The Archive

Every column

A frequent flyer advice column

  1. Wise Flyer · No. 23 ·

    Should these incidents change how I choose an airline?

    Between a Vietnam Airlines 787 overrunning a runway in Munich, a Lufthansa A380 smashing into approach lights on the same runway days later, a United pilot caught on a hot mic cursing out flight…

  2. Wise Flyer · No. 22 ·

    Should I wait to book until these new cabin upgrades are in place?

    With American Airlines bringing back seatback TVs and adding more first-class and extra-legroom seats, Delta revealing premium-heavy A330-900neos and retrofitting its classic A330s, and JetBlue opening a new lounge in Boston, is it worth…

  3. Wise Flyer · No. 21 ·

    How do I protect my miles from Flying Blue’s new tiered awards?

    With Flying Blue introducing Light, Standard, and Flex award fares on September 8 that strip benefits like checked bags and lounge access from the cheapest awards unless you spend more miles, how can I…

  4. Wise Flyer · No. 20 ·

    Should I worry about loyalty program devaluations?

    With Uber One cutting rewards, Chase making the Sapphire Reserve credit harder to use, and Scotiabank killing rent cash back, do I need to change how I use my everyday credit cards?

  5. Wise Flyer · No. 19 ·

    Which transfer bonus should I jump on right now?

    With so many transfer bonuses and redemption offers hitting at once—Chase to Aeroplan, Cathay Pacific miles rebates, and Avios calendar tools—which one should I prioritize to get the most value from my points right…

  6. Wise Flyer · No. 18 ·

    What new ways can I use my points now?

    With all the recent program updates and new redemption options, what should I be looking at to get the most value from my points and miles right now?

  7. Wise Flyer · No. 17 ·

    How can I use new nonstop routes to earn more miles or find award seats?

    With all these new nonstop routes being announced — Delta to Paris from Austin, United to Cincinnati from San Francisco, Allegiant adding Florida routes, British Airways shifting Tampa to Heathrow — how can I…

  8. Wise Flyer · No. 16 ·

    How do I plan travel with Delta amid new routes and operational chaos?

    With Delta announcing exciting new routes to Austin, Paris, and Singapore, but also dealing with sewage leaks, evil twin Wi-Fi attacks, and drawn-out pilot contract negotiations, how should I plan my travel with them…

  9. Wise Flyer · No. 15 ·

    Which new routes should I watch for the best deals?

    With all the new route announcements from Delta, United, and others, which ones are actually worth getting excited about for better value and convenience on my frequent trips?

  10. Wise Flyer · No. 14 ·

    Should I jump on the Chase Aeroplan 20% bonus?

    With Chase offering a 20% transfer bonus to Aeroplan, is this the best way to use my Ultimate Rewards points right now, and how do I maximize it?