✈ The Top Stories of 2025, How to Travel on a Budget & More From TPG ✈

Also: 15 cards offering welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more

December 28, 2025 View in browser         TOGETHER WITH     TOGETHER WITH

The biggest stories of 2025 by Colin Hogan, Newsletter editor Mass flight cancellations, premium credit cards and new sweet spots – oh my. It's been a big year in loyalty programs, with new developments keeping us on our toes throughout 2025. Let's take a look back at what really moved the needle in loyalty and travel this year. The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history caused thousands of flight cancellations and delays. The OG premium travel card got a major refresh that brought even more premium travel perks, and (naturally) an even higher annual fee. Not to be outdone, its leading rival and a scrappy newcomer answered with their own new, exciting offerings. This airline ditched some of its signature policies (and perks) and took a big leap into the mainstream — revamping everything from its credit cards to its interiors. Another airline had some wobbles with the rollout of its Starlink Wi-Fi service, but also unveiled some seriously stunning new business-class cabins and announced a blockbuster new partnership. And this airline reinvented its fare structure (and may have even more adjustments up its sleeve). Two amazing airline loyalty programs merged into one powerhouse, chock-full of redemption sweet spots and other great benefits. We saw stricter access rules roll out at Delta Air Lines’ Sky Clubs for those who get access through certain credit cards. This budget airline made headlines all year with its steady expansion across the U.S. And there are now some truly amazing tools that make easy work of finding great award redemptions. It's been our absolute pleasure to keep tabs on all of this and bring you the best advice each day. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to continuing to bring you everything you need to know about the worlds of points and miles, loyalty programs, and smart travel in 2026. Sincerely, The TPG Daily Newsletter Team 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.

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Today's top stories How to travel on a budget: Here are our 20 top tips Inflation and high fuel prices can affect travel plans, but by using our budget travel tips, you can still take a great vacation. Read more 15 cards currently offering welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more The most valuable credit card welcome bonuses currently available on the market right now, worth at least 100,000 points or miles. Read more Your guide to Chase's trip insurance coverage Credit card trip insurance can be a lifesaver when unexpected delays, cancellations or other emergencies come up. Read more I've been packing my carry-on wrong — here's my new strategy to avoid checking a bag A new way of packing allowed me to get by with less stuff on a weeklong trip. Read more I always go to the dining room as soon as I board a ship — here's why you should, too Do this one thing to make the most of your onboard meals. Read more

Handpicked for you Dive into your daily list of stories, curated based on your interests and past reads. Credit card transfer bonuses (December): 40% bonus to Virgin Atlantic and more Read more First look: Secrets Baby Beach Aruba brings all-inclusive luxury to the San Nicolas area Read more Cyber Monday cruise deals 2025: The ultimate guide Read more American Express Platinum: Valuable new benefits and an offer as high as 175,000 bonus points Read more 12 surprising winter vacation ideas for a warm-weather getaway Read more

The latest 1. 12 New Year's travel resolutions to make in 2026 2. JSX expands new turboprop flights to Las Vegas and Scottsdale 3. Bilt Rent Day (Jan. 1): Targeted redemption bonuses for Amazon and rent, New Year's Eve dining experiences and more 4. Hilton's crown jewel resort just leveled up: Here's what's new at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal 5. Do hotel stays on Dec. 31 count toward earning status for this year or next? 6. Chase credit cards: Best time to apply based on offer history 7. Your complete guide to shopping protections on American Express cards 8. The 12 best secret beaches in the Caribbean 9. Denver airport to add 11 gates and a new patio with mountain views 10. 13 great European destinations to visit in winter

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