I can’t believe it’s already April. Where is the time going?
It seems like every travel brand is kicking off the month with big news.
From Delta’s major Wi-Fi update to changes on top-tier Amex and Chase cards, I’ve got everything you need to know below.
On a personal note, tonight is the first night of Passover. I’ll be celebrating with family and have already drafted lots more content, so you won’t miss me while I’m stuck eating matza.
In this edition
TSA tracker update
By now, you’ve hopefully bookmarked my free live TSA wait-time tracker.
Waits are getting much better, though there are still some outliers.
To help you get a better sense of what to expect, I just added historical data to the tracker. You can now see a rolling five-day average wait time, broken down by hour, when you click into an individual airport.

Hopefully, that makes it easier to decide when to leave for the airport.
As always, I’m here for any questions or feedback.
Link to bookmark: tsa.fromthetraytable.com
Favorite U.S. hotel?
I’m already dreaming of a return to the hotel we stayed at this past weekend.

We were in Palm Beach at The Breakers, which someone I trust recently described as their favorite hotel in America.
I’m happy to report that the property is indeed iconic.
The public spaces are second to none, especially the four pools, direct beach access, and stunning breakfast room. The service is also excellent — aside from our botched late-checkout request — and there’s plenty to do nearby.

The biggest issue is the rooms. Because of the hotel’s historic Italian Renaissance design, some rooms within the same category are noticeably better than others.
Pro tip: if you stay here, ask for a room with dual vanities and a walk-in closet.
Delta’s Wi-Fi bet
Delta was three years ahead of United, and now it might end up two years behind.
The Atlanta-based airline was the first major U.S. carrier to announce free Wi-Fi back in 2023.
United, meanwhile, waited until late 2024 to unveil free Starlink, with full rollout complete by the end of 2027.

Now, Delta appears to be acknowledging that Viasat and Hughes, its current providers, are far inferior to Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit connectivity. To fix that, the airline has announced a partnership with Amazon Leo.
Amazon Leo is a Starlink competitor, though it doesn’t yet have nearly the same satellite coverage. Delta plans to begin installing Amazon Leo on 500 aircraft starting in 2028.
By the time Delta finally gets around to upgrading its Wi-Fi, United’s fleet should already be largely outfitted with Starlink.
So which strategy wins: Delta getting to free Wi-Fi first, or United waiting for faster free Wi-Fi to be ready?
Alaska goes long-haul
Alaska Airlines is about to enter its global era.
The airline just debuted its long-haul business-class experience onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Highlights include Filson bedding, Salt & Stone amenity kits, a Salt & Straw sundae cart, and Starlink coming this fall.
Alaska will use the same lie-flat suites that Hawaiian installed on the Dreamliner, though it plans to make some light tweaks to align the product with its broader global branding.
I, for one, can’t wait to give it a try.
The new service launches later this month from Seattle to Rome, followed by flights to London, Seoul, and Tokyo in the coming weeks.
Amex adds 3 lounges
There are really only two ways to solve lounge overcrowding: build bigger spaces or limit access.
Amex is (thankfully!) doing the former.

The issuer just announced three upcoming lounge projects:
Boston
New 20,000-square-foot outpost spanning two levels with an outdoor terrace.
Opening 2029
Charlotte Sidecar
A second outpost in Charlotte, this time a Sidecar dining concept similar to the one in Las Vegas.
Opening 2027
Dallas/Fort Worth
A 50% expansion of the existing DFW Centurion Lounge, including additional dining options, a walk-up ice cream bar, another full-service bar, and more.
Opening 2027
These three join the two new Centurion locations opening this year: Amsterdam and Newark.
If this news has you thinking about a new card, I’d start with my top recommended picks. (Using my links helps support my work.)
Review: AirPods Max 2
AirPods and travel are basically synonymous.
To that end, Apple just debuted the revamped AirPods Max 2, and I flew with them before they officially went on sale.

The verdict: at $549, they aren’t cheap, but the improved noise cancellation is seriously impressive.
Other new features, powered by the upgraded H2 chip, include Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, and even the ability to use the headphones to control your camera.
I’m a fan, but only if you’re comfortable splurging. Otherwise, I’d stick with AirPods Pro 3.
Goodbye, Saks
Speaking of Amex, the issuer is pulling the $100 annual Saks credit effective June 30.
Saks is in bankruptcy, and Amex likely wants a more compelling partner for the American Express Platinum Card®.
The good news is that Amex is promising new offers at “top retailers and brands that our Card Members know and love.”
Stay tuned for the details — and be sure to use your final Saks credit before it disappears for good.
Chase x Hyatt = 💙
If you’re a big spender, this update is for you.
Chase is now offering mid-tier World of Hyatt Explorist status after hitting the following annual spend thresholds:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $75,000 in annual spend
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠: $120,000 in annual spend
This joins the other perks already available at those levels, including IHG One Rewards Diamond elite status, Southwest credit and status, and more.
It probably won’t move the needle for most people, but it’s definitely a nice bonus if you’re already spending heavily.
April transfer bonuses
It’s a new month, which means that my top credit cards are out with their new limited-time transfer bonuses.
Here’s the full list — I’m loving the Chase to Aeroplan and Capital One to Japan Airlines bonuses.
Transfer Program | Details | Eligibility Dates |
Capital One Miles | 30% transfer bonus to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | April 1 - April 30 |
Chase Ultimate Rewards | 20% transfer bonus to Air Canada Aeroplan | April 1 - April 30 |
Chase Ultimate Rewards | 70% transfer bonus to IHG | April 1 - April 30 |
Citi ThankYou Rewards | 25% transfer bonus to Avianca Lifemiles | March 22 - April 18 |
Citi ThankYou Rewards | 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | March 22 - April 18 |
🗞️ News you can use
Last chance for $1,000+ in travel: The lucrative Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a limited-time offer that ends on April 13. If you’ve been on the fence or want to learn more before it’s too late, here are 5 easy reasons to consider the card. (Using my links helps support my work — thanks!)
JetBlue bag fees: JetBlue is the first major airline to raise bag fees in response to higher oil prices. Expect to pay $4 to $9 more per bag. My bigger concern is that other carriers will likely soon follow.
PBI to DJT: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is officially being renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT). This isn’t a politics newsletter, but as long as the airport stays as efficient as it is today, I don’t really care. It’s just going to take me a while to stop typing PBI into Google Flights.
ITA joins Star Alliance: Last month, I teased that ITA Airways would soon join Star Alliance. That’s now official, which means you have more ways to redeem points to and from Italy. Plus, if you’re connecting on ITA, you’ll still enjoy your usual alliance status perks.
🔗 Links to use
Using these links supports my work. I only recommend what I use and love. Thanks!
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