Stephen's Latest Posts

GOL, which is short for GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, is a low-cost carrier based in Brazil. GOL is known for offering dirt-cheap fares, even on point-to-point routes within the Western Hemisphere. Without a doubt, GOL is one of the essential…

Buying points is a nuanced activity. In the world of points travel, everything you do can be boiled down to a decision of economics. As a rule of thumb, you should generally avoid purchasing points and miles. However, this guide’s…

TAP Air Portugal is the flag carrier of Portugal. Also a Star Alliance partner, this airline connects the world to Portugal, and Portugal to many former Portuguese colonies. With a fleet of around 75 aircraft operating to about 85 unique…

Thai Airways is the flag carrier of Thailand and was founded in 1960. A Star Alliance partner, this airline is one of the most highly regarded airlines in the industry, primarily through its sublime first class product. It has also…

Best Western is a privately-held American hospitality franchise best known for its 4,500+ hotels around the world. Centrally headquartered in Phoenix, this chain of hotels is heavily concentrated within the U.S. — in fact, more than 2,000 of its hotels…

When you’re traveling, the 2 biggest pieces of your travel budget are usually transit and accommodation. Normally, people think of transit as airplane tickets, both international and domestic. However, many of us know that car rentals can make up a…

In this industry of aviation, credit card points, travel, and airline miles, you’ll often be able to book a flight for 10 different prices using 10 different miles. At first glance, it may make the most sense to use whatever…

South African Airways is the state-owned flag carrier airline of South Africa. Although they were founded in 1934, they haven’t actually expanded their route network aggressively. The government of South Africa has experienced numerous regime changes over the years, which…

When talking about points hotels, we usually talk about how great Hyatt’s redemption value consistently is or the massive number of hotels under the Marriott portfolio — Radisson Hotels does not typically come up in conversation. Radisson Hotels is still…

Turkish Airlines is, as you may have predicted, the flag carrier of Turkey. What you may not have known is that Turkish Airlines flies to the most countries of any airline in the entire world. In total, they operate scheduled flights…

Credit card issuers like Chase, American Express, and Citi have long offered statement credits and other benefits to attract customers. Traditionally, these credits have been travel-focused, featuring airline incidentals credits or broad travel credits. With the continuing evolution of the…

The credit card rewards landscape in the U.S. is one of the most aggressive business environments in the world. Rich rewards programs have emerged as a result of big, deregulated banks vying for market share. While every bank takes a…

Airline: American Airlines (AA) Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Flight #: AA 2543 Route: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Date: May 21, 2019 Duration: 3 hours Cabin and Layout: American Airlines 787-9 business class, 30-seat capacity across 8 rows,…

Airline: JetBlue (B6)Aircraft: Airbus A321Flight #: B6 1823Route: New York City (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX)Date: September 11, 2019Duration: 6hrs 9minCabin and Layout: JetBlue Mint business class, 12-seat capacity across 5 rows, alternating 1-2 and 2-1 configurationSeat: 2A (throne seat)Miles Used: 48,418 City National Rewards pointsTaxes and…

Known for having a huge network of flights and routes, American Airlines connects the U.S. to many destinations internationally and domestically. The airline has a reputation for treating its most frequent flyers as nobility. Pampering of top-tier elites, its most profitable…

Whether you’re a road warrior who feels like you live at airports or an occasional traveler who doesn’t want the hassle of having to arrange logistics to airports, you’ve undoubtedly seen airport hotels. When peering off into the distance gazing…

Airline: American Airlines (AA) Aircraft: Airbus A321T Flight #: AA 10 Route: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York City (JFK) Date: September 7, 2019 Duration: 5hrs 27min Cabin and Layout: American Airlines Flagship First Class, 10 seat…

Bora Bora is a name and destination that elicits vivid images of white sand, impeccable beaches, and utter calm. This small South Pacific island is situated northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, and its seclusion, privacy, and untouched nature have…

Airline: Delta Air Lines (DL)Aircraft: Airbus A350-900Flight #: DL 88Route: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)Date: October 7, 2019Duration: 11hrs and 50minCabin and Layout: Delta One Suites, 32-seat capacity across 9 rows, 1-2-1 configurationSeat: 8BMiles Used: 60,000 Virgin Points (47,000 Amex points transferred…

Update: This lounge has closed and been replaced by the Greenwich Lounge above gate 12. Eligible Flagship passengers have access to the nearby Chelsea Lounge and Soho Lounge above gate 14. American Airlines has a deep network of flights at…

For Americans, Australia is undeniably a far-flung destination. The continent is at least 14 hours by nonstop flight from the contiguous U.S. But its remoteness is no doubt part of what compels many travelers to head there in the first…