TPG Award winners for airlines and frequent flyer programs

Delta Air Lines. JetBlue. American Airlines’ AAdvantage program. Qatar Airways. There were plenty of familiar aviation brands taking home 2026 TPG Awards, with five repeat winners among the eight categories where repeats were possible. We also had some new entrants in this year’s winner circle, including innovative moves by both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines…

TPG Awards 2026: Best airport lounge, network and card

One undeniable way that airlines and premium credit cards battle it out to win a slot in your wallet is by creating must-visit airport lounges. And honestly, we’re not the least bit mad about that friendly competition because travelers are the ultimate winners. In the airport, travelers are pretty much a captive audience, and who…

Policy changes: Amex to update Centurion Lounge access rules

Airport lounge access has become increasingly competitive, and American Express is the latest issuer to announce changes. According to information shared with TPG, the issuer will change its Centurion Lounge access rules beginning July 8. Amex says the updates are intended to help preserve the Centurion Lounge experience by ensuring cardmembers (and their guests) continue…

ExpertFlyer guide: Search for award flights and set alerts

As you dive deeper into the world of points and miles, you’ll quickly realize that there’s more to upgrades and award redemptions than meets the eye. Sometimes, bookable partner flights don’t appear online, and phone agents may not have the proper training to navigate complex itineraries and partnerships. Fortunately, there are tools that can make…

Here are all the winners of the 2026 TPG Awards

The TPG Awards are back. For the eighth year, we’re thrilled to recognize the best of the best across the travel industry — including credit cards, loyalty programs, airlines, hotels and cruise lines. This year, we’ve organized the awards into four categories covering the different stages and locales for your travel: planning (“In Your Wallet”),…

European discounter Wizz Air applies for US flights

European discounter Wizz Air wants to begin transatlantic flights. The budget airline would initially only provide charter flights between the U.S. and U.K. with its British subsidiary, Wizz Air UK, it said in an application to the Department of Transportation on Jan. 23. However, it sought the “flexibility to commence scheduled service in the future.”…

Japan 2026 cherry blossom forecast: When and where to go

Hanami, or flower-watching, is as fickle in Japan as autumn leaf-peeping is in North America. Exactly when the flowers will open, and for how long they’ll be in bloom, varies by location and becomes difficult to predict. However, the Japan Meteorological Corporation just released its 2026 cherry blossom season forecast — one of the best…