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———

Spotting a fake hotel review starts with knowing what to look for, from overly polished marketing phrases and buzzwords to suspicious reviewer profiles and photos that seem too perfect. Real reviews tend to include specific details, like weak shower pressure or thin walls, that give you a better sense of the stay. AI has made this harder since a fake review can now sound completely human, but searching a hotel on Reddit can help you see what actual travelers are saying.

Then we head to New Orleans, where the 13-room Blackbird Hotel has something you don't find at most boutique hotels: a resident mystic. Every Thursday and Friday evening, guests can stop by the lobby bar for tarot, astrology, palm readings and psychic readings. The hotel isn't part of a major loyalty program, so you can't use points here, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth considering.

Finally, it's time for some credit card homework. With Q3 ending Sept. 30, it's worth checking your credit card accounts for quarterly statement credits that are about to reset. For example, you might have easy-to-use Resy or Lululemon credits expiring. Also, if your card has rotating 5% cash-back categories, make sure you're using the current ones before the deadline and activate the new categories once October begins.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:21 How to Spot Fake Hotel Reviews

2:26 The Blackbird Hotel's Resident Mystic

3:12 Credit Card Benefits Expiring Sept. 30

3:57 Rotating 5% Cash-Back Categories

4:15 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Ever see a points sale and think, wow, that looks like a bargain? Before you buy, there's one question to ask: What would you actually pay in cash for this trip? If a business-class ticket costs $4,000 but you'd really only pay $500 for economy, that $500 is the number that matters. We break down how to tell when buying points and miles makes sense, when it doesn't, and why a sale isn't automatically a deal.

Hilton's co-branded credit cards are also offering elevated welcome bonuses right now, and two cards in particular caught our attention with some of the best offers we've seen: the Hilton Honors American Express® Surpass® Card and Hilton Honors American Express® Aspire Card. We look at what these offers actually get you, from Hilton elite status to free night certificates, and whether either card belongs in your wallet.

TSA may also be getting closer to letting some PreCheck travelers bring full water bottles through security at airports with newer scanners, although nothing is confirmed yet. We explain what TSA is considering and what it could mean for your next trip. 

Explore Hilton's limited-time card offers: https://go.departuredigest.com/hilton

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:23 Hilton Amex Card Offers

2:04 The Reality Check on Buying Points

3:47 TSA and Full Water Bottles

4:48 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Austin is basically the perfect weekend getaway, with good food, good shopping, pool time, and a night out that might end with you on a mechanical bull. We made a 48-hour itinerary covering South Congress, breakfast tacos, Barton Springs, West Sixth, and some of our favorite spots to eat and drink. Cowboy boots strongly encouraged. For hotels, you can use points at the Thompson Austin, The Driskill, or W Austin.

Also, start booking Thanksgiving and Christmas flights now. Prices are only going up from here. Marriott is offering up to 4,500 bonus points per qualifying stay. Meanwhile, Delta and Hyatt are teaming up, letting Delta SkyMiles members earn miles on qualifying Hyatt stays and World of Hyatt members earn Hyatt points on qualifying Delta flights.

Register for Marriott’s latest promotion and earn bonus points on upcoming stays: https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/promotion.mi?promotion=WL26

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:23 Booking Holiday Flights

0:42 Marriott’s New Global Promo

1:07 New Delta + Hyatt Partnership

1:41 The Perfect 48-Hour Austin Weekend

3:52 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Before you book your next flight, take a second to check the aircraft type. More airlines are starting to fly A321XLRs across the Atlantic, including United and American. These planes can have lie-flat seats and premium economy, but there's still only one aisle, fewer lavatories, and less room to move around than on a wide-body jet. You can usually find the aircraft type in the flight details on Google Flights.

TSA also just launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, letting certain members get through security and into the gate area without a boarding pass. You could meet someone at their gate when they arrive or walk a loved one all the way to the gate before they leave. It's starting at 13 airports, including LAX, DFW, and PHX. There's no fee, and children under 18 can come along with an approved adult. Just don't expect it to help get you into an airport lounge.

Plus, EEEEEATSCON is coming back to New York, with tickets on sale exclusively to Chase credit and debit cardholders. And before we go, there's one genuinely sweet father-daughter moment on an air traffic control frequency that's worth hearing for yourself.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:21 Why Aircraft Type Matters When Booking

2:08 TSA's New Gateside Program

3:14 EEEEEATSCON Returns to New York

3:40 A Father-Daughter Air Traffic Control Moment

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Southwest is opening airport lounges, with its first four locations planned for Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville. It's another sign that Southwest is becoming a lot more like every other airline. After adding bag fees and assigned seating, its CEO has even hinted that first class could be next.

Then, we're comparing four premium hotel programs from Amex, Capital One, Chase, and Bilt. Fine Hotels + Resorts®, Premier Collection, The Edit℠, and Home Away from Home® can offer extras like free breakfast, property credits, and possible upgrades, but it's still important to compare rates before you book. When it comes to perks, though, Amex's guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout is hard to beat.

Plus, meet Throo, a new rideshare app in NYC that could be worth checking before your next airport trip. It offers flat rates from Manhattan to JFK and LGA, though wait times can be longer and it won't necessarily be cheaper than Uber or Lyft every time. More competition is never a bad thing for riders.

Try Throo and get 10% off your first ride: https://throo-rider.app.link/referral?referralCode=DJCBSI

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:17 Southwest's First Airport Lounges

1:36 Throo, NYC's New Rideshare App

2:48 Comparing Premium Hotel Programs

4:22 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

JetBlue is finally getting domestic first class, but it's bad news for everyone else in the back of the plane. The airline's new BlueFirst cabin will have bigger recliner-style seats and Bluetooth connectivity. But to make room, JetBlue is cutting about two inches of legroom from regular economy, which has long been one of its biggest selling points.

If you're still figuring out a last-minute Labor Day getaway, don't panic. International airfare is actually down about 4% compared to last year. We share why it can pay to let the price pick your destination by searching broadly on Google Flights or Seats.aero. Plus, United's app can now help you get on standby for an earlier flight if your travel plans get disrupted.

Flying Blue also has new Promo Rewards for September, with flights between the U.S. and Europe starting around 19,000 miles one-way in economy or 30,000 miles in premium economy. The discounted awards can be booked for travel through Feb. 28, 2027, and it's worth booking before Sept. 8, when new award ticket options with more restrictions take effect.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:17 Last-Minute Labor Day Travel

1:18 United's New Standby Feature

2:14 JetBlue's New BlueFirst Cabin

3:45 Flying Blue Promo Rewards and New Award Fares

4:37 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Bilt's September Rent Day transfer bonus could get you to London for just 3,000 Bilt points. On Sept. 1, Bilt Rewards is offering up to a 100% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Red, with the size of the bonus depending on your Bilt status. Virgin Atlantic awards from the East Coast to London can be as low as 6,000 points one-way in economy, so a full 100% bonus could cut the points cost in half.

United is also offering a shortcut to airline elite status, with a special challenge for members in New York and Chicago. Members can get matched elite status for 120 days, then lock it in through next year by completing just two qualifying flights.

And Google is making it easier to see award pricing for programs including Alaska, American, and Hilton through AI Mode. It's helpful when it works, but the results can be hit or miss.

Sign up for a free Bilt Rewards account: https://go.departuredigest.com/bilt-rewards

United’s New York status match: https://promo.united.com/offers/statusmatchnewyork

United’s Chicago status match: https://promo.united.com/offers/statusmatchchicago

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:19 Bilt's September Rent Day Perks

2:00 United Status Match Shortcut

3:35 Google AI Mode for Points Pricing

4:15 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Today's episode is a deep dive into Rove, one of the easiest ways to earn more travel rewards without opening another credit card. Rove is a free program that lets you earn a separate currency called Rove Miles using the cards you already have, including up to 25x miles on hotels. The real standout is Rove's Loyalty Eligible hotel rate, which can let you earn Rove Miles while still earning hotel points and elite night credits, plus rewards from your credit card.

Rove Miles can also be transferred to a bunch of airline and hotel partners, including Flying Blue, Air Canada Aeroplan, Virgin Atlantic, and Lufthansa's Miles & More. We get into how those transfer partners work and why Miles & More can sometimes offer wildly cheap award flights, including economy tickets between North America and Europe for as little as 88 miles (though taxes and fees can still be significant).

We also look at a few Amex Offers worth checking, including targeted deals on Hilton, Hyatt, Lufthansa Group flights, and more.

Read the full Rove Miles guide: https://www.departuredigest.com/p/rove-miles-guide

Join Rove and get a 1,000-mile welcome bonus: https://go.departuredigest.com/rove

Timeline

0:26 New Travel Amex Offers

1:11 Rove: How It Works

1:52 The Rove Triple Dip

2:39 Rove Transfer Partners

3:01 The 88-Mile Europe Award

3:53 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

United just announced its biggest international expansion ever, adding 10 cities next summer, including new nonstop routes from Newark to Luxembourg, Ibiza, Valencia, Sardinia, and Sicily. Denver will also get new nonstop service to Paris, while Los Angeles gets a daily flight to Osaka. Eight of the 10 new cities won't have another U.S. airline serving them nonstop, and many of the new routes will be operated by United's new A321XLR, with lie-flat seats and Starlink Wi-Fi.

Meanwhile, JetBlue's second BlueHouse lounge opens at Boston Logan on Aug. 27, and Mint and Mint Flex passengers, including those flying domestically, will gain complimentary lounge access. At the same time, JetBlue is introducing a basic Mint fare with fewer included perks, including no lounge access, giving travelers another fare option but more to consider when comparing business-class prices. American is also expanding Flagship Dining access to Flagship Business and Flagship Business Plus passengers on qualifying routes, giving more travelers access to its sit-down airport dining experience.

Finally, Delta is offering new SkyMiles members up to 5,000 bonus miles for completing three simple tasks within three months. It's a refreshingly easy way to start building a SkyMiles balance, especially if you don't already have a Delta account (though hopefully that doesn't apply to you!).

Enroll in the SkyMiles Starter Pack challenge: https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/promotions/skymiles-starter-pack

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:14 JetBlue Boston Lounge + Basic Mint Fare

1:23 American Flagship Dining Expansion

2:32 United's Biggest International Expansion

3:38 Delta's 5,000-Mile SkyMiles Bonus

4:27 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

You don't have to book a flight to earn more travel rewards. Dining out, Uber Eats, and other everyday purchases can become opportunities to earn extra points and miles when you stack the right programs. We break down how dining rewards work, how inKind can help you save on meals while still earning your credit card's dining bonus, and a way to buy inKind credit for less through Costco.

If you're looking for Marriott elite status without opening another credit card, CitizenM's paid mycitizenM Plus membership includes instant Bonvoy Gold status and access to its coworking spaces, even when you're not staying there. We also cover a few easy ways to earn more Marriott points by linking Uber and Starbucks accounts. You won't earn a ton of points from these alone, but they're easy to set up and can add up if you're already using Uber and Starbucks.

Flying Blue is offering 10,000 bonus miles on eligible economy flights to Paris or Amsterdam by Aug. 31, while introducing new Light award tickets with lower mileage prices in some cases but more restrictions. We explain what to know before booking, along with a few other ways to turn spending you're already doing into more travel rewards.

Join inKind for $25 off your first $50+ meal: https://go.departuredigest.com/inkind

Link your Uber account to Marriott Bonvoy: https://www.uber.com/us/en/u/marriott-bonvoy/

Link your Starbucks account to Marriott Bonvoy: https://www.starbucks.com/account/signin?returnUrl=/rewards/partnerships/marriottbonvoy/redirect

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:20 Dining Rewards + InKind

2:07 Marriott Points With Uber + Starbucks

2:42 Marriott Gold Status Shortcut

3:39 Flying Blue 10,000-Mile Bonus

4:29 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

JetBlue's second BlueHouse lounge is coming to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and it's bigger than the airline's first lounge at JFK. It's also getting a full kitchen, something the JFK lounge doesn't have. It's another sign JetBlue is moving beyond its old reputation as the airline with better economy perks and making a serious push into premium travel, with Mint, a premium credit card, domestic first class, and now lounges all part of the strategy.

If you want the feeling of Europe without the heat, flight cost, or jet lag, California has some surprisingly good destination dupes. From a Danish-style village to Mediterranean-looking coastlines and wine country, a few destinations can deliver the feeling of a European getaway without leaving the state. We also look at the Peace Tax, the money travelers quietly spend to avoid awkward budget conversations on group trips.

Bilt also announced a partnership with Equinox, letting members redeem Bilt Cash toward Equinox credits, with the redemption amount tied to your Bilt status. There's no ongoing opportunity to earn or redeem Bilt points through an Equinox membership, but there are a few limited-time perks worth knowing about. And if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express, don't forget it comes with a $300 Equinox credit.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:16 JetBlue BlueHouse Lounge Boston

2:01 California's Europe Dupes

2:49 The Peace Tax on Group Trips

3:53 Bilt and Equinox

4:19 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Heading to the U.S. Open? Your credit card can get you some serious perks around the tournament, and potentially save you money along the way. Chase and Amex cardholders can access lounges with free food and drinks, shaded seating, and even free MTA ticket giveaways. We break down which cards get you into which spaces and when you need to reserve a spot. If you don't want to spend $23 on a Honey Deuce or splurge on chicken nuggets topped with caviar, these lounges can be pretty appealing.

American Airlines is bringing seatback screens back to its narrowbody planes after years of removing them. The new 4K screens will have Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and more personalized entertainment, but the rollout won't start until 2028. It's a pretty major reversal for an airline that spent years betting travelers would rather use their own devices. Allegiant also just started selling tickets for its new first class, and we look at what you actually get with the new cabin and whether it's worth the upgrade.

On the cruise front, Disney Cruise Line extended a savings offer worth up to $500 per guest on select seven-night sailings, including trips you've already booked, as long as you lock it in by August 30. If you've got a cruise coming up, it's worth checking your reservation.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:23 U.S. Open Credit Card Perks

2:04 American Airlines Brings Back Seatback Screens

3:14 Allegiant First Class

4:11 Disney Cruise Line Savings

4:46 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

One of Vegas's newest-looking hotels is actually just OYO Las Vegas, the former Hooters Hotel and one of the city's lowest-rated properties, relisted under a fake name with AI-generated photos. We share a few simple ways to verify any unfamiliar hotel before you book.

Airlines catfish too. Emirates loves showing off its Game Changer suite, but it's still only installed on nine planes nearly a decade after launch. Before you fall for a fancy seat online, check which plane you'll actually be flying on.

Hilton is also targeting some Honors members with a promo worth up to 15,000 bonus points across five stays, as long as you register by Dec. 31 and complete the stays within six months. Emirates may also add a fifth freedom route between Milan and Lima, Peru. Nothing is confirmed yet, but we explain what the route could mean for travelers. And in Helsinki, a new sauna island called Saunasaari just opened to individual visitors for the first time this summer. Think Othership, but on an actual island, with wood-fired hot tubs and the Baltic Sea to cool off.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:29 OYO Las Vegas Fake Listing

2:17 Hilton Stay More Earn More

3:04 Emirates Milan Expansion

3:50 Helsinki Saunasaari and Finnair Lounge Sauna

4:53 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Did you know most T-Mobile plans come with unlimited texting and data abroad? And there are more travel perks hiding in your plan too, including a free premium drink on Delta flights, a free year of AAA membership, and Hilton Honors Silver status with 15% off at most Hilton brands.

Meanwhile, Chase Ultimate Rewards® just launched a 20% transfer bonus to Air Canada Aeroplan through Sept. 30, 2026, or 30% with the Aeroplan® Credit Card. Aeroplan is one of the stronger programs for booking Star Alliance flights to Europe, including Lufthansa, Austrian, and Swiss, so a bonus like this can meaningfully cut the points you need for a flight.

Once you land, Uber isn't universal in Europe and is banned in a few countries, so it's worth having Bolt or FreeNow as a backup. There's bad news for KLM's cheese sandwich fans too. Free beer, wine, and the sandwich disappear from European economy flights starting in October, joining most other European full-service airlines that have already made a similar move. And Atlanta's new grab-and-go lounge, Poppin, lets Priority Pass holders grab snacks and drinks without camping out in a crowded lounge, following a concept also offered by United, American, and Air Canada.

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:15 T-Mobile International Perks

1:14 Chase Aeroplan Transfer Bonus

1:48 European Rideshare Apps and Safety Tips

3:20 KLM Buy-on-Board

3:59 Grab-and-Go Lounges

4:48 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

If you're staying at a Hyatt with Peloton bikes, you can earn World of Hyatt points for your workout. Link your World of Hyatt and Peloton accounts before your stay, then complete at least 10 minutes on an eligible bike or rower to earn 100 bonus points per workout, up to 1,000 points a month. Certain travel credit cards can also earn bonus points on eligible Peloton purchases and memberships, so it's worth checking what you already have.

Beyond workouts, Hyatt rewards staying across different brands through a program called Brand Explorer. Think of it as hotel bingo. Stay at five different World of Hyatt brands and you'll earn a Category 1-4 free night award. Keep going and you can earn up to seven total. If you tend to book the same familiar brand out of habit, it might be worth trying something new next time.

Over at Hilton, Yotel has started joining Hilton Honors through a new collection called Select by Hilton. It's a compact, budget-friendly brand found mostly in cities and near airports, though stays currently earn Hilton points at a slightly lower rate than most other Hilton brands. We also cover Southwest's flash sale of up to 40% off flights, plus a quick reminder to check whether you've been targeted for a personalized United MilePlay offer.

Link your World of Hyatt and Peloton accounts: https://www.onepeloton.com/partners/hyatt/connect

Check your United MilePlay Offer: https://promo.united.com/offers/mileplay

Timeline: 

0:00 Start Here

0:19 Hyatt-Peloton Points Partnership

1:08 World of Hyatt Brand Explorer

2:03 Select by Hilton Adds Yotel

3:23 Southwest Flash Sale

3:52 United MilePlay

4:29 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Paze, a new digital wallet backed by the same company behind Zelle, is giving up to $10 back on purchases of $10 or more, up to 10 times per eligible card, for up to $100 back per card, or up to $300 with three eligible cards. Link your card through your bank's digital wallet settings, then choose Paze at checkout instead of entering your card manually. No registration is required, and the credit typically posts within two billing cycles, through September 10.

American Express Membership Rewards® is running a 30% transfer bonus to British Airways through September 27, turning the usual 1:1 rate into 1:1.3, but the smartest move may be what you do after the points land. Once transferred, miles can be moved again to Qatar Airways, Finnair, Iberia, or Aer Lingus for stronger value, including real savings on routes like JetBlue Mint. This bonus shows up about once a year, worth acting on if you're sitting on Amex points.

Frontier's new all-you-can-fly pass costs $199 for nearly seven months of flights through early January, with each flight costing basically just the taxes and fees, though seats are limited and blackout dates apply around major holidays. World of Hyatt also has a promo worth registering for now. Complete three qualifying nights at a participating all-inclusive resort in Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, or Costa Rica between January and March to earn a free night award at any Category 1 to 4 hotel, up to five times, through June 30, 2027.

Frontier’s GoWild Pass: https://www.flyfrontier.com/deals/gowild-pass/

Register for the World of Hyatt promo: https://discover.hyatt.com/en-us/latin-america-free-night-offer

Timeline

0:00 Start Here 

0:23 Paze $100 Cash Back Promo 

1:55 Amex British Airways Transfer Bonus 

2:53 Frontier All-You-Can-Fly Pass 

3:43 Hyatt Free Night Promo 

4:35 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Norse Atlantic is dealing with serious financial trouble and exploring a possible sale, merger, or partnership, complicating those ultra-cheap fares between cities like New York and London. Flights in the next few weeks are probably fine, but trips booked a few months out deserve more caution. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue are some alternatives to consider if you want to book with points, and since both are transfer partners with just about every major rewards program, you may already have the points to book through them.

Airlines are bringing the basic economy playbook to business class. United, Delta, and JetBlue now all sell stripped-down premium fares with fewer perks, and American will likely follow. We also cover a new American Airlines policy affecting elite upgrades on select premium transcontinental and long-haul Hawaii routes starting Aug. 25, 2026.

Elsewhere, The Reach Hotel, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, launched Key West's first all-inclusive package. Hilton is also selling points for 0.5 cents each through Sept. 25, 2026.

Learn more about transferable points: https://www.departuredigest.com/p/transferable-points-guide

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:15 Norse Atlantic's Money Trouble

1:45 Basic Business Class

3:02 American Elite Upgrade Changes

3:23 The Reach Key West All-Inclusive

4:01 Hilton's Buy Points Sale

4:38 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

Southwest brought back a sweet promotion that lets you earn a promotional Companion Pass after just one round trip instead of the usual 100 qualifying flights or 135,000 qualifying points in a year. Register first, then book a qualifying flight by Thursday, Aug. 6, with cash, points, or a mix. Complete the trip by Nov. 18 to unlock unlimited companion flights from Jan. 5 through March 3, 2027. Your companion only pays the required taxes and fees, which are typically just $5.60 each way on domestic flights. You can change your designated companion up to three times during the promotional period.

As of today, Delta and Starbucks updated how their mileage partnership works. Once your accounts are linked, you'll earn one SkyMile for every dollar spent at Starbucks, and you no longer need to preload a Starbucks gift card. The catch is a new requirement to have flown Delta within the past 12 months to keep earning, though a grace period through Oct. 5 covers everyone for now. If you fly Delta regularly, you should link your accounts today. It's also worth checking your inbox for a targeted $50 Starbucks gift card offer tied to that deadline.

Harrah's Resort Southern California is running a 48-hour flash sale starting Thursday, Aug. 6, where a second night costs just $10 with code MK10S for eligible Monday through Thursday stays through Dec. 22. Also, award availability at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica is wide open through November for up to 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Register for Southwest Companion Pass promo: https://www.southwest.com/loyalty/myaccount/promotion-detail?id=2-5I3T8GAU

Link your Delta and Starbucks accounts: https://www.deltastarbucks.com/content/starbucks/en/overview.html

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:18 Southwest Companion Pass Promotion

1:36 Delta and Starbucks SkyMiles Update

2:57 Harrah's Resort Southern California Flash Sale

3:46 Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Award Availability

4:19 Sign-Off

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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———

WestJet flight attendants have been on strike since Sunday, grounding nearly all of the airline's flights except a few regional routes. We explain what affected travelers should do next: WestJet is legally required to rebook passengers on the next available flight, even on another airline, and your travel credit card's trip delay protection may help if your trip is disrupted.

Then there's Amex's newest hotel transfer partner, Leaders Club from Leading Hotels of the World. At first glance, the 4:1 transfer ratio looks far less attractive than the 1:1 transfers many travelers are used to. But the value of Leaders Club points tells a very different story. This may be one of the strongest hotel redemption opportunities available through Membership Rewards, especially for travelers who love independent luxury hotels like the Ritz Paris. Some cardholders can also unlock complimentary elite status, which may include perks like free breakfast and early check-in.

We also visit Il Borro, the Tuscan estate where Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco celebrated her birthday, where Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits can make a stay more rewarding. JetBlue debuts new Mint menus from Michelin-starred Crown Shy and Brooklyn's Birdee bakery, and United, Delta, and Southwest have all banned humanoid and animal-like robots from flying as passengers.

Transferable Points Guide: https://www.departuredigest.com/p/transferable-points-guide

Timeline

0:00 Start Here

0:22 WestJet Flight Attendant Strike

1:06 Amex Leaders Club Transfer Partner

2:31 Selena Gomez's Tuscan Vacation

3:43 JetBlue's New Mint Menus

4:05 Airlines Ban Humanoid Robots

———

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which Departure Digest will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Departure Digest is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers. The content in this episode is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

———

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🧭 Free points & miles beginner's guide: https://www.departuredigest.com/p/points-miles-beginners-guide

———

Meet Departure Digest, your five-minute, audio-first travel voice memo. We cut through the noise on airline news, hotel updates, and points strategies, so you don't have to spend hours bouncing between open tabs and group chats.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we break down what's worth booking and how to avoid the expensive mistakes airlines and hotels hope you make. Our goal is simple: help you book the first-class experience on a coach budget by turning travel headlines and points strategies into clear takeaways and next steps. Clear enough for beginners, sharp enough for pros.

We're travel nerds who've spent years earning points, testing loyalty programs, and shaping travel coverage for some of the biggest names in media. We're the friend who already did the research. Think of each episode as a quick voice memo from your savviest travel friend, delivered before your coffee gets cold.

———

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