Editorial Disclosure

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Departure Digest may receive compensation if you click on or apply through links from our partners.

TOGETHER WITH

🎙️ Your 5-minute voice memo 👇

Hey crew,

Today, we’re covering a mix of changes you’ll feel on your next trip and a few loyalty moves worth paying attention to. The FAA is preparing to cut flight capacity at dozens of major U.S. airports due to staffing strain, which could mean more delays, fewer seats, and higher fares in the weeks ahead. If you’re flying soon, flexibility and alerts matter more than ever.

We also break down Delta’s new “Comfort Basic” fares, which add extra legroom but strip away flexibility, including seat selection and easy changes. On paper, it sounds like an upgrade, but in practice it may not be the deal it appears to be. We walk through when it might make sense, and when paying a bit more could save you frustration later.

On the points side, there’s some good news. Bilt and Rakuten are teaming up, creating a new way to earn valuable points on everyday online shopping. Plus, Chase and Hyatt are expanding their partnership in ways that could mean more perks for Sapphire cardholders down the road. We also flag a frustrating new fee from Qatar Airways that award travelers should know about before their next redemption.

PRESENTED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS

✌️ Pay later

Whether you’re snapping up last-minute concert tickets, investing in a new computer, or paying for an unexpected car repair, the U.S. Bank Split™ World Mastercard® is a new type of card that lets you pay later on every purchase.

With the Split Card, all purchases are automatically divided into three payments and placed into a payment plan to be paid back over three months.

If you’re looking for additional flexibility on purchases over $100, you can extend your plan to six or 12 months with equal monthly payments for a low monthly fee.

✈️ 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.

BEST TRAVEL CARDS

Swipe right on our favorite cards and stop settling for bad rewards. We compared fees, earning rates, and perks like lounge access side by side. Your travel experience is about to glow up.

☁️ Build your airport fit

The official uniform for a permanent vacation mindset.

💡 Runway tip

Google Maps lets you download specific areas for offline use, allowing you to view maps, search locations, and get driving directions without an internet connection.

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