Category Archives for General.
TSA policies tell screeners to flag cash they find for forfeiture based on “instinct” and inconsistent standards, veering from their security mission. Meanwhile, we learn about more travel people caught up with Epstein, and direction from unions to pilots about safety at O’Hare.
Rakuten’s latest deal lets you earn Hyatt, United, or Alaska miles at just 1 cent each, plus new members pocket 5,000 bonus points—here’s exactly how to leverage their 100% rebate to unlock incredible travel value.
Hyatt Chairman Tom Pritzker resigns following Epstein emails, plus United’s lifetime elite status recognition, United blocks American in Brazi, and free movie tickets for Visa Infinite cardmembers.
A LATAM Boeing 777 reached a frightening 178 miles per hour, nose gear already lifting off the runway—then pilots suddenly slammed on the brakes, leaving tires shredded and brakes glowing red-hot. Here’s the dramatic video, and why the crew made the risky decision to abort takeoff.
A British Airways passenger who admitted she struggles to open small water bottles asked a flight attendant for help — and was met with a dismissive, mocking response of “It’s not that hard.” Her awkward encounter has sparked viral debate over service, entitlement, and what passengers should reasonably expect from airline crew.
Southwest Airlines rushed into selling seat assignments, but passengers have discovered they’re paying extra for window seats that don’t actually have windows. Now the airline could face costly legal consequences. Plus, unaffordable Hawaii, the end of hotel breakfast and Amex clampng down.
A British man went on a destructive rampage at Hong Kong airport, toppling and smashing 10 self-service kiosks with a metal pole. Now arrested, he faces serious prison time—not just for the damage, but unexpectedly, for illegally possessing Viagra.
Southwest Airlines has long been known for a fun, relaxed flying experience—but customers and flight attendants now describe the carrier as “America’s most uptight airline.” The airline has tightly enforced assigned seating, introduced new fees, and even grounded the once‑free‑wheeling culture that defined Southwest for decades. This shift in priorities has taken the joy out of flying the airline that used to pride itself on hospitality and personality.
An American Airlines passenger decided to create their own premium experience. A new transfer bonus has launched from Chase. United is launching even more O’Hare flights in its fierce battle to drive out American, and more.
Marriott explicitly says you don’t get elite perks or points when booking through third-party sites—but my recent stay proved reality isn’t always that simple. Without even pushing, I casually asked if they had my Platinum number, and suddenly I had full lounge access, elite benefits, and points on a deeply discounted Citi Travel booking. Here’s how easily the “no elite perks” rule broke down in practice.
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 »
