Many companies offer discounts and deals over Labor Day weekend, and shopping portals are no exception. Perennial favorite Rakuten is celebrating the end of summer with three days of triple cash back (or American Express Membership Rewards points) at a variety of travel brands and other retailers. Here’s the lowdown on Rakuten’s Labor Day deals…

Starting early next year, plus-size passengers who request or require an extra seat on Southwest Airlines will now have to pay for that extra seat in advance — and then request a refund after the fact. This week, the Dallas-based airline quietly changed its long-standing policy on “customers of size,” which had been widely considered…

United Gateway Card overview The United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees) is a no-annual-fee airline credit card, ideal for those looking to dip their toes in the United MileagePlus program. If you fly with United Airlines or its Star Alliance partners, the Gateway card can help you boost your stash of miles for future…

Two years ago, Delta Air Lines sent its frequent flyers into an uproar when it made sweeping changes to its SkyMiles loyalty program, hiking qualification benchmarks for Medallion elite status and tightening its lounge access rules. There will be no such upheaval this year. Delta will leave its Medallion qualification requirements intact next year, a…

Pet ownership is a special part of life. According to Synchrony’s 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care study, more than 75% of pet owners consider their pet a family member, best friend or child. Many of those pet parents want nothing but the best for their furry friend, but it’s growing more expensive to take care…

Delta Air Lines is tweaking its schedule out west, adding more premium seats, but fewer flights, to California. The SkyTeam alliance carrier will add its popular premium economy seats — Premium Select — to flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from Nov. 9, a Delta…

After years of traveling through outdated terminals, travelers across the U.S. are finally starting to enjoy renovated and expanded airports that look more like something you’d find abroad. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY The new Terminal 1, which has been under construction since 2021, is a long-awaited upgrade for San Diego International Airport (SAN), especially considering…

Even though I only stay at Hilton Honors properties a few times each year, I’m a fan of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card because I believe it offers far more value than its $550 annual fee (see rates and fees). I enjoy getting complimentary Hilton Diamond status as a cardmember and have redeemed…

The Citi Travel portal offers two hotel programs for cardholders with ThankYou Rewards points-earning credit cards: The Reserve and Hotel Collection. The Reserve is Citi’s refresh of the Luxury Collection, and features five-star properties. This group of hotels is designed to compete with premium hotel collections such as American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Edit…

With six Marriott credit cards (five personal and one for small-business owners) on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is best for your travel preferences and spending habits. Marriott Bonvoy offers cards from two issuers, Chase and American Express, and each has its own application rules and restrictions. Marriott cards also have…