Discussion

The Best of Both Worlds: How the Venture X and Amex Platinum Power My Travel

January 4, 2026

When it comes to travel credit cards, there are endless options with a little bit of something for everyone. For me, I decided to have the best of both worlds and grab Capital One’s Venture X and American Express’ Platinum cards. Yes, the combined annual fees total nearly $1,300, but for the way I travel…
If You Want First Class, Buy First: How a Simple Reddit Phrase Changed How I Travel

December 8, 2025

The author reflects on the value of buying First Class tickets when flying longer routes, particularly for earning elite miles. They experienced a significant improvement in comfort and rest on a recent trip after purchasing a First Class seat. Reasonable fares exist, and the author plans to prioritize First Class for longer flights to enhance…
Chasing Gold: A Cross-Country Push to Close Out Alaska Airlines Status

December 6, 2025

CHICAGO —It’s that time of year again across the frequent-flier corners of Reddit — travelers scrambling to close out their airline “status rings” before the calendar flips. I’m no different. Right now, I’m sitting at 31,142 Alaska Airlines miles. I need 40,000 to lock in Gold status. Under Alaska’s current rules, status is earned by…
Beating the Cold: Navigating Toronto Through the PATH

December 1, 2025

TORONTO — Toronto in late fall has its own kind of magic. There are twinkling lights, busy sidewalks, and a holiday energy that fills the air. But there’s also something else: serious cold. The weekend I visited, the temperature dropped so low that the wind felt like it cut right through my jacket. I knew…
From O’Hare to DFW: What It’s Like Flying During the FAA’s 10% Flight Reduction

November 12, 2025

CHICAGO — Nearly 1,000 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Saturday after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to trim schedules amid the ongoing federal shutdown. At O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 3, the scene was unusually quiet — the Transportation Security Administration PreCheck line stood empty except for me. O’Hare and Chicago Midway International…