✈ Top Stories of the Week, Best Times to Apply for Travel Cards & More News From TPG ✈

Also: Maximizing rewards after the Alaska-Hawaiian airline merger September 22, 2024 [THE POINTS GUY]( [View in browser]( [TPG Daily NEWSLETTER]( [THE POINTS GUY]( Top stories of the week by Katie Genter, Senior Writer [TPG | Hero Image] Hello from Chicago Seminars, an annual not-for-profit points and miles conference I first attended in 2015. I gave a talk yesterday — it’s always fun to discuss points, miles and credit cards with other travelers! Last week, lots of big news broke. For example, we learned the [Alaska Airlines-Hawaiian Airlines merger will go forward](. But, as part of the airlines’ agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the airlines promised to not devalue their frequent flyer miles or remove elite benefits during the merger. The U.S. Department of State also announced that its [online passport renewal system is now available](. You must be 25 years or older and have a passport issued between 2009 and 2015 that was valid for 10 years and issued at least nine years ago. In other news, the United Kingdom will require travelers who can enter the country without a visa to obtain a new [electronic travel authorization to enter the country]( starting Jan. 8, 2025. The authorization will cost 10 pounds ($13) and be valid for multiple entries of up to six months over a two-year period. Finally, despite plans to [remove open seating]( Southwest Airlines says its [free-checked-bags policy is here to stay](. Here’s a look at more news from the week: - [Delta unveils 12 new and expanded transatlantic routes as part of largest-ever summer schedule]( - [United elite status is slipping further out of my reach — here's what I'm doing as a result]( - [Some of our favorite ways to use Delta SkyMiles]( - [How to get Marriott Bonvoy elite status for life]( - [Move over, British Airways — Finnair Plus now has some excellent Avios sweet spots]( - [Airport lounge wars: How credit card companies are competing for your preflight cocktail]( Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, [visit this page](. Photo Credit: THE POINTS GUY. Today’s top stories [The best time to apply for these 9 popular travel credit cards based on offer history]( In this guide, we archive the welcome offers on 10 of our most popular credit cards. [Read more]( [Capitalize on Alaska-Hawaiian merger: Potential strategies to maximize your miles, elite status and more]( Here are potential strategies you can take to help maximize your miles, elite status and more following this merger. [Read more]( [How and why you should maximize your hotel stays by using multiple loyalty programs]( Even if you have a primary hotel loyalty program, you may want to add one or more secondary programs. [Read more]( [Stylish seats and friendly service: LATAM business class on the Boeing 767]( Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your flight in LATAM's business class. [Read more]( [World of Hyatt gold: What it's really like to stay at the Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor]( The Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor is a luxury hotel that opened in 2019 with large, luxurious rooms and a fabulous spa and swimming pool complex. [Read more]( The latest 1. [How cruise ship stabilizers make your vacation at sea more comfortable]( 2. [What is a gangway on a cruise ship?]( 3. [Exclusive: How to maximize points, miles and coverage with Apple’s new iPhone 16, Watch, AirPods]( 4. [Can't find United business class awards to Europe? Try these 7 routes with great availability]( 5. [There’s finally a Hyatt in Santa Monica — and it’s about to get a major face-lift]( 6. [One Key Card review: Expedia rewards for no annual fee]( 7. [Why small businesses need a business credit card and good first choices]( 8. [Norwegian Cruise Line ships from newest to oldest — the complete list]( 9. [Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card review: Low annual fee plus a handful of benefits]( 10. [Quick Points: Earn 500 bonus points when staying at new Hyatt hotels]( [fb]( [insta]( [yt]( [tw]( [in]( [mail](mailto:hello@thepointsguy.com) You are receiving this email because you opted in at [thepointsguy.com](. Where to find us: The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe [here](. Changed your mind? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( at any time. Advertiser Disclosure: The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our [advertising policy]( and [product review methodology]( for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024