The Archive

Every column

A frequent flyer advice column

  1. Wise Flyer · No. 75 ·

    How Should I Adjust to United’s Spending-Based Status?

    With United dropping flight segments and raising the bar for 1K, and other loyalty programs shifting toward spending-based requirements, how should I adjust my earning and spending strategy to protect my elite status and…

  2. Wise Flyer · No. 74 ·

    Should I Buy Points From This Sale or Wait?

    With Hilton offering a 120% bonus on points purchases and IHG running yet another 100% bonus flash sale, is this genuinely a good time to buy points, or is it just the usual marketing…

  3. Wise Flyer · No. 73 ·

    How Can I Stay Informed About Safety Risks at Airports?

    With missiles striking airports, passengers lunging at cabin doors, and ground collisions at major hubs, how can I stay informed about safety risks at airports and on flights, and what should I actually do…

  4. Wise Flyer · No. 72 ·

    Which Points Deals Are Worth My Time Right Now?

    With Hilton offering its biggest-ever points bonus, Marriott rewarding Home & Villa bookings, and Amazon giving discounts for using Amex or Citi points, how do I figure out which loyalty program deals actually deliver…

  5. Wise Flyer · No. 71 ·

    Are New Routes and Fleet Changes Good for My Miles?

    With airlines like British Airways ripping out economy seats, Southwest planning long-haul widebody flights, and Air France adding new U.S. routes while dropping others, how do these fleet and route changes actually affect my…

  6. Wise Flyer · No. 70 ·

    How to Make the Most of New Lounges and Baggage Perks

    With all these new lounges opening and Delta now offering free wine checking, how can I best leverage these perks to improve my airport experience without spending extra money?

  7. Wise Flyer · No. 69 ·

    Where Should I Fly and Earn Miles This Season?

    With all these new routes and partnerships popping up, which ones are actually worth my time and miles?

  8. Wise Flyer · No. 68 ·

    Will Premium Upgrades Make Flying Better or Just More Expensive?

    With airlines like British Airways ripping out economy seats for premium cabins and American adding fast Wi-Fi and bigger lounges, are these changes actually improving the travel experience, or just making it harder to…

  9. Wise Flyer · No. 67 ·

    Should I Choose Cash-and-Miles or Flexible Earning Options?

    When should I choose cash-and-miles or flexible earning options, and how can I tell if the value is fair?

  10. Wise Flyer · No. 66 ·

    Which Airlines Are Actually Making Flying More Comfortable?

    With all the recent news about airlines investing in premium cabins, new routes, and better onboard experiences, which carriers are actually worth paying attention to for a more comfortable trip?