✈ Top Stories of the Week, Using Miles for First-Class Upgrades & More From TPG ✈

Also: 11 credit cards that can get you $1,000 or more in first-year value

July 20, 2025 View in browser

Top stories of the week by Tarah Chieffi, Senior Writer Hello and happy Sunday! As you read this, I am preparing to spend a few days exploring Curacao (be sure to follow TPG on Instagram for my upcoming video showcasing everything this beautiful island has to offer). But, before I can swim with sea turtles and hike Christoffel Mountain, we simply must take a look at last week's top stories. In airport lounge news, American Express plans to add a new boutique-style lounge concept that will operate alongside existing Centurion Lounges, while American Airlines is bringing a new grab-and-go outpost to one of its major hubs. In other airline news, Delta Air Lines will commence service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong later this year, while American expands its Latin America footprint with three new routes. And Southwest Airlines plans to launch its first new destination since 2021. Meanwhile, in the hotel world, Hyatt launched a handy new feature on its website that makes it much easier to find award availability. And Marriott rolled out a new automatic room upgrade system, which should take the guesswork out of complimentary upgrades for elite members. TPG had two stories last week that may help you demystify the changes to some of Chase's most popular cards. Senior writer Ben Smithson shared his Points Boost strategy and contributing editor Matt Moffitt revealed his plan to break even with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®'s increased annual fee. Last, but certainly not least, TPG's very own Goldilocks (aka, managing editor Clint Henderson) helped readers decide if Delta's premium economy class fits "just right" between economy and business class. Here are a few more of the week's top stories: Citi to launch an all-new premium rewards card — here’s how I hope it’s different from other high-end cards First look: Amex’s brand-new Centurion Lounge at Tokyo's Haneda Airport United Airlines adds Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit in 3-route winter expansion Manhattan just got its first-ever Hyatt Regency Southwest to launch first new destination since 2021, with nonstop US Virgin Islands flights 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, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Photo Credit: THE POINTS GUY.

Today's top stories Here's how to use airline miles for a first-class upgrade Use miles to upgrade a paid ticket from economy to business class, or business to first class. Read more 11 credit cards that can get you $1,000 or more in first-year value Consider one of these cards that can provide at least $1,000 in value in the first year. Read more United plans big expansion for 'undersized' Premium Plus cabin United Airlines is planning to add more seats to its premium economy cabin, citing immense demand. Read more Bilt Mastercard review: No-transaction-fee rent payments Here's a closer look at the Bilt Mastercard's benefits, perks and earning structure. Read more How to choose an airline credit card Here's how to choose an airline credit card with the benefits you're looking for. Read more

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