Hope your week is going well!

I've enjoyed being home this week, which has finally let me dig through all the paperwork (and unread emails) piling up on my desk.

Another household chore I just knocked out: applying for a new credit card.

That's something I rarely do these days, but if you missed my recap on why I caved on this rare 100,000-point welcome offer, here's my explainer.

You might want to do the same.

Advertiser and Editorial Disclosure

Note: This is a paid partnership, but you're now seeing exactly how I use it.

I had a stretch of travel earlier this month that turned into a case study for why I’ve been talking about FoundersCard.

At two hotels, I actually received an upgrade thanks to the elite status included with the card. (Shocking, I know.)

I also had lounge access with some of the 18 partner airlines, which offer discounted fares to members.

Turns out, I've used FoundersCard multiple times without really thinking about it. Plus, it complements the credit cards I already carry and recommend.

If you've been curious since I first mentioned it, the preview is still free for six months through my link.

The annual Amazon Prime Day sale is here. I always stock up on household essentials, and I keep an eye out for discounted travel-friendly items.

Here are three of my favorite deals for travelers right now.

My flight home with Air France reminded me why I’m actively avoiding any American or United jet outfitted with Panasonic Wi-Fi.

I keep hearing reports from readers about how the Panasonic Wi-Fi isn’t working on many flights. (I’ve personally experienced this firsthand three times over the past few weeks.)

This includes United’s premium Polaris transcontinental flights between Newark and Los Angeles and San Francisco — understandably a massive frustration for the frequent travelers who fly these routes.

If you need to stay connected, I'd avoid these planes right now.

(Can you tell how excited I am for Starlink to finally be available on United?)

I'm heading back to California next week, which means I've been trying to figure out how to get there.

The flights between New York (and Boston) and Los Angeles and San Francisco have historically been among the most premium domestic routes.

But their current state is pretty bleak.

I'm at a loss for which product to choose. (Good thing I might have a trick up my sleeve.)

Leaving Europe, I stopped by the tax refund counter at CDG's Terminal 2E to claim a 16.60 EUR refund on a purchase I made in France.

(I always hit Petit Bateau when I'm in Europe to pick up stylish clothes for my daughter.)

To my surprise, the automated machine declined my form and told me to get a customs stamp first.

I knew I'd need that stamp — this isn't my first VAT rodeo — but here's the catch: the customs office sits before security.

That means exiting the sterile area, taking a train, clearing EES, and finding the office, all before starting over.

That's not how this is supposed to work.

If you're checking a bag with your VAT purchases, you get the customs stamp at the first airport on your journey. If you're traveling carry-on only, you collect the stamp and refund at your last departure point before flying home.

But how do you do that when there's no customs office in the sterile area?

For now, I'll just bring the customs form on my next trip and claim the refund then. You typically have three months from the purchase date before the form expires.

The European VAT refund process needs better regulation — let me know if I'm missing something. (Hit reply. I read each one.)

Cancun and Sicily. What do they have in common?

Nothing — except they're both getting brand-new Park Hyatt resorts.

Cancun gets the brand's first-ever all-inclusive, the Park Hyatt Riviera Maya, opening Feb. 15, 2027.

I generally hate all-inclusives, but based on the renderings and the fact that it’s easily bookable with points, I might have to try this one.

That said, I'm really excited for 2028, when the 121-suite Park Hyatt Taormina opens.

It's a conversion of an existing property, and having just returned from Sicily, I'm confident this one will be a hit.

Don't forget to bookmark my Sicily guide as you plan your trip.

When you’re flying in a premium cabin, most U.S. airlines and many international ones let you pre-order your meal.

It's the only way to guarantee what you'll eat on board. Plus, many airlines offer a bigger selection when you pre-order.

Some, like United, even let you choose your second meal service.

If nothing looks good, I'd recommend the Asian vegetarian special meal.

That's my go-to when I want something that'll reliably be tasty and reheat well at altitude.

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.