I was supposed to send today’s newsletter from San Francisco. Instead, I’m home in NYC.

Yesterday, I canceled my ticket on United’s new Polaris inaugural from SFO to Singapore, and I’m very happy with that decision.

I’ve got a big trip next week, and heading to Singapore would’ve meant even more time away from my family. Plus, United has already been flying the new Polaris domestically for nearly a month, so I’ll try it the next time it fits my schedule.

Being home doesn’t mean the updates have slowed down. If anything, things have been busier than ever.

JFK just got a hidden upgrade, there’s a wacky new hotel bonus, Chase just rolled out its best-ever points redemption, and much more.

And I owe you a huge thank you — more on everything below.

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Since then, this newsletter has grown to more than 50,000 active subscribers, which is way more than I ever expected.

I'm grateful for your support and engagement. It's not easy being a one-man show (while also trying to be a dad and husband!), but I love seeing so many of you enjoying the content.

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There's a brand-new speakeasy at JFK, and barely anyone knows about it.

It quietly opened over the past few weeks at the back of the duty-free area in Terminal 8. It's called Blinded Tiger, and it's open to everyone — no lounge membership required.

Food and drinks (from Momofuku) are available for purchase via QR code, and all the liquor served inside can be purchased duty-free if you're flying internationally.

The only downside: there aren't any power outlets. But it's far less crowded than the nearby lounges.

Blinded Tiger is just one of many new dining and retail outposts that recently opened in Terminal 8.

The next time you pass through, you'll find a revamped food court (with Naya and Bagel Boss, among others), a roughly 60% larger duty-free area, and even an Eataly — the first in a U.S. airport.

I'm conflicted about this, and I want to know what you think.

Long-time readers may remember that I've been using a new rideshare app called Empower to get around NYC.

Why? Because it's so much cheaper than Uber or Lyft. I'm taking $50 rides from the Upper West Side to Newark that would easily run $100-plus on Uber.

The problem: Empower keeps getting into legal trouble. The app is facing its biggest battle in D.C., and regulators in New York are pushing back, too.

Here's the thing. I hate spending more than I need to. But I've received countless messages from readers warning me about Empower's lax background checks, drivers' lack of commercial auto insurance, and more.

I'm still personally comfortable using it in NYC since the drivers are TLC-certified, but I recognize not everyone feels that way.

So I'm curious: would you save money with Empower, or spend more on Uber?

(If you want to try Empower, use my referral code "ZACH" for at least $10 off your first ride.)

“Goooood morning!”

That's the Tim Cook greeting I have seared in my memory from years of Apple keynotes. And we may only get to hear it one more time.

Cook is stepping down as CEO on Sept. 1, with hardware chief John Ternus replacing him. (Cook’s final keynote is likely to be at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, which I hope to attend.)

Fun fact: I briefly met Ternus last year while walking around Apple Park. He seemed super energetic, and I'm excited to see what innovations he brings in this next chapter.

(Judging by the 10 million-plus views on my Instagram reel about the news, I'm not alone.)

Here's something I've never seen before. A hotel — and mind you, a five-star St. Regis — is awarding bonus points if you check out early.

If I were leaving early, I'd be thrilled with 10,000 extra Bonvoy points. But there's something about the way this note was left in the room that doesn't feel especially luxurious.

I also understand where the hotel is coming from. It probably has lots of guests who qualify for late checkout (whether from status or via third-party booking portals like the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program), and it needs to turn rooms early enough to accommodate arrivals.

Still, I've never seen this before in all my travels. Part of me almost wishes this would catch on.

Chase just released its highest-ever Ultimate Rewards redemption value, and it's one to keep on your radar.

The issuer is offering a Points Boost rate of 2.5 cents per point at 11 five-star hotels in destinations featured in its "26 Trips to Take in 2026" guide.

That's an exceptionally strong value, especially at properties like the Four Seasons, where points redemption options are otherwise limited.

I’d lock these in ASAP if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, since the issuer didn’t specify when the offer ends.

The first thing you should do when you step inside a hotel room is turn on the shower and check if it gets hot.

Trust me, the last thing you need is to change rooms the next morning because your shower isn't working (or to take a cold one).

Then, strip the bed of any decorative pillows or throws. I promise those aren't always washed between each stay.

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