Happy Friday!

I'm back in New York after a whirlwind trip to Seattle.

On this trip, I flew through two airports that always seem to have the slowest TSA lines: JFK and Seattle. (And that's before any slowdowns from officers not being allowed to sit during ID checks.)

I still check my free live TSA line tracker before every trip, and I'd recommend you do the same.

I just don't know why some checkpoints are always slower than others. (If you have a theory, hit reply.)

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One of my (many) compulsions is updating my iPhone apps the second a new version drops.

This week, I downloaded the refreshed United app, opened the My Trips section, and found a new recap feature that shows your past flights, the planes you flew on, your routes, and more.

It only goes back to 2025, but it looks very similar to how Flighty displays your flight history.

Away just launched Series 3, its third-generation suitcase lineup, and it packs a slew of upgrades.

The bags get new wheels and a braking system you can lock on sloped surfaces or moving trains.

The handle now locks at almost any height, and it has built-in hooks for hanging a jacket or drawstring bag.

The lineup comes in eight colors. With the holidays right around the corner, I can't wait to take one for a spin.

As of Oct. 1, two of Hilton's flagship resorts are now all-inclusive.

I'm talking about the Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya — the first officially all-inclusive properties for their respective brands. The Waldorf will also go adults-only on Jan. 10, 2027.

Hilton is pitching the move as the next generation of luxury hospitality. I hope that's true. But if my past all-inclusive stays are any indication, the concept doesn't fit flagship properties like these.

United was the first U.S. airline to bring basic fares to premium cabins, and now it's expanding that restrictive experience to more routes.

Effective immediately, the airline is selling Base fares in domestic first class and short-haul international business class.

These fares don't allow changes or cancellations, don't include seat assignments, and come with just one free checked bag.

To me, the biggest reason to avoid them is that you can't change your ticket. That's a big deal if there's any chance the fare drops after you book.

With a Standard or Flexible fare, you'll get a credit for the difference when the price drops. (This company automates that process.)

It's a new month, which means a slew of new transfer bonuses just dropped. The best ones are in the next section.

I've written a bit about Rove, the new loyalty currency that earns you miles on shopping, travel, and dining.

With Rove, you still earn points with your airline or hotel and your credit card company. It's effectively a triple dip.

The best part, though, is that the company seems to be pouring every dollar of its venture capital into making the program too lucrative to ignore.

This month, Rove is offering three juicy transfer bonuses. I'm absolutely jumping on the Air France one.

And if you haven't joined Rove yet, you can use my link to get 1,500 miles just for signing up.

I can't say I'm surprised, but Bilt is devaluing transfers to World of Hyatt starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Instead of 1:1, points will transfer at a 4:3 ratio — regardless of your Bilt status. That matches the other big Hyatt devaluation that took effect on Thursday.

It's a meaningful hit to the value of Bilt points, and I don't think it'll be the last. Based on my conversations with Alaska Airlines leadership, it sounds like Bilt's transfer option to Atmos Rewards will either be scaled back or eliminated in the coming years.

U.S. loyalty programs are hunting for new ways to monetize, deepen their exclusive relationships with financial partners, and push travelers toward cobranded credit cards.

So no, I'm not surprised.

I got a flood of replies from readers who wanted the expiring Hyatt Category 1-4 free night certificate.

I compiled every proposed stay and sorted them from most to least expensive. The winner had a $440 stay in Austin that the certificate now covers.

If you ever have expiring certificates or upgrades, let me know. I'm happy to arrange a similar giveaway. (For everyone asking: The United upgrade giveaway spree will hopefully return around Thanksgiving.)

Eastbound transcons are perhaps my least favorite domestic flights. No matter how you slice it, you'll lose a good chunk of your day on either end.

I've taken nearly 15 eastbound transcons this year and tried every timing option. Here's how I rank them:

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