When Southwest Airlines pivots to assigned seating Jan. 27, 2026, it won’t just mark the end of its 50-year-old open-seating policy. It’ll also usher in the official launch of its extra-legroom seats — the more spacious rows that Southwest is marketing as its new, more premium product. Going forward, these seats will be available to…

Alaska is one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, and it’s certainly easy to see why. From its majestic glaciers — many of which are viewed best from the sea — to its historic frontier towns, national parks, wildlife and outdoor activities, there truly is something for every type of traveler. Maybe you just…

With so many credit cards on the market offering valuable benefits and rewards, it can be challenging to decide which one deserves an application. Here at TPG, we understand this firsthand, as our staff members often take inventory of their own setups and weigh whether they should add a new card to their wallets. With…

There’s nowhere in the world quite like French Polynesia and its beautiful islands, crystalline water, iconic overwater bungalows and world-class resorts. And there’s nothing quite like getting there on Air Tahiti Nui, French Polynesia’s boutique, flag-carrying airline, where the journey is just as memorable as the destination itself. Now, that journey is getting even better…

A more under-the-radar loyalty program, I Prefer Hotel Rewards offers independent luxe resorts for every type of traveler. Though it does not have as big a global footprint as Hilton, Marriott or Hyatt, the brand continues to expand, recently adding 14 resorts to its portfolio. Plus, those wanting a more intimate and unique hotel experience…

United Airlines is celebrating the spooky season with a special offer: You can save 10% on paid domestic flights in exchange for signing up for United text messages. But hurry, this flash sale disappears on Halloween. The discount is also only on offer for the first 1,000 people who sign up for texts — so…

The Hilton Honors program has used dynamic award pricing for many years. Without award charts, the unpublished standard room reward cap has increased many times over the years, including to 120,000 points in March 2022, 200,000 points in May 2025 and 250,000 points in September 2025. However, Thrifty Traveler recently found that standard room rewards…

Many international airports offer spaces for smokers (and vapers) to light up inside the terminals. But, thanks to clean indoor air laws adopted over the years in many cities and states, smoking of any kind is prohibited inside most airport facilities in the U.S. Designated smoking areas — if they exist — are outside. There…

It’s nearly November, which means it’s already time to think about holiday gifts and how to save on them (or at least maximize your rewards). Thankfully, shopping portal Rakuten has your back with its Holiday Big Deal Reveal, which can earn you up to 23% cash back at select brands — ranging from beauty and…

Glaciers so immense and blue they don’t seem real. Snow-dome mountains. A never-ending parade of caribou, whales, bears and seals. All the spectacular things you’ll see on an Alaska cruise will take your breath away — but the price tag doesn’t have to. These voyages can be pricey, and costs can add up beyond the…