Mark Reif
Author/Co-Author of 599 articles
Mark Reif has a passion for the outdoors and travel, and telling the stories of his experiences. He’s a lifelong snowboarder, trail runner, and more, and is always seeking his next adventure. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Design from Virginia Tech, giving him unique insights into outdoor gear.
According to the aviation industry, credit card legislation could end loyalty rewards
Aviation industry representatives say legislation moving through the senate could spell the end of credit card rewards.
Alaska Airlines announces direct service to this Italian cultural gem
Today, Alaska Airlines announced direct service between Seattle and Rome, Italy, beginning in May 2026.
A second Las Vegas Airport takes a major step toward construction
For more than 25 years, a second Las Vegas airport has been in the works.
Japan’s remote escapes are perfect for the new era of active travel this summer
For those with an appetite for adventure, Japan’s Nasu Highlands and Kii Peninsula offer a remote, natural landscape with opportunities experience the region’s nature and culture via cycling, rafting, and more.
Alaska Airlines launches new first class dining experience
Alaska Airlines is keeping the pedal to the floor with its culinary offerings, with the debut of Chef’s (tray) Table, a First Class dining program curated by top chefs along the West Coast.
American Airlines begins offering TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at these airports
Yesterday, American Airlines began offering AAdvantage members a streamlined security experience at select airports via TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.
Tired of airline passengers standing too soon? Türkiye’s new rule cracks down
To address the issue, commercial airlines landing in Türkiye must document and report rule breakers to the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation, which may issue a fine up to $70.
JetBlue and United join forces to enhance the customer experience
JetBlue and United have announced a new collaboration, Blue Sky, that helps passengers on both airlines find flights and offers more chances to earn and redeem MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points on both carriers.
This airline is bringing tequila to the skies
American Airlines will soon offer tequila at 35,000 feet, in response to passenger requests.
United will require some passengers to check in earlier — what to know
Starting June 3, domestic United Airlines passengers without checked bags will need to check in 45 minutes before their flight.
This electric aircraft will be the official air taxi at the 2028 Summer Olympics
Archer Aviation has been chosen as the Official Air Taxi Provider for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles and Team USA.
JetBlue adds a livery inspired by coffee
In partnership with Dunkin’, JetBlue has launched a special livery honoring the companies’ years-long collaboration.
This airline will offer bedding by a renowned Italian fashion house
Delta Air Lines will further its partnership with Italian fashion house Missoni to introduce a range of elevated amenities.
Delta is renaming its seating products—what to know
Delta has announced revamped naming for its seating products in an effort to provide travelers with more choice and control during their trips.
This airline is converting Seattle into a global gateway—starting with Japan
Alaska Airlines is turning its home airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), into a global hub, with plans for at least 12 international destinations by 2030.
Delta’s revised app includes these upgrades
Delta Air Lines has updated the Fly Delta app just before the hectic summer travel season. Version 7.0 features an array of upgrades that streamline the passenger experience, from the latest info during a trip to searching for the best fares. Fly Delta 7.0 adds these features Version 7.0 addresses customer feedback, adding global and […]
JD Power releases its 2025 North America Airline Satisfaction Study—what to know
Global consumer insights company J.D. Power has released its 2025 North American Airline Satisfaction study, showing a mix of trends and changes.
You can book American Airlines new Flagship Suites for less using this clever workaround
The Points Guy found a clever approach to book a Flagship Suite for less, using points from another oneworld Alliance airline.
Why you don’t want to travel through this NYC airport
Travelers may want to avoid connecting through Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), as it continues facing delays that began last week.
American Airlines and DFW Airport expand plans for Terminal F
American Airlines and Dallas Forth Worth International Airport (DFW) have revised planned upgrades to Terminal F, with an accelerated scope and timeline
Spring snow and sun collide at Palisades Tahoe for the perfect ride
I was on a spring sojourn to Palisades Tahoe, a ski resort famous for its challenging terrain, combining hair-raising inclines, massive acreage, and cliffs galore.
American Airlines is changing this policy for award tickets
In the past, American let AAdvantage members hold award tickets for up to five days if they booked two weeks or more in advance. Hold times were 24 hours if booking less than two weeks beforehand. However, the airline is significantly changing its hold time policy.
These are most searched for global summer destinations, according to Delta
As travelers make plans for summer 2025, Delta Air Lines has released its list of the most-searched international destinations.
This aviation corporation is using AI to reduce food waste
Lufthansa Group’s new “Tray Tracker” uses AI to analyze and limit onboard meal returns.
United made these major upgrades to its premium Chicago lounge
Yesterday, United’s upgraded and expanded Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport opened, with improved amenities, a modern design, and additional room.
Etihad debuts luxurious suites on this aircraft
Etihad is launching service aboard its single-aisle Airbus A321LR jets, which offer widebody amenities on short and medium-haul routes.
This flight makes it easy to go from Dallas to Fiji
Last December, Fiji Airways launched a direct route from Dallas Forth Worth International Airport (DFW) to Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Fiji.
This American Airlines business class lounge will open in May
American Airlines’ new business class lounge at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is on schedule to open in May, according to comments made by the company's CEO, Robert Isom, during a first-quarter earnings call.
JetBlue expands partnership with this Asian airline
JetBlue and Japan Airlines (JAL) have broadened their partnership, with the Asian airline now accepting TrueBlue redemptions.
These oneworld airlines are relocating to Terminal 8 at JFK Airport
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines are joining forces at Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), bringing the terminal’s total oneworld Alliance members to 10.
Alaska Airlines expands culinary offerings from this noted chef
Alaska Airlines is continuing its collaboration with Chef Brandon Jew and bringing his recipes to more passengers in First Class.
This airline will begin serving award-winning tea
British Airways has partnered with award-winning tea company Birchall to offer warm, soothing drinks in terminals and at 35,000 feet.
Frontier Airlines makes big offer to Southwest Rapid Rewards members
Frontier Airlines has partnered with Loyalty Status Co. to make a big offer to Southwest Rapid Rewards members.
United invests in this next-generation aircraft design
United Airlines has invested in JetZero, a startup company aiming to produce blended wing body (BWB) aircraft.
This airline loyalty program lets you earn miles via Uber and Uber Eats
Starting this week, Delta SkyMiles members and U.S.-based Uber customers can link their accounts and begin earning miles.
This company will bring air taxis to New York City
Archer Aviation plans to bring a network of piloted electric air taxis to New York City, changing how visitors and residents move throughout the area.
New study ranks airports where you need to arrive the earliest
Recently, Upgraded Points conducted a study of the 50 busiest airports in the U.S., analyzing key data points that affect preflight travel times
American Airlines to sponsor this global sporting event
American Airlines has signed on as the Official North American Airline Supplier for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Icelandair launches route to this Southern cultural destination
Icelandair’s new seasonal route between Iceland and Nashville will debut soon, offering four weekly flights through October.
Singapore Airlines will renovate lounges at this international hub
Singapore Airlines has announced major renovations to its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2.
Delta’s WiFi rollout reaches another milestone
Delta Air Lines just reached another milestone in its quest to outfit its global fleet with complimentary WiFi.
New study ranks the busiest airports in the world
Airports Council International (ACI) has released an exclusive preview of its 2024 rankings of the world’s busiest airports.
Turkish Airlines introduces triple runway operations at this airport
Turkish Airlines reached a significant aviation milestone this week, introducing triple independent runway operations at Türkiye’s iGA Istanbul Airport.
This airline will offer free WiFi to its loyalty members
American Airlines and AT&T will work together to provide free WiFi on more than 2 million flights per year, starting in January 2026.
This new technology could change the airplane boarding process
The airplane boarding process has stayed the same since eTicketing arrived in the early 2000s. But new plans could make for a big change when getting on a plane.
WalletHub just named this low-cost airline best in the U.S.
To help U.S. consumers make a smart pick, WalletHub released its 2025 Airline Rankings, and a surprising name topped the list: Spirit Airlines.
Alaska Airlines invests in this leading-edge simulator technology
Alaska Airlines is investing in Loft Dynamics to help it develop the first virtual reality Boeing 737 flight simulator.
These airlines are offering free elite status when you fly down under
In 2025, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are offering free elite status for round-trip flights to Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand.
How Delta is working toward net-zero emissions by 2050
To reach its 2050 goal of achieving net-zero emissions, Delta Air Lines is concentrating on “What We Fly, How We Fly, and The Fuel We Use,” each marked by important metrics over time.
American Airlines adds its 30th destination in Mexico
With its new direct route to Puerto Esconidod (PXM), American Airlines will have more flights to Mexico than ever.