Tag: Travel Planner

I am sitting at the MSC Yacht Club Grill, an exclusive open-air eatery atop the 2-year-old MSC World Europa, when I begin to wonder if my butler, Lanto, can read my mind.

Sure, it would seem to bend the laws of science, but it might be true. How else could he know that my companion and I were feeling a chill? He has just arrived, unrequested, with sweaters from our suite six decks below. That is just what I was thinking we needed.

Whether Lanto really can read my mind or is just the most observant and diligent butler in the history of cruising — did he see us walk out of our rooms underdressed for a chilly morning, enter our room to find the perfect pullovers and then track us down to deliver them? — it is a remarkable display of service (or mind reading). And it’s not an outlier.

Time and again on this seven-night sailing around the Western Mediterranean on MSC World Europa — one of the world’s biggest and most venue-packed cruise ships — I have been wowed by both the personalized service and the luxury touches.

I am notably staying in the MSC Yacht Club, the exclusive “ship within a ship” luxury retreat found at the front of MSC World Europa and more than a dozen other MSC Cruises ships.

It is a high-end hideaway only open to top suite guests that’s home to luxurious suites with round-the-clock butler service, a stunning private bar and lounge overlooking the ship’s bow, exclusive dining venues and a secluded private sundeck.

It also comes with priority access to all the many venues and attractions spread across the rest of the massive vessel, from premium seats at shows to hard-to-get, prime-hour dinner reservations at top eateries.

For a vacationer who loves a big-resort experience and is willing to pay a bit more for that extra “first class” experience, it may be the ultimate cruise offering. And the best part? The MSC Yacht Club is available on more ships sailing out of North America than ever before, making it even easier for U.S. travelers to indulge in this luxurious experience.

Coming to a port near you

MSC World Europa isn’t the only MSC Cruises ship where you’ll find an MSC Yacht Club, and the Mediterranean isn’t the only region where you can sail in one.

As of April, MSC Cruises will have a record 15 vessels with exclusive MSC Yacht Club areas sailing in regions around the world … and that includes the U.S.

The list of ships with MSC Yacht Clubs will soon include seven vessels sailing in North America, including ships sailing out of such close-to-home ports as New York; Miami; Port Canaveral, Florida; and Galveston, Texas.

This will include the new, much-awaited MSC World America — the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever to sail out of a U.S. port. A sister ship to MSC World Europa, it’ll be operating seven-night voyages to the Caribbean, including stops at MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, out of Miami starting in April of this year.

Related: A peek inside MSC World America under construction

The arrival of MSC World America, which is nearly 20% bigger and even more venue-packed than any other MSC Cruises ship that has sailed in North America, is a milestone moment for the brand in the region. It caps several years of dedicated investment in North America, as Europe-based MSC Cruises continues to strengthen its presence and compete head-to-head with the largest North American brands.

The perks aren’t limited to the onboard experience, either. If you’re booked in the Yacht Club during a voyage that visits Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island getaway in the Bahamas, you’ll receive red-carpet treatment there, too.

For starters, passengers can access a special shaded seating area with water while they wait for dedicated trams to take them to Ocean House Beach, which is exclusive to Yacht Club guests. There, they can take advantage of a towel stand (something to which non-Yacht Club cruisers don’t have access ashore) and free use of sun loungers and umbrellas.

Nearby, also in an exclusive section, is the Ocean House Restaurant, which provides a delectable lunch menu only for Yacht Club travelers. (I still daydream about the cheeseburger I had there on a recent visit.)

Additionally, two of the island’s three types of cabanas — Ocean View Yacht Club Cabanas and Beachfront Yacht Club Cabanas — are open for booking only by Yacht Club guests.

If you’re looking for a luxury experience in North America on a big venue-filled ship, you’ll soon have more options than ever from MSC Cruises.

A luxury retreat on a big ship

Twenty decks high and more than 1,000 feet long, MSC World Europa is one of the biggest and most alluring megaresorts in the world — and we’re not just talking at sea.

With more than 2,600 rooms, dozens of restaurants and bars, and every sort of amusement known to humans — from a sprawling deck-top water park and a bumper car pavilion to giant showrooms with glitzy shows — it’s bigger and more lively than the biggest resort hotels in theme park mecca Orlando.

But thanks to the presence of the MSC Yacht Club at its front, a voyage on the ship — and other MSC Cruises ships like it — can offer a serene luxury experience, too.

As I saw during my seven-night stay in the MSC Yacht Club on MSC World Europa, it allows for a cruise experience that offers the best of both worlds. In my mind, it’s both one of the world’s greatest megaresorts and a luxury retreat — two things that rarely exist together.

Related: Why we loved MSC World Europa

During the daytime on our sailing, my companion and I often would venture out from the tranquility of the MSC Yacht Club for fun-filled playtime around the ship — from zooming down its giant waterslides to riding its next-level Formula One race car simulators. But at any time, we could — and often did — retreat to the pampering of the MSC Yacht Club’s private sundeck.

At night, we’d often head out for, say, a pub crawl down the Galleria — the sprawling, three-deck-high promenade with restaurants, bars and lounges at the heart of the ship — or a show, only to end the night with a nightcap at the MSC Yacht Club’s private Top Sail Lounge.

We had a similar array of choices when it came to dining. Some nights, we would dine at the MSC Yacht Club’s private, high-end restaurant, the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant — one of three eateries that are exclusive to MSC Yacht Club guests. On other nights, we would head to the ship’s main areas for dinner at a premium restaurant such as the Butcher’s Cut steakhouse and fresh fish-serving La Pescaderia. The best tables reserved by the MSC Yacht Club’s dedicated concierges would await.

A VIP experience

No matter what we did on board MSC World Europa, our membership in the exclusive club for guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club brought a VIP experience from the very moment we walked up to the vessel.

Arriving at the Port of Marseille in France for the sailing, our soon-to-be-familiar butlers whisked us onto the ship through a private entryway after an expedited check-in process that barely took a moment.

Once on board, a flash of our MSC Yacht Club keycards let us breeze into fully booked shows. When we ordered drinks across the ship, there was no bill — drinks were included in the MSC Yacht Club fare.

In addition to the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant and the open-air MSC Yacht Club Grill, both located within the keycard-access-only MSC Yacht Club compound, we had exclusive access to the ship’s Brasserie Restaurant at night for a different menu.

During the day, the private Top Sail Lounge served as our own private European-style coffee bar, with tuxedoed waiters serving finely made espresso drinks and pastries. At night, it morphed into an exclusive bar and lounge venue with live music just for us.

Meanwhile, a couple of decks up, the exclusive MSC Yacht Club Sundeck offered us our own private pool, whirlpool and an abundance of plush lounge chairs.

It was the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship — our own private and exclusive hideaway.

Luxury for less

As you might expect, you’ll pay more to stay in the MSC Yacht Club on an MSC Cruises ship than in a standard cabin on the vessels.

But compared to what you’d pay for a cruise on a small luxury ship, such as the vessels operated by MSC Cruises’ luxury-focused sister brand Explora Journeys, it’s still an unusually good value. You might even call it the best value in cruising.

As of the publishing of this story, MSC Yacht Club suites on seven-night MSC World Europa sailings started around $2,700 per person for a voyage in January 2026 — nearly three times the rate for a standard balcony cabin on the ship.

But that’s still significantly less than the cost of the typical seven-night voyage on a small luxury vessel. And, as noted above, it allows for a big-ship experience with a diverse array of activities, dining and drinking options, and entertainment that you just can’t find on a smaller vessel.

The MSC Yacht Club fares, moreover, come with a huge number of inclusions and extra services that you don’t get with less pricey cabins on MSC Cruises ships.

As noted above, you’ll get free drinks wherever you are on the ship — a premium drink package that normally costs extra on MSC Cruises vessels is included in the MSC Yacht Club fare.

MSC Yacht Club fares also come with free Wi-Fi, unlimited access to the thermal areas in ship spas, complimentary laundry pressings and such in-room perks as a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, nightly turndown service with a plate of chocolates, and free minibar drinks.

Plus, there’s that 24-hour butler service, as well as concierge service.

Additionally, during port calls, you’ll be able to breeze off and on the ship through a private VIP entry and enjoy your own dedicated areas and amenities at Ocean Cay.

Bottom line

The exclusive MSC Yacht Club areas found on MSC Cruises ships deliver a personalized luxury experience where privacy, exclusivity and tailored service take center stage.

For discerning travelers, they offer what just might be the ultimate luxury experience at sea, providing access to all the allures that only the biggest cruise ships can offer with the sort of elegant and upscale touches that typically only can be found on the most intimate luxury vessels.

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

Target Circle Week launches later this month with seven days of deals up to 50% off for Target Circle members.

Target Circle is the company’s free loyalty program, offering members exclusive sales, personalized deals and additional members-only perks like free Apple trial subscriptions throughout the year. During this promo, members can purchase discounted Target gift cards online or in-store.

Related: Target Circle: Everything you need to know about Target’s revamped cards and loyalty program

Deals are available exclusively for Target Circle members from March 23 to 29, but Target Circle 360 members get access to select deals 24 hours early, on March 22. Target Circle 360 offers all of the same benefits as Target Circle plus same-day delivery. After a 14-day free trial, it costs $10.99 per month or $99 annually. Target Circle, on the other hand, is free.

As part of Target Circle Week, members can access various deals, including a complimentary three-month Target Circle 360 subscription, which they can activate through March 29. Additional deals include:

• Save up to $200 on Apple devices
• Buy one, get one 50% off select grocery items
• Buy two, get one free on select books, movies and music

There’s also a variety of gift card deals, including:

• Spend $50 on household essentials and get a $15 Target gift card
• Spend $40 on select beauty and health care items and get a $10 Target gift card
• Spend $30 on select Ulta Beauty at Target products and get a $5 Target gift card

As mentioned, these deals will be available to Target Circle members starting March 23. If you are not a Target Circle member, you can join online, on the Target app or in-store. New Target Circle 360 members who sign up March 16-29 will get 50% off the annual membership fee.

Maximize your purchases

If you shop these deals, use a credit card that rewards Target purchases, including:

• Target Circle Card: This no-annual-fee card offers a 5% discount on Target and Target.com purchases plus free two-day shipping on select online orders.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases.
• Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees): 2% cash back on all purchases, 1% as you buy and 1% when you pay.
• U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card: 3 points per dollar spent on all purchases made through mobile wallets, and Target accepts mobile wallet pay.
• U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card: 6% cash back at two retailers of your choice on up to $1,500, including Target.
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees): 2% cash rewards on purchases.

The information for the Target Circle Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card and U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Bottom line

This deal is only for Target Circle members, but you can still join the program before March 23.

Sign up for members-only perks, including this deal. This deal runs from March 23 to March 29 and is valid for up to 50% off select items for members.

Related reading:

• The best credit cards for Target purchases
• Target Circle Card credit card review: A bull’s-eye for Target shoppers

It’s a tough news day for Southwest Airlines loyalists. We thought the worst was over when Southwest announced an end to its open-seating policy last summer, but we were wrong — Southwest has now announced an end to its beloved free-checked-bags policy.

The announcement also includes other changes, such as a new “Basic” fare option, dynamic pricing for award tickets and the return of expiration dates for flight credits.

Here’s what we know and what you can do to lessen the blow.

Checked bag fees

The biggest shocker for Southwest loyalists is the end of the airline’s policy of two free checked bags for everyone. After May 28, only A-List Preferred elite members and those traveling on Business Select fares will receive two free checked bags.

A-List elite members, credit card holders and “other select Customers” will receive one free checked bag, and all remaining customers will need to pay for their checked bags.

Related: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards

Basic fare replaces Wanna Get Away

Another major piece of the announcement is that Southwest will add a new Basic fare. This will replace the current Wanna Get Away fare and strip down the perks budget-minded travelers have loved.

Southwest already took a step in this direction last week, slashing Rapid Rewards earnings on this lowest fare by two-thirds. Now, the full details of the new fare are available.

If you purchase a Basic fare, it will not be eligible for changes — though it can still be canceled for free, as long as you do it at least 10 minutes prior to departure. In addition, Basic travelers will not be eligible for free same-day changes (currently an option by paying any applicable fare difference), nor can they request complimentary same-day standby.

Read more: Southwest Airlines slashes Rapid Rewards earnings: Is it a bad sign for customers?

Expiration of flight credits

Southwest made headlines in July 2022 for being the first airline to eliminate expiration dates for its flight credits, adding one more reason for customers to choose Southwest over other airlines.

But now, that customer-friendly feature is being walked back. Flight credits issued on or after May 28 will expire in 12 months for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime and Business Select fares — and in just six months for the new Basic fare class.

What we don’t know

Even with these changes, it’s too early to have all the details of what flying with Southwest will look like in the future. Southwest has not yet shared what it will charge for checked bags or what (if any) additional benefits will be added for Southwest credit card holders aside from a free checked bag.

Southwest has also said that it will add “variable” redemption pricing for Rapid Rewards award flights, but we don’t yet know exactly what that will look like. It’s worth noting that redeeming Rapid Rewards points is already variable, with award rates that rise (and fall) with the ticket’s paid price — so it remains to be seen what this means for customers.

How you can prepare now

Perhaps the one silver lining in this announcement is that customers are getting more than 2 1/2 months’ worth of notice. That gives you time to plan accordingly — so here are a few things to consider.

Book (or cancel) your travel before May 28

Many of these changes go into effect for travel booked on or after May 28, so if you’ve been eyeing a Southwest flight for a trip later this year, try to lock in those travel plans ahead of that date. Flights booked before May 28 — even for future travel — will still come with two free checked bags, and you should still be eligible for free changes by booking a Wanna Get Away fare.

In addition, if you need to cancel any travel you already have booked, do that before May 28 as well. The new expiration policy goes into effect for flight credits issued after that date, regardless of when the ticket was purchased.

Get a Southwest cobranded credit card

If you want the option to check a bag for free without having to pay for a ticket in a higher fare class, holding a credit card is the only insurance you’ll have moving forward. And now is a great time to add a Southwest credit card to your wallet since they have some solid limited-time welcome offers.

Related: Earn a Companion Pass plus 30,000 points with these Southwest card offers

Share your frustrations with Southwest

If these changes are making you reconsider your loyalty to Southwest, share that feedback directly with the carrier. We have seen instances where airlines have rolled back major overhauls of their loyalty programs (Delta Air Lines immediately comes to mind), so if enough frustrated customers reach out, there’s a chance these changes will be softened — at least partially.

Bottom line

Southwest has announced some major changes, including charging for checked bags, more variable award pricing, a new Basic fare class and the return of flight credit expirations. It’s a sad day for Southwest loyalists, but you can take action by adding a Southwest cobranded card to your wallet and solidifying your travel plans before these changes go into effect May 28.

If you’re considering a new credit card to maximize your rewards, your cellphone provider might not be the first place you look. However, if you are a Verizon customer, there is a card offer you may not know about that should definitely be on your radar.

For anyone seeking to amp up their rewards strategy and earn rewards by paying their Verizon bill, the Verizon Visa® Card will be a smart addition to your wallet. For a limited time only, the card offers up to $150 cash back† account opening offer, awarded to new cardholders, as follows:

• Receive $50 as a statement credit upon making your first purchase within 90 days after account opening.
• Receive an additional $100 statement credit after you spend $1,500 on the card in the first 90 days after account opening.

Note that you must be an account owner or an authorized manager of a Verizon Wireless or Verizon Fios account to apply for the card.

It has plenty of benefits, too, including the ability to earn 4% in rewards in multiple categories — a tempting return for a card with no annual fee*.

As someone who loves to get the most out of every transaction, I’m excited to dive deeper into why the Verizon Visa Card is a no-brainer for customers looking to maximize their savings and earnings at Verizon.

How to earn rewards

It’s no surprise that here at TPG, we are always looking for ways to maximize value and rewards on our purchases, and this card does just that. The Verizon Visa Card is worth its weight in rewards, as it helps you earn Verizon Dollars‡ on everyday purchases made on the card, including:

• 4% on gas and electric vehicle charging stations
• 4% on dining, including takeout and delivery
• 4% on grocery store purchases
• 4% on Verizon purchases
• 1% on everything else (including Verizon bill payments)

The best part? There are no caps on how many rewards you can earn, no expiration dates, no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees*.

Once you’ve earned your Verizon Dollars, they can help you save on various services and products at Verizon. First and foremost, use them toward your monthly bills — you can redeem these valuable rewards directly to your Verizon phone, TV and internet bills. Your Verizon Dollars can also go a long way in getting the latest gadgets, too, as they can be redeemed toward new phones, tablets, smartwatches and an array of accessories, including phone cases, chargers, headphones, gaming devices and wearable technology.

Managing your rewards is also super easy. You can access those rewards through your online Verizon wireless account or by downloading the Verizon Visa Card mobile app. There, you can opt in to apply any available rewards to your Verizon account every month.

How to save each month

For even more savings, cardholders can sign up for Auto Pay for their Verizon bill. New Auto Pay enrollees can get up to $10 per month off each eligible wireless phone line, up to a maximum of 12 lines, and/or $10 per month off each eligible Fios service, up to $20 per month, depending on the combination of services you select§.

Verizon has made financing easy as well. ​Verizon Wireless customers can get 0% annual percentage rate financing with 36 equal monthly payments on their device purchase with the Verizon Visa Card**.

Bottom line

If you’re a Verizon customer across its vast network of internet, TV and phone services, the Verizon Visa Card is worth considering. With offers like $150 cash back for new cardholders and 4% back in rewards on popular categories like gas, groceries and dining, it’s a great way to earn rewards and save on your monthly Verizon bill. You’ll be surprised to see how fast your savings add up with this simple and easy-to-use program.

You can apply for the Verizon Visa Card here.

†Account Opening Offer: Subject to credit approval. To apply, you must be a Verizon wireless Account Owner or Account Manager on an account with up to 12 phone lines maximum (depending on plan) or Fios Account Owner with at least one active Fios service. In order to qualify for this offer, you must (i) apply and be approved for a Verizon Visa Signature® Card account; (ii) make your first purchase within 90 days to receive a $50 statement credit, and (iii) make $1,500 in qualifying purchases within the first 90 days of account opening to receive the $100 statement credit. Only one offer per account. Account must remain open and in good standing at time statement credit is applied to the account. A $50 statement credit will post to account 1-2 billing cycles after first purchase is made. A $100 statement credit will post to account 1-2 billing cycles after the spending threshold of $1,500 is met within 90 days. Statement credit(s) cannot be used to satisfy the required monthly payment on your credit card account and may not be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. This offer is available for applicants who are approved starting Jan. 23, 2025. We reserve the right to discontinue or alter the terms of this offer at any time. Limited-time offer.

*No Annual Fee and No Foreign Transaction Fees: For New Accounts as of Jan. 1, 2025: Verizon Visa Signature® Card: Variable Purchase APRs are 22.99%, 27.99% or 33.99%. Variable Penalty APRs are 32.99%, 37.99% or 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge $2. Variable Cash APRs are 27.24%, 32.24% or 38.24% and 5% Fee ($10 minimum). Variable Balance Transfer APRs are 22.99%, 27.99% or 33.99% and 5% Fee ($5 minimum).

‡Rewards: Purchases subject to credit approval. Verizon Dollars will be forfeited for Rewards Program inactivity. See the Verizon Visa® Credit Card Rewards Program Terms & Conditions in application for details and restrictions. Excludes bill payment and items charged to Verizon Wireless and Verizon Fios bills.

§Auto Pay: Enrollment in Verizon’s Auto Pay and paper-free billing is required for Verizon bill discount of up to $10 per month off each eligible Verizon wireless account or phone line, up to 12 lines maximum (depending on plan) and/or $10 per month off each eligible Fios service, up to $20 per month depending on the combination of services you select. Visit our wireless Auto Pay FAQs and Fios Auto Pay FAQs for more information. Verizon customers who are receiving Auto Pay discounts because they are currently enrolled in Auto Pay and paper-free billing via other qualifying methods will not receive additional discounts for re-enrolling using the card.

**Device Finance Offer: Device purchase(s) must be on one receipt and charged on your Verizon Visa Card. Must have a Verizon Wireless account associated with your Verizon Visa Card. Each device purchase must include an active Verizon line. No interest will be charged, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase balance, including related debt cancellation fees, until it is paid in full. The payments equal the initial total promo purchase amount (including taxes and delivery) divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded down to the next cent, and may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. Any estimated required monthly payments shown (which may include taxes and delivery) in connection with this promotional offer should allow you to pay off the promotional purchase amount within the promo period (with an additional payment that may be required due to prior months’ rounding) if (1) you make your payments by the due date each month and (2) this is the only balance on your account during the promo period. This promo’s equal monthly payment will not be increased to the minimum amount otherwise due on your account but may be included in or will be added to your minimum payment if you have other balances on your account. If your cart also includes other items, this promo only applies to the device purchase(s) plus applicable tax and delivery. On your credit card statement, each promo transaction will be displayed separately from each other and other purchases subject to regular credit card account terms. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. For New Accounts as of Jan. 1, 2025: Verizon Visa Signature® Card: Variable Purchase APRs are 22.99%, 27.99% or 33.99%. Variable Penalty APRs are 32.99%, 37.99% or 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge $2. Variable Cash APRs are 27.24%, 32.24% or 38.24% and 5% Fee ($10 minimum). Variable Balance Transfer APRs are 22.99%, 27.99% or 33.99% and 5% Fee ($5 minimum). Existing Card Holders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval. Verizon reserves the right to discontinue or alter the terms of this offer at any time.

The Verizon Visa Signature Card is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license from Visa USA Inc.

The Contactless Indicator mark and the Contactless Symbol are trademarks owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC.

It’s been a long winter for much of the country. If you’re like me, you’ve been dreaming about warmer weather since January; perhaps it’s still cold where you live, too (hello, Chicago). Whether you’re traveling for spring break or already looking ahead to this summer, I’m right there with you.

If you’re planning a sunny escape soon, TSA PreCheck is the number one travel tool I recommend for U.S.-based travelers.

Why? TSA PreCheck allows preapproved, low-risk travelers to expedite their journey through airport security at more than 200 U.S. airports when traveling on 90-plus domestic and foreign airlines, taking a considerable amount of stress out of the hustle and bustle of airports.

The PreCheck line generally moves quicker than regular TSA security lines, as TSA PreCheck users do not have to take off their shoes or belts or remove laptops or liquids from their bags. PreCheck users are also usually screened with walk-through X-ray machines rather than the full-body scanners most people are subjected to. On average, 99% of users wait less than 10 minutes to pass through TSA security.

Once enrolled in the program, TSA PreCheck users receive a Known Traveler Number, which designates them as Trusted Traveler members through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Program.

TSA PreCheck users must enter their KTN when booking airline reservations to ensure the green TSA PreCheck check symbol appears on their boarding pass.

Even so, there might be times when the TSA PreCheck designation does not appear on your boarding pass. Here’s what you can do if this happens to you, so you don’t get trapped in the regular TSA line.

When your frequent flyer account doesn’t list your Known Traveler Number

As mentioned, your KTN is your ticket to the TSA PreCheck lane — but only if airlines know you have it.

After receiving your KTN or when flying a new airline, immediately add it to your frequent flyer profile so it automatically populates into the correct field when booking flights. This is especially important if you’re flying with a carrier you don’t frequently fly.

If you forget to do this, you can add it when booking or checking in for your flight, online and at the airport. Give yourself enough time to add it to your account and reprint your boarding pass.

When the name on your ID doesn’t match your boarding pass

Any typographical discrepancies between the name on your boarding pass and the name on your TSA PreCheck account may cause security to note the discrepancy and flag your boarding pass for closer scrutiny. Errors could include simple typos such as a misplaced period or a missing middle name — so double-check that your name on your Trusted Traveler account and boarding pass match exactly.

When your TSA PreCheck access has expired

A TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years, at which point you must renew it to continue using it.

You can renew your membership up to six months before expiration; most people can renew online, though some might have to return to an enrollment center to complete the process.

The cost of TSA PreCheck varies by application provider — it costs $78 to apply through Idemia, $85 through Telos and $77.95 through Clear. Keep in mind that various credit cards offer statement credit reimbursements for the application fees associated with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, since Global Entry also includes a membership to TSA PreCheck.

For example, if you’re looking for cards that convey free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry, you might consider:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Here’s a complete list of credit cards that offer this discount.

This credit is typically available every four to five years, but check your card’s terms for the exact frequency.

When you get the dreaded SSSS

SSSS, or Secondary Security Screening Selection, is an arbitrary airport security measure that selects certain travelers for additional inspection. The exact reason for this designation remains largely unknown.

If you are selected for this “privilege,” you will only be able to check in for your flight at the airline counter — and almost certainly will not be able to go through the TSA PreCheck line, since you’ll receive a thorough inspection from TSA agents.

If this circumstance befalls you, there’s nothing you can do other than get to the airport earlier than you would otherwise.

This has only happened to me once when I was abroad. They took my suitcase to a designated area where they unpacked it on a separate table. This added a few extra minutes of time, but we were then escorted right to the gate, instead of having to wait in the gate area to board.

TSA PreCheck is not a guaranteed service perk

Believe it or not, TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed to users every time they travel, even when flying on a participating airline at a participating airport.

“TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport,” per the TSA. “All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.”

Bottom line

There are several ways to correct a missing TSA PreCheck designation on short notice.

If you notice the error before arriving at the airport, call your airline and provide your KTN. You can also try adding your KTN information to your frequent flyer profile. Once you do so, confirm it has been added by reloading your boarding pass via the airline website or mobile app.

If you don’t find out about the missing TSA PreCheck designation until you’re at the airport, take your boarding pass back to the airline check-in counter and ask them to add your KTN to your itinerary.

If you’re already in a time crunch, the difference in time saved going through the TSA PreCheck line could make or break your chances of getting onto your plane.

Though you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of getting out of line for the ticket counter on a case-by-case basis, I always advise doing everything possible to acquire TSA PreCheck access.

Related reading:

• 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
• Best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
• Skip the wait: Enroll in TSA PreCheck at Staples, not the airport
• 12 key things to know about TSA PreCheck

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

There’s never been a time in the history of credit cards where consumers have had as many options as they have today. From six-figure welcome offers to bonus points on everyday purchases, issuers are competing for your attention — and your application.

Over time, you might find yourself in a swirling maelstrom of credit cards. We’re no stranger to this — TPG founder Brian Kelly has more than 20 cards. In fact, the average number of cards on TPG’s editorial staff is 11, while Americans have nearly four credit cards per person, according to Experian.

You might be wondering how many credit cards you should have in your wallet. Simply put, the answer depends on a couple of factors that are unique from person to person.

“The ideal number of credit cards to have is the optimal amount to earn enough points and miles and access benefits to reach your travel goals,” Matt Moffitt, TPG contributing editor for credit cards, said.

But how do you figure out your ideal number? To start, the ability to open a credit card is based on your credit score, income and employment status. From there, your average spend, rewards goals and travel habits can help determine which cards — and how many — are a good fit for you.

Whether you’re a beginner or proficient when it comes to maximizing your credit card usage to earn rewards like points and miles, these considerations will guide you toward a number of cards you’re comfortable carrying in your wallet.

Related: Best credit cards

How many credit cards should I have?

If you want to earn points and miles redeemable for travel rewards, TPG recommends maintaining between three and 10 credit cards. We know 10 cards can seem like a lot, but having this many makes it easier to combine rewards since many cards pair well together.

For example, if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, it only makes sense to add the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card to your wallet to round out the “Chase Trifecta.”

This would maximize the opportunities to earn and redeem your Ultimate Rewards points. We recommend pooling your rewards together on an Ultimate Rewards-earning card to receive optimal value.

Related: Best Chase credit cards

Maximize your top spending categories

One of the main advantages of using a credit card to cover purchases is the ability to earn rewards. Even if you’re earning 1 point per dollar spent on your purchases, that’s a better return than using a debit card that doesn’t have a rewards rate at all.

Just remember, any rewards that you earn will be negated if you miss a payment and owe interest to your credit card issuer. So, be sure to spend responsibly.

If you’re good at paying your bills on time and in full, credit cards shouldn’t be a scary concept. However, it’s crucial to monitor your day-to-day spending habits and determine your top spending categories. When you know your main purchase categories, it’s easier to figure out the right number of cards for you.

I’ll walk you through my situation as an example. As a New Yorker in my early 20s, I allocate most of my budget to rent, groceries, dining, local transit, a gym membership, my cellphone bill and online shopping.

Although the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees) offers a way for eligible renters to earn up to 100,000 points in a calendar year (with no transaction fees) on rent, I live in a pre-war building owned by one family. Since my landlord only accepts cashier’s checks, earning points on rent is out of the question at this time.

Still, there are plenty of ways to earn bonus points on the rest of my expenses when I use the card 5 times during my statement period. Some cards knock out two or three purchase categories at a time.

For someone like me, the American Express® Gold Card is a great choice as it offers 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and up to $25,000 in purchases at  U.S. supermarkets per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar).

Since TPG’s March 2025 valuations peg Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, that’s an 8% return on U.S. supermarket purchases and dining at restaurants that take up a considerable portion of my monthly budget (on the first $25,000 and $50,000 spent in a calendar year, respectively, then an estimated 2% return).

To compensate for Amex Gold’s $325 annual fee, I’ll need to spend a minimum of $4,080 combined on dining and grocery purchases each year (see rates and fees).

Throw in the other benefits of the card — such as up to a $120 annual Uber Cash credit for U.S. purchases (Amex Gold must be added to your Uber account, and you can redeem with any Amex card; up to $10 Uber Cash each month) each calendar year, up to a $120 annual dining statement credit each calendar year on eligible merchants (up to $10 each month), up to $100 annual Resy credit each calendar year (two $50 credits biannually; on U.S. Resy purchases) and an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each calendar year (up to $7 in monthly statement credits; on U.S. Dunkin’ purchases) — and this card is the ultimate choice for foodies. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.

Next, as a Hyatt fan, I could pick up the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which earns 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, as well as gym memberships. With a reasonable $95 annual fee, there are plenty of other benefits of owning the card, such as automatic Discoverist elite status and a free night certificate for Category 1-4 properties on your cardmember anniversary.

When it comes to online shopping and other miscellaneous purchases that don’t fit under these other categories, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal to sweep up those remaining rewards. This card earns at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.

Whenever I just want one card to bring with me, the Venture Rewards is my go-to since I know I’ll always snag a great return. The card comes with a $95 annual fee, but thanks to an up to $120 statement credit, I also got my Global Entry application reimbursed with this card.

Another important consideration is looking into cards that offer cellphone protection, such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which covers theft and damage ($50 deductible). Plus, if you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your Venture X, you’ll also earn 2 miles per dollar spent covering this bill.

This is just one scenario of how you could pick up multiple cards to help maximize your everyday purchases. There’s an infinite combination of cards you can open that will also offer great results depending on what categories you frequently use.

Related: The best cards for phone protection

Review the types of rewards credit cards you want

It’s easiest to wrap your head around the credit card world if you compartmentalize each card type. In terms of rewards credit cards, you have:

• Travel credit cards
• Airline cobranded credit cards
• Hotel cobranded credit cards
• Cash-back credit cards
• Business credit cards

It’s not necessary to carry all five types of credit cards. Instead, check out TPG’s best credit cards to see what they offer and how they might fit into your earning, spending and redeeming needs.

“I would say the average person could cover their bases with one airline card, one transferable points card, one cash-back card with different bonus categories for everyday expenses and one hotel card if they stay with a chain more than a couple times a year,” Eric Rosen, TPG director of travel content, said. “Then, just consider the annual fees you’re paying to make sure you’re pulling more value from each card’s benefits than it costs to carry each year and voilà.”

When you stick to one to two cards per category, your life is much simpler. When you start to have a dozen (or more) credit cards, you start to spread out your rewards rather than focusing on a handful of powerhouse cards that earn points and miles. Even when there’s an enticing welcome bonus, think wisely about whether or not the card fits into your strategy before applying.

Ultimately, the cards you own will come down to preference: Do you mind having credit cards from different issuers, or would you rather have your cards streamlined with one bank? Do you have a favorite travel brand and want to earn points and miles in that specific loyalty program? Or would you rather have a cash-back card for simplicity? These are important considerations that will help guide your decisions.

Related: Why there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ credit card

Don’t stress over missed opportunities

Once you get comfortable with your credit cards and remember the rewards rates attached to each card, you’ll know which card to use for your morning coffee, which to use for groceries and which to use for booking flights.

But if you accidentally use the “wrong” card for a purchase and miss the opportunity to earn bonus points, don’t fret.

This is an important guiding principle as you add multiple cards to your wallet. While it’s important to stay organized, if you forget and use a card that doesn’t earn any bonus points on gas, it’s not the end of the world to miss out on 40 extra points. You will still earn points rather than putting the charge on a debit card or paying cash and earning no rewards at all.

Related: The best rewards credit cards for each bonus category

Tips for keeping up with multiple credit cards

It takes time to add cards to your wallet, so don’t worry if you haven’t reached the “ideal” number of cards yet. Once you do, though, below are some tips for keeping up with your multiple credit cards.

Create a mobile wallet

Whether it’s Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay or another form of a mobile wallet, you can load multiple cards on your phone to lighten up the load on your wallet. With issuers creating more metal credit cards than ever before, it’s nice to leave the cards at home (though they may look nice).

I still carry three physical cards with me at all times in case a store doesn’t accept contactless payment. However, my digital wallet allows me to rotate and use cards that don’t get as much love.

Download the TPG app

The TPG app is a game changer for the world of points, miles and credit cards. That’s because you can load all your cards to preview your spending and rewards rates, as well as see the various points and miles you own from all of your favorite travel loyalty brands.

Among other features, the Award Explorer allows you to search award travel pricing and a curated home feed loads articles related to your preference and travel style.

Downgrade or cancel your cards

If you incrementally add cards over the years and find yourself stressed at the number of cards you have in your rotation — or you are taken aback by the annual fees you pay each year — consider downgrading or canceling your cards. These options ensure you’re not stuck with the same cards indefinitely, especially as you become more savvy at earning cash back, miles and other rewards.

Bottom line

The ideal number of credit cards for a grandparent versus a young professional who’s remotely interested in accruing points and miles for travel will vary drastically. Even though my friends and family always gawk when I tell them I have eight credit cards, they’re all a part of my award travel strategy and long-term goals.

Related: TPG’s 10 commandments of credit card rewards

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here. 
For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.

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

Hotel cobranded credit cards serve a very specific audience. After all, if you aren’t a regular visitor to the hotel chain in question, there probably isn’t much reason to get its credit card.

But on the flip side, some hotel cards are better than others, especially when it comes to extra benefits that come in handy during stays at the chain’s properties.

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, with an annual fee of $150 (see rates and fees), is an excellent example of a cobranded hotel credit card that truly offers value to a regular Hilton guest. It comes with solid earning potential and provides a level of elite status that can greatly enhance your stays at Hilton properties.

These are the top five reasons to consider getting the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card.

Valuable welcome offer

New Hilton Honors Surpass cardmembers can earn 130,000 points plus a free night reward after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of cardmembership. This offer ends on April 29.

Based on TPG’s March 2025 valuations, those bonus points are worth $780. That’s not taking into account the value of the free night reward.

Since Hilton has more than 8,000 properties worldwide, these bonus points can be used for many purchases, such as a stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Universal Orlando in Florida or at an all-inclusive in Mexico.

Related: 7 great ways to use 100,000 Hilton Honors points and a free night reward

Bonus points for Hilton stays

If you stay at Hilton hotels regularly — or even on a semi-regular basis — there are very few cards with a return as good as the Hilton Honors Surpass.

You’ll earn 12 points per dollar spent on all eligible Hilton purchases (including eligible charges made to your room during your stay). As of March 2025, TPG values Hilton Honors points at 0.6 cents each, so you’re effectively getting an over 7% return on Hilton stays when using this card.

You’ll also get:

• 6 points per dollar on dining at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), on groceries at U.S. supermarkets and on gas at U.S. gas stations
• 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases
• 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Related: Is the Hilton Surpass Amex card worth the annual fee?

Complimentary elite status

Many hotel chains offer only so-so mid-tier elite status benefits, but Hilton is an exception. The Hilton Surpass offers cardmembers complimentary Hilton Gold status (terms apply).

Hilton Gold elite status is very valuable, providing:

• An 80% bonus on points earned for Hilton stays
• Room upgrades at most brands (excluding suites)
• A daily food and beverage credit (at U.S. hotels only) or continental breakfast (at non-U.S. hotels)
• Elite rollover nights

The Hilton Surpass also comes with the ability to upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status if you spend $40,000 on it in a calendar year (terms apply). That said, if you’re really in the market for Diamond status, you may be better off with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card since it offers complimentary Diamond status (terms apply).

Additionally, cardmembers get complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status. This gets you Executive Area Access for full-size reservations and above in the U.S. and Canada, guaranteed upgrades and no second-driver fees. (Enrollment is required in the Emerald Club Program; terms apply.)

The information for the Hilton Amex Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The award traveler’s guide to Hilton Honors

Fifth night free on award stays

You can make your points go a lot further if you have the Hilton Honors Surpass.

Since the card gives you complimentary Hilton Gold elite status, you can take advantage of one of the key benefits of status: a fifth night free on award redemptions. That means you’ll effectively save 20% of your points on all award stays of five nights.

Hilton clearly states in its terms and conditions that this benefit only applies to standard rooms, so premium room redemptions are not eligible. Nevertheless, this can be a great option to save some points on longer stays. Additional terms may apply.

Related: Get your fourth or fifth night free on hotel award stays

Hilton statement credit

The Hilton Surpass comes with a quarterly statement credit of up to $50 (up to $200 per calendar year) when using your card for Hilton purchases.

Eligible purchases include those made directly with a Hilton property, including room rates and incidental charges (such as room or spa service), so this can be a great way to treat yourself to a nice dinner or get a massage.

If you normally pay out of pocket for extras, this can be a good way to offset the Hilton Surpass card’s annual fee.

Related: The best hotel credit cards

Bottom line

The Hilton Surpass card is valuable for both frequent and occasional Hilton travelers. With healthy earning rates and automatic Hilton Gold elite status, this card could be an excellent addition to your wallet.

To learn more, read our full review of the Hilton Honors Surpass.

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Apply here: Hilton Honors Surpass Card

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For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Surpass card, click here.

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

My foray into the world of credit cards, points and miles began when I joined TPG a few years ago. I had a couple of cards before working here, but I didn’t give much thought to which card to use or when or how to maximize the benefits.

Now that I am surrounded by credit card experts every day, my strategy has changed drastically. I’ve added about four new cards to my wallet and even made a spreadsheet to ensure I use the right card for the right purchases.

Of those new cards, my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has provided some of the most useful benefits. Here are five reasons I love this card and how I get the most out of it.

Perks when flying Delta

I actually hadn’t stepped foot into an airport lounge until I began working at TPG, but this card comes with complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges and American Express Centurion Lounges when traveling on a same-day, Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Now, I get to visit a lounge almost every time I fly.

A quiet space to work or rest between flights is a huge help during a long layover. Or, if I am being a responsible adult and get to the airport early, I can grab a bite to eat or a drink before my flight without paying the high airport prices.

With my Delta SkyMiles Reserve, I also get four one-time Sky Club guest passes each year upon account renewal, allowing me to bring family members or friends to the lounge with me when we travel together.

Delta Reserve cardmembers are limited to 15 Delta Sky Club visits per year, but it’s easy for me to track my visits in the Delta app. Centurion Lounge visits are still unlimited, so even if I were to use all 15 of my Sky Club visits, I could still head over there.

In addition to lounge access, I get my first checked bag free (this extends to passengers traveling with me, so it’s a huge perk when traveling with my three kids), priority boarding and discounts on inflight purchases and award redemptions. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve also provides a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, so I can breeze through the airport every time I fly.

Welcome offer

Right now, the Delta Reserve Amex offers new cardmembers the ability to earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. The card does come with an annual fee of $650 (see rates and fees).

After earning the bonus, I redeemed some miles to book positioning flights for my first big award redemption trip to Germany and Belgium with my husband. A few months later, I also used some of the points to bring my family along on a work trip to Disneyland. The cost of flights when all five of us fly together can add up quickly. The welcome bonus I earned with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve was a huge help in keeping our flight expenses down so we could splurge a bit at Disney.

Useful statement credits

Last year, Delta revamped the monthly and annual statement credits for several cards, including the Delta Reserve Amex. I will admit I’m not the biggest fan of tracking statement credits, but I want to maximize my card’s value, so I try my best to plug them all into a spreadsheet and keep it up to date.

The easiest to use is up to $120 in ride-hailing credits annually (up to $10 in monthly credits). There isn’t a month that goes by when I don’t use Lyft or Uber at least once. This credit is valid on select ride-hailing services in the U.S. Enrollment is required; terms apply.

My card also comes with up to $200 in Delta Stays credits each year. My husband travels almost weekly for work, so we have several opportunities to use this credit on one of his eligible hotel stays. All he has to do is book through the Delta Stays website and pay with the Delta Reserve Amex to earn this benefit.

Related: How I get this monthly credit on my Delta Amex without even trying

This card also earns me up to $240 annually (up to $20 per month) in statement credits for use at U.S. Resy restaurants. There aren’t a ton of eligible restaurants in my area, so I don’t always remember to use this one. However, I have gotten creative by purchasing gift cards to eligible restaurants and checking for eligible dining locations when I travel. Most months, I find a way to use it, even if it takes a bit of virtual legwork on my end.

Flexible award redemptions

When I’ve searched for Delta SkyMiles redemptions, I’ve been impressed with my options. You can redeem SkyMiles for Delta flights, as I did, and for flights on partner airlines like Air France, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet. This opens up a ton of flight choices.

I also like how Delta displays its award pricing. In the above example, I entered dates of Apr. 9 through Apr. 12 for a round-trip flight between my home airport and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

In addition to viewing the prices for my dates, Delta displays pricing for alternate date combinations. You can get an even better redemption value if your dates are flexible. Some airlines make finding the best award availability difficult, so I appreciate Delta’s easy-to-use calendar.

My card also earns me a 15% discount on award flights, allowing me to stretch my miles even further.

Annual companion certificate

With my Delta SkyMiles Reserve, I get an annual companion certificate added to my account each year after my anniversary date. The companion certificate is valid for one round-trip ticket to select domestic, Caribbean, or Central American destinations.

When you purchase a round-trip ticket in first class, Delta Comfort+ or the Main Cabin, you can use the certificate to have a companion fly with you for free. You only have to pay the taxes and fees on the second ticket.

I used my first companion certificate to get my oldest son and me to New York before flying to Paris. This year, I am using it to fly myself and my husband to Disney World for a runDisney race.

Bottom line

Choosing the Delta SkyMiles Reserve was a no-brainer for someone still relatively new to points and miles. While not the most lucrative, the earning structure is simple.

But that’s not the real reason I love this card. As someone who often flies Delta, the perks like lounge access, a free checked bag and an annual companion certificate are unmatched.

To learn more, read our full review of the Delta Reserve.

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Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

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For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve please click here.

This week, two major loyalty programs made updates that were not favorable for customers. On Tuesday, Marriott Bonvoy updated its terms and conditions to indicate that members will earn points at a reduced rate and earn no elite night credits at StudioRes properties. Then, on Wednesday, Southwest Rapid Rewards drastically reduced points earnings for select fares.

As I thought about these updates, I considered how they would affect my interactions with these programs. I already take earning rates for points and elite night credits into account when booking hotels, but it’s a bad sign that Marriott Bonvoy now has a brand that awards no elite bonus points or elite night credits on stays. And although I rarely book paid Southwest Airlines flights, I’ll now be even less likely to do so.

Loyalty programs exist to incentivize engagement and spending with a program. So, one easy way to protest negative loyalty program updates is with your wallet. Here are some ways I’ll protect myself from these negative updates and how you can, too.

Avoid affected hotel brands

For years, several major hotel loyalty programs have singled out some brands as earning at lower rates. But Marriott Bonvoy has by far the highest number of brands with lower earning rates. Marriott Bonvoy is also the only major hotel loyalty program that doesn’t give an elite night credit per night stayed at all its brands.

You’ll earn 10 Marriott base points per dollar spent on qualifying charges at most brands. However, you’ll only earn 5 base points per dollar spent at nine Marriott Bonvoy brands, 4 points per dollar spent at StudioRes and 2.5 points per dollar spent at Marriott Executive Apartments. To add insult to injury, you’ll only earn one elite night credit per two nights stayed at Protea Hotels, City Express and Four Points Flex by Sheraton, one elite night credit per three nights stayed at Marriott Executive Apartments and no elite night credit for stays of any length at StudioRes.

As a result, I avoid booking paid rates at Marriott brands that earn less than 10 base points per dollar. I also avoid staying at Protea Hotels, City Express, Four Points Flex by Sheraton and Marriott Executive Apartments — and now StudioRes — since stays at these brands earn fewer points and elite night credits. My husband and I strive to maintain hotel elite status with several programs, so every night counts. Plus, out of principle, I don’t want to frequent these brands if Marriott Bonvoy will give me fewer earnings for doing so.

On a recent trip to Turkey, the Four Points Flex by Sheraton Istanbul Taksim Square looked appealing because of its location and price. But then I remembered I’d earn points and elite night credits at a reduced rate, so I stayed at a similarly priced Holiday Inn instead. Even if I’d wanted to stay at a Marriott Bonvoy property in Istanbul, I could have booked the equally convenient DeCamondo Galata, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel for a similar cost and better earnings.

Likewise, although I enjoyed staying at several Protea Hotels properties in South Africa when I got full elite night credits and points earnings for these stays, I now avoid Protea Hotels. Instead, I now choose Hyatt or IHG properties in Cape Town and Johannesburg. You can’t go wrong with these cities’ great Category 1 Hyatt properties.

As a traveler, it’s annoying that $1,000 in qualifying charges on a six-night stay at a Four Points Flex would get me 5,000 base points and three elite nights while the same charges at a Four Points would earn me 10,000 base points and six elite nights. But it would be really frustrating for this to happen to a member who didn’t know about it — especially if they’re counting on a stay to reach the next status qualification threshold.

It’s worth noting that Marriott Bonvoy is far from the only hotel loyalty program with brands that earn points and elite nights at lower rates. For example, you’ll earn World of Hyatt points at a lower rate when staying at Hyatt Studios and IHG One Rewards points at a lower rate when staying at IHG Army Hotels, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Residences. Meanwhile, Choice Privileges has a brand — WoodSpring Suites — that doesn’t participate in its loyalty program at all.

Related: Love it or leave it: My airline and hotel elite status plans for 2025

Redeem rewards

For Southwest Rapid Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, you can avoid the lower earning rates brought about by this week’s changes by redeeming points. Unfortunately, redeeming points still won’t give you elite night credits on stays at StudioRes properties. But if your primary concern is the slashed earning rate, redeeming points is a good solution.

I love a good extended-stay hotel with a kitchen, but these properties often earn points at lower rates. So, I usually redeem points for these stays and save my cash for stays that earn at a higher rate. Best of all, I often get a fourth or fifth night free when redeeming points with select hotel loyalty programs.

For example, I often redeem IHG One Rewards points for stays at Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites, which earn at a decreased rate of 5 points per dollar instead of the standard 10 points per dollar. If I redeem points for a four-night or longer stay, I can enjoy the IHG fourth-night-free reward benefit, a perk of my IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

In the case of Southwest, I’ve already been redeeming points for flights when I decide a Southwest flight is my best option. After all, Southwest could decrease the redemption value of its points at any time — such as how it decreased the value of Southwest points at the start of 2024 — while travel funds don’t expire and should maintain their face value.

My husband and I typically alternate earning a Southwest Companion Pass every other year, and we usually accrue a sizable balance of Southwest points through credit card welcome offers while doing so. Then, we use those points to book as many of our Southwest flights as possible. We aren’t planning to earn a Companion Pass this year, but I still have a lot of Southwest points in my account from when I earned a Companion Pass in 2021, so I’ll use these as needed to book Southwest flights.

Related: How to earn and use the Southwest Companion Pass

Use a different program

Finally, it’s worth considering whether negative loyalty program changes are enough to change your loyalty or encourage you to use a different program. Of course, even if you decide you’re done with Southwest Rapid Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy or another program, switching will take time as you finish traveling on existing reservations and use up your remaining points. Or, you may not want to completely break with the program but instead continue using it when it makes sense.

For example, I’m not flying Southwest much this year since my husband and I don’t have a Companion Pass. But if Southwest has a modestly priced nonstop flight on a route I need to fly, I’ll likely redeem Southwest points to book the flight.

It’s easy to keep using the programs you’ve always used. You know how they work, and you might have elite status (or even lifetime status). I’ll admit that the Marriott lifetime elite status program compels me to keep earning at least Platinum Elite status. After all, I currently have lifetime Marriott Gold Elite status, and — assuming Marriott doesn’t change its program — will earn lifetime Platinum Elite status after earning Platinum Elite status (and the required elite night credits for this status) for four more years.

But, especially with status matches and the ability to automatically receive or earn elite status through select credit cards, like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, it may be relatively painless to start using a new-to-you loyalty program.

Related: How and why you should maximize your hotel stays by using multiple loyalty programs

Bottom line

Loyalty should be a two-way street. So, if you aren’t happy with your loyalty programs, it may be time to become a free agent or more involved with another loyalty program. I love certain elite status benefits, such as guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, confirmed suite upgrade awards and Oneworld Emerald status, so I focus on programs that provide these benefits.

I’m still giving Marriott Bonvoy some nights each year, as I’m only four years away from earning lifetime Platinum Elite status. However, I’ve grown frustrated with the loyalty program’s many exclusions and how its benefits and earning rates often vary by brand. Plus, now that Marriott Bonvoy has started offering no elite night credits or elite bonus earnings at one brand, I expect more brands will follow.

Eurostar has canceled all its trains from London this morning following the discovery of an unexploded World War II-era bomb.

The bomb was discovered along tracks near Paris Gare du Nord at around 4 a.m. GMT/11 p.m. ET, prompting disruptions for Eurostar services, local metro, and national and international trains.

Eurostar has confirmed that all its trains to and from Paris will be canceled on Friday (March 7). So far, five services set to depart London St Pancras International for Paris Gare du Nord have been canceled this morning, and seven services departing Paris for London have also been canceled.

”Due to the discovery last night of an unexploded bomb from the Second World War during work carried out on the tracks in St Denis (North of Paris), traffic has been completely halted to and from Gare du Nord,” Eurostar said in a statement. “As a result, all Eurostar trains are canceled to and from Paris today.”

The cancellations include all services between London and Paris and also Brussels and Paris.

As of 9:45 a.m., the cancelations were not listed on the Eurostar website, and services were still shown to be running as normal from 11:30 a.m. for London departures and 1:00 p.m. from Paris Gare du Nord (local times).

Eurostar has confirmed with TPG that these services will not go ahead, and their website is in the process of being updated.

It is not currently known whether services will continue to be affected or resume in time for the weekend.

All trains scheduled between Brussels-Marne La Vallée, London-Brussels and London-Amsterdam are running as normal.

Eurostar has informed affected passengers who will be able to exchange their tickets for free to travel at a different time or date in the same travel class — subject to availability.

Bottom line

Following the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb near Paris Gare du Nord station, Eurostar has been forced to cancel all its scheduled services to and from Paris on March 7.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations