Hello from NYC!
I finally carved out a few hours to tackle my inbox, and the quest for inbox zero already feels futile. (I'm down to 184 unread emails, which is the lowest it's been in weeks.)
Your feedback on my new lie-flat seat finder keeps pouring in, and I've already shipped a bunch of updates.
If you haven't tried it yet, take it for a spin before your next booking. It shows every domestic flight operated by a plane with lie-flat seats — aka the best upgrade there is.
A lot has happened since my last edition. Here's the latest.
📋 In this edition
Chase’s major Sapphire Reserve updates
I can’t believe the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is turning 10 this year. To celebrate, Chase is giving existing cardmembers some valuable new offers that could save you more than $1,000.
(Quick note: If you apply for the card using my affiliate link, I'll receive a small commission that keeps my content free. Thanks in advance!)
5 new limited-time offers
Here are the new special offers. (You must activate each of them before processing the charge.)
IHG Hotels & Resorts credit: Earn $125 back when you spend $500 or more on an eligible stay directly at a U.S. IHG property. Payment must be completed by Oct. 16, 2026.
Miraval and Alila credit: Earn $250 back when you spend $1,000 or more on an eligible stay directly at a U.S. Miraval or Alila property. Payment must be completed by Dec. 14, 2026.
JSX credit: Earn $200 back when you spend $200 or more on flights booked directly with JSX. Payment must be completed by Dec. 14, 2026.
Wander credit: Earn $350 back when you spend $1,500 or more on a vacation home booked directly with Wander. Payment must be completed by Dec. 14, 2026.
SIXT credit: Earn $125 back when you spend $500 or more on a premium car rental booked directly with SIXT. Payment must be completed by Dec. 14, 2026. (This one is only for cardmembers as of Aug. 25, 2026.)
DoorDash upgrade
Beginning Oct. 1, the card’s DoorDash credit is getting a big upgrade.
You’ll now receive a $15 monthly credit that can be used on all DoorDash orders, in addition to the existing two $10 monthly non-restaurant promos.
In total, you’ll receive up to $35 in DoorDash value each month.
This is in addition to the complimentary DashPass membership, which isn’t changing.
Win 5.5 million Ultimate Rewards points
To celebrate the anniversary, Chase is also launching a contest with the grand prize of 5.5 million Ultimate Rewards points.
All you need to do is post about your favorite trip since 2016 for a chance to win and recreate it using Ultimate Rewards points.
Entries are accepted through Nov. 6, and here’s how to enter.
Good news, bad news: JFK edition
New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is getting two new terminals.
The one I'm most excited about is the New Terminal One. It'll replace the existing 28-year-old Terminal 1, which is well past its prime.
There are two big updates on the $9.5 billion project:
The opening timeline has slipped. The terminal is now slated to welcome travelers early next year, after originally targeting later this year.
Air France is building a two-story, 29,000-square-foot lounge. It'll be the largest lounge in the terminal, with more than 400 seats, a dedicated La Première experience, and more. Just one rendering has been released so far (sadly), but I can't wait to check it out once it opens.
Amex lands in Amsterdam
Amex just unveiled its newest Centurion Lounge, and this one isn't in the U.S.
It's at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) between concourses E and F. The lounge opens Sept. 17 and will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
At just under 6,000 square feet, it's far from the largest Amex lounge. It is, however, the first credit card-branded lounge at Schiphol.
I couldn't make the opening in person, but the photos show a beautifully designed space. Highlights include Dutch-themed art, a barista-staffed Blue Roast coffee bar, a variety of seating areas, and a fully stocked buffet.
The opening further cements the Centurion Lounge as the largest credit card-branded lounge network. Amsterdam joins other Centurion outposts outside the U.S., including London and Tokyo.
Next up: Newark's (EWR) new Terminal A, which is slated to get the next Centurion Lounge.
The world's best hotels, ranked
I'm a sucker for travel rankings, and today delivered a double whammy: the world's 50 best hotels and North America's best airports, back to back.
Let's start with the hotels. The list is stacked, and based on my own stays, the properties I've visited earned their spots.
As you'd expect, major chains are few and far between. That said, Hyatt's crown jewel, the Park Hyatt Kyoto, lands at No. 37.
Airport rankings miss the mark
I take way more issue with J.D. Power's airport rankings.
How is Miami ahead of Denver, Newark, and Boston? (Maybe the survey respondents skipped Miami's Concourse D.)
I love seeing LaGuardia at No. 4 among mega airports, but frankly, it deserves to be higher. Its two main terminals are about as good as it gets in the U.S. for the passenger experience.
Take a look, then hit reply and tell me where your home airport should’ve landed.
💡 Tray Table Tip: Split and save
I just booked our winter break flights and used one of my favorite airfare tricks. (It saved us more than $200.)
If you're booking for multiple passengers, search for one or two travelers at a time.
That's because airlines don't always release enough seats in the cheapest fare bucket for your whole party. Splitting your booking into smaller groups can unlock those lower fares.
The same goes for award travel.
One caveat: On some business routes, airlines charge less per person for two travelers than for one. If you're flying solo, price the trip for two, then cancel one traveler within the 24-hour refund window.
🗞️ News you can use
Air Canada's generous lounge closure: Air Canada is temporarily closing its excellent (and exclusive) business-class-only Signature Suite in Toronto for an expansion. If you're flying during the closure, the airline is softening the blow in three ways:
Opening a grab-and-go pop-up at Gate E85
Offering priority entry to the International Maple Leaf Lounge
Handing out passes for a future visit to the expanded Signature Suite, valid before any international flight in any cabin
🔗 Links to use
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