In 2016, I earned 49,640 redeemable American Airlines AAdvantage miles and 23,820 elite qualifying miles on a single $804 round-trip mileage run to Johannesburg. This mileage run was key to earning top-tier AAdvantage Executive Platinum status that year — but taking this same mileage run in 2025 would be much less lucrative, since I’d earn…

Southwest Airlines was my preferred airline for most of my adult life. The fares were low, bags flew free and the open seating policy meant my family could easily find seats together. About a year ago, Southwest announced the first of many operational changes. The first blow was the end of open seating, which the…

Air Canada is planning three new U.S. routes next summer despite lower transborder travel numbers. The Star Alliance carrier will return to San Antonio International Airport (SAT) from its hub at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), and add new routes to both Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and Columbus’ John Glenn International Airport (CMH) in Ohio…

Annual fee increases are a reality of travel rewards credit cards and a trend I don’t see going away any time soon. The good news is more often than not, they come with a refreshed slate of perks and benefits — and sometimes, that refresh can really work in your favor. That was the case…

Rewards credit cards are a great way to earn valuable reward currency for expenses you already make regularly. Plus, they make travel more comfortable thanks to transferable points and miles. In fact, transferable credit card points transformed the way I travel because this currency is so much more valuable than points earned directly through an…