🎙️ Your 5-minute voice memo 👇
Southwest is opening airport lounges, with its first four locations planned for Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville. It's another sign that Southwest is becoming a lot more like every other airline. After adding bag fees and assigned seating, its CEO has even hinted that first class could be next.
Then, we're comparing four premium hotel programs from Amex, Capital One, Chase, and Bilt. Fine Hotels + Resorts®, Premier Collection, The Edit℠, and Home Away from Home® can offer extras like free breakfast, property credits, and possible upgrades, but it's still important to compare rates before you book. When it comes to perks, though, Amex's guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout is hard to beat.
Plus, meet Throo, a new rideshare app in NYC that could be worth checking before your next airport trip. It offers flat rates from Manhattan to JFK and LGA, though wait times can be longer and it won't necessarily be cheaper than Uber or Lyft every time. More competition is never a bad thing for riders.
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🚗 Double dip your everyday spending
You don't need a Bilt credit card to earn Bilt Points. Join Bilt Rewards for free and earn points on purchases you're already making while still earning rewards from your credit card.
Take Lyft, for example. Link your Bilt and Lyft accounts to earn 2X Bilt Points on eligible rides. You can also earn bonus points at participating restaurants, Walgreens, and fitness studios through Bilt Neighborhood Benefits.
✈️ 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.
How to use Rakuten to earn points or cash back
A beginner’s guide to Rakuten, plus how to earn cash back, American Express Membership Rewards points, or Bilt Points.
🧳 Build your airport fit
💡 Runway tip
Cruising soon? Pack your swimsuit in your carry-on so you can hit the pool while everyone else is waiting on luggage.
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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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