Tag: Travel Planner

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

One of the questions people often ask us is, “How much is a point or mile worth?”

The true answer varies from point to point and person to person. It also depends on your travel goals and how well you can maximize a particular loyalty currency. Still, some rewards credit cards are clearly worth more than others, and our goal is to give you a sense of how they stack up.

Historically, TPG has valued points and miles based on a combination of the price at which we would purchase the miles, award costs in the program (factoring in availability and fees) and our own expertise in the inner workings of the programs.

However, we now use extensive data for the top six U.S. airline loyalty programs to better estimate the value you should aim to get from your rewards (you can read our full breakdown of this methodology in our explainer post).

This month, our model showed a bit of variation with these numbers — though none of them were significant compared to previous runs of the data.

Looking for a convenient way to see all of your points and miles in one place? Download the free TPG app!

Note: These valuations are not provided by card issuers.

What are credit card points and miles worth?

Program	FEBRUARY 2024 (cents)	Latest news
American Express Membership Rewards	2.0	One Amex business card will lose 3 statement credits this year. You can save up to 50% on Amazon purchases by using just one Membership Rewards point.
Bilt Rewards	2.05	Bilt adds milestone rewards to its program.
Capital One	1.85
Chase Ultimate Rewards	2.05	Chase opened a new lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Citi ThankYou Rewards	1.8

What are airline points and miles worth?

Program	FEBRUARY 2024 (cents)	Latest news
Air Canada Aeroplan	1.5	Canadians will be able to earn Aeroplan points for health and wellness activities.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan	1.5* (up from 1.4)	Alaska will fly to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) for the first time but is dropping other routes.
American Airlines AAdvantage	1.55* (up from 1.5)	American announced new flights from New York to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) and new services to Australia and Brazil.
All Nippon Airways Mileage Club	1.4
Asia Miles	1.3
Avianca LifeMiles	1.7
Avios	1.5	British Airways is aligning Tier Point year-end dates for earning elite status.
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles	1.2*	Delta will add futuristic first-class recliners to Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline’s 2024 status challenge is now live. The DOT is requiring Delta and Aeromexico to end their joint venture.
Emirates Skywards	1.2
Etihad Airways Guest	1.2
Flying Blue	1.2	Air France announced a new route to Phoenix.
Frontier Airlines Frontier Miles	1.1	Frontier introduced a new business-class fare that includes seat selection and carry-on baggage. The airline announced eight new routes from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles	0.9
JetBlue TrueBlue	1.4*	JetBlue dropped Baltimore from its route map and cut several routes from New York. The airline suggests the merger agreement with Spirit Airlines could be terminated. JetBlue will introduce a new seat fee.
Korean Air SkyPass	1.7
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer	1.3
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards	1.4*	Southwest unveiled new seats and cabin designs. New welcome offers on Southwest personal cards now include a Companion Pass for a limited time only.
Spirit Airlines Free Spirit	1.1
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles	1.2 (down from 1.3 last month)	Huge devaluation coming on Feb. 16 with redemption increases of up to 100% — book your awards now.
United Airlines MileagePlus	1.45*	United targets some MileagePlus members to buy up to a higher Premier status. The airline announced several new summer routes to Alaska and Canada. United has begun depositing one-time PQPs for 2023 Premier members into MileagePlus accounts.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club	1.5	You can earn up to 10,000 bonus points on cash flights through June 30.

*Calculated using TPG’s revamped, data-backed valuations methodology launched in September 2023.

What are hotel points worth?

Program	FEBRUARY 2024 (cents)	Latest news
Accor Live Limitless	2.0
Best Western Rewards	0.6
Choice Privileges	0.6	Here are 28 hotels you can stay at for fewer points through April 15.
Hilton Honors	0.6	Hilton introduced new booking and travel benefits for smaller businesses. Hilton is considering acquiring the Graduate Hotels chain and announced it would begin partnering with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
IHG One Rewards	0.5
Marriott Bonvoy	0.84	This new Marriott promo offers 1,000 bonus points plus and elite night credit each night.
World of Hyatt	1.7	Hyatt is losing Small Luxury Hotels to Hilton.
Wyndham Rewards	1.1	Wyndham announced a new lifestyle hotel concept dubbed Project HQ Hotels & Residences.

Points and miles news

If you were planning a Turkish Miles&Smiles redemption, you should book it immediately. The program just announced a significant devaluation to commence on Feb. 16, with significant price increases across the board and a frustrating new per-segment structure that means your sweet-spot award to Europe (previously 45,000 miles each way in business class) will cost 85,000-90,000 later this month.

For this reason, we have reduced our valuation of Miles&Smiles from 1.3 to 1.2 cents each this month.

The other big news came from Delta and American Express, as the duo launched major changes to their personal and business cobranded credit cards. With higher annual fees and a slew of new statement credits, it’s another indication of issuers moving their cards to more of a lifestyle value proposition — rather than just focusing on travel benefits.

In more positive news, Chase continues to disrupt the domestic airport lounge scene by opening two new lounges in New York.

First was the Sapphire Lounge by The Club at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which TPG’s Zach Griff now considers the best lounge in the airport. It features a 360-degree bar, a photo booth and even a hidden speakeasy-style retro arcade. To elevate the experience even higher, three Reserve Suites can be booked separately, starting at an eyebrow-raising $2,300 for a three-hour slot.

Then, just a week later, Chase opened the Sapphire Lounge by The Club at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport Airport (JFK). This second airport takes over the former Etihad Airways lounge in Terminal 4. While not as jaw-droppingly good as the new LaGuardia lounge, it is still a step up from your average Priority Pass effort.

Travelers holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve enjoy unlimited access to these two lounges (including two guests) through the complimentary Priority Pass membership offered with the card. Those with Priority Pass memberships through other cards (or purchased directly from Priority Pass) can access them once per year as a tempting taster, with extra visits (or guests) charged at $75 per visit.

Chase’s impressive investment in these lounges is likely part of a wider strategy to increase the value of the Sapphire Reserve. This card was one of the best options for frequent travelers when it first hit the market, but competition has heated up in the years since. Even it’s lower-priced brethren — Chase’s own Sapphire Preferred Card — carries generous earning rates, solid perks and comparable travel protections.

That said, the Reserve card’s higher annual fee could now be a savvy investment if you live in New York or pass through these airports regularly.

Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve: Should you go mid-tier or premium?

In other news, the following loyalty programs are also offering bonuses on purchasing points and miles:

• Alaska Airlines MileagePlan: Earn up to a 60% bonus on points purchases by Feb 24 with purchase rates as low as 1.85 cents per point.
• Hilton Honors: Get a 100% bonus on purchased points by March 12, at 0.5 cents per point.
• JetBlue TrueBlue: Earn a 90% bonus when you buy 3,000 or more points before March 31, 2024, at a rate as low as 1.32 cents per point.
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards: Earn up to a 45% bonus on points purchases by Feb. 23 with purchase rates as low as 1.65 cents per point.

Travel credit card offers

Beyond these developments, there is no shortage of great welcome bonuses on many popular cards. Here are a few of our favorites this month.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Right now, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Per TPG’s valuation, that’s worth $1,230 when you leverage transfer partners or $750 if you redeem through the Chase travel portal at 1.25 cents per point.

The card comes with a manageable $95 annual fee, along with a variety of travel protections and additional perks — like a $50 annual hotel credit for reservations made through the Chase travel portal and a 10% anniversary points bonus based on your previous year’s spending.

Of course, you may want to spring for the Chase Sapphire Reserve instead. While the card has a hefty $550 annual fee, it includes perks like Priority Pass lounge access, an annual $300 travel credit and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, among other benefits. Plus, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining expenses, so you can quickly rack up rewards for your next big trip.

For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

On the higher end of the spectrum is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, one of the most exciting travel credit cards on the market, thanks to great earning rates and included perks.

The card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth $1,388, according to our valuations, thanks to Capital One’s excellent airline and hotel transfer partners.

For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Official application link: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The standard Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is currently offering the same welcome bonus as the Venture X. You can earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Like the Venture X, the Venture card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on everything you purchase.

For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Official application link: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

With the current welcome offer on the Amex Platinum, you’ll earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership — though you may be targeted for a higher offer through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).

American Express® Gold Card

One of the most popular cards with TPG staffers, the Amex Gold offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 based on our valuations — but be sure to check the CardMatch tool to see if you’re targeted for an even higher offer (offer subject to change at any time).

The card is great for many everyday purchases. You’ll earn 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).

For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.

Official application link: American Express Gold Card

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Airline credit cards can be valuable tools to help you save money and enjoy the additional perks while flying. While some airlines have started offering no-fee credit cards, they are typically stripped-down versions that don’t deliver many valuable benefits.

On the other hand, the best airline credit cards provide the first checked bag for free, priority boarding, discounts on inflight purchases and additional rewards on your spending … for an annual fee.

Still, there are great airline credit cards with annual fees of under $100 a year, and some of them even waive the first year’s annual fee so you can test drive the benefits before paying a fee.

Here’s a list of the best airline credit cards with annual fees under $100 and why you might want to consider each.

The best airline credit cards with annual fees under $100

• Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
• JetBlue Plus Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• United Explorer Card

The information for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and JetBlue Plus cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Comparison of the best airline credit cards with annual fees of $100 or less

Card	Annual fee	Reward rates	Welcome offer
Alaska Airlines Visa credit card	$95	3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit, including ride-share, purchases 1 mile per dollar on other purchases	Earn 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard	$99, waived first year	2 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases, restaurants and gas purchases 1 mile per dollar on other purchases	Earn 50,000 miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months of account opening.
JetBlue Plus Card	$99	6 miles per dollar on eligible JetBlue purchases 2 miles per dollar on dining and eligible grocery purchases 1 mile per dollar on other purchases	Earn 60,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card	$99	3 miles per dollar spent on Southwest purchases 2 miles per dollar on local transit and commuting (including ride-hailing services) 2 miles per dollar spent on internet, cable, and phone services and  select streaming 2 miles per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners 1 mile per dollar on other purchases	Earn a Companion Pass (good through Feb. 28, 2025) and 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
United Explorer Card	$0 introductory annual fee the first year, then $95	2 miles per dollar on United, dining, and hotel purchases (direct with hotel) 1 mile per dollar on other purchases	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

 

Alaska Airlines Visa credit card

Annual fee: $95

Current sign-up bonus: Earn 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Why it’s worth it: The Alaska Airlines Visa credit card is most famous for its annual Companion Fare. This benefit allows the cardholder to book a paid round-trip economy airfare on the airline and add a companion for only $99 (plus taxes and fees from $23). Best of all, the primary ticket can be purchased for someone else, too, and both the first passenger and the companion earn miles and are eligible for upgrades, just like with a paid ticket.

Eligible purchases from Alaska Airlines earn 3 miles per dollar, while all other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar. Cardholders also receive 20% back on inflight purchases.

The card provides one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to six guests on the same reservation. With checked bag fees of $30 each way, that’s a savings of $60 per person on every round-trip flight.

Related: Your guide to earning and redeeming with Alaska Airlines MileagePlan

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Apply here: Alaska Airlines Visa credit card

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Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

Annual fee: $99, waived for the first 12 months

Current sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 in the first three months of account opening.

Why it’s worth it: The Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard earns 2 miles per dollar spent on dining, gas, and eligible American Airlines purchases. These bonus categories are a quick way to earn enough miles for a free flight.

You’ll also earn a $125 flight credit when you spend $20,000 each account year and renew your card.

But the big savings come with people who check their bags. Cardholders and up to four companions traveling on the same itinerary can get their first bags checked for free. That’s a savings of $60 per person on round-trip flights.

 

Related: Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard review

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JetBlue Plus Card

Annual fee: $99

Current sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days.

Why it’s worth it: JetBlue Plus cardholders earn an additional 5,000 bonus points yearly when they renew the card. With JetBlue points worth 1.4 cents on average, according to TPG valuations, this welcome bonus is worth $840, and the annual bonus is worth $70.

Cardholders also receive the first checked bag free for themselves and up to three companions on the same reservation, which saves the $35 fee each way. For a family of four, that’s a savings of $280 on a round-trip flight. Plus, you’ll save 50% on inflight, inflight food and cocktail purchases.

 

Related: JetBlue Plus Card review

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

Annual fee: $99

Current sign-up bonus: Earn a Companion Pass (good through Feb. 28, 2025) plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

Why it’s worth it: In addition to the valuable welcome bonus, cardholders earn 3 points per dollar on dining, including restaurants, takeout, and eligible delivery services, for the first year.

With this card, you’ll also receive 6,000 bonus anniversary points when you renew your card each year. With Southwest points worth an average of 1.4 cents each, that’s $84 toward future travel that comes close to offsetting the card’s annual fee.

Related: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card review

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Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

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United Explorer Card

Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95

Current sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

Why it’s worth it: The United Explorer Card is the only one on this list that includes airline club passes (two one-time United Club passes each year), upgrade eligibility on award tickets, and reimbursement of up to $100 for either a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee once every four years (4½ years for PreCheck). These benefits, plus the fact that the first year’s annual fee is waived, make it a no-brainer to try out.

Cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays booked directly with hotels. All other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar. Folks with this card also receive a first checked bag free for themselves and one companion traveling on the same reservation. Although this is the lowest number of free checked bags of any card on this list, it still amounts to a potential savings of $140 per round-trip itinerary.

Related: United Explorer Card review

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Apply here: United Explorer Card

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Bottom line

Airline credit cards offer numerous benefits for travelers. Although some of the best airline credit cards charge annual fees, at the minimum, you can still expect the benefits of free checked bags, discounts on inflight purchases, and priority boarding with those that charge $100 or less per year to carry.

After a long gray winter, there are few things that can lift my mood like seeing the first pink cherry blossoms of spring filling the sky with their delicate blooms.

I’m especially lucky — some of the best buds on the East Coast bloom near me at Branch Brook Park in Newark (yes, that Newark). The 5,000 trees create a cotton candy skyline for a week in early April that banishes all thoughts of bleak winter days.

I’m not the only one who feels the cherry blossoms’ positive mood pull. The Japanese equate sakura, cherry blossoms, with new beginnings, and the act of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, in early spring is met with both reverence and celebration in Japan, with multiple generations spending days and evenings at parties, picnics and festivals lauding this fresh new start.

Although Japan, especially Tokyo, is equated with hanami celebrations, you can find sakura in destinations around the globe. It’s the perfect excuse to plan spring travel — a cherry blossom pilgrimage offers not just the visual spectacle of the blooms and their aftermath of soft silky petals covering the ground like fragrant snow, but a chance to immerse yourself in the culture of each destination, too.

Related: The best places to see cherry blossoms around the US this spring

Of course, trees can be temperamental depending on the weather, so build a bit of time buffer into your travels if you’re planning a trip specifically around seeing the delicate pink and cream blooms and their flower fireworks.

 From Amsterdam to Japan, here’s where to immerse yourself in spring’s sakura.

Tokyo

If you’re considering traveling to see spring’s cherry blossom bloom, chances are you have Tokyo in your sights already, since sakura are synonymous with this city, where the tradition of hanami dates back 1,200 years. The entire city celebrates the blooms with picnics and events, special sakura-themed menus, and hanami bento and snack spots near viewing areas.

There are multiple locations around Tokyo to view the pink sakura wave. Among the most prominent is Ueno Park, which transforms into a pink wonderland with 1,000 flowering trees that bring millions of visitors to bask in their rosy glow. In the evenings, the park is illuminated for a glowing nighttime visit. Another top stop is Chidorigafuchi Park, where the Imperial Palace is located, which is especially memorable for its nearly half-mile tunnel of blooms plus a sakura-lined canal that you can boat through. 

According to Japan’s cherry blossom forecast, Tokyo’s blooms are predicted to start March 23 and be at full flower on March 30. (Once again, these dates can wiggle a bit depending on Mother Nature.)

Where to stay: Staying near major transportation hubs will make it easy to see sakura around the city (and not be stuck in the crowds at the most popular spots). The Conrad Tokyo occupies the top floors of the Shiodome skyscraper, with stellar views of Tokyo Bay, and is near several train stations. It’s also next to Hama-rikyu Gardens, a hidden gem for peaceful sakura viewing. During peak hanami, the last week in March, rooms start at $818 or 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Related: The best hotels in Tokyo for your next Japan getaway

Kyoto, Japan

It’s not just Tokyo where the sakura are revered in Japan. Kyoto is also world-renowned for its surge of cherry blossoms that bloom just in time for spring and romantically outline the tranquil pathways of its many parks. Known as the cultural heart of Japan, and serving as the central preservation hub for Japan’s vibrant culture and history, seeing the sakura among its 2,000 temples and shrines — including Nijo Castle and Toji Temple — truly imbues the ancient practice with a sense of history.

One particularly special spot is Philosopher’s Path, which weaves through cherry tree-lined canals between the Ginkakuji and Nanzenji temples. It’s a particularly serene setting for hanami. For evening viewing, Maruyama-Koen Park is especially popular for its illuminated branches and picnic areas under the bowers.

According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation, peak sakura viewing in Kyoto will start with the first blooms on March 23 and peak on March 31. The city sponsors multiple events, including night viewings.

Where to stay:  The Park Hyatt Kyoto has a prime location in the Higashiyama ward and combines modern luxury with ancient pagoda guesthouse-style accommodations. (TPG staffers also love its French-inspired teppanyaki dining at Yasaka and its convivial bar, Kohaku, where craft cocktails are served with classic Kyoto views). Rates during hanami start at $1,273 or 35,000-45,000 World of Hyatt points per night, making it a great option for World of Hyatt loyalists.

Related: What’s faster: Race from Tokyo to Kyoto by Japan Airlines plane and bullet train

Seoul, South Korea

The cherry blossom spectacle at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul is a must-see, and it doesn’t have the same influx of foreign travelers that you’ll find in Tokyo, so you can avoid some of the flower-viewing crush that’s become part of the experience there. Some of the top viewing spots are Yeouido Park and Gyeongbokgung Palace, both of which have stunning views of clouds of blooms.  

The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the biggest viewing events in South Korea. It takes place in early April and features parades and performances, including a magical night lantern parade. Although it’s not in Seoul, it’s possible to do a one-day excursion with Klook, where a bus will pick you up in the morning, take you to the festival and then bring you back in the evening.

Where to stay: The stylish Andaz Seoul Gangnam is centrally located, making it easy to walk to most of Seoul’s main attractions; plus, there’s direct access to Apgujeong station to reach the cherry blossom sites. Expect design details like bojagi, a traditional Korean cloth used to create textile art. The hotel has an array of hot tubs, a sauna and a lap pool. The property is a Category 5 World of Hyatt property; rooms start at $281 or 20,000 Hyatt points per night during the first week of April.

Related: A confluence of innovation and honored traditions: South Korea 2024

Paris

I am solidly in the camp that thinks Paris is always a good idea, especially in late March and the beginning of April when cerisiers (cherry trees) paint the town pink. 

You’ll find pockets of the pink flowers all around the city. Some top spots include near the Louvre at the Jardin du Palais-Royal, where you’ll also spot spring daffodils filling the flower beds. You can also catch the pink wave along the Champ de Mars leading to the Eiffel Tower and in the Trocadero Gardens (the ultimate Instagram selfie with the tower and the pink petals). One of my favorite cherry blossom spots in Paris — Square Jean XXIII, next to Notre Dame — is currently closed, but it should be open for the 2025 flower season, if you’re planning a trip for next year.

Unlike other destinations where you’ll find cherry blossom events, there are no organized festivals in the City of Light. Do like the Parisians do, and plan a picnic under the flowering bowers.

Where to stay: The Hotel du Louvre, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is tucked in between the Louvre and the Jardin du Palais-Royal, so you’ll have cherry blossom views no matter which way you turn when you walk out the door. For a double room in mid-April, the member rate with breakfast starts at $565 per night. This is a Hyatt Category 7 property, with point redemptions available for mid-April starting at 30,000 points per night. 

Related: The best hotels in Paris

Amsterdam

Although this might not be the biggest display in Europe, the cherry blossom season in Amsterdam has something that no other city can claim: a distinctly feminist feel. At Kersenbloesempark (Cherry Blossom Park) in Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) in Amstelveen, a suburb of Amsterdam located 5 miles south of downtown, the park’s 400 trees, a gift from the Japanese Women’s Club, are all named after women, with half in Dutch and half in Japanese. 

There are no exact dates for the blooms, but expect about a two-week bloom sometime in late March or early April. Note that picnicking is only allowed during weekdays, and there are no restrooms in the gardens (check out the Amstelveen website for nearby restaurants).

Where to stay: From the centrally located Kimpton DeWitt Amsterdam, it’s easy to both explore Amsterdam and to hop on tram line 5 to reach Amstelveen (about a 25-minute ride). IHG member rates for the hotel start at $231 a night in early April, with reward night stays starting at 31,000 IHG points. And as part of Kimpton’s Plant Pals program, the hotel will deliver a plant, which has a name and name tag, to your room.

Related: How to spend 1 day in Amsterdam

Jerte Valley, Spain

Sure, it’s impressive to see hundreds of cherry blossom trees together. And when you view thousands in one place, it’s quite a sight. But how about millions of trees? That’s what awaits in the Jerte Valley in the Extremadura region of Spain (about three hours west of Madrid), where more than 2 million cherry trees create a sea of petals in late March and early April.

During an extended celebration that runs from late March all the way into May, you’ll find everything from special marketplaces to medieval fairs, plus music, culture and cuisine events centered around the blooms. Unlike the ornamental varieties of Japanese cherry trees, the ones here produce prized fruit. If you return in May or June, you can even join the cherry harvest.

Where to stay: The Jerte Valley enjoys a rural setting, and there are no opportunities for points redemptions here. However, there are some authentic and welcoming places to spend the night, including Hospederia Valle del Jerte, which has a historic exterior but modern rooms. There’s an outdoor pool, a full breakfast and fantastic views of the valley, all for around $110 per night.

Washington, DC

As a former resident of the nation’s capital, I can attest that Washington’s nearly 4,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees transform the serious, buttoned-up city into a veritable pink carnival during the short lifespan of the blooms.

In addition to the festival held March 20 to April 14, with everything from a parade to a kite festival to a “Petalpalooza,” the Tidal Basin, where the majority of cherry blossoms are located, turns into a round-the-clock picnic scene, with thousands of people lying in the soft fallen petals, enjoying the spring weather.

Note that if ​​you can’t visit during the main peak bloom period, another variety of cherry blossom, the Kwanzan, usually blooms two weeks later in other parts of the city. And if you want to avoid the crowds, head to the National Arboretum for a much more relaxed viewing experience. 

Where to stay: Hilton fans will want to head to the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, which occupies the Old Post Office building. It’s grand and very ornate, with a multifloor atrium and even a 19-foot cherry blossom tree in the lobby, where a Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea is served. Special Cherry Blossom packages include a two-night stay, exclusive seating for the tea and special access to hanami locations around DC. Expect rates around $580 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night during the peak of bloom season.

Macon, Georgia

Here’s a U.S. spot for hanami that may come as a surprise: Macon, Georgia. The Yoshino trees here were mistaken for the more popular dogwood when they were originally planted in 1949, according to city officials. Today, though, the annual bloom is celebrated in big style. For 10 days — this year, the bloom is predicted from March 15 to 24 — the entire city turns pink as more than 350,000 cherry trees are in full bloom (by comparison, Washington has 3,800). 

This year a new event, The Pink Provisions Party on Poplar, on March 15, will feature local restaurants and bars presenting all of their signature creations for the celebration. Think cherry ice cream, pink doughnuts, foamy fuchsia cocktails, a cherry blossom pilsner from Ocmulgee Brewpub and even a cherry blossom coffee blend from Z Beans.

A live “Bloom Cam” feed allows those who can’t make it to watch the cherry trees as they announce the arrival of spring.

Where to stay: Use your Marriott points to stay at Hotel Forty Five, Macon, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. The new boutique 95-room hotel is right in the middle of all the pink party happenings, and you can check it out from the Hightales Rooftop Bar. Double room rates start at $216 or 39,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a night during cherry blossom season.

Vancouver, British Columbia

With more than 40,000 cherry trees, many of which came directly from Japan, Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park becomes a veritable puff of pink in the spring.

With so many trees comprising multiple varieties, the blooming period spreads over nearly two months, so if you’re visiting in March or April, you will likely be able to spot some petals on the trees. 

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 29 to April 25 (almost a full month), with a mix of arts and culture events, including a Japanese Sakura Days Fair, a Haiku Festival and a Blossoms After Dark event for illuminated evening viewing. 

Where to stay: Keep your stay green with a visit to the Fairmont Waterfront, whose organic rooftop garden grows everything from vegetables to fruit trees, not to mention beehives (you can try the honey at their “pollinator” dinner.) Room rates start at $299 a night in early April (Accor Live Limitless members receive 5% off the lowest rate).

Related: Booking the perfect Pacific Northwest summer vacation with points and miles

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria boasts the mildest year-round climate in Canada, and as a result it’s a haven for spring florals. Starting at the end of February and going until May, the city offers an incredibly extended, and impressive, cherry blossom bloom.

One of the most popular places to see the tapestry of pink hues is along the aptly named View Street in the heart of Downtown Victoria. It’s usually the first area to explode in a sea of pink flowers, so this is a stop for early birds.

Although there’s no formal festival, Victoria does have an interactive cherry blossom map, so you can find the blooms around the city whenever you visit in the spring.

Where to stay:  The Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour is a TPG favorite, with availability starting at $225 or 36,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a night in March. There are cherry blossoms around the harbor area for easy viewing, and the hotel has a pool for post-hanami relaxation.

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If you want to book a last-minute spring break flight, this Southwest Airlines deal is for you. One-way flights starting at $69 are available to book across the carrier’s network.

This deal is timely, as it only lasts through Feb. 8. It also includes flights for travel through most of May.

Deal basics

Airline: Southwest
Routes: Across the Southwest network
How to book: Directly with the airline
Travel dates: Feb. 27—May 22
Book by: Thursday at 11:59 p.m. PST
Blackout dates: Varies by route; travel blacked out on certain dates to and from Puerto Rico and Hawaii

Note that a 21-day advance purchase is required for this sale, and sale fares are nonrefundable. Fares purchased through this sale are limited based on availability, and they apply to nonstop travel when available or a single connecting service. Rapid Rewards bookings do not include the $5.60 in taxes and fees each way.

Sample flights

If your travel dates are flexible, use the airline’s Low Fare Calendar to search your desired routes. For example, you could book a round-trip journey from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Miami International Airport (MIA) the first week of March for just more than $200.

Sale flights will be indicated on the calendar. You will also see the original price crossed out when viewing flights.

The cheapest flights available will be Wanna Get Way and Wanna Get Away Plus fares, which allow travelers to bring two free checked bags and two carry-on items. They can also be canceled up to 10 minutes before departure for free changes. Wanna Get Away fares that are canceled will receive a flight credit in lieu of a refund and also include free inflight entertainment and messaging.

Since this sale includes flights across the Southwest network, be sure to search your desired routes for possible sale fares.

Maximize your purchase

If you book this deal, use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card: 2 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card: 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases
• 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)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: 2 points per dollar spent on travel

Bottom line

Whether you need a trip for spring break or an early spring trip in April or May, this deal may be helpful for your travel needs.

Be sure to book by the end of the day on Thursday.

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Hyatt took another blow on the partnership front this week, as Hilton is now poised to be the new exclusive partner with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a platform of 560 independent luxury hotels around the world.

The partnership is a major boost to Hilton’s luxury network, which currently relies on brands like Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and LXR Hotels & Resorts, which is a soft brand of independent-style hotels that tap into the Hilton booking and loyalty systems.

SLH has been a Hyatt partner since 2018 and was a major boost for Hyatt in Europe, where it had a smaller footprint — especially prior to the Apple Leisure Group takeover. This is the second blow to Hyatt on the partnership front in less than a year, as MGM Hotels & Resorts ditched the hotel company last year in favor of a partnership with Marriott slated to begin early this year.

“We’re thrilled to begin this win-win relationship with Hilton as it brings exciting possibilities for both brands,” Shaun Leleu, chairman of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, said in a statement. “Hilton customers, including Hilton Honors members, gain access to our unrivalled collection of exceptional boutique hotels, while our properties enjoy amplified reach to a loyal and discerning audience. It’s a game changer for independently owned hotels on a global scale.”

Hyatt did not respond to TPG’s request for comment in time for publication, but World of Hyatt members aren’t entirely out of luck on the bespoke luxury hotel front: The company acquired the Mr & Mrs Smith booking platform of luxury hotels last year.

The SLH-Hilton partnership, which will fully roll out in the coming months, means all Hilton Honors members will be able to book a stay at a participating SLH property and earn and redeem Hilton Honors points. Participating SLH properties will appear on Hilton’s booking channels, meaning even non-Hilton Honors members who book direct can still opt for a stay at an SLH-partnered hotel.

Given the release’s use of “participating,” it appears not every SLH property will take part in the Hilton partnership (similar to how it worked with Hyatt).

“This relationship with Small Luxury Hotels of the World will grant Hilton customers and Hilton Honors members access to a community of high-end boutique hotels in exciting new luxury travel destinations, giving them more ways to dream, book, and earn and redeem points with Hilton,” Chris Silcock, Hilton’s president of global brands and commercial services, said in a statement.

Hilton’s luxury push

The SLH partnership announcement arrived the same day Hilton reported a $1.15 billion profit for all of 2023, including $150 million for the last three months of the year. Eyes are still on what’s happening at the company and its push further into the luxury and lifestyle space.

Reports emerged this week Hilton is considering an acquisition of Graduate Hotels, a smaller chain of lifestyle hotels in college towns or cities with a significant higher education presence. But the company is also reportedly considering an acquisition of NoMad Hotels, a two-property brand that could unlock the door for Hilton’s ambition to operate in the luxury lifestyle hotel sector.

Given SLH has a significant mix of traditional luxury hotels, it’s likely Hilton would still be considering an additional brand play in order to better compete in the luxury lifestyle sector currently dominated by players like Marriott’s Edition and Hyatt’s Alila.

This story will be updated following this morning’s Hilton earnings call.

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The Americas Lodging Investment Summit, a major hotel conference held each January in Los Angeles, is an industry star-studded, three-day affair that usually points to where the hotel sector is heading for the rest of the year.

The CEOs of major companies like Marriott, Hyatt and Wyndham all convene here as well as their leadership teams and company analysts. ALIS is a great chance at the start of the new year for nosy reporters like yours truly to see what’s happening in the industry and who’s willing to chat.

There are plenty of reasons for travelers to be excited after this year’s ALIS: new brands, new booking platforms in the works and far more amenities at the hotel level are just a few things discussed by major hotel leaders. But there are also reasons to be concerned: Tensions between brands and hotel owners seemed to be at an all-time high this year — and they weren’t exactly rosy to begin with.

Here are our takeaways from ALIS and how your next trip could be impacted by the vibes from last month’s conference.

Hotel owners don’t want to upgrade

On a good day, hotel companies and the hotel property owners who pay for the rights to use their associated brands on a building don’t always see eye to eye. In case you were wondering: Marriott and Hilton don’t own much real estate. Instead, individual hotel owners or real estate conglomerates own the property and pay Marriott and Hilton licensing and management fees to use the branding and oversee operations.

Hotel companies dictate the look of a brand and the overall amenities and offerings. Marriott decides on things that go into a hotel, like breakfast items served at a Residence Inn or the Westin Heavenly bed, and the owner of the hotel is in charge of keeping up with whatever tweaks and changes come along the way. If you don’t keep up with those brand standards, you run the risk of losing the right to franchise out the branding.

There’s always been tension there since hotel owners feel like brands are constantly trying to offer more to woo guests, but that ultimately costs owners money to keep up with the new vibe. Coming out of the pandemic, the brands relaxed these standards to enable owners to hold onto cash at a time when nobody was traveling. But travel is back with a roar, and brand standards are in full swing.

The simmering tension felt at ALIS stemmed from a variety of real estate folks TPG talked to who said they were on the cusp of calling the brands’ bluff: Brands need to show Wall Street they’re constantly adding rooms to their networks in order to boost their share price. Are they really going to nix a contract if a hotel owner of a property with decent guest feedback simply doesn’t want to undergo a costly renovation?

What’s causing this tension to brew more than usual? Look at how hotel companies are doing compared to hotel ownership groups. In the last five years, the stock market share price of Hilton is up a whopping 163% while Marriott is up 112%, Hyatt is up 84% and IHG Hotels & Resorts is up 66% as of mid-afternoon Tuesday.

But for the lodging ownership groups, it’s a different story. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (owner of the 1 Hotel San Francisco and the Mondrian Los Angeles) is down nearly 52% in the same timeframe. Park Hotels & Resorts, which spun out of Hilton in 2017, is down nearly 50%, and Service Properties Trust, a major stakeholder in the rapidly growing Sonesta brand, is down almost 72%.

The discord, coupled with an extremely tough financing market, means hotel owners are likely to push back on any extra costs coming their way over the next few years. It’s hard not to sympathize when you see the disparity of lodging ownership stocks plunging while hotel brand stocks soar. A few ALIS attendees said they anticipate the hotel brands will have to step in and offer some kind of assistance if they want renovations at key properties — think: the trophy hotels in prime locations with a lot of visitors.

If not, travelers are going to continue to have to put up with hotels that are charging high rates but are showing plenty of wear and tear. That ultimately eats away at customer satisfaction scores and starts to diminish the reputation of those brands with sky-high stock prices.

Wyndham and Choice Hotels battle…on lifestyle hotels

While Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Choice Hotels duke it out of their maybe/maybe-not merger prospects, the two brands duked it out at ALIS in terms of lifestyle hotel offerings.

We’re going to hand this round to Wyndham, as the company came out of left field with its Project HQ offering with nightlife legend Sam Nazarian. Nobody saw it coming, the announcement was arguably the biggest news to break from the conference, and there will be plenty of salivating over whether this finally cracks the code of bringing genuinely trendy lifestyle hotels to the broader traveling public. Edition and Thompson Hotels won’t work in just every city. Project HQ, however, can go in a lot more places given its affordable price point and lower cost to renovate.

That said, Choice Hotels, which now owns the Americas division of Radisson, garnered some attention by focusing on the Radisson Blu brand as its top-tier brand going forward now that Radisson has been integrated into the Choice portfolio. A $15 million renovation at the Radisson Blu Mall of America is meant to signal the next chapter for the brand in the Americas.

“We only have 10 [Radisson Blu hotels] in the Americas, so it’s a great opportunity to leverage a great platform,” said Raul Ramirez, the chief segment and international operations officer at Choice Hotels.

Barry Sternlicht’s booming brands

Barry Sternlicht may be known best in the hotel orbit for being the former CEO of Starwood Hotels who spearheaded the creation of W Hotels and led it through its heyday. Today, he’s the chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels.

While a lot of attention is paid to the giant ownership groups, SH Hotels & Resorts has a hefty expansion underway across each of its brands. 1 Hotels has 11 properties open, with additional hotels in the works in Austin, Cabo San Lucas, Copenhagen, Paris, Melbourne in Australia and the Greek island of Crete.

Baccarat Hotel New York is the ultra-luxury brand’s flagship location, but additional hotels are underway and slated to open over the next few years in Rome, Florence, Dubai and Riyadh, while a standalone residential project is expected to open in Miami in 2027.

Treehouse, the company’s eco-friendly brand, has upcoming openings in Silicon Valley, Miami, Riyadh, Manchester in the U.K. and Adelaide, Australia.

“The beauty of this platform is the three brands are really diverse,” said SH Hotels & Resorts CEO Raul Leal. “There’s totally something different offered to each consumer base.”

Ennismore has more in store for the U.S.

It’s always interesting to see how Paris-based Accor navigates the U.S. hotel conferences, as the company isn’t as popular here across all price points as its competitors. Instead, it tends to focus more on luxury brands like Raffles and Fairmont, as well as the lifestyle hotel company Ennismore, of which Accor has a majority stake.

Ennismore — which includes brands like The Hoxton, SLS and Mondrian — is supposed to be a growth driver for Accor in the U.S. Alas, the company’s recent release of upcoming openings largely left this part of the world out. Don’t take this as a slight, the company’s leaders say.

“2025 will be a fairly big year [in the U.S.],” said Ennismore co-CEO Gaurav Bhushan. “We’ve got some announcements to come.”

Making sense of Accor’s latest reorg

Speaking of Accor, we’re a little curious about what’s happening with Orient Express. The brand was previously clustered with Raffles in an Accor ultra-luxury headquarters based in New York City amid last year’s corporate reshuffling du jour at the French hotel giant (which gets a few eye rolls in the industry for its frequent reshuffling of the deck chairs at company HQ). Orient Express is going to offer everything from hotels to superyachts to ultra-luxury trains. Yes, there’s already an Orient Express train run for years by Belmond. Yes, the Accor team might bristle at the comparison, as they claim theirs will be far more luxurious and spacious.

Orient Express’s time in the Big Apple didn’t last long.

Late last year, it was announced Orient Express is now going to be based in Paris and overseen by Gilda Perez-Alvarado, a hotel industry powerhouse who previously served as CEO of real estate brokerage JLL’s hotels and hospitality group. Perez-Alvarado was tapped last year to be Accor’s new group strategy officer. Now, she’s also in charge of getting Orient Express off the ground, on the sea and rolling down the rails.

It’s kind of a no-brainer to the outside as to why Perez-Alvarado and her real estate and development experience would be a sell for overseeing a brand that involves, well, real estate and development. But it’s curious that Accor representatives — thrice — have downplayed that and instead say it’s more about having the team all together in Paris.

That’s a bit like inviting Beyoncé to sing in a Houston choir and trying to pass it off that it’s less about the singing capabilities and more about having a local native take part.

Things are still a little vague on the timing of everything debuting at Orient Express, and Accor has declined the opportunity for an interview.

We’ll be waiting with our eyes to the sea, tracks and Italy — the first two Orient Express hotels are slated for Rome and Venice — in the meantime.

Hotel brands want to be a one-stop travel shop

During the last season of “The White Lotus,” the Wall Street Journal ran a story chiding all those fictional one percenters filled with woe, drama and ennui and their penchant for largely eating at the hotel instead of getting out and enjoying Sicily.

But hotel companies increasingly want to be that one-stop shop for travel spend. OK, maybe don’t anticipate Marriott Airlines for the masses anytime soon, but think more along the lines of Marriott being the place where you can get a vacation rental, a hotel stay or even accommodations for a longer stay if you find yourself on the road for work. Want to hit the high seas? Hop aboard the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection!

Further, hotel companies in their expansion to more affordable price points with brands like Hilton’s Spark and IHG’s Garner show the industry wants to meet travelers at all price points. The lifestyle hotel movement means building hotels with restaurants and bars that guests want to actually eat at instead of, say, exploring Sicily.

That’s not just about having cool factor bragging rights.

“When I had a more prominent role in development, often the question I would get most was some version of ‘describe to me your development strategy,’” said Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano, who previously served as the company’s chief development officer, during a press breakfast at ALIS. “That was often the easiest question to answer because I will say I want to capture from our guests as close to 100 cents on the dollar of their travel wallet as possible. The easiest way to do that is to make sure we have the right product everywhere our guests want to travel.”

Have a vacation type on your mind? If all goes according to plan, each of these companies should have something to offer you, no matter what you’re craving or willing to spend.

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Hilton might become a leading hotel player in college towns and cities across the U.S.

The hotel giant is considering an acquisition of Graduate Hotels, a brand that’s heavily concentrated in the U.S. but also has properties in the U.K., Bloomberg first reported Monday afternoon. Graduate began as a boutique hotel brand focusing on U.S. college towns like Oxford, Mississippi (home of the University of Mississippi), Athens, Georgia (home of the University of Georgia), and Ann Arbor, Michigan (home of the University of Michigan).

The company has since expanded to larger cities — albeit ones with a significant higher education presence — like Nashville, New York City and Providence, Rhode Island.

The Bloomberg report noted a potential deal isn’t finalized. A Hilton spokesperson declined to comment on market rumors or speculation when contacted by TPG.

A potential brand takeover would be a strategic departure for Hilton, which has largely followed a path of organically launching and growing brands while its competitors like Marriott, Hyatt and IHG acquired brands to get into spaces they hadn’t previously occupied or geographic areas where they had a limited presence.

“The name of the game in the hotel business these days is definitely consolidation of brands,” said LW Hospitality Advisors CEO Daniel Lesser.

The Graduate Hotels deal isn’t even the first rumored brand takeover for Hilton in recent months.

Investor and analyst chatter at last week’s Americas Lodging Investment Summit pointed to Hilton’s potential takeover of the trendy NoMad Hotels brand, which operates hotels in Las Vegas and London. That would add fuel to Hilton leadership’s hint that some sort of luxury lifestyle brand expansion was in the works at the company, but most assumed the company would launch its own brand in this space.

“There are pluses and minuses to everything,” Lesser said. “If you [develop and launch a brand] organically, it takes a lot of time. Time is money, as opposed to acquiring where it’s sort of instant gratification.”

Not to overly speculate, but Hilton pulling a one-two-punch acquisition of both brands would also give the company immediate exposure to the lifestyle hotel sector across a variety of markets and price points.

Graduate Hotels could deliver a lifestyle hotel offering in smaller markets that still want a cool hotel with local bars and restaurants. NoMad can be the head-to-head competitor of Marriott’s Edition in some of the world’s largest — and priciest — cities.

If Paris Hilton’s bedazzled, Hilton-branded clutch for the Grammy Awards last night is any clue, it’s clear Hilton is all about shiny things these days that garner maximum exposure.

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What does cruise travel insurance cover? And does it pay to buy cruise travel insurance?

The answer is not always clear-cut, as we’ll discuss in this guide. But consider this: It’s not always smooth seas when it comes to cruising. Even the best-laid plans for a cruise vacation can sometimes be thrown off course by an unexpected event.

You might need to cancel a cruise in advance due to the sudden onset of an illness, such as COVID-19 or the flu. Or, maybe you fall ill during the cruise and need emergency medical attention. Maybe your flight to your ship gets canceled, and you miss the vessel’s departure. Or your ship is late arriving in port at the end of a voyage, and you miss your flight home.

In all of these situations, you might benefit from having cruise travel insurance — keyword “might.”

Cruise insurance policies vary widely, and not every policy covers every type of mishap. That’s why it always pays to read the fine print in a travel insurance policy before you purchase it to know what you’re getting in advance.

It’s also why you should read this introduction to everything you need to know about cruise insurance. It has many details, but the next time something unexpected happens on your cruise vacation, you’ll be glad to be educated and covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

What does travel insurance cover when you cruise?

The typical cruise insurance policy covers a wide range of circumstances that can go wrong in conjunction with a vacation at sea — both before and during the sailing.

For starters, policies often will reimburse you for the cost of canceling a cruise due to a last-minute crisis. They will also often cover costs related to an interruption of a cruise (maybe your ship breaks down, requiring you to fly home mid-voyage). These two elements are known as trip-cancellation and trip-interruption insurance, and they are bundled into a typical travel insurance policy.

Some policies will also cover out-of-pocket costs related to a flight delay or cancellation that results in you missing your cruise departure (for instance, the cost of catching up to the ship at its next port). Expenses related to baggage delays and loss are often covered as well.

But perhaps most importantly, many travel insurance policies will cover medical expenses you incur while on a cruise. Some will even cover the cost of evacuating from a foreign destination if you are in the midst of a medical crisis.

Travel insurance giant Allianz Global Assistance reports that 53% of all cruise-related “billing reasons” for claims are because of illness for the insured person, while 14% are for an injury. Another 8% are for the illness of a family member, 4% for the death of a family member and 4% for the illness of a traveling companion, among other reasons.

Those percentages include illness and accidents that happen to cruisers just before a trip, making travel impossible. But, in many cases, such claims result from illness and injuries that occur during voyages.

“People often take risks during vacation that they might not take back home, whether riding a jet ski, zipping around on a motorized scooter in a city they don’t know well or hiking unfamiliar terrain,” James Page, senior vice president and chief administration officer of AIG Travel, told TPG.

Some policies also cover the financial default of a travel provider. In such cases, if your cruise line goes out of business before you sail, you could get all — or at least some — of your money back.

Cruise travel insurance policies don’t cover everything. For instance, standard travel insurers generally will not reimburse you for the cost of a cruise you cancel due to worries about an outbreak of an illness. That’s true even if a U.S. government agency such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues a recommendation that you don’t cruise due to an illness outbreak, as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you want the ultimate flexibility to cancel for such a reason or any other, you’ll want to look into a more expensive cancel for any reason travel insurance upgrade.

Related: Avoiding outbreaks isn’t covered by most travel insurance policies

Where to find a cruise travel insurance policy

You can buy a travel insurance policy directly from your cruise line when booking your trip or through your travel agent (if you’re using one, which often is a good idea when booking a cruise). You also can go directly to a third-party travel insurance provider or a travel-insurance aggregator site, such as InsureMyTrip or TravelInsurance. Your credit card might even give you some travel protections.

Here’s what you need to know about each type of cruise travel insurance.

Third-party insurance companies

Third-party insurance companies that specialize in writing travel insurance include AIG Travel, Allianz Travel Insurance, Travelex Insurance and American Express Travel Insurance.

One reason to use a travel agent or a travel aggregator: They can help you find a policy that offers added coverage specific to cruising.

Related: The Points Guy’s guide to the best travel insurance companies

“Many plans now offer benefits that will specifically appeal to cruise travelers, such as missed connection, missed port-of-call and cruise disablement coverage,” Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com, said.

Missed connection coverage reimburses cruisers for a set dollar amount if they need to rebook travel to catch up with their cruise at the next port. Missed port-of-call coverage pays a benefit if the cruise ship misses a scheduled port of call due to weather, a natural disaster or a mechanical breakdown.

Cruise disablement coverage pays a benefit if the traveler is confined on a ship for more than five hours without power, food, water or restrooms.

As noted, policies vary widely. It’s a good idea to compare plans and make sure the one you buy has the elements that are most important to you. One size doesn’t fit all.

Credit cards with travel benefits

Some premium credit cards offer valuable travel protections comparable to what you might get from a standard travel insurance plan. For example, the travel insurance provided when you pay for travel with select cards can reimburse you for expenses if your baggage is damaged, you’re stranded overnight due to a flight delay or cancellation, or you have to return home to handle a family medical emergency.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card, for example, offers trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, emergency medical coverage and even medical evacuation coverage, among other benefits. And yes, cruise lines are considered common carriers just like airlines.

If you’re planning to rely on a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express* (among others) for travel insurance, just be sure to recheck your card’s benefits and limits carefully against regular travel insurance. You must pay for at least part — and sometimes all — of the trip with that credit card to take advantage of its protections.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises 

Find out if your credit card protection includes travel accident insurance or covers preexisting medical conditions, and figure out when it will pay you back. Other questions to ask: What are the coverage limits? Will you have to pay for a foreign hospital bill upfront and then seek reimbursement later?

Cruise lines

Cruise lines often ask consumers booking a cruise to buy the line’s own protection at the time of purchase. If specifics about the coverage are lacking, always ask the line for details in advance, review coverage perks and limits; then, compare those to one or two independent travel insurance policies or your credit card’s insurance benefits.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Cruise line travel insurance policies sometimes have quirks. Many cruise companies will only offer a travel voucher or credit for future use in the event of a covered cancellation, not an outright refund.

Also, financial default may not be a covered event in a cruise line-sold policy, but it’s typically covered with plans from third-party travel insurance companies.

Cruise line policies also can be more restrictive.

“Cruise line insurance seems to have become better and has more widespread coverage than in the past, but it typically won’t cover air or pre- and post-travel [arrangements] unless those elements are purchased through [the line],” said Debra Kerper, a Cruise Planners travel adviser from Carrollton, Texas, who books travel and sells private insurance. “This is when private insurance coverage becomes so very important.”

How much does cruise insurance cost?

Expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 8% of your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses for a travel insurance policy. That’s a wide range, we know, but it reflects the wide range of products out there.

You’ll also find some basic plans that cost even less than 4% of your trip expenses, while some super-premium plans that cover just about any conceivable issue can cost as much as 12% of your trip expenses.

Related: What’s included in your cruise fare?

All reputable insurance companies will offer a “free-look period” during which you can receive a 100% refund on your premium. This allows you to review the policy you’ve selected and return it for any reason within the period allotted — usually for a small administration fee of less than $10.

Under normal circumstances, you don’t need to purchase a so-called “cancel for any reason” add-on to your cruise travel insurance policy unless you really need the flexibility. The upgrades are significantly more expensive.

You can receive a quote and purchase a policy online in minutes with any credit card. Although you may think travel insurance should code as “travel” when paid on a credit card and thus be eligible for bonus points on certain cards, that isn’t always the case. Your points earnings will depend on the individual underwriter’s merchant code. When in doubt, expect the purchase to fall under the insurance category for earnings.

Should I buy travel insurance for a cruise?

Whether you buy travel insurance is a personal decision that will depend on many factors. Would you be willing to absorb the loss of canceling a cruise on short notice due to an illness or accident? Could you afford an evacuation flight from a far-off port if you suddenly became seriously ill? Only you can answer those sorts of questions.

Here are some things to consider as you make that decision.

You might not be covered by regular medical insurance while cruising

If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling internationally (which will be the case for most cruises), you may find that most private medical insurance plans in the U.S. won’t cover you.

Additionally, Original Medicare only covers people traveling outside U.S. borders in limited circumstances.

While certain Medicare Supplement Plans do have some foreign emergency medical benefits, not all do. Be sure to talk to your Medical Supplemental Plan provider to see if you’re covered, what’s covered, what the limits are and how the bill is paid.

Also note that, in some countries (particularly those in Central and South America), travelers may not be discharged from a hospital until their bill is paid in full.

Related: Trip wrecked: 7 ways to prepare for any kind of travel disaster

Plus, if you have a medical incident overseas, you could find yourself stuck in a shared hospital room without air conditioning or a private bathroom. The level of care may not be what you expect.

“For people traveling internationally, it’s crucial to know beforehand where to go for any treatment … and how they’re going to pay for that treatment,” Page said.

Getting evacuated for a medical condition is expensive

Most airlines won’t accept seriously ill passengers, those carrying bulky medical equipment or those requiring a full medical team.

Even a low-cost weekend getaway on a cruise to the Bahamas out of Miami can turn costly if you suffer a serious accident or illness requiring medical treatment or an emergency medical evacuation.

Related: Do cruise ships have doctors, nurses, medical centers or hospitals?

Being flown back to the U.S. from a far-flung overseas location in a private, medically equipped aircraft, with a professional medical team on board, can run between $70,000 and $180,000, according to Mike Hallman, president and CEO of Medjet, a medical transport membership company.

“Domestic transports, which we cover as well, can cost upwards of $30,000,” Hallman said.

Without proof of medical evacuation coverage, foreign providers will also want that money upfront. Hallman said that regular travel insurance will typically get you to an acceptable overseas hospital and even to a higher-level care facility if “medically necessary.” Alternatively, medical evacuation coverage means you can fly home to your own hospital, doctors and family — without claim forms, cost caps on transports or surprise bills.

The tandem approach — buying both travel insurance and a separate medevac transport membership — is a good option, Hallman said.

“We always recommend travel insurance, as it covers trip interruption, which is important, as well as medical coverage for the hospital and treatment costs,” he said. “We pick up where they leave off.”

You can’t predict the weather

Cruising is a great way to explore multiple destinations in one trip. But it’s good to remember that unexpected delays, interruptions or cancellations due to weather can happen during cruises, particularly during hurricane seasons in places such as the Caribbean and Asia (where hurricanes are called typhoons).

During a typical hurricane season (June 1 to Nov. 30), Allianz pays about 6,000 claims from customers whose travel plans in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and southeastern U.S. are affected by the storms, according to a spokesperson for Allianz Global Assistance USA.

If you’re hoping to insure against a storm-related disaster, it’s good to buy travel insurance as early as possible. Once a storm or hurricane is named, it’s too late to buy travel insurance to cover it.

Of course, cruise lines will move ships away from a weather threat. When the port lineup is adjusted or the cruise shortened, the company will offer the guest an onboard credit, onboard gift or future cruise credit rather than any refund. It depends on the circumstances of that specific voyage. You won’t be able to make a claim on your cruise travel insurance policy just for a minor itinerary change.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruising during hurricane season 

Costs can mount quickly when things go wrong

Even if the cruise line does provide a full or partial refund or cruise credit for an itinerary change or some other interruption, travelers could have to swallow the cost of other travel elements not purchased through the line. That could include nonrefundable flights, prepaid resort or hotel nights, nonrefundable tour fees and more.

Travel insurance can cover those, plus help with flight delays or cancellations, baggage loss or theft.

If a winter storm causes you to miss your flight to where the ship is boarding, “travel insurance could help you get to the next port to join the cruise, so you don’t miss your entire trip,” Page said.

In fact, 13% of “billing reasons” for claims to Allianz are for common carrier delays (such as a flight delay), while weather and natural disaster-related claims account for about 3%.

The government probably won’t bail you out

While cruise ships have medical facilities, they’re usually not equipped to treat serious illnesses. If you experience a serious medical problem on a vessel, you may have to get off the ship in a foreign port to seek treatment at a hospital. In such a case, if you don’t have medical evacuation insurance, you may then find yourself stranded in that port awaiting a medical evacuation.

Don’t expect Uncle Sam to step in and help foot the bill.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs clearly states the importance of buying travel insurance.

“The U.S. government does not provide medical insurance for U.S. citizens overseas,” the bureau says on the website. “We do not pay medical bills. You should purchase insurance before you travel.”

You may need more assistance than you think

If you’re injured or become severely ill during a cruise, especially in a foreign country, it may be difficult to access help without the assistance of trained professionals that comes with many insurance plans.

Many travel insurance companies provide around-the-clock assistance with locating overseas clinics and pharmacies, getting to a doctor or hospital, refilling lost or depleted prescriptions, assisting with up-front payments to hospitals, and arranging flight changes so you can get home.

Travel insurance companies also can arrange for an air ambulance, a nurse escort, oxygen and a lie-flat seat on a flight home if your medical condition warrants it.

You want to be careful if you have preexisting conditions

When you cruise, it’s important to be fully covered, which means having comprehensive medical coverage that includes any preexisting conditions. Otherwise, if you head into a doctor’s office overseas, have any tests completed, or visit an urgent care center or emergency room, you might not be covered.

Here, timing is extremely important. Cruisers seeking coverage of preexisting conditions, as well as cancel for any reason insurance, generally must book within seven to 21 days of the first payment they make for a trip. The timing varies by insurer.

Bottom line

Cruise insurance isn’t for every traveler — or even for every sailing. It’s not inexpensive. However, it can bring a lot of peace of mind if you’re about to head out to sea. Do your homework, compare plans and always assess the risks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

The fun of a cruise is equal parts what you do on board and what you do on shore. Cruise lines offer a full schedule of shore excursions to help you make the most of your time in port. However, the process of choosing and booking tours can be overwhelming for new cruisers.

I’ve taken shore excursions around the world, both ship-run and independent, and spent many days in port wandering on my own. Allow me to take you through the basics of cruise shore excursions, so you can learn to have the most fun no matter what your budget is.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

What is a cruise shore excursion?

A shore excursion is a group tour or activity aimed at cruise travelers who can only spend a limited time in each port they’re visiting on their itinerary.

A shore excursion could be a sightseeing bus tour, a guided visit to a museum or historic site, an athletic activity (like a hike, bike ride or snorkel outing), a day at the beach or a cooking or dance class. Shore excursions typically highlight the marquee attractions or culture of the destination you’re visiting. Sometimes an excursion will take you to sites within walking distance of your cruise; on other occasions, they might take you on a day trip to a nearby city.

Some shore excursions are targeted at families or can easily accommodate children. Some can accommodate passengers with mobility issues or other disabilities. Others may require a minimum level of fitness and are not suitable for everyone.

Shore excursions may be sold by your cruise line and organized with a partner provider. They can also be purchased through independent operators or third-party tour sellers.

Do you have to buy shore excursions on a cruise?

In most cases, you don’t need to book a shore excursion to explore a port of call. You can simply walk off the ship and stroll into town or catch a cab to take you wherever you want to go.

However, in some destinations, a shore excursion, or independently operated guided tour, is highly encouraged. This could be in places where it’s difficult to navigate as a foreigner who can’t speak the language or understand street signs or where the tourism infrastructure is not yet fully developed.

Can I book a shore excursion on my own instead of through my cruise line?

Yes. I use many factors to decide whether to take a ship’s tour, book an independent excursion or explore on my own in port. However, if you’re a novice traveler, you might want to book ship tours exclusively because they’re the simplest, easiest and most convenient options.

The benefits to a cruise line’s shore excursions are that they depart from and return to the ship; you don’t need to figure out where to meet a guide in a port you’ve never visited. Better still, should an unexpected problem (traffic, a medical emergency) occur during your outing, the ship will not leave port until all of its own tours have returned.

Independent tours, on the other hand, can be cheaper than cruise ship tours. I once saved hundreds of dollars organizing a group to go on an overnight, independently operated excursion to see Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza from Port Said, Egypt; the ship’s tours were incredibly marked up. Also, if you have a particular interest, the ship might not offer a tour for the activity or attraction you’re excited about.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Some third-party operators will customize a tour for you or your group, so you can spend more time at the places you most want to see. Sometimes these tour groups are also smaller than the large cruise ship tours — which can carry 30 to 60 people in a bus — so you will spend less time waiting for everyone.

Finally, some ports are simply wonderful to walk around, popping into shops and local restaurants or bars, going where you will. I’ve skipped tours in places like Key West, Florida; Tallinn, Estonia; Monaco; Nassau, Bahamas; Skagway, Alaska; Geiranger, Norway; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A map and a guidebook got me where I wanted to go.

How much are shore excursions on a cruise?

Cruise shore excursion prices vary widely depending on the cost of living in the cruise destination, what type of activity is involved and whether it’s a full- or half-day tour. Young children often pay a reduced rate for tours.

Looking at Princess Cruises’ shore excursions in Grand Cayman, a 2.5-hour stingray swim costs $70 per person, a 5-hour scenic island drive costs $100, and a 4-hour, two-tank scuba dive costs $180. In Juneau, Alaska, a 3-hour tour to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center costs $50 per person. A 3-hour gold panning activity and salmon bake costs $125, while a 2.25-hour tour to take a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier, where you can walk around on the ice for half an hour, costs $420.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, include the cost of basic shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you don’t care to do any specialty tours, you might be able to get all your port activities for free. Other lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, offer discounted tours or shore excursion credit as booking promotions.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money 

What’s the best way to book shore excursions?

If you plan to book shore excursions through your cruise line, you have a couple of options of how to book them.

You can book your tours online in advance, or have your travel agent do it for you. This is the best route if there’s a ship’s tour you absolutely want to take and you don’t want to risk its selling out. Book your tours the minute they open for reservations. When my parents traveled on a luxury Regent Seven Seas cruise, they said that waiting until the next morning to book tours meant that some of their choices were sold out.

The downside to booking tours in advance is that some cruise lines require that you pay for the tours in full, rather than putting them on your final cruise bill. It means you’re out the money in advance and it can be difficult to use onboard credit to cover the cost of excursions booked online.

Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Alternatively, you can wait until you’re on the ship and book your excursion in person at the shore excursions desk. You’ll be able to ask the staff questions about the tours, and the charges will be added to your final cruise bill. However, you do run the risk that a popular tour might be sold out by the time you’re ready to book.

The same is true with independent tours. Most people organize these ahead of time through a tour operator or travel agent. However, in popular cruise ports, there are often representatives waiting at the port or at a tourist office who can book you on same-day tours if space is available.

Is it cheaper to book shore excursions on the ship?

No. Most cruise lines either charge the same prices for shore excursions booked online and on board or offer a discount for tours purchased in advance. For example, Royal Caribbean often advertises up to 30% off select tours reserved ahead of the sailing.

Do I need to tip on shore excursions?

Whether you’re on a cruise line sponsored or independent shore excursion, a best practice is to tip your tour guides at the end of the tour. Exceptions are if tips are included in the price or if you’re visiting a country with a non-tipping culture, where offering cash would be awkward.

Related: Ultimate guide to tipping on cruise ships

Tipping is a personal matter, and there are no hard and fast rules. I canvassed TPG’s cruise team and we agreed that we give roughly $5 to $10 per person for half-day tours and $10 to $20 per person for full-day excursions, adjusted for service and quality. Tip non-guide drivers roughly $2 per person in your party.

You’ll likely want to tip more for customized, private tours — consider 5 to 20% of the cost of the tour.

How do I get the most from my cruise shore excursion?

The key to getting the most from your cruise shore excursion is to know what you want and make sure the tour description matches your expectations. I find that the more I cruise, the less I take ship-sponsored shore excursions because they don’t offer exactly what I want.

For example, if you’re considering a bus tour, make sure you understand how much time will be spent sitting on the bus and how much time will be at the destination or attraction, whether you will be looking at or going inside key attractions and whether there’s free time to explore. If it’s an activity, like snorkeling or a helicopter tour, read up on how much time is spent in transit and prep and how much time you will spend actually doing the activity.

Be sure to note the fitness level required and don’t try to take on more than you’re able to do. If you struggle with mobility, check to see if there’s a lot of walking on uneven ground like cobblestones.

Related: 11 cruise ship excursions to avoid

If the tour takes place over lunchtime, check to see if a meal is included or if you have time to pick up something to eat.

Personally, I find that organized tours are best when the excursion is an activity I can’t do on my own (such as kayaking, zip lining or a winery tour); when long distances are involved where I don’t want to bother with public transportation or renting a car on a one-day visit; or when the culture is foreign enough that independent exploration would be tricky. Sometimes you also need an expert guide, such as in Pompeii, to know what you’re seeing.

Bottom line

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but you might get the most value out of a mix of guided tours and independent exploration. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and remember to look at both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. And if you feel like staying on board one day while your ship is docked in a port that doesn’t interest you, that’s okay, too.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.

One of the most popular frequent flyer programs is Delta SkyMiles, the loyalty program of Delta Air Lines. TPG currently values SkyMiles at 1.2 cents apiece, and you can redeem them for flights, upgrades, hotels and more.

After you earn enough SkyMiles, there are many ways to redeem them for your dream vacation. And, you’ll typically get the most value from your miles if you snag one of Delta’s frequent flash sales, which offer discounted award flights domestically and abroad.

Whether flying or using a Delta cobranded credit card, earning SkyMiles is easy. Plus, the program also lets you earn elite status on award tickets. Keep reading to find out more about the Delta SkyMiles program.

What is the Delta SkyMiles program?

Delta SkyMiles is the loyalty program of Delta Air Lines. Joining the program is free, and your miles never expire.

You can earn Delta SkyMiles through a variety of methods. Some popular ones include flying, spending on Delta’s credit cards, transferring points from American Express Membership Rewards, shopping through the Delta SkyMiles shopping portal, dining out through the SkyMiles Dining program and partaking in various other promotions offered by the airline.

Delta SkyMiles program partners

Delta is a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which includes over a dozen airlines worldwide. You can earn and redeem miles when you travel with a SkyTeam airline. SkyTeam serves 1,000 destinations and touches virtually every part of the globe, with flights landing on six continents.

The members are:

• Aerolinas Argentinas
• Aeromexico (the partnership with Delta will reportedly end in October 2024)
• Air Europa
• Air France
• China Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Czech Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Garuda Indonesia
• ITA Airways
• Kenya Airways
• KLM
• Korean Air
• Middle East Airlines
• Saudia
• TAROM
• Vietnam Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• XiamenAir

Related: Delta Air Lines unveils 4 new routes, expanded service to Latin America

Other partners

Delta has several other partnerships beyond SkyTeam members, giving you numerous options for earning miles even when you aren’t flying on Delta or a SkyTeam airline.

Non-alliance partners include:

• Cape Air
• China Southern Airlines
• LATAM
• WestJet

Just note that each partnership has specific restrictions and requirements.

Related: The best websites for searching SkyTeam award availability

Delta SkyMiles elite status

The program offers four elite status tiers for frequent Delta flyers: Silver Medallion, Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion and Diamond Medallion.

Earning Delta Medallion status

As of Jan. 1, 2024, Delta only uses Medallion Qualification Dollars as criteria for qualification — and the requirement thresholds are increasing significantly for 2025 requirements. Remember, status is earned based on activity during the previous calendar year.

Tier	MQDs for 2023 status	MQDs for 2024 status	MQDs for 2025 status
Silver Medallion	3,000	3,000	5,000
Gold Medallion	6,000	8,000	10,000
Platinum Medallion	9,000	12,000	15,000
Diamond Medallion	15,000	20,000	28,000

According to Delta’s website, “Beginning February 2024, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card members will receive an MQD Headstart of $2,500 MQDs per card type for the current Medallion Qualification Year.”

Additionally, Delta introduced an “MQD Boost” benefit, which allows cardmembers to earn additional MQDs when spending a certain amount on their Delta cards. Unfortunately, you’ll no longer have access to the MQD waiver on your Delta credit card, enacted on Jan. 1.

You can earn MQDs in the following ways:

• Delta and partner flights: Earn 1 MQD per dollar spent on a Delta-marketed flight operated by Delta or by a partner airline.
• Credit cards: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card members earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card members earn 1 MQD for every $20 spent. (Terms apply.)
• Delta Vacations: Earn 1 MQD per dollar spent on the entire vacation experience (in addition to what you earn for your flight) when booking directly with Delta Vacations. You will earn MQDs on parts of the package, including stays, cars, rides and activities.

Related: Is Delta Air Lines status worth it? What this disappointed soon-to-be-Diamond thinks

Here are some key benefits of each of Delta’s status tiers.

SkyMiles Silver Medallion

The entry tier in Delta’s program is Silver Medallion status. As a Silver Medallion, you’ll receive:

• Complimentary first-class upgrades on domestic and short-haul international flights from 24 hours before departure
• Upgrades to Comfort+ within 24 hours of departure
• Priority boarding and check-in
• One complimentary checked bag
• 7 miles per dollar spent

SkyMiles Gold Medallion

Next up is Gold Medallion. Here’s what you’ll get as a Gold elite:

• Complimentary first-class upgrades on domestic and short-haul international flights from three days before departure
• Upgrades to Comfort+ within three days of departure
• Waived same-day confirmed changes
• Two complimentary checked bags (within the U.S. and Canada)
• 8 miles per dollar spent

SkyMiles Platinum Medallion

The third tier in the SkyMiles program is Platinum Medallion status. In addition to the previously mentioned Silver Medallion and Gold Medallion perks, you’ll get the following:

• Complimentary first-class upgrades on domestic flights and short-haul international flights from five days before departure
• Upgrades to Comfort+ at the time of booking
• Three complimentary checked bags (within the U.S. and Canada)
• Your pick of a Choice Benefit
• 9 miles per dollar spent

SkyMiles Diamond Medallion

Finally, the highest public elite tier in the SkyMiles program is Diamond Medallion. You’ll get everything detailed above, plus some even better perks:

• Additional Choice Benefit options
• Complimentary Clear Plus membership
• Higher upgrade priority
• 11 miles per dollar spent

Note that Delta does have an invitation-only tier of status: Delta 360. However, there are no published qualification criteria to earn it.

Related: The inside scoop on invite-only Delta 360 status

How to earn SkyMiles

There are several ways to earn Delta SkyMiles. The easiest ways are flying Delta-operated flights, traveling with a SkyTeam partner and opening a Delta cobranded credit card. You can also earn miles through everyday activities like shopping and dining.

Earn SkyMiles by flying

When you fly Delta on a Delta-issued ticket, you earn SkyMiles based on the base price of your ticket. Since Delta miles never expire, there’s no reason to avoid becoming a member.

Those with Delta Medallion elite status earn more miles on paid tickets.

• General member: 5 miles
• Silver Medallion: 7 miles
• Gold Medallion: 8 miles
• Platinum Medallion: 9 miles
• Diamond Medallion: 11 miles

In practice, this means that if you buy a one-way flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for $253 before taxes on delta.com, you will earn 1,265 SkyMiles as a general member. However, you’ll earn 2,783 miles if you’re a Diamond Medallion.

Earn SkyMiles through credit cards

There’s a Delta credit card for everyone — the loyalist, the business traveler and even the infrequent flyer. All of them — except the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card — offer the following perks:

• First checked bag free and priority boarding on Delta flights
• 20% discount on inflight purchases
• 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights

However, each one offers some additional perks for travelers.

Here’s a look at some of the best Delta SkyMiles credit cards from American Express. (Terms apply.)

CREDIT CARD	ANNUAL FEE	WELCOME BONUS	TPG’s valuation	NOTABLE PERKS
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card	$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)	Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of account opening.	$840	A $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year; a new $100 Delta Stays credit
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card	$350 (see rates and fees)	Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of account opening.	$1,080	An annual companion certificate each renewal for main cabin, round-trip travel; a statement credit to cover the membership fee for Global Entry (up to $100, every four years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85, every 4.5 years); a new up to $120 Resy credit and up to a $120 ride-hailing credit; a new $150 Delta Stays credit; Hertz Five Star status; 2,500 bonus MQDs; 1 MQD for every $20 spent
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card	$650 (see rates and fees)	Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of account opening.	$1,200	Receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club (effective Feb. 1, 2025). To earn unlimited visits each year, starting Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter. Access to the American Express Centurion Lounge when you book your Delta flight with the card; an annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal for round-trip travel in first class, Comfort+, Premium Select or the main cabin; complimentary upgrades for non-Medallions; a new up to $240 Resy credit and up to a $120 ride-hailing credit; a new $200 Delta Stays credit; Hertz President’s Circle status; 2,500 bonus MQDs; 1 MQD for every $10 spent
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card	$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership.	$960	Earn double miles on shopping and advertising (up to $50,000 per year); a $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year; a new $150 Delta Stays credit
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card	$350 (see rates and fees)	Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.	$1,200	Earn 1.5 more miles (up to $100,000 on eligible purchases) on transit (including ride-hailing services and taxis) at U.S. shipping providers and on single purchases of $5,000 or more; an annual companion certificate each renewal year for Main Cabin, round-trip travel; a statement credit to cover the membership fee for Global Entry (up to $100, every four years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85, every 4.5 years); a new up to $120 Resy credit and up to a $120 ride-hailing credit; a new $200 Delta Stays credit; 2,500 bonus MQDs each qualification year; 1 MQD for every $20 spent.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card	$650 (see rates and fees)	Earn 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.	$1,320	Receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club (effective Feb. 1, 2025). To earn unlimited visits each year starting Feb. 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter. Earn 1.5 more miles on eligible transit, shipping and office supplies, plus all eligible purchases after you spend $150,000 per year on the card; access to the American Express Centurion Lounge when you book your Delta flight with the card; an annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal for round-trip travel in first class, Delta Comfort+ or Main Cabin; complimentary upgrades for non-Medallions; a new up to $240 Resy credit and up to a $120 ride-hailing credit; a new $250 Delta Stays credit; Hertz President’s Circle status; 2,500 bonus MQDs; 1 MQD for every $10 spent.

Earn SkyMiles through partners

Another way to earn miles is by flying Delta’s partner airlines, but how you earn those miles depends entirely on how you booked the ticket. For example, when you book partner airline tickets — like KLM — on delta.com, you’ll earn miles the same way as a regular Delta flight, even if another airline operates the flight.

Meanwhile, if you book a partner flight on the carrier’s website (for example, Air France) and add your Delta SkyMiles number, you’ll earn miles based on a percentage of the distance flown. However, the exact amount of SkyMiles you’ll receive varies based on the partner, booking class and whether you have elite status. Additionally, Delta slashed partner earning rates when it announced elite status changes in Sept. 2023.

Related: When you will (and won’t) earn miles on your flight

Earn SkyMiles through shopping portals

One of the easiest ways to earn Delta miles is through its online shopping portal. You can earn miles for purchases you ordinarily make with thousands of merchants online.

If you don’t already have an account, you must register using your SkyMiles number so the bonus miles will be credited to your frequent flyer account. Then, you can use the search box to find your favorite stores or a product. You can also compare prices and mileage rates. Remember to look for stores offering bonus miles (more on that later), featured deals and special bonus offers.

After selecting your merchant, click on the store, product or offer, and you’ll be taken to the store’s website to shop and check out. The store will alert the portal when you’ve made a purchase, and the miles you earned will be added to your SkyMiles account. You’ll receive an email to confirm when your miles have been posted, typically within three to five days. However, depending on the store, the miles can take up to 15 days to post to SkyMiles Shopping.

Almost every major airline has a shopping portal, so use a shopping portal aggregator to ensure you get the best deal when you shop online.

Transfer Amex points to Delta

Finally, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points directly to Delta at a 1:1 ratio. We don’t usually recommend this because we value Membership Rewards points higher than SkyMiles. Currently, we value SkyMiles at 1.2 cents apiece — 0.8 cents per point lower than Amex’s valuation. It’s often difficult to get a higher value from Delta, thanks to dynamic pricing. You’ll also have to pay an excise tax offset fee when transferring Amex points to Delta (and other domestic frequent flyer programs).

Related: 5 things you need to know about Delta SkyMiles

How to redeem SkyMiles

Delta removed published award charts in 2015, becoming the first major U.S. airline to shift to dynamic pricing for award tickets. As a result, you will need to search on delta.com (or in the Fly Delta app) to determine how many SkyMiles you need for an award ticket. Delta’s site is pretty easy to navigate, and you can see how many miles you need for a redemption through a handy calendar feature.

Generally, we’ve found the best redemptions on domestic flights. Paired with a Delta cobranded credit card (which offers a 15% discount on Delta-operated award tickets), you can sometimes book short-haul flights for under 4,000 SkyMiles one-way. That said, prices will vary by day, route and cabin class.

Note that Delta award tickets are fully refundable (excluding basic economy fares), so if your plans change, you can redeposit the miles (and get a refund of the taxes and fees). This also allows you to rebook an award ticket when the mileage price drops, securing a partial refund of the difference in miles.

Additionally, you can use your miles to book partner tickets on most of Delta’s SkyTeam and non-alliance partners. Unfortunately, these have now largely been aligned with prices on Delta’s own flights, minimizing the opportunity to get maximum value from your SkyMiles, especially in premium cabins.

Sweet spots

With Delta using full dynamic pricing across its route network, there aren’t many sweet spots to maximize the value of your SkyMiles. Nevertheless, there are a few good options out there.

Delta flash sales

Delta frequently runs SkyMiles flash sales to short- and long-haul U.S. destinations and cities in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. We’ve seen some terrific deals for Main Cabin, Comfort+ and first class. Past deals include round-trip flights to Europe for just 33,000 miles and round-trip flights for New Yorkers for as little as 5,000 SkyMiles.

Of course, these cheap tickets aren’t always published. Delta often prices short- and mid-haul award tickets for well under what other airlines would charge for similar flights. You’ll often find the best deals when booking in advance and traveling on off-peak dates.

Delta and LATAM economy flights to South America

Regardless of the class of service, cash flights to South America are rarely cheap, especially to Brazil. Delta SkyMiles members can book LATAM award tickets at reasonable prices, and it’s one of the better ways to use miles.

When you search for flights to South America, you might find reasonable award rates. For example, 66,000 SkyMiles can generally get you a round-trip itinerary from JFK to Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), and many of these flights are nonstop.

Bottom line

With its operational performance, numerous flight options and many ways to qualify for status, some say Delta is the best domestic airline. In fact, the carrier has taken the top spot in TPG’s own analysis of the best airlines in the U.S. for the last five years. Despite its lack of award charts and unannounced program devaluations, there’s still plenty to like about the Delta SkyMiles program.

However, this may not be the case for some travelers over the next year or two, as massive changes now impact how you earn Medallion status and how you access the Delta Sky Club.

Nevertheless, if you’re a frequent Delta flyer (or even a more casual customer), a mix of flying, shopping portals and credit cards can increase your SkyMiles balance for your next redemption.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card, click here.