American Airlines drops California city added in push to try new, unserved destinations

American Airlines is saying “so long” to Santa Maria, California. The Oneworld alliance carrier will end twice-daily service to Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) on the central California coast from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) on May 7, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows and American confirms. Flights to SMX began in October 2025. The route…

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10 luxurious Hilton properties where TPG staffers have used their free night certificates

Few credit card perks deliver as much value as the free night reward on select Hilton American Express cards. The certificate can be used for a night at almost any Hilton property, including the brand’s luxurious resorts. They are valid for any night of the week (including weekends) and have no blackout dates. TPG staffers have redeemed these certificates…

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First look: Honolulu’s iconic Moana Surfrider turns 125 and unveils complete remodel

It’s a Hawaiian icon and the first-ever hotel built on the famous Waikiki Beach: Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach turns 125 today — and TPG got a first look as the hotel completed a major multiyear renovation. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY This classic 791-room hotel is beautiful, with three distinct towers, each featuring its own…

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Aven Rewards Visa Card review: Earn 3% back on purchases

The Aven Rewards Visa Card is a cash-back credit card with high earning rates and simple rewards. It earns an impressive 3% back on all purchases (up to $10,000 in spending every cardholder year)^, then an unlimited 2% back thereafter. For those unfamiliar with Aven, it’s a company that has historically focused on homeowners with its Aven Home Equity…

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Why it’s so important to make sure your boarding pass says ‘TSA PreCheck’ right now

You’re probably familiar with the mental checklist that runs through your head before heading out the door to catch a flight: ID in wallet. Essentials packed. Electronics charged. But as security lines swell across the country in the midst of a partial government shutdown, the most important pretravel task of all may be one that hardly crosses your mind:…

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Global Entry resumes Wednesday after 17-day suspension

Seventeen days after the Trump administration suspended Global Entry amid a partial government shutdown, the expedited travel program is back up and running. The fast-tracked service that helps paying members speed through passport control after an international flight back to the U.S. was set to resume at 5 a.m. EDT Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed overnight….

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