🎙️ Your 5-minute voice memo 👇
WestJet flight attendants have been on strike since Sunday, grounding nearly all of the airline's flights except a few regional routes. We explain what affected travelers should do next: WestJet is legally required to rebook passengers on the next available flight, even on another airline, and your travel credit card's trip delay protection may help if your trip is disrupted.
Then there's Amex's newest hotel transfer partner, Leaders Club from Leading Hotels of the World. At first glance, the 4:1 transfer ratio looks far less attractive than the 1:1 transfers many travelers are used to. But the value of Leaders Club points tells a very different story. This may be one of the strongest hotel redemption opportunities available through Membership Rewards, especially for travelers who love independent luxury hotels like the Ritz Paris. Some cardholders can also unlock complimentary elite status, which may include perks like free breakfast and early check-in.
We also visit Il Borro, the Tuscan estate where Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco celebrated her birthday, where Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits can make a stay more rewarding. JetBlue debuts new Mint menus from Michelin-starred Crown Shy and Brooklyn's Birdee bakery, and United, Delta, and Southwest have all banned humanoid and animal-like robots from flying as passengers.
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✈️ Essential intel
Beginner’s guide
New to the points game? We break down how to earn miles and book flights and hotels for less so you can travel better without a trust fund. It’s the no-BS starter guide you’ll wish you had sooner.
What are transferable points?
If you’re confused by “transferable points” in this episode, check out our guide to how transferable credit card points work, and why flexibility is the holy grail of travel.
🧳 Build your airport fit
💡 Runway tip
Flight got cancelled? Get in line for customer service while you're also calling or DMing the airline. Whoever answers first wins.
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Departure Digest is the voice memo from your savviest travel friend. We track travel news and points math so you never make an expensive mistake.
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