
Gold aisle
Five Star aisle
President’s Circle aisle
No second driver fees
✓
✓
✓
Tier benefit experience
Five Star for a day
President’s Circle for a day
Dedicated customer service line
✓
As with Avis, Hertz provides elite status for some frequent flyers. Delta Air Lines Diamond and Platinum Medallion members can enjoy complimentary President’s Circle status, while Silver and Gold Medallion members receive complimentary Five Star status. All Medallion members are also eligible to earn bonus SkyMiles when renting with Hertz — with details provided on Delta’s website. Link your accounts to begin enjoying complimentary elite status with Hertz.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through Dec. 31, 2024. Please note that enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program, and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
National’s loyalty program is known as National Emerald Club and offers two elite status tiers.
As with the other programs, the basic membership tier is free to join and allows you to skip the counter and select any car in the Emerald Aisle when you rent a midsize or above. The Emerald Aisle is one of the best ways to get on the road faster. You’ll also earn rental credits that you can redeem toward free rental days, airline miles or hotel rewards. Renters who reach the elite status tiers can enjoy additional perks:
Emerald Club
Executive
Executive Elite
Qualifications
Free to join
12 paid rentals or 40 rental days in a calendar year
25 paid rentals or 85 rental days in a calendar year
Free day accrual rate
One free day every seven credits
One free day every six credits
One free day every five credits
Car selection
Choose any car (midsize and above) in the Emerald Aisle and pay only the midsize rate
Choose any car (full-size and above) in the Executive Area and pay only the midsize rate
Choose any car (full-size and above) in the Executive Area and pay only the midsize rate
No second driver fees
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Guaranteed upgrades when you reserve a full-size through a luxury car
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Guaranteed vehicle
Up to full-size with 24-hour notice
National also has an invite-only tier called VIP, though the criteria for reaching it are somewhat mysterious.
As an Amex Platinum or Amex Business Platinum cardholder, you can receive complimentary National Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment required).
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also offers complimentary National Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment required).
The German rental car company Sixt has grown significantly in the U.S. since entering the market in 2011. The Sixt loyalty program offers many of the same benefits listed above, including the ability to skip the lines and collect points or miles for your rental. The Sixt Status program also has three elite status tiers (one by invitation only). Here are the details of each:
In addition to the partnerships and methods for earning elite status listed above, it’s possible to score rental car elite status just by holding a card. Here are some of the best options for travelers:
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through Dec. 31, 2024. Please note that enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program, and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
You can use your hotel elite status to get status at some rental car companies. WILLIAM RUST/THE BIDWELL
Another way to snag rental car elite status is by matching your status from another program. You may have heard of airline and hotel status matches, which let you bypass elite qualification requirements if you hold status with a competitor. The idea is simple: If you earn status in one program (or get it automatically through a credit card), a status match allows you to get a similar elite tier with other programs. (Generally, you’ll only be able to keep the “free” status for the first year; beyond that, you’ll have to meet the usual qualification requirements.)
Some car rental agencies offer this, too. Some will match the status only at competitors, while others match the status at airlines and hotels as well. Here are some examples, with links to their status match request forms:
Renting a car isn’t nearly as glamorous as flying around the world or staying in a luxury hotel, but it can nevertheless be rewarding — especially when you hold elite status. With continued long lines at many rental counters, elite status can not only help ensure your reservation is honored but also allow you to head straight to your assigned vehicle at many airports. If your credit card or airline loyalty program includes automatic elite status with one or more rental car agencies, be sure to sign up.
For the rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here. For the rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.
