✈ Is Business Class Worth It? Our Favorite Welcome Bonuses This Month & More Daily News From TPG ✈

Also: Spending Christmas in Europe using points and miles October 14, 2024 [THE POINTS GUY]( [View in browser]( [TPG Daily NEWSLETTER]( [THE POINTS GUY]( Is business class worth the splurge? by Katie Genter, Senior Writer [TPG | Hero Image] Travelers often ask me, “Is business class worth it?” and “How can I upgrade my flight?” For me, it’s all about deciding whether [business class]( is a good value. Oftentimes, you don’t need to redeem many more points or miles to fly in a premium cabin. And if you’re chasing elite status — such as on select partners credited to American Airlines AAdvantage — higher cabin classes on paid fares may credit at a much higher rate than economy. Of course, the experience also plays into my calculation. I wrote most of this newsletter in a 100%-full American Airlines 777-200 economy cabin on a nine-hour flight from Munich to Charlotte. So it’s front of mind for me how difficult it can be to [sleep well]( work on a laptop and keep your lower back happy on a long flight in a packed economy cabin. But, was it worth paying the around $1,400 American was charging to upgrade to business class on that leg? In my opinion, no. And although I theoretically could have [redeemed 25,000 miles and paid a fee of $350]( to upgrade my entire outbound itinerary from Munich to Monterey, California, space in the fare classes I needed never opened up. To learn more about [upgrading flights]( and deciding whether business class is worth it for you, check out the following stories: - [How to upgrade to first class without spending a ton of money]( - [Stuck in coach with no elite status? That upgrade might be cheaper than you think]( - [Is flying business class with kids worth it — and should you do it?]( - [6 things that surprised me about my first non-US business-class flight]( 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: KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY. Today’s top stories [The best credit card welcome bonuses of October 2024]( Make sure these elevated and limited-time credit card offers are on your radar this month. [Read more]( [From snowy markets to sleeper trains: How I’m spending Christmas in Europe using points and miles]( I used a combination of rewards to plan a European Christmas vacation for almost free. [Read more]( [Delta Sky Club access: How to visit the lounge with credit cards, elite status and more]( Here's what you need to know to visit a Sky Club on your next trip. [Read more]( [Kimpton Inner Circle: What it is and how to get an invite]( IHG One Rewards may invite Diamond Elite members who are particularly loyal to Kimpton to its Kimpton Inner Circle program. [Read more]( [The ultimate guide to Virgin Voyages cruise ships and itineraries]( Virgin Voyages has shaken up the cruise industry with its adults-only model and risque entertainment. [Read more]( The latest 1. [Major US hospitality labor group calls for investigation into hotel loyalty programs]( 2. [U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card review: Bonus points on mobile payments]( 3. [Chase Slate Edge card review: Reduce debt and raise your credit score]( 4. [The best ski resorts in the US for your next trip to the slopes]( 5. [Guide to Marriott and Hilton elite status with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum]( 6. [American adds 4 new routes, cuts 2 others and grows in Cape Cod]( 7. [5 reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card]( 8. [Naples cruise port guide: How to spend your day in Italy]( 9. [Quick Points: How to search for hotels when using free night award certificates]( 10. [Hurricane Milton: What to know if you are traveling to Florida]( [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