Teranka in Formentera, Spain; Nobu Hotel Marbella in Marbella, Spain; and Flemings Mayfair in London are now available to book via Hilton channels. Because of the test phase, Hilton is only releasing “limited inventory” from these hotels for immediate booking and will add more throughout the test phase ahead of a broader Hilton-SLH rollout.
While Teranka and Nobu Hotel Marbella are luxe beach getaways, Flemings Mayfair offers a high-end city hotel escape for the burgeoning partnership. Near-term availability appears limited in the test phase, but available rates do appear for stays next year.
Nobu Hotel Marbella CHARLY SIMON/SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD
Nobu Marbella rates next January start at 343 euros ($369) or 78,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Next May appears to be the earliest availability for Hilton Honors members at Teranka, where rates start at 1,470 euros ($1,582) or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Flemings Mayfair has availability in January, when rates start at 294 British pounds ($375) or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Hilton Honors members can expect the following benefits during an SLH stay:
Member: Guaranteed member discount, complimentary standard Wi-Fi, complimentary late checkout, bottled water and no resort fees on award stays
Silver: 20% Elite Tier bonus, fifth standard reward night free and all “member” benefits
Gold: 80% Elite Tier bonus, complimentary breakfast (for two guests), space-available upgrades, fifth standard reward night free and all “member” benefits
Diamond: 100% Elite Tier bonus, complimentary breakfast (for two guests), space-available upgrades, fifth standard reward night free and all “member” benefits
Hilton hasn’t officially provided numbers, but there are reports that roughly 100 SLH properties will eventually partake in the partnership this year before later expanding. As you might recall, there’s an ongoing game of partnership musical chairs underway: SLH previously partnered with Hyatt up until earlier this year. Now, Hyatt is rolling out its new Mr & Mrs Smith tie-in since acquiring that booking platform last year.
The SLH partnership rollout comes amid Hilton’s broader push to double its lifestyle hotel count in four years with a mix of established brands like Canopy and newer offerings like Graduate and NoMad.
While the partnerships may have changed, respective Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt members have plenty of new options when it comes to earning and using points at smaller, bespoke luxury hotels around the world.
Editor’s note: Shangri-La The Shard, London provided TPG with a complimentary two-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity.
JAMIE PAGE/THE POINTS GUY
Unbeatable views of London’s skyline
It’s on the doorstep of some prime London attractions and transit options
Service is full of forethought and care
It’s rare that you can get two tweens and their parents to gasp in unison, but that’s exactly what happened when the elevator doors opened onto the lobby of the Shangri-La The Shard in London.
Occupying 18 floors of the iconic, 1,016-foot-tall Shard tower in London, I expected the views from the 34th-floor lobby to be good, but the first glimpse of the city of London framed by tastefully ornate flower arrangements surpassed all expectations. Surpassing expectations became the theme of my family’s late-spring stay at the Shangri-La The Shard, London, though.
Aside from the views, which are jaw-dropping no matter what angle you’re looking from, the Shangri-La The Shard provides luxurious accommodations, delicious food to suit nearly any taste, incredible amenities and discreet, thoughtful service.
What is the Shangri-La The Shard?
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Opened in 2014, the Shangri-La The Shard has 202 rooms and suites and has Asian influences throughout the decor and food offerings as well as plenty of Western touches.
The hotel offers five different types of rooms and six different categories of suites. The ambience is upscale without being too opulent or fussy. The interior design throughout the hotel pays homage to the brand’s Asian roots with Chinese screen motifs and other elements, but also plays up London’s sense of fun with whimsical photos of people, animals and London landmarks in the elevators and hallways.
Where is the Shangri-La The Shard?
The Shangri-La The Shard is literally around the corner from London’s Borough Market, and practically next door to the London Bridge Tube station. The Queen’s Walk and all of its sights, including the HMS Belfast and Tate Modern, are a two-minute stroll away. Tower Bridge is a five-minute walk, and you can walk to the Tower of London in less than 10 minutes.
How to book the Shangri-La The Shard
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The hotel hosted my family in two rooms in late March of 2024. Had we paid cash, room rates would have run us $1,892 per room per night before taxes and fees. Altogether, our stay would have cost $7,566 with a nonrefundable prepurchased rate.
Members of the Shangri-La Circle loyalty program can take advantage of slightly lower rates on flexible bookings that allow for cancellations and changes. Circle members can also book packages that include breakfast. Children under 7 who are traveling with Shangri-La Circle members get free breakfast without a package.
The hotel is also part of Capital One’s Premier Collection, however. So if you have either the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Capital One Venture X Business, you can book your stay through Capital One Travel for value-added benefits like free daily breakfast for two, up to $100 in on-property experience credits and room upgrades (if available).
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Finally, the Shangri-La The Shard is affiliated with Chase’s The Edit, which is a recent rebranding of its Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection. If you have an eligible card and make your booking through Chase Travel, you can enjoy perks including daily breakfast for two, availability-based room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout based on availability, a $100 property credit to be used during your stay, and a welcome gift. Those with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for stays booked at The Edit properties.
Other cards you can use for The Edit bookings include:
Since 2013, the Shard has been an iconic, sometimes controversial, part of the London skyline, evoking Sauron’s tower in Mordor or Darth Vader’s castle on Mustafar, depending on what flavor of nerdiness you prefer. With 72 public floors and the Shangri-La occupying floors 34 to 52, the views are a major reason to stay here.
Even on a dreary day, watching boats move up and down the Thames, or using the provided binoculars (with a pamphlet that points out key sights) to check crowds at the Tower of London was a treat. In a bustling city, having unfettered access to those views, instead of having to book the Sky Garden or London Eye, invites you to slow down and savor the feast before your eyes.
To be honest, they could probably put a Motel 6 in the same spot and the views would make staying there worth it. Luckily, there’s nothing Motel 6-esque at all about the Shangri-La.
Shangri-La The Shard is family-friendly
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The Shangri-La The Shard is a very family-friendly hotel. I realize that when a two-day stay (during the Easter holiday) costs north of $7,000, saying a hotel is family-friendly may seem like a stretch, but hear me out.
Each staff member who interacted with my kids seemed genuinely happy to have them there. While there wasn’t a kids club, staff members made an effort to speak directly to the children and make their stay more pleasant.
Ting, the main restaurant, has kids menus for all meals and teas. The hotel asked for my children’s names and ages and left personal messages in wipeable markers welcoming them on the window of their room. Each of my children also had a stuffed fox waiting for them on their beds. Why a fox? During the Shard’s construction, a fox climbed the building’s frame and had to be rescued, becoming a mascot of sorts for the building. Amenities like the hotel’s pool are also enough to impress even the most jaded little traveler.
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The touches perhaps don’t go far enough to justify spending roughly half of a year’s college tuition at the University of Virginia on a two-night stay, but if you’ve got the scratch and are traveling with young ones, Shangri-La The Shard is very welcoming.
The service is impeccable
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The welcoming atmosphere wasn’t just for the kids, however. Every staff member we interacted with during our stay provided friendly, thoughtful and unobtrusive service. They each went the extra mile without calling attention to the fact that they were doing so.
Once our rooms were ready, we got to them only to discover our keys didn’t work. Not only did the front desk clerk apologize, but he also went back to the rooms with us to make sure the new ones he programmed were functioning properly.
JAMIE PAGE/THE POINTS GUY
The personalized service didn’t stop there, however. When the housekeeper working turndown service noticed my (apparently feral) kids had left their suitcases on the floor, luggage racks appeared magically while we were out of the room.
Another instance? When you enter the hotel from the ground level, you need to go through a security screening that involves having your bags checked. What could have been an annoying experience actually ended up being pleasant. Each time we returned, the security staff did their job unobtrusively and professionally, chatting with us as they checked our bags and wished us a pleasant stay.
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The best example of the service came one morning at breakfast, however. We were seated at an east-facing table and (somewhat surprisingly for London) the sun came out. I pulled out my sunglasses and was perfectly happy to pretend that I was an incognito celebrity for the morning when, not 30 seconds later, the motorized shades started to lower and stopped once they had blocked the sun from my face. No one had to be asked to do that, and no fuss was made. The staff was just paying attention, saw a way to make a guest more comfortable and took care of it. That’s the essence of hospitality.
Surprisingly, privacy may be an issue
When you’re sleeping 40-some floors above the ground, you might be surprised that privacy could be an issue. However, the building has missing corners — that is, where a corner room would be, there’s open space (this is veiled by glass, so it isn’t apparent from the outside). Because of the missing corner, rooms at the ends of each floor are in an L formation and you can quite easily see into the rooms you’re sharing that configuration with.
JAMIE PAGE/THE POINTS GUY
This wasn’t a big deal for my family, since we were the only people on our L. However, the setup meant we could see into the rooms below us, and I assume the rooms above us could see into our rooms. We didn’t see anything more salacious than a Nintendo Switch left out on a desk, but it’s worth keeping in mind that your room may not be as private as you think. You can solve this by closing the motorized shades in your room, but take in the views in your birthday suit at your own risk.
Rooms at Shangri-La The Shard
Beyond the slight issue of privacy, our rooms were exceptional. We had a Deluxe City View room that adjoined a Premier Shard room. The rooms were connected not by a door in a wall, but through a small vestibule off the hall.
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That vestibule had a locking door (hence our keys not working initially) that made our stay feel more like we were in a suite than connecting rooms. We had plenty of space, but didn’t need to worry about the kids leaving their room door open to a public hallway.
The kids actually had a larger room than we did. Their Premier Shard room had two single beds as well as a small sitting area looking out the window. My husband and I had a king room that had a table and chairs, but they weren’t situated to take full advantage of the views.
Each room was outfitted with a Nespresso machine and pods, an electric kettle, and a minibar. Robes and slippers were provided in various sizes, including kids sizes. A full line of high-end vegan toiletries and amenities, from bath salts to dental kits by Jo Loves, were also provided.
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Sturdy umbrellas that stood up to some pretty terrible London weather were in each closet, as were a shoehorn, lint brush and laundry bag. The bedside table even had a leather catch-all for watches and jewelry.
The beds were exceedingly comfortable, which became a little problematic when we needed to get up for a packed day of sightseeing. The Frette linens were smooth, soft and spotless. Turndown service was provided nightly, and the rooms were also well insulated in terms of sound. I didn’t hear a single noise from other guests while in our rooms.
We were awakened one morning by a bird that had chosen to perch on the side of the building and sing its head off, but we were not awakened by the sun, even with floor-to-ceiling windows. Excellent electronic blackout shades kept light pollution out at night and the sun out in the morning. There were controls for the shades, both by the room’s door and by the bed.
The hotel’s age only became apparent in the lack of power outlets and USB ports, especially by the beds. There was only one outlet on my side of the bed, and none on my husband’s side. The desk had enough outlets for the few devices we brought with us (a phone and an iPad each), but if we had both needed to bring work along, charging would have been an issue.
You’ll be sending pictures of the bathrooms to the group chat
I mentioned our kids’ room being bigger than ours, but where they really beat us was in the bathroom department. I want to be very clear that our bathroom was better than fine — it had a heated towel rack, a toilet with a bidet and heated seat, a huge shower with a rainfall showerhead, and a large tub. It also had plenty of storage and counter space. It was on par with most bathrooms at luxury hotels, but it wasn’t a standout.
The bathroom in the kids’ room, however, blew every other hotel bathroom I have ever seen out of the water. They had all the things we had, but their toilet was in a separate water closet and they had a freestanding tub. In front of a floor-to-ceiling window. Overlooking the Tower Bridge.
JAMIE PAGE/THE POINTS GUY
There were no arguments about bathing during our entire stay. In fact, my 10-year-old son, who is at an age where bathing isn’t exactly a top priority, ended up taking two baths a day during our stay.
I got to use their tub one night by pulling the “This is for work!” card. Relaxing in the warm water with a glass of Champagne, watching the lights of London fade in and out of the fog is something I will never forget. If you can get a Premier Shard room, you absolutely should.
Dining and drinking at Shangri-La The Shard
The Shard has one restaurant, Ting, and three lounges: Bar 31, Gong and the Sky Lounge. We experienced meals at Ting and drinks at Gong.
Ting
Ting is the main restaurant at the Shangri-La, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and an incredible afternoon tea.
Each morning of our stay we were greeted enthusiastically at the host stand and led to our table past a display with a dozen different newspapers to choose from. Other guests included families like ours, some who looked like couples on getaways, and a few business travelers — or at least people who like to put on a suit and read the Financial Times first thing in the morning. For breakfast, you can order a la carte or go through an extensive buffet. The buffet includes Asian, Middle Eastern, Continental and American dishes, so offerings run the gamut from wonton soup to pancakes and waffles.
Breakfast was included in our stay, and on our first morning I opted for eggs Benedict. I’ll be honest here: Eggs Benedict isn’t my favorite, but I tend to order it while traveling as a handy breakfast comparison tool. Ting’s eggs Benedict was so good, it changed my opinion of the dish. The English muffins were fluffy and toasted to perfection. The Canadian bacon was tender with just the right amount of salt. The hollandaise was rich without being heavy, and the eggs themselves boasted bright orange yolks that oozed appealingly across the entire dish. With a delicious cappuccino on the side, this ended up being my platonic ideal of a breakfast.
My family hit the buffet, with my son and husband carb-loading up on croissants, muffins and hash browns. My daughter had pancakes. The pastries were tantalizing, and the croissants balanced the crisp, flaky outer layers with a chewy inside. The pancakes were fluffy and very rich, and the hash browns were crisped to a golden brown.
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For our second breakfast, I took our server’s recommendation and had the wonton soup. It was both light and filling, with an umami-packed broth. The wonton wrappers were just the right consistency: firm without being overly chewy. The stuffing was a delightful mix of pork and green onions. It was a simple dish, but very well prepared; I can see why it’s a popular breakfast choice.
Breakfast was included as part of our stay; it usually costs 45 British pounds ($57) per person unless you book a room with a breakfast package.
Tea at Ting was an experience I will remember for quite a while. Done in partnership with Alex Monroe, a jewelry brand, the tea had a “Bees in Bloom” theme.
JAMIE PAGE/THE POINTS GUY
The pastries at the top of the tea trays included a bee, an orange and a ladybug, while the showstopper was a chocolate model of the Shard with honeycomb. Our server placed it in the middle of the table and poured water into a lower section of the dish which had dry ice in it, enveloping the sweet little Shard in smoke, like a foggy London day. The servers paused at each table to allow diners time to get their phones ready.
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The tea menu included 35 options (an overwhelming number for this Yank) as well as Champagne. I opted for Earl Grey, while my daughter went for a light berry herbal tea. My son had hot chocolate and my husband stuck with the bubbly.
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In addition to being a feast for the eyes, this tea was a literal feast. The bottom of the tea tray was dotted with dainty sandwiches including egg and cress, coronation chicken, smoked salmon and roast beef sandwiches. The second tier featured pate as well as sandwiches with a carrot filling. The top layer of sweets included a white chocolate and orange blossom cake (shaped like an orange, naturally), a lemon and lavender cake shaped like a bee, and a chocolate and jasmine tea cake shaped like a ladybug. After we’d made a dent in the tea tray, our server brought our scones, jam and cream, as well as an almond pound cake. Everything was delicious, and I’m glad we didn’t have a dinner reservation that evening because we simply would have been too full.
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Tea costs 78 pounds ($99) per person, or anywhere from 88 pounds ($112) to 149 pounds ($190) if you want to add Champagne (which ranges from Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label at the low end to Dom Perignon Brut 2012 at the high end).
One detail I absolutely loved at Ting was the small stools at each table for diners’ handbags. This was an unexpected touch, and one that was thrilling for me because I collect bags and am quite superstitious (“bag on the floor, money out the door”). Having these stools is indicative of the thought and care that infused every part of our stay.
JAMIE PAGE/THE POINTS GUY
Gong
Gong is a lounge on the 52nd floor of the Shangri-La. It serves an impressive list of cocktails and wine, but the true standout is, once again, the view. You should reserve a slot ahead of time, and on busy nights you are asked to limit your stay to an hour. My husband and I went on a Tuesday night, however, and the staff had no problem with us staying longer.
I ordered the Alter Ego, one of Gong’s signature cocktails, which was a heady mix of rum and plum flavors. My husband had an old-fashioned. Both were delicious. Service at Gong was attentive, with our dishes of little nibbles (mixed nuts, plus some olives) never getting empty, and our server jovially suggesting another round.
Gong is on the side of the building that overlooks the Tower Bridge. We were there on an evening that was perfectly London: a little damp, a little chilly, but overall quiet and calm. Watching the lights of Tower Bridge fade in and out through the fog was an excellent cocktail companion.
JAMIE PAGE/THE POINTS GUY
The only misstep at Gong was the seating. Our two-person table had one chair and one small ottoman. It was nice not to have an extra chair back potentially blocking the view, but perching on an ottoman isn’t particularly comfortable and doesn’t encourage lingering. Not all tables had this setup, so you might want to request a different type of seat when making your reservation.
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Bucket-list amenities
One of the coolest things the Shangri-La The Shard offers is the highest hotel pool in Western Europe, sitting 52 stories above the ground. Making time for a dip is a worthy carveout for your trip, even if you’re only there a short while. The pool itself is not huge, and while you could swim laps, the best use is to simply float and enjoy the view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
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One note on the pool: It is on the same floor as the Gong lounge, and the elevators to the 52nd floor open into the Gong waiting area. There’s a changing area near the pool, which I suggest you use instead of changing in your room. We changed in our rooms and stepped out of the elevators in robes and bathing suits into a group of well-dressed men waiting to be seated at Gong. If you want to avoid a moment like that, bring your suit up and change at the pool.
The pool area has many loungers, tables and chairs, as well as fresh fruit, water and tea available. There’s also a large sauna in the pool area as well as a shower. The only thing missing is a hot tub.
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You do need to book in advance for the pool, which ensures it’s not crowded. Kids can’t swim after 6 p.m.
My family had the pool to ourselves during our twilight swim and had an amazing time. I was able to relax in the sauna, which had views of the Thames stretching to Westminster and beyond. Reserving a time for the pool felt awkward and unnecessary at first, but being able to experience the pool privately was worth the preplanning.
Reasons the Shangri-La The Shard might not be for you
The Shangri-La The Shard delivers thoughtful luxury, but the price is as high as the hotel’s pool. If you don’t need the views, you should stay elsewhere.
The vibe of the hotel is Zen-like and quiet, even in the bars. This isn’t the place to stay if you want to party.
If you suffer from acrophobia, do not stay here. The building’s height is apparent almost everywhere you look.
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Accessibility
The Shangri-La The Shard London is generally accessible, but it does fall short in a few areas. Hallways are narrower than you might expect, given the building’s relatively recent construction. If you use a large mobility device, you may find the areas outside elevator banks tight, especially if you have bags or other people with you. We also didn’t see a lift in the pool, and a ladder was the only entry point. It’s possible there’s a mobile lift for the pool and the attendant can help guests who need it enter the water. Elevators are large and bright, however, with buttons at an accessible height.
There are accessible accommodations with features including bathrooms with roll-in showers and toilets with grab bars. However, to ensure your room has features you require, you should call the hotel directly to reserve.
Checking out
Shangri-La The Shard London is a top-flight hotel that gives guests a luxury experience that’s thoughtful and demure. Staff members quietly and proactively work to make guests as comfortable as possible. The views are the standout feature, but the understated interiors, incredible amenities and soothing quiet make looking inside well worth it.
Luxury lifestyle brand Virgin Hotels is on track to make its London debut later this year.
Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch is slated to open in August in the city’s trendy Shoreditch neighborhood. The 120-room hotel will be the eighth for the brand. Some might see the move as a long time coming: London is the birthplace of Sir Richard Branson’s broader Virgin Group, which includes subsidiaries like Virgin Hotels and Virgin Atlantic.
“We’re all absolutely delighted that Virgin Hotels Collection will be opening a Virgin hotel in London,” Branson said in a statement. “Since the inception of Virgin Hotels, we’ve had our sights set on London; a place that so many of our customers either call home, or name as one of their favourite destinations — and of course where Virgin’s story started.”
The upcoming hotel is actually a conversion of the existing Mondrian London Shoreditch that is part of Accor’s Ennismore lifestyle arm. The Mondrian’s Spanish restaurant, BiBo Shoreditch, will continue to operate in the new Virgin Hotels-affiliated property. Further, guests will have access to a rooftop bar, a pool, a private members club, a gym and treatment rooms. The company release notes the August rebrand will mark the start of a “gradual transformation” into a full Virgin Hotels ambience.
The London expansion also gives members of the Virgin Hotels’ The Know loyalty program as well as Virgin Red a hotel to earn and redeem points. Further details on the loyalty tie-in are expected later this year.
While the company may have found a coveted London location for Virgin Hotels, the brand already has a presence in the United Kingdom with a hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland. The brand also has a significant presence in the U.S. in cities like Chicago, New York City and New Orleans.
While it might be Virgin Hotels’ eighth location, Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch will be the 17th property in the wider Virgin Hotels Collection, which encompasses Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition — a collection of one-of-a-kind retreats like Necker Island in the Caribbean and Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco.
“This year will mark 10 years of Virgin Hotels and what a way to start the early celebrations as we announce our newest hotel in one of the world’s most famous cities,” James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, said in a statement.
The world’s largest hotel company plans to add 10 hotels and more than 1,000 rooms across France by the end of 2025. The planned expansion includes brands like 2023 TPG Award-winner Moxy, Residence Inn, Courtyard, Aloft and The Luxury Collection. The new hotels will boost Marriott’s existing French footprint of 69 hotels across 29 cities.
“We remain focused on strengthening our presence in primary and secondary markets in France in line with the strong demand we are seeing for leisure and resort experiences, as well as for business travel,” Alexandra Goguet, Marriott International’s vice president of development for France and the Benelux region, said in a statement.
It’s not a shock that Marriott wants to beef up its presence in France. It was one of the first countries in Europe to return to pre-pandemic visitor and visitor spending levels, and it’s also the most-visited country in the world, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
The move comes amid a broader push by companies like Hilton and Hyatt to beef up their presence across Europe, too. For Marriott, hotel performance in Europe was up nearly 22% last year, and rates increased by more than 7%, according to the company’s most recent annual filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Moxy has the largest presence in the ongoing expansion, with Moxy Annecy and Moxy Paris Clamart slated to open this year and Moxy Nice expected to open by the end of 2025. There are already nine other Moxy hotels operating in France. Residence Inn by Marriott Lille, Courtyard by Marriott Lyon East and Aloft Dijon are some other upcoming openings planned across France.
The marquee project for Marriott is Hotel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nice. This project entails a renovation of a convent that dates back to 1604; it will result in 88 luxury guest rooms and suites slated to open this summer. Additionally, Marriott plans to open a Tribute Portfolio hotel in Mougins, a hillside town 15 minutes north of Cannes.
“Conversion and adaptive reuse projects represent nearly half our properties expected to join the Marriott portfolio in France by the end of 2025,” Goguet said. “These projects allow us to add hotels in key locations in city centres and demonstrate our expertise and flexibility in finding innovative solutions to adapt existing buildings whilst creating fantastic guest experiences.”
Summer travel is kicking off in full force, and that can mean only one thing (aside from school ending, barbecues and packed flights to Europe): It’s time to name TPG’s Best Airline for 2024.
This year’s rankings come as summer travel is expected to reach its highest level since 2019, if not its highest level ever.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans will be looking for airline tickets while considering details like price, service, reliability and, yes, frequent flyer points and miles.
Each traveler has their own set of preferences, but we still receive one type of question above nearly all others: Is any one airline in the U.S. the best? Does any one carrier succeed at all the things travelers really care about?
Every year, we compile thousands of objective data points to determine which of the 10 biggest U.S. airlines strikes the best balance of reliability, cost, experience and value. Our goal is to use a fair and unbiased approach to see how the airlines stack up for the average consumer.
This year’s analysis is complete, and we’re here with the results. Read on to see where your airline landed in this year’s ratings
Best US airlines of 2024
1. Delta Air Lines
2. Alaska Airlines
3. United Airlines
4. American Airlines
5. Southwest Airlines
6. JetBlue
7. Hawaiian Airlines
8. Allegiant Air
9. Spirit Airlines
10. Frontier Airlines
Keep reading for our full analysis and methodology — and to see what helped Delta top our rankings for the sixth year in a row.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the overall scores this year, including the highest- and lowest-performing categories for each airline. We’ll include last year’s rank for each airline (in parentheses).
Rank and airline (2022 rank)
Total score (out of 100)*
Top-performing areas
Lowest-performing areas
1. Delta (1)
65.74
Timeliness, involuntary bumps
Affordability
2. Alaska (3)
64.38
Timeliness, cancellations, lounges, family travel, customer satisfaction
* All data was based on the 12-month period from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023, aside from customer satisfaction. Due to a reporting delay as the U.S. Department of Transportation changes its methodology for tracking complaints, this information is only available for the five-month period between Jan. 1 and May 31, 2023.
Key takeaways from this year’s analysis include:
Delta wins for the sixth year in a row. Once again, the Atlanta-based carrier took home the top ranking. Interestingly, Delta was the top-performing airline in only one single category: timeliness. (It also tied with Allegiant for the top-performing airline in the involuntary bumps category.) However, Delta’s consistent performance across all categories — aside from affordability — made it the top pick overall.
There were no big surprises compared to last year. Alaska and United swapped positions, as did JetBlue and Hawaiian, and Allegiant and Spirit. However, no airlines jumped or fell multiple spots, meaning there were no big gains or losses compared to last year. Overall, 2023 was a year of relative stability and continued recovery from the last of the post-coronavirus-lockdown hiccups.
Some airlines performed better than in 2022, while others fell. Several airlines fell a point or two (or more) compared to last year: Delta (-0.57), United (-1.57), Hawaiian (-5.80), Spirit (-4.44) and Frontier (-5.39). The carriers with improved overall scores are Alaska (+3.84), American (+1.01), Southwest (+2.25), JetBlue (+1.70) and Allegiant (+6.32). Still, none of the changes were big enough to swing an airline more than one spot in the rankings.
Consumer complaint data doesn’t tell the whole story. The U.S. Department of Transportation typically reports data covering a variety of metrics on a three-month delay. However, the agency delayed reporting of customer complaints in the middle of the year because the volume of complaints has increased compared to pre-pandemic times. As such, the agency wants to rework how it processes that information. Data were only available through May 2023, so the customer satisfaction score does not reflect passengers’ experiences during the latter part of the year, including the busy summer and holiday travel seasons.
So, just how did these airlines fall where they did in the rankings? Read on for a closer look at each category we used to build these rankings, along with the weight we assigned to each. The full methodology is provided at the end of the report.
Best US airlines for reliability
AARONP/BAUER-GRIFFIN/GC IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
A lot goes into the overall air travel experience, from the moment you start searching for flights until you pick up your luggage from baggage claim and head out the airport door. But at the end of the day, an airline has one main job: to get you where you pay to go roughly on the schedule it promised.
Because of that, operational reliability is the largest single category in our rankings, weighted at 30% of our total analysis. We use five factors under the umbrella of reliability:
Timeliness: How frequently a flight on the airline was delayed
Cancellations: How frequently a flight on the airline was canceled
Bumps/involuntary denied boardings: How frequently an airline bumped a traveler against their will on an oversold flight
Baggage: How frequently an airline mishandled a piece of checked luggage
Wheelchairs/scooters: How frequently an airline mishandled a mobility device
The results here produced a winner that may come as a surprise to some: Allegiant. It scored the highest across the category’s five metrics. The full reliability rankings are as follows:
1. Allegiant
2. Delta
3. Alaska
4. Southwest
5. Hawaiian
6. United
7. American
8. JetBlue
9. Spirit
10. Frontier
The ultra-low-cost carriers — Allegiant, Spirit and Frontier — may have a generally poor reputation for reliability, along with onboard experience. However, Allegiant offers a reason to reconsider that notion after its cumulative 2023 score for reliability was the best in the industry. While Allegiant’s on-time performance was weak (ranking seventh out of 10 on our timeliness scale), it scored at the top of the other four categories under the overall reliability umbrella.
Of the 10 airlines we tracked, Allegiant had the lowest rate of flight cancellations; it cut just 782 of its 115,539 flights in 2023 (or 0.68% of its operations). Alaska wasn’t far behind, canceling 2,849 out of its 385,945 flights (or 0.74% of its scheduled flights). At the other end of the spectrum, Frontier canceled 3,774 of its 177,542 scheduled flights (or 2.13% of its operations).
Allegiant also snagged the top score for the number of passengers it bumped involuntarily — zero. It tied with Delta.
Conversely, Frontier was far and away the worst performer, denying boarding at a whopping rate of 35.06 per 100,000 passengers, a total of 10,123 out of 28,872,300 travelers. For context, the next-worst performer was American, with 5.57 involuntary denied boardings per 100,000 passengers.
Allegiant is clearly doing something right in its baggage-handling operation as well. You won’t find free checked bags here — and if you book the base fare class, you’ll be charged for a carry-on, too. However, Allegiant led the other rankings by having the fewest lost or damaged bags at a rate of just 1.89 per 1,000 checked bags. American was the worst performer here, with 7.61 mishandled bags per 1,000.
Allegiant’s strong performance carried over to wheelchairs and mobility scooters, too. The Las Vegas-based carrier mishandled checked wheelchairs at a rate of 0.37 per 100; Spirit brought up the rear with a rate of 5.35 wheelchairs mishandled out of every 100 wheelchairs checked by passengers.
Best US airlines for the travel experience
ALASKA AIRLINES
Reliability is important, but the onboard experience is the first thing that many people think of when it comes to the “best airline.” For many, onboard snacks, meals or entertainment can make or break a journey.
Travel experience is important to us at TPG, too, so we weighted it as 25% of our overall score, just behind reliability. The travel experience score looks at four factors:
Cabin features: What you’ll experience on board, including Wi-Fi, seat pitch/width and inflight entertainment
Lounges: How widespread (and numerous) an airline’s lounges are and how affordable they are to access
Family: How well an airline caters to families traveling with children
Customer satisfaction: The rate at which passengers complain to the DOT about the carrier
Alaska took the top prize overall, with the full category rankings coming in as follows:
1. Alaska
2. Delta
3. American
4. United
5. JetBlue
6. Hawaiian
7. Southwest
8. Spirit
9. Allegiant
10. Frontier
Breaking them down by subcategory, JetBlue was the top airline for cabin features — just like it was last year and the year before. The New York-based carrier’s strong performance here is boosted since it provides free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet; it also offers seatback entertainment screens and the largest average economy seat size among all U.S. airlines.
Alaska, meanwhile, scored best for its domestic lounges — something crucial for many frequent flyers. Although the airline only has nine lounges of its own, its Alaska Lounge+ members can access dozens more across the U.S., including more than 40 American Airlines Admirals Clubs, several United Club locations and a few third-party lounges.
Alaska also ranked first for customer satisfaction, with the caveat we mentioned before: Customer complaint data was only available for the first five months of last year. The airline snagged the top spot for its family travel experience as well; that’s based on a variety of factors, such as early boarding, bag fees, onboard snacks and inflight entertainment.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the ultra-low-cost airlines finished last for overall experience. They were dragged down by seating configurations with limited legroom, extra fees — which also dent these carriers’ family experience scores — and the lack of lounges.
Best US airlines for cost and reach
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Of course, before you can even think about reliability or the travel experience, you need to see which airlines actually go where you’re trying to go — and how much a ticket on those carriers will set you back.
We try to see which airlines have the right mix here with our cost and reach category; it looks at the prices you can expect to pay for airfare and common add-on fees. Our formula is also meant to evaluate how widespread each airline’s domestic route network is. This category is weighted at 20% of the total score and includes these three factors:
Route network: How many domestic airports an airline serves
Affordability: How far (in distance) you can fly for the money you’re paying, based on financial data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Ancillary fees: How much a typical passenger pays in bag and change/cancellation fees
The cost and reach category is where things can get interesting. The ultra-low-cost airlines are clearly the most affordable, but they also have high ancillary fees — and many of them. Plus, they tend to have smaller route networks than the legacy carriers.
Who strikes the balance best? Here are our results:
1. Southwest
2. United
3. American
4. Delta
5. Alaska
6. Allegiant
7. Spirit
8. Hawaiian
9. JetBlue
10. Frontier
It’s not surprising that Southwest is the overall winner here. Southwest serves about half as many domestic cities as the three biggest legacy airlines — American, Delta and United — but it nevertheless has a sizable route map. This is especially true when compared to other low-cost airlines like Spirit and Frontier, as well as East Coast-oriented JetBlue and West Coast-focused Alaska.
But where Southwest has a clear advantage is fees. Southwest doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees. Even though the other big airlines have drastically cut those fees from their pre-pandemic prices, the airlines still charged more on average for “extra” costs than Southwest did in 2023.
Southwest also famously allows two free checked bags per passenger. Passengers checking more than two bags have to pay extra, so Southwest did earn some revenue from baggage fees in 2023. However, that total was a fraction of what the other airlines collected.
In 2023, Southwest earned an average of just 43 cents in fees per passenger carried. That’s significantly less than what American, Delta and United earned for bag fees; the carriers received $6 to $9 in fees per passenger last year. Southwest held up even better compared to the ultra-low-cost airlines that make up for lower ticket prices by tacking on add-on fees. Spirit and Allegiant made an average of just under $27 in fees per passenger, while Frontier brought in a whopping $40 for every passenger it flew.
Of course, if you can travel light and avoid the fees, those budget airlines are far and away the most affordable. Frontier took in $118 in fare revenue for every domestic 1,000 miles flown per passenger, while Spirit fell just behind at $118.13. Allegiant was a distant third at $159.38.
Unsurprisingly, the legacy airlines were the most expensive. Delta landed at the bottom of our affordability rankings, with an average of $302.50 in fare revenue per 1,000 passenger miles flown. American was next at $279.03. United was the most affordable of the “Big Three” carriers at $261.76. Southwest, which is somewhere between a legacy airline and a low-cost carrier, came in at $191.74.
Best US airlines for loyalty
UNITED AIRLINES
The final category for our rankings is loyalty — a key topic for TPG staff members and readers alike. We weighted this at 25% and included two specific factors:
Frequent flyer program: How rewarding an airline’s loyalty program is based on TPG’s valuations, elite status, cobranded credit cards, partner airlines and expiration policies
Award availability: How easy and valuable it is to redeem your rewards across popular travel times
Like last year, United came out on top. Here are the full results:
1. United
2. American
3. Alaska
4. Delta
5. JetBlue
6. Southwest
7. Hawaiian
8. Spirit
9. Frontier
10. Allegiant
The competition at the top was close, but United won out with the best rating for rewarding frequent flyers. The carrier has the greatest number of redemption and earning partners and offers four consumer credit cards. American was close behind, followed by Alaska.
Delta, which was last year’s runner-up, fell to fourth place. This is partly due to charging high mileage prices for award flights and recently making changes to its elite status program that have been viewed negatively by many of the company’s frequent flyers.
The low-cost carriers generally fell short in this area; they were hindered by their relatively few partners, limited or fixed value for miles, poor award availability and/or expiration policies for miles.
Methodology
THE POINTS GUY
TPG’s Best Airline rankings are based on scores from four broad sections, each of which consists of multiple criteria. All data points for the 2024 report were based on flights operated during the 12-month period that ran from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023.
A full breakdown of the methodology and the data used for each is as follows:
Reliability (30%)
Timeliness (using data on delayed flights from the DOT)
Cancellations (using data on canceled flights from the DOT)
Involuntary bumps (using data on involuntary denied boardings from the DOT)
Baggage (using data on mishandled baggage from the DOT)
Wheelchairs/scooters (using data on mishandled baggage from the DOT)
Experience (25%)
Cabin features (using data from SeatGuru and inflight amenity offerings from each carrier’s website)
Lounges (using data on the number of lounges, the number of cities and the price of membership for each applicable lounge network)
Family travel (using a 0-to-5 score based on boarding, perks and food/entertainment available on board)
Customer satisfaction (using data on customer complaints from the DOT)
Cost and reach (20%)
Route network (using the monthly average of domestic cities served by each airline from the DOT)
Affordability (using financial data from the BTS)
Bag/change fees (using financial data from the BTS)
Loyalty (25%)
Frequent flyer program (using data from our monthly valuations, elite status reports and each carrier’s website)
Award availability (using real-time award inventory for popular domestic routes across three distinct time periods)
For all criteria, the raw scores from the data were converted into scaled scores from zero to 10. In most cases, a score of zero was assigned to the lowest-performing carrier, and where possible, a score of 10 was assigned to a “perfect” airline. For example, Allegiant and Delta both scored a 10 on involuntary bumps since they had zero (or effectively zero) last year.
However, when there was no clear way to determine perfection, the highest-performing airline received a 10.
By using scaled scores (rather than a simple ranking system), we essentially “graded” each airline relative to the others. The score for each airline on each individual element was thus a numerical reflection of how much better said airline did compared to the lowest-scoring carrier.
For instance, Alaska had the fewest number of DOT complaints in the first five months of the year, with Delta not far behind (2.94 per 100,000 passengers versus 3.70).
We normalized these numbers by comparing them to the lowest-performing airline (Frontier, with 38.76 per 100,000 passengers) and the highest possible score (0 per 100,000 passengers). The resulting scaled score conversion gave Alaska a “grade” of 9.24 out of 10 and Delta an 8.09 out of 10.
Then, each individual score was weighted using the above percentages to arrive at the final, cumulative score included in the table.
Final thoughts
A lot goes into choosing a flight and an airline for your next trip. Price matters, but so do reliability, rewards you can earn and the actual passenger experience on the flight. Of course, no one airline will meet the needs of every passenger, so each of those considerations has a different level of importance for each individual traveler.
However, our report uses objective data and a fair weighting that we think best sums up a fair, broad picture for a wide range of travelers.
For the sixth year in a row, Delta has earned the title of TPG’s Best Airline for 2024.
Delta’s reign shows that sometimes, it pays not to be the best at every single thing. Instead, it’s important to focus on performing well across every area and standing out by offering a consistent and reliable product across the board.
Delta alienated some of its frequent flyers with the changes it made to its rewards program, and its fares are the highest in the U.S. by our measure. However, its reliability, performance, features and overall experience work together to keep it at the top of the pack.
Right now, the card is offering its highest sign-up bonus in almost a year, making it a great time to apply. However, this offer is ending soon, on June 13, so this is your last chance to take advantage of this limited-time offer.
You can earn 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. We value those points at $1,538.
The regular bonus on this card is 60,000 points. The last time we saw an elevated bonus was almost a year ago. It’s worth noting that the same bonus is available on the premium version of this card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Cardmembers also receive a 10% annual point bonus based on their total spend during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $1 spent. So, if you spend $20,000 on the card in a year, you’ll get 2,000 extra points at the end of it.
CHRIS DONG/THE POINTS GUY
Additionally, Chase Ultimate Rewards can transfer to 14 airline or hotel partners, including valuable programs such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue and World of Hyatt. You can maximize your rewards by booking aspirational business-class tickets or picturesque stays at island resorts for far less than their cash equivalent.
No wonder many TPG staffers continue to carry the Chase Sapphire Preferred year after year. Given its easy-to-maximize perks, strong earning rates and the usefulness of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, it probably deserves a place in any traveler’s wallet.
Big news, American Airlines fans: You can get some serious bonus miles this month by booking a cruise.
American Airlines Cruises on Monday launched a new promotion offering customers 2 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on a cruise fare (the base rate before taxes and fees). That’s twice the normal offer of 1 mile for every dollar spent.
For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
For example, if you spend $8,000 on a cruise fare during the promotion, you can earn up to 16,000 AAdvantage miles.
That’s a solid number of AAdvantage miles. TPG currently values AAdvantage miles at 1.7 cents each, meaning that 16,000 miles would be worth $272 at our valuation.
In other words, that 16,000 miles could get you two free flights in the contiguous U.S. and Canada when booking a miles ticket at the AAdvantage program’s lowest award rate of 7,500 miles per ticket.
An opportunity to double-dip
The double miles offer is part of a bigger promotion this month at American Airlines Cruises called America’s Largest Cruise Sale that brings additional savings and perks in some cases, depending on the cruise you book (on top of any savings the cruise lines are offering).
The additional savings and perks by line are:
Royal Caribbean: Up to $100 in onboard credit plus a specialty dining credit
Additionally, you can get even more miles if you book the cruise using an American Airlines AAdvantage credit card. As is always the case when booking through American Airlines Cruises, you can get 1 additional AAdvantage mile for every dollar spent on a cruise using an American Airlines AAdvantage card.
That means that you can score up to 3 miles for every dollar spent on a cruise fare with this new promotion. That’d be 24,000 AAdvantage miles for an $8,000 cruise.
Note that you have to act fast to get the bonus miles. The accelerated mileage offer is only available through June 28. It applies to new bookings for cruises scheduled to take place between Tuesday, June 11, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025.
Details of the bonus mile offer
Unlike some airline frequent flyer program offers for cruises, this new bonus mile offer is available to customers who book any category of cabin or suite — not just higher-category cabins.
Among the caveats: Bonus miles are earned per cabin and are awarded to only one passenger per cruise booking. To qualify, customers must book through the American Airlines Cruises portal.
Also, the number of miles customers earn from the promotion is based on the total cruise purchase price, excluding port charges, port expenses, taxes and insurance.
Other fine print:
There is no limit to how many miles you can earn.
Your American Airlines AAdvantage number must be provided prior to embarkation.
Miles are posted to the member’s account six to eight weeks after the cruise ends.
Cruises must be paid in U.S. currency.
AAdvantage members will earn Loyalty Points for base miles earned when booking at American Airlines Cruises but not for bonus miles earned during the promotion.
Which credit card should I use to book?
You can maximize your purchase by using an American Airlines AAdvantage credit card, such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees). As noted above, it’ll earn you additional bonus miles when booking a cruise through American Airlines Cruises. This card is currently offering 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
If you don’t have an American Airlines card, it’s best to use a card that earns bonus points on cruises. A good option is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which earns 2 points per dollar spent on travel, including cruises. Right now, you can earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card Overview
If simplicity is your thing, the American Express Cash Magnet® card is one of the easiest cards to wrap your head around, with its flat 1.5% cash back earning rate on everything purchased. There are no bonus categories to remember or points to figure out how to redeem. However, there are better options for truly maximizing your spending. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
It’s great when credit card rewards come easily. Spend money on anything under the sun and see the bonuses roll in. That’s the case for many cash-back cards, including the Amex Cash Magnet. If you want a one-card wallet where you don’t have to think too hard about the card you’re using, the Cash Magnet can make a lot of sense. However, this isn’t the most lucrative cash-back card, so it might pay to look at other options.
It has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670.
Let’s take a closer look at the Amex Cash Magnet.
The information for the Amex Cash Magnet 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.
Amex Cash Magnet pros and cons
Pros
Cons
1.5% back on all purchases
No annual fee
Purchase protection, car rental insurance, Global Assist Hotline
Outclassed by other no-annual-fee cash-back cards
Limited redemption options
Amex Cash Magnet welcome offer
New Amex Cash Magnet cardholders will receive a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 within the first six months of account opening. That’s not a bad welcome bonus for a card with no annual fee.
THE POINTS GUY
Besides the statement credit, the Amex Magnet also has a 0% introductory APR that lasts for the first 15 months. That’s helpful if you really need to purchase larger-ticket items and need the time to pay the cost off in full. Of course, those who use credit cards to earn rewards should always aim to avoid carrying a balance and incurring interest charges.
Amex Cash Magnet benefits
This card also comes with a variety of benefits as part of the American Express card network. For no annual fee, cardholders are eligible for a solid number of benefits, including:
Car rental loss and damage insurance: You’ll receive secondary coverage for a rental car when you decline the collision damage waiver at the counter and pay for the entire rental with your card.
Global Assist Hotline: Available to assist you in travel planning 24/7
Amex Offers: Earn additional rewards on some purchases with targeted Amex Offers
ROBERTO WESTBROOK/GETTY
Additionally, as an Amex cardholder, you’re eligible for the Plan It® program, which allows you to pay off purchases of $100 or more in monthly installments. To use this feature, you must first be deemed eligible per your credit history. You’ll manage your plan via the American Express app if you qualify.
The Cash Magnet’s most notable feature is its unlimited cash-back component. With this card, you’ll receive 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limit.
There are no bonus categories to keep track of or spending caps to remember.
PEKIC/GETTY IMAGES
On the downside, bonus categories offered on other cards can allow you to earn much more cash back than earning the same percentage on every purchase.
This card is best for those looking for a straightforward cash-back experience, but you likely won’t maximize your value on every purchase.
Redeeming cash back with the Amex Cash Magnet
Cash Magnet cardholders are rewarded with cash back called “Reward Dollars” that can be used toward statement credit, merchandise and gift cards.
MIXMEDIA/GETTY IMAGES
Reward Dollars can be used toward your paying your credit card balance.
Note that you cannot earn or redeem Amex Membership Rewards points with this card — a downside if you’re looking to redeem your rewards for travel like TPG editor Emily Thompson.
Which cards compete with the Amex Cash Magnet?
While there is something to be said for simplicity, there are better cash back options out there.
If you want a better earning rate: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) takes center stage with a whopping 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you make purchases, 1% when as you pay your bill). Cardholders can also convert the cash back they earn to ThankYou Points via another qualifying Citi card. For more information, read our full review of the Double Cash.
If you want bonus categories: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers the same 1.5% cash back on purchases, plus 5% back on travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards portal and 3% on dining and drugstores. Cardholders can also convert their cash back to Chase Ultimate Rewards points with the right card pairing. For more information, read our full review of the Freedom Unlimited.
If you’re willing to pay an annual fee: Consider the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. With this card, you’ll earn 4% cash back on dining, entertainment and on popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) and 1% on everything else. If dining and entertainment are your most-used categories, you could easily make up for the $95 annual fee. For more information, read our full review of the Capital One Savor.
The information for the Capital One Savor 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.
The Amex Cash Magnet is a decent option if you want to earn cash back on purchases you’d be making anyway. However, there are many better options out there for a cash-back credit card, so be sure to research your options before deciding on a cash-back card.
Bottom line
While the Amex Cash Magnet’s simplicity is nice for some, its earning rate is disappointing compared to direct competitors.
You can still get some substantial value from this card, but if your goal is simply to land a no-annual-fee general cash-back card, you can do better than the Amex Cash Magnet.
If you’re embarking on a round-trip Alaska cruise, you will likely be departing from the Port of Seattle. In 2023, seven cruise lines based ships in Seattle, Washington, with 291 departures. Although most ships were headed to Alaska, cruises from Seattle also sailed to destinations like Asia, Hawaii and the Panama Canal.
Seattle is home to two cruise terminals. Both are easy to reach from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE). Once you arrive, dozens of points hotels are available to welcome you for a pre- or post-cruise stay.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
If you’re cruising in and out of Seattle, here’s what you need to know.
Cruise port of Seattle overview
DON WILSON/PORT OF SEATTLE/FACEBOOK
The Seattle port has two cruise terminals, located nearly 3 miles apart. Each terminal has two berths.
Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66
2225 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91
2001 West Garfield Street, Seattle, WA 98119
Wheelchairs are available to assist passengers in getting on and off the ships at both terminals.
Complimentary valet service is available for your luggage through the Port of Seattle for passengers scheduled to depart from SEA on the last day of their cruise. Simply attach the provided tags and leave your luggage outside your cabin on the final evening, and your bags will be collected and delivered directly to the airport.
Participating cruise lines include Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Participating airlines include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Horizon Air, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Enroll online or via the paperwork in your cruise ship cabin to take advantage of this service.
Same-day luggage storage is available at both terminals for $5 a bag. Late fees apply to luggage retrieved after 3 p.m.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is located 14 miles from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (a 30-minute drive, traffic-depending) and 17.4 miles from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (a 35-minute drive).
SEA is the largest airport in the Seattle metro area and is served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines.
Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) in Everett is 24 miles from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 (40 minutes, depending on traffic) and 25 miles from the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 (42 minutes).
The airport has only two gates, and Alaska Airlines is the only operator. Most of the cities served are clustered in the west. You’ll find flights to and from destinations such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Honolulu.
If you’re flying with a plus one, you might be able to save on airfare with a companion pass. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card holders receive a companion fare certificate on their card’s anniversary, entitling them to a companion ticket on Alaska Airlines for just $99, plus taxes and fees from $23 (as long as they spend a minimum of $6,000 annually on the card).
For those flying into SEA, the Southwest Companion Pass entitles a companion to accompany you on unlimited Southwest Airlines for just the price of taxes and fees. The Southwest Companion Pass is earned through flying on the airline, eligible spending on a Southwest cobranded credit card or a combination of both.
Delta also offers a companion ticket as a perk for holders of select credit cards.
If you’re carrying a credit card with lounge access, Seattle-Tacoma is the better bet with 10 lounges. Seattle Paine Field has none.
SEA’s options include three Alaska Airlines lounges (which are also open to American Airlines Admirals Club members) and a United Club, Delta Sky Club and British Airways Terrace Lounge. In addition to the airline lounges, the American Express Centurion Lounge welcomes holders of select credit cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
How to get to the Port of Seattle
Link Light Rail 1 to SEA. SEATTLE TACOMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/FACEBOOK
There are several ways to get from the airports to the Bell Street Terminal at Pier 66 or Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91, including:
Cruise line transfers
Most cruise lines offer transportation to and from SEA or local hotels for an added cost. Sometimes, the service is reserved for cruisers who purchase flights through the cruise line. For example, Carnival Cruise Line advertises shuttles starting at $37.99 per person from SEA to the cruise port for passengers arriving by noon on embarkation day.
At this time, no cruise lines offer transfers to/from PAE.
Hotel shuttle services
If you’re looking for hotels near the Seattle cruise port with a shuttle to the cruise terminals, you’ll find several downtown. Most charge $10-$20 per person for the service.
If you’re on a mission to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points, the SpringHill Suites Seattle Downtown/South Lake Union offers a package including an upgraded suite, complimentary breakfast and transportation for two to the cruise terminals. If you’re loyal to the Hilton Honors program, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Tacoma International Airport contracts shuttle service to the cruise ports for $27 per person each way or $50 round-trip.
Independent airport shuttle services
Companies like Premier Airport Shuttle offer shared or private transportation from SEA to the cruise terminals. Shared shuttle service starts at about $33 per person in each direction, while private transfers for up to 20 passengers start at about $320.
Taxis and ride-hailing services
Ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft can be summoned from either airport. This is another opportunity to maximize your credit card benefits since the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers 10 points for every dollar spent on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025) and the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card includes perks like unlimited 10% cash back with Uber (through Nov. 14, 2024).
Uber and Lyft prices are highly dynamic, but you can expect to pay $70 for each direction to and from SEA, or $100 to and from PAE.
Taxis aren’t readily available at PAE, but you’ll find them on the third floor of the SEA parking garage adjacent to the ride-hail pickup area. Flat-rate taxis charge $40 to carry passengers from the airport to the hotel district. Flat rates aren’t in effect to the cruise terminals. Metered rates in Seattle are $2.60 for the meter drop plus $2.70 a mile. (The 17-mile trip from SEA to Pier 91 should run $48.50 in a metered cab, but extra passengers, alternative routing and other considerations can raise the rates.)
Private car or van service
Private cars or vans can be scheduled to or from either airport. Options include Blacklane, with prices starting at about $108 in each direction from SEA to the cruise ports (including pick up in a luxury vehicle and a meet and greet at baggage claim). The same service to or from PAE starts at about $130 in each direction.
Public transportation
Unfortunately, public transit doesn’t reach the cruise terminals, but Light Rail provides transportation from SEA to West Lake Station in downtown Seattle. From there, it’s usually an 8- to 15-minute Lyft or Uber ride to the cruise terminals. One-way tickets are $2.25-$3.25 per person and trains depart every 15 minutes.
To reach the light rail station at SEA, head to the fourth floor and cross the sky bridge into the parking garage. Next, follow the signs and painted pathway to the train. Shuttle service is available for passengers with disabilities from 5 a.m. until midnight. Call 206-787-4069 or 206-787-5906 to request service.
Cruise port of Seattle parking
COMEZORA/GETTY IMAGES
On-site parking
The Bell Street Cruise Terminal parking garage is right across from the cruise terminal. Enter from Wall Street and follow the signs to the parking area. Parking costs $23 per day, with a $1 per day discount if you prepay online.
The Bell Street parking garage offers more than 1,500 covered parking spots, including 25 accessible parking stalls, and can accommodate vehicles with a maximum clearance of 6 feet, 6 inches. Vehicles exceeding this height should park at Pier 91, and taxi vouchers will be provided to get you back and forth to Pier 66.
The Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Lot D parking lot at Pier 91 has 1,100 secure parking spots, including accessible stalls available on a first-come, first-served basis. General parking is $29 a day, with a $1-per-day discount if you prepay online.
In addition to serving passengers departing from Pier 91, Lot D is the parking lot for RV and oversized vehicles at both piers. Fees are $60 a day for vehicles less than 40 feet, and $65 per day for vehicles larger than 40 feet. RV parking isn’t guaranteed unless reserved and prepaid online. If your cruise departs from the Bell Street Cruise Terminal, the cashier will issue taxi vouchers for your return.
Park-and-cruise packages
Depending on the length of your cruise, select Seattle hotels allow you to leave your car while you’re at sea (although most charge a fee). Fans of the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program should consider the cruise package at the Hotel Andra Seattle. The package includes 50% off valet parking, complimentary parking during the cruise and a one-way shuttle service for two from the hotel to the cruise pier.
Seattle has an outstanding lineup of points hotels. The best redemption deals are usually found near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It’s roughly a half-hour from the cruise terminals without traffic, but the trade-off might be worth it for some travelers.
Visitors planning to explore Seattle before or after a cruise should base themselves downtown for easy access to the waterfront, restaurants, shops, museums and attractions like Seattle Center and the Space Needle. As a bonus, many of the best Seattle hotels are a 5- to 15-minute drive from the cruise terminals.
Hilton hotels near Port of Seattle
Hilton Honors members are spoiled for choices in Seattle. The Hampton Inn Seattle-Airport is a great option for travelers looking for a quick place to catch some shut-eye the night before the cruise (34,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night). Amenities include a free hot breakfast and complimentary shuttle service to or from the airport.
For Hilton hotels closer to the cruise terminals, Hilton Seattle (50,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is only 1.4 miles from Pier 66. If you’ve got time to explore the city, the property is a mile from the 5th Avenue Theater, Pike Place Market and light rail.
For luxury travelers, Hotel 1000 LXR Hotels and Resorts (70,000-90,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is a gorgeous hotel with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Even the bathrooms are a showstopper with glass walls (and privacy shades). Hotel 1000 is roughly a half-mile from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium and a short walk to dozens of restaurants. The hotel is 1.2 miles from Pier 66.
Keep your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty number handy because Marriott hotel brands are located throughout Seattle. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck at the Aloft Seattle Seatac Airport (22,000-40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), especially if you don’t want to rent a car. Amenities include complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport and shuttle service to the cruise terminal for $20 per person. (Make arrangements at the front desk at check-in.)
If you plan to play tourist in the Emerald City, the Courtyard Seattle/Downtown Pioneer Square (30,000-54,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is in a historic building within walking distance of the Pike Place Market, stadium, art galleries and the waterfront. The hotel is 1.6 miles from Pier 66.
It’s hard to beat the location of the Seattle Marriott Waterfront (50,000-84,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night). The hotel is right across from Pier 66, and passengers can walk to the terminal via crosswalk or sky bridge. This is a great option for families since you’re steps away from top waterfront attractions like the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel.
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown (12,000-18,000 World of Hyatt points per night) is located near Climate Pledge Arena, the Seattle Center and the Space Needle. Complimentary breakfast is available in the morning. The hotel contracts shuttle service to the cruise terminals from a third party for $10 per person. Reservations need to be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Thompson Seattle (17,000-23,000 World of Hyatt points per night) is a stylish boutique in the heart of downtown. Famous for a rooftop bar with dazzling views of the city and Puget Sound, the Thompson is a short walk from Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and dozens of shops and restaurants. The hotel is less than a mile from Pier 66.
Non-points hotels near Port of Seattle
Seattle is home to several hotels that aren’t associated with traditional loyalty programs. The Four Seasons Hotel Seattle sits above the waterfront with an infinity pool with views of Puget Sound. The Four Seasons is a mile from Pier 66. Don’t forget to book your room with a rewards card to maximize your stay.
Another solid option is the more affordably priced Ace Hotel Seattle, in the trendy Belltown neighborhood. Guests can choose accommodations with private or shared baths according to their needs and budget. The Ace Hotel is less than a half-mile from Pier 66.
Restaurants near the cruise port of Seattle
PIKE PLACE MARKET/FACEBOOK
Seattle is famous for seafood served at upscale restaurants, sushi counters and casual poke joints. Dungeness crab, salmon and oysters on the half-shell are staples all over the city, especially near the waterfront.
Head to Pike Place Market for a culinary tour of the city. In addition to vendors selling flowers and handmade crafts, you’ll find bakeries, breweries, sit-down restaurants and quick eats like hot dogs or chowder. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to watch fish being thrown to delighted customers at Pike Place Fish Market.
If you see a long line outside Pike Place Market, that’s probably tourists waiting to place an order at the original Starbucks. If you are a huge fan of the chain, the wait might be worthwhile, but the coffee here is the same as in any Starbucks location. If you’d rather skip the line, head to Storyville Coffee on the top floor of the corner market building for an excellent cup of locally roasted coffee with stunning views of Puget Sound.
Things to do in Seattle before or after your cruise
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You can spend a lifetime visiting Seattle without running out of new experiences. Outdoor recreation, museums and kid-friendly attractions are available in equal abundance. If you’ve built in time to explore the Emerald City before or after your cruise, here are a few of the best things to do in Seattle.
Spend the day at Seattle Center
Seattle Center is home to iconic attractions like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Pacific Science Center. The grounds are especially rewarding for families, who will find the International Fountain splash park and the Artists at Play playground with a 30-foot tall climbing tower, labyrinth, musical instruments and an accessible carousel powered by humans.
Marvel at the Hiram M. Chittenden Ballard Locks
The locks are a wonder of engineering connecting Lake Union to Puget Sound. Every day, spectators gather along the sides to watch everything from kayaks to enormous commercial ships pass through the locks. Other points of interest here include a fish ladder, a colorful botanical garden and a visitor center.
Embrace Seattle coffee culture
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the Capital Hill neighborhood is like Disneyland for coffee lovers. Book a tour, schedule a class with a barista or sip on signature drinks you won’t find anywhere else. The aromas alone make the visit worthwhile.
Explore the waterfront
Even if you do nothing more than gape at views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, Seattle’s waterfront is worth exploring. This is also the home of the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Aquarium and a host of unique souvenir shops. Afterward, make your way to Pike Place Market for a bite to eat.
Eat lunch in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District
In Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, seductive aromas waft from every doorframe. Dumplings, noodles and baked goods beckon from dozens of restaurants. Do yourself a favor and place small orders in multiple eateries, so you can sample as much as you can.
Shopping near the Port of Seattle
Whether you want to shop for souvenirs or add a few items to your cruise packing list, Seattle’s got you covered.
For cruise essentials like toiletries and snacks, head to Target on 2nd Avenue near Pike Place Market. If you hold the Target Circle™ Mastercard, you’ll get a discount on most purchases. If you forgot to pack your bathing suit or other clothing and can’t find what you need at Target, Westlake Center on Pine Street has options galore from stores like Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off 5th.
You’ll find unique souvenirs — including locally made foods, handmade jewelry and art — at Pike Place Market. If you’re shopping with kids, head to the Old Curiosity Shop on the waterfront for everything from postcards and tee shirts to unique gifts like taxidermy bugs and totem poles. The store is filled with oddities like mummies, narwhal tusks and shrunken heads.
The information for the Target Circle has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Oh, boy! Disney Cruise Line’s new Bahamian beach destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is open for business, offering Mickey Mouse fans an additional port to visit in the Bahamas.
Disney Magic, the line’s original ship, was the first to bring passengers; they arrived at pristine beaches and a maze of boardwalks linking various eateries, bars, water play areas and shops.
A welcome area at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
At the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera, Lookout Cay was created from a partnership between the Bahamas and Disney. Bahamian influence can be seen throughout, from the architecture and art to the costumes worn by Disney characters, who made several appearances throughout the day.
Here’s what I enjoyed and what I didn’t like — in photos.
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What I enjoyed
The beaches
One of the beaches at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Obviously, one of the main focuses on any Bahamian island is the beach. Cruisers have choices at Lookout Cay, with designated beaches for both families and adults. All offer white sand and plenty of loungers with colorful umbrellas, which are free to use.
Since all of the beaches are part of one long stretch, it’s easy to find your way from one to the next after you crest the dunes that separate the water from the rest of the Goombay Cultural Center area of the island. Plus, the crystal blue water may even take your breath away.
Easy hydration
A smoothie from Sensational Smoothies on Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
What’s a beach day without a drink or two? I’m not just talking about alcohol here, either. With how hot the Bahamian sun is, it’s important to hydrate. Thankfully, you’re never far from a bar or a drink station at Lookout Cay.
There are two soda and water stations each at True-True and True-True Too, the destination’s barbecue buffet areas. There’s also Sensational Smoothies, which sells just that. I tried one made with vanilla ice cream, mango, pineapple and Pop Rocks, and I wasn’t disappointed. And for those who still aren’t fully awake when they reach the island, there’s Mangroves & Go, a stand that sells specialty coffees.
A menu and souvenir pineapple cup from the Reef and Wreck Bar on Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
If you’re the type who likes something with a bit more of a kick, there are four bars — Blue Hole Bar, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar and Reef & Wreck Bar — dotting the boardwalk throughout the Goombay section.
Easy-to-navigate trams
A tram at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Disney Cruise Line fans who have visited the line’s private island, Castaway Cay, will know that the trams there can be a little cumbersome for first-timers, with several routes that take passengers to different areas. At Lookout Cay, there are just two tram stops — Mabrika Cove, near the entrance, and Goombay Cultural Center, which is where nearly all Lookout Cay activity takes place.
It’s nice to have to think less about where you’re going when all you want is to spend your day relaxing, so I appreciate the simplified system.
Cabanas with great views
A standard cabana in Serenity Bay at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
At Lookout Cay, there are two sets of cabanas: Mabrika Cove Cabanas in the family area and Serenity Bay Cabanas in the adults-only area.
A standard cabana in Serenity Bay at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
They’re all set up like cute Bahamian huts. Each has both indoor seating in the shade and outdoor loungers on patios that overlook the water. There are also mini-fridges stocked with water and soda.
Family areas
The Rush Out Gush Out water play area at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Unsurprisingly, Disney didn’t scrimp when it came to amenities for families. In addition to the family beach and family cabanas, other dedicated areas include Sebastian’s Cove, a water play area where parents can drop their kids off with the youth staff, and Rush Out Gush Out, a water park where families can have splashy fun together.
Dale and Chip leading a game of ring toss at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Twice during my visit, Pluto, Goofy, Chip and Dale took over the Play-Play Pavilion during the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash. They led children in games of pineapple ring toss and Chip and Dale’s Water Brigade. During the water brigade, kids passed soaking wet sponges, assembly line-style, to see which team could fill up a bucket the fastest. It was great fun, even for people who didn’t participate.
Art and culture
Bahamian art at the Goombay Cultural Center at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Elements of Bahamian culture are everywhere at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the form of art and architecture. However, the heart of it all is the Goombay Culture Center, where passengers can enjoy local arts and crafts or take in a Junkanoo parade.
A Junkanoo performance at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
The latter, dubbed “RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration,” brings local dancers in traditional, colorful dress to an outdoor stage, where they put on a high-energy performance you won’t want to miss. Be sure to keep an eye out for special guests Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy, too.
What I didn’t care for
Long walks
The pier at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
The pier where the ship docks at Lookout Cay is long. I’m a fast walker, but it still took me nearly 10 minutes and registered 1,207 steps (more than half a mile) on my Fitbit. There’s no shade, and with the blazing temperatures in the Bahamas in the summertime, it’s not fun — especially with young children or mobility aids.
The area is largely accessible, and golf carts can assist passengers with mobility issues. However, I imagine the line will have to address this somehow for future sailings.
Slow trams
A tram at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Although the tram system is much easier to use at Lookout Cay than it is at Castaway Cay, the ones at Lookout Cay seem to operate much more slowly. They run at regular, consistent intervals, and by waiting a half hour after the official disembarkation time, I was able to avoid waiting in line. However, once you’re on a tram and it departs, it will move so slowly that it will have you wondering whether walking there would be faster. (Unfortunately, you’re not allowed.)
When I combined the tram ride with the time it took me to walk from the ship to the tram stop in the first place, it took me about half an hour to actually make it to the heart of the destination. Plan ahead if you’re hoping to catch one of the scheduled shows.
Lack of shade
The lighthouse at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
There’s a marked lack of shade on much of the island, especially as you make your way from place to place along the boardwalk. There are shops you can duck into, as well as shaded seating areas for when you’re having your lunch, but it’s just not enough.
As one of its green initiatives, Disney planted a bunch of local flora when it developed part of the space. Some of the plants will eventually be tall enough to offer some respite from the sun, but that won’t be the case for several years.
A confusing boardwalk and map
The boardwalk at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
When I first arrived at Lookout Cay’s Goombay tram stop, I felt overwhelmed. All of the buildings looked similar, and there was virtually no signage save for some tiny indicators that pointed toward the nature trail. I resorted to looking at the tiny island map on my phone,
There also don’t seem to be any straight lines from one place to another. Everything curves out of the way to get you where you want to go.
No food options after 2 p.m.
True-True BBQ buffet at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
The barbecue lunch — which included rice bowls, fish and seafood, and plenty of non-barbecue options, too — was great. However, after True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ (the buffet in the adults-only Serenity Bay area) closed at 2 p.m., there didn’t seem to be anywhere else to grab a bite.
Food from the True-True Too BBQ buffet at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Of course, passengers were free to head back to the ship at any time if they were hungry, but it’s a long way to go if you want to eat something and then go back ashore.
Bottom line
A view of Disney Magic from Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a fantastic new addition to the port options in the Bahamas. Although it lacks shade and requires a lengthy walk, the destination is exceptionally fun and offers something for both families and adults.
Voyages calling on Lookout Cay through the end of 2024 include three- to six-night sailings, mostly on Disney Magic. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also make a handful of stops there.
