Use these tricks to avoid TSA scrutiny and save time at the airport

The Transportation Security Administration screened some 904 million passengers in 2024, along with 494 million checked bags and 2 billion carry-on items.

Going through a TSA checkpoint is not exactly pleasant for most travelers. Most simply want to get through airport security as quickly as possible. Thankfully, there are ways you can cut the time you spend at TSA security checkpoints.

Here are tips to help you fly through airport security without delays.

Sign up for TSA PreCheck

Security At The Salt Lake City International Airport During Holiday Travel
GEORGE FREY/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

TSA PreCheck gives travelers access to a separate expedited security line. In this lane, travelers do not have to remove their shoes, light outerwear and belts. The program also lets you keep your laptop and any 3-1-1-compliant liquids and gels in your carry-on bag. TSA PreCheck costs anywhere between $78 and $85 (depending on the issuer) and is valid for five years. After applying and paying the fee, travelers will then go to an approved facility for an interview. Pro tip: TSA PreCheck is included in the cost of Global Entry.

Related: TSA PreCheck adds 2 carriers to program, bringing total to 104 participating airlines

Check your credit card to see if it's one of the many cards that offer statement credits to cover the TSA PreCheck application fee. After you purchase TSA PreCheck, certain cards will reimburse travelers for the cost of the program and for renewal.

Among the many popular cards that feature this benefit are:

Related: Best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

Currently, about 99% of TSA PreCheck users wait less than 10 minutes to get through airport security, according to the TSA. However, your TSA PreCheck experience will heavily depend on the airport you're departing from, as well as the airline you will be flying. Over 100 domestic and foreign airlines participate in the program.

Apply for Clear Plus membership

Clear line at the Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City
Clear line at Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

Available in some 60 U.S. airports, Clear Plus screens travelers using bio-identifying markers such as fingerprints or iris scans, allowing subscribers to keep IDs in their wallets. Once their identity is verified, passengers are escorted to the front of the TSA security checkpoint line. A yearlong membership costs $209, and you can add up to three adults to your account for $125 each. Check your American Express credit card — it may cover Clear Plus' annual fee.

Related: What is Clear airport security — and is it worth it?

Delta Air Lines Diamond Medallion and Delta 360 members get a free membership; Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members pay $169. Regular SkyMiles members pay $199. On United Airlines, Global Services members get a free membership; Premier 1K members pay $129. United Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum members and United U.S. credit card holders pay $169. Regular MileagePlus members pay $199.

Download the MyTSA app

The MyTSA app, available via iTunes and Google Play, includes features that allow users to:

  • Check what items they can and can't bring through security
  • Find checkpoint delay information at airports nationwide
  • See how busy an airport is likely to be on your travel day and time, based on historical data
  • View the TSA's travel checklist on how to prepare for and get through security quickly
  • See which airports and airlines support TSA PreCheck
  • Ask for live assistance from TSA via social media

Be prepared

Biometric screening at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Long security lines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

Before you reach the TSA officer, have your boarding pass and government ID in hand and ready to inspect. If you are passing through a regular TSA line, you will need to remove your laptop and liquids from your bag, so it's a good idea to have them placed in your bag in a way that's easily accessible.

Dress appropriately

Surprised woman at airport
ALINA ROSANOVA/GETTY IMAGES

Travelers can slow things down by wearing complicated shoes or boots, belts and layers of clothing that are difficult to remove — be sure your pockets aren't holding any metal objects like keys. Consider wearing slip-on loafers, minimizing the amount of jewelry you wear, dressing with fewer layers and emptying your pockets before entering the security line.

Put everything in its place

TSA officers at Dallas Love Field (DAL) in Texas. SHELBY TAUBER/BLOOMBERG VIA GETTY IMAGES

As you go through screening, place things such as bags, jackets, tablets and laptops in the large trays that the TSA provides. There will usually also be smaller, dog bowl-shaped bowls available for items such as watches, jewelry and smartphones. Resist the temptation to take photos of how you arrange your items in trays — you risk holding up the line for everyone.

Remember, as of 2025, you no longer have to take your shoes off to pass through security.

Bag your liquids

Liquids discarded by TSA at Philadelphia International Airport
CAROLINE TANNER/THE POINTS GUY

The TSA requires passengers to carry liquids of 3.4 ounces or less in one, one-quart-size plastic bag. If you carry larger bottles that aren't in a regulation-size bag, your items may be confiscated, and your bags will have to be rescanned, costing you precious time. On a related side note, empty your water bottle before arriving at the checkpoint — you may be forced to throw out reusable water bottles if they are full of liquid at the checkpoint.

Related: TSA liquids rule: What to know about 3-1-1 before you head to the airport

Have proper ID

Oakland Airport Real ID display
Oakland Airport Real ID display. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

As of May 7, 2025, you need a Real ID to board a plane. Acceptable IDs include a REAL ID driver's license, passport, Global Entry card or U.S. military ID. If you don't have one, be prepared for a time-consuming identity verification process and a thorough search of your carry-on bags.

Related: Real ID vs. driver's license vs. enhanced driver's license: Everything you need to know

Use TSA Cares for extra help

Entrance for the TSA PreCheck line at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
An entrance for the TSA PreCheck line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

TSA Cares is a helpline that provides assistance to travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. The agency recommends that passengers call 866-289-9673 a full 72 hours before travel if they have questions about screening policies, procedures or what people with disabilities and medical conditions can expect at security checkpoints. Travelers may also request a Passenger Support Specialist by calling the TSA Cares hotline. Wounded Warriors, passengers who wear specific religious clothing (such as head coverings) and passengers who may have trouble understanding checkpoint procedures are also qualified to use TSA Cares services.

Pack food and gifts properly

Screenshot of TSA tip for traveling with gifts (Avoid traveling with wrapped presents — use gift bags)
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

When traveling, you may bring gifts or food to your final destination. If you don't want to throw them away, check the TSA website or the MyTSA app to see what items are approved. Pies and cakes can be taken through the security checkpoint but are subject to additional screening. And while you can bring wrapped gifts through the checkpoint, TSA officers may unwrap them to take a closer look inside, so it's a good idea to place presents in gift bags or ship them by mail instead.

Related: 4 things the TSA really doesn't want you to bring on an airplane

Bottom line

The TSA continues to process record numbers of passengers, which can lead to delays. By following these tips, you'll spend less time in airport security checkpoints and have an overall better airport experience.

Related reading:

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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Should you do a mattress run for hotel points or elite nights?

As the end of the year nears, you may hear of travelers going on mileage runs. These mileage runs are typically undertaken to complete a challenge (such as JetBlue's "25 for 25" promotion) or secure the final points, dollars or segments required for a specific elite status tier. However, some travelers also go on mattress runs for similar reasons.

If you're considering one, here's what you should know about mattress runs.

What is a mattress run?

A mattress run is a hotel stay you book solely — or, at least, primarily — to earn rewards or elite status. For example, you might book an AAdvantage Hotels stay to earn Loyalty Points to secure a higher American Airlines elite status. Or, if you're just a few nights shy of earning Globalist status, you might book a short stay you don't really need at a nearby Hyatt Category 1 property.

Hyatt Place Melbourne / Palm Bay in Florida
Hyatt Place Melbourne / Palm Bay / I-95 in Florida. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

Whether you build a trip around the stay is irrelevant; it's a mattress run if you wouldn't have booked the stay if not for the nights or points you'll earn.

Related: On the hamster wheel of chasing hotel elite status? Buy it instead

Mattress run for elite status

The most common reason why travelers book a mattress run is to earn hotel elite status. Several TPG staffers have booked staycations within driving distance of their homes in previous years to earn the final few nights needed for a specific hotel elite status. Likewise, I know several Nevada-based travelers who book inexpensive midweek mattress runs at Las Vegas hotels primarily to get elite qualifying nights.

Las Vegas skyline
RACHEL CRAFT/THE POINTS GUY

Most hotel elite status tiers require you to earn a specific number of elite qualifying nights, points or stays each calendar year. If you need a boost toward your desired elite status, check out the following stories for more program-specific options:

However, mattress runs aren't just for travelers striving to earn hotel elite status. After all, the AAdvantage Hotels portal has become a valuable way to earn Loyalty Points toward American Airlines elite status. With the ability to earn up to 15,000 Loyalty Points per reservation, some American Airlines loyalists find that AAdvantage Hotels mattress runs are the easiest and least expensive way to earn Loyalty Points.

Related: Last-minute tips for locking in hotel elite status before the end of year

Mattress run to earn points or free nights

Occasionally, you'll find a hotel promotion that makes it worthwhile to do a mattress run. For example, Choice Privileges frequently runs a promotion that gives travelers 8,000 points for every two hotel stays. So, if you've already stayed once but don't have plans to stay again and would hence leave points on the table without another stay, it might be worth mattress running a cheap night at a nearby hotel. But the night would need to cost less than the value of the points, which may be difficult to find in many destinations.

Another time a mattress run might be worthwhile is if you're just one brand short of earning another free night award through the Hyatt Brand Explorer promotion. However, unless you urgently need the free night award for an upcoming stay, it's usually better to accrue brands for this promotion organically on stays you need.

Related: Best hotel rewards programs in the world: Which one is right for you?

Other mattress run considerations

Before booking a mattress run, consider the following factors.

Additional out-of-pocket costs

First of all, almost every mattress run will include some extra costs. Even if you book a stay at a property near your house, you still have the extra time and gas costs of driving to and from the hotel. Of course, if you stay at a property that includes breakfast, at least you can recoup some of the cost that way.

Turning a mattress run into a vacation

In many cases, it can make sense to turn a mattress run into a vacation. Whether you opt for a nearby staycation or a trip further afield, your mattress run could provide some alone time or a quick getaway with friends or family.

Fairfield Marriott Times Square
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Times Square South in New York City. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

There's almost always somewhere interesting nearby that a mattress run might give you an excuse to visit. Of course, you may pay a bit more if you pick an appealing location or a property with specific amenities (such as a pool or included breakfast). However, if you can derive true value from your mattress run by turning it into a vacation, the added cost is likely worthwhile.

Related: The best new points hotels for families

You'll probably need to check in and stay

Finally, plan to check in and stay when conducting a mattress run. It may be tempting to book a cheap stay in a faraway destination and try to check in remotely. But the terms and conditions of most hotel loyalty programs state that you'll only get elite night credits and earnings when you actually stay on-site. So, if you're relying on the nights or points, book a stay in a location where you can check in in person and use the room.

Bottom line

A mattress run is most likely to be useful if you need just a few more nights or points to secure a valuable elite status tier before the end of a qualification period. But, before undertaking a mattress run, be sure to consider whether the costs you'll incur will be worth the incremental benefits you'll enjoy going forward.

Related reading:

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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16 best all-inclusive resorts in the US

You might think that the best all-inclusive resorts are only found dotting the beaches of Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean. While there are certainly plenty of incredible options in the sunny tropics, there are also plenty of great all-inclusive resorts in the U.S.

Believe it or not, from the Florida Keys all the way to the California coast, there are incredible all-inclusive resorts and hotels where the price covers all (or most) of your food, drinks and activities, and you won't get sticker shock from the final bill. And they're different from what you'd expect, including dude ranches serving elevated Western fare and wellness-focused retreats in the desert.

How to choose the best all-inclusive resort in the US for your travel style

Booking an all-inclusive resort in the U.S. is slightly different from booking the more traditional ones in tropical destinations. So, while researching, make sure to read the fine print about what exactly is included in your rate because many of the properties listed below might cover all your meals but not alcohol (or just wine with dinner, for example).

You'll also want to consider what extra activities are included in the price and what activities (like horseback riding or fly-fishing) cost extra so you have a clear idea of how much you'll actually experience on your dream vacation.

One other difference to note is that some all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. (especially dude ranches and wellness retreats) have minimum stay requirements or select check-in days (like Monday or Thursday), so consider being flexible with your travel dates.

Ahead, find our top choices for all-inclusive resorts located within the U.S.

If you're craving an escape that feels totally tropical without having to actually leave the country, it's probably time to head down to the Florida Keys for a stay at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, where your almost-all-inclusive vacation awaits.

Found on Little Torch Key — about 30 miles from Key West — the adults-only resort really feels like paradise, featuring beautiful bungalows with thatched roofs, ocean views and plenty of space to stretch out and relax. For couples looking for something extra special, the Island Romance Suites each come with an outdoor copper tub and shower, a beach area with a fire pit and a private deck to enjoy.

At the resort, activities include kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, meeting dolphins at the research center and letting it all go and just posting up at the spa for a treatment (or two!).

Meals are served at The Dining Room, an airy restaurant with ocean views and a cute bar called The Palapa Bar.

Though not a true all-inclusive resort like those found in Mexico or the Dominican Republic, the resort's "Culinary Indulgence Package" will sure make it feel like one. The package includes daily breakfast, lunch and four-course dinners, as well as a welcome bottle of bubbly.

Rates at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa start at $2,590 per night, based on double occupancy.

Just an hour's drive from Phoenix, Castle Hot Springs is a luxury desert oasis in a lush, almost tropical setting with sky-high palm trees and over 1,000 acres of land to explore and relax. The resort, which dates back to the 1800s, has a series of natural hot springs that start at 86 degrees Fahrenheit and top out around 106 degrees.

For meals, the resort's property-grown ingredients are the star of the show, with breakfast, lunch and a multicourse tasting menu in the evening. Though alcoholic drinks aren't included in the rate, a daily $25 beverage credit is offered per guest, per night.

Besides soaking in the natural hot springs (reserved exclusively for those staying at the resort), guests can find Zen through meditation, take a farm tour to see where the food is grown, experience nature through a guided hike or pay extra for spa treatments and adrenaline-inducing activities like an elevated adventure course and utility task vehicle tours.

Rates at Castle Hot Springs start at $1,250 per night, based on double occupancy. Two- and three-night minimums are required for most dates, and the resort is closed for most of July and August.

An adults-only resort hugging the coast of Big Sur, California — arguably one of the most scenic areas in the U.S. — this resort has long been a favorite of readers and staffers of TPG, even before it was converted into an all-inclusive property in 2020.

At this property, one of three Alilas in California, guests are invited to relax in one of 59 rustic-chic rooms and suites that are as comfortable as they are luxurious; all of them include walk-in showers, soaking tubs, stocked minibars, great views and either balconies or private decks. To take it up a notch, reserve a room with a fireplace to snuggle up next to or one with a hot tub for an even more intimate place to relax.

Produce grown on the property, alongside locally sourced ingredients, is front and center at the modern American restaurant, The Sur House; just note that alcohol is supplemental to this Alila's inclusive package.

During a visit, explore the great outdoors on a hike, hit up the indoor and outdoor wellness studios for some mental and physical stimulation and take a moment to breathe during a yoga class. Just don't forget to schedule time in the Japanese hot baths to soak up the power of invigoratingly hot water, or, for an added fee, visit Spa Alila for a special treatment like the Jade Body Ritual ($330), which uses basalt stones and Swedish massage techniques to eliminate life's stress.

Rates at Alila Ventana Big Sur start around $1,800 per night for double occupancy and include all meals and various activities. World of Hyatt members can book this Category 8 property for 90,000 points per night.

A working farm, a luxury resort and an internationally acclaimed dining destination, Blackberry Farm — a gem of a resort set on 4,200 acres near the majestic Smoky Mountains — is a truly special place to get away. The resort's signature "Foothills Cuisine" will change everything you thought you knew about American food. Starting with dinner on the day of arrival through to the very last lunch before checkout, expect meticulously prepared meals crafted with seasonal ingredients foraged from the on-site 4-acre garden, plus other locally sourced ingredients.

With 69 different accommodations, there's room for everyone, from three- to five-bedroom houses with space to spread out to 1,080-square-foot Hill Cottages with typical Tennessee front porch rocking chairs, private golf carts and warm fireplaces. On the smaller side, the farm's Historic Rooms are intimate, cozy and decorated with antiques that are classy and classic at the same time.

Come for the food but stay for the seemingly countless activities like hiking, yoga, horseback riding and fly-fishing, among many, many others (though many of them have an additional cost outside of the inclusive offerings). There are also top-tier concerts populating the farm's entertainment calendar, alongside a spa, wellness treatments and special programs designed to entertain and educate children.

Rates at Blackberry Farm start at $1,200 per night and require a three-night minimum stay.

With three adults-only, wellness-focused resorts across Arizona, Texas and Massachusetts, any of Hyatt's Miraval locations is worth considering for a visit. Though it's no easy contest among them, we'd have to argue that Miraval Berkshires is truly one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S.

A "digital device-free resort," guests check their phones at the door, and instead of checking emails and Instagram likes, they're invited to check in on themselves through wellness and well-being programs that are designed to enhance their lives and their health. That includes deep dives on nutrition, fitness activities like a barre class in the pool, connecting with nature through hiking and limbering up as you practice your lotus pose during yoga.

Other activities, at an additional cost, include learning the art of pottery, mastering the bow and arrow in archery and getting up close and personal with horses in specially designed therapeutic sessions with gentle equines.

Inclusive rates at Miraval Berkshires cover breakfast, lunch and dinner at the health-focused restaurant, Harvest Moon, or ordered directly to the room. Though the entire experience is top-notch, a further elevated experience (for an additional fee) can be had at 1894, offering four-course, prix fixe menus served as part of an interactive experience.

And as for where you'll rest your very relaxed head, choose from a range of options like a room in the Gilded Age Wyndhurst Mansion, a 600-square-foot suite with a balcony, or a room in a historic cottage, all of which are stocked with Tibetan singing bowls and meditation cushions.

Rates at Miraval Berkshires start at $866 or 57,500 World of Hyatt points per night, both based on double occupancy. Note that every award booking includes a $175 resort credit per person.

Imagine taking a water taxi from the hustle and bustle of a busy downtown to a charming spa and wellness resort set on 19 acres of lakefront property. If your intention is to leave it all behind for a few days of blissful relaxation, you've come to the right spot: Lake Austin Spa Resort.

Located just 30 minutes from downtown Austin (and also accessible by car), this spa resort is an intimate experience, offering just 40 bright and airy rooms with private porches, soaking tubs and 12-foot ceilings, plus a few cottages with hot tubs.

The all-inclusive pricing covers three meals per day, including via room service, along with snacks and unlimited fresh smoothies and juices. It also offers guests access to 24-hour fitness facilities, unlimited use of lake equipment like stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, a lakeside beach with swings and hammocks, and two outdoor pools, plus a heated indoor lap pool and 20 daily activities, ranging from hiking to belly dancing.

Considering this is a spa resort, you might be happy to hear the spa itself is a whopping 25,000 square feet, and guests have access to its steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, gardens and relaxation areas. They can also book a range of treatments, from signature facials like the "The Regal by Valmont" ($1,050), which uses gold essence caviar, to custom deep-tissue massages (starting at $225). The only question: Which one will you choose?

Rates at Lake Austin Spa Resort start at $1,206 per night, based on double occupancy.

You don't have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to appreciate a luxury ranch — or to simply bask in the wonder of Montana's natural beauty. The Ranch at Rock Creek gives visitors the best of it all — a truly luxe experience, incredible activities and even the chance to ski — with inclusive pricing that means (mostly) everything is taken care of before you even take off on the trip.

With 29 accommodations on offer, there are options as vast as the Montana sky, from hybrid luxury glamping tents to historic converted barns to multiroom homes with space for the entire family.

Ranch-style food is the name of the game here, with a handful of dining options offered across breakfast and lunch, though the star of the show is the rotating seasonal dinner schedule that'll have guests do-si-do-ing under the stars at a barn dance and enjoying a barbecue with a side of a summer rodeo. And for an even more upscale experience, make sure to visit during the weekly chef's tasting menu experience on Fridays.

Outside of dining, guests can plan every activity through a dedicated "Ranch Ambassador," who might suggest seasonal activities like snowboarding, skiing or tubing or other memorable experiences like horseback riding, archery and fly-fishing. And when all that makes you feel a little tuckered out, hit up the spa for a rejuvenating treatment so you're refreshed, revived and ready to do it all again the next day.

Rates at The Ranch at Rock Creek start at $2,800 per night, based on double occupancy.

Tucked away in rural Vermont, Twin Farms is the antithesis of the stereotypical all-inclusive beach resort. Here, instead of hundreds of cookie-cutter rooms, travelers have a choice of 20 perfectly curated and individually designed cottages and suites with the flavor of a boutique hotel and the coziness of a lived-in cabin.

More like a traditional all-inclusive experience, though, all meals plus alcoholic beverages (including spirits) are offered in the restaurant or served directly in your cottage or suite. For a very special lunchtime treat, request a picnic-style lunch that can be set up anywhere on Twin Farms' 300-acre grounds.

Despite its seemingly slow and leisurely pace, there's no shortage of things to do at this luxe retreat. In the winter, take advantage of sledding, snowshoeing or visiting the farm's private mountain for skiing. When it's warm, canoeing, fly-fishing, kayaking, tennis and swimming in a picturesque pond are all on offer. Or, if relaxing is the only thing on the agenda, the Bridge House Spa therapists will come directly to you for an in-room ritual or invite you into a treatment room for a facial or massage (for an extra fee).

Rates at Twin Farms start at $2,950, based on double occupancy.

The magic number at Little St. Simons Island, off the coast of Georgia, is 32 — because that is the maximum number of guests who can stay at the resort at any given time. Intimate and almost like stepping out of the modern world and into a gentle wilderness, the island offers 11,000 acres of unspoiled beauty to explore, with 7 miles of beaches.

To get to the island property, which dates back to 1979 and is located between Savannah, Georgia, and St. Augustine, Florida, guests must catch a ferry from Hampton River Marina on St. Simons Island, which is accessible by car.

On the island, there are six cottages with one to four bedrooms that can be booked by the room or cottage (or, if you want to take over the whole place, the entire island is available to book starting at $8,000 per night). The cabins are rustic but well appointed with cedar furniture, gathering areas — like screened-in porches or living rooms with fireplaces — and postcard-worthy views of the island's many live oak trees. The various arrangements make mixing and matching room or cottage types based on your group's needs a breeze.

All meals are included in the nightly rate and feature shared plates made with ingredients grown on the island and procured from the area, like locally dredged oysters, served in The Lodge. Hors d'oeuvres and snacks are also available throughout the day. (Just note that alcohol is not included in the price.) As for activities and amenities, there are fishing experiences with all equipment provided, 26 miles of hiking trails, kayaking through the marsh, a saltwater swimming pool, open-air truck safaris and loaner bikes you can take out to the beach.

A family-friendly experience, the island welcomes kids of all ages between Memorial Day and Labor Day but is limited to kids age 6 and up the rest of the year.

Rates at The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island start at $800 per night for double-occupancy rooms. A two-night minimum stay is required.

Bungalows Key Largo is the Florida Keys' take on a more traditional beachfront experience, with all the attributes that folks look for in an all-inclusive concept — meaning a true beach you can visit ... with an included drink in hand.

This adults-only resort for those age 21 and up has it all, starting with 13 5,900-square-foot bungalows with verandas featuring outdoor showers, soaking tubs in the bathrooms and private porches. Restaurants and bars include a beachfront Mexican-style seafood grill, a fine dining experience for an extra fee, a classy cocktail bar and even a sunset tiki-themed bar where tropical drinks are a must-order. And don't worry about paying extra for drinks, as most top-shelf liquor, beer and wine is included.

Also included are daily group yoga classes, live entertainment, karaoke nights and water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Guests can also ante up for some paid excursions that are well worth the money, like taking the crew out for drinks on a floating tiki boat, going on a sunset cruise or heading to the Key Largo Spa for a massage in a waterfront tiki space.

Rates at Bungalows Key Largo start at $899 per night, based on double occupancy. Garden Bungalows have a two-night minimum stay, while Waterfront Bungalows have a three-night minimum stay.

Located along the Hudson River in upstate New York, Rocking Horse Ranch Resort is fun for the whole family any time of the year. In the main lodge, guests can choose between two room types: one with double queen beds that sleep four and one with double queen beds and bunk beds that sleep up to six. The Oklahoma Building right next door has the same room types, plus a suite option with a queen bed and bunk beds with a partial wall for more privacy, two full bathrooms, two TVs and two minifridges.

All meals are included for everyone in the group and served buffet-style at breakfast (with 40 options) and lunch (featuring a large salad bar), while dinner is a rotating a la carte menu with items like strip steaks and barbecue. Though alcoholic drinks aren't included in the rate, the Silverado Saloon is open for adult beverages and Shirley Temples for the young ones.

At the resort, nearly all activities are included in the nightly rate, from horseback riding to tractor rides to indoor and outdoor water park visits for fun on slides and at splash pads. Winter activities include sledding and tubing. There are also water activities on a private lake, magic and comedy shows, fireworks displays and laser tag. Whether you want to escape the snow for the heated indoor water park or beat the summer heat with a fun day on the lake, this all-American, all-inclusive resort really does have it all.

Rates at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort start at $599 per night, based on four guests occupying a room.

For the young and young at heart, Fair Hills Resort is an oasis of fun in Minnesota that's open from May to September and harks back to the glory days of a typical American vacation: one with goofy games, waterslides, campfires and cabins. Speaking of cabins, this isn't a Four Seasons, and the resort is quick to let you know that its one- to four-bedroom cabins are basic and have no air conditioning — but that just adds to the camp vibe.

Stays include three meals daily and, fittingly, are announced by the clang of a bell echoing throughout the resort. Breakfast is a buffet, while lunch is lighter, with a salad bar and twice-weekly picnics. Dinner is a rotating three-course menu that can include dishes such as steak, prime rib or Minnesota walleye fish. Off-menu cold items are also available for picky eaters.

The activities are wide-ranging, too. In fact, the 94-year-old resort has a detailed calendar showing exactly what the family can expect. Treasure hunts, Zumba classes, capture the flag, river tubing, scavenger hunts and talent shows are all on offer. But don't fret, parents: Adult activities like poker night are scheduled, too. Sports include tennis and an 18-hole golf course, and lake activities are also available if the calendar gets a little too overwhelming.

All-inclusive rates at Fair Hills Resort start at $328 per night for adults and $186 per night for kids between 6 and 12; kids who are 4 and 5 years old can stay for free on most dates, and children 3 and younger are always welcome for free. A detailed calendar of rates, including specials if booking for seven nights, is available online.

Rawah Ranch, a luxe guest ranch in Colorado's Laramie River Valley, is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is now available to book with Hilton Honors points.

Guests stay in a variety of rustic cabins that are cozy, homey and decorated with Western touches like vintage oil lamps, antlers galore and sturdy wood and iron furniture. With a variety of configurations, you can bunk down in a 350-square-foot stand-alone cabin with a king bed, a lofted twin and a front porch, or opt for adjoining ranch houses that extended families can share but still have some privacy.

During the day, go horseback riding without worrying about packing cowboy boots, as the resort provides them for kids and adults, and build a connection with the horse you're assigned since you'll be riding the same one throughout your stay. You can also spend time at the river fly-fishing (a half-day session is included in the rate) or paddleboarding, learning how to shoot clay traps and arrows, or simply get lost in the beauty of it all on a hike.

Each day, guests are treated to three meals of "Colorado Ranch Cuisine," starting with a la carte breakfast, a hearty lunch buffet and a cocktail hour followed by a family-style dinner all crafted by chef Jennifer Sanchez.

A seasonal resort open only from June through September, Rawah Ranch rates start from $1,700 per night, double occupancy, and require a three-night minimum stay. Award nights start at 240,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

At RiverView Ranch, an all-inclusive luxury private ranch in Montana, there are only eight lodge suites to book, making for an intimate experience. Each of the suites has a private deck with a fire pit and views of the ranch's private lake, as well as cozy slippers and robes to relax in. They also receive twice-daily housekeeping. Rooms range from a stately king-size suite with a deep soaking tub down to a four-bedroom option with double bunk beds that can sleep up to 10 people.

All on-property experiences are available for no extra charge with the all-inclusive rate — even the more extravagant options like snowmobiling in the colder months and Jet Skiing and taking a hoverboard for a glide in the warmer months. But since it's a ranch resort, make time for some horseback riding, going for a trail ride and fishing.

Meals are a magical affair, rotating between the Great Room in the main lodge and barbecues at the lake house and out on the deck. The meals consist of "ranch-to-table" menus that feature Angus prime steak and ribs, fresh fish caught on the lake and even bison with sides of hearty vegetables cultivated on the ranch. And for wine, consult with the house sommelier for the perfect pairings.

Rates at RiverView Ranch start at $4,800 per night for a minimum three-night stay, based on double occupancy.

Nearly the opposite of a typical all-inclusive resort experience that's heavy on booze and big on entertainment, a stay at Canyon Ranch Tucson is all about finding, reviving and cultivating yourself through wellness practices and lifestyle changes.

Guests are invited to choose between different "pathways," or programs, that guide their experience. These pathways can be simple and laid-back or extremely regimented, with focus areas including weight management, learning and breaking habits, and even options that cover medical scanning followed by guidance from clinical practitioners to shape the experience.

Scheduled activities include yoga and Pilates, meditation, aqua Zumba, cardio training, cooking classes and photography hikes. Meals are served at the Canyon Ranch Grill and feature healthy dishes "free of additives and unhealthy extras," like sunflower seed tacos, turmeric cauliflower steak and grass-fed short rib. Grab-and-go options are also available from a cafe.

At the end of a busy day of centering yourself, crash into a room or suite with Mascioni Italian linens and a personally selected pillow from a menu with more than 20 options.

Outside the room, enjoy three outdoor pools plus an indoor one, a spa, multiple fitness centers and 150 acres of outdoor space to explore.

Rates at Canyon Ranch Tucson start around $2,250 per night, based on double occupancy.

Ghost towns are supposed to be creepy, right? Not in Dolores, Colorado, where the mining town dating back to the 1800s has been converted into a luxury resort full of life. Individual hand-hewn log cabins, some built by the original miners (the resort claims), plus a luxury tent, are full of Western character and design — as well as en suite bathrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The hot springs, which range from 85 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, can be enjoyed in a restored bathhouse, in a number of pools, with water bubbling up directly from the source and in the Well House cabin accommodation. At the spa, aestheticians offer facials while massage therapists can work out knots with a deep-tissue rub.

Seasonal activities include horseback riding, mountain biking and fly-fishing in the summer and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and horse-drawn carriage rides in the winter.

An all-inclusive experience, meals plus alcoholic beverages (except premium drinks) are served at a long table in the old-school saloon. Chefs cook in an open kitchen using ingredients grown on the property to create dishes like roasted Bountiful Ridge pork with charred leek grits and preserved green apricots, for which the suggested pairing is a glass of 2018 Cos Frappato wine from Sicily, Italy.

Rates at Dunton Hot Springs start at $817 per night, based on double occupancy.

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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How good is the Capital One Venture X Business’ best-ever 400,000‑mile bonus?

The Capital One Venture X Business recently announced its highest welcome offer ever — and it might be the biggest welcome offer we have ever seen on a business credit card.

New applicants can earn 200,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months, and an additional 200,000 bonus miles after spending a total of $150,000 on purchases in the first six months.

This card has an annual fee of $395, which is lower than most of its premium competitors.

I've loved having the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for the past few years, so I'm always looking for ways to earn more valuable Capital One miles.

Here's my take on this offer and why I'm so interested in this card.

How common is a 400,000‑mile welcome bonus on the Venture X Business?

This is the highest welcome bonus ever offered on this card, including when it was launched in 2023.

The previous highest offer we've seen on the Venture X Business was in June, when you could earn up to 350,000 bonus miles (no longer available) — 50,000 miles lower than the current offer.

Capital One Lounge JFK
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

If you're a big-spending business owner who has ever considered applying for this card, now is the best time to do so, given how strong the welcome bonus currently is.

Who is eligible for the 400,000-mile welcome bonus on the Venture X Business?

TPG recommends you have a credit score of 740 or above for this card.

You don't have to be a traditional business owner to qualify for a business credit card; however, the spending requirement for the welcome bonus on the Venture X Business will suit businesses with very high spending patterns.

If you already hold the personal Capital One Venture X, that doesn't disqualify you for the Venture X Business welcome bonus, nor is the Venture X Business part of the new "family" rule of Venture welcome bonus restrictions.

However, you may be denied the welcome bonus on the Venture X Business if you currently hold another Capital One business credit card, such as a Spark card (according to Capital One's terms and conditions).

You must wait six months between applications for Capital One cards. So, if you've been approved for any Capital One card within the last six months, you'll need to hold off to be approved for the Venture X Business card.

How much are 400,000 Capital One miles worth?

According to TPG's November 2025 valuations, Capital One miles are worth 1.85 cents each. At that rate, 400,000 miles are worth up to $7,400 when transferred to Capital One's 15-plus transfer airline and hotel partners and used for high‑value bookings.

If you prefer to save time by redeeming everything easily in one place, you can also redeem Capital One miles at a fixed rate of 1 cent each toward recent travel purchases or bookings through Capital One Business Travel. So, the 400,000‑mile bonus would be worth $4,000 in that scenario.

Qatar Airways Qsuite
QATAR AIRWAYS/FACEBOOK

Having earned and redeemed lots of Capital One miles, here are some of the ways I recommend using them to get the best value:

Also, remember by spending $150,000 on the card to earn the full welcome bonus, you'd earn at least an additional 300,000 Capital One miles as the card earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases. This means you would have at least 700,000 Capital One miles to maximize.

So, for example, you could book at least five round-trip business-class flights to Europe when transferring to Air Canada's Aeroplan program at a 1:1 ratio.

Watch for occasional transfer bonus offers as well, where you'll need even fewer miles to book these deals.

Related: Why Air Canada Aeroplan has become my favorite Star Alliance loyalty program

So, is the 400,000-mile Venture X offer one of the best deals ever?

When even a 100,000-mile welcome bonus would be considered generous on a rewards credit card, this impressive offer from Capital One should be of interest to any high-spending business owner looking to earn a very significant amount of rewards.

Two men on vacation shopping online on the street
RGSTUDIO/GETTY IMAGES

Beyond the 400,000-mile welcome bonus, here are the top five reasons why I believe this card is so valuable:

  • Annual credit: You'll receive $300 in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel, which is easier for a busy business owner to use compared to the complex coupon book of benefits some other premium cards offer.
  • Anniversary bonus: Enjoy 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $185 toward travel according to TPG's November 2025 valuations).
  • Lounge access: Enjoy complimentary access for yourself (as the primary cardholder) and up to two guests to Capital One Lounges and more than 1,300-plus Priority Pass lounges. (Keep in mind, however, that guest lounge access is set to tighten in February.)
  • High portal earning rates: Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars, and 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One Business Travel. If your business has travel expenses, this is an easy way to rack up lots of extra miles with the ease of booking everything in one place.
  • Excellent everyday earning: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.

It's great to realize that when you're paying the $395 annual fee in the second (and subsequent) years, you'll receive both a $300 travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles, which, in my mind, cover the cost of the annual fee each year.

Bottom line

The 400,000‑mile welcome offer on the Capital One Venture X Business is the best deal we have seen on a business credit card in a long time. Here's why:

  • This is the highest welcome bonus ever publicly offered on the card.
  • The welcome bonus is worth $7,400, according to TPG's November 2025 valuations.
  • The card earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase.
  • You can transfer your Capital One miles to book flights on some of the world's best airlines, as well as stays with hotel programs.

While the full welcome bonus is only attainable by businesses with significant credit card spending, they can earn huge rewards.

Capital One has not yet announced an end date for this offer, so if you've ever considered applying for the Venture X Business, now is the time to do so.

For more details, read our full review of the Venture X Business.


Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business


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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Airlines denied boarding to these 3 passengers. Could it happen to you?

Contrary to popular belief, airlines rarely deny passengers boarding because a flight is oversold. The Department of Transportation's required compensation penalties ensure that airlines make every effort to avoid bumping customers from confirmed itineraries.

However, there are plenty of other, more common reasons airlines block passengers from boarding flights. The good news is that with a little planning and awareness, you can virtually guarantee it won't happen to you.

Unfortunately, it's already too late for the three airline passengers I'm about to tell you about. Each of these travelers showed up at the check-in counter expecting to soon be airborne, but instead found themselves grounded. From passport problems to suspected illnesses and self-created messes, these would-be flyers were all rejected at the airport.

Here's what happens when passengers are denied boarding — and tips you can use to avoid the same.

Denied boarding: You're too late to check in for your flight

Crowded commuter people with luggage in airport waiting for check-in
BAONA/GETTY IMAGES

Arriving at the airport too late for check-in is probably the most common reason passengers are denied boarding. As a consumer advocate and TPG's ombudsman, my case files are filled with stories from travelers who weren't even aware that there are strict cut-off times for flight check-in.

Frontier Airlines passenger Alex Zhizitskiy was one of those unaware travelers.

He contacted me after Frontier denied boarding to his family at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The Zhizitskiys had tickets on a 6:59 a.m. flight to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.

"We hit some traffic on the way to JFK," Zhizitskiy told me. "But my Lyft receipt shows we got to the airport at 5:46 a.m."

That arrival time was problematic because Frontier requires passengers to check in for their flights 60 minutes before departure. That is a hard deadline with no flexibility.

The family had to unload their bags from the car, make their way to the Frontier counter and complete check-in — all within 12 minutes.

The Zhizitskiys raced across the airport and made it to the Frontier counter with just a few minutes to spare. The family breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, that relief was short-lived.

Frontier flights close for check-in 60 minutes before departure

The Frontier agent informed the flustered family that checking in at the counter with her assistance would incur a $25 charge per passenger. Zhizitskiy became outraged, misinterpreting the request as a bribe.

After a few moments of discussing the legality of asking for the additional $75, the Frontier agent shut down the conversation and informed the family that the window to pay the fee and check in had closed. They would not be boarding the flight to Las Vegas.

"We were shocked. The agent could have checked us in," Zhizitskiy said. "I had no choice but to purchase last-minute tickets on Delta Air Lines for $1,345."

When Zhizitskiy sent his request for help to me, he was sure that Frontier mistreated his family at JFK. However, his own paper trail showed that the group had pushed their luck, arriving at the airport too late.

Frontier Airlines spokesperson explains the $25 agent assistance fee

Because Zhizitskiy was insistent that his family had arrived at the counter in time and that the Frontier agent tried to bribe him, I sent his case to our executive contact at Frontier for review.

Frontier's spokesperson clarified:

"Michelle, we encourage passengers to check in faster and easier through the Frontier mobile app, starting 24 hours before the flight and ending 60 minutes before departure.

"For your background information, regarding the 'tip' he mentioned, it is likely that he misunderstood the agent assistance fee. Customers who self-serve by checking in for their flight either via the app or online are not charged a fee. However, if you check in at the ticket counter and hence require assistance from an agent for something you could have done on your own, there is a $25 agent assistance fee."

However, there was some good news for the family. As a one-time gesture of goodwill, Frontier issued the Zhizitskiys a $221 future flight credit. That was the full amount they had paid for the flight they missed.

The takeaway

Every flight has a hard check-in deadline. This cut-off can vary depending on the airline you're flying with, the airport you're departing from and whether your flight is domestic or international.

Always make certain you familiarize yourself with that information before the day of travel. Using the mobile app is a great way to ensure you're checked in before the deadline passes. And, of course, it's always a good idea to plan to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Denied boarding: You're too late to the gate

Rearview shocked frustrated man stands with hands on head in front of departing airplane through terminal window. Missed flight, delayed schedule, airport issue, travel disruption, lost time
DMITRII MARCHENKO/GETTY IMAGES

The check-in counter isn't the only place where airline passengers must arrive on time.

Having already remotely checked in for her Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), Olha Tarnovetska wasn't expecting to be denied boarding. But that is exactly what happened.

After briefly being held up at security, she arrived at the gate very late. Nearly all the passengers had already boarded the flight. Tarnovetska quickly took her place in the short line to get on the plane.

However, a gate agent was about to deliver bad news: She wasn't going to be boarding that aircraft.

Although she had a boarding pass, the airline flagged her ticket as "additional documents needed." Since Tarnovetska had an expired green card and was traveling on a Ukrainian passport and a travel authorization from Mexico, the airline required a visual review of her paperwork before the flight could leave with her on it.

But when she didn't show up 15 minutes before the flight's departure, Delta canceled her ticket.

"The agents were still scanning boarding passes when I got there, so I believe my seat was given away," Tarnovetska told me. "I'm owed compensation for what Delta Air Lines did to me. This caused me great emotional distress, triggering PTSD."

When Tarnovetska reached on to me, she wanted to know how much Delta owed her for her unpleasant experience.

She wasn't going to like my answer.

Late gate-arrivers beware: You could miss your flight

Tarnovetska had well documented everything that had happened at the gate that day. In fact, she had visually recorded her conversation with a Delta Air Lines supervisor (with his knowledge and approval). In the video that she provided to me, it is clear that Tarnovetska believes Delta denied her boarding purely because of her expired green card.

In reality, the expired green card was only what flagged her ticket for further review at the gate. While it is true that she couldn't travel to Mexico using her expired green card, she did have a valid passport and had obtained the required visa for entry. All she needed to do to board the flight was to arrive in time to have her documents reviewed at the gate.

She hadn't done that. In her own video, the Delta Air Lines agent says to her, "You arrived at D minus 6 at the gate. That means just six minutes before departure. That was too late," the agent explained. "You must be at the gate 15 minutes before departure."

Realizing that no one at Delta was seeing things her way, she went to Aeromexico and flew to Puerto Vallarta later that afternoon. Although she hoped to receive compensation for pain and suffering from the airline for what she believed was an involuntary bump, there was no legal basis for such a request.

Asking Delta Air Lines about this passenger's experience

Typically, if a late passenger misses the boarding deadline at the gate, airlines will, as a courtesy, try to put them on the next available flight. Tarnovetska told me that it hadn't happened. She said no one at Delta tried to help her, and she hadn't received a refund either.

I reached out to our executive contact at Delta Air Lines to determine the reason.

As it turns out, Delta had refunded Tarnovetska on the same day she was rejected at the gate. In her frustration over the situation, she had missed the notification.

Although Tarnovetska remained convinced that Delta denied her boarding to give her seat to someone else, the facts suggest that her late gate arrival was the actual cause.

The takeaway

Arriving at the gate too late can have the same unpleasant outcome as arriving too late at the check-in counter. When determining the time to arrive at the airport, always factor in the time it will take to clear security and reach your gate.

Every airline has a policy that dictates when it can cancel your reservation if you aren't at the gate. That time is usually indicated on your boarding pass and in the airline's contract of carriage (usually found in the footer of its website). If your flight is full and standby passengers are waiting, and you aren't there, you may find yourself without a seat when you finally show up.

Denied boarding: You're too sick to fly

Out of Focus: Business woman with protective face mask and luggage walking at terminal hall with big window, traveling during coronavirus pandemic
MINISERIES/GETTY IMAGES

Nobody wants to share an aircraft with someone who is sick. Yet, every day, travelers show up at the airport clearly unwell, coughing and hacking. Airline crews can and do reject passengers who appear to be suffering from what could be a communicable disease. This was a surprise to United Airlines passenger Kyle Teitelbaum.

In August, his family, including his 5-year-old daughter, boarded a flight at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). They sat down in their seats, and the little girl immediately started vomiting on her father. Shortly afterward, a flight attendant told the family that they would need to deplane.

"They kicked us off the flight and asked us if my daughter needed medical attention," Teitelbaum recalled. "She didn't. I'm sure she just ate something that didn't agree with her."

Despite Teitelbaum's assurance that his daughter was fine, the pilot remained firm; the family could not remain on the aircraft.

"The pilot isn't a doctor, he shouldn't be making medical decisions," Teitelbaum told me. "He didn't care. He just stranded us."

The DOT and the FAA have a say

Teitelbaum filed a complaint with the Department of Transportation. He was still unconvinced that the United Airlines pilot had the right to remove his family from the aircraft.

In the incident report provided to the DOT, the crew described the little girl as being "hunched over and in great pain." After she began vomiting, the pilot's decision was easy. As required, United Airlines responded to Teitelbaum's complaint that his family was unfairly removed from the plane through the DOT:

"In accordance with FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] regulations and consistent with United's own internal policies, crewmembers have the discretion to remove any passenger when they believe it is in the best interest of the safety of the passenger, other passengers and/or other crewmembers. We understand that events leading to the decision to issue a warning can be subjective in nature, and we regret any embarrassment you may have experienced to the extent the situation was somehow misunderstood or misinterpreted by our crew members."

Citing FAA regulations and its own policies, United Airlines reiterated that the crew believed it was in the best interest and safety of all involved (including the little girl) to remove the family and rebook them the next day.

Teitelbaum remained unconvinced and filed an appeal, but the answer remained the same. While the airline was sympathetic to the little girl's illness, the pilot made his decision based on the best interests of all of his passengers and crew. The DOT again closed the case.

Asking a consumer advocate if an airline can deny a sick passenger boarding

Still unwilling to accept that the pilot was allowed to remove his family from the aircraft, Teitelbaum contacted me. In that email, he told me that his ultimate goal was to "probably get the pilot fired" plus compensation.

That was certainly not something I could get behind. Airline pilots and crew members are responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone on board. At 30,000 feet in the air, it is not the ideal place to experience a medical emergency. There was no way anyone, including Teitelbaum, could have predicted with certainty why his daughter was vomiting and in pain.

In the end, I let Teitelbaum know that the $150 flight vouchers that United Airlines gave to his family as a goodwill gesture would be the extent of his "compensation." It went without saying that the pilot would not be fired.

The takeaway

Unwell travelers should stay home. Having a good travel insurance policy in place can make the decision to cancel a trip much easier should you or a family member become ill.

Even if you think you're fine to travel, the pilot, crew, or other airline staff may have a different opinion. And that's the opinion that matters.

Bottom line

Being denied boarding a flight is frustrating, embarrassing and disruptive to the airline passengers it affects; however, it is almost always avoidable.

You will significantly reduce any chance of it happening if you:

  • Know your airline's check-in deadline: Familiarize yourself with your airline's check-in deadline and arrive at least two hours before departure.
  • Arrive at the gate before the flight closes for boarding: Ensure you're at the gate and ready to board the aircraft by the time indicated on your boarding pass.
  • Delay travel if anyone in your party is sick: Defer travel if you're unwell. If you don't voluntarily make that decision, the airline crew may do it for you.
  • Control your alcohol intake: Having one too many cocktails in the lounge and showing up at the gate clearly under the influence can end your traveling plans for the day. Gate agents routinely deny boarding to passengers who appear drunk.
  • Ensure the name on your ticket matches the one on your ID: Always check your tickets for any stray letters or misspellings as soon as you receive your confirmation. In most cases, you have 24 hours after purchase to flag any mistakes on your ticket and have it reissued. If the name on your official identification doesn't match the name on your ticket on the day of travel, you won't be boarding that flight.
  • Confirm and reconfirm the documents you need to travel: Remember, it's always the passenger's responsibility to know and possess all the necessary documents to enter and transit all destinations on their itinerary. Airlines only check your documentation on the day of your flight, so by then it's too late if you don't have what you need. I recommend using the International Air Transport Association's free document checker well in advance of your trip.
  • Check your passport's expiration: Keep in mind that many destinations require travelers to have three to six months of validity left on their passport from the date of their scheduled departure. You can visit the U.S. Department of State to check the entry requirements for all the countries on your itinerary.
  • Be polite to airline staff members and fellow passengers: We all know that travel can sometimes be frustrating, but it's essential not to direct that frustration toward airline staff members or fellow passengers. Becoming belligerent with others around you at the gate is an easy way to find yourself denied boarding — and can even lead to a permanent banishment from the airline.

If you keep all of that in mind, it's unlikely that you'll be denied boarding.

But if you believe you've done everything right and an airline blocked you from your flight, you can file a complaint through the Department of Transportation. The airline will be required to provide an explanation to you and the DOT.

Of course, you have one more problem-solving tool up your sleeve: TPG.

If you have a problem with an airline, cruise line, hotel, car rental company or credit card company, send your request for assistance to ombudsman@thepointsguy.com, and I'll be happy to investigate and help you if I 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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Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard vs. Strata Elite: Which is better for American Airlines enthusiasts?

If you're a frequent American Airlines flyer, you may assume that an AAdvantage cobranded card is the best option for your wallet. While AAdvantage credit cards certainly provide useful benefits, they're far from your only option.

Now that Citi ThankYou Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to AAdvantage from certain premium Citi cards, there's a suite of transferable rewards cards that could make sense for some American Airlines-focused setups.

Which route should you take?

In this article, I'll compare one option from each camp: the Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (see rates and fees), the latest Citi / AAdvantage cobranded card which came out earlier this year, and the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees), a premium travel card.

These cards hold more similarities than you'd figure on first glance, but a few key distinctions differentiate the two. Here's what you should know.

AAdvantage Globe vs. Strata Elite comparison

Card Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard Citi Strata Elite Card
<strong>Welcome bonus</strong> For a limited time, new applicants can earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first four months from account opening. For a limited time, new applicants can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first three months from account opening.
<strong>Award currency</strong> AAdvantage miles ThankYou Rewards points
<strong>TPG's November 2025 <a href="https://ift.tt/Ysg8FeL" target="_blank">valuation</a></strong> 1.65 cents per mile 1.9 cents per point
<strong>Earning rates</strong> <ul> <li>6 miles per dollar spent on eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings</li> <li>3 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases (including flights)</li> <li>2 miles per dollar spent on eligible "Rides and Rails" purchases (including public transit, ride-hailing services and taxis) and restaurants (including takeout and delivery)</li> <li>1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul> <ul> <li>12 points per dollar spent on attractions, car rentals and hotels booked through Citi Travel</li> <li>6 points per dollar spent on airfare booked through Citi Travel and restaurants (including restaurant delivery services) on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern time</li> <li>3 points per dollar spent on restaurant purchases outside of CitiNights</li> <li>1.5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul>
<strong>Annual fee</strong> $350 $595
<strong>Lounge access</strong> <ul> <li>Four Admirals Club Globe lounge passes each calendar year</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Four Admirals Club Citi Strata Elite passes each calendar year</li> <li>Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for primary cardmembers and authorized users; up to two complimentary guests</li> </ul>
<strong>Notable benefits</strong> <ul> <li>American Airlines companion certificate earned each year after card renewal</li> <li>Earn 1 Loyalty Point toward status per mile earned on the card</li> <li>First checked bag free (on qualifying domestic American Airlines itineraries) for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation</li> <li>No foreign transaction fees</li> <li>Preferred boarding on all American Airlines flights</li> <li>Receive a 5,000 "Flight Streak" Loyalty Point boost (up to three times per year, for a total of 15,000 Loyalty Points)</li> <li>Up to $240 in annual Turo credits (up to $30 per rental, up to eight times per year)</li> <li>Up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credits every four years</li> <li>Up to $100 in statement credits every calendar year on inflight purchases when using your card on American Airlines flights</li> <li>Up to a $100 Splurge credit each calendar year (choice of two eligible categories; exclusions apply for Live Nation)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Mastercard World Legend benefits</li> <li>No foreign transaction fees</li> <li>Access to The Reserve by Citi Travel</li> <li>Up to $300 off a prepaid, minimum two-night hotel stay when booked through Citi Travel</li> <li>Up to $200 in semiannual statement credits for Blacklane chauffeur bookings</li> <li>Up to a $200 Splurge credit each calendar year (choice of two eligible categories, including American Airlines; exclusions apply for Live Nation)</li> <li>Up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credits every four years</li> </ul>
<strong>Authorized user annual fee&nbsp;</strong> $0 $75

AAdvantage Globe vs. Strata Elite welcome bonus

For a limited time, new AAdvantage Globe cardholders can earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first four months from account opening.

Based on TPG's valuations, this bonus is worth $1,485.

Citi Strata Elite AAdvantage Globe card art
THE POINTS GUY

For a limited time, new Strata Elite cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening.

This bonus is worth $1,900, according to TPG's valuations.

When it comes to eligibility, Citi's application rules allow one new card every eight days and no more than two in a 65-day period. There's no cap on the number of Citi cards you can hold, but your total credit line is limited.

With American Airlines cobranded cards, you have to wait 48 months after earning a welcome bonus on the same card to earn the bonus again. Since the Globe is a new product, this shouldn't cause problems.

Winner: Strata Elite. Its bonus is worth about $400 more than the Globe's.

Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses currently available

AAdvantage Globe vs. Strata Elite benefits

The cards share a primary benefit: four Admirals Club lounge passes each calendar year. Both cards also provide up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credits every four years. Neither card charges foreign transaction fees.

After that, they differ significantly.

For a $350 annual fee, the AAdvantage Globe features perks primarily oriented toward traveling on American Airlines. These include:

  • American Airlines companion certificate earned each year after card renewal
  • Earn 1 Loyalty Point toward status per mile earned on the card
  • Receive a 5,000 "Flight Streak" Loyalty Point boost (up to three times per year for a total of 15,000 Loyalty Points)
  • First checked bag free (on qualifying domestic American Airlines itineraries) for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation
  • Preferred boarding on all American Airlines flights

The annual companion certificate is a fantastic benefit here, especially considering you don't have to meet a spending threshold to receive it every year. The certificate costs $99 (plus taxes and fees from $11.20) and cannot be used on basic economy fares.

You can use it for travel within the contiguous 48 states, while residents of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands can use it for round-trip flights to the mainland.

American Airlines Flagship Business Suite Preferred
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

If earning American Airlines elite status is important to you, the card's 5,000 "Flight Streak" Loyalty Point boost for every four eligible American Airlines flights is another solid perk. American Airlines defines an "eligible flight" as any segment flown with or marketed by American Airlines, excluding award flights.

The Globe also provides up to $100 in statement credits every calendar year on inflight purchases when using your card on American Airlines flights.

The Globe comes with a "Splurge Credit" that provides statement credits of up to $100 on your choice of two merchants from the following list:

  • 1stDibs
  • AAdvantage Hotels
  • Future Personal Training
  • Live Nation (exclusions apply)

The Strata Elite provides broader airport lounge access than the Globe, providing a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for primary cardmembers and authorized users. Up to two complimentary guests can enter a Priority Pass lounge with a primary or authorized cardholder. Priority Pass offers access to over 1,800 lounges worldwide.

The statement credits on the Strata Elite help offset its $595 annual fee. These include a hotel statement credit of $300 off a prepaid Citi Travel stay (minimum two nights) and a $200 Blacklane credit, earned as two biannual $100 statement credits for Blacklane chauffeur bookings.

The Splurge credit on the Strata Elite provides up to $200 in statement credits (double that on the Globe) on your choice of up to two of the following brands:

  • 1stDibs
  • American Airlines
  • Best Buy
  • Future Personal Training
  • Live Nation (exclusions apply)
American Airlines Flagship Business Suite Preferred
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

The Globe does not include American Airlines in its Splurge credit, but it does provide a $100 inflight purchase credit for AA.

Plus, Strata Elite cardholders can access The Reserve by Citi Travel, a collection of luxury hotels curated by Citi. When booked, cardholders receive multiple benefits, including a $100 experience credit (varies by property), daily complimentary breakfast for two, early check-in, free Wi-Fi, late checkout and room upgrades (subject to availability).

Finally, the Strata Elite confers Mastercard World Legend benefits, which include priority reservations at high-demand restaurants and access to event tickets worldwide.

Winner: Tie. If you want specific, AA-related perks, the Globe takes the cake. However, if you want wider lounge access and more statement credits to maximize, the Strata Elite is the better choice for you.

Related: 5 reasons why I believe American Airlines miles are worth more than United Airlines and Delta Air Lines miles

Earning rewards with the AAdvantage Globe vs. Strata Elite

These two cards earn different currencies. The AAdvantage Globe earns AAdvantage miles, while the Strata Elite earns Citi ThankYou points (which can be transferred to AAdvantage, but more on that later).

american plane
American Airlines Airbus A321XLR. AMERICAN AIRLINES

With the Globe, you'll earn:

  • 6 miles per dollar spent on eligible AAdvantage Hotels bookings
  • 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases (including flights)
  • 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible "Rides and Rails" purchases (including public transit, ride-hailing services and taxis) and restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
  • 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases

Based on TPG's valuations, you'll receive a 4.95% return on spending with American Airlines. Unless you frequently spend on AAdvantage Hotels, this bonus category doesn't make a significant difference. The other categories provide low returns compared to other travel rewards cards on the market.

On the Strata Elite, you'll earn:

  • 12 points per dollar spent on attractions, car rentals and hotels booked through Citi Travel
  • 6 points per dollar spent on airfare booked through Citi Travel and restaurants (including restaurant delivery services) on CitiNights purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern time
  • 3 points per dollar spent on restaurant purchases outside of CitiNights
  • 1.5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases

You'll receive an exceptional 22.8% return on Citi Travel purchases (excluding airfare), per TPG's valuations, as well as an 11.4% return on airfare booked through Citi Travel, which is significantly better than that on the Globe.

Winner: Strata Elite. This card provides exceptionally high earning rates, especially when compared to the Globe.

Related: 10 of the best ways to redeem 100,000 Citi ThankYou Rewards points

Redeeming rewards with the AAdvantage Globe vs. Strata Elite

AAdvantage miles earned on the AAdvantage Globe are best redeemed for flights on American Airlines and its Oneworld alliance partners. You can also redeem your miles for upgrades and international awards.

One of my favorite ways to use AAdvantage miles is for short-haul domestic flights within the U.S., which start at just 5,000 miles one-way.

For a more luxurious flight experience, you can fly in a lie-flat business-class seat to Europe on American, Finnair or Iberia for 57,500 miles plus about $130 in taxes and fees.

American Airlines Flagship Business class
ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

You can redeem the ThankYou points earned on the Strata Elite for cash back, gift cards, statement credits or travel booked through Citi Travel.

However, these options unlock 1 cent per point or less in value, so we generally recommend transferring ThankYou points to a partner, such as American Airlines, to receive better value.

Winner: Strata Elite. Since ThankYou points are more flexible than AAdvantage miles, you'll receive more options to redeem with this card.

Related: The 8 best ways to redeem up to 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles

Transferring rewards with the AAdvantage Globe vs. Strata Elite

ThankYou points you'll earn on the Strata Elite can be transferred to one of Citi's 22 transfer partners, including AAdvantage. Flexibility with the rewards on the Strata Elite is one of the card's highlights, since you aren't limited to only American Airlines redemptions with this card.

Virgin premium economy
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

For instance, TPG lead points and miles writer Katie Genter recently transferred Citi ThankYou points to Virgin Atlantic to book two tickets on a nonstop KLM flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) in economy for 12,000 points and about $300 in taxes and fees per person.

You won't be able to transfer the miles you earn on the AAdvantage Globe.

Winner: Strata Elite. You unlock many more redemption options across multiple other programs with its transferable rewards.

Related: Credit card transfer partners: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels

Should I get the AAdvantage Globe or the Strata Elite?

If you don't already have an American Airlines card, frequently fly with the airline and would find a lot of use in AA-specific perks such as free checked bags and priority boarding, the AAdvantage Globe will fit well into your strategy. The Globe is also an excellent choice if earning Loyalty Points toward status matters to you.

However, if you value flexibility, already have an AAdvantage card and would maximize its additional statement credits, the Strata Elite is the best choice for you.

Other factors worth considering: TPG values ThankYou points higher than AAdvantage miles, and the current bonus on the Strata Elite is higher than the one on the Globe. Plus, the Globe's earning rates aren't as impressive as those on the Strata Elite. If collecting as many rewards as possible is your top priority, the Strata Elite will come out on top for most.

Related: Best time to apply for AAdvantage cards based on offer history

Bottom line

If you're deciding between the AAdvantage Globe and the Strata Elite, I recommend you take inventory of the cards in your wallet and the benefits you'll use most.

If you fly American often and prefer lower fees, I see the Globe as a great fit. But if flexibility and premium perks matter most, I suggest the Strata Elite as a stronger all-around card.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the AAdvantage Globe Mastercard and the Strata Elite.


Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard

Apply here: Citi Strata Elite Card


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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