Canadian University Teachers Warned Against Traveling To The United States

The association that represents academic staff at Canadian universities is warning its members against non-essential travel to the United States.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers released updated travel advice Tuesday due to the “political landscape” created by President Donald Trump’s administration and reports of some Canadians encountering difficulties crossing the border.

The association says academics who are from countries that have tense diplomatic relations with the United States, or who have themselves expressed negative views about the Trump administration, should be particularly cautious about U.S. travel.

Its warning is particularly targeted to academics who identify as transgender or “whose research could be seen as being at odds with the position of the current U.S. administration.”

In addition, the association says academics should carefully consider what information they have, or need to have, on their electronic devices when crossing the border, and take actions to protect sensitive information.

Reports of foreigners being sent to detention or processing centers for more than seven days, including Canadian Jasmine Mooney, a pair of German tourists, and a backpacker from Wales, have been making headlines since Trump took office in January.

The Canadian government recently updated its U.S. travel advisory, warning residents they may face scrutiny from border guards and the possibility of detention if denied entry.

Crossings from Canada into the United States dropped by about 32%, or by 864,000 travelers, in March compared to the same month a year ago, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Many Canadians are furious about Trump’s annexation threats and trade war but also worried about entering the U.S.

David Robinson, executive director of the university teachers association, said that the warning is the first time his group has advised against non-essential U.S. travel in the 11 years he’s worked with them.

“It’s clear there’s been heightened scrutiny of people entering the United States, and … a heightened kind of political screening of people entering the country,” said Robinson, whose association represents 70,000 teachers, librarians, researchers, general staff and other academic professionals at 122 universities and colleges.

Robinson said the group made the decision after taking legal advice in recent weeks. He said lawyers told them that U.S. border searches can compromise confidential information obtained by academics during their research.

He said the association will keep the warning in place until it sees “the end of political screening, and there is more respect for confidential information on electronic devices.”

If You Have Family From These 9 Countries, You Can Get Dual Citizenship

Americans yearning for a second citizenship, and the benefits it provides, check your family tree. Some countries offer an easier path to citizenship based on your heritage.

Poland is full of charming cities like Gdansk on the Baltic coast, and it offers dual citizenship to Americans with Polish parents and grandparents.Photo by Lidia Stawinska/Unsplash

If you have always wanted to become a citizen of another country, start by digging out your family tree. Anyone with a parent or grandparent from one of nine European Union countries might be eligible for dual citizenship. With an EU passport, you can live, work, study, and travel freely in any of the EU’s 27 member states.

However, determining if you are eligible for a second passport is just the first step. If you are eligible, you will likely need to track down documents from both the country where your ancestor was born and your home country. You will need to fill out a lot of paperwork, which might be in a language you don’t understand. Before you can hold your new passport in your hands, you may need to wait years as your application winds its way through the bureaucratic process. Nevertheless, I recently successfully obtained citizenship in two EU countries based on descent: Poland and Portugal. The process was long, frustrating, and expensive, but worth it in the end. Not only do I have a stronger link with my heritage, but my family and I now have the option to move abroad and travel throughout Europe without restrictions. Moreover, my children inherited my Polish citizenship, and unless Polish immigration law changes, they will be able to pass their European citizenship on to their children.

Bear in mind that citizenship laws can be complex, and some exceptions or nuances may make or break your case. Using an attorney in the country where you are trying to obtain citizenship might be a wise investment. A good attorney will give you an honest assessment of your chances of getting citizenship and help you complete your application. Obtaining all the documents you need to apply can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on which documents you need, what you already have, and whether you need any documents from the country your grandparents emigrated from. Once you’ve submitted your citizenship application, the process can take several months to several years.

Not many countries allow grandchildren to claim citizenship based on heritage. However, there are some. It’s always worth looking into whether the country your grandparent or great-grandparent emigrated from provides a path to citizenship. If your parents were citizens of another country, you likely have even more options, and the path to citizenship could very well be easier. We’ve focused on nine countries that make it easier for grandchildren of immigrants to obtain citizenship, but they aren’t the only ones.

Why not decamp to Dubrovnik along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast?Photo by Spencer Davis/Unsplash

Croatia

Grandchildren of Croatians may be eligible for citizenship. This country, full of pebbled beaches and forests, grants citizenship to Croatian descendants who permanently left the country before 1991. However, if your grandparent moved to another country that used to be a part of Yugoslavia, you won’t be eligible for citizenship regardless of when they left.

Czech Republic

Anyone with Czech grandparents may be able to pack their bags and move to the heart of Bohemia. To qualify for Czech citizenship, your grandparent must have been born in the Czech Republic and stayed there until at least 1918. Additionally, they cannot have obtained Slovak citizenship at any point in their lives.

Germany is home to both bustling cities, such as Berlin, and beautiful natural expanses, like the foothills of the Alps, where the Neuschwanstein Castle sits.Photo by Rachel Davis/Unsplash

Germany

If you have a German grandparent, you may be eligible for a German passport. German citizenship cannot skip generations. However, that doesn’t mean one of your parents needs to have a German passport. As long as you have a parent who is eligible for German citizenship, you may be as well. There is, however, one notable exception: You don’t need to show an unbroken chain of citizenship if your German ancestor was a victim of Nazi persecution due to their religion, political affiliation, or race. That’s true even if your German ancestor was stripped of their citizenship and could not pass it down to their children.

Hungary

Hungary is home to the historic city of Budapest, situated along the serene banks of the Danube River. A Hungarian grandparent may be the key to getting a passport from this beautiful country. You don’t need to be proficient in Hungarian to become a Hungarian citizen, but you may be asked to demonstrate basic language skills. However, before you enroll in a language course, make sure your grandparent never lost their Hungarian citizenship. If your grandparent left before 1929, Hungary probably revoked their citizenship. Additionally, before 1957, most Hungarian women who married a non-Hungarian lost their citizenship.

Ireland

Approximately 10 percent of the population of the United States has Irish heritage. If one of your grandparents hails from the Emerald Isle, you may be eligible for Irish citizenship. However, before applying for an Irish passport, you must register your birth in Ireland’s foreign birth registry.

Italy

More than 15 million Americans have Italian heritage. If you are one of them, you may be able to apply for Italian citizenship. If one of your grandparents was born in Italy and was still a citizen at the time your parent was born, you may be able to claim an Italian passport. It used to be relatively simple for those with Italian ancestry to gain Italian citizenship. However, in 2024, Italy made the process more complex. Many people who used to be eligible lost their claim to citizenship overnight. Under this new law, if your grandparent became a citizen of the United States (or any other country) while your parent was still a minor, you are no longer eligible for Italian citizenship.

Lithuania is full of northern European charm.Photo by Arvydas Venckus/Unsplash

Lithuania

Lithuania grants citizenship to some descendants of citizens, but only if they meet a narrow set of criteria. First, your grandparent (or great-grandparent) must have been a citizen of Lithuania before 1940. Second, you are only eligible for Lithuanian citizenship if your ancestor left before 1990. Third, your ancestor must have immigrated to a country outside of the former Soviet Union. There are some exceptions to those criteria, but they are highly dependent on individual circumstances.

Poland

If you inherited a love of pierogies from a Polish parent or grandparent, you may be entitled to Polish citizenship. To gain Polish citizenship, your parent or grandparent must have lived in Poland after 1920. You will also need to prove that your ancestor never lost their citizenship, which could have happened in various ways. For example, if your grandparent ever held an elected office outside of Poland, they automatically lost their citizenship. Serving in a non-Polish army is another way citizenship could have been revoked. However, there is a narrow exception for those who served with the Allied forces during World War II. If you have Polish roots but aren’t eligible for Polish citizenship through descent, you may still be able to obtain Polish citizenship through a presidential grant. However, this process is much more complex.

There’s a reason Portugal, with laid-back cities such as Lisbon, has attracted so many U.S. expats.Photo by Paulo Evangelista/Unsplash

Portugal

Portugal isn’t just a popular vacation spot. It’s home to more than 14,000 Americans. If you have a Portuguese grandparent, you may be able to become a Portuguese citizen and make the move yourself. However, to do so, you will need to prove that you are proficient in Portuguese by taking a language exam or providing proof that you have completed a course in Portuguese from a reputable instructor. If you don’t already know the language, start by learning with a free app, like Duo Lingo or Babbel. Having other ties to Portugal, such as frequent visits to the country and membership in an organization for Portuguese Americans, may also help.

https://www.afar.com/authors/jamie-davis-smith

American Airlines Removes Moving Walkway At Iconic Airport

American Airlines has decided to remove the moving walkway at New York's JFK Airport. The airline justified this change by stating that without such amenities, passengers are more likely to spend on shopping and dining while navigating the terminal.

A traveler walks on a moving walkway in Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, U.S., on Friday, March 26, 2021. The TSA screened more than 1.3 million people both Friday and Sunday, setting a new high since the coronavirus outbreak devastated travel a year ago. Airlines say they believe the numbers are heading up, with more people booking flights for spring and summer, reports the Associated Press. Photographer: Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images

However, this move is indicative of a wider trend within the airline and airport industries, where profit maximization is increasingly prioritized over passenger comfort and satisfaction.

As airlines focus on generating revenue, they risk turning airports into mere shopping venues rather than spaces designed for ease and comfort.

In 2021, American Airlines issued a request for proposals for a new concessions program at New York JFK Terminal 8. In 2019, before the JetBlue partnership and when American was holding onto slots and had partially withdrawn from the New York market, sales in the terminal were $107.4 million across 21 food and beverage, 3 duty free, 12 specialty retail, 4 currency exchange and 8 travel essential outlets. By July 2023, they announced for what was described as a two-year project for a redevelopment plan for the terminal.

Travelers are voicing increasing dissatisfaction over the terminal's overhaul. The Muslim World Report noted that with other issues already burdening travelers, the added stress of navigating larger distances without help is another blow to customer welfare. "Usually when I’m “struggling” at the airport, I’m not going to buy anything because I’m pissed," one traveler wrote on Reddit.

As American Airlines and others start to see airports more as profit hubs, this not only threatens individual passenger experiences but also the wider travel ecosystem. The implications go beyond mere inconvenience; they indicate a worrying trend of commodifying travel in a way that pushes customers away rather than accommodating them.

However, this trend could lead to airports becoming more focused on retail and dining rather than travel efficiency and passenger satisfaction. In the long run, such a shift could result in a more fragmented travel experience, where passengers are seen primarily as consumers rather than individuals.

Furthermore, if this model turns out to be a success in the short run, it might encourage other airlines to adopt similar strategies, thereby distancing themselves further from travelers.

This could lead to heightened dissatisfaction and public campaigns against corporate behaviors that put profits before comfort, possibly leading to regulatory examination of airport and airline practices - though this might require substantial time and concerted effort.

What happens if the removal of the moving walkway triggers a major public outcry? The possibility of passengers opting for different modes of transport or voicing their displeasure on social media platforms could act as a catalyst for change.

https://www.themirror.com/authors/anna-carlson/

Japan Set To Join US, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland, And Thailand In Making Tourist Taxes The New Norm Of Travel: What You Need To Know

As global travel rebounds to record-breaking levels, countries around the world are turning to tourist taxes as a strategic solution to manage surging visitor numbers, protect cultural and natural landmarks, and fund essential infrastructure. Japan is set to become the latest nation to adopt such levies, joining a growing list that includes the United States, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland, and Thailand. These destinations are reshaping the travel experience by normalizing visitor fees—transforming once-exceptional charges into routine elements of trip planning. With overtourism, climate concerns, and urban congestion on the rise, tourist taxes are quickly becoming the new global standard for responsible tourism management.

Japan is the latest country to announce new visitor levies, aligning with an international wave that includes the United States, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland, and Thailand. As more travelers return to popular destinations, understanding the evolving landscape of tourist taxation is essential. Below, we explore how each of these nations is reshaping the travel economy—one tax at a time.

Japan: New Policies to Ease the Pressure on Cultural Landmarks

Japan’s popularity as a travel destination has soared in recent years. In 2024 alone, it welcomed a record-breaking 36.8 million tourists, drawn by its iconic landscapes, ancient temples, cherry blossoms, and tech-savvy urban experiences. The influx was largely encouraged by a favorable exchange rate and relaxed visa policies. However, the overwhelming volume of visitors has started to strain popular sites like Kyoto, Nara, and Mount Fuji.
To manage this pressure, Japan is preparing to implement new tourist taxes. One of the first steps will be a significant fee increase for hikers of Mount Fuji, which begins in May 2025. The new fee of 4,000 yen (approximately
$27) is double the previous amount and applies only to international travelers. Japanese nationals are exempt, underscoring the policy’s focus on international tourist management. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to safeguard natural resources, fund infrastructure upgrades, and maintain a balanced tourism flow year-round.

United States: Complex Layers of State and City Hotel Taxes

The United States does not have a federal tourist tax, but hotel and lodging taxes are extensive at the state and city levels. These taxes, typically layered and location-specific, can significantly impact a traveler’s budget—especially in major urban areas.

In New York City, visitors pay a combined hotel tax rate of around 14.75%, which includes a 4% state tax, 4.5% city tax, a 5.875% hotel occupancy fee, and a fixed $1.50 nightly charge per room. This structure makes NYC one of the most expensive destinations in the country in terms of accommodations. Over in San Francisco, California applies a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to both hotels and short-term rentals, including Airbnb listings. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax, creating a citywide system that funnels funds directly into local services.

Hawaii imposes a multi-layered tax structure: a 10.25% Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), a 4% General Excise Tax (GET), and a county-level surcharge that can reach 3%, bringing the total tax rate up to 17.25% in some counties. This approach ensures that revenues from tourism support both infrastructure and environmental conservation across the islands.

Mexico: From Voluntary to Mandatory Fees

In Mexico, tourist taxes have become both broader and more mandatory. For years, the Visitax program in Quintana Roo—home to destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel—allowed voluntary payments. However, by 2024, it became a required fee. Now, international visitors over the age of 15 must pay approximately $13–$14 USD before departing the region, either online or at designated airport kiosks.

Meanwhile, Baja California Sur, which includes hot spots like Los Cabos and La Paz, introduced a new mandatory $25 USD tourist tax in late 2024. Previously voluntary, this charge now supports tourism infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and environmental protections in one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations.

Local hotel taxes in Mexico also vary by state but generally range from 3% to 5% of the accommodation cost. These levies are often included in the final bill and directly fund municipal tourism development. The transition from optional contributions to legally enforced payments illustrates how Mexico is formalizing its approach to sustainable travel funding.

Canada: Provincial Levies and Municipal Add-Ons

Canada doesn’t impose a nationwide tourist tax, but several cities and provinces have created their own levies. These charges, often known as Municipal Accommodation Taxes (MAT) or lodging taxes, are commonly added to hotel bills and support local tourism and events infrastructure.

In Toronto, the MAT is set at 6%, while Montreal applies a 3.5% lodging tax. In Vancouver, a 3% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) is added to overnight stays. These taxes are designed to generate local revenue for urban maintenance, marketing campaigns, and festival sponsorships—particularly in high-tourism cities.

In addition to accommodation taxes, Canada imposes Airport Improvement Fees (AIF) at most major airports. For example, travelers departing from Toronto Pearson Airport pay about CAD 30, while Vancouver International Airport charges around CAD 25. These fees are typically included in airfare and fund runway upgrades, terminal expansions, and security improvements.

Italy: Europe’s Most Structured Tax Zones

Italy is a trailblazer in tourist taxation, with multiple cities independently imposing their own rates depending on accommodation type and season. Starting April 18, 2025, Venice became the first city in the world to charge day-trippers. Visitors entering the historic center during peak days must pay €5, which increases to €10 for last-minute bookings. Enforced between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, the charge is applied via QR codes scanned at access points. Local residents and children under 14 are exempt.

In Rome, a city tax ranging from €4 to €10 per night has been in place since October 2023. The rate depends on the star rating of the hotel and is capped at 10 consecutive nights. Similarly, Florence applies a tourist tax between €4.50 and €8 per night, based on accommodation class, with a 7-night cap and exemptions for children under 12.

These structured charges provide a predictable and transparent model, allowing cities to direct funds into historical preservation, waste management, and urban renewal.

Spain: Regional Systems and Tiered Pricing

Spain’s tourist taxes vary widely depending on region and season. In Barcelona, as of October 2024, travelers must pay a €4 per night city tax in addition to the regional Catalonia tax, creating a total of €7.50 per night for luxury accommodation guests. These funds are earmarked for maintaining cultural sites and controlling urban density.

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) also impose seasonal fees ranging from €1 to €4 per night, with lower rates applied during off-peak months. Tourists staying in eco-friendly accommodations may qualify for reductions, a nod to the region’s commitment to sustainable travel.

Both Barcelona and the islands have seen tensions rise between locals and tourists in recent years, especially during high summer traffic. These taxes represent a policy response that both regulates crowding and enhances visitor experience through reinvested funds.

France: Tiered ‘Taxe de Séjour’ Model

France applies a nationwide tourist tax called the “taxe de séjour”, but the amount varies by destination and hotel classification. In Paris, tourists pay between €0.65 (for campsites) and €15.60 (for luxury palaces) per person, per night. The tax is displayed clearly in booking confirmations and invoices, ensuring transparency.

These charges are reinvested into local services such as public transport, tourism marketing, and cultural preservation. Smaller cities and towns also impose their own variants, helping distribute the burden and benefit of tourism across regions.

The French model is frequently cited as an example of how to balance tourism promotion with urban sustainability. Clear tax brackets, high visibility, and direct reinvestment help garner public support for the program.

Iceland: Reintroduced to Manage Growth

After pausing its tourism tax during the pandemic, Iceland reintroduced its levy in 2024, reflecting the island nation’s renewed emphasis on conservation. The tax applies as follows: ISK 600 (~$4.36) per night for hotels and guesthouses, ISK 300 (~$2.18) for campsites and mobile homes, and ISK 1,000 (~$7.20) per night for cruise ship passengers.

The country’s small population and delicate ecosystems make overtourism a pressing concern. By charging tourists directly, Iceland can better maintain hiking paths, public toilets, and emergency services in remote areas. These fees also help support environmental education campaigns and park ranger programs.

Thailand: Preparing for a Mid-2025 Rollout

Thailand’s government has confirmed plans to implement a nationwide tourist tax by mid-2025. Air travelers will be charged 300 baht (approximately $8–$9 USD), while those arriving by land or sea will pay 150 baht (~$4–$5 USD). The fee is expected to be automatically included in airline tickets to streamline enforcement.

Funds from the tax will support accident insurance for travelers, maintenance of tourist attractions, and infrastructure development in less-visited provinces. Thailand has long struggled with the economic disparities between overcrowded destinations like Phuket and under-visited rural areas. This fee aims to help distribute tourism more evenly across the country.

Other Countries with Tourist Taxes in 2025

Greece

Introduced the “Climate Crisis Resilience Fee” in January 2024. This tax ranges from €2 to €15 per room per night, depending on hotel rating and season. For example, 5-star hotels charge €15 during peak season (April to October), while 1–2-star properties charge €2.

Netherlands (Amsterdam)

In 2024, Amsterdam increased its tourist tax to 12.5% of the accommodation cost, making it one of the highest in Europe. It applies to hotels, short-term rentals, and cruise ship visitors.

Portugal

Lisbon doubled its city tax in September 2024 from €2 to €4 per night, applicable for up to 7 nights. Children under 13 are exempt. Porto increased its rate in early 2025 from €2 to €3 per night for all accommodation types.

Austria (Vienna)

Charges a 3.2% tourist tax on the net accommodation cost (excluding VAT and meals). For a hotel rate of €120 per night, the tax would be around €3.84.

Hungary (Budapest)

Budapest applies a fixed tourism tax of 1,000 HUF (~€2.60) per person per night, capped at 6 nights.

Czech Republic (Prague)

Tourists pay CZK 50 (~€2) per person per night. The tax is typically included in hotel invoices.

Croatia

Rates vary by location and season, averaging €1 per night. Travelers aged 12 to 18 pay 50% of the tax, and children under 12 are exempt.

Slovenia (Ljubljana)

Visitors pay €3.13 per night, with a 50% discount for youth (ages 7 to 18), those staying in youth hostels, or in IYHF-affiliated camps.

Japan is joining a growing list of countries—including the US, Mexico, and France—that are adopting tourist taxes to manage over tourism, protect cultural sites, and fund vital infrastructure, making such levies the new global norm for travel in 2025.

A New Era for Global Travel

The message is clear: tourist taxes are here to stay. Once implemented sparingly or seasonally, these levies are now forming the backbone of long-term tourism strategies worldwide. From Japan’s efforts to ease pressure on Mount Fuji to the U.S.’s layered lodging taxes, nations are using fiscal tools to shape visitor behavior and secure vital funds.

For travelers, this shift means planning beyond airfare and hotel rates. Factoring in destination-specific taxes will be as routine as booking a visa or choosing insurance. But these costs also contribute to something greater—ensuring that the cultural, historical, and natural wonders we visit today will still be there tomorrow.

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/

Travelore Tips: Which Frequent Flier Program Is Best For You?

Let’s face it. Travel is expensive. It takes considerable time and work to save money to enjoy a week of vacation.

Many travelers utilize rewards programs as a strategy to save money for trips. The challenge is to determine which program is right for you. With travel credit cards, hotel rewards programs, and frequent flyer programs, the path ahead is foggy.

WalletHub’s frequent flyer study compares the 10 largest domestic airlines’ loyalty rewards programs across 21 vital metrics, spanning from the value of a reward point (or mile) to blackout-date policies. The results will clear the fog and determine the best frequent flyer programs.

Your Airfare Budget Matters

WalletHub acknowledges that rewards programs are not one-size-fits-all because not everyone travels at the same frequency. They account for these differences by scoring loyalty programs across three annual airfare budget levels:

Light: $459

Average: $3,393

Frequent: $6,326

Of course, the best frequent flyer programs are well-rounded, satisfying the needs of travelers of all types.

The study includes a frequent flyer miles calculator. You can enter your annual flight spending to see the top two frequent flyer programs based on your airfare budget.

Best Overall Frequent Flyer Programs

So, which frequent flyer programs are the best, according to the study? The top 5 programs for 2025 are:

1. Alaska Airlines – Mileage Plan

2. United Airlines – MileagePlus

3. Delta Airlines – SkyMiles
4. Hawaiian Airlines – HawaiianMiles

5. American Airlines – AAdvantage

Destinations Offered

It is essential to note that each airline offers a different number of destinations, a factor that may matter to some travelers. Alaska Airlines finished first in the overall rankings but offers 128 destinations. United has 365, Delta 312, Hawaiian 30, and American 406.

Although United finished second in the overall rankings by a slim margin, the airline offers more than twice the destinations as top-rated Alaskan Airlines.

A Closer Look at Where Each Program Shines

While Alaska Airlines finished first overall, where do the remaining top four programs shine? United MileagePlus ranks the best for destination coverage, including domestic and international flights.

Although Delta SkyMiles did not finish first in any individual category, the program scored well across the board. HawaiianMiles offers the best rewards value and membership status perks. American AAdvantage provides the best airline coverage.

Let’s look at some specific categories.

Which Programs Offer the Best Value?

Hawaiian Airlines offers the best value for frequent flyers at $12.55 per $100 spent. Frontier Airlines is second, at $11.75, and Southwest Airlines is third, at $9.95.

Hawaiian Airlines’ rewards values hold steady if your annual airfare budget is average or light. While Frontier and Southwest remain the second and third-best carriers for average and light travelers, their reward values dip considerably.

Frontier yields $10.47 for average and $8.49 for light travelers, while Southwest provides a value of $8.76 for average and $8.52 for light travelers.

Generally, most frequent flyer programs provide lesser value this year. Of the ten largest airlines, only three offer increased reward value in 2025 compared to the previous year: JetBlue, Spirit, and Hawaiian.

Miles Expiration

You worked hard for those reward miles, so you do not want to lose them. However, not all programs are equal in this key feature.

Four of the rewards programs have points expiring due to inactivity within 12 to 36 months. The six programs where miles do not expire are Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, and United.

Some programs, such as American, Delta, United, and Alaska, give frequent flyer program members preferential treatment when determining who gets bumped from overbooked flights.

Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, and JetBlue allow members to earn and redeem miles with partner carriers.

Many programs allow members to purchase points in addition to earning them. It is essential to note that airline miles cost an average of 2.6 times more than they are worth when purchased rather than earned.

Delta, United, and Frontier have the biggest markups on purchasing points, while American, Southwest, and Hawaiian have the lowest markups.

Customer Service

Julie and I firmly believe customer service still matters outside of the loyalty rewards programs. Travelers want to be treated fairly and feel that they matter.

We have found Delta Airlines to be the most flexible and accommodating whenever any questions or issues arise. Other airlines have been far more rigid, showing little to no flexibility, let alone apathy.

Other Factors to Consider

Although Delta did not rank first in any categories, its strong overall scores and excellent customer service make its rewards program attractive.

Airline Rewards Programs in the Future

What can we expect from airline rewards programs in the next five to ten years?

Jaishankar Ganesh, Ph.D., Professor of Marketing at Rutgers, School of Business, Camden, says, “I would venture to say that technology will play a greater role in personalizing reward programs and tying benefits accrual and redemption to the individual’s travel and purchase behaviors. You are likely to see extended use of AI tools and applications for such personalization and to provide an enhanced digital experience.”

Choosing a Rewards Program

It is essential to select an airline rewards program that is right for you. Use the WalletHub calculator and the data from their study as a starting point to evaluate your options. It is an excellent way to save money on your trips.

https://www.mileswithmcconkey.com/author/smcconkeyfuse-net/

How To Get Rates As Low As $85 At Disney Springs®

Special rates starting at $85 are available to book now through June 30 at Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels for stays April 21 through July 31, 2025. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include Resort Service Fees, daily parking fees (if applicable), taxes, or gratuities.

Magical Memories Await at Walt Disney World® Resort

This spring, find magic in bloom at the enchanting EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival. Experience classic favorites at Magic Kingdom® Park, thrilling attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, and wild adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

Stay Steps from the Magic

Each resort is an official Walt Disney World Resort Hotel located within walking distance of the area's finest shopping, dining, and entertainment via the pedestrian sky bridge to Disney Springs®.

All Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels offer spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities, dining, and recreation offerings, and include the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs, Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa, and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista.

This offer is exclusively available through the promotion website and is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or groups.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando - $138

Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - $127.49

Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace - $209

Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - $192

Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs - $85

Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa - $109

Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista - $95

Guests of Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels receive additional benefits to add value to their Orlando area vacation experience, including:

Complimentary transportation – Hourly bus shuttle service for Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels guests is available to all Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Individual hotel shuttle schedules vary.

Early Access – Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels guests enjoy even more magic with exclusive 30-minute early entry to any theme park daily.

Golf—Tee times can be booked up to 90 days in advance, and there are discounts on greens fees and rental equipment for all four Walt Disney World Golf courses.

Passport to Savings—an exclusive booklet featuring discounts and special offers from select Disney Springs restaurants, shops, and kiosks.

Guests can purchase theme park tickets, including the 4-Park Magic Ticket, which includes admission to each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Additional terms may apply.

Spring Festivities for the Entire Family

Now through June 2, you can spring into possibilities with springtime’s finest Disney Character topiaries, Outdoor Kitchens, lively entertainment and more at the EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival.

Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World is about to get even cooler! In honor of the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, we’d like to seas the day and announce that Blizzard Beach will also be open for guests this summer in addition to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. From May 21 through September 7, Walt Disney World guests can enjoy the tropical shipwreck oasis of Typhoon Lagoon and the frosty fun of Blizzard Beach water park.

More of a good thing is always a great thing. And more Disney magic just might be the best thing of all. That’s exactly what you get at a Disney After Hours event. You get three hours––after hours–– Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, Magic Kingdom® Park and EPCOT® on select nights.

Find a sweet spot under the stars to watch Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away—a shimmering processional inspired by the classic Main Street Electrical Parade. It’s a star-kissed constellation of Disney dreams, brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is scheduled to debut in summer 2025.

Disney Springs is the place where you come to indulge in all things your heart desires. Where fashion-forward finds fit like a dream. Where delectable dining delights your taste buds. Where entertainment is an enchanting escape. Come experience a wonderland and find happily whatever you’re after.

Entertainment offerings are subject to change without notice. Admission to Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks and select special events require a separately priced ticket valid only during specific event dates and hours. Inclement weather conditions may also affect outdoor entertainment.

Southwest Airlines Is Getting Rid Of Another Perk For Passengers

The same day that Southwest Airlines' new policy ends the Dallas carrier's practice of providing two free checked bags, another beloved perk is going away.

Employees of Southwest Airlines check passengers in at Philadelphia International Airport September 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Starting next month, flight credits, the travel funds customers receive when a flight is canceled or a fare is downgraded, will now have expiration dates. Previously, Southwest fliers didn't have a rush to use flight credits, but now that the airline is adopting policies similar to competitors, travelers will need to use up the credit in one year or less, depending on the fare purchased.

The policy switch is slated to go into effect for flight credits created from reservations booked or changed on or after May 28. But if you manage to secure flight credits by the day before, on May 27, Southwest will honor the former policy of never having those expire, according to the airline's help center.

And don’t expect to find a sneaky way around the new policy for yourself or a friend. Southwest notes that if you apply the flight credit toward a new reservation booked and ticketed or changed on or after May 28 and later cancel the reservation, any flight credit or transferable flight credit will have a specified expiration date.

When first announcing the move to expire flight credits, along with other changes, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said, "We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect."

Still, some of Southwest's adjustments have been met with criticism that the airline is dropping policies that once made it stand out. Along with the more noticeable changes to baggage and flight credits, other alterations affecting smaller sectors of customers have been made. The latest involved the carrier’s loyalty program, known as Southwest Rapid Rewards, which introduced variable redemption rates last month. Under those rates, Southwest says flights with lower demand will have lower redemption rates than they did while flights with high peak demand may have higher redemption rates than they formerly did.

Of course, the biggest change for many happened last summer, when Southwest said it would end its open seating policy. At the time, Southwest cited a change in consumer preferences as its motive for the change, yet some loyalists signed petitions begging for open seating to remain. Still, Southwest is pushing ahead on it, with plans to begin offering booking for assigned and premium seating in the second half of this year and operating with assigned seating in 2026.

https://www.chron.com/author/andrea-guzman/