Travel

Kayak is one of the many websites out there to help you find the best travel deals. However, unlike other popular OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) that Kayak often gets lumped in with, Kayak is not an OTA — it’s a…

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best deals available in the world of travel. While it’s not a fit for everyone, if you are a frequent Southwest Airlines flyer, it can save you a significant amount of money…

United has a pretty basic baggage policy all around, so you won’t find many surprises here. Overweight and oversized fees are on the higher side but, that being said, they’re consistent with most other major U.S. carriers. Something to note:…

Southwest Airlines is the world’s largest low-cost carrier, and it’s no wonder they’re so popular. Southwest offers some extremely low fares with the addition of standard perks like free checked bags, inflight refreshments, and award winning customer service. Want to…

No matter where I am or who I am with, the conversation eventually turns to travel. It’s what I’m passionate about, it’s what I know the most about, and it’s what I do for a living. Travel is also something…

Everyone loves a good quote. At Upgraded Points, this is especially true when it revolves around travel, adventure, wanderlust, different cultures, new cities, old cities, nature, experiences… you get it. Whether you need an inspiring photo to set as your…

Hawaii is America’s tropical paradise, a group of islands, each with something unique to offer. From the natural wonders and 5-star resorts of Maui to the jungle paradise of Kauai, the Hawaiian islands will take your breath away. There are…

Offering everything from ice-age glaciers to sun-soaked beaches, the North American continent has some of the most extreme landscapes in the world. From the famous steep cliffs of the Grand Canyon to the vast and desolate ice fields of Alaska,…

Nothing can start your trip off on the wrong foot quite like a confusing and frustrating boarding process before you even get on the plane. Airlines, however, don’t seem to recognize this issue. Either that, or it’s not a major…

Uber has become the go-to ride service for many travelers in the last several years. The ability to quickly request a ride from a mobile device has made navigating cities across the world so much easier. With so many miles…

If you’re new to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you may be wondering what a Known Traveler Number (KTN) is, how it works, and why there’s a KTN box when booking flights, but there isn’t one for your TSA PreCheck…

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both very popular programs that can help you breeze through airport security checkpoints. You might have even heard of Mobile Passport or CLEAR — but have you heard of a Redress Number? While a Redress Number won’t…

As the sporting and cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has plenty to offer visitors from all over the world. From the rooftop bars and designer boutiques that give the city a cosmopolitan feel, to its plentiful array of historical buildings…

Have you ever nodded off in your seat only to jerk your head up in alarm, wondering if your neighbor saw that drool on your chin? Or been frustrated because you needed that inflight shuteye, but you just couldn’t get…

Southwest Airlines is an extremely popular U.S. low-cost carrier for a number of reasons. They regularly offer cheaper fares compared to other airlines, and they’re very transparent about their fees. Southwest doesn’t charge for most of your luggage (your carry-on and…

Update: Some of the offers mentioned below may not be available. For our recent around the world trip in October 2017, my wife and I wanted to fly every long-haul segment in first or business class — something we could…

Basic Overview Airline: Emirates Aircraft: A380 Flight #: EK215 Route: DXB > LAX Date: October 25, 2017 Duration: 16hr 15 min Cabin & Layout: First Class, 14 seats, 1-2-1, lie-flat Seats: 2E, 2F Miles Used: 80,000 SPG Points per person (transferred to JAL, total of…

Basic Overview Airline: Etihad Airways Aircraft: Airbus A380 Flight #: EY 455 Route: SYD>AUH Date: October 23, 2017 Duration: 14hr 45min Cabin & Layout: Etihad Apartment, 9 Apartments on the upper deck, all aisle access Seats: 4K, 5H Miles Used: 91,000 Amex points per…

Airline: Singapore AirlinesAircraft: Boeing 777Flight #: SQ 227Route: (SGN>)* SIN>MELDate: October 15, 2017Duration: 7hr 25 minCabin & Layout: Business Class, 12 seats, 1-2-1, lie-flatSeats: 11D, 11FMiles Used: 46,750 Singapore KrisFlyer Miles per person (including SGN>SIN* since this was 1 booking)Taxes & Fees Paid: $212…

Basic Overview Airline: Singapore Airlines Aircraft: A330 Flight #: SQ177 Route: SGN>SIN (>MEL*) Date: October 14, 2017 Duration: 2 hr Cabin & Layout: Business Class, 30 seats, 2-2-2, angled Seats: 12H, 12K Miles Used: 46,750 Singapore KrisFlyer Miles per person (including >MEL* portion since this was 1 booking) Taxes…

Basic Overview Airline: Singapore Airlines (SQ) Aircraft: A380 Flight #: SQ025 Route: JFK>FRA>SIN Date: October 2, 2017 Duration: 21hrs 35mins (7hrs 35mins, 1hr 50mins layover in FRA, 12hrs 10 mins) Cabin & Layout: Singapore Suites, 12-seat capacity on the lower deck, 1-2-1 Seats:…