Travel

Apache is functioning normally

Americans are traveling abroad in droves.

The number of U.S. citizens flying to international destinations reached nearly 6.5 million passengers in March, according to the International Trade Administration. That’s the highest March total in over five years and shows that the post-pandemic “revenge travel” trend is the new normal.

It wasn’t just March, which usually sees a spike in international departures for spring break. In every month of 2024 so far, more Americans left the country than last year and 2019. These trends point to a blockbuster summer for overseas travel.

Nearly half of Americans (45%) plan to travel by air and/or stay in a hotel this summer and expect to spend $3,594 on average, on these expenses, according to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted online by The Harris Poll and commissioned by NerdWallet.

That’s despite rising travel prices that have caused some hesitancy among would-be travelers. About 22% of those choosing not to travel this summer cite inflation making travel too expensive as a reason for staying home, according to the poll.

So where are traveling Americans going? And what does it mean for those looking to avoid crowds of tourists and higher travel prices?

New travel patterns

Nearly every region in the world saw an increase in U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2023, according to International Trade Administration data. Only the Middle East saw a decline of 9%. Yet not every region saw the same year-over-year bump. U.S. visitors to Asia saw a 33% jump, while Oceania and Central America each saw a 30% increase.

Comparing 2024 with 2023 only tells part of the story, however. The new patterns really emerge when comparing international travel trends to 2019. For example, Central America received 50% more U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2019. Nearly 1.5 million Americans visited Mexico, up 39% compared with before the pandemic. That’s almost as many visitors as the entire continent of Europe, which has seen a more modest 10% increase since 2019.

Only Canada and Oceania saw fewer visitors in March 2024 than in 2019, suggesting that interest in these locations has not rebounded. Indeed, the trends indicate a kind of tourism inertia from COVID-19 pandemic-era lockdowns: Those destinations that were more open to U.S. visitors during the pandemic, such as Mexico, have remained popular, while those that were closed, such as Australia, have fallen off travelers’ radars.

Price pressures

How these trends play out throughout the rest of the year will depend on a host of factors. Yet, none will likely prove more important than affordability. After months of steadiness, the cost of travel, including airfare, hotels and rental cars, has begun to sneak up again.

About 45% of U.S. travelers say cost is their main consideration when planning their summer vacation, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans by the travel booking platform Skyscanner.

That’s likely to weigh further on U.S. travelers’ appetite for visiting expensive destinations such as Europe, while encouraging travel to budget-friendly countries. It could also depress overall international travel as well, yet so far, Americans seem to be traveling more.

For those looking to avoid crowds while maintaining a budget, Skyscanner travel trends expert Laura Lindsay offered a recommendation many of us might need help finding on a map.

“Albania has been on the radar of travelers looking for something different,” Lindsay said. “Most people have yet to discover it, but flights and tourism infrastructure are in place, and there are fewer crowds in comparison to trending European destinations like Italy, Greece, or Portugal.”

On the flip side, American travelers looking to avoid crowds of compatriots would do well to avoid Japan, which has seen a staggering 50% increase in U.S. tourists between March 2019 and 2024.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Finding a hotel can sometimes cause sensory overload — the sheer number of online travel agencies and hotel websites to check is enough to put anyone in freeze mode. If only there was a single site to help you navigate an infinite maze of hotel rooms.

Enter Trivago, a metasearch engine that compares lodging options to help you find the right hotel for your stay and save money in the process. Perhaps it also can help you calm your senses while vacation planning. Here’s the scoop on Trivago.

How does Trivago work?

Trivago is not a booking site, but instead, it is a price comparison site that is available in more than 50 countries. It shows hotel prices for more than 5 million properties — from multiple booking platforms, including online travel agencies (OTAs), hotel chains and independent hotels — in one place.

Trivago’s search engine is capable of pulling up prices for the same hotel from hundreds of websites, including Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, Trip.com and Priceline. Once you find a deal you like, Trivago transfers you to the booking site offering that rate to complete the booking process.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The websites Trivago refers to have been vetted, which means you won’t find any illegitimate or fraudulent websites that phish for your personal information or credit card numbers.

Keep in mind that Trivago searches hotel prices only and can’t search for other trip components, such as flights or rental cars.

The Trivago hotel rates you see are updated often so that you see the current prices, minus taxes and fees. However, in some rare cases, the offer you find on Trivago might be higher on the corresponding booking site itself.

How to search for accommodations through Trivago

You can start your Trivago hotel search on Trivago.com by entering a city, a landmark or a specific property you have in mind. Specify your travel dates, the number of rooms and guests, and click “Search.”

Because you’re going to see a plethora of properties, it’s best to apply filters to narrow your search.

First of all, you can set a price range per night or for the total number of nights.

Then, you can apply more filters, such as a hotel’s star rating, and check the boxes with the amenities that are important to you, including free cancellation, a gym, breakfast included, a pool, parking and pet-friendly, to name several possibilities.

Guest ratings are important — you don’t want to stay at a property with bad reviews. The next filter lets you eliminate accommodations with poor ratings.

Say you don’t want to go lower than an 8 out of 10. Then check a box with a “Very good” guest rating. Won’t settle for anything lower than an 8.5? Then click “Excellent,” and Trivago will filter out properties with subpar reviews.

Next up is property type. Whether you prefer staying at a hotel, guesthouse, bed and breakfast, hostel or apartment, you can select the property type you’re looking for and eliminate the ones that don’t interest you.

Location is an important factor affecting your hotel search. If you’re looking for a place in a certain neighborhood or even near a specific address, you can select or enter it as well.

Finally, sort the search results by the following priorities:

  • Trivago’s recommendations.

  • Guest ratings.

You also can sort by multiple priorities, such as “Price and recommended” or “Rating and recommended.”

Trivago’s recommendations feature is based on an algorithm that takes into account “the offer’s price, its general attractiveness and the accuracy of the rates provided to us by the booking sites.”

Keep in mind that unless you’re looking at Trivago Book & Go, the booking process goes through whatever booking platform you choose, whether it’s an OTA or directly with a hotel.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The initial rate you see doesn’t include taxes and fees. You’ll be able to see the final room rate on the booking site of choice.

What is Trivago Book & Go?

With Trivago Book & Go service, you can make a hotel reservation with the accommodation provider. In this case, the platform acts as a facilitator, connecting you with a partnering travel agency. This allows you to book Trivago hotel deals directly with the partner.

Of course, Trivago charges the partner site a fee for the reservations you make through the Book & Go page.

How to find Trivago hotel deals

Apply filters

Trivago’s ability to search hundreds of websites is a good thing and a bad thing at the same time. Having access to that many options can be overwhelming to sift through.

Trivago has several filters that can help you find the best hotel deal possible. Examples include price, accommodation type and ratings. The more filters you apply to your search, the more tailored your results will be.

Having said that, if you’re finding too few hotels once the filters are applied, especially if you’re searching in an area with fewer accommodation options, consider expanding your search by opening up some of the search criteria.

Use the interactive map

If you click on “View map” in your Trivago search results, you can find hotels based primarily on their physical location. The map shows each property’s location and nightly price, and you can zoom in and out to focus on one specific area or expand your search to multiple neighborhoods in either direction of your preferred location.

When you hover your cursor over a price, more information about a hotel will appear, including its guest rating, the number of reviews and the website with the best deal.

Check for promo codes or other discounts

Once you find a hotel on Trivago, we recommend checking how you could lower the price you see even further. Some accommodation providers offer AAA, AARP and military rates to members.

Additionally, you might be able to find a promo code for select websites, such as Orbitz or Hotels.com. Finally, ask around to see if anyone you know works for a hotel chain and can get you a friends and family discount.

Trivago hotel deals, recapped

If searching for a place to stay is giving your brain more information than it can process, give online resource Trivago a try.

The metasearch engine helps you filter out the noise and find hotel deals in one place. Use the map feature to zone in on a preferred location and scroll until you find the best lodging option for you and your travel companions.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Savvy frequent flyers know that having an arsenal of tools at their disposal when planning travel or while on the road is key to a stress-free experience. ExpertFlyer is a website that offers an array of tools and information that can help travel run smoothly, from finding available award seats to flight tracking and seat maps.

Here’s an overview of what you can expect when using ExpertFlyer and what’s available to those who purchase the full premium access version.

What is ExpertFlyer?

ExpertFlyer is a website with free, paid and premium paid subscriptions that allows travelers to search for frequent flyer award and upgrade space, determine how full flights are, track flight status and delays, review seat maps, and check visa and travel requirements for various destinations.

It can also help travelers to:

  • Check flight status, timetables and on-time information.

  • Review seat maps for all types of aircraft.

  • Create and save alerts for specific flights, seats, schedules or aircraft changes.

  • Save search queries for future use.

The site relies on global distribution systems (these are what travel advisors, websites like Google Flights and Kayak and airline reservations systems use) to provide data — although some airlines block ExpertFlyer from accessing it.

Finding availability for frequent flyer awards and upgrades

While ExpertFlyer doesn’t have access to every airline’s award space, it does show availability for awards and upgrades made available by that airline’s own award program. These same awards are not always made available to partner programs, but it is helpful to know in case you want to transfer points from other credit card or hotel loyalty programs.

Many elite status members receive upgrade certificates they can use, and while some airlines list upgrade availability on their website, ExpertFlyer can be used for those that don’t.

Currently, ExpertFlyer provides access to the following airlines for award and/or upgrade space. Note that some of these airlines display award space for one cabin only, like economy class.

How to search for award and upgrade availability on ExpertFlyer

Using the search engine is simple. Select the airline you want to search, your dates of travel and departure and destination airports. The drop down menu will show you the availability that the website can access for that carrier.

The results show availability for each selected category, with the ability to check multiple flight and date options. Armed with this information, you can then contact the airline directly to make an award booking or try to redeem miles online.

In the above example on a search for a KLM flight from New York-John F. Kennedy to Amsterdam, you can use Delta SkyMiles or Air France/KLM FlyingBlue points to book a business or economy award seat on these flights. You could also use a Delta Global Upgrade certificate on the first two options.

If the search comes up with no results, you can click the exclamation point icon to set an alert to notify you if space becomes available. Just remember that KLM (like other airlines) may make certain award space available to its members, but not to partner carriers. So you’ll want to check the frequent flyer program’s website to determine the exact cost in miles.

Understanding the nuances of each fare class code can be helpful, but often, clicking the small question mark symbol next to a code (like in the KLM example above) will help explain what that availability means.

If you want more details, there’s a fare class guide for many airlines on ExpertFlyer. The below example shows the class codes for different American Airlines fares. Other reference guides available on ExpertFlyer include codes for airports, airlines, meals and aircraft equipment.

If you’re making a connection, you’ll want to consider how you search. Looking segment by segment may not reveal the same award or upgrade availability as searching from origin to destination point.

Each airline is different in this practice, which is referred to as “married segments.” For example, an award flight may be available from New York to Amsterdam and from Amsterdam to Madrid, but not from New York to Madrid (even on the same airlines).

Flight availability

If you want to see how full your flight is, the airline’s own seat map isn’t always a reliable resource. This is because not everyone selects seats in advance or wants to pay for one. Using ExpertFlyer can tell you if the flight is full or still has seats for sale.

You simply enter the flight information you are searching for (departure and arrival city plus flight date). The results will pull up all the flights on all airlines that appear in ExpertFlyer’s database, like the example below.

There are numerous fare buckets for each flight representing different fares and restrictions. If you see a zero after a fare type, this means it’s sold out. In the above example, a search for flights from New York-John F. Kennedy to Amsterdam shows the different fares for sale. Most fares are still available (translation: these flights are not completely full).

In the case of the last flight above (Delta 48), there are only four seats left in business class for sale (J refers to full-fare business class). If you see zeros across the board, the flight is full. It may even be oversold, and if you want to try and volunteer your seat for compensation, get to the gate early. You may get rewarded for changing to another flight.

This information can also be helpful if you have a delayed or canceled flight and want to search for availability on an alternative flight. Checking this information in real time can help immensely, especially if there are only a few seats left up for grabs.

Flight schedules

If you’re looking to see which flights are available between a given city pair, from a particular airport or to a particular airport on any given day, ExpertFlyer can provide this information. You can also see how many flights operate between two city pairs on any day.

Below is an example of the flights departing Piedmont Triad airport in North Carolina on the morning of Oct. 21 within the first hour of the day. This information can help you determine which flight options are available.

It can also be helpful to see if a particular airline flies to your destination and if you can use miles on your preferred carrier.

To narrow the search results, you can filter to display only the airlines you want (and also leave out codeshare flights).

Flight status

If you’re curious about the flight status of your trip, ExpertFlyer can provide timely updates. For example, if there’s a delay, you can often find information about the reason for the delay (not all airlines are transparent about this information). The site also gives estimated departure times.

In the above example, a flight from Chicago-O’Hare to Eagle Vail airport in Colorado was delayed just over two hours due to aircraft maintenance. In the “Comments” section, you can see the plane left the gate at 12:11 p.m. (out), took off at 12:22 p.m. (off) and arrived at 1:51 p.m. (in).

🤓Nerdy Tip

This level of detail can be very helpful if gate agents aren’t forthcoming with information or you’re picking up someone from the airport.

Another helpful benefit is seeing real-time TSA security checkpoint times for the departure airport. The example below shares real-time checkpoint information for Atlanta airport.

Flight details

Similarly, you can learn more about a particular flight such as aircraft type, total distance flown and if there’s meal service on board.

When you click on the letter B under the first flight in the example, it indicates that first class receives breakfast. The V next to it means food for sale.

Seat map and seat alerts

The ExpertFlyer seatmap is updated in real time as it reflects the global distribution system. The map is a good resource for knowing which seats are available, for sale, blocked or open to assign.

If you’re standing at the gate and wondering if there are any empty seats you can move to at the last minute, you’ll be able to determine this using the seat map tool.

In the above example of a Delta flight, there are eight seats available to assign in the premium cabin. If you prefer to reserve one of the previously assigned seats, you can set an alert to receive an email if it becomes available.

This can be especially helpful for full flights where you want seats together with a companion or want a particular seat.

Fare and travel information

The fare information section provides details on the fare rules for each of the different fares available on a particular flight. This is the same information that airlines or travel advisors use when providing details on cancellation or change policies and other restrictions on a ticket.

The travel information section allows you to look up what visa, passport or travel requirements are in place for visiting or transiting through particular countries.

The example below shows instructions for passengers departing the U.S. and traveling to Algeria via France. It explains that you will need a passport with a minimum of six months validity from the arrival date as well as a visa. Visas on arrival are only available for travelers to specific destinations within the country, along with certain restrictions.

As visa requirements can change quite often, this is a useful tool for frequent international travelers.

You can also find details on historical wait times for security or how often a particular flight is delayed. The minimum connection time tool also indicates how much time you should allow between particular flights in each airport. This can come in handy if you’re booking separate reservations (instead of booking all your flights in one ticket) to save money.

How much does ExpertFlyer cost?

ExpertFlyer has a pricing model with three tiers.

  • Free and a la carte. There’s a free membership that includes access to ExpertFlyer seat maps and the ability to set alerts for preferred seat changes. One alert at a time is allowed for free, with additional seat alerts available for $0.99 each.

  • Basic tier. A basic membership costs $4.99 per month and allows 250 monthly searches for awards along with access to Expert Flyer seat maps, seat alerts, flight schedules and travel information.

  • Premium tier. The highest-level membership costs $99.99 annually or $9.99 per month. This service provides access to all of the site’s functionality mentioned above, including unlimited search queries. It also adds extra benefits such as mobile access and the ability to create alerts for aircraft changes or flight availability. You can also do flexible date searches for as many as three days before or after a particular travel date.

Is ExpertFlyer worth it?

If you travel frequently, ExpertFlyer is a useful tool to have. Being in control of your travel reservations, especially when there are disruptions or you’re looking to use miles and upgrades on the best flights, means that ExpertFlyer can be a frequent flyer’s best friend. That said, if you only travel a few times a year, the free or basic version may be a better option.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Traveling on a plane can be a stressful endeavor, whether you’re bringing a checked bag, a whole family or extra equipment to get around. But for those who make use of a wheelchair, air travel is becoming more accessible than ever before.

Because of updated U.S. Department of Transportation policies, as well as innovations from certain airlines, flying with a wheelchair is becoming easier.

Let’s take a look at how the process works, what bringing a wheelchair on a plane entails and what changes are helping to make air travel for wheelchair users a better experience.

How to fly with a wheelchair

Air travel is meant to be accessible to everyone. Whether a traveler uses a wheelchair full time or requires one only to navigate through the airport, accessibility services are available to them.

Requesting a wheelchair at the airport

Airlines are required to provide prompt aid to passengers needing additional assistance. This includes those who need a wheelchair to get around, and you are allowed to request one for use in the airport. If this is the case for you, you’ll want to advise the airline as early as possible.

Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll need to let the airline know that you require a wheelchair.

Bringing your own wheelchair

There are a couple of extra conditions to be aware of if you’re traveling with your own wheelchair. You can fly with a power wheelchair, but the DOT’s guidance page notes that you’ll need to arrive an hour before standard check-in time.

You can stay in your own wheelchair until you get to the gate. At this point, if your chair will not fit in the cabin, it will be taken and checked.

If necessary, the airline will then provide an aisle chair to help you get to your seat. Once landed, your wheelchair will be waiting for you at the gate.

Can you check a wheelchair on an airplane?

Yes, you can check a wheelchair on a plane. This is the case for both manual wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs. Checking your medical equipment is free of charge.

However, note that some aircraft may have limitations when it comes to accepting powered wheelchairs due to their size. For example, United Airlines has recognized this and created new policies to address it (more on that below).

How to pack a wheelchair for flight

There are no special requirements necessary if you’re bringing your wheelchair on your flight. Eligible manual wheelchairs can be stowed in the cabin of the aircraft, whether that’s in the storage bin above you, under the seat in front of you or in the designated wheelchair storage area onboard the plane.

If your wheelchair doesn’t fit or uses a battery, it’ll be taken and checked into the cargo area for free.

In this case, we recommend labeling your wheelchair with your name and contact information and attaching any relevant handling or disassembly instructions.

Accessible policies for those traveling with a wheelchair, broken down by airline

Traveling with a wheelchair can be more complicated than you’d expect, which is why the government and certain airlines are adopting new strategies to help ensure dignity and respect for everyone.

U.S. DOT accessibility policies

The DOT has published its Bill of Rights for passengers with disbilities, which includes the right to be treated with dignity and respect, the right to accessible facilities and the right to travel with an assistive device, among other rights.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Generally speaking, it’s free to check your wheelchair or mobility device in addition to your checked bags. This includes wheelchairs (manual or electric) as well as scooters, walkers, canes and crutches.

Note that devices must meet airline battery and safety requirements.

The DOT has also enacted a rule that will require single-aisle aircraft to provide an accessible lavatory.

American Airlines wheelchair assistance

American Airlines asks passengers to submit assistance requests in advance because after you’ve done so, a coordinator will contact you directly to ensure everything is ready for your trip.

The airline will also work with you to book the right seat if you need extra space or have specific mobility needs.

How to get a wheelchair at the airport for American Airlines

To request wheelchair assistance, select the “Add special assistance” option during booking or in “Manage Trips” from the airline’s home page after logging in to your account. You can also request assistance by calling 800-237-7976.

Delta wheelchair assistance

Delta Air Lines has debuted a prototype airline seat that allows powered wheelchair users to remain in their own seat during the flight. This is still some way off from being implemented in aircraft, but it’s nice to see that the airline is making strides to become more accessible.

How to get a wheelchair at the airport on Delta

You can request wheelchair service in your Delta SkyMiles account after booking your flight, under “My Trips.” You can also call the airline at 404-209-3434.

Southwest Airlines wheelchair assistance

You do not need to notify Southwest before arriving at the airport to receive disability-related assistance. The airline offers an online Accessible Travel Assistance hub to streamline planning, and while it prefers your wheelchair is stowed on board as a carry-on, it is possible to gate check your device for cargo.

How to request wheelchair at airport for Southwest

Simply ask any Southwest employee and they will guide you through the necessary steps. There are steps to do this in advance if you prefer, including calling 800-I-FLY-SWA (800-435-9792).

United Airlines wheelchair assistance

For its part, United Airlines has announced a change to its search system that’ll greatly simplify the process for those who use powered wheelchairs.

While the new system isn’t live yet, the updated search feature will include the ability to input the dimensions of your wheelchair. Doing so allows you to weed out aircraft with cargo doors that won’t accommodate the size of your wheelchair.

Even better, if your preferred flight cannot accommodate your wheelchair, you can book a different flight on the same day — and if it’s more expensive, United will refund you the difference.

How do I request a wheelchair on United Airlines?

You can request a wheelchair for your flight or airport experience in the traveler information section at booking or in your MileagePlus account under “My Trips” after you’ve purchased your ticket.

If you’re bringing a wheelchair on a plane

Airports and airlines are becoming better suited to passengers with disabilities who are traveling, including those who use a wheelchair. Whether you need one to navigate the airport or are bringing one from home, new regulations and policies have been established to ensure that your travel experience is as seamless as possible.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Eurostar offers high-speed train travel between the U.K., Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany. Its trains can reach 186 mph, which means a train from London to Paris takes only 2 hours and 16 minutes. Eurostar merged with Thalys — another European high-speed train company — in 2023.

Taking a Eurostar train between these five countries can be more seamless than flying because you get a solid baggage allowance and don’t need to deal with airports, liquid restrictions in your carry-on and long security lines.

Here’s what you need to know about Eurostar’s destinations, cabin classes, lounges, loyalty program, amenities and pricing.

Destinations

Eurostar offers direct train service to London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Netherlands. For all other destinations, you must connect to a different train, potentially with another carrier.

The fastest train journeys are the following:

  • Paris to Brussels – 1 hour, 22 minutes.

  • London to Lille, France – 1 hour, 22 minutes.

  • London to Brussels – 1 hour, 53 minutes.

  • Brussels to Amsterdam – 1 hour, 53 minutes.

  • London to Paris – 2 hours, 16 minutes.

  • London to Rotterdam – 3 hours, 13 minutes.

  • Paris to Amsterdam – 3 hours, 20 minutes.

  • Paris to Cologne – 3 hours, 20 minutes.

  • London to Amsterdam – 3 hours, 52 minutes.

Depending on where you’re headed, taking the train may take less total time than flying. For example, the train from London to Paris takes 2 hours and 16 minutes, while a flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Though the train takes almost an hour longer, other factors involved with flying, including early airport arrival, travel time to/from the airport, security and boarding, make the train the faster option.

The Eurostar operates out of St. Pancras International Station, located in central London and easily accessible by several tube (underground) lines and buses. By contrast, London’s main airports, Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport, are located outside the city and can take an hour or more to get to depending on where you’re traveling from and your mode of transport.

Furthermore, Eurostar’s rules are arguably more traveler-friendly than those of airlines. On even the cheapest tickets, Eurostar allows adults to bring two pieces of luggage and one carry-on with no weight limit. Children can bring one piece of luggage and one carry-on.

You also don’t have to worry about paying for a seat or dealing with liquid restrictions. You can make fee-free changes to your ticket as many times as you like until seven days before departure. Ticket changes within seven days of departure incur a $40 fee unless you’re in Business Premier.

Club Eurostar

Club Eurostar is Eurostoar’s loyalty program and you can sign up for a free account to start earning points. You earn 1 point per $1 spent on Eurostar tickets. Train + hotel packages also earn points, albeit at a lower rate (1 point per $2).

Eurostar has four membership levels, and with each increasing level you earn more points on travel and get access to additional perks.

Carte Blanche

Points required

Bonus points on tickets

All levels can pool points with friends and family, use points to pay a portion of their tickets and upgrade their seats from Standard to Standard Premier/Comfort. If you’re going for elite status with Eurostar, the biggest advantages are companion vouchers, lounge access and priority benefits when traveling.

Rewards can be used for as low as 100 points on various experiences from free tickets to upgrades.

Eurostar travel classes

Standard cabin on the train from Amsterdam to Brussels. (Photo by Elina Geller)

Eurostar offers different travel classes, and these travel classes vary by destination. All trains offer Wi-Fi, but in my experience, the Wi-Fi has been awful, with upload and download speeds of less than 1 Mbps.

Trains to/from London

A Eurostar train to/from London offers three travel classes: Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier. All seats offer U.K. and EU plug sockets. You can also choose your seat when traveling on this route.

  • Standard: This travel class offers the lowest priced tickets and food and drinks are available for purchase.

  • Standard Premier: You get free magazines and a more spacious seat, along with a light meal and drinks.

  • Business Premier: You get the same seat as in Standard Premier, plus additional perks including three pieces of luggage, a carry-on, hot meals created by Raymond Blanc OBE served with champagne, free newspapers and magazines and a dedicated fast-track ticket gate. You also get access to Eurostar lounges and NS International lounges.

Trains between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany

Premium seats on the train from Brussels to Amsterdam. (Photo by Elina Geller)

When traveling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany, there are three travel classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium. All seats include EU plug sockets.

You also have access to Eurostar’s taxi booking service, which allows you to arrange transport to/from the train station. Unfortunately you cannot choose your seat when traveling between these destinations.

  • Standard: This travel class has the cheapest tickets. Food and drinks are not included but can be purchased onboard.

  • Comfort: You get a more spacious seat, but still need to pay for food and drinks. Comfort seats have access to premium Wi-Fi, but I found that Wi-Fi to be just as slow as in Standard class.

  • Premium: You have the same seat as in Comfort class and some additional perks including a gourmet cold meal served at your seat, access to Eurostar lounges and NS International lounges. 

The Eurostar amenities you receive depend on which class you travel in. You receive a complimentary meal in Premium, Standard Premier or Business Premier. Those in Business Premier (only available on London routes) receive three-course meals created in collaboration with Michelin-star chef Raymond Blanc OBE. Passengers in Premium get a meal designed by Belgian chef Frank Fol.

Passengers in other travel classes don’t receive a complimentary meal but can purchase drinks or snacks from the Eurostar Cafe.

Lounge access

Eurostar lounge in Brussels. (Photo by Elina Geller)

Travelers in Premium can visit the Eurostar lounge in Paris and Brussels, and NS International lounges in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Those traveling in Business Premier can use the lounge in London, Paris and Brussels.

Club Eurostar elites traveling on any fare class can access certain lounges depending on their elite status:

  • Avantage, Carte Blanche and Etoile members: Eurostar lounge in Brussels and Paris.

  • Carte Blanche and Etoile members: Eurostar lounge in London, Paris and Brussels; DB lounges in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Essen; NS International lounges in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Schiphol airport; Railteam lounges in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.

Check each lounge’s information page for opening hours. Generally, you can expect to find various seating spaces, complimentary newspapers and magazines, free Wi-Fi as well as food and drinks to enjoy.

Eurostar allows you to book tickets up to 120 days in advance, and the sooner you book the better. You’ll generally find the cheapest tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday. Since you can change your ticket fee-free as many times as you want until seven days before departure, you might as well book as soon as possible.

There are also special or discounted fares for the following groups:

  • Children under age 4

  • Kids ages 4-11

  • Passengers under 26 or over 60

  • Travelers in a group

  • Wheelchair passengers and companions

The availability of discounts depends on your destination, so you’ll want to check Eurostar’s page for guidance.

If you have a credit card that earns travel rewards, you’ll want to use it for this purchase since trains are part of the travel category. Here’s a sampling of cards that earn extra rewards for travel and don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Cards for traveling by Eurostar

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

on Chase’s website

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

on Chase’s website

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

American Express® Green Card

Earn rate on train travel

• 2 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 3 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.

• 3 points per $1 on transit, including train travel.

Terms apply.

Annual fee

Welcome offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase 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 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Still not sure?

You can pay in U.S. dollars when buying Eurostar tickets online. However, if you plan to buy anything on board the train, and you’ll be in Europe anyways, you’ll want to use a card that waives foreign transaction fees.

Is it cheaper to fly or take Eurostar?

The answer to this question depends on how far in advance you purchase your ticket, your day of travel, whether you need to pay for luggage, and the difference in costs between traveling to the airport and to a Eurostar train station.

Here’s a sampling of Eurostar fares in September 2024 from London to Paris.

Here’s a selection of flights from London to Paris on the same day.

Although the cheapest flight is $13 less than the train, bag fees are not included in that price. And since Eurostar stations are generally more centrally located, your overall cost may be cheaper on the train after factoring in a rideshare or taxi to the airport.

Eurostar recapped

Eurostar offers a convenient way to travel between the U.K., Belgium, Netherlands, France and Germany. If you’re deciding whether to fly or take a Eurostar, factor in the cost, travel time (including the time spent getting to and from the airport, as well as the time spent at the airport) and how many bags you’re bringing as part of your decision.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

It seems the cruise lines are all trying to outdo each other by seeing who can build the biggest ship with the most bells and whistles. However, bigger is not always better. Some ports can’t fit the mega ships or accommodate the large number of passengers they bring with them. Other times, the cruise is all about the itinerary and not the ship.

That’s the case with the Celebrity Millennium, the namesake of Celebrity Cruises‘ Millennium class of ships which also includes the Infinity, the Constellation, and the Summit.

All four ships are on the smaller side when compared to Celebrity’s Solstice and Edge class ships, and they don’t have all of the latest and greatest amenities, but they’re very adequate, especially for port-intensive itineraries in Asia.

Celebrity Millennium overview

The Millennium is an older ship, with its maiden voyage taking place on July 1, 2000. However, in 2019 it received an extensive upgrade as part of Celebrity’s fleet-wide modernization effort, which cost the cruise line more than $500 million. The Millennium currently has a guest capacity of 2,218 with 11 guest decks.

The ship’s home port is in Tokyo, and it has spent the past few seasons sailing itineraries around Asia, notably taking passengers to various ports of call in Japan. It will remain there at least through the 2025-2026 season.

Unlike some cruise ships, the Millennium spends a lot of time in port, visiting up to eight ports on a 12-night itinerary. This means the ship is more often a place to eat and sleep when you’re not out exploring, instead of a destination itself — the onboard entertainment options are just an extra bonus.

Millennium accommodations

There are a total of 1,109 staterooms on the Millennium, and 58% of them feature a veranda. There are 10 different room types from which to choose — they range from luxurious suites to concierge-level rooms to basic interior staterooms.

The photo below shows a veranda stateroom on Deck 6, with 170-square feet of space and a 38-square foot balcony. The large bed can also be separated into two twin beds if needed. In addition to the area pictured, the room also features a refrigerator, drawers, a closet and a safe.

Veranda stateroom. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The veranda room also comes with a small desk area near the sliding glass balcony door. The desk features several outlets for charging your electronics: two American-style outlets, two USB-A ports and one European-style outlet. There are additional outlets near the bed.

Desk in veranda stateroom. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

A small bathroom features a walk-in shower along with a toilet and vanity.

Veranda stateroom bathroom. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The balcony was set up with two chairs and a small table, and included dividers on each side for privacy from the neighbors.

Celebrity Millennium veranda. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

🤓Nerdy Tip

Bring a small clock with you if you’re sailing on the Millennium. There isn’t one in the room, and it’s nice to know what time it is without having to pull out your phone.

Millennium cabin types

In addition to the veranda stateroom described above, the Millennium has several other room types:

  • Inside cabins and ocean view staterooms: These rooms provide 170-square feet of space and either no windows or a porthole window with ocean view, but no balcony. 

  • Concierge Class staterooms: Concierge class rooms come with a veranda and are slightly larger at 209-square feet. These rooms have a dedicated concierge and provide passengers with access to exclusive events. 

  • Aqua Class staterooms: For those interested in a wellness-focus, these rooms come with a veranda, premium bathroom amenities, complimentary fitness classes, access to the Persian Gardens thermal suite and complimentary dining at Blu, a “clean cuisine” restaurant solely for Aqua Class passengers.

  • The Retreat: This exclusive section on the ship is reserved for four different types of suites. The cabins are larger — two penthouse suites clock in at 1,432-square feet each — and guests have access to a private lounge and sundeck as well as a dedicated restaurant, Luminae. In addition to the two penthouse suites, there are 48 smaller suites on offer. 

Dining on the Celebrity Millennium

The Celebrity Millennium is a bit of a throwback to the days where the main dining room was the main attraction, with the Metropolitan dining room taking center stage. However, there are several other dining options on board, ranging from a buffet to specialty restaurants that cost extra.

Metropolitan dining room

The Metropolitan dining room is the main dining venue on Decks 4 and 5. The lower deck offers anytime seating where guests can come and go when they want. The seating on Deck 5 is divided into early and late seating, where passengers show up for meals at a set time.

Parts of the restaurant are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the dinner menu changes nightly. Dining in the main dining room is included in the cruise fare.

Main Dining Room. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The Oceanview Café

The Oceanview Café is the buffet on Deck 10 that has a variety of food stations to choose from.

The Oceanview is open for all meals and for late-night pizza. The offerings change daily for lunch and dinner, while the breakfast menu stays pretty much the same.

The Oceanview is also where many special events happen, like special Christmas and New Year’s buffets.

Other free dining venues

Other free dining venues on the Millennium include:

  • Café al Bacio on Deck 5 has coffee drinks, both boozy and traditional, as well as a case with breakfast pastries in the mornings and desserts all day.

  • Spa Café on Deck 10 in the Solarium has healthy dishes for free and a juice/smoothie bar (which you have to pay for unless you have a premium or non-alcoholic drink package). 

  • The Mast Grill is near the outdoor pool and has grilled hamburgers, veggie burgers, turkey burgers and hot dogs. It’s also the place to get great French fries that are perfect to eat while getting some sun near the pool. 

Mast Grill. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

Restaurants for Aqua Class and Retreat passengers

There are also two restaurants that are exclusively for those staying in certain cabin types.

Luminae on Deck 4 is for guests staying in suites in The Retreat. It is always open for breakfast and dinner and serves lunch on days at sea. 

Entrance to Luminae. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

Blu is on Deck 5 and is for guests staying in AquaClass cabins. It is open for breakfast and dinner. 

Inside Blu. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

Specialty dining restaurants

The Celebrity Millennium also has four specialty dining venues that either have a prix fixe menu or a la carte fare:

  • Le Petit Chef at Qsine combines food, entertainment and 3D mapping to create a unique dinner show experience. 

  • The Tuscan Grille is a combination of an Italian restaurant and a steakhouse. 

  • Sushi on Five is exactly what it says it is, a sushi restaurant on Deck 5. 

  • The Gelateria is also on Deck 5 and serves gelato charged by the scoop. 

Sushi on Five. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

🤓Nerdy Tip

If you want to dine at all of the specialty dining restaurants, a specialty dining package can save you some money instead of paying each cover charge separately.

Bars and lounges

As with any cruise, there’s no shortage of places to partake in a cocktail or enjoy a glass of wine. Drinks and lounges are available on each deck, and you can carry drinks from place to place.

The Sky Lounge is located on Deck 11 and features great ocean views as well as music and dancing after dark.

Cellar Masters is on Deck 5 near the Metropolitan Restaurant. Wine is the specialty here and they serve vintages that are not available at other bars.

Entrance to Cellar Masters. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

🤓Nerdy Tip

Make sure you understand the pricing limits if you have a drink package. The classic drink package includes most items up to $10. The Premium package includes items up to $17. If you order something that costs more than your package limit, you will have to pay the difference.

At the Martini Bar and Crush on Deck 4, bartenders put on a show for guests while constructing complicated drinks, all atop an ice-covered bar.

Martini Bar and Crush. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The Rendezvous Lounge is on Deck 4 near the lower level of the Metropolitan Restaurant. It’s a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or after-dinner dancing.

The Rendezvous Lounge. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The Sunset Bar is also the outside seating area for the Oceanview Café on Deck 10. It’s a great place to watch the wake when the ship is sailing or catch some live music in the evenings.

The Sunset Bar. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The Sunset Bar. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

Public areas

The Celebrity Millennium is one of the line’s smaller ships. There is a main atrium area that runs through Decks 3, 4 and 5.

Main atrium area. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

If you need to visit guest services or the shore excursion desk, both are in this central area on Deck 3.

Shore excursions desk. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The Theater spans Decks 4 and 5. During most cruises, there are several shows featuring singers, dancers and aerialists as well as other shows with musicians and comedians.

Theater entrance on Deck 5. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The Casino is on Deck 4. It is closed while in port, but open when at sea. There are plenty of slot machines, roulette wheels, blackjack tables and more.

Celebrity Millennium casino. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

Pools and outdoor venues

The Celebrity Millennium has two main pools. One is outdoors and for all ages. The other, dubbed The Solarium, is indoors and for adults only. Both are on Deck 10.

The main pool has chairs situated around its perimeter. Some are in the sun while others are under cover. There are also several hot tubs passengers can use here. A dual-purpose jogging and walking track circles the pool up on Deck 11.

Main pool. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The Solarium is near the front of the ship and features a relaxing waterfall. The Spa Café is nearby, as well as the entrance to the spa itself.

The Solarium Pool. (Photo by Tiffani Shernan)

Padded chairs and hot tub in the Solarium. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

Sports decks

A multipurpose sports court is located on Deck 12. At times, it’s used as a basketball court, while other times it is for pickleball.

The sports court. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

There are also nearby cabanas for taking a break between games.

Cabanas near the sports court. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The Rooftop Terrace

Above the Sunset Bar on Deck 12 is the Rooftop Terrace, a space with cabanas, comfortable chairs and an outdoor movie screen.

Movie screen. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

Shopping

Shopping is not a big focus on a smaller ship like the Celebrity Millennium, but there are a few shops on Deck 5. You can find necessities like toiletries, as well as indulgent items like jewelry.

A shop with clothing and other items. (Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

Celebrity Millennium recapped

The Celebrity Millennium may not be the newest or biggest cruise ship, but it’s an adequate vessel for port intensive itineraries like Asia, where it will be sailing at least through the 2025-2026 season.

If you’d like to sail on the Millennium, itineraries range from 11 to 14 nights and may include stops in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Top photo by Tiffani Sherman.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Many businesses show their appreciation for U.S. military service members, whether that’s via special parking privileges or exclusive discounts on goods and services. The same is true for many airlines, particularly when it comes to those who are active duty military.

Let’s take a closer look at flights with military discounts, including which airlines offer them and who’s eligible.

U.S. airlines with military discounts

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers military fares to eligible service members. This includes those who are:

  • On official leave.

  • Reservists on active orders.

  • Within seven days of discharging from active duty.

Alaska also offers military discounts to spouses and dependents of active duty service members. Those who are older than 10 years old need to show a dependent ID.

Alaska doesn’t publish a specific discount amount. Instead, you’ll have to call 800-252-7522 to get a quote and purchase the ticket.

Those who are enrolled in VetRewards can get a 5% discount. This discount is valid for up to six people booked together.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air doesn’t offer discounts on airfare to military members, but it does provide a host of other benefits to both active duty members and veterans. This includes two free checked bags up to 99 pounds each, early boarding and the ability to print your boarding pass at the airport for free. Service members also receive waived fees for in-cabin pets, oversized bags, ticket changes and flight cancellations.

Family members of the service member or veteran can also take advantage of these benefits if they’re flying together and hold a dependent ID card.

American Airlines

American Airlines’ military discount is for both active duty military and those who are members of the government. You’ll need to call to get this deal. The phone number is 800-433-7300.

Active duty military members also receive free checked bags (up to three for leisure travel and five for those traveling on orders) and can board in the first boarding group.

Additionally, American Airlines offers 10% off vacation packages to those with a VetRewards membership.

Delta Air Lines

You’ll get discount military flights with Delta Air Lines if you’re an active duty service member. This benefit extends to Delta Vacations packages as well. To score these deals, you’ll need to call 800-221-1212.

Active duty military members also receive between three and five checked bags, with varying weight limits, depending on your class of service and if you’re flying on military orders or for leisure.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways provides a 5% discount on airfare to those who are active duty in the military, and only applies when you’re not traveling on orders.

The discount applies to all fare classes and destinations, even when traveling abroad, and includes two free checked bags.

You’ll need a VetRewards member ID to take advantage of the discount. To book your tickets, call 800-538-2583. The typical $25 service fee for booking over the phone is also waived.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines partners exclusively with Veteran’s Advantage to offer discounts to the armed forces. Members of VetRewards can get 5% off economy fares for all flight destinations. Business class flights are not eligible for the promotion.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines offers military pricing to those who are active duty as well as eligible government employees. The exact discount is unpublished, and you’ll need to call 800-435-9792 to book with the discount.

Military members on active duty may also bring more than two checked bags for free when flying the airline, weighing up to 100 pounds each. The baggage limit for all passengers — military members included — is 20 bags per flight.

United Airlines

Like Hawaiian Airlines, you’ll need to be enrolled with VetRewards from Veteran’s Advantage if you’re a military member seeking discounts on United flights. The total discount amount is 5% and is valid on all fare classes except basic economy. This special pricing has several limitations:

  • Flight must originate in the United States or Canada. 

  • Flights must be going to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Central America or the Caribbean. 

  • Valid only on United-operated flights.

United provides some benefits to active duty service members and those who have been discharged in the last seven days, including free extra checked bags. For those traveling in uniform or are on leave, complimentary United Club lounge access is also provided.

About Veteran’s Advantage, VetRewards

Many airlines have teamed up with Veteran’s Advantage and its associated VetRewards program to offer cheap flights for military veterans — in some cases, it’s the only way to receive a discount. So what is Veteran’s Advantage?

Veteran’s Advantage is a third-party membership website available to both active duty and veteran service members. A month-to-month plan will cost you $9.99. Otherwise, it’s possible to purchase several years of access for less.

For example, a five-year membership costs around $200, which constitutes a large savings versus a monthly plan. If you’re a frequent traveler, signing up for a VetRewards account can save you money overall.

Baggage discounts for military members

Nearly all airlines offer special perks for those traveling with luggage —even low-cost carriers such as Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines are willing to give you free checked bags if you’re in the military.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Some airlines, such as United, also provide complimentary airport lounge access to active duty military members, though requirements — such as traveling on official orders — can vary.

These waived bag fee benefits vary depending on whether you’re changing your duty station or simply traveling for leisure. Make sure you verify how it works with your airline of choice before showing up at the airport.

About American Forces Travel

Another way to receive travel discounts is through American Forces Travel, a specialty website available only to those who are serving or who have served. It’s an official Morale, Welfare and Recreation site and uses your personal information to verify eligibility.

American Forces Travel isn’t just limited to military flight discounts. The website also has hotels, rental cars, cruises, event tickets and travel packages available at a discount.

If you’re looking for flights with military discounts

Joining the military and serving your country is no small feat. Many companies, including airlines, recognize your service, which is why they’ve made special accommodations for those in the armed forces.

Many major U.S. airlines offer some form of discount for those in the military, while others have partnered with Veteran’s Advantage to provide savings to active duty and veterans alike.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Many travelers have France on their minds, especially with the 2024 Olympic Games coming up in Paris. And what better way to fly to any country than on its namesake airline and flag carrier?

But, is Air France actually good? Here’s our breakdown of what travelers considering flying to France or beyond need to know about Air France.

What is the Air France experience?

From booking to boarding, here’s each step of flying on Air France.

  • Making reservations: If you’re determined to fly Air France, you can head straight to Air France’s website to search and book your flight. However, you’ll usually be better served by searching through a flight aggregator such as Google Flights. After finding a good fit, Google Flights will link you to Air France for booking.

  • Check-in: Air France’s online check-in opens 30 hours before departure — except for flights from Atlanta or Detroit, for which check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure for Air France flights departing the U.S. 

  • Boarding: Air France groups passengers into five zones for boarding. Elite members and premium cabin passengers board in Sky Priority zones 1 and 2, while economy passengers are grouped into zones 3 through 5.

(Photo courtesy of Air France)

  • In-flight experience: Air France offers an extensive library of movies and TV shows to help pass long-haul flights, with free headphones provided. Food and drink options will vary based on your service class and flight length. Air France offers Wi-Fi on 90% of its aircraft fleet, with three different speed options available for purchase.

Different fare types listed on Air France’s website.

Air France reviews

Airlines understandably showcase their best elements in advertisements. So, that’s why it’s important to get advice from independent sources on just how good an airline is — and Air France is generally regarded as one of the best airlines in the world in independent award ratings.

In the Skytrax World Airline Awards for 2023, Air France was voted #7 in the world — placing the airline ahead of stalwarts Cathay Pacific Airways, EVA Air and Korean Air. While it didn’t take top honors in any individual field, Air France scored high marks in the Skytrax 2023 rankings in the following areas:

  • World’s Best First Class (#2).

  • Best Airline in Europe (#2).

  • Best Airline Staff in Europe (#2).

  • World’s Best Business Class (#7).

  • World’s Best Premium Economy (#8).

  • In-Flight Entertainment (#10).

  • World’s Best Economy Class (#16).

  • World’s Cleanest Airline (#19).

  • Best Airport Services (#20).

However, Air France failed to land in the top 20 for Best Airline Cabin Crew Worldwide and finished outside the top 10 in the world’s most family-friendly airlines.

Other independent rating awards won by Air France include Business Traveler USA’s Best First Class in the World and the World Traveler Awards’ Europe Leading Airline 2023.

Air France safety record

According to AirlineRatings.com, Air France’s safety rating is 7 out of 7 stars. Air France hasn’t had a fatal crash in the past 10 years.

This is an improvement from recent audits. In a 2022 blog post, AirlineRatings explained that it downgraded Air France’s safety rating after it was revealed that two of the airline’s pilots got into a physical fight midflight. Reportedly, cabin crew had to intervene to ensure the safety of the flight.

This incident came to light just days after the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) released a report indicating that Air France’s pilots weren’t rigorous about following safety procedures.

Air France’s loyalty program

Air France shares a loyalty program with Netherlands-based KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and smaller airline Transavia. The joint loyalty program is called Flying Blue.

Despite being a European-based loyalty program, Flying Blue partners with most major U.S.-based transferable point programs, including:

Flying Blue used to use a convoluted pricing scheme for award redemptions based on the origin and destination of the flight. However, it recently standardized award rates. While Flying Blue doesn’t publish award rates, travelers have found that Flying Blue award rates between the U.S. and Europe now start at:

  • 20,000 Flying Blue miles in economy.

  • 35,000 Flying Blue miles in premium economy.

  • 50,000 Flying Blue miles in business.

Air France often runs monthly award discount programs that can reduce the cost even more. However, be wary if you see award rates that seem too good to be true. In December 2023, Air France ran a flash sale that discounted business class awards to Europe to just 13,500 Flying Blue miles one-way plus $250 in taxes/fees.

Unfortunately, the Flying Blue director later got cold feet and canceled award fares for most of the 2,500 travelers who took advantage of the deal.

Who should avoid Air France?

Not every airline is suitable for every traveler. Here are a few examples of what kind of travelers should find another airline to fly:

  • Travelers who want to visit Australia, New Zealand or parts of Southeast Asia. Air France operates an incredible route network to almost 200 destinations across over 80 countries. However, it doesn’t fly everywhere in the world. Air France’s route map doesn’t extend to Australia, New Zealand or parts of Southeast Asia like Malaysia.

  • Travelers who want to visit Asia. Particularly for travelers based on the U.S. West Coast, it will be an excruciatingly long journey to Asia via Paris. For example, flying from San Francisco to Seoul takes more than 23 hours. Other airlines can fly you to Asia in almost half of that flying time.

  • Travelers who are Francophobes. Air France is unabashedly French, from serving French wines to French being the primary language spoken onboard. If you’re not a fan of French culture, it’s best to find another airline that serves your destination.

Final thoughts on flying Air France

Air France is generally ranked as one of the best airlines to fly — particularly in first class. Its loyalty program partners with many U.S. point programs and can offer excellent redemption rates, making it an appealing option to fly to Europe.

However, its Flying Blue loyalty program has been known to backtrack on deals that it offers to travelers. Even so, Air France can be a great option when traveling from the U.S. to Europe.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

The third and newest ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet is Resilient Lady, which was christened in 2023 and adds yet another bright red vessel to the high seas.

Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line known for quirky modern design, entertainment that pushes the limits and exceptional, all-included specialty dining.

Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady destinations

The Resilient Lady’s home port is in Athens, and the ship sails itineraries in the Mediterranean for part of the year. Then, to reposition itself, the ship makes a transcontinental voyage that visits Dubai, India and Southeast Asia, before cruising on to Australia and New Zealand.

The ship also spends time in Europe, making stops in the U.K., the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, among others.

Resilient Lady ship details

Don’t expect to find a lot of differences between the Resilient Lady and its two siblings, the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady — all three ships are nearly identical.

On the Resilient Lady, the nearly 2,800 passengers stay in just over 1,400 cabins across seven levels, ranging from solo rooms to large, impressive suites. Passengers also have access to amenities, restaurants and entertainment across another six decks, with a jogging track and yoga deck topping things off.

Expect to come aboard and find minimalist design, trendy music, lighting that changes throughout the day and a staff that sees entertaining as their raison d’etre.

Resilient Lady accommodations

The staterooms on the Resilient Lady are unique from the get-go. Instead of a traditional room key, cabins are unlocked using a bracelet made from plastic recovered from the ocean. Nearly all of the cabins come with balconies and many have a signature red hammock, allowing guests to lounge al fresco in privacy.

There are a handful of interior cabins without an ocean view. Social Insider cabins have bunk beds and are great for groups up to four, while Solo Insider cabins are smaller and perfect for the single traveler who doesn’t need a lot of space.

Both balcony and interior rooms typically have standard — and quite small — bathrooms with good lighting and wall-mounted Red Flower toiletries in the shower.

For a real treat, reserve one of the RockStar Quarters or the Mega RockStar Quarters. Some of these suites feature terrace whirlpools, living rooms and seaview showers.

Those lodged in RockStar Quarters and other suites are treated to a private area on one of the top decks known as Richard’s Rooftop. Here, the outdoor lounge serves complimentary drinks throughout the day, with live music at certain hours and whirlpools reserved for just these guests.

Other benefits of these cabins can include access to the spa’s thermal area, free laundry, comped minibars, and priority boarding. Roundtrip airport transfers are also available for these guests, and the largest suites have real guitars and amps for ensuite, self-made entertainment.

Rock Star Coordinators, otherwise known as cabin attendants, patrol the hallways of the most premium cabins to provide assistance in the room — making the bed, cleaning, helping with the ensuite record player or delivering room service.

In all staterooms, there’s an electronic tablet that controls the lights, temperature, shades, music and television. To provide extra space in some cabins, the beds can convert to a sofa during the day and revert back to a bed by night.

Resilient Lady amenities

There’s no shortage of things to do while sailing on the Resilient Lady. You can shop in the onboard boutiques, sunbathe by the pool, play basketball, enjoy arcade games, drink at the bars, test your boxing skills or relax at the spa.

The thermal spa area has steam rooms, saunas, a salt room, plunge pools, a beauty salon and spa treatment areas. Topless sunbathing is also an option on one of the upper decks.

There’s also an outdoor jogging track and free fitness classes on a fixed schedule. For a permanent reminder of your trip, visit the onboard tattoo parlor.

Resilient Lady dining

With more than 20 dining options on the ship, you can eat somewhere different daily and enjoy a variety of global cuisines.

The restaurants on the Resilient Lady are identical to those on Virgin Voyages’ other ships, and dining at all of them is included in the cruise fare. Unlike other cruise lines, you won’t pay extra to dine at specialty restaurants aboard Virgin Voyages, though some premium menu items may cost extra.

Instead of one main dining room or buffet, there’s a food hall — akin to what you might find in a high-end shopping mall — called The Galley, serving all kinds of prepared-to-order dishes. You’ll find sushi, ramen bowls, fresh salads, burgers, all-day breakfast choices, tacos, and even bento boxes with to-go goodies to take to the cabin.

Specialty restaurants include Pink Agave, a Mexican outlet with flaming skillets for fajitas and authentic fare from around the country; The Wake, featuring steak and seafood; and The Test Kitchen, serving up molecular fusion cuisine offerings. There’s also Italian cuisine, veggie-forward spots and more.

Other favorites include an ice cream bar, a carnival-inspired, 24-hour diner with popcorn and booze-infused milkshakes, and a Korean restaurant that has guests cooking barbecue and playing drinking games during dinner.

You can also pay for a dinner theater show — which includes a multi-course meal accompanied by acrobatic entertainment — or an afternoon tea paired with Champagne.

Resilient Lady beverages

One thing not included in the cost of sailing on the Resilient Lady is alcohol. There aren’t any drink packages like you’ll find on many other cruises. Instead, you can choose to pay in advance in the form of a bar tab, or as you go. If you choose to pre-pay your bar tab, you’ll get a bonus based on how much you spend.

There are numerous bars on the ship, from the rooftop pool bar to the ship’s own tap room, where you can order a beer growler to take elsewhere on the ship. And with the cruise line’s app, you can order a glass of Champagne to be delivered to you anywhere on board with just a quick shake of your phone.

For a pick-me-up, you can find all kinds of caffeinated brews at Grounds Club, and free Intelligentsia coffee is served in different venues on the ship. Travelers can also pay extra for cold-pressed juices and barista-made coffee drinks.

Resilient Lady nightlife and shows

The ship’s main hub for evening nightlife is called The Manor. Drinks flow constantly, and nightly acts include live music, comedy and even an adult-themed comedy show with audience participation. You won’t find Broadway-style musicals aboard, but there is a Greek history-inspired song and dance show.

There’s never a shortage of entertainment and talented staff perform all over the ship in bars and lounge areas, so don’t be alarmed if someone dressed as a passenger begins performing for you.

Known as “happenings” or “pop-up moments,” these impromptu improv acts add a bit of intrigue to the cruising experience.

For those who want to belt out some tunes, there’s a karaoke room. Also on the program are a casino, drag shows, fashion shows, bar crawls and even scavenger hunts.

You’ll find arcade games, themed parties (like the Scarlet Night evening) and a full roster of staff-led activities, from dance parties to pool parties.

You can keep an eye on everything by downloading the cruise line’s app or asking reception for a printed schedule. It’s easy to get around the ship since maps are posted everywhere, and the three sets of elevators are color-coded to help you know where you are (purple is at the front, blue is at the aft).

Resilient Lady inclusions

When sailing aboard Resilient Lady, you won’t pay extra for gratuities, Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants or onboard activities. However, you will have to pay extra for alcohol, destination excursions and upgraded Wi-Fi for streaming.

The cruise allows passengers to carry on board two bottles of wine per cabin at embarkation, but no liquor. This can help cut down on the cost of beverages during the sailing. Keep in mind that the drinking age changes based on where the ship is located — in the U.S. it’s 21, while in Europe and international waters the age is 18.

Resilient Lady is a treat

Virgin Voyages has managed to transform the traditional cruise experience into something both upscale, but playful enough, to appeal to all ages.

Rarely feeling crowded, the ship is hardly as large as some of the biggest in the world, and what you’ll find on this Richard Branson-born gem is exactly what you would expect from the daring British entrepreneur. Just be sure to pack an appetite, your dancing shoes and a Titanic-sized sense of humor.

(Top photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

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Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

First it was Ubers. Then it was Wendy’s hamburgers (except the fast food chain clarified it was technically dynamic pricing, not surge pricing). But now, the real deal — surge pricing — is targeting your checked bags.

JetBlue quietly (sneakily?) introduced “peak” and “off-peak” pricing to its checked bag fees on March 22, a fact the world was alerted to because my editor happened to check the JetBlue website. That means you have to pay $5 to $10 more each way for checked bags on JetBlue when flying during busy travel times, such as the summer, much of the winter and some random weeks in the spring.

It’s a classic example of surge pricing — a type of dynamic pricing where companies only increase prices during times of high demand, but don’t lower pricing during times of low demand.

Technically, these new dynamic baggage fees won’t affect all customers like the blanket increases some other airlines, such as Alaska and Delta, recently added. Yet they also mean more complication and confusion for customers who are trying to figure out which airline offers the lowest total price for a given route.

Dynamic prices are nothing new in the travel industry. In fact, prices that rise and fall based on the balance of supply and demand are taken for granted in everything from airfare to hotel rooms and rental cars.

And airlines are increasingly relying on these add-on fees for revenue. In 2023, airlines made a record $117.9 billion worldwide in ancillary fees, according to airline consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany and car rental technology platform CarTrawler. About $33.3 billion of that was baggage fees.

Some industry experts say the move to more fluid fee prices has been a long time coming.

“Airlines have had capabilities for years to price fares based on demand. Why not other fees as well?” says Jay Sorensen, president of IdeaWorksCompany.

Sorenson notes that many airlines have been dynamically adjusting the price of seat assignment fees for years. The cost of choosing a window seat near the front of the plane for a particular flight might cost more in December than in February because of increased demand.

Yet, it seems like airlines have been so preoccupied with whether they can make more money from increasingly complex fee structures that they haven’t stopped to think about whether they should.

What makes a fare fair?

It all comes down to how we think travel companies should price their products. Sorenson thinks we are holding airlines to a standard to which we don’t hold other retailers.

“Shopping for an airline seat is like shopping at a grocery store,” he says. “If the grocery store was required to tell you beforehand how much you were going to spend, it would be ludicrous.”

The base fare is more like the shopping cart into which we toss other add-ons, such as seat assignments, premium seating upgrades and baggage. It’s up to the consumer to compare prices at different airlines, just as it’s on them to compare prices at different grocery stores.

If JetBlue wants to charge more for eggs (baggage) near the holidays, we can decide whether we want to pay the premium or shop with an airline that doesn’t, according to Sorenson.

But I would counter by saying that charging extra for checked baggage on peak dates is more akin to charging extra for the carton that carries your eggs. It feels like a tacked-on “gotcha” fee meant to sneak under most consumers’ radar rather than a meaningful price for a meaningful good.

Whatever you think about dynamic travel fees, it’s clear that they’ll become more common than less in the coming years. What can you do?

Tips for navigating dynamic fees

It’s not reasonable to keep track of which travel providers are charging which fees at which times. I can barely do it, and it’s my entire job.

Instead, it’s worth getting a sense of which airlines tend to charge higher fees overall, and, frankly, avoiding those brands if you want any add-ons at all.

For example, Frontier Airlines charges $157 each way in basic add-on fees while Southwest Airlines charges $0, according to the latest NerdWallet analysis.

So the simplest tip is to fly on Southwest Airlines. It doesn’t have dynamic prices for fees because it has so few fees, period. Two checked bags per person are free.

If that’s not feasible, you might consider getting a co-branded airline credit card, many of which offer free checked bags. Because baggage fees are becoming increasingly complex, this type of credit card lets you avoid the headache of dealing with them altogether, just as paying for Spotify Premium lets you avoid those terrible ads.

Finally, skip seat selection fees if you possibly can. These fees are sneaky and difficult to compare between airlines, but they’re almost always optional. And, as Sorensen points out, they are essentially charging for something that costs the airlines nothing.

“When something is pure margin, my advice to airlines is ‘don’t be so greedy,’” he says.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com