Hope your week is going well!

New York has been serving up blue skies and cooler temps, which I’ve mostly admired from the couch.

As I mentioned, my daughter was sick over the weekend — and that cold made its way to me. (Last week’s whirlwind of events didn’t do my immune system any favors, either.)

The silver lining? I’m thrilled to lie low for a bit.

Better yet, it’s given me time to put together some fun, long-requested updates for you below.

Advertiser and Editorial Disclosure

Many of you have asked for an update on my cell network saga.

If you’re just joining, I’m a longtime Verizon customer who’s grown increasingly frustrated with spotty connectivity in crowded places — think airports, subway stations, and sporting events. (That’s with and without 5G turned on.)

Hundreds of you shared similar experiences and suggested alternatives. The most common reply: Switch to T-Mobile.

So I spent a month running head-to-head tests of T-Mobile and Verizon. Here’s where things landed in the places that matter most to me:

All in all, I’d call it a tie. That’s frustrating, because I wanted to fall in love with another network.

T-Mobile had stronger coverage in many of the places where Verizon lags. But its dead spots upstate and in my building were a problem in their own right.

So if you need to stay connected on the road, the best strategy seems to be running both carriers via Dual SIM and switching as needed.

It’s what I already do when I travel internationally.

United just unveiled its new Terminal B North concourse at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which opens to the public tomorrow.

I couldn’t make it to Houston for today’s preview, but United did something different this time. It gave some hand-picked employees with strong social media followings a first look at the space before media like me.

I don’t mind being 'beat’ by the airline’s own employees. I know many of the ones who visited, and they’re some of the best in the business.

Here’s what they saw before anyone else.

The biggest upgrade, though, is the new United Club. At 54,000 square feet, it’s United’s largest-ever club, and the largest of any airline in the Americas.

It seats 800 travelers and adds a few standout amenities, including a 1,350-square-foot outdoor terrace, two full-service bars, two buffet stations, and 11 private phone rooms.

The design looks like an elevated United Club. (If you’ve been to any of Houston’s United Clubs before, you know this opening is long overdue.)

At long last, the FAA has certified the Boeing 737 MAX 10.

It’s major news for airlines worldwide, including four of the biggest U.S. carriers.

The MAX 10 adds capacity and improves economics, making high-demand routes more efficient (and, ultimately, more profitable).

Here’s how the U.S. carriers plan to use it:

Delta just announced two big Wi-Fi milestones.

First, it’s switching on transpacific coverage, which brings Delta’s entire global network online.

Second, more than 95% of its fleet now has Wi-Fi, with the remaining 5% (regional jets and Boeing 717s) expected to be done by early next year.

A few thoughts:

I know I’m a sample size of one, but I’ve made a point of flying Starlink-equipped planes this year. It’s been the difference between working the entire flight and constantly worrying about dead zones.

Please tell me I’m not alone.

Fresh off a major onboard overhaul, Alaska Airlines is back with more good news.

This time, it’s the carrier’s latest long-haul expansion from Seattle: Osaka, Japan, and Papeete, Tahiti.

Alaska will fly Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s on these year-round routes. Those jets have an outdated business-class product that’s slated to be replaced by the new Leihoku suites (though not until 2028).

Alaska is keeping its promise to add 15 new long-haul destinations from Seattle by 2030. (These are the eighth and ninth.)

The biggest question on my mind: How long until Delta announces a return to Osaka and Tahiti?

Delta last flew from Seattle to Osaka in 2019, and it pulled out of Tahiti last year.

With Alaska entering both markets — and Seattle as competitive as ever — I wouldn’t be shocked to see Delta try again. Even if it’s just to put up a fight.

I know this is mostly a points-and-travel newsletter, but I’m always looking for ways to save you money.

So consider this a tip (or a reminder for some of you): Always ask for a price match.

I was reminded of this yesterday while buying contacts. I love 1-800 Contacts, but its prices are often way higher unless you buy a year’s supply.

The good news? It has a phenomenal price match policy that works with nearly any competitor. I saved $61.02 on two boxes just by asking the agent to match Costco’s price.

Many travel companies offer price matching, too, though those policies vary widely. (For example, I’ve landed a successful price match with Marriott just twice.)

Here are the hotel price match policies to bookmark:

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