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Tag: rewards programs

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Numbers show a record number of Americans are going on cruises in 2027

On the Saturday, October 24th, 2026 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, TSA is rolling back a new program that allowed people through security without a plane ticket, and numbers show a record number of Americans are going on cruises in 2027. United Airlines is the latest to slow down the generosity of their Rewards Program. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we'll talk about the changes most all of the programs are making. Despite how they try to spin it, it's NOT good news. Mark spent nine days out on Route 66 the last two weeks, and will share his adventure and give you a few must stops if you ever plan a trip on The Mother Road. Plus, there's a new airport in Southern California and Mark has a review. Odds and Ends includes an update on a new perk for those flying standby on the United app and word on Frontier's new first class section.
2 bags

Southwest Airlines is changing its long time two bags free policy

On the Saturday, March 15th, 2025 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, driverless taxis got almost 600 tickets in San Francisco last year; and in the big story this week, Southwest Airlines is changing its long time two bags free policy and charging for baggage starting in late May. When an airline offers a “Lifetime Benefit,” you would think that would be easy to define. Well, United Airlines is changing one of their “lifetime” policies, another reminder that those points and miles you earn do not really belong to you, they belong to the hotel or airline. It’s the topic of our Smarter Traveler segment. We talked with Chris Elliott this week about the controversial tariffs the president is proposing and how they might impact international travelers. He also weighs in on the Southwest changes and a new book he has written, The Unauthorized Travel Manual: Secrets For a Smarter Trip From a Nationally Syndicated Columnist and Consumer Advocate. We also took calls from listeners on the Southwest changes.
Southwest plane landing

Southwest makes massive cuts to earnings in its frequent flyer program

On the Saturday, March 8th, 2025 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest makes massive cuts to earnings in its frequent flyer program (more on that subject later in the program); and a United airlines employee is busted in a huge bribery and payola scheme at the Newark Airport. The Smarter Traveler segment of the program addresses the value of taking the "first flight out in the morning." There are ups and downs of getting up before the chickens, and the guys explain why rising early is probably a smart move. Palm Springs is a popular destination for travelers from our area, and Mark shares a host of opinions on restaurants and attractions, plus tells you one hotel you might want to place on your "do not stay" list. Reward and loyalty programs for hotel chains and airlines are big business. But recently, the changes in the number of points needed for rooms and air tickets has been changing, and not in the favor of the traveler. Now Southwest is cutting the number of points you earn in its Rapid Rewards program on its most popular tickets. We'll update you on the state of rewards programs.
hotel with a heart made out of hotel lights

Marriott's Bonvoy Rewards Program passes 200 million members

On the Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Marriott's Bonvoy Rewards Program passes 200 million members, we talk about why Hertz' move to electric cars bombed and how your next "flight" could actually be a bus ride. Your boarding pass has SSSS written across it. What does THAT mean? Extra security screening is the answer. We explain in our Smarter Traveler segment. Mark spent a week on the island of Kauai and has a broad range of ideas and suggestions. From accommodations to things to do and where to eat. The IRS baggage fees are not taxable. Which starts to explain why they are so popular with the airlines. The story is part of our odds and ends segment.