Archive | From the Tray Table

Chase Paid Me $1,700, BA Strikes Again, Sneaky Cash Grab, and More

Jun 26, 2026

•

5 min read

Chase Paid Me $1,700, BA Strikes Again, Sneaky Cash Grab, and More

Plus, Qatar's FIFA jet, how to actually get a VAT refund, a sneaky new seat fee, and more.

Zach Griff

Planes to Avoid, Another European Trap, Prime Day Picks, and More

Jun 24, 2026

•

5 min read

Planes to Avoid, Another European Trap, Prime Day Picks, and More

Plus, two gorgeous new resorts, the rough state of transcon flights, and a Bilt transfer worth knowing.

Zach Griff

I Caved on the Sapphire Preferred. Here's What Happened Next.

Jun 23, 2026

•

4 min read

I Caved on the Sapphire Preferred. Here's What Happened Next.

I haven't opened a card in months. But a 100,000-point offer — and one credit that covers the fee — hooked me.

Zach Griff

Inside the World's Longest Flight, Another Immigration Adventure, and More

Jun 22, 2026

•

5 min read

Inside the World's Longest Flight, Another Immigration Adventure, and More

I'm back from the Airbus factory. Plus, Chase's rare 100K offer, why Europe's new border system is still a mess, a surprising Air France seat, and more.

Zach Griff

Stranded in Heathrow, World's New Longest Flight, Hotel Soap Scandal, and More

Jun 17, 2026

•

4 min read

Stranded in Heathrow, World's New Longest Flight, Hotel Soap Scandal, and More

The world's new longest flight is almost here. Plus, an Amex update, my favorite redeye gear, and six airlines go patriotic.

Zach Griff