Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
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Travel, Miles, Points, Credit Cards, Award Travel, Airlines, Hotels, Resorts, First Class, Business Class, Luxury
Freelance writer @AwardWallet @ForbesAdvisor & @FortuneRecs points, miles, credit cards, award travel, airlines & hotels | Formerly @NerdWallet @CNNUnderscored
Articles by Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Delta Unveils New Delta One Suites, Menus, and Premium Amenities
Delta Air Lines already operates one of the swankiest first and business class cabins out of the U.S. based main carriers. But not one to rest on its laurels, Delta is now enhancing its Delta One Suite with new culinary and signature onboard travel experiences. I was one of the lucky few who got to experience these changes firsthand in a media event held in New York City yesterday. In a press release published today, Delta provides even more information about all of these upcoming changes.
Atmos Summit Visa Card Lounge Passes: How To Earn and Redeem Them
Want an easy way to log into your loyalty program accounts without needing to look up your password? Just click the name of any loyalty program in your AwardWallet account dashboard to automatically log in to that account profile. A one-time installation of a browser extension is required in most cases for this to function.
Atmos Rewards Communities: Get Bonus Points and Extra Perks for Joining One of These Groups
Since revamping its previous loyalty program, Mileage Plan, into its newest iteration, Atmos Rewards, Alaska Airlines has made flexibility a key part of the experience. That’s why Atmos Rewards members can now choose a community that best tailors the program’s perks to what matters most to them. Now that all communities are live, the promise of great deals, more curated perks, and partner offers for every kind of traveler is already taking shape.
Alaska Unveils Atmos Rewards Updates: Earning Choices, Bank of America Transfers, Card Changes, and More
Curious about which of your loyalty program balances have recently changed? AwardWallet shows an indicator (to the left of the account) for accounts that have changed in the last 24 hours. Look for this indicator to easily spot any accounts that have been recently updated.
Would You Buy Points and Miles Devaluation Insurance?
Many in the points and miles space operate under an earn-and-burn philosophy, driven by the idea that the longer you sit on unused rewards, the more likely they are to devalue. This philosophy applies to virtually any asset or monetary instrument that isn't stored in an interest-generating account. Just like a house today is more expensive than it was a decade ago, award redemptions will almost assuredly always go up in price.
Last Call for 1:1 Hyatt Transfers for Select Chase Cardholders — Should You Convert Points Now?
It's no secret that World of Hyatt is one of the most beloved hotel loyalty programs among frequent travelers. And for anyone who has a Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning credit card, the partnership between the bank and Hyatt has led to many happy stays. Sadly, Chase announced in June that select cardholders would soon have a lower transfer ratio to World of Hyatt.
Wells Fargo Travel Portal Guide: How It Works and When To Use It
Wells Fargo Rewards has become a much more useful program for travelers, thanks to the addition of transfer partners and a travel portal that lets cardholders redeem points for flights, hotels, rental cars, activities, and more. The Wells Fargo travel portal provides an easy option to redeem your points. Instead of learning award charts or searching for elusive partner availability, you can use Wells Fargo points much like cash toward eligible travel bookings.
Why the Amex Gold has climbed to the top of my wish list
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Why I’m considering applying for the Atmos Business Card
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Why the Amex Business Gold has become my go-to card for my business expenses
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Why the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa is one of the best credit cards for expats
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Why WHOOP Is a Perfect Companion for Health-Conscious Travelers — and How to Try It for Less
Anyone balancing a global travel lifestyle with a commitment to staying healthy and fit knows how difficult, and sometimes diametrically opposed, those two can be. I spend close to half the year in hotels and regularly traverse multiple time zones. Most of my trips are relatively short, so I’m often on to the next destination before my body has time to adjust. That’s why I’ve started finding a lot of value in my WHOOP band; it’s become the perfect travel companion.
How To Book Virgin Hotels With Points
The Virgin brand has a presence across several industries, including hospitality. Virgin has two distinct hotel offerings: Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition. Virgin Hotels is a small hotel chain focused on urban, lifestyle-driven properties, with buzzy restaurants, rooftop pools, and design-forward rooms rather than sprawling resorts. It still has a relatively small footprint compared to larger chains like Hyatt, Marriott, or Hilton, but it’s growing.
You Can Win World Cup Ticket Packages by Spending on Your Bank of America Card — Here’s How
With the United States readying to be a FIFA World Cup host country (jointly with Canada and Mexico), it was only a matter of time before this giant world event made its way into the credit card universe. Bank of America — in partnership with Visa — is making sure to commemorate this occasion and celebrate it along with the bank's soccer fans. Here's how.
Hilton Expands Portfolio With New YOTEL Partnership — and You Can Soon Earn and Redeem Points on Stays
Hilton has announced an exciting new partnership with British-based YOTEL, marking a significant expansion of its global footprint. This franchise agreement will increase Hilton’s presence in over ten countries, with 23 YOTEL properties currently in operation. These hotels are strategically located in urban centers and airport hubs, offering an asset-light model within the rapidly growing lifestyle segment.
The Ultimate Guide to World of Hyatt: How To Earn, Redeem, and Maximize Value
Hyatt runs one of the best hotel loyalty programs around: World of Hyatt. The program has an attractive award chart and deeply loved top-tier elite status, allowing Hyatt to stand out among other award programs. Combine these with excellent co-branded credit cards and reasonable award redemptions, and it's little wonder that World of Hyatt is popular with points and miles enthusiasts. But big changes are on the horizon for this beloved program.
Your end-of-year credit card checklist: Use all your credits
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Hilton Honors is Making Elite Status Easier to Earn in 2026, Debuting a New Diamond Reserve Status
You may have heard it through the rumor mill in the past few weeks that Hilton Honors is set to announce major changes to its program. Now the news is official: Hilton Honors is making elite status easier to earn starting in 2026. Plus, the program will introduce a new top tier called Diamond Reserve for its most frequent guests and biggest spenders. The changes will go into effect in January, so there’s still time to digest this news.
A look at VIP concierge services to upgrade your airport experience
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Air Canada Aeroplan to resume points expiration policy
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
WestJet to retrofit some cabins where reclining seats may cost more
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
If you're the last remaining human on earth who hasn't heard about The Platinum Card® from American Express‘ recently refreshed suite of benefits (and corresponding annual fee increase), welcome. We have been expecting you! Apart from a significant hike in its annual fee, the card comes with a new suite of coupons benefits that you can take advantage of every year. One of these new credits that you can take advantage of is an up to $200 Oura Ring Credit.
SLH Club: Our Guide to the Small Luxury Hotels Loyalty Program
You may be familiar with Small Luxury Hotels of the World — better known as just “SLH” — through its partnerships with other loyalty programs. Those include a now-defunct relationship with World of Hyatt and its current partnership with Hilton Honors. But many people don't know that Small Luxury Hotels has its own SLH Club loyalty program that offers perks during stays, reward night vouchers, and more. Here's everything you might want to know about SLH Club.
9 Top Category 1 Hyatt Properties You Can Book From Just 3,500 Points
As a big fan of luxury travel, most of my hotel stays are focused on getting me the best value for the nicest hotels. However, every now and then I need a perfectly functional hotel and I don't want to break the proverbial bank when redeeming my World of Hyatt points. Enter the best Category 1 Hyatt properties, where we can find a great use for our points and stretch them the furthest. Hyatt Category 1 Award Rates Hyatt prices its Category 1 hotels the lowest on the award redemption tables.
Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders now get free cocktails at Alaska Airlines lounges
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Generating summary...
Best Credit Cards for Uber and Lyft of September 2025
Because of the popularity of rideshare services, many travel credit cards offer perks as well as bonus point earning opportunities for using them with platforms like Lyft and Uber. A handful of cards even come with monthly credits to help offset rideshare expenses. We’ll break down the best credit cards for Uber, Lyft and other rideshare apps so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Chase Transfer Partners Guide
Chase Ultimate Rewards® is perhaps one of the most versatile rewards programs out there. Several Chase credit cards allow you to earn Ultimate Rewards points, which you can use to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and activities, as well as redeem for gift cards or exchanged for cash. However, the best and most rewarding way to use Ultimate Rewards points is by transferring them to Chase’s airline and hotel partners.
Are Airline Credit Cards Worth It?
If you’re trying to decide between an airline versus travel credit card, you may be wondering if airline credit cards are worth it. The short answer is yes, they can be. Some travelers are die-hard loyalists of one airline, and they’ll go out of their way to fly with them. That specific airline’s co-branded credit cards could be a good match, offering value through perks such as free checked bags and companion tickets.
The Reserve by Citi Travel Is Here — These Are the Benefits You’ll Get on Each Booking
Citi just launched its new ultra-elite credit card, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (Rates & Fees), and with it, a curated luxury hotel collection is coming to light as well. Akin to The Edit by Chase, Home Away from Home by Bilt, or American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, it was only a matter of time before Citi waded into the market. Enter The Reserve by Citi Travel. Here's what to know about this program, what benefits you get — and which cardholders are eligible to make these luxe reservations.
Sapphire Reserve Trips: Explore Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca and Other Curated Experiences
If you've read a few of our articles, you’ve probably noticed we generally advise against using Ultimate Rewards points for anything other than flights or hotel point transfers, as the value tends to be subpar. However, the introduction of unique redemption options like Sapphire Reserve Trips might change that. Not necessarily because of the value you get from the redemption, but because of the exclusivity of these experiences.
Exclusive Dining Experiences You Can Book With Your Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Reserve Business
While many of us save our hard-earned points for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, sometimes it's nice to stay close to home during the summer. Sure, you could snag a staycation at a hotel or even a short flight to somewhere exciting, but what about doing a fun experience at a local restaurant, or taking in a show at your local theater? If you could use your points for one of those events, it would be a compelling option.
Bilt Launches a Luxury Hotel Platform Called 'Home Away from Home' — Here’s What Benefits You Get
Many credit cards reserve their best perks for their higher annual fee credit cards to provide value in exchange for that fee. Bilt's recent announcement is, once again, turning the credit cards reward space on its head. The Home Away from Home program is available on the no-annual-fee The Bilt Mastercard® (Rates & Fees) as an exclusive benefit to their elite members of the Bilt rewards program. Here's what you need to know about the Home Away from Home platform.
Hyatt’s New Points Calendar Makes It Easy to Find Free Nights — Here’s How to Use It
Tired of searching for award stays one day at a time and coming up short? Well, worry no more — at least with Hyatt, that is. World of Hyatt just released a new function geared toward usability to make it less painful to search for availability for Hyatt free nights. The new Hyatt Points Calendar is already live and can help you find exactly what you need without wasting time.
World of Hyatt Card Review
Hyatt Credit Card Benefits The World of Hyatt Card comes with a generous welcome bonus that can kick-start your rewards earning: Earn 2 Free Nights after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 25,000 Bonus Points after you spend $12,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening. If you’re able to meet the full spending requirement, this bonus could be worth multiple free nights at low- to mid-range Hyatt properties.
Amex to Open a Brand-New Centurion Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in 2026
American Express announced on June 8, 2025, that it will be expanding its exclusive Centurion® Lounge network with a new location at Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). The lounge is slated to open in 2026, though no exact date has been shared yet. It’ll be located between Concourses E and F, near the KLM Non‑Schengen Crown Lounge 52. At nearly 6,000 square feet, this lounge will be smaller than many U.S. locations.
First Look: Delta’s New Delta One Lounge and Sky Club in Seattle
Delta Air Lines will officially lift the curtain on its newest pair of lounges at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on June 26th, introducing a dual-level retreat that sets a new standard for airport luxury and local immersion. I received an invite to tour the premises ahead of the official opening, so here are my initial thoughts and a few pics of these gorgeous spaces.
United Polaris Lounges: Where They Are and How to Access Them
Travel can be hectic, so finding peace and quiet when going through an airport can feel like a real treat. If you're flying Polaris business class with United Airlines — or in a premium cabin on a Star Alliance member airline — it's worth checking whether you'll be able to access one of the airline's most premium lounges. This Polaris Lounge guide can help you find out if you can get in. What are United Airlines Polaris Lounges?
7 Ways to Score Free Breakfast at IHG Hotels
5 hours ago This week I wanted to try something different, so I ventured out to try a few famed "best" breakfast burritos in NYC. It was fun to go all vloggy and get out of my comfort zone. I took what I learned from the burritos I tried, and went home to make my version of the very best one, featuring the delicious @danishcreamery butter. Watch the full episode now!
Delta Now Limits Sky Club Access — Here's How to Track How Many Visits You Have Left
Delta Sky Clubs are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport. But as of early 2025, access to these oases has been throttled back due to new rules from American Express and Delta. Here’s how to track your Sky Club visits so you’re not left searching for a seat at the gate instead of enjoying a drink in the lounge.
How Amex Platinum Card Members Can Unlock Complimentary Centurion Lounge Guest Access
Ever since American Express announced it would be ending free guest access to Centurion Lounge for those with The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, traveling couples and families have been feeling the sting of these changes. From complimentary food from local chefs and free-flowing drinks, the Centurion Lounges are the top tier of airport sanctuaries.
How to Set Up Your Digital Priority Pass Card to Access Airport Lounges
For anyone like me who is looking for a break from crowded, noisy airport areas, having a Priority Pass membership is always a fantastic idea. With so many premium travel cards now offering Priority Pass as a benefit, it’s easier than ever to gain access to hundreds of airport lounges around the world. But if you’d rather not carry your physical card while traveling, here’s how to set up your Priority Pass digital card on your phone instead.
Which Credit Cards Still Offer Access to Priority Pass Restaurants?
Priority Pass gives travelers access to participating airport lounges worldwide, no matter which airline they’re flying or what class of service they’re in. But Priority Pass has expanded beyond just airport lounges. At select airports, members can skip the lounge and enjoy a free or heavily discounted meal at a sit-down restaurant instead. Unfortunately, this perk is slowly disappearing from many credit cards, so it’s natural to wonder which still offer it.
7 Ways to Score Free Breakfast on Your Next Hyatt Stay
What better way to start your day than enjoying some breakfast before you even leave your hotel? There are many ways to get a free breakfast across Hyatt brands. Whether it’s by earning elite status, staying at a hotel that includes breakfast, or simply choosing the right room, this article will help you find a way to get your first meal of the day for free on your next stay. Does Hyatt Offer Free Breakfast?
Free Instacart+ and Monthly Credits Now Available on These Chase Cards
Chase cardholders are starting May on a strong note. As of May 1, 2025, many Chase-issued credit cards will start enjoying an additional benefit that can save you some cash on your next Instacart order. As part of Chase's expansion of its partnership with Instacart, eligible cards now include Instacart membership and monthly credits as benefits. To begin taking advantage of these perks, cardmembers must first sign up for an Instacart account. Then, enroll your card to redeem this offer.
How to Redeem Alaska Miles for One-of-a-Kind Mileage Plan Unlocked Experiences
Alaska Airlines launched a new program called Mileage Plan Unlocked, giving members the chance to use their hard-earned miles for exclusive events and experiences. Some of these experiences start at just 10,000 miles and can include things like concert tickets, sporting events, travel packages, or food and wine tastings. So, how do you redeem miles for Mileage Plan Unlocked experiences? Let's take a look. What Is Mileage Plan Unlocked?
World of Hyatt Points Transfers: How to Combine Points With Another Member
Like many loyalty programs, World of Hyatt allows you to transfer points between members. But unlike most other programs, Hyatt does not place restrictions on who you can send points to or how many points you can transfer. Best of all, there's no fee to share points with another member! That makes pooling points with a significant other or even a friend surprisingly simple. Here are a few reasons why you might want to combine your Hyatt points and the steps to follow to do so.
Avoid Wasting Valuable Hyatt Free Night Awards — How To Make Sure Hyatt Pulls the Right Certificate
Hyatt’s Milestone Rewards program offers a variety of Free Night Awards as you climb the tiers of elite status — and beyond. But, not all certificates are created equal. Some are valid only at Category 1–4 hotels, while others can be redeemed at Hyatt’s top-tier properties worldwide. So when you go to redeem a Free Night Award, how can you be sure Hyatt pulls the right certificate from your account?
Hyatt Club Access Awards: Your Guide to Earning, Using, and Gifting These Valuable Perks
Food and drinks can get expensive when traveling, but Hyatt Club Access Awards can help you save by covering breakfast and offering snacks throughout the day. While not all Hyatt hotels have a club lounge, if you’re staying at one that does, using a Club Access Award is an easy way to elevate your stay. Here’s how these awards work and how to make the most of them. What Is a Hyatt Club Access Award?
Hyatt Suite Upgrade Awards: What to Know About How to Earn, Use, and Maximize These Upgrade Awards
Hyatt Suite Upgrade Awards are among the most valuable perks you can earn as a World of Hyatt member. These coveted awards allow you to confirm a standard suite at the time of booking — rather than hoping for an upgrade at check-in. Even better, a single award can be applied to a stay of up to seven nights. This spells incredible value at high-end properties. In this post, we’ll dive into how to earn and use Hyatt Suite Upgrade Awards to book a more luxurious experience without spending a fortune.
Qatar Airways Promises a Qsuite Guarantee — Here’s When It Applies (and Doesn’t)
One of the more frustrating realities for travelers is discovering that airlines aren’t required to guarantee much beyond simply getting you from A to B. Route, timing, aircraft type, and even cabin experience are all subject to change for “operational reasons.” For many of us booking specific routes on specific airlines to enjoy the experience they offer, this can be frustrating.
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