Vacasa is ending its partnership with Wyndham Rewards

In 2021, Wyndham Rewards and Vacasa started a partnership that allowed members to redeem Wyndham points for Vacasa home rentals. This was one of the most valuable ways to redeem Wyndham points for several years. However, this redemption option became less valuable in March 2024 — and now, following its recent acquisition by Casago, Vacasa is ending its partnership with Wyndham Rewards.

"While we're disappointed by this news, we're working closely with them to make this transition as smooth as possible for our members—particularly those with reservations on the books as well as those who might have been getting ready to book," a Wyndham Rewards spokesperson told TPG by email.

A Wyndham Rewards spokesperson also told TPG that all existing reservations "remain intact and are expected to be honored." Members can modify existing reservations until Nov. 30, but they must check out by Jan. 31, 2026, if they modify their stay dates.

VACASA

You also have a little bit of time if you want to book some final Vacasa stays using your Wyndham points. Specifically, Wyndham Rewards members can make new Vacasa reservations through Nov. 30 for stays with a checkout date of Jan. 31, 2026, or earlier.

Wyndham Rewards expects that most Vacasa rentals will remain available as this partnership comes to a close. However, if a property you've booked becomes unavailable, Wyndham Rewards will work to provide alternate options. If you have any questions, call Wyndham member services at 1-800-441-1034.

Related: Wyndham launches a travel and entertainment subscription with a limited-time 7,500-point bonus

Bottom line

It's disappointing to see the Wyndham Rewards and Vacasa partnership come to a close. I've redeemed Wyndham points for several Vacasa properties near ski resorts in Colorado, and I got excellent value from my points while doing so.

But, especially after the March 2024 changes that made Vacasa properties with an average nightly rate greater than $250 cost 30,000 points per bedroom per night, the value you could get through the Wyndham Rewards and Vacasa partnership has decreased. As such, I haven't found a case where it made sense to redeem Wyndham points for a Vacasa property since then.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of other ways to redeem points and miles for vacation home rentals. And if you have Wyndham points and want to book a vacation rental, consider redeeming for Cottages.com stays in the U.K. or for Wyndham Vacation Club stays.

Related reading:

• How to avoid vacation rental scams
• Chase gets into the vacation home rental game, but only for select cardholders
• Which credit card should you use for Wyndham stays?
• Which Wyndham Rewards credit card is right for you?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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My first experience with Europe’s new entry/exit system nearly cost me a transatlantic flight — Here's what I learned

I've been closely following the rollout of the European Union's new entry/exit system, as I have five Schengen area entries or exits coming between its launch on Oct. 12 and the end of 2025. I'd seen several articles noting three-hour immigration lines on arrival to some European airports since the Oct. 12 launch, but generally got the impression that the rollout was going smoothly and that departure immigration usually wasn't experiencing significant lines.

Still, I wanted to stay informed, so in the days leading up to my Oct. 20 flight from Brussels to Toronto, I checked the Brussels Airport (BRU) website and social media and searched for recent news articles or press releases regarding the entry/exit system's rollout. I found no notable information or reports, so I figured the system's implementation was going smoothly, or perhaps hadn't started. After all, some entry/exit points opted for a partial or delayed rollout.

Unfortunately, I faced a significant wait time for exit immigration in Brussels — so much so that I almost missed my transatlantic flight. And although quicker, the queue upon arrival back in Brussels was still longer than usual. Here are my experiences and tips if you plan to visit the EU with a non-EU passport in the coming months as more airports begin implementing the new system.

My experience with exit immigration in Brussels

I had a 9:40 a.m. flight from Brussels to Toronto on Oct. 20. From where I was staying, I could take a train one stop to the airport every 30 minutes. So, I decided on a train departure that would arrive at the airport 110 minutes ahead of my flight. Considering I hadn't read any negative reports about the departure immigration at BRU, I figured this would give me enough time to weather any slightly longer than usual immigration lines and visit the lounge before boarding.

However, the train I'd planned to take was canceled at the last minute, and Google Maps indicated driving would take just about as long as waiting for the next train. Even with the cancelled train, I arrived at the airport 80 minutes before departure and reached the immigration queue 62 minutes before departure.

Exit immigration line at Brussels airport. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

Only EU passport holders could use the self-serve immigration kiosks when I was departing from Brussels. I only note this because TPG's Eric Rosen, who is a U.S. citizen, was able to use such a kiosk on Oct. 13 when departing from Amsterdam. But when I departed from Brussels a week later, all non-EU passport holders were being processed by just two police agents (a third agent started processing travelers as I neared the front of the queue).

U.S. passport holders have historically been allowed to use the self-service passport control at some airports, including in Amsterdam. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY

As the line moved slowly, I nervously compared my progress against the time that had elapsed and began to get a sinking feeling: I wouldn't make my flight.

Airport representatives in the immigration area told passengers concerned that they'd miss their flight that the airlines would hold planes for passengers stuck in immigration. I suspected this wouldn't be the case, but luckily, a kind passenger near the front of the line told me to go in front of him.

When I reached the police agent for immigration, he didn't ask any questions, collect any biometric data, or even flip through my passport. Instead, he said the computer was working well for my passport and stamped my passport. Whatever the computer was doing took about five times as long as it usually does when entering or exiting the Schengen area.

Once I cleared the immigration booth, I ran to my gate. When I scanned my boarding pass, it gave an error, and the gate agent noted that the check-in agent marked me as a late check-in. This surprised me since the check-in agent didn't tell me this, and I had checked in well ahead of Air Canada's stated bag drop deadline. Luckily, the gate agent could still load me and my checked bag onto the flight.

KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

Based on the minimal number of passengers who boarded after me, and the boarding complete call just a few minutes after I boarded, I was one of the final passengers to make the flight. As I suspected, Air Canada didn't wait for passengers stuck in immigration; a flight attendant told me 25 passengers missed the flight, including four in the premium economy cabin.

Related: The ultimate guide to river cruises in Europe

My experience with arrival immigration in Brussels

On my way back to the EU, I took a London-to-Brussels flight midday on Oct. 24. After my experience with the immigration queue leaving Brussels a few days prior, I was prepared for a long arrival immigration wait. I chose a seat near the front of my British Airways flight to Brussels and moved swiftly from the plane to the immigration processing center after deplaning.

Entry immigration queues at Brussels airport. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

The arrival area featured 12 self-service immigration kiosks, but only EU passport holders could use these kiosks. Nine booths were staffed with immigration agents on my arrival, but two were reserved for EU passport holders who couldn't use the self-service kiosks, and five were reserved for travelers who needed a visa.

Self-service immigration gates for EU passport holders in Zurich. ANDREA ROTONDO/THE POINTS GUY

This left just two kiosks for non-EU passport holders who didn't need a visa, so the queue was long and slow-moving. Even though I believe I was the first person in the queue from my flight, it still took me 40 minutes to clear immigration. The line got significantly longer as I was in it, as passengers from my flight and seemingly a few others joined the crowd.

Entry immigration line for travelers with non-EU passports who don't need a visa. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

As on my departure a few days earlier, the immigration agents weren't collecting biometric data or asking questions. Instead, the agents seemed to just be using the new computer system and stamping passports. As before, the agent barely flipped through my passport before stamping a page and waving me through.

Related: 12 European destinations that are best experienced in the fall

Lessons learned and advice

The 29 countries using the new entry/exit system have until April 10 to fully integrate the system. So, you never quite know what you might get when you enter or exit one of these countries between Oct. 12 and April 10. You might get the pre-Oct. 12 system and experience, you might get the full biometric data collection and questions experience, or you might face something in between.

As such, it's impossible to know how long the wait will be before your departure or after your arrival. For this reason, don't make my mistake. Instead, leave yourself plenty of time when arriving in or departing from one of the 29 participating countries. Then ... well, find a lounge to visit once you clear immigration.

KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

Likewise, give yourself plenty of time after you arrive to clear immigration. After clearing immigration and customs, I needed to take a once-per-hour train from Brussels Airport to Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. I could have saved money by purchasing a ticket for a specific train in advance, but I opted for a more expensive flexible ticket that would let me take any train that day because I couldn't predict how long I'd need to wait in immigration queues.

However, it's worth checking your entry/exit point's social media and website to see whether they have any updates or useful information regarding the entry/exit system. For example, the Amsterdam airport website notes it isn't implementing the entry/exit system until Nov. 3. Lucky me, as I'm departing from Amsterdam on Nov. 6.

Likewise, check whether there's anything you can do to speed up the immigration process. For example, if you're entering or exiting Sweden, consider downloading the Travel to Europe mobile app. Hopefully, more countries will begin using this app to collect data, and I expect it will unlock some shorter queues for travelers who opt to use it.

MOMO PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES

If you're on a short connection on a single ticket, the airline may protect you if you miss your connection due to long transfer immigration lines. However, I'd recommend booking connections of at least four hours if you are entering or leaving any of the 29 European countries using the new entry/exit system during your layover, to save yourself the hassle of changes and rebooking should you encounter a long queue.

If possible, you may want to hold off on visiting the 29 countries altogether until they smooth out their system. Many countries collect biometric data and passport scans on arrival and departure — including Canada, Singapore and Australia — but the lines are minimal. I expect, given some time, the EU entry/exit system process will speed up.

Of course, you may not want or be able to avoid visiting the Schengen area anytime soon. For example, several events will take me back to Europe this fall and spring. So, if you must go, just give yourself plenty of time.

Related: Travel to Europe using points and miles: How to redeem your rewards for flights

Bottom line

Bad luck with a cancelled train and underestimating how long the exit immigration would take in Brussels almost led to me missing a transatlantic flight. This would have been an expensive mistake, as I likely would have needed to buy a new ticket since it would have been my fault (not the airline's) that I missed the flight.

So be prepared for immigration to take much longer than you expect while the Schengen zone countries work out the bugs in their systems. And — especially if you're on a wide-body plane — consider selecting a seat near the front of the plane so you can be one of the first passengers on your flight to reach the immigration checkpoint.

Related reading:

• How far in advance can you book a flight?
• The best Choice hotels in Europe to book using points
• 17 best all-inclusive resorts and hotels in Europe
• How I turned 100,000 Chase points into a multicountry European trip
• 7 of the coolest European fifth-freedom routes you should know about
• Best European cruises: 6 ships that stand out across the pond

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Best time to apply for AAdvantage cards based on offer history

American Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines, serving over 350 destinations and connecting essentially every corner of the globe. Its loyalty program, AAdvantage, offers a suite of cobranded credit cards with Citi.

These credit cards offer valuable welcome bonuses that come with thousands of valuable AAdvantage miles. American Airlines has numerous sweet spots where you can redeem your miles for maximum value.

However, before applying for one of these cards, you may be wondering when the best time to apply is so that you can earn the highest welcome bonus.

Welcome bonuses are subject to frequent changes, whether that be offering a lower or higher bonus. While there is no simple answer to when the best time to apply is, our historical data on welcome offers can give you some guidance.

Knowing the welcome offer a card has previously offered can also help you when analyzing the current offer.

We've collected the offer history on the most popular Citi / American Airlines cards to help you decide when to apply for each.

Note: We will only discuss publicly available welcome offers. However, you might receive targeted offers with more bonus miles or cash back. Keep in mind that offers may change at any time, and some of the offers mentioned below may not be available at this time.

Best Citi AA credit card welcome bonuses

Card	Best welcome offer we've seen	When to apply
<a href="https://ift.tt/fTG9Xcg" target="_blank"><strong>Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®</strong></a>	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.	When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles
<strong><a href="https://ift.tt/TNUH9E6" target="_blank">Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard®</a></strong>	Earn 90,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first four months of account opening.	This is the only publicly available offer we've seen in the card's history, but now is still a good time to apply
<a href="https://ift.tt/jFSQWKe" target="_blank"><strong>Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®</strong></a>	Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.	When the bonus offer is higher than 80,000 miles
<div style="direction: ltr; border-width: 100%;"> <div style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0in; margin-left: 0in; width: 3.9423in;"> <div style="direction: ltr; margin-top: 0in; margin-left: 0in; width: 3.9423in;"> <p><a href="https://ift.tt/HIQfXjT" target="_blank"><strong>Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®</strong></a></p> </div> </div> </div>	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.	When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.Related: Best welcome offers of the month

Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard

The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's perks include access to preferred boarding, no foreign transaction fees and a free checked bag on domestic flights, making it an excellent choice for anyone who flies American Airlines regularly.

Plus, you can earn a $125 flight discount after spending $20,000 or more per year on the card. The card has no introductory annual fee during the first year; the annual fee is $99 thereafter.

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the offers we've seen on the Citi AA Platinum Select Card:

Welcome offer history

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
<strong>September 2025 to now</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>July 2025 to September 2025</strong>	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 in purchases within the first four months of account opening.	$1,240
<strong>May 2025 to July 2025</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>February 2025 to May 2025</strong>	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,163
<strong>October 2024 to February 2025</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>August 2024 to October 2024</strong>	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,163
<strong>April 2024 to August 2024</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>March 2024 to April 2024</strong>	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,163
<strong>February 2024 to March 2024</strong>	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$930
<strong>May 2023 to February 2024</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>April to May 2023</strong>	<span style="color: #162433; background-color: #f5f5f7;">Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months of account opening.</span>	$1,163
<strong>July 2022 to April 2023</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>June to July 2022</strong>	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,163
<strong>June 2019 to June 2022.&nbsp;</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>April to June 2019.&nbsp;</strong>	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$930
<strong>March to April 2019</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>November 2018 to March 2019</strong>	Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first three months and an extra 10,000 miles after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 12 months.	Up to $775
<strong>May to November 2018</strong>	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$930
<strong>February to May 2018</strong>	Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$465
<strong>November 2017 to February 2018</strong>	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$930

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardholders for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Highest welcome offer

The highest offer we've seen offered new cardholders 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.

When to apply

If the offer is over 50,000 bonus miles, consider applying, but if you can wait for higher offers, this card typically has elevated welcome offers a few times a year.

To learn more, read our full review of the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card.

Related: 6 reasons to get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card

Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard

The Citi AA Globe Mastercard is a newly launched mid-tier card option for American Airlines flyers. It offers perks frequently associated with a cobranded airline card, like a free checked bag and priority boarding, but it also offers more elevated perks, like four annual Admirals Club passes, a statement credit for inflight purchases and a companion certificate.

THE POINTS GUY

The only welcome offer we've seen on this card offers new cardholders 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening. TPG's October 2025 valuations peg this welcome offer at $1,395.

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Learn more: Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard

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Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is the premium card in the AAdvantage lineup.

Cardholders enjoy a complimentary American Airlines Admirals Club membership — a value that alone more than makes up for the card's $595 annual fee. It also offers up to $240 in annual statement credits for Lyft (up to $120 annually, allotted up to $10 monthly; you must take three eligible rides each month to receive the credit) and eligible Grubhub purchases (up to $120 annually, allotted up to $10 monthly).

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the offers we've seen on the Citi AA Executive World Elite Mastercard:

Welcome offer history

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
<strong>July 2025 to now</strong>	Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$1,085
<strong>May 2025 to July 2025</strong>	Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$1,550
<strong>July 2024 to May 2025</strong>	Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening.	$1,085
<strong>June 2024 to July 2024</strong>	Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$1,550
<strong>Sept. 2023 to June 2024</strong>	Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening.	$1,085
<strong>July to Sept. 2023</strong>	Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.	$1,550
<strong>December 2022 to July 2023</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>October to December 2022</strong>	Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,500 within the first three months of account opening.	$1,240
<strong>October 2021 to October 2022</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>August to October 2021</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 elite qualifying miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$775
<strong>July 2019 to August 2021</strong>	Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$775

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardholders for the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard can earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Highest welcome offer

The highest welcome offer we've seen on the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard allowed new cardholders to earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.

When to apply

If the offer is over 80,000 bonus miles, it's an excellent time to apply.

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Learn more: Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

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Related: Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard worth it?

Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard

The Citi AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard is excellent for businesses with employees who frequently fly American Airlines. Its perks include a free checked bag on domestic flights, preferred boarding and the potential to earn a companion certificate. The card has no introductory annual fee during the first year; the annual fee is $99 thereafter.

THE POINTS GUY

Here are the offers we've seen on the Citi AA Business World Elite Mastercard:

Welcome offer history

Approximate date	Offer	Value*
<strong>September 2025 to now</strong>	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.	$1,163
<strong>May 2025 to September 2025</strong>	Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening.	$1,008
<strong>April 2025 to May 2025</strong>	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.	$1,163
<strong>January 2025 to April 2025</strong>	Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening.	$1,008
<strong>October 2024 to January 2025</strong>	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening.	$1,163
<strong>June to October 2024</strong>	Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening.	$1,008
<strong>April 2024 to June 2024</strong>	Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening.	$1,163
<strong>August 2020 to April 2024</strong>	Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,008
<strong>May to August 2020</strong>	Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,085
<strong>March to May 2020</strong>	Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,008
<strong>October 2019 to March 2020</strong>	Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,085
<strong>July to October 2019</strong>	Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.	$930
<strong>April to July 2019</strong>	Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.	$1,085

*Bonus offer value is based on TPG's October 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.

Currently, new cardholders for the Citi AAdvantage Business card can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.

Highest welcome offer

The Citi AAdvantage Business is currently offering its highest welcome offer of 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first five months of account opening.

When to apply

If the offer is over 50,000 miles, you should consider applying. The card is offering its highest welcome offer right now, so it's a great time to apply.

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Learn more: Citi AAdvantage Business credit card

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Related: ​​​​Why you should have multiple credit cards

Application restrictions

Citi has some strict application restrictions. Citi doesn't limit the number of cards you can have, but it will limit your overall credit.

Citi is also sensitive to recent inquiries, so for the best results, wait a few months from your last card application before applying for a Citi card.

Additionally, Citi has the 8/65 rule, which means:

• You can only apply for one card (whether personal or business) every eight days and no more than two cards in a 65-day window.
• You can only apply for one business card every 90 days.

There are exceptions to this rule, but this is general guidance for optimal results.

You'll generally want a good credit score of at least 670 before applying for either card.

HALFPOINT IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

Additionally, if you have previously earned a welcome bonus on a Citi AA card, it's possible to earn another. The terms on the Citi AA Executive World Elite Mastercard state:

"New account bonus is not available if you have received a new account bonus for a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive account in the past 48 months or if you converted another Citi credit card account on which you earned a new account bonus in the last 48 months into a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive account."

These terms only apply to individual cards and not the whole family of cards. You can also hold multiple Citi AA cards at the same time. You can even earn multiple welcome bonuses as long as they are different card products and it's outside the 48-month window. It's important to note the 48-month period starts when you receive the welcome bonus, not when you're approved for the card.

For example, if you switch to the Citi AA Platinum Select after earning the welcome bonus on the Citi AA Executive Card, you'd still have to wait 48 months from when you earned your welcome bonus on the Citi AA Executive Card to earn another Citi AA Executive welcome bonus.

Related: What you need to know about earning another American Airlines card welcome bonus

Bottom line

Before applying for a Citi AA credit card, you want to make sure you're getting the best welcome bonus possible.

Our historical data on welcome offer history can provide you with a good reference point for guidance on the best time to apply for Citi AA cards based on year-over-year trends.

Be sure to check our other offer history guides as a reference point when you're looking to apply for your next credit card.

• The best time to apply for the United Chase cards
• The best time to apply for the Delta Amex cards
• The best time to apply for these popular American Express credit cards
• The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards
• The best time to apply for these popular Chase credit cards

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Trick or treat: Save 10% on United domestic fares when you book by Halloween

United Airlines is celebrating the spooky season with a special offer: You can save 10% on paid domestic flights in exchange for signing up for United text messages. But hurry, this flash sale disappears on Halloween. The discount is also only on offer for the first 1,000 people who sign up for texts — so you'll want to get to it ASAP.

Related: The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare

Deal basics

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Book by: Friday, Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Central Time

Travel dates: Nov. 10, 2025 through March 9, 2026 (excluding Nov. 20 through Dec. 2 and Dec. 17, 2025 through Jan. 6, 2026)

Applicable fares: Standard economy fares (excluding basic economy) on domestic flights operated by United and United Express. Partner and codeshare flights are excluded.

How to book: Text TrickorTreat to 71529 and, if applicable, opt in for SMS to receive text messages from United. You will then receive a discount code.

I went through the process, and it took approximately one minute of texting back and forth with United to get my coupon code. The deal is only available to the first 1,000 people who opt in for text messages.

RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY

To use your code, open United's advanced search and scroll down to the "Upgrades, certificates, and promotion codes" section. Then enter your discount code in the "Promotions and certificates" box.

UNITED

If your flight qualifies for the flash sale, you'll see reduced fares labeled "Special offer" in the search results. The 10% discount applies only to the base fare, not including taxes or government-imposed fees or surcharges.

UNITED

For example, I looked up airfare from my home base in Denver to Miami for a beach getaway in January. With this promotion, I could fly round-trip for only $217, compared to $237 without the promo code.

That's not a huge savings — but for me and three friends on a girls' trip, it would add up to $80 off for four people.

According to a United representative, "the 10% discount applies to one-ways and round-trips." However, when I searched for sample flights, I consistently got an error code when I tried to search one-way, so your one-way options may be more limited.

Maximize your booking

If you take advantage of this sale, don't forget to pay for your ticket(s) with one of the best cards for United purchases. Certain United cobranded cards offer day-of-travel perks like priority boarding, free checked bags and even lounge access. Other travel cards offer bonus rewards on airline purchases or credits toward airline fees.

Bottom line

Is United's Halloween flash sale a scary good deal? Hey, in today's economy, 10% off is nothing to sneeze at. It's too bad you can't use it for holiday travel around Thanksgiving and New Year's (see blackout dates above), but you could use it for other trips between now and March 9, 2026.

If you have domestic travel coming up in the next few months, it could be worth booking (or rebooking) your ticket by Oct. 31 to save 10%. Just keep in mind that this is a first-come, first-served offer that is only valid to the first 1,000 people to redeem, so if you're interested, we recommend jumping on it as soon as you can.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Check your Hilton bookings: Some standard room reward nights now cost less at high-end properties

The Hilton Honors program has used dynamic award pricing for many years. Without award charts, the unpublished standard room reward cap has increased many times over the years, including to 120,000 points in March 2022, 200,000 points in May 2025 and 250,000 points in September 2025.

However, Thrifty Traveler recently found that standard room rewards at some high-end Hilton Honors properties are now less expensive on select dates. For example, until recently, all the standard room reward nights at Conrad Orlando at Evermore cost 105,000 points. But now we're seeing some that cost 90,000 points.

HILTON

Several TPG staffers also noticed that award rates for standard room rewards and premium room rewards are converging. For example, TPG's Carly Helfand noticed that within the same month at the Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya, standard room reward nights cost as much as 180,000 points, while premium room reward nights start at 145,000 points.

HILTON

You can redeem just a few more Hilton points on some dates to secure a premium room reward at some Hilton properties. For example, rooms with views of Mount Yotei at the Hilton Niseko Village are bookable as premium room rewards for just a few thousand more Hilton points per night on some dates.

HILTON

This small difference may lead you to book a premium room reward when redeeming Hilton points for your stay. But keep in mind that you can't use Hilton free night certificates for premium room rewards.

Related: How to redeem Hilton points for upgraded rooms

We also found several instances where standard room rewards varied in price significantly. For example, TPG's Eric Rosen noticed that although standard room reward nights at the Conrad Washington, DC cost 85,000 points on most dates, the standard room reward cost jumps to 105,000 points or even 180,000 points on some dates.

HILTON

The difference is even more profound at Hilton Niseko Village, where standard room rewards jump as high as 160,000 points during peak holiday ski season but are as low as 29,000 points during other seasons.

HILTON

And unfortunately, many high-end Hilton Honors properties still have all their standard room reward nights pricing at the unpublished cap of 250,000 points. For example, standard room reward nights at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal still cost 250,000 points whenever available.

Related: Hilton's recent devaluations sting, but here's how you can get around them to book top-tier luxury properties

Especially since some properties offer less expensive standard room rewards on some dates, it's worth checking your current Hilton Honors bookings to see whether you can rebook at a lower rate. And if you have a flexible schedule, it's worth checking whether you can save some points by traveling on different dates. For example, by staying at the Conrad Washington, DC from March 19 to 22 instead of March 26 to 29, you could redeem 135,000 fewer points.

Conrad Washington, DC. SCOTT MAYEROWITZ/THE POINTS GUY

It's also a good idea to periodically check your award bookings — not only in the Hilton Honors program but also in other programs that use dynamic award pricing — for price drops. These checks can save you some serious points, especially when award rates fluctuate frequently.

I have a weekly reminder to check my upcoming reservations for price drops, but you may want to check more or less frequently. Alternatively, you could set up award alerts in your favorite hotel award tool — such as Rooms.aero — to notify you if award nights drop below a particular price.

Related: How and why you should maximize your hotel stays by using multiple loyalty programs

Bottom line

The downside of programs that use dynamic award pricing is that award rates can spike without notice. However, the positive aspect of dynamic award pricing is that sometimes award rates decrease, especially if you have flexibility regarding when and where you travel. As such, it's important to periodically check your dynamic awards for price drops.

Hilton free night certificates remain a great way to stay at properties with sky-high standard room rewards. But, especially as standard and premium room reward rates converge, remember you can only use Hilton free night certificates for standard room rewards.

Related reading:

• 6 ways to maximize Hilton Honors redemptions
• The coolest SLH hotels you can book with Hilton Honors points
• Which credit card should you use for Hilton stays?
• Your complete guide to breakfast benefits at Hilton Honors hotels
• How much value does the Hilton Honors program provide when you book directly?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Southwest Priority Credit Card review: Valuable perks for frequent Southwest travelers

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card overview

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees) is the most rewarding of Southwest Airlines' personal credit cards. It has a $229 annual fee and offers 7,500 anniversary bonus points. With the most benefits of any of Southwest's cards, this is the card to get if you're a Southwest loyalist. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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Southwest Airlines is in the middle of sweeping changes, including an updated boarding process starting in January 2026 and bags no longer flying free. Unlike other airlines, Southwest doesn't offer lounges, but it plans to implement premium cabins and has started retrofitting planes to include seats with extra legroom.

Amidst all of these changes, the airline's full suite of cobranded credit cards was recently refreshed, introducing a wide variety of changes.

This includes the Southwest Priority card, the most premium card with perks aimed at making the Southwest travel experience more pleasant for frequent Southwest flyers.

This card won the Best Airline Cobranded Credit Card award in the 2024 TPG Awards, but with these new changes, only time will tell if it will take home the crown again this year.

The Southwest Priority card has a recommended credit score of 670 or above.

Let's dive in and see if the card's benefits are valuable enough to warrant its $229 annual fee, and whether now is the right time for you to apply.

Southwest Priority Credit Card pros and cons

Pros	Cons
<ul> <li>Priority boarding and complimentary access to extra-legroom seats, when available in 2026</li> <li>Anniversary bonus points each year</li> </ul>	<ul> <li>Has an annual fee</li> <li>Limited redemption opportunities</li> <li>Bonus category earnings could be stronger</li> </ul>

Southwest Priority Credit Card welcome offer

New Southwest Priority cardholders can earn an elevated 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

According to TPG's October 2025 valuations, the 85,000 points included in this welcome offer are worth $1,190. This is one of the higher points-only welcome offers we've seen on the card and meets our criteria on when to apply.

THE POINTS GUY

Note that Southwest cards are subject to Chase's 5/24 rule. If you've opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months (from all banks, not just Chase), you may not be approved.

Additionally, you can't open a new personal Southwest card if you have one open. You also won't be able to get a new welcome bonus from a personal Southwest card if you've received one in the past 24 months.

Related: How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Southwest Priority Credit Card benefits

The Southwest Priority card offers the following benefits, many of which can help offset the annual fee. Most benefits will make the day-of-travel experience much more enjoyable.

It's important to note that current cardholders will receive all their current benefits until Dec. 31.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Cardholders receive:

• Anniversary bonus: On your card anniversary each year, you'll receive 7,500 Rapid Rewards points, worth $105 based on TPG's valuations.
• Annual Southwest travel credit: During each cardmember year, you'll receive a $75 travel credit that can be used on most Southwest purchases, including tickets (excluding upgraded boardings and inflight purchases; this credit will end Dec. 31).
• Two EarlyBird Check-Ins annually: These EarlyBird Check-Ins can cost as much $99 (ends Dec. 31).
• Four upgraded boardings per year: For flights operating in 2025, you'll have the ability to upgrade your boarding up to four times (ends Dec. 31).
• Free first checked bag: Receive a free first checked bag for you and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation. (A standard first checked bag costs $35, which would save a family of four $280 on a round-trip itinerary.)
• Group 5 priority boarding (for 2026 and beyond): If you have A-list status, you can board with an earlier group.
• Preferred seat selection at booking: When available, you and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation can select preferred seating at the time of booking.
• Unlimited extra-legroom upgrades: When available, you and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation can select extra-legroom seats within 48 hours prior to departure. This arguably is the most valuable perk provided by the card, as most domestic airlines only offer complimentary extra-legroom seating to their elite members or require a hefty spending amount on a cobranded card.
• 25% inflight savings: Receive 25% back (as a statement credit) after you use your card to purchase inflight drinks and Wi-Fi.
• Tier qualifying points boost: Earn 2,500 tier qualifying points that count toward A-List and A-List Preferred status for every $5,000 you spend in a calendar year.
• 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points boost annually: Cardholders receive 10,000 points toward a Companion Pass each year.

In addition to the Southwest-specific benefits, the card comes with lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, extended warranty protection and purchase protection.

The card also carries no foreign transaction fees, so it's a good choice for spending abroad.

Related: How to get airline elite status

Earning points with the Southwest Priority Credit Card

Here's what you'll earn with the Southwest Priority card:

• 4 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases (5.6% return based on TPG's valuations)
• 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants (2.8%)
• 2 points per dollar spent with Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners (2.8%; ends Dec. 31)
• 2 points per dollar spent on local transit and commuting, including ride-hailing apps (2.8%; ends Dec. 31)
• 2 points per dollar spent on internet, cable and phone services and select streaming purchases (2.8%; ends Dec. 31)
• 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases (1.4%)

ANCHIY/GETTY IMAGES

This card offers a wider variety of bonus categories than other airline credit cards; however, many of these bonus categories will be removed at the end of the year. You may be better suited with other top travel cards, as their earnings can be even more lucrative.

You'll earn 5.6% back on Southwest purchases and 2.8% back on select purchases (according to TPG's valuations), which are not bad rates of return for a cobranded credit card. Plus, the gas and grocery bonus category can be beneficial for those who plan to put a bulk of their everyday spending on the card.

However, this may not be the best Southwest card for you if you don't book Southwest flights often or prefer to use other portals for hotel and rental car bookings.

Related: Best rewards credit cards

Redeeming points with the Southwest Priority Credit Card

Redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards points with the Southwest Priority card is very straightforward.

Southwest award prices are directly tied to the cash value of the ticket, meaning the number of points you need for a flight will fluctuate, but you'll rarely encounter times when you can't use your points. Plus, you can redeposit your award without penalty if your plans change.

While Southwest's points won't help you fly in first-class suites, they can provide great value.

For instance, you can fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago's Midway International Airport (MDW) for as few as 8,091 points one-way, depending on the time of year. Meanwhile, other airlines often charge 10,000 miles or even more (assuming you can find availability).

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

If you book during one of Southwest's flash sales, you could score awards for less than 2,500 points one-way. You can even fly to fun destinations like Hawaii, Costa Rica and Mexico with your Southwest points.

For instance, Emily Thompson, a newsletter and partnerships editor at TPG, recently took advantage of one of these sales to book a round-trip ticket between Nashville International Airport (BNA) and San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) in California for under 25,000 points.

Related: How to redeem your points with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program

Which cards compete with the Southwest Priority Credit Card?

Southwest Airlines offers three personal cards, so you can choose the one that fits you best.

• If you want Southwest benefits with a more modest fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card has a $149 annual fee. It offers preferred seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure (when available), one 15% promotional code each cardmember anniversary (excluding basic fare), 6,000 anniversary bonus points and a free checked bag. To learn more, read our full review of the Southwest Premier card.
• If you want a Southwest card with an even lower annual fee: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees) has a $99 annual fee and allows standard seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure (when available), one 10% promotional code each cardmember anniversary (excluding basic fare), 3,000 anniversary bonus points and a free checked bag. To learn more, read our full review of the Southwest Plus card.
• If you want transferable points to use with Southwest and other airlines: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can transfer 1:1 to one of Chase's 13 partners, including Southwest. You'll get numerous travel protections, a $50 annual hotel credit on hotel bookings made through Chase Travel℠ and robust earning categories for a $95 annual fee. To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

For more options, check out our full list of travel credit cards.

The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Companion Pass and bonus points: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards

Is the Southwest Priority Credit Card worth it?

If you fly Southwest at least a few times each year, you will come out ahead with the Southwest Priority card. Its everyday earning rates aren't the most lucrative, but impressive built-in perks like preferred seat selection (when available), Group 5 boarding (for 2026 and beyond), free checked bags for you and eight travel companions, and anniversary bonus points make up for it. However, if you fly Southwest less often, you'll likely prefer one of our other favorite airline cards.

Related: How to pick the right travel credit card for you

Bottom line

The Southwest Priority card is the most rewarding of Southwest Airlines' personal credit cards, allowing you to earn a good stash of points and get the most benefits of any of the airline's offerings.

Despite the recent refresh and annual fee increase, this is still the best Southwest card for you if you fly the carrier often.

However, if you don't fly Southwest often or want to keep your annual fee costs lower, you may want to opt for one of the other Southwest cobranded cards or a card that earns transferable rewards.

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Apply here: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Smoking at airports: A major US airport wants to add a place to light up

Many international airports offer spaces for smokers (and vapers) to light up inside the terminals. But, thanks to clean indoor air laws adopted over the years in many cities and states, smoking of any kind is prohibited inside most airport facilities in the U.S. Designated smoking areas — if they exist — are outside.

There are some holdouts. Smokers can still find smoking lounges, patios and other "smoking allowed" spots postsecurity at terminals in Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, Tampa and Gulfport, Mississippi.

And, come 2026, a major U.S. airport may join that list.

On Oct. 1, the Wayne County Airport Authority — which operates Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) — issued a Request for Proposals for new food-and-beverage concessions in DTW's McNamara Terminal.

That request includes a proposed bar/lounge concept with food, retail cigars and an enclosed cigar smoking area in Concourse A, near gates 43 through 47.

DTW's bars and restaurants have been smoke-free since 2010, when Michigan's Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law was passed. But the law makes an exemption for stand-alone cigar lounges.

The inclusion of a cigar bar in DTW's current request "was developed in response to interest from the community and local businesses, especially as it relates to the international nature of the airport," said Cortez Strickland, the airport's communication and public relations manager.

He added that the request requires bidders to provide a state-of-the-art air handling and ventilation system and facility design to reduce smoke exposure "to the fullest extent possible."

Proposals for the cigar lounge at DTW are due in January 2026, but the very idea of the lounge doesn't sit well with many nonsmokers, workers' rights organizations and nonsmoking rights groups, citing a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that reported secondhand smoke issues in many nonsmoking areas at airports with smoking lounges.

"On top of all the usual difficulties that come with flying, [DTW] travelers will now have to deal with the extreme health hazard of secondhand smoke exposure as they pass through this busy hub," said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation. "Not only that, but airport workers will be forced to breathe in toxic fumes just to earn a living."

Which other US airports have postsecurity smoking areas?

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

HARRY REID INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

At Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, there are eight gaming lounges where smoking is permitted. Each lounge has slot machines inside enclosed, ventilated spaces, and access to these spaces is restricted to travelers 21 and older. The airport notes that while smoking is allowed in these lounges, marijuana and other cannabis products cannot be used in the lounges because those substances are prohibited on airport property, per federal law.

At LAS, there is one gaming lounge that allows smoking at both the A and B gates in Terminal 1. There are two lounges in Terminal 1 at the Concourse C gates, near gates C5 and C25.

Concourse D has two lounges, near gates D16 and D50. There are also two lounges in Terminal 3 at the E gates, near Gate E3 and Gate E14.

Miami International Airport (MIA)

RICKY ARROLIGA/MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

At Miami International Airport, smokers can order a drink and/or a meal and light up on the outside patio of TGI Friday's, which is in the North Terminal of Concourse D, by Gate D36. There is also a section off the side of the patio where smokers may stand and smoke without making a purchase.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Tampa International Airport (TPA) has four separate postsecurity airside terminals: airsides A, C, E and F. Each has a covered outdoor smoking area.

Look for these lounges by Gate A18, Gate C30, Gate E62 and Gate F88.

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

At Nashville International Airport, smokers can light up at the Travelers Post Smoking Lounge in Concourse B, near Gate B10. The lounge is an airport concession program and includes a small shop adjacent to a ventilated, enclosed lounge. Drinks are served here, and entry requires a fee. Posted hours are 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT)

Mississippi's five-gate Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport has a filtered smoking room by gates 2 and 3.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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