Qualifying for and maintaining airline elite status is usually a yearly endeavor unless you have lifetime elite status. As we approach the end of 2024, it’s worth checking that your status qualification requirements are squared away. It’s possible to earn status at any point throughout the year, and each loyalty program is different. So, as…

Checking your cruise luggage with an airline can be a scary proposition, especially when you factor in possible weather delays or missed connections that can separate you from your bags. The farther you have to fly, the scarier it becomes. But what are your options? The obvious choice for most cruisers who fly to their…

Resolve right now to try something new on New Year’s Eve. Instead of staying home in your jammies and watching Andy and Anderson giggle and exchange Champagne spit takes in Times Square, shake off the old year somewhere else. Plus, with New Year’s Day falling on a Wednesday in 2025, you can break up with…

Even if you’re new to the points and miles game, you’ve probably heard the term “mileage run.” A mileage run is when a traveler takes a flight (or series of flights) primarily to earn rewards or airline elite status. Mattress runs are similar to mileage runs. But instead of taking one or more flights as…

The Platinum Card® from American Express takes the cake for the highest annual fee ($695, see rates and fees) and one of the highest number of annual statement credits of any card. As a quick recap, here are the basic features of the Amex Platinum (enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply): New cardmembers…

I just cheated on my favorite cruise line. I’ve cruised with Carnival Cruise Line since 1998, beginning with the inaugural sailing of Carnival Paradise. Most of my family’s many cruises over the years have been on board a Carnival ship. We often chose the line because of its budget-friendly fares and the convenience of driving…

If you are flying on a regional flight in the U.S. today, chances are it’s on an Embraer E-Jet. The E-Jet family — the E170 and E175, specifically — make up about half of the 1,367 regional jets that were flying for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines at the end…

TPG Brian Kelly is a Bilt advisor and investor. Most known for rewarding members on rent payments, Bilt Rewards is now offering homebuyers the opportunity to earn Bilt Points on new home purchases. These Bilt points can then be redeemed to book travel with airlines and hotels, purchase home decor, pay for fitness classes and…

The holiday season is officially upon us, and that means it’s time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones. Each year, we curate some of our top picks for the jet setters and road warriors on your list. This year’s guide includes 25 of our top picks for travel tech, luggage, gear and…

Savvy shoppers and fans of cash back, rejoice! Rakuten — a shopping portal that offers varying amounts of cash back across tons of retailers, both online and in person — is currently bursting with killer deals. If you’re new to Rakuten, use this referral link to sign up — you’ll get a $40 bonus when…