FlyerGeek

Miles, Points, Hacks and More!

Uber VIP Program [2021 Overview]

by Leave a Comment

Now available to Amex Platinum and Centurion card holders.

Uber VIP is an elite-level rewards tier, first introduced in 2015, that was previously only accessible to the most frequent riders.

In 2021, however, the program rewards a different set of riders but offers many of the same perks. The Uber VIP program really morphed back in January of 2019 when Uber and American Express decided to partner on the program. Today, the rewards are simply offered to American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders (regardless of their Uber trip count).

If you have an American Express Platinum or Centurion card and wish to take advantage of the Uber VIP program, simply enter your card information as the primary payment option in your Uber profile. From there you’ll gain immediate access.

To learn more about what the Uber VIP program has in store for riders in 2021, continue reading our review below.

What is the Uber VIP Program?

The Uber VIP program rewards a small portion of credit card customers with access to highly rated drivers and high-quality vehicles.

Uber VIP is not something that Uber advertises as an option to all of its riders. When it was first rolled out, access to this program was only offered to Uber’s “most valued riders” via private emails. Those designated as top riders completed 100 trips in one city and were extended an invitation into the VIP program. This status wasn’t something you could apply or even pay for, you just had to be invited. 

Now, VIP access is automatically granted to Uber riders regardless of trip history if they have one of two credit cards:

  1. The Platinum Card from American Express or
  2. the American Express Centurion Card.

Both of these cards are premium. The Platinum Card is a well-known travel card with numerous exclusive benefits and the Centurion Card is a coveted invite-only business card with elusive perks not revealed to the public.

If you’re an Uber regular, you probably already know about Uber Rewards because it’s impossible to avoid. Uber VIP and Uber Rewards are not related, so you don’t have to be a member of one program to be a member of the other. However, some of the rewards offered at the highest level of Uber Rewards are similar to those offered by Uber VIP. 

But even Diamond-level Uber Rewards members can’t qualify for VIP status unless they have one of those two Amex cards linked to their account. Additionally, those that used to have VIP status were booted when Uber changed its policy to allow only Amex members.

Uber VIP Program Benefits

The Uber VIP program matches riders with only top-rated drivers in nice vehicles. More specifically, drivers with a rating of 4.8 stars or above—VIP drivers—and high-quality vehicles. 

It is not clear what vehicles are considered to be high-quality, but newer models and attractive rides can be expected. However, these might be luxury cars and they might not as the level of luxe depends on what ride type you select. You will be able to choose between UberX VIP and UberBlack VIP trips.

Uber VIP members also receive exclusive discounts and deals and are the first to hear when Uber is running a new promotion. You do not have to pay Uber VIP membership fees and trip prices are not higher through this loyalty program than they would be for non-VIP rides.

How to Join the Uber VIP Program

If you have an American Express Platinum or Centurion card and you link it to your Uber account, you will automatically gain access to Uber VIP if it is offered in your area. 

Uber has plans to continue expanding its network of Uber VIP-eligible cities but a full list of locations is not available. However, what is known for sure is that this program favors big cities and metropolitan areas. For example, Washington, D.C., New York City, Dallas, and Atlanta are included. 

If you qualify for VIP status but don’t live in an area that offers VIP travel, you’re out of luck and will have to take non-VIP trips.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Uber VIP is probably not anything to get too excited about. It’s not better than what any other Uber rider can access with enough points and it’s not well-established enough to really come through for the few members that actually qualify for it. 

Uber does a pretty good job of rewarding its loyal customers already, and Uber Diamond is generally thought to be much better than Uber VIP.

Uber Diamond, the top benefits tier of Uber’s four-tier rewards program that requires 7,500 to unlock, offers its members loads of complimentary perks such as upgrades to Black rides and a credit for three free Uber Eats deliveries every six months. Diamond members also have access to 24/7 customer support and highly-rated drivers, like VIP members. Plus, Uber Rewards is no longer location-dependent, so your Diamond benefits follow you wherever you go. Even Platinum-level perks are nothing to scoff at.

Another potential negative to the VIP program to consider is ride availability. Uber VIP is not widely available across the country, and even in locations where it is, you might have more trouble hailing a VIP ride than you would a non-VIP ride. Not all vehicles are going to qualify as high quality and a smaller portion of drivers have the service ratings to qualify for VIP driving, so there is no guarantee that you’ll always be able to get a ride when you need one.

Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees & Loopholes [2021 Edition]

by Leave a Comment

Scroll down to find clever ways to avoid or reduce baggage fees when flying on Alaska Airlines.

If you haven’t visited the Alaska Airlines baggage information page in a while, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with current rules. Knowing the ins and outs of baggage policies makes it possible to save as much time and money as possible when flying, and this guide to 2021 fees and allowances can help with that.

From up-to-date bag size restrictions to every potential fee and waiver, here’s every baggage policy you’ll need to know before flying Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines Carry-On Rules

Alaska Airlines passengers are allowed two free carry-on items per flight: one personal item and one standard carry-on bag.

In 2021, carry-on bags must be no larger than ​22” x 14” x 9”​. Current size guidelines stipulate that your total bag measurement (length + height + width) should not exceed ​45 inches ​(linear).

There is no size rule for personal items, but Alaska Airlines lists purses, laptops, and briefcases as examples of acceptable carry-on items. Lap infants are ​not g​ iven separate baggage allowances, so diaper bags must be counted toward the standard carry-on allowance.

Other items that can count as a carry-on bag but that may exceed size restrictions (as long as they still fit safely on board) include:

  • Human Organs
  • Art/advertising portfolios
  • Paintings
  • Delicate scientific equipment
  • Fishing poles
  • Small musical instruments

Items that can be brought on board that do not count toward the carry-on limit include:

  • Coats, hats, and umbrellas
  • Pillows
  • Food to be consumed on the flight
  • Child restraint seats and transportation devices such as car seats and strollers
  • Properly documented service animals
  • Mobility and medical assistive devices such as wheelchairs, breast pumps, and walkers

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Rules for 2021

  1. Alaska Airlines allows a weight of ​50 pounds​ and linear measurement of ​62 inches​ for standard checked baggage. Bags weighing and/or measuring more than this will be charged additional fees (outlined in the section below).

For bags within the standard size and weight restrictions, the fees are as follows:

1 bag2 bag3 bag3+ bags
$30$40$100$100 (each)

Items exempt from checked baggage charges include:

  • Strollers and car seats
  • Pineapple from Hawaii
  • Mobility and medical ​assistive devices
  • Wine—for ​Mileage Plan​ members through select US airports only

Fees for checked baggage may be paid at any airport counter or during check-in online. If your flight is eligible for ​self-tagged baggage​, you can print your luggage tags at home beforehand or at a self-tag kiosk to save yourself time in lines (note: size and weight fee restrictions still apply).

It’s useful to know about the Alaska Airlines 20 minute baggage guarantee. Alaska Airlines commits to getting its customers their checked bags within 20 minutes of their plane’s arrival at the gate. If this time guarantee is not met and a customer is kept waiting at baggage claim for their luggage, they are eligible to receive either a $25 discount code or 2,500 bonus miles.

Baggage Fees for Trips that Include Multiple Flights

If you’re flying to a destination with one or more stops along the way you may have to pay additional baggage fees if any of your layover(s) are more than 12 hours. In the event that your layover is longer than 12 hours you will need to claim and recheck your baggage. If you had to pay for additional or oversized baggage in a previous leg of your trip, then you’ll likely pay for it again in this scenario. Any layover under 12 hours, Alaska will book your luggage all the way through to your final destination.

Excess Baggage Fees

Bags weighing more than 100 pounds and/or measuring greater than 115” (linear) are strictly prohibited, but checked-baggage may exceed the standard limits as long as it does not exceed these maximums. Oversize and overweight baggage incurs additional charges.

Here is a chart of price per bag for checked luggage that exceeds size allowances.

AllowedFees
< 50 lbs and < 62” YesStandard
51 – 100 lbsYes$100
63 – 115”Yes$100
> 100 lbs and/or > 115”No–

If a bag weighs more than 50 pounds ​and​ measures more than 62 inches, only $100 is charged. ​Special baggage items​ including firearms, sports equipment, fragile/bulky items, musical instrument, and big game have their own restrictions, so make sure you know those as well. Also see ​seasonal checked baggage limits​ per person during peak travel times.

These Credit Cards Reduce Baggage Fees

Many travel credit cards reimburse cardholders for incidental fees associated with flying, and that includes checked bagged charges. The following major credit cards offer annual baggage fee reimbursement:

  • American Express Platinum:​ $200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve:​ $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

Many cards also offer luggage reimbursement for lost or stolen luggage, which is probably worth looking into if you do a lot of traveling or are flying with valuables.

Credit Cards That Give You 1 Free Checked Bag

You get one free bag per flight with any of these cards above.

Alaska Airlines has a few airline-branded credit cards that you can use to automatically get free checked bags rather than having to get your payments reimbursed. These cards, associated with Bank of America, are:

  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Business
  • Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard

Each of these cards offers its members ​one free checked bag​. This baggage fee waiver applies for up to 6 guests traveling in the same reservation. In addition to free checked bags, Alaska Airlines credit cardholders can earn miles, get cashback on in-flight purchases, take advantage of ​Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare​, receive discounted lounge passes, and more.

Waivers and Loopholes

Travel cards aren’t the only way to hack the system. Some flyers that do not hold qualifying credit cards can still have baggage fees waived through Alaska Airlines if they meet certain guidelines. These include:

  • Active duty US Military personnel and dependents​: first 5 bags free (see more exemptions below)
  • First Class flyers, upgraded before baggage has been checked​: first 2 bags free
  • Flyers traveling within Alaska​: first 3 bags free
  • Elite Mileage Plan members: first 2 bags free
  • Club 49​ (a Mileage Plan program for Alaska residents) members:​ first 2 bags free

To qualify for military discounts, individuals must present valid military ID at the time of baggage check. In addition to free checked bags, active duty military personnel and their dependents have overweight and oversize fees waived for bags weighing up to 70 pounds and measuring greater than 115.”

Knowing Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees and Policies

Find out if you qualify for baggage fee exemptions, whether your baggage meets acceptable guidelines, and what you are allowed to bring with you ​before ​you board your plane. Be an informed traveler to make the most of every flight.

Icelandair Baggage Fees, Policy & Loopholes [2021]

by Leave a Comment

[January 2021 Update: Iceland Air returned to their regular carry-on baggage rules as of December 10, 2020.

They still recommend for your safety and convenience traveling with as little carry-on baggage as possible.

Passengers are reminded that they still have the option to check in approved carry-on baggage at no additional cost. Please speak with a representative at the airport check-in desk or at the gate.]

You probably know that the aptly-named Icelandair can get you to and from the lush Nordic island of Iceland (and several other European countries), but do you know everything there is to know about their baggage policies and allowances in 2021?

If not, and for more information about ways to save, keep reading.

Carry-On Rules for Icelandair

When it comes to baggage fees for Icelandair flights, what you’ll pay and what you’re allowed to bring is entirely dependent on your flight class. There are ​five flight classes​ for this airline:

  • Economy Light
  • Economy Standard
  • Economy Flex
  • Saga Premium
  • Saga Premium Flex

Every​ flyer is allowed ​one free carry-on​ and ​one free personal item ​aboard their flight, and Saga Premium Flex passengers are allowed ​two free carry-ons​ and one personal item.

Carry-ons are restricted to a maximum dimension of ​21.6” x 15.7” x 7.8” ​and maximum weight of ​22 pounds​ and these must fit in the overhead compartment of your plane.​ ​Personal items are restricted to a maximum dimension of ​15.7” x 11.8” x 5.9” ​and these must fit under the seat in front of you. These size and weight restrictions for carry-ons and personal items apply to all passengers.

Checked Baggage Rules for Icelandair

Size and weight restrictions for checked baggage, on the other hand, are ​not ​the same for all fare types on Icelandair flights. If you’re in a premium Saga class, you are permitted to check heavier bags for no additional fee. With that said, the standard weight allowance for checked bags is ​50 pounds​ and the standard dimension ​62 linear inches.

See the chart below for bag allowances by class.

Number of Checked BagsWeight
Economy Light0–
Economy Standard150 lbs
Economy Flex150 lbs
Saga Premium270 lbs
Saga Premium Flex270 lbs

But flying Economy Light doesn’t mean flying with no checked baggage. These allowances are simply what’s included in your fare.​ Any passenger can purchase additional bags or heavier bags than their fare permits. The maximum per person is 10 checked bags.

Certain ​baggage is allowed free of charge​ to qualifying passengers, either onboard or as cargo. This includes:

  • Folding strollers
  • Approved child car seats
  • Wheelchairs (read about maximum dimensions ​here​)

Excess Baggage Fees For Icelandair

Icelandair enforces excess baggage rules depending on flight route. Flights from Iceland to Europe, from Iceland to the U.S. or Canada, and from Europe to the U.S. or Canada all incur distinct oversize, overweight, and additional bag fees. See these below.

1 Additional Bag (50 lbs)1 Additional Bag (50 – 70 lbs)
Iceland to Europe$59$50
Iceland to U.S. or Canada$69$58
Europe to U.S. or Canada$95$80

Icelandair’s website does not specify what you’ll pay for items that are oversize in dimension but not weight (A.K.A. too large but not too heavy). Though if your items fall into one of the following oversize baggage categories, here’s exactly what you’ll be charged per item for a one-way flight:

Skis, Angling, Golf Equipment, Skateboard, Weapons, Diving, HockeyBikes, Kites, SurfboardsKayaks, Vaulting Poles, Windsurfing, Surf BoardsOversize Musical Instruments
Iceland to Europe$42$83$126$42
Iceland to U.S. or Canada$49$99$148$49
Europe to U.S. or Canada$58$116$174$58

Keep in mind that heavy bags can only be paid for at the airport and that excess baggage fees are non-refundable.

Money saving tip:​ If you pre-purchase extra baggage through ​Manage Booking​ or an Icelandair service center ​before checking in ​for a flight exclusively through Icelandair, your baggage charges will be discounted 20% ​(a maximum of three additional bags can be discounted in this way).

How to Get Reimbursed For Baggage Fees

Travel credit cards are the way to go when it comes to getting the money you pay in incidental flight fees back. For more cash in your pockets, consider one of these credit cards:

  • American Express Platinum: ​$200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve:​ $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

Travel reimbursements will save you some serious money long-term.

Credit Cards That Let You Check Bags For Free

The Icelandair Mastercard and Icelandair Premium Mastercard are the two airline-exclusive credit cards to look into if you’re wanting to earn more points for Icelandair flights and purchases. These cards, issued by ​First Bankcard​, have no foreign transaction fees and can earn you points, called Saga Points, on Icelandair purchases and purchases made anywhere else. These can be spent on baggage fees, flights, and more. To apply for these cards, you must become a member of the ​Saga Club frequent flyer program (more on this next).

The Icelandair Mastercard comes with no annual fee and awards 5,000 points as a first purchase bonus, one point per dollar spent on Icelandair purchases, and 0.5 points per dollar spent everywhere else. The Icelandair Premium Mastercard costs $39 a year, awards 10,000 points as a first purchase bonus, two points per dollar spent on Icelandair purchases, and one point per dollar spent everywhere else.

Icelandair Fee Waivers & Loopholes

Because it is a European airline, Icelandair does not offer discounts or fee waivers to U.S. active duty military members or their dependents. However, there are a couple of ways to hack your way to discounted prices through Icelandair. The first is to become a member of the ​Saga Club​.

Anyone over the age of 12 can ​become a member​ of the Saga Club, but only members with 40,000 or more Saga points are upgraded to Saga Silver status and only members with 80,000 are upgraded to Saga Gold. Silver and Gold flyers earn more rewards and have priority access to exclusive offers (remember those free extra checked bags?) and upgrades that other passengers do not. The Saga Club does not cost anything to join.

Another way to save is to use Alaska Airlines points and miles on Icelandair flights and fees. This works because ​Alaska Airlines is Icelandair’s largest U.S. partner​, so many rewards between these airlines are interchangeable. Of course, always opt for economy class when possible, check your bags ahead of time, and keep your baggage under the size and weight restrictions, as well.

How to Save Money Flying Icelandair

You’ll find that there are many ways to cut costs when flying with Icelandair. By knowing the (above) baggage rules, policies and potential waivers, you’ll be in the best position to fly Icelandair at the lowest possible cost to you and your family.

Ryanair Baggage Fees, Allowances & Loopholes [2021]

by Leave a Comment

Ryanair, the Irish budget airline, has highly specific baggage policies and allowances. Are you up to date on their current policies?

If not, here’s all of the information you’ll need regarding baggage for Ryanair flights in 2021.

Carry-On Rules for Ryanair

Ryanair passengers have ​one small bag​—such as a laptop, purse, or small backpack—included in their fare as a carry-on. This carry-on must be no larger than ​15.7” x 7.9” x 9.8” ​(40 x 20 x 25cm) and must fit underneath the seat in front of you. This is the policy for ​non-priority​ passengers.

Ryanair airports have bag sizers stationed around various terminals that you can use to make sure that your carry-on bag meets size restrictions and will fit under a seat (these sizers will also show whether your checked baggage is the right size). If a small bag does not fit in the sizer, non-priority passengers must pay a fee of about $28 (€/£25) to check their bag as cargo and will not be able to take it as a carry-on.

Priority t​ravelers are allowed to take ​two bags ​on board: ​one wheelie bag ​(a rolling suitcase) and o​ne small bag. ​The wheelie bag has a weight limit of about ​22 pounds ​(10kg) and a size limit of ​21.7” x 7.9” x 15.7” ​(55 x 20 x 40cm).

This 22-pound carry-on is available for purchase by non-priority passengers for a price of between $11 and $28 (€/£10 – 25), depending on the flight. This can be done during check-in, at the time of booking, or up to 40 minutes before take-off through the ​Ryanair app​. If added to your flight at the gate, expect to pay $28. These carry-ons must be checked-in at the airport bag drop desk. Alternatively, passengers can pay between $7 and $16 (€/£6 – 14) to add priority to their trip and bump up their cabin bag allowance.

Checked Baggage Rules for Ryanair

Every passenger may purchase up to ​three checked bags​ ​per flight and these are each restricted to a maximum weight of ​44 pounds ​(20kg). Baggage is charged per person, per one-way flight. Checked baggage may not exceed ​70.5 pounds ​(32kg) and/or ​31.9” x 46.9” x 46.9” ​(81 x 119 x 119cm), for safety reasons. Weight restrictions do not apply to medical and mobility assistive devices.

If you add checked baggage to your flight at the initial time of ​booking​, you will pay $28 (€/£25) per bag. If you add checked baggage to your flight online, through a call center, or in-person after booking, you will pay about $45 (€/£40) per bag. These prices are subject to change during peak travel times.

For those traveling in groups, know that you are allowed to pool per-person baggage allowances as long as everyone checks in at the same time. Otherwise, if you exceed your personal bag limit of three, you will be charged additional fees by weight.

Items allowed to all passengers free of charge include:

  • One child stroller
  • One child restraint seat or carrier
  • Medical/mobility assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes

2020 Ryanair Excess Baggage Fees

Ryanair offers an in-depth ​guide to all additional fees ​(from extra legroom to flight-change fees) on its site, but the table below gives a complete list of charges for oversize and overweight sports and musical equipment. Prices vary based on whether you add an excess baggage item at the time of booking or after booking.

During BookingAfter Booking
Bikes$67 | €/£60$84 | €/£75
Large Sports Items$61 | €/£55$72 | €/£65
Sports Equipment$39 | €/£35$45 | €/£40
Ski Equipment$50 | €/£45$56 | €/£50
Golf Clubs$33 | €/£30$45 | €/£40
Musical Instruments$56 | €/£50$72 | €/£65

If a piece of sports or musical equipment weighs more than the 44-pound (20kg) allowance, extra baggage fees apply on top of the above fees. The current rate for extra baggage is $5.70 per pound (€/£11 per kilogram) for every bag you check outside of your three-bag limit. In addition, extra child/baby equipment may be purchased for about $17 (€/£15) a piece.

Get Baggage Fees Reimbursed With These Cards

If you’re on the hunt for top-rated travel credit cards that will reimburse you for baggage fees, keep these five in mind:

  • American Express Platinum​: $200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve​: $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

How to Get Free Checked Bags Through Ryanair

At this time, Ryanair does not have its own airline credit cards that will get you free checked baggage, so you’ll have to try to save money on flights in other ways. Other than the small personal bag that’s free for everyone and the free 22-pound bag for priority flyers, there is no way to get checked bags for no cost or to have fees waived.

Ryanair is already a discount airline, so tracking down additional discounts is nearly impossible. With that said, follow these tips to save the most money:

  1. Add baggage to your reservation at the time of booking.
  2. Travel priority if your baggage weighs 10kg or less.
  3. Pool your bag limit with other passengers in your reservation.

Ryanair Fee Waivers and Loopholes

Ryanair Choice​ is an annual frequent-flyer membership, launched in 2019, that offers free priority boarding, flight discounts, and exclusive access to members. It costs about $222 (€199) annually, so be sure that joining is something that makes sense for you before committing. Consider joining the Ryanair Choice frequent flyers program only if you plan to do a lot of flying through Ryanair in a year.

Ryanair does ​not ​offer a miles-earning program. However, booking stays with ​Ryanair Rooms​ ​earns flight credit that can be used on any Ryanair purchases.

Ryanair does not offer military discounts to U.S. active-duty military members and/or their dependents.

Special Declaration of Value for Checked Bags

If you plan on flying with something of value in your checked bag(s), then you may want to look into Ryan Air’s Special Declaration of Value coverage. By default and per the Montreal Convention 1999, liability coverage only extends up to ~ €1,600.00 per bag.

You may pay a Special Checked Baggage Declaration of Value fee prior to your trip to have the liability coverage increased to ~ €2600.00 per bag.

Customers may purchase this at the Airport Ticket Desk and must do so for each airport of departure.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to fly Ryanair, you can already be sure that you’re getting some of the best flight prices out there. But if you travel light and book smart by taking advantage of ways to save on baggage fees, you can score low fares on any number of international flights.

The 12 Most Luxurious First Class Airline Cabins in the World [2021 Edition]

by Leave a Comment

First class flying first became a thing back in 1955 when TWA offered two separate services on its Lockhead constellation aircrafts.

Today, almost all major airlines offer some form of premium seating separate from typical economy seats.

That said, the level of luxury, comfort, amenities and overall pampering can vary drastically by airline.

So we’ve put together our top 12 list of most luxurious airline cabins in the world. This list is not necessarily in descending order from best to worst, but just a collection of the most noteworthy first class flights available in 2021.

Keep in mind that many first class flight offers are being pulled due to the ongoing concern of COVID-19, so we will do our best to keep this list updated as offers become added or discontinued.

Etihad Airways – The Residence

image credit: etihad.com

If it weren’t for the windows in the cabin, the Etihad Airways’ Residence, may have you believe you’re actually in some tiny, yet luxurious, hotel room rather than 30,000 miles in the sky.

What gives this cabin that feel?

For starters, the seating. With cozy double beds and armchairs you’ll wish you had at home, sleeping on this plane may even be easier than sleeping on the ground. You’ll also fly in complete privacy, have a bathroom—outfitted with a shower—all your own, and be waited on by a server from the comfort of your cabin. But what really makes this choice stand out is the size. Each of this cabin’s three rooms (yes, three rooms!) is completely private and large enough that you can walk around comfortably, and you can head to your bedroom when you’re ready to call it a day without having to convert any recliners.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York NY (JFK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) = USD $23,067.35.

🍷🍱 Food and Drink: Customizable meals curated by top chefs (ex. Abu Dhabi farmed caviar and sea bass) and expert wine pairings to go with them.

🖥 🚿 🛎 Perks: Three-bedroom apartment measuring 45 square feet, private shower, 27-inch flat-screen TV, personal butler.

Take a 3D tour of The Residence here.

Singapore Airlines Suite

Singapore Airlines is a crowd favorite when it comes to flying in comfort and being treated like royalty, and we agree that it offers one of the best luxury flights out there. Though more similar to a standard first-class flight than the Etihad Airways experience above, this is still a truly unforgettable cabin.

This flight promises private cabins with lush seats and in-flight accommodations designed to make you feel over-the-top pampered. You’ll only need to share a bathroom with a few people and there are sliding privacy doors in every compartment. Also worthy of mention are the countless storage options provided to guests in each cabin, most of which are padded and closeable to accommodate fragile and delicate items as needed.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York NY (JFK) to Singapore, Singapore (SIN) = ~USD $23,000.

🍾 🥩 Food and Drink: Bottomless Dom Perignon champagne and gourmet meals that can be chosen in advance (ex. Dim sum including lobster dumplings and fish congee).

🖥 🛍 Notable Perks: 32-inch TV, Italian leather upholstery, adjustable lighting, sliding doors, ample storage.

Emirates – First Class

The next time you need to take a long-haul flight and want to really do it right, check and see if Emirates airline of the United Arab Emirates has a First Class route available. Designed in partnership with travel and tech industry giants Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic, these cabins put most other luxury cabins to shame. 

These cabins are surprisingly roomy at 40-square-feet and highly customizable, letting you toggle everything from lighting and temperature to the angle of recline on your seat/bed. And if all of this isn’t enough to help you sleep like a baby, you can step into the shower spa attached to your cabin for a rinse and unwind with a movie and drink. Don’t forget to use the high-end toiletries left for you—like the pajamas, skincare products, and blankets—for the full effect.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB) = ~USD $13,600.

🥃 🍗 Food and Drink: Regional a la carte meals and canapes (ex. Arabic mezze and grilled lamb cutlets), extensive fine wine selection, and Dalmore King Alexander III whiskey.

🖥 🚿🧴 Notable Perks: Onboard shower spa, Byredo skincare, mini bar, privacy doors, vanity, TV with 4,000 channels, adjustable temp.

Take a 3D tour here of Emirates First Class here.

Air France – La Premiere

image credit: www.airfrance.us

Air France takes luxury flying seriously, and it shows. The La Premiere cabin displays all of the class and sophistication France is known for in both design and hospitality. Four private suites in pleasing neutral tones and decadent materials await first-class passengers in La Premiere cabins, and every detail is as luxe as it gets. 

When you fly La Premiere with Air France, you’ll get a memory foam seat that transforms into an extra-long bed, a touch screen TV equipped with free streaming, more storage than you’ll probably need, and curtains for privacy. And of course, the French cuisine is memorable, to say the least. These cabins are known for providing high-quality accommodations and sparing no expense when it comes to in-flight goodies (bathrobes, beauty products, you name it).

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Paris, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) = ~USD $16,500.

🍷 🍖 Food and Drink: French cuisine curated by Michelin chefs (ex. foie gras terrine and simmered veal with verbena) and high-end wine and champagne.

🖥 🛏 🧺 Notable Perks: 24-inch touchscreen TV and entertainment system, extra-long bed, cloakroom, ottoman, bathrobes, and high-end amenities and bedding.

Cathay Pacific – First Class

Cathay Pacific’s first-class cabin boasts the widest seats offered by any airline at 36” across, but that’s far from where the luxury stops. This cabin features ultra-comfortable reclining seats in roomy suites that, while not 100% private, are only connected to the suites behind and in front of them, giving them a secluded feel.

These suites are also notable for having ottoman’s with seat belts in them, or buddy seats, so you can invite another passenger to have a meal with you if you’re traveling with someone. But food is where Cathay really pulls out all the stops. From champagne and caviar on mother of pearl spoons to some of the highest-quality fish and cuts of meat available, inflight fine dining with Cathay is sure to wow even the most difficult-to-impress travelers.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Hong Kong = ~USD $20,000.

🍺 🍲 Food and Drink: Asian-inspired and global cuisine on an a la carte menu (ex. marinated abalone and peking duck with black truffle) and fine tea and alcoholic beverages including Betsy beer.

🖥 🎧 🧺 Notable Perks: Extra-wide seats, cotton pajamas, mattress topper, adjustable television, closet, Bose noise-canceling headphones.

Lufthansa – First Class

image credit: lufthansa.com

Another airline that knows how to spoil its passengers is Lufthansa, a German airline that provides a next-level first-class cabin chock full of services and extras. Routes all around Europe and across the globe are available in limited supply with this top carrier. 

This cabin is a little more unassuming in appearance than some of the others on this list, but don’t take that to mean that it’s any less comfortable. The recliner/beds deserve the attention they get, because they’re somehow even cozier and more inviting than they look, thanks to the German engineering that brought them to life. Lastly, the food is not only incredible in quality and presentation but also curated with inspiration from the region you are traveling to or from, making for a unique dining experience you won’t soon forget.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) = ~USD $7,000.

🍷 🍲 Food and Drink: “Vinothek Discoveries” wine selections, caviar service, and multi-course meals (ex. caviar and seared beef filet).

🖥 🎬 🎧 Notable Perks: Personal assistant, amenity kit, ergonomic seating, television with over 100 movies and 200 TV channels, Bose noise-canceling headphones.

Qatar Airways – First Class

image credit: qatarairways.com

Another big player in the luxury flying game is Qatar Airways, the flag carrier of Qatar in the Middle East. Qatar Airways also offers a business class that you’d never know wasn’t top-tier first, called QSuites. Be sure to check this option out too if you’re going to be flying globally in the near future.

What makes this cabin special is not one thing in particular but a collection of many carefully thought-out details. The first thing you’ll notice when you board is how aesthetically pleasing the whole cabin is, with everything in sharp neutrals and rich accent colors. Next, you’ll likely take in the large television that can be found in your mostly-private suite and the countless amenities from Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio of Italy that await you. Not to be outdone by the others, Qatar also offers stellar food and drink options that passengers can select before flying. The seat isn’t too shabby either, especially when you kick back with your complimentary slippers.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Qatar (DOH) = ~USD $15,000.

🍸 🥗 Food and Drink: A la carte menus featuring vegan and non-vegan choices (ex. parsnip soup and rack of lamb), caviar service, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

🖥 🎬 💻 Notable Perks: Frette linens and duvet, TV with 4,000 movies and channels, onboard Wi-Fi, Bric’s (reusable) amenity kits.

Qantas – First Class

Next on this list is the premier Australian airline Qantas’ first-class cabin. Each swiveling pod is extra-wide and features privacy walls on every side, so you’ll likely see other passengers only when you board and get off the plane. When you’re ready to turn in, ask for the turndown service and watch your recliner be transformed into a plush bed outfitted in Sheridan linens.

This cabin may not have the square footage or total privacy that some of the others on this list can offer, but it does have inflight entertainment, in-seat massages for every passenger, and plenty of storage. And you can’t forget about the fine dining or this airline’s dedication to sustainability. First flyers can enjoy slipping into bamboo socks and opening complimentary hygiene and skincare products free of plastic packaging.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Sydney, Australia (SYD) = ~USD $5,000.

🥂 🍤 Food and Drink: A la carte options and tasting menu-style meals (ex. Lobster cocktail and seared blue eye), award-winning wine and champagne pairings recommended by a “Sommelier in the Sky.” 

🖥 🎬 🍿 Notable Perks: In-seat massages, sustainable amenities, Sheridan linens, inflight entertainment including new release movies and TV shows.

Japan Airlines – First Class

image credit: www.jal.co.jp

The Japan Airlines first-class cabins are sophisticated and notoriously well-kept, making this another no-brainer on our list. Each seat measures 23 inches across and has its own privacy dividers on every side. Storage is not only ample but thoughtfully designed, and you’ll love the configuration of your cabin when it comes time to kick back with your seat on an ottoman.

Your personal TV is equipped with fan-favorite shows and movies, and you’ll get a pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones to use.  On top of that, Japan Airlines showers first-class passengers in amenities. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll love this airline for both the quantity and quality of its food. You’ll be treated to several appetizers inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine and a lengthy list of (superb) a la carte entrees to choose from.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Tokyo = ~USD $26,000.

🥂 🍣 Food and Drink: Numerous Japanese small plates and entrees (ex. Dainomono and scallop with spicy cod roe) and champagne (including Louis Roederer Cristal).

🧴 👘 🎧 Notable Perks: Choice of hard or soft mattress pad, pajamas, Japanese skincare products, amenities Etro, Bose noise-canceling headphones.

ANA – The Suite

ANA or All Nippon Airways, another Japanese airline, deserves a spot with the best-of-the-best. Each cabin is ultra-private with high walls and sliding doors, roomy for even the lankiest of flyers, and has an extra-wide seat measuring 33 inches across.

Many passengers in this cabin are impressed by the cuisine, which offers both Japanese and Western choices, all expertly prepared and exquisitely presented. Also fan-favorites are the pajamas and cardigans offered on every flight, the high-resolution personal televisions that span a whole wall, and the seat/bed often touted as one of the most comfortable available in luxury flying.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Tokyo = ~USD $23,500.

🍾 🍜 Food and Drink: Japanese and Western gourmet menus (ex. Foie gras bowl and simmered duck in soy sauce) and drinks including Krug champagne and wine chosen to compliment available dishes by experts.

🖥 💡 🚪 Notable Perks: Sliding door, Samsonite amenity kits, 43-inch 4K TV, adjustable partitions for middle seats, adjustable lighting.

British Airways – First Class

image credit: britishairways.com

The British Airways First Class cabin is stylish and features staggered cubicle-style seating for increased privacy. Passengers will find many high-end amenities awaiting them at their seats, which are cushioned with foam for long-haul comfort.

British Airways prides itself on providing great service and amenities, including inflight entertainment, pajamas, toiletries, and more. Wi-Fi is available for a small additional charge. The food in this cabin is phenomenal and has been improved upon greatly in recent years, so you don’t want to miss out on what’s cooking. The TV at every seat, though a little smaller than some of the others at 15 inches, comes with ports for your devices and noise-canceling headphones.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to London, England (LCY) = ~USD $13,000.

🍾 🍤 Food and Drink: Pre-packaged British a la carte cuisine (ex. king prawns and Welsh lamb shank), tea, and Laurent Perrior Grand Siecle champagne.

🖥 🚪 💡 Notable Perks: Sliding door, ottoman, personal adjustable TV, adjustable lighting, Temperley London pajamas, Elemis amenity kits.

Virgin Atlantic – Upper Class

Wrapping up our list of greats is Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class cabin, which offers first-class travel renowned for its extra-long beds and great crew. This British airline travels to the United States, several parts of Europe, Central America, a few countries in Africa, and select Asian and South Asian destinations. Seats are connected in rows but angled away from each other and with partitions between each.

Meals can be pre-selected (but please note that this feature is not currently being offered due to coronavirus travel restrictions) and there is something for every palate on the menu. Another thing to love about this choice is that it is more widely available than some of the others on this list, though still a little hard to come by at times. The earlier you check for an upper class ticket, the better.

💸 Price: From New York, NY (JFK) to London, England (LCY) = ~USD $18,000.

🍷 🍝 Food and Drink: Gourmet meals that can be pre-selected (ex. spicy butternut soup and seafood linguine), full-service bar serving Berry Bros. and Rudd wine, and Eric Lanlard Mile High Tea with refreshments.

🖥 🎬 🎮 Notable Perks: Adjustable lighting, amenities, personal TVs with movies and games.

Flying with Delta Airlines? Here’s How to Get Priority Boarding

by Leave a Comment

image credit: delta.com

It’s no secret that Delta Air Lines offers a solid flying experience, but did you know that it’s easy to make that experience even better? As one of the most popular airlines in the United States with as many as 200 million passengers per year, chances are good that you’ll be on a Delta flight sooner or later. 

That’s why it may be a good idea to learn a few hacks to make your future Delta flight more enjoyable. Specifically, how to be one of the first passengers on the plane with priority boarding.

To board priority the next time you fly with Delta Air Lines, follow these tips and tricks.

Boarding Priority Zone Breakdown

Delta sorts all flyers into eight boarding groups based on ticket type, loyalty status, and more. Here’s a look at what these groups are and who is in them, in order of who boards first to the unlucky lasts. 

  1. Pre-Boarding: Those with disabilities that require extra time/space or assistance to board AND active-duty U.S. military personnel
  2. Delta One: Passengers with Delta One tickets AND flyers with Diamond Medallion loyalty status
  3. Delta Premium Select/First Class: Passengers with Premium Select tickets, Passengers with First Class tickets, AND flyers with Diamond Medallion loyalty status (if Delta One is not offered on a flight)
  4. Delta Comfort+: Passengers with Delta Comfort+ tickets
  5. Sky Priority: See “Who Is Eligible to Get SkyPriority?”
  6. Main Cabin 1: See “Who Is Eligible to Be in Main Cabin 1?”
  7. Main Cabin 2:* Passengers with Main Cabin tickets
  8. Main Cabin 3: Passengers with Main Cabin tickets purchased at T, X, or V fares (these are deeply discounted Main Cabin fares—read more about Delta Air Lines Exception Fares here)
  9. Basic Economy: Passengers with Basic Economy tickets

Main Cabin (called Premium Economy with some airlines) is the flight class above Basic Economy, but only the Main Cabin 2 boarding priority class is designated for these customers (unless they have a loyalty status that bumps them into a higher tier).

Who Is Eligible to Get Sky Priority?

Sky Priority is going to be for you if you are not a Diamond Medallion member and you’ve got a Main Cabin or Basic Economy ticket. 

All those eligible to board with the Sky Priority zone include:

  • Platinum Medallion members
  • Gold Medallion members
  • Flying Blue Platinum and Gold members
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members
  • Virgin Australia Platinum and Virgin Australia Gold members
  • SkyTeam Elite Plus members

Who Is Eligible to Be in Main Cabin 1?

Right below Sky Priority in the boarding zone hierarchy is Main Cabin 1. These passengers are far from the last to board, and there are many ways to land a spot in this rank.

All those eligible to board with the Main Cabin 1 zone include:

  • Silver Medallion members
  • Delta Corporate travelers (those traveling on business that also enjoy specialized services and enhanced booking customizability)
  • Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cardmembers (see “Become a Delta Credit Cardholder” below for more information on Delta credit cards)
  • Flying Blue Silver members
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Silver members
  • Virgin Australia Velocity Silver members
  • Those with SkyTeam Elite status (SkyTeam is an alliance of 19 partner airlines including Air France, China Eastern, and Virgin Atlantic)
  • SkyMiles Select members

About Delta Sky Priority

Delta SkyPriority is one of the broadest boarding zones because it encompasses passengers of many flight classes and loyalty statuses, even with other airlines. In addition to letting passengers be some of the first on the plane, Sky Priority offers:

  • Faster baggage check-ins
  • Streamlined security checks
  • Expedited baggage services (Sky Priority passengers are some of the first to receive their bags after a flight)
  • Priority lanes for baggage and customer service lanes
  • Earlier access to the best seats on the plane
  • Opportunities to earn rewards for checking in online

Sky Priority is available wherever Delta Airlines flies, but not all services are guaranteed at every Delta airline. 

All of the benefits of Sky Priority listed above are granted automatically to passengers with Delta One, First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Business Class tickets. Delta Comfort+ comes with perks like priority boarding and earlier deplaning, but you do not get the benefits above with Delta Comfort+.

If you do not qualify for priority boarding with your tickets because you usually book, Economy or Main Cabin, shoot for Sky Priority.

For the purposes of this article, priority boarding will refer to boarding ahead of your typical boarding zone. 

Who Gets Boarding Priority Automatically?

Active-duty U.S. military personnel automatically get top-priority status when they fly with Delta Airlines. All they need to do is show identification. Others that are automatically given priority include those with disabilities that require extra time/space or assistance to board.

Unless you fall under one of these categories, you are not eligible to pre-board no matter what loyalty status you have or flight class you purchase.

Purchase a Higher Flight Class

Board first with first class! Settle in early.

Delta Air Lines offers six different flight classes. From lowest to highest: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, First Class, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One.

Passengers in luxury flight classes enjoy the earliest boarding, with Delta One customers being the first to get on the plane behind those that pre-board. However, the price tag on a Delta One ticket is not going to be reasonable for most people as a ticket of this class may cost up to three times the price of the least expensive ticket available on a flight. 

But if you can afford to splurge on something between Economy and Delta One, you can take advantage of the priority boarding you’re looking for. Even Main Cabin tickets—the second-cheapest class—bump you up a little on the boarding totem pole.

Keep in mind, however, that it is possible to get priority boarding even when you purchase a Basic Economy ticket as there are many ways to qualify for priority boarding that have nothing to do with how much your tickets cost.

What You Need to Know About Delta Flight Classes

The first thing to note about these flight classes is that they are not offered on all flights, so always look into what’s available before you use this trick to get priority boarding.

Check to make sure that the flight class you’re looking for is available for every flight you take, as not all planes contain the same sections, by calling customer support at 800-221-1212. For example, the Delta Premium Select class is only available on certain international flights and the Delta One class on long haul international flights and select domestic flights.

Get to Elite Status With Delta SkyMiles

A great way to guarantee priority boarding for yourself on all Delta Air Lines flights is to work on your loyalty status.

Within SkyMiles, there are essentially two membership tiers. There is the general membership tier that all SkyMiles members start in and the Medallion membership tier that you need to earn your way into. Once you’ve gotten into the Medallion tier, there are four statuses: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

The coveted Diamond Medallion status is not easy to get to, but reaching Medallion status is an attainable goal for many. Even just barely making it into that Medallion membership status will get you priority boarding. Remember, Silver Medallion members get to board with Main Cabin 1.

There is also Delta 360, an elite, invite-only tier for the most loyal Delta passengers there are. The perks at this membership are neither set nor publicly disclosed, but you can bet they’ll be luxurious when so few get an invitation.

How to Become a SkyMiles Member

If you’re not already a member of the Delta Air Lines loyalty program, what are you waiting for? To join SkyMiles, just 

Please keep in mind that each SkyMiles account is registered to only one person and that miles are not eligible to be transferred or sold to other accounts. Make sure everyone in your party has their own account.

How to Reach Medallion Status

Unfortunately, you won’t get out of the general SkyMiles membership status until after you’ve flown 30 Medallion Qualification Segments (MQS) OR 25,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) and spent at least $3,000 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD). You can earn MQDs on most Delta flights, flights with partner airlines, and flight purchases (as long as you’re booking directly with Delta). But once you’ve met these requirements, you’ll be bumped up to Silver Medallion status. Once in Silver Medallion status, you’ll board with Main Cabin 1.

To get to Gold Medallion status, you must fly 60 MQSs OR 50,000 MQMs and spend at least $6,000 MQDs on Delta Air Lines purchases and flights. Once in Gold Medallion, you’ll board with Sky Priority.

To get to Platinum Medallion status, you must fly 100 MQSs OR 70,000 MQMs and spend at least $9,000 MQDs. Members with Platinum Medallion status also board with Sky Priority, but there are more mileage bonuses, complimentary upgrades, and other perks in this tier than in Gold.

Finally, to get to Diamond Medallion status, you must fly 140 MQSs or 125,000 MQMs and spend at least $15,000 MQDs. Once in Diamond Medallion status, you will board with either Delta One or Delta Premium Select/First Class (depending on what is available on your flight).

Please note that you must meet the requirements for your status annually in order to maintain your elite membership. Otherwise, back down through the ranks you’ll go. 

Get to Elite Status With a Partner Airline

Not surprisingly, Delta partners with many other domestic and international airlines. This means that you may be able to benefit from your elite status with a different airline if your loyalty status with Delta leaves something to be desired.

Achieving elite status with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Virgin Australia (Velocity Frequent Flyer), Flying Blue, and SkyTeam will guarantee you a better place in line when it’s time to board the plane. If you fly internationally a lot, try your best to do so through airlines that rub elbows with Delta.

Become a Delta Credit Cardholder

Bonus points are available for all new Delta SkyMiles card holders!

Another way to board a little sooner on Delta flights is to have a Delta-branded card. Having a Delta credit card will automatically get you into Main Cabin 1, no matter what type of ticket you have. All Delta cards are issued through American Express.

Here’s a quick look at the Delta credit cards currently available and how many bonus points you can earn if you sign up right now:

  • Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express: 35,000 miles
  • Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express: 40,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs
  • Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express: 40,000 miles and 10,000 MQMs

Read more about bonus mile earning requirements, rates and fees, and perks associated with each card here.

Final Thoughts

It’s really not too difficult to get priority boarding with Delta Air Lines, and who doesn’t want to board before everyone else? However, as you can see, when you board ultimately comes down to loyalty status for most people. This means that if you haven’t joined Delta SkyMiles and started working your way up the ladder, you should probably get on that if you want to be prioritized when boarding.

You can also get a Delta credit card to easily obtain priority boarding status, but another surefire way to board earlier is to splurge on a higher flight class (if you can afford to). If you want to keep costs low but still board priority, shoot for a Main Cabin ticket or get your loyalty status up to at least Silver.