President Trump says ICE can fix shutdown-driven TSA lines starting Monday by moving agents into airports, but federal law does not allow ICE to simply take over checkpoint screening. Even if he tried, pulling immigration agents into TSA roles would weaken airport security while doing little to solve the staffing and training problem that caused the lines in the first place.
United Airlines accidentally emailed its entire flight attendant group telling them they were being transferred to London, creating instant chaos and confusion. Plus why airports using private screeners are holding up better than TSA airports, how erratic security lines waste even more of travelers’ time than the waits themselves, and signs Marriott may be preparing a new brand launch.
I got the new Bilt Palladium card expecting good value—but now I’m consistently earning over 3 points per dollar on all my spending. The card’s points-earning power, especially combined with paying my mortgage, Bilt Cash redemptions, and frequent transfer bonuses, makes it an absolute juggernaut. Here’s why it’s quickly become my top card.
JetBlue pilots are suing over the airline’s United partnership, arguing that Blue Sky goes far beyond a normal interline deal and crosses into territory their contract was designed to block. The fight could become a serious threat to one of JetBlue’s most important commercial bets, because if the union wins the right to fully arbitrate its grievance, the airline may be forced to redesign parts of the partnership or pay up to keep it alive.
Rove Miles is drawing attention for its 50% transfer bonus to Japan Airlines, but the more surprising feature may be on the hotel side. In some cases, you can redeem Rove points for what amounts to a prepaid hotel stay and still earn the hotel’s own points, elite night credit, and on-property status benefits — something third-party bookings usually kill.
Elon Musk says he wants to pay TSA salaries as the DHS shutdown drives airport security lines into chaos, with staffing shortages leaving checkpoints overwhelmed and passengers stuck waiting for hours. But can a private citizen legally step in and pay federal workers?
Air Canada flight attendants are objecting as the airline upgrades seats and service on Rouge, its lower-cost leisure subsidiary, arguing that the product is getting too close to mainline. It is really about scope, job protection, and how far an airline can improve a lower-cost brand before it starts threatening higher-paid work.
Citibank is devaluing ThankYou Rewards transfers to Choice Privileges and Preferred Hotels effective April 19, cutting the Choice ratio by 25% and the I Prefer ratio by 50%. The change wipes out value from these niche hotel partners. Preferred had been one of the program’s sweet spots.
Lufthansa is testing less cleaning in coach on 20 short-haul routes while continuing to clean business class between flights. The move turns cabin cleaning into a class divide, with premium passengers still getting tidy seats while travelers in back may find dirtier lavatories and trash in the seat back pockets.
Hyatt is quietly surveying some of the biggest changes elites have seen in 10 years, including the idea of a new elite tier above Globalist and turning some current perks into one-stay rewards instead of benefits you enjoy on each stay. The survey also raises the possibility of premium suite upgrades even as they pursue cost cuts in the program.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
