Let’s face it: Travel can be expensive. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a family vacation, even economy flights can set you back thousands of dollars. However, there is a way to save money on your biggest travel expense. As a frequent traveler, I am constantly looking for tips and tricks to get me…

If you’re a frequent visitor to United Airlines’ network of United Club lounges, a heads-up: The start of May brought tighter access rules for the airline’s outposts. As part of an overhaul announced earlier this spring, travelers with one-time lounge access passes will now face a few new restrictions. New United Club one-time pass rules…

Chicago has long been competitive turf for airlines, but with some pretty well-defined roles. United Airlines is the clear leader at O’Hare International Airport (ORD), its home base. American Airlines is a distant second, with its own O’Hare hub operation. And some 30 miles down the road, Southwest Airlines operates a major base at smaller…

As a partner of many transferable points programs — and one of the best ways to book Singapore Airlines’ coveted first-class suites product — there’s much to love about Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program. Even if Singapore isn’t in your travel plans, KrisFlyer’s Star Alliance and nonalliance award charts have some hidden gems you should know…

I do not understand the allure of cruise alcohol packages. I know I’m in the minority, but I don’t drink that much on cruises. I might order two alcoholic drinks on a weeklong sailing — and even that would be generous — so all-you-can-drink offers have never held much value for me. Even if I…

American Airlines is growing fast in Chicago. Next winter, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will add seven new routes and increase flights on another 10 from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The move is seemingly the latest escalation in a renewed battle with United Airlines for the upper hand in the Windy City. American’s new…

Airline credit cards typically offer standard benefits, like bonus miles on airfare purchases, free checked bags and priority boarding. But one of the most valuable perks any airline credit card can offer is a companion ticket that can cut your cost of travel in half. Thanks to its high welcome bonuses, earning structure and airfare…

The Real ID Act will go into effect May 7. After that date, American travelers will need an ID that complies with the Real ID requirements in order to pass through U.S. airport security checkpoints — even for domestic flights. This change aims to set clearer standards for government-issued photo IDs. The law established a…

In the American Express lineup of small-business cards, the American Express® Business Gold Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are two popular offerings. But just like their consumer counterparts, these two cards are each geared toward cardholders with different goals and needs. Let’s review these cards to see how the refreshed Amex…

Within the next two months, JetBlue is expected to announce its next major airline partnership, executives said this week. Now, speculation is swirling over which airline that will be — and what it will mean for frequent flyers. Speaking on the company’s first-quarter earnings call Tuesday, JetBlue President Marty St. George said that the airline…