Travel

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For many years, SeatGuru served as the go-to site for viewing airplane seat maps to choose the best seat for your flight. But SeatGuru hasn’t been meaningfully updated in years. The best source for checking airplane seat maps these days is AeroLOPA.

AeroLOPA is arguably one of the best aviation resources that have been launched in the past few years, offering hundreds of detailed airline seat maps. However, AeroLOPA isn’t as beginner-oriented as SeatGuru, so you’ll need to know what you’re looking for or use other tools in conjunction with it.

Here’s what to know about AeroLOPA and how to use this resourceful tool to find your perfect seat.

What is AeroLOPA?

AeroLOPA is a website that has compiled and published hundreds of seat maps covering a vast majority of the airlines in the world. The site digitizes each airline’s Layout of Passenger Accommodations — most commonly known by the abbreviation LOPA — letting you see the exact arrangement of aircraft seats, windows, lavatories, bassinets, galleys, etc., for each aircraft type.

Which airlines does AeroLOPA publish seat maps for?

AeroLOPA publishes seat maps for pretty much any airline you can think of.

AeroLOPA shortcomings

Although AeroLOPA is an excellent free resource, the site has some room for improvement.

Can’t search by airline, flight number and date

One frustration casual travelers may experience is that AeroLOPA doesn’t provide the ability to find flight seat maps by entering your airline, flight number and date. Instead, to see your flight seat map, you’ll first need to research what aircraft type you’re flying via another resource and then search AeroLOPA for that aircraft type.

The founder of AeroLOPA shared that he actively worked on adding a feature that lists the aircraft being used for a specific route on a specific day.

However, airlines often have multiple seating arrangements for the same aircraft type, without a clear indication which arrangement is being used for a particular flight. Rather than potentially provide inaccurate information, AeroLOPA focuses on publishing seat maps and letting travelers figure out the aircraft type themselves.

Lack of analysis

Another shortcoming is that AeroLOPA doesn’t provide any commentary on what seats are good or bad — like what you’d find on SeatGuru. Instead, you’ll need to examine the AeroLOPA seat map to determine the best seat based on your preferences.

This may not be an issue for frequent travelers who can quickly suss out their preferred seat. However, infrequent travelers likely prefer having some guidance.

How to use AeroLOPA

The first step to using AeroLOPA is to check your airline flight booking for the aircraft type being used on your flight. This may be shown as a three-digit code (e.g., 777 or 77W) or spelled out (e.g., Boeing 777-300ER). If you logged into your airline’s website or flight booking platform to find your aircraft type, leave that page open as you might need it in a moment.

Next, open AeroLOPA’s website and scroll through the list of airlines until you find your operating carrier. Clicking on the airline’s link will take you to AeroLOPA’s fleet page for the airline. The next challenge is to figure out the right seat map to refer to.

How to determine your exact aircraft type

Most airlines have several arrangements for the same aircraft type. For instance, take American Airlines. American uses only the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 for its entire wide-body fleet. Here’s where that aircraft code is useful. Knowing whether you’re on a 777-200ER vs. 777-300ER or a 787-8 vs. 787-9 can narrow your results.

However, as you can see above, American has two different seating arrangements for the Boeing 777-200ER, 787-8 and 787-9. In this case, you’ll need to open the airline’s website — or your flight booking platform — in conjunction with AeroLOPA to figure out the right option.

Go into the seat selection functionality to see the seating arrangement for your flight. In the example below, American already does a good job displaying the cabin arrangement, including bathrooms and galleys.

However, other important aspects — such as missing windows — aren’t reflected on American’s seat map. That’s where AeroLOPA can help you select the best seat.

Reviewing the two AeroLOPA seat maps for American Airlines 787-9 aircraft, you’ll see that one cabin has eight rows of business class seating and another has nine rows. For the flight in the example above, the eight-row seat map on the left is the corresponding seat map.

Now that you know which seat map to examine, you can review that AeroLOPA seat map for details like lavatory placement and window arrangement. In this case, there are no lavatories immediately in front of row 1 or immediately behind row 8, making these seats a bit more appealing than otherwise.

However, row 5 is missing a window on both sides of the aircraft.

For some airlines, AeroLOPA even shares the seat manufacturer and seat type. In this example, American installed the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond in business class, a great reverse-herringbone seat that’s used by several airlines.

If you’re trying to find the perfect airline seat …

AeroLOPA is an incredible resource for travelers looking to select the perfect seat. It publishes detailed seat maps for over 160 airlines, with up to dozens of seat maps per airline.

However, this free tool isn’t the beginner-focused one-stop flight seat map tool that SeatGuru used to be. You’ll need to know your aircraft type and arrangement to make the most out of AeroLOPA. But, for knowledgeable travelers, AeroLOPA seat maps are worth bookmarking.

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com

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The Ikon Pass is a ski membership that provides access to a collection of ski resorts around the world. The most expensive pass from Ikon includes unlimited access to 17 Ikon Pass resorts and up to seven days per year of access to other resorts, plus buddy passes and discounts on food, drinks and retail purchases.

The Ikon Pass is an excellent choice for people who plan on skiing multiple days each winter. With many lift tickets running between $200 and $300 per day, just one multiday ski vacation can justify the cost.

What Ikon Pass resorts are included?

There are more than 50 Ikon Pass mountains where passholders can ski and snowboard around the world. However, access may be limited depending on what type of Ikon ski pass you have. Limited blackout dates apply to the Ikon Base Pass and the Ikon Base Plus Pass.

Resorts in the United States

Thirty-nine of the Ikon Pass mountains are in the U.S. Of these resorts, they’re primarily concentrated in the Rockies and Northeastern states.

Pacific NW (6)

Rockies (15)

Midwest (2)

Palisades Tahoe.
Sierra-at-Tahoe.
Mammoth Mountain.
June Mountain.
Big Bear Mountain Resort.
Snow Valley.

Sun Valley.
Alyeska Resort.
Crystal Mountain Resort.
The Summit at Snoqualmie.
Mt. Bachelor.
Schweitzer.

Aspen Snowmass.
Steamboat.
Winter Park Resort.
Copper Mountain.
Arapahoe Basin.
Eldora Mountain Resort.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Big Sky Resort.
Taos Ski Valley.
Deer Valley Resort.
Solitude Mountain Resort.
Brighton.
Alta Ski Area.
Snowbird.
Snowbasin.

The Highlands.
Boyne Mountain.

Stratton.
Sugarbush Resort.
Killington – Pico.
Windham Mountain Club.
Snowshoe Mountain.
Sunday River.
Sugarloaf.
Loon Mountain.
Camelback Resort.
Blue Mountain Resort.

International mountain resorts

International travelers can also take advantage of 22 Ikon Pass resorts in multiple countries. Southern Hemisphere locations make it possible to ski throughout the year since their ski season starts just as the North American ski season comes to an end.

Canada (8)

South America (1)

Europe (6)

Oceania (5)

SkiBig3. Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Cypress Mountain. RED Mountain. Panorama. Sun Peaks Resort.

Tremblant. Blue Mountain

Valle Nevado.

Grandvalira Resorts Andorra.

Kitzbühel.

Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley.

Dolomiti Superski.

Switzerland

Zermatt Matterhorn. St. Moritz.

Thredbo. Mt Buller.

New Zealand

Coronet Peak. The Remarkables. Mt Hutt.

Niseko United. Arai Snow Resort

When planning your ski vacation, keep in mind that some ski resorts require reservations. While this can be frustrating, limiting access prevents overcrowding. This way, you’ll spend more time on the slopes than in the lines for ski lifts.

What ski pass options are available?

Ikon Base Pass

Ikon Base Plus Pass

Ikon Session Pass

Adult $1,359.
Young adult $1,019.
Child $429.
Ages 4 and under $149.

Adult $969.
Young adult $699.
Child $359.
Ages 4 and under $99.

Adult $1,219.
Young adult $949.
Child $609.
Ages 4 and under $349.

Adult passes:
4-day $479.
3-day $399.
2-day $289.

17 resorts.

14 resorts.

14 resorts.

Up to 7 days each at 42 resorts.

5 days each at 39 resorts.

5 days each at 45 resorts.

2, 3 or 4 days total at 43 resorts.

Blackout dates

Dining and retail discounts

Friends and family discounts

12 passes.

Ikon Pass (Best)

The Ikon Pass offers the most benefits and ski lift access of any pass. There are no blackout dates, and it includes unlimited access at 17 destinations. This means that you can ski or snowboard as much as you want at these locations throughout the ski season.

With the Ikon Pass, you’ll receive up to seven days each at 42 additional destinations. Passholders also receive a 15% discount on food, beverage and retail purchases at select destinations. You can use up to 12 friends and family discounts per season.

Ikon Base Pass

For skiers on a budget, the Ikon Base Pass adds blackout dates and eliminates access to some destinations in exchange for a reduced price. Even with these restrictions, you still get unlimited access to 14 destinations and five days of lift tickets at 39 other resorts. Passholders also get a 10% discount on food, beverage and retail purchases at participating destinations and eight friends and family discounts.

In the Northern Hemisphere, blackout dates this season include several days after Christmas, the weekend before Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January and the weekend before Presidents Day in February. The Southern Hemisphere has blackout dates for two weeks in July.

A major downside for the Ikon Base Pass is losing out on six resort destinations. These locations are Alta Ski Area, Aspen Snowmass, Deer Valley Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snowbasin and Sun Valley. If you want to visit these locations, consider upgrading your pass or purchasing single-day lift tickets.

Ikon Base Plus Pass

For skiers who want access to every Ikon ski resort but still want to save money, the Ikon Base Plus Pass is a solid choice. It includes unlimited access to 14 destinations and limited visits to Ikon’s 45 other ski resorts. There are limited blackout dates, but if your travel plans are flexible, you can work around those restrictions.

While the premium pass includes unlimited visits at Crystal Mountain, Schweitzer and Steamboat, this pass is limited to five days at those resorts per season. Blackout dates also apply to these resorts. Additionally, you’ll receive just five lift tickets at the other resorts compared with seven visits with the Ikon Pass.

Holders of the Base Plus Pass get a 10% discount on food and drinks and at retail stores at select destinations. You can also bring friends and family along by using up to eight discounts per season.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Skiers planning to upgrade from the Ikon Base Pass to the Ikon Base Plus Pass should consider buying the premium Ikon Pass instead.

With a $250 cost to upgrade to the Base Plus Pass, the difference in cost for adults and young adults between the Base Plus Pass and the Ikon Pass isn’t that much compared to the extra benefits and access you’ll get with the Ikon Pass. For children, the Base Plus Pass is actually more expensive than the top-of-the-line ski pass.

Ikon Session Pass

Travelers who aren’t ready to commit to a full season of skiing and snowboarding can still purchase an Ikon Session Pass to save money over single-day lift tickets.

Session passes can be used for one or more days at 43 ski resorts. They can be purchased for two, three or four days of skiing, but blackout dates may apply to select destinations. With this pass, some resorts also require reservations.

What to consider

Before buying your pass, consider which Ikon Pass mountains you want to visit, when you want to travel and how many days you’ll ski. You may be able to save money by purchasing a lower-level pass instead of the premium pass with the highest price tag.

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Epic Ski Pass holders get access to several Epic resorts and partner resorts around the world. Think of it like a membership: Buy it once, use it all winter.

Most participating resorts are in the U.S., but there are also a handful in Canada and Australia plus partner resorts in Europe, Japan and the Canadian Rockies (plus one in the U.S.) that offer limited access to certain pass holders. Depending on when you purchase your pass, you may even get summer lift access, too, which could include lift-accessed mountain bike parks or scenic lift rides.

If you’re planning to ski multiple days this season, the cost of a pass could be much cheaper than paying for daily access. But blackout dates and limits to when you can visit might apply. Make sure your favorite local resort is included in the pass before purchasing.

Where are Epic Pass resorts?

Epic Pass mountains and resorts are located all over the world, with the majority in the U.S.

  • Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia.

  • Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Switzerland.

Epic Pass costs and options

Epic Pass: $1,025

If you want nearly unlimited access to all Epic Pass resorts with no blackout dates during peak times (usually holidays), the classic Epic Pass is the one for you.

You’ll get unlimited access to most U.S., Canadian and international resorts. But Telluride in Colorado, several Canadian destinations and participating Japanese resorts still come with a cap on how many days in the season you can visit. Since it’s the most inclusive pass option, it’s also the most expensive.

Epic Local Pass: $762

Geared toward U.S. residents who may occasionally travel internationally to ski, the Epic Local Pass offers unlimited access to several resorts across the U.S. and limited days at international resorts. Some U.S. slopes don’t allow visits on peak days, though, so check to see if your favorite mountains come with limitations, especially if you’re planning to travel over the holidays.

Epic Day Pass: Starts at $46 per day

This flexible option allows you to buy a day pass (for one day up to seven) for use whenever it’s convenient. You can choose if you want those days to give you access to all Epic resorts or just a selection and if you want the pass to include peak dates (which costs more). Which you choose will depend on when and where you plan to travel to ski or ride.

Purchasing a pass this way scores you lift tickets at a discount up to 65% off. Epic says that works out to between $46 and $135 per day depending on your selections, meaning you could score yourself a pretty decent discount depending on what resorts you plan to visit.

Military passes: Start at $181

Whether you’re active military, retired military, a dependent or a veteran, there are several discounted passes available with unlimited access to a wide selection of resorts.

Area- and resort-specific passes: Start at $334

For those who don’t plan to travel far to ski or snowboard, there are several resort- or region-specific passes available. For example, the Tahoe Local Pass offers unlimited access to a handful of California resorts, plus extra days at a few destinations in Western states.

The Northeast Value Pass gets you access to slopes in New England, Pennsylvania and the Midwest. Several dedicated resort-specific passes are available, too, if you plan to always ski close to home.

How to use an Epic Pass

To use an Epic Pass, download the My Epic app then scan your phone in lieu of a traditional lift ticket. That means you can skip the ticket line and head straight to the lifts at most resorts (except Telluride, which requires reservations).

The app also will keep track of days skied and any date restrictions associated with the pass you chose.

Other benefits of the Epic Pass

In addition to users getting access to often unlimited lift tickets by purchasing a pass before the season starts, the Epic Pass comes with a slew of other benefits at select resorts:

  • 20% off food at many on-resort dining establishments.

  • 20% off resort lodging.

  • 20% off group ski or snowboard lessons.

  • 20% off rental equipment.

  • 50% off a tune-up and one free wax a year.

  • Discounted single-day lift tickets or Buddy Tickets for friends or family (with select passes).

  • Discounts on transportation and experiences at a handful of locations.

  • Pass coverage: You may be able to get a refund or partial refund if you lose your job, a resort closes or you get injured, thus limiting your ability to use your pass.

Is an Epic Pass worth it?

For many skiers, yes. But it depends on several factors — mainly, how often you’ll be able to use the pass and if it’s convenient for when and where you ski or snowboard.

Here’s what to consider before purchasing:

  • Location. Are any of the resorts near you part of the Epic Pass program? If not, and you’re not planning to travel to any that are, then you probably want to pass on this pass. If, however, your favorite hometown slope is included, and you plan to spend more than a few days layering up and strapping in in search of fresh powder or want to travel for a ski vacation, a pass could likely save you money.

  • Frequency. The more days per season you ski or ride, the more the cost of a pass will be worth it. But even if you plan to ski or ride only a few days throughout the season, a day pass could likely save you quite a bit of cash compared to a full-priced lift ticket, so it’s worth considering, especially if you live near an Epic resort.

  • Blackout dates. Keep in mind, too, whether the pass and included resorts allow you to claim lift tickets on peak days like Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re hoping to ski during the holidays, this is extra important.

  • Finances: Don’t go into debt for a season-long ski pass. Whether you choose to pay in full or use Epic’s buy now, pay later option, make sure your finances are in good enough shape for large transactions or automatic withdrawals. If they’re not, stick with saving up and paying on just the days you want to ski.

For the best value, make sure you scan the list of passes available and choose one that makes the most sense for you. There’s no need to spend big bucks on a full-blown Epic Pass if a regional or local pass will suit your needs.

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Global Entry membership offers low-risk travelers expedited entry through customs when they re-enter the U.S. and access to the TSA PreCheck line. The approval process has two steps: Submit an application and receive conditional approval, then schedule an in-person interview with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for final approval.

The whole process can take up to 24 months if your application requires a manual review, according to the CBP website. You can’t do anything about the wait period for conditional approval, but a service called Global Entry Spotter wants to streamline the in-person scheduling part of the process.

“We know exactly when most enrollment centers will release their appointments,” says Dylan Neff, co-founder of Global Entry Spotter. Once the spotter identifies an open interview slot at your chosen enrollment centers, you’ll receive an immediate notification via email or text message. Then log onto the CBP website and schedule the interview without the hassle of constantly checking for appointment availability.

The service costs $25 for unlimited text notifications for appointment availability at up to three enrollment centers.

I tested out Global Entry Spotter and was pleased with the simple user interface and how quickly I started receiving text notifications for appointment availability. The price point is lower than similar services like TTP Tracker ($30) and Appointment Scanner ($27.99), and you get unlimited notifications for a one-time fee, whereas those services charge you monthly for a limited number of daily notifications.

Features

Global Entry Spotter allows you to receive appointment notifications from up to three of over 170 enrollment centers across the country. You can search for appointment availability on certain days of the week and within a range of future dates that work with your schedule.

The company says that 3 out of 4 users will receive their first alert within 24 hours of registering. In my experience, I registered for notifications from three enrollment centers in Florida and received my first notification within minutes.

In addition to Global Entry, you can also schedule interview appointments for other Trusted Traveler Programs offered by the CBP, including NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST.

Pros of Global Entry Spotter

Unlimited notifications

Unlike similar services that cap the number of notifications you can receive, you’ll get unlimited email or text notifications with Global Entry Spotter. This could be especially valuable if you’re using a broad range of dates for your search, or if you include enrollment centers that have more availability.

Within an hour of registering, I received notifications for appointment availability at each of the enrollment centers I selected.

🤓Nerdy Tip

If you are struggling to find an appointment and have plans to fly through an airport with a Global Entry enrollment center in the next few months, add that airport to your alerts list to increase your odds of snagging an interview time slot.

One-time fee

Global Entry Finder charges a one-time $25 fee for their service. Other similar services charge a monthly fee that you’ll have to pay multiple times if you don’t find an appointment in that first month. Even with alerts, finding an appointment can be a chore in high-demand areas like Charlotte, where there is only one enrollment center. With the one-time fee, you can take your time to find an appointment that works for you.

“If you don’t in the end find an appointment, we’ll give you your money back, no questions asked,” says Neff.

Real-time data

Global Entry Finder offers a real-time look at wait times for individual enrollment centers across the country and converts that into the probability that you’ll find an appointment at different locations. Green dots represent a higher probability, whereas red and orange dots indicate lower probability.

If you’re in one of those tough-to-schedule locations like Charlotte or Chicago, speed will be the key in scheduling an appointment once you receive the alert.

Neff says you might only have 30 seconds to a minute after receiving an alert to secure an appointment slot in one of those low-probability locations.

“It’s hard to do with our service, but it’s impossible to do without our service,” Neff says.

(Screenshot: Global Entry Spotter. Green dots represent a higher probability of getting an appointment, whereas red and orange dots indicate lower probability.)

Drawbacks of Global Entry Spotter

Once you receive an alert, you’ll still need to find and book that appointment on the CBP website. If you’re in a high-demand area and don’t immediately see the alert, you may be shut out from that appointment slot as other people try to reserve it before you. Additionally, the more people that use a service like Global Entry Spotter, the harder it will be for any one person to find an appointment, since more people will be vying for those in-demand slots as soon as they are released.

Should you sign up for Global Entry Spotter?

You should sign up for Global Entry Spotter if you live in or near a high-demand city and are struggling to find an in-person appointment. The cost is reasonable and using the service could dramatically decrease the time you wait for final Global Entry approval.

How to get Global Entry for free

Several popular travel credit cards reimburse you for the application fee for TSA Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. This is usually in the form of a statement credit, where you pay for the fee on your card and get reimbursed automatically.

Here are some of our favorite cards that offer a statement credit for Global Entry:

Cards with TSA benefits

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

on Bank of America’s website

United℠ Explorer Card

on Chase’s website

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

on Chase’s website

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee

$0 intro for the first year, then $95.

Benefit

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $120 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Learn more

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com

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The Offer

20k offer | 10k offer (input your info at these links to see if you are targeted)


Chase is offering select customers a bonus when booking travel via Chase Travel:

  • Book your first trip with Chase Travel and get rewarded. Eligible cardmembers can activate this special offer and receive: 20,000 bonus points when purchasing a hotel stay; or 10,000 bonus points when purchasing flights, car rentals, cruises activities and tours.
    • Here’s how: 1) Activate this offer and book your travel by January 31, 2025; 22 Travel by August 31, 2025; 3) Earn your bonus points up to eight weeks following your trip.
      Minimum spend of $500 is required with your eligible credit card. Use your card or points to cover the rest. You’ll still earn your card rewards on top of this special offer when using your eligible credit card to purchase travel. Offer is valid for eligible cardmembers who have not booked with Chase Travel/Ultimate Rewards Travel since August 15, 2022.
  • Book your next trip with Chase Travel and get rewarded. Eligible cardmembers can activate this special offer and receive 10,000 bonus points for purchasing a hotel stay.
    • Here’s how: 1. Activate this offer and book your travel by January 31, 2025; 2. Travel by August 31, 2025; 3. Earn your bonus points up to eight weeks following your trip.
      Minimum spend of $400 is required with your eligible credit card. Use your card or points to cover the rest. You’ll still earn your card rewards on top of this special offer when using your eligible credit card to purchase travel.

Our Verdict

Getting 20,000 Ultimate Rewards points for booking a $500 stay can be an excellent deal. The 10,000/$400 offer is nice as well. A lot of people are having success inputting their card info on the above pages and finding their Chase cards targeted for one of these offers.


Source: doctorofcredit.com

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If you’re looking for a premium travel credit card, you might be weighing the value of American Express Centurion lounge access with Capital One lounge access. Centurion lounges have been around longer, offering high-end amenities for eligible cardholders since 2013. Capital One, meanwhile, recently launched its first lounges and is quickly building out its network.

The better choice depends on where you travel and what’s most important to you. My take: Both lounge networks have a lot to offer, but the Centurion Lounges by American Express edge out Capital One lounges.

Because there are more Centurion lounge locations, it’s more accessible for eligible cardholders. These lounges also offer premium drinks at no extra charge, unlike Capital One lounges.

Still, it’s a close competition. Capital One offers more convenient dining options. Once Capital One opens more locations, it could steal the title for the best airport lounge network from American Express.

Winner: American Express Centurion lounges

Capital One currently has three airport lounge locations — Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver and Washington-Dulles. In June 2024, it announced an upcoming lounge in New York-JFK to compete with the AmEx Centurion Lounge and Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.

The Centurion Lounge by American Express has 13 locations within the U.S.

The Centurion World Lounge Collection also features lounges in 11 additional locations across the globe.

Ease of access

Winner: Tie

Access to the Capital One lounges and Centurion lounges is limited to eligible cardholders and their guests. While non-cardholders can pay an entrance fee, they must be accompanied by an eligible cardholder.

Though Centurion lounges offer more access options, Capital One lounges offer complimentary access for up to two guests without an annual spending requirement.

Capital One lounges

Through Dec. 31, 2024, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles cardholders receive two complimentary lounge passes each year. Cardholders can use these passes for themselves or to bring a guest into the lounge with them. Starting in January 2025, there is a $45 fee per person for the cardholder and their guests who wish to enter the lounge.

How the cards compare

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Business

Annual fee

Welcome offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

Still not sure?

American Express Centurion lounges

The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders receive complimentary entrance, but they must pay $50 for each guest ($30 for children ages 2 to 17). However, when you spend at least $75,000 each calendar year, you’ll earn complimentary access for up to two guests on each visit. Centurion cards still offer complimentary guest access for up to two people or immediate family members without the annual spending requirement.

In addition to Centurion and Platinum cards, AmEx customers who have the personal or business version of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card credit card also receive access to the Centurion lounge. However, these customers must be flying on an eligible Delta flight. They cannot enter the lounge when flying other airlines. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardholders can bring up to two guests into the lounge. However, the charge is $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 2 to 17 years.

How the cards compare

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Annual fee

Welcome offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Still not sure?

Meals and snacks

Winner: Capital One lounges

The Capital One lounges serve food in single-serving containers rather than traditional buffet dining. It also offers to-go items for travelers on the run, making it a more convenient option than Centurion lounges.

Although it costs money to have a premium travel credit card or pay for airport lounge admission, you save money by getting free meals inside. Capital One lounges and American Express Centurion lounges both offer delicious food for travelers, although the experiences are quite different.

Capital One lounges

(Photo by Lee Huffman)

Capital One lounges feature a “chef-inspired menu” with single-serving dishes that make it simple and easy for visitors to grab food. Walk up and select any of the available food and dessert items from the serving stations.

Food items vary throughout the day to correspond with breakfast, lunch and dinner. For travelers in a hurry, Capital One also offers grab-n-go items that they can take with them.

American Express Centurion lounges

(Photo by Lee Huffman)

Centurion lounges offer “fresh seasonal fare created by locally renowned chefs.” The food is served buffet-style, so you can take as much or as little as you’d like. Items are updated as trays get empty and change throughout the day.

Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal and top it off with delicious dessert items.

Drink options

Winner: Centurion lounges

Lounges typically offer craft cocktails, local craft brews and assorted beverages. Centurion lounges offer complimentary premium beverages, while Capital One lounges charge for orders beyond domestic beers, house wines and well drinks.

Capital One lounges

(Photo by Lee Huffman)

Capital One lounges offer complimentary beverages to visitors. However, if you want premium drinks, there may be an additional charge.

American Express Centurion lounges

(Photo by Lee Huffman)

When ordering a drink at a Centurion lounge, all beverages are complimentary. So, treat yourself to top-shelf liquor, artisan wines or craft beer without worrying about ringing up a huge tab. Although Centurion lounge drinks are free, remember to tip the bartender.

Other amenities

Winner: Tie

Capital One lounges offer dedicated workout and multi-faith rooms, while Centurion lounges offer massages, manicures and other amenities that vary by location.

Aside from food and drinks, premium lounges offer other amenities to make your visit special. Amenities vary by location, but you may be able to book a conference room, shower, sleep pod and other goodies.

Capital One lounges

(Photo by Lee Huffman)

Capital One sets itself apart by offering a dedicated workout space that features Peloton bikes and a view of the runway. It also has a multi-faith room for travelers who wish to pray, meditate or have a quiet moment of reflection before their flight.

American Express Centurion lounges

(Photo by Lee Huffman)

Visitors to the Centurion lounge may be able to spoil themselves with a massage or manicure in between flights. These amenities typically require booking an appointment ahead of time, so plan ahead so you don’t miss out. Some locations also offer other amenities, like a pool table or shuffleboard, to help pass the time in between flights.

Additional lounge access for cardholders

Winner: American Express

In addition to accessing the Capital One lounges and Centurion lounges, eligible cardholders have access to other lounge networks. American Express takes the edge as it partners with more lounge operators than Capital One.

Capital One

The Capital One Partner Lounge Network includes complimentary access to more than 1,300 Plaza Premium Lounges and Priority Pass lounges for eligible cardholders and up to two guests. To enter Plaza Premium lounges, just show your eligible Capital One credit card and your boarding pass.

For Priority Pass lounges, you must enroll by visiting its website and entering your credit card number.

American Express

The American Express Global Lounge Collection includes more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. In addition to Centurion Lounges, cardholders have access to Escape Lounges, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa, Plaza Premium Lounges and Priority Pass Lounges.

Travelers can access the Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges and Priority Pass lounges for free and bring up to two guests at no additional charge. However, Priority Pass access requires manual activation through the benefits section of your American Express account or by calling AmEx customer service.

Access to the Delta Sky Club and Lufthansa lounges requires a same-day boarding pass for the respective airlines. Effective Feb. 1, 2025, Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders are limited to 10 visits to Delta Sky Club lounges per year.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com

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JetBlue announced on Sept. 19 that it would open two new airport lounges and launch a premium credit card.

This move is JetBlue’s latest effort to differentiate itself in a competitive space. By adding a premium lounge experience and credit card, JetBlue can better capture more of the high-spend traveler market while continuing to cater to budget-conscious flyers. Still, JetBlue is much smaller and has a limited route network compared with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines or United Airlines, so its offerings might be relatively niche, appealing only to a specific set of JetBlue flyers.

Who can access JetBlue’s new lounges?

This plan is the airline’s first move into a standalone lounge experience, responding to growing customer demand for the “highly requested perk.” Each lounge will feature complimentary refreshments, high-speed Wi-Fi and quiet areas designed for travelers.

Complimentary access will be available to:

JetBlue will also sell day passes and an annual pass, though details on pricing and eligibility have yet to be finalized.

Airport lounges are in high demand

JetBlue’s future lounges won’t be the only new options at JFK or BOS. Airlines and banks are moving away from relying on third-party lounge networks like Priority Pass, opting instead to invest in branded spaces that allow for greater control over the customer experience. In 2024 alone, JFK saw some new lounges and plans, including:

  • Capital One Lounge: In June 2024, Capital One announced it would open a 13,000-square-foot lounge in Terminal 4; an opening date hasn’t been shared.

  • Delta One Lounge: The largest Delta lounge in the world, located in Terminal 4, opened in June 2024. 

Chase also opened a Sapphire Lounge by The Club in BOS in 2023 and Delta added a nearly 21,000-square-foot Sky Club last year, in addition to two others that were already there.

This underscores other airlines’ commitment to branded lounges, as well as ways that banks are increasingly getting into the airport lounge space. More lounge options are welcomed, especially as overcrowding has become a notorious issue among even among the most upscale lounge offerings.

JetBlue’s new premium card benefits

While details are scant, JetBlue has already made it clear its new premium card will include lounge access for the cardholder and a guest. JetBlue’s current credit cards are all issued by Barclays, which will also issue this forthcoming card.

With only two lounges planned so far, it’ll be interesting to see at what price point JetBlue lands with its upcoming card and what other benefits will come with it. It’s unknown if lower-tier cardholders will have discounted or limited lounge access.

It’s worth noting that several premium cards include Priority Pass Select membership to access over 1,600 Priority Pass lounges around the world. While quality varies, it’s a way issuers offer airport lounge access when cardholders travel beyond a smaller lounge network. If it’s not a perk of JetBlue’s new card, it’ll be a tough sell to enter two specific lounges unless the other benefits are truly stellar.

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Fiji is a true Pacific paradise with two main islands and several smaller islands with stunning scenery and resorts large and small.

As the country’s tourism numbers grow, so do the number of international hotel brands with popular loyalty programs. This means vacationers (or those looking to work remotely in the tropical breeze) have plenty of options.

Most of the familiar resort brands are in the Denarau area, which is about 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport, although there are others. If you’re looking for a great option for a trip to Fiji, a destination whose motto is “Where happiness comes naturally,” here are some of the best hotels in Fiji to consider.

ALL – Accor Live Limitless

ALL – Accor Live Limitless is the loyalty program from the Accor brand, which offers the chance to earn points during a stay or redeem them for cash discounts. Accor has some of the best hotels in Nadi, Fiji, like the Novotel Nadi near the airport and Mercure Nadi, which are budget options without direct beach access.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

(Photo courtesy of Accor)

Sofitel is an upscale and luxury brand from Accor that leans into its French heritage and is one of the best hotels in Fiji. Its properties around the world offer French cuisine, style and even a French welcome of “bonjour.”

The Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa enjoys a beachfront location, an enormous swimming pool, family activities with an organized kids club and teenage club, a nightclub and a beachfront seafood restaurant.

Because of the way ALL points are redeemed, there is no award chart for redemptions. Instead, members use their points to reduce the cost of their overall bill by about $45 (40 euros) for each 2,000 points redeemed.

Hilton Honors

With two resorts to choose from, Hilton Honors members can select between a property in the Denarau area or on Sonaisali Island. Coming soon is another of Hilton’s many brands when a Hilton Garden Inn eventually opens in the capital city of Suva.

Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa

(Photo courtesy of Hilton)

This Denerau property enjoys seven swimming pools, a kids club and a private stretch of beach. Nearby shopping and dining make this a popular location for tourists. Hilton Honors uses a dynamic pricing model, which means the cost in points can vary depending on the room type and date.

On the random dates we checked, the average price for an award stay was 55,000 points.

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Fiji – Sonaisali Island

(Photo courtesy of Hilton)

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Fiji – Sonaisali Island overlooks the Mamanuca Islands and is about 25 minutes from the international airport. To reach the resort, a three-minute boat ride takes guests from the main island of Viti Levu to Sonaisali Island.

While the rate for a redemption night at this resort varies by date, on average, it is around 40,000 points per night.

And of course, all arrivals receive the famous DoubleTree by Hilton cookie as a special bonus.

IHG One Rewards

IHG has several properties in Fiji representing several of its brands. In addition to two resorts near Nadi, there are two hotels in the capital city of Suva. A Six Senses is also coming to the country soon, representing IHG’s luxury resort partnership.

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

(Photo courtesy of IHG)

The Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa on Wailoaloa Beach counts seven swimming pools among its roster of amenities, including one dedicated exclusively for adults and another with a swim-up bar. Some of the resort’s two-bedroom suites also have direct pool and beach access from the guest room.

Since IHG uses dynamic pricing for its award redemptions, the cost in points will vary based on the dates of your stay. On the random dates we checked, a one-night standard room redemption started at 44,000 points.

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

(Photo courtesy of IHG)

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is another option for earning and redeeming those valuable IHG One Rewards points. Its 35 acres lie along Natadola Beach, which is protected by a natural reef that gives the water an incredible blue color.

IHG One Rewards uses a dynamic pricing model for award redemptions, and on the random sampling of dates we checked, the rate was between 47,000 and 51,000 points per night.

Marriott Bonvoy

The Marriott Bonvoy program has many properties in Fiji. All of them are on the main island with the exception of Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, which is only partially open because of renovations. Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa is closed for updates with plans to open in 2025.

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort

(Photo courtesy of Sheraton)

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort is one of the major players along Denarau Beach, and its impressive convention facilities keep its various wings busy with group business. Beachfront swimming pools, including one reserved for adults, have a beautiful view, and the resort recently added beachfront cabanas. The various grass lawns between the accommodation buildings also have lounge chairs for those seeking extra privacy.

Marriott Bonvoy uses dynamic pricing, and the cost of a room night will vary based on the date. For example, a one-night redemption on the dates we checked cost 46,000 points.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

(Photo courtesy of Marriott)

Perhaps the darling for Marriott Bonvoy in Fiji is Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, which is the only resort on the mainland to offer overwater villas. These are in a lagoon, which makes them a little different from what you might find in the Maldives, for example, which are in the open ocean.

On the dates we checked, a standard room went for 44,000 points, based on Marriott’s dynamic pricing model.

Radisson Rewards

Fans of Radisson will find its branding in Denarau, but a second property will open when the Radisson Blu Mirage Resort, Fiji Naisoso Island, opens in 2026.

Radisson Blu Resort, Fiji Denarau Island

(Photo courtesy of Radisson Blu)

The Radisson Blu Resort, Fiji Denarau Island is spread across 10 acres with a private beach, sprawling pools, towering palm trees and waterfalls. Families will love the kids club plus four pools, one of which has a whitewater tunnel slide.

Radisson Rewards uses a dynamic pricing model that determines the number of points based on the room rate. On the dates we checked, the average number of points for a one-night redemption was about 132,000 per night.

World of Hyatt

Hyatt’s acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith brings a new country to its destination list. There are three properties that participate in the partnership and give World of Hyatt members a chance to earn and redeem points.

Royal Davui Island Resort Fiji

(Photo courtesy of Hyatt)

This adult-only all-inclusive resort is on a private island with only 16 suites in individual villas, each with private terraces and whirlpool tubs.

World of Hyatt is alone in that it still uses an award chart to price redemptions, but Mr & Mrs Smith properties use dynamic pricing. This means you won’t be able to score a super-high-value redemption since you will be paying in points a rate that is tied to the cash rate.

Credit cards for booking stays in Fiji

If you want to bank a bunch of points quickly to get you to Fiji sooner rather than later, consider opening a credit card that earns points you can redeem at the properties you’re interested in. Here are a few options:

Hilton Honors American Express Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

on Chase’s website

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card

World of Hyatt Credit Card

on Chase’s website

Annual fee

Welcome offer

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. Terms Apply.

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Still not sure?

Terms apply.

How to use miles to get to Fiji

While no U.S. carrier flies to Fiji, you can get to the best luxury hotels in Fiji via its national airline, Fiji Airways, which flies to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu with plans to add Dallas/Fort Worth soon.

The airline will soon use American AAdvantage as its loyalty program. This means members will be able to earn and redeem American miles as well as Loyalty Points and elite status when flying Fiji Airways. For example, a one-way flight in business class from the U.S. to Fiji costs 80,000 miles using AAdvantage miles. Once in Fiji, you can also use miles to connect to other islands or regions of the South Pacific.

To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, see this page.

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Heat up the grill and get your koozie ready — college football season is here. For out-of-town fans traveling to support their team, that fandom can be costly, with hotel room rates often seeing a dramatic increase in price during game day weekends. That increase can be even more extreme in smaller college towns with fewer hotels. But with a little planning, you can secure a room while keeping money in your pocket.

Here are five tips for scoring an in-demand hotel room during the college football season.

1. Know the hotel reservation calendar

Most major hotel chains permit bookings between 350 and 395 days in advance. That means you can often book a game day weekend room for next season before the schedule is released (typically around January or February each year).

Don’t fret if the hotel you want gets instantly booked up. Cancellations happen, so keep checking if you don’t find immediate room availability. You can also call the hotel directly to see if they’ll add you to a waitlist.

2. Book (many) months in advance

Hotel prices generally increase in the time leading up to game day weekend, as less-well prepared fans jockey for any remaining rooms. If you know you’re attending a game before the season starts, booking in advance can not only secure a hard-to-find room but also save you money. This is even more important in smaller college towns that lack the hotel infrastructure of bigger cities. Lower supply and higher demand will make a game day room in Auburn, Alabama or Athens, Georgia harder to find than in a bigger city like Los Angeles, Seattle or Atlanta.

If you’re planning to attend a game next season, preemptively book a room when the schedule gets released at the beginning of the year. If the hotel permits free cancellations and doesn’t require a deposit or prepayment, you can preemptively book a room for each weekend around the time of the season you want to catch a game, then cancel the rooms that don’t work once the schedule is released.

Both local boutique and chain hotels often have stricter cancellation penalties during periods of peak demand, which may include issuance of partial refunds or requiring you to pay for at least one night for cancellation within a certain period before your stay. Be sure to confirm the cancellation policy with the hotel before you book.

3. Use hotel loyalty points 

Using hotel points during expensive weekends can be a great way to get outsized value from your rewards. This is especially true for loyalty programs with a fixed award chart (like Wyndham Rewards and World of Hyatt) and not dynamic pricing, where the number of points required is based on the cash rate of the room.

For example, a game day weekend room at the Hyatt Place in Gainesville, Florida to see the Florida Gators play can cost up to an outrageous $850 per night. The same room can be booked with 15,000 World of Hyatt points, resulting in a redemption value of 5.7 cents per point. That’s way above the valuation of 2.2 cents per point that NerdWallet assigns World of Hyatt points.

The caveat is that it’s up to the hotel to accept award stays during high-demand periods. But if you can find a hotel that accepts points or free night certificates, that can lead to big savings when you visit your alma mater.

The easiest way to earn a slug of hotel points is through a credit card sign-up bonus. The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers new cardholders the following bonus: Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent. You’ll also earn a free night in a Category 1 to 4 hotel each cardholder anniversary year.

If the hotel where you want to book an award stay is at capacity, try using a tool like PointsYeah to alert you in real-time when a room becomes available.

4. Use fan packages and travel agencies

Depending on the size of the school, alumni travel packages may be offered through the college or university that bundle game day tickets and a hotel stay. While this may not be as cost-effective as booking everything yourself, you’ll get a guaranteed room and a game ticket with minimal hassle.

Similar to what may be offered through the university, local travel agencies may specialize in getting people to and from game day. These companies, such as On Location and Uniglobe Travel, often partner with local hotels to provide packages inclusive of game tickets and lodging, and may even arrange for transportation to and from the airport if needed.

5. Book in the neighboring town

If you really want to get to the game but can’t find a hotel near the stadium, check for hotel availability in a neighboring town. It won’t be as convenient, but prices may be lower and room availability may be more abundant. Before you book out-of-town, be sure to consider how long the drive will take when tens of thousands of fans hit the road after the game.

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com