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Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.With Universal Orlando continuing to expand its Harry Potter attractions, more and more fans are planning visits to the theme park, either as a standalone trip or tacked on to a visit to Disneyworld. In this post, TPG Contributor Whitney Magnuson explains the best ways to use points and miles toward a Universal Studios vacation.Guests can ride the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando resort....

Last month, the TPG team took a trip down to Atlanta for a reader event at the Delta Flight Museum. Believe us when we say this place is an AvGeek haven. Located at Delta Air Lines’ headquarters, it has retired airplanes from the Delta fleet, from a historic DC-3 to a Boeing 747-400, plus views of planes taking off and landing at the nearby ATL airport. Inside, the museum served as a place for points and miles enthusiasts to hang out and get to know some of the TPG staff in Delta’s historic Hangar 2 — home to the The Spirit of Delta, the airline’s first 767....

On today’s episode of Miles Away, TPG reviews editor Nick Ellis helps me plan my trip to Aruba, one of the most points-friendly destinations in the Caribbean. Nick and I talk food — of course — plus some top land and water activities (and some planespotting), before we dig into the wide variety of points hotels, including one property I’ve had my eye on, where a room key grants you exclusive access to a private island....

We cover lots of premium travel here at TPG, but in this episode of Miles Away, I, Brian Biros, am guest hosting for Zach Honig and taking your questions about budget travel.From long-haul economy survival to military packing hacks to the best time to buy flights, I’m showing you how to stretch every point and dollar just as I do in my weekly Points & Miles Backpacker column. I even talk about how to spend a million points in case you find yourself with such a stash as I did....

Tyler Schilhabel, who is in a wheelchair, was faced with a predicament when his United flight landed at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) for a layover during his honeymoon. Due to lack of proper equipment onboard the aircraft, Schilhabel says he had to scoot on his bottom through the aisle to the front of the plane to make his connecting flight.“I had to scoot on my bottom all the way to the front of the plane, and when we realized there wasn’t a ramp or anything else, my wife and I just decided, no, it’s not safe....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here - The Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express OPEN, The Platinum Card from American ExpressHere’s a recap of the interesting points and miles news from this week:Earn a 30% bonus on shared American miles.30% Bonus On Shared American AAdvantage Miles: Now through October 10, 2013, American Airlines is offering up to 30% bonus when sharing miles....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.TPG reader Graham sent me a message on Facebook to ask about mile and point valuations:“I use the Barclaycard Arrival Plus since it earns two points per dollar on everything. Is there any reason to use another card (like Chase Sapphire Preferred) if I’m only earning one point per dollar? Isn’t it better to earn double the rewards?...

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.Time is running out to take advantage of an incredible limited-time offer from Amex. Earlier this month, American Express announced increased sign-up bonuses on both the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express and its business version — both with their largest offers ever. But true to the “limited-time offer” wording, it will soon be coming to an end....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.If you’re in the market for luggage, Tuesday would be a good day to buy since there’s a great opportunity to save some serious cash.To take advantage of this deal, you’ll have to do a bit of stacking. First you’ll want to check your American Express cards to see if you’re eligible for the Amex Offer of $20 back after spending $100 or more at eBags....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.Update 1/18/17: As USA Today reports, Minneapolis will likely be the first destination to get United’s new basic economy fare — it could roll out there later this quarter. More domestic flights will follow, along with flights to the Caribbean and eventually long-haul destinations.Update 11/15/16 12:03PM: We just found out a bit more about Basic Economy fare restrictions —MileagePlus members will not earn any elite-qualifying credit, including miles, segments or even elite-qualifying dollars (which doesn’t make much sense)....

Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.In this month’s episode of “Have Points, Will Travel,” Ian Agrimis heads down to Easter Island after watching the Solar Eclipse in Chile.A last-minute aircraft change from the modern 787 Dreamliner to a Boeing 777 with a very outdated interior took us back in time and made for an interesting flight....

The Boeing 757 is a fairly common sight around many U.S. airports. American Airlines, Delta and United fly dozens of them; it’s an airplane known for its versatility, performance and range. You can find it doing quick runs from Atlanta to New York JFK, cross-country flights from Newark to Los Angeles or transatlantic routes from Philadelphia.But in Antarctica?That’s not where you would think to see an airline workhorse. There aren’t any airports in Antarctica, and no scheduled flights....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.If you don’t fly a lot, it’s easy to make costly mistakes when searching for and booking flights. And even if you’re a frequent flyer, there are pitfalls you should make sure to avoid. TPG Contributor JT Genter rounds up a list of common mistakes that you should be wary of any time you book a flight.Whether it’s your first or two-hundredth time booking a flight, there’s plenty of opportunity to make mistakes — especially when you’re headed overseas....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.When it comes to redeeming your hard-earned points and miles, you’ll generally get the best value by booking award flights or free hotel stays. However, there are exceptions to this rule, especially when it comes to one-of-a-kind events. We’ve written about many of these options in the past, including the Hilton HHonors Auction Platform and IHG Auctions. Today I want to take a refreshed look at two in particular and highlight some crazy redemption options you currently have available in both the SPG Moments and Marriott Experiences programs....

While travel and exercise often end up at the top of most New Year’s Resolution lists, people rarely learn to combine the two — for some, a vacation even becomes an intentional break from the usual routine with no work and no workouts. While a nice hotel fitness center can be a convenient option when you’re on the road, here are seven tips for taking your workout beyond the hotel gym and making it an integral part of your next trip....

American Airlines just scored a big victory in its ongoing labor dispute with its mechanics. At 5 p.m. CT on Friday, a judge issued a temporary restraining order against AA mechanics and its unions to refrain from “any form of interference with American’s airline operations,” according to The Dallas Morning News.In the scathing order, the judge notes that the restraining order is “warranted” because American is likely to succeed on the merits of its claims that the union is violating relevant labor laws....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.With the introduction of private suites in Delta One and an all-new premium-economy product, there’s no question that Delta is making an effort to improve its long-haul international premium-cabin offerings. Between maintaining nine-abreast seating in coach on retrofitted 777s —as opposed to the industry norm of 10 across — and offering thoughtful amenities like sleep kits for all passengers, Delta’s made it clear that it’s committed to offering a comfortable experience for those sitting in the back as well....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.Beginning March 27, 2017, British Airways will launch new 4x weekly service between New Orleans (MSY) and London (LHR). This will be the only nonstop flight connecting The Big Easy with Europe — something the city hasn’t had since 1982.Here’s the schedule, which will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays:BA0224 — New Orleans (MSY) 9:20pm Departure ⇒ London (LHR) 12:00pm (+1) ArrivalBA 0225 — London (LHR) 3:40pm Departure ⇒ New Orleans (MSY) 7:40pm ArrivalThe 10-hour and about 4,629-mile journey will be operated by one of BA’s 787-8 Dreamliners....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.Want to see the latest flight deals as soon as they’re published? Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts.Delta is currently running another fantastic award sale including deals to less frequently discounted destinations like Israel and South Africa.Flights to major European hubs like Paris (CDG), London (LHR) and Amsterdam (AMS) are on sale from 28,000 Skymiles round-trip....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.Want to see the latest flight deals as soon as they’re published? Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts.Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend that you use Google Flights to find dates to fly, then book through an online travel agency, such as Orbitz or Expedia, which allows you to cancel flights without penalty by 11pm Eastern Time within one day of booking....