✈ Top Stories of the Week, Best New Hotels That Opened in 2023 & More Daily News From TPG ✈

Also: How to use points and miles to give gifts with $0 out-of-pocket cost December 17, 2023 [THE POINTS GUY]( [View in browser]( [TPG Daily NEWSLETTER]( [THE POINTS GUY]( Top stories of the week by Becky Blaine, Newsletter Editor [TPG | Hero Image] Hi everyone, It's that time of year — TPG is pleased to share the [best new hotels that opened in 2023]( a collection of properties around the world that feature the best in design, service and amenities. It's the perfect Sunday read. In aviation news last week, we covered [United Airlines' inaugural flight from San Francisco to Christchurch, New Zealand]( and after a three-month delay, [Japan Airlines unveiled flights on its new flagship jet]( between Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). There were quite a few airfare or award deals — [Southwest Airlines' sale with fares from $39]( runs through Monday, and for those with United MileagePlus miles or Air Canada Aeroplan points, there was [last-minute award availability to Australia and New Zealand]( over the holidays. And would it be a week in travel news if we didn’t have at least one loyalty program making changes? [British Airways implemented a no-notice devaluation for American Airlines and Alaska Airlines award flights.]( We also received details on [Capital One’s plan to cut lounge access]( for select cardholders in 2025, and [JetBlue announced a business-class retrofit](. Also, [Fontainebleau Las Vegas released details of its new loyalty program]( exclusively to TPG. In case you missed any other stories, we’ve rounded them up here for you: - [Christmas travel is here: What you can expect this holiday season]( - [15 best affordable all-inclusive resorts for every type of traveler]( - [Higher fees, less service: Why the value of cruising isn't what it used to be]( - [You may be loading your carry-on bags wrong on the plane]( - [How to travel more for fewer miles with United’s Excursionist Perk]( - [Brazil’s new visa requirement for American citizens]( Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Becky 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. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, [visit this page](. Photo Credit: THE POINTS GUY. Today’s top stories [These are the best new hotels that opened in 2023]( The travel experts at The Points Guy scoured the globe for the best new hotels in 2023, including safari lodges, all-inclusive resorts and sleek skycrapers. [Read more]( [How to use points and miles to give gifts with $0 out-of-pocket cost]( If you are short on cash this holiday season, you may want to redeem points and miles to purchase holiday gifts. Here's an overview of the best options. [Read more]( [Delta unveils 11 new Austin flights just weeks after American slashed its schedule there]( Delta Air Lines is adding 11 new flights from Austin as part of its largest-ever schedule from the city. [Read more]( [Guide to getting your child's passport]( The rules for obtaining passports for children differ from those for adults. Here how to get your child's U.S. passport. [Read more]( [Love it or leave it: TPG managing editor Clint Henderson’s elite status plans for 2024]( Here's one TPG staffer's current elite status portfolio and how he plans on keeping his status in various programs in the new year. [Read more]( The latest 1. [Castle Hot Springs: What it’s like staying at 1 of the most exclusive luxury resorts in Arizona]( 2. [Can you keep transferring credit card balances?]( 3. [A review of Delta Air Lines in first class on the Airbus A321neo from Los Angeles to Seattle]( 4. [Carnival Sunshine cruise ship review: What it’s like to cruise on Carnival’s oldest ship]( 5. [New frequent flyer pact: Alaska Airlines links up with Canada's fast-growing Porter]( 6. [Quick Points: How to earn Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on Uber rides and food delivery]( 7. [Fly to the US Virgin Islands this winter for as low as $228 round-trip]( 8. [Deal: Singapore Airlines business class from New York to Frankfurt for 56,700 miles in business or 17,500 miles in economy]( 9. [Southwest in the news for its generous 'customer of size and extra seat' policy — here's how it works]( 10. [Which credit cards cover baggage delays?]( [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 credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which [ThePointsGuy.com]( receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please view our [advertising policy]( page 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 2023