Category Archives for General.
Suspending Global Entry during the government shutdown has created chaos at U.S. airports, resulting in massive lines, compromised security screening, and growing economic damage—including a worsened trade deficit due to reduced international travel. Instead of saving resources, the policy decision by DHS is increasing staff demands, weakening border security, and harming the administration’s own economic goals.
A Delta Boeing 737 carrying 179 passengers suffered an engine failure seconds after taking off from Savannah, causing sparks, loud booms, and igniting a grass fire near the runway. Despite powerful winds fanning the flames, the crew safely returned the aircraft to the airport about 27 minutes later, and no injuries were reported.
Washington National Airport’s control tower just replaced paper flight strips with electronic ones—finally abandoning an FAA practice that lasted 43 years. Also in this roundup: Selena Gomez’s unexpected love for DFW Terminal E, Southwest pilots getting teased for their taxi speeds, American Airlines quietly raising checked-bag fees, and a TikToker dropping her phone into an airport toilet mid-dance.
A $13 Snickers at MGM Grand isn’t an outlier—it’s joined by $26 water, a $48 pizza, and even a $50 fee just to charge your laptop in a Las Vegas hotel room. Also in this roundup: Snoop Dogg’s credit card declined at the Winter Olympics, a new grocery price freeze pitch tied to lower credit card fees, and why shared airplane air vents lead to conflict.
Are Singapore’s tourism authorities courting “passport bros” in a new campaign? Also San Francisco’s massive new 24,000-square-foot lounge project, Airbnb quietly testing loyalty perks, and hotel breakfasts facing cutbacks.
An American Airlines flight attendant recounts an overwhelming foot odor so intense it forced another passenger to hide under a blanket for the entire flight. Plus, hotels dropping breakfast, United flight attendants see quick path to a new contract, and Thompson San Antonio faces foreclosure.
Newly released airport footage contradicts Tucker Carlson’s dramatic claim of being ‘detained’ by Israeli security, showing him smiling, posing for selfies, and casually interacting with staff—sparking outrage and accusations that he’s fabricated the entire incident.
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.
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 »
