✈ How to Use Credit Cards to Defeat Basic Economy & More Daily News From TPG ✈

Also: The TWA Hotel is finally open, TPG reviews his first Avianca flight  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [The Points Guy]( WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY 05/16/2019 DEFEATING BASIC ECONOMY If you've ever gotten stuck with a [basic economy ticket]( you're likely now well aware that it's something you'd prefer to avoid. Restrictions vary from one carrier to the next, ultimately leading to even more frustration, especially among travelers that don't know what to expect. While you're out of luck when it comes to ticket changes or a free seat assignment in advance, if you're flying [American]( [Delta]( or [United]( there are [a handful of credit cards]( that can still get you select full-service perks, such as earlier boarding and a free checked bag: - [AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard]( - [Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express]( - [United Explorer Card]( Of course, the best option is to avoid basic economy altogether, but in many cases, buying up can add a considerable amount to the fare. If you do end up stuck with a no-frills ticket, make sure you have [the right card]( to avoid making the experience even worse. -Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, [visit this page.]( [Video: TPG Reviews His First Avianca Flight, Medellin to NYC]( [Video: TPG Reviews His First Avianca Flight, Medellin to NYC]( With historically poor performance and abysmal customer service, Avianca's had a mixed reputation among the TPG staff. Still, its LifeMiles loyalty program is full of interesting gems, making the carrier worth a look. [READ MORE]( [The TWA Hotel Is Finally Open — and It’s Gorgeous]( [The TWA Hotel Is Finally Open — and It’s Gorgeous]( Decked out in the original white penny tiles, the attention to detail and the recreation of the TWA brand makes it feel like you’re stepping back into 1962 at the height of the Jet Age. [READ MORE]( [Why London Has Some of the Most Expensive Airport Slots on Earth]( [Why London Has Some of the Most Expensive Airport Slots on Earth]( With Heathrow operating at almost 100% capacity, it’s incredibly tough for any airline to attempt to obtain a slot. And without a slot, it’s impossible to launch a flight to or from LHR. [READ MORE]( [McDonald's Now Operating as 'Mini US Embassies' for Tourists in Austria]( [McDonald's Now Operating as 'Mini US Embassies' for Tourists in Austria]( In what might be one of the most stereotypically American things to ever happen, all McDonald’s in Austria will now operate as not only fast food restaurants, but mini US embassies for tourists. [READ MORE]( [New Google Travel Features Make Trip Planning Easier]( [New Google Travel Features Make Trip Planning Easier]( Now, Google Trips will organize your searches and reservations and make it easier to find information relevant to your trip, regardless of whether you’re searching on desktop or mobile. [READ MORE]( TIP OF THE DAY Know what's good to go — [bringing the wrong items through customs]( can land you some serious jail time or thousands of dollars in fines. NEWS YOU CAN USE • [4 of the United States’ Best Second Cities for a Family Vacation]( • [What’s the Best Way to Share Lounge Access With My Spouse or Family Member?]( • [Here’s What We Know About Atwell Suites, IHG’s Just-Announced All-Suites Brand]( • [Watch Now: What You Need to Know About Southwest Rapid Rewards]( • [Just Premium Enough: American Airlines’ Premium Economy on the Boeing 777 From New York to London]( • [How to Use United Expert Mode]( • [Have You Received Your Metal Bonvoy Brilliant Card Yet?]( • [Infinite Margaritas and Sunshine: A Review of the All-Inclusive Hyatt Ziva in Cancun]( • [DHS Suspends All Air Service Between the US and Venezuela]( • [Are Homes and Villas By Marriott a Good Deal?]( [3d2e82de-33e1-404a-8351-50c9d89ab361.png]( [10aa94f3-8b29-45de-820c-3380b3d4351d.png]( [60c2b0ba-7b57-4ddd-86e2-bc0dd7fa733d.png]( [e677576b-9e7c-4ee1-90d0-91fdc508a80e.png]( [56ec7da1-4d9a-422f-8d5c-8b5c2c135f8c.png]( [42ac36af-b24a-4972-b853-e5eb1acec9e5.png](mailto:info@thepointsguy.com) You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com. Where to find us: The Points Guy 251 Park Ave S 6th Floor New York, NY 10010 USA Prefer the old email format? [Update your profile here.]( Changed your mind? You can [unsubscribe]( at any time. [Advertiser Disclosure:] The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please view our [advertising policy page]( for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities The Points Guy © All rights reserved 2019