Happy Friday from NYC!

It's the last day before the long weekend, and I'd bet plenty of you are already checked out of work and checked into your weekend plans.

We're staying local — think: family time, a zoo visit, and a bit more tennis (with a stop at these lounges).

I'll be back in your inbox on Wednesday. Until then, consider this your holiday weekend read. There's even a gift waiting for one lucky reader.

Advertiser and Editorial Disclosure

I just got my hands on one of the coolest pieces of luggage I've ever seen.

It's a collab between American Airlines and July, celebrating the airline's centennial. The four-wheeled carry-on is a retro nod to AA's history, with old logos, vintage brand motifs, and a Flagship Red color scheme.

There are modern touches, too, like the built-in item tracker that integrates directly with Apple's Find My app — no AirTag required.

The collection doesn't launch until Sept. 21. But here’s your chance to get one early — and skip the $345 MSRP.

It's Labor Day weekend, which means retailers are clearing out summer inventory.

A lot of my go-to travel gear is discounted right now, so here's the recap.

This is the backpack I take on every trip. It works for both business and personal travel, comes in five colors, and can be monogrammed.

Grab the backpack for 20% off

Apple's second-generation AirTags pack in a bunch of upgrades — here's my full review. If you haven't upgraded yet, a four-pack is down to $79.99 on Amazon.

Get a four-pack for $79.99

I've packed the Anker Nano international travel adapter since it came out. It's remarkably compact for a device with four USB ports and an AC outlet.

Get it for $25.99 from Amazon

Away is taking up to 20% off its core collection. That includes the backpack above, plus the hardshell carry-on, the weekender, and much more.

Save up to 20% at Away

We bring an extra tote bag whenever we travel with our daughter. (You never know what you'll come home with.) L.L.Bean bags are durable, and you can monogram them.

Save 10% at L.L.Bean

Emirates just unveiled a premium economy recliner that's poised to become the best in the sky.

It gets a full-length electronic privacy divider, the new U-Dream headrest, a bigger tray table, and upgraded finishes.

Emirates didn't start flying premium economy until 2022. I was on one of the first flights and thought it was a stellar experience — yet this looks even better.

Iterating on what's essentially a domestic first-class recliner is tough, but if one airline can pull it off, it's Emirates.

The catch: the new recliner is limited to newly delivered Airbus A350s. Other planes keep the first-generation seat, which is a bummer.

But premium economy keeps getting more popular, and I hope other airlines borrow these design cues.

I stayed at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt DFW this week.

I've always liked that this hotel sits directly inside Terminal D, but the recent renovation just turned it into one of the best airport hotels in the country.

The rooms now beat plenty of five-star properties I've stayed in.

The gym needs more modern equipment, and the rooftop pool is sad (at least next to this one). But as airport hotels go, this one is near the top of my list.

I love Japan and I love skiing, so the new Moxy Niseko Village has my attention.

Moxys work well for families and groups traveling together (good luck fitting everyone into some of those rooms). The ski-in/ski-out access and the ability to earn and redeem Bonvoy points should win over plenty of readers.

I've been to Niseko, and the Park Hyatt is still the best hotel on the mountain (bonus: it accepts points).

But with United about to launch nonstops to Sapporo — the gateway to Niseko and Japan's northern island — this one is going to be a solid option for a lot of people.

Amex Offers are one of the easiest ways to stack savings, and two new ones are worth your attention.

First, you can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $1,000 or more on select airfare booked through Amex Travel. You have until Oct. 31 to earn the credit.

It applies to the new Platinum Member Airfares available to American Express Platinum Card® cardmembers. (In the U.S., that covers select flights marketed by Alaska, American, and Delta.)

There's also an offer for $200 off an Ikon Pass.

Log in to your Amex account, scroll down to the offers section, and see what you're targeted for.

Just make sure to add the offers to your card before you buy.

As much as I liked the Grand Hyatt DFW, I ran into my single biggest hotel pet peeve there.

At 4:15 a.m., the alarm clock on the nightstand went off.

Housekeeping should be turning off alarms between stays. And I also should have checked before going to bed.

This has happened a handful of times over the years, and I won't make the mistake again.

Not one reader flagged this when I asked you for your hotel pet peeves. I guess I just got super unlucky.

I can't believe how many people still hand over a physical ID at the TSA checkpoint.

If you have a U.S. passport, you can create a Digital ID on your iPhone that works at TSA.

It lives in the Wallet app. Tap your phone to the TSA ID reader, authenticate your device, and confirm you're sharing it.

The whole process takes seconds. It even saved my wife once when she left her physical ID at home. (Not recommended, btw.)

Using these links is the easiest way to support FTTT — and I only recommend what I actually use.

From the Tray Table is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear. Not all financial companies or all available offers are included. The opinions expressed are mine alone. Content is not reviewed or endorsed by an entity.