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NASA has taken the first-ever photos of the interaction of shockwaves from two supersonic aircraft in flight.When a supersonic aircraft flies, it goes faster than the speed of sound (aka Mach speed). “Shockwaves produced by aircraft merge together as they travel through the atmosphere and are responsible for what is heard on the ground as a sonic boom,” NASA explained in a statement.Photo of supersonic shockwaves by NASA.NASA has been researching how to create supersonic aircraft (for instance, the famous but defunct Concorde), that produce shockwaves in such a manner that, instead of creating a noisy and disruptive sonic boom, only create a “quiet rumble....

If you’re a frequent traveler, chances are you’ve already been taxed for the privilege. Some cities in France tack on a small “taxe de séjour” when guests check out from overnight accommodation. “Bed taxes” are common across the US, too. In Italy, Venice does the same, and recently announced they would tax day tourists by charging them to enter the canal system. Earlier this year, Japan introduced a departure tax of 1,000 Yen ($9)....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available.A couple weeks ago, I reported that the next Starwood Promo was leaked. Today it was confirmed by Starwood to be the same promotion (click here for official details). Overall, its an okay promotion, but nothing specactular like Hyatt’s Faster Free Nights or Starwoods You Choose promotion of 2008. Note- about 15% of Starwood properties (including a bunch of NYC ones) are opting out of this promotion, so make sure your properties are on the list before committing to stays....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.Here’s a recap of the interesting points and miles news from this week:1,000 Hyatt Points for Avis Rentals: Earn 1,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points using coupon code MUHA067 on qualifying rentals of at least 2 days now through December 31, 2013. Reservations must be made at participating Avis locations in the U.S, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East, Europe, and Africa....

Southwest, North America’s third largest passenger airline in terms of passengers carried, just issued an investor update to provide new guidance on the total damage attributed to the US government shutdown. What wound up being the longest government shutdown in US history ended up costing Southwest more than anticipated. A lot more.A day prior to the shutdown ending, Southwest shared that it expected a $10 to $15 million hit due to softness in the market....

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.Update: The 50,000 point sign up offer for the American Express Premier Rewards Gold card is no longer available through the Card Match Tool.TPG reader Ron has recently retired, but wants to keep racking up points and miles with credit cards. Here’s his question:“Do you know of a strategy for retired persons to use when applying for credit cards that earn miles?...

The airplane that no one wanted has finally taken off. On Tuesday, the first Airbus A330-800 completed its maiden voyage in the skies over France.It took off from Blagnac airport in Toulouse, France, at 10:37am local time. The widebody aircraft is registered as MSN1888 but does not appear to be registered with Flight Aware yet, so its flight path was not available.The A330-800 takes off on its first ever flight. Image courtesy of H....

While Madrid, Spain, certainly isn’t a new destination, it’s often overlooked in favor of Barcelona or Seville. On this episode of Miles Away, Zach Honig and TPG Senior Writer and longtime Madrid resident Lori Zaino discuss why you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the Spanish capital, with tips for making your trip a memorable one.A view of Madrid from the Aloft Hotel. Photo by Lori Zaino/ The Points Guy.Madrid has been my home for 11 years and counting....