Asked at an investor conference on Thursday about the carrier’s plans in the Windy City, Chief Financial Officer Devon May emphasized Chicago’s importance to American. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) was — and is — its third-largest hub, he said repeatedly.

Up until 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic, the carrier operated some 500 daily departures out of the Midwest airport.

“This year, we’re growing back Chicago,” May said. “We have a huge customer base there… [and] we feel really good about the growth opportunities.”

American recently unveiled seven new or returning routes from Chicago O’Hare, including to Curacao International Airport (CUR), Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) in Virginia, and St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). That’s on top of long-haul additions this summer like Naples International Airport (NAP) in Italy.

The airline will operate an average of 468 daily departures from O’Hare in June, July and August, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows.

A longtime hub

American has long boasted a hub at O’Hare. Since the early 1980s, it has competed fiercely with hometown United Airlines for dominance at the airport — and the city — including playing a prominent role in the iconic Chicago holiday movie, Home Alone.

But recent months have seen the airline’s executives be especially vocal about the its Chicago presence; it was a prominent topic on the carrier’s most recent earnings call.

Prior to the pandemic, American was focused on growing three hubs, none of which were O’Hare.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — remember “DFW 900” and “Charlotte 700 plus“? — and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) were, as executives said at the time, the airline’s most profitable bases. Growth in those cities would benefit the entire airline more than adding flights elsewhere, the thinking went.

Rarely did American executives mention Chicago in those pre-pandemic days.

Fighting back

Now, though, American faces a physical threat at O’Hare. It could lose up to six gates later this year under the terms of an agreement it signed with the Chicago Department of Aviation in 2018. That agreement, which United also signed, distributes gates based primarily on departures during the prior year.

That means American’s gate count at O’Hare in 2026 could be set by its schedule in 2024. Cirium schedules show it flew an average of 349 daily departures last year, and 388 departures during the peak summer months of June, July and August.

For comparison, United flew an average of 481 daily departures from O’Hare in 2024, and 496 departures during the summer months of June, July and August, Cirium data shows.

United, which stands to gain gates at O’Hare next year, has advertised around the city that it is “Chicago’s #1 Airline” and offered MileagePlus status matches to other carriers’ frequent flyers.

Read more: American Airlines punches back in Chicago, in ‘fourth inning’ of O’Hare rebuild

May on Thursday said American’s recovery at O’Hare was hindered by the pilot shortage that slowed the recovery of its regional partners after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It came later than we would have liked,” he said of rebuilding American’s O’Hare hub.

While May declined to comment specifically on the gate allocation process, he did say American plans to “fully utilize” its “assets” — or gates — at O’Hare and grow there in the future.

American has sued to stop Chicago from redistributing gates at O’Hare later this year. The case is pending.

Related reading:

• Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
• Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
• What is American Airlines elite status worth?
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Everything you need to know about flying basic economy on American Airlines

These days, queer travelers flock to dozens of enticing beaches, from secluded spots where you can sunbathe au naturel to festive party playgrounds flanked by luxury resorts and gay nightlife districts.

Some of the world’s most amazing beaches are still relatively unknown. Try one of these 12 LGBTQIA+-favored seaside getaways as you plan your next coastal adventure.

Thessaloniki, Greece

The second-largest city in Greece, this picturesque coastal metropolis on a sheltered gulf in the Aegean Sea promises an enticing blend of vibrant urban diversions — including buzzy restaurants and nightspots — and proximity to gorgeous golden beaches. Although many queer visitors to Greece focus their time on Athens and Mykonos (and other islands), Thessaloniki has a sizable and increasingly visible LGBTQIA+ population. 

Beyond the opportunities for sunshine and relaxation, this nearly 2,500-year-old Macedonian port city is steeped in history. You can explore ruins that tell the story of the city’s Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras and the renowned Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

The presence of Aristotle University, with its nearly 100,000 students, brings art, culture and a youthful vibe to Thessaloniki, which is also famous for its many annual festivals, including the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in late autumn and a very fun Pride celebration, held over five days in June. Known as a hub of clubbing and partying, Thessaloniki has several queer bars, most of them in the up-and-coming Valaoritou neighborhood, which is close to the lively Old Port district. For fun in the sun, you’ll find several beautiful stretches of sand within a half-hour to one-hour drive along the coast, including some clothing-optional spots popular with queer folks, such as Epanomi to the southeast and Korinos to the southwest.

Where to stay

Just a block from the water and a short walk from the ancient Ottoman White Tower fortress, Teight Hotel (rates start at $173 per night) is one of the top host hotels during Thessaloniki Pride, and it draws a fashionable and inclusive crowd year-round with its chic contemporary design and proximity to hip boutiques, pulsing music clubs and trendy restaurants.

Perfect for longer stays and close to the famed Enola queer dance club, Thess Residences (rates start at $110 per night) occupies a century-old former factory building and offers 25 tastefully appointed apartment-style suites with well-stocked kitchens.

Curacao

One of three sunny isles near the coast of Venezuela that make up what’s often referred to as the ABC Islands (the others are Aruba and Bonaire), Curacao is one of the most LGBTQIA+-welcoming destinations in the Caribbean. Officially part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this hilly island is dotted with cacti, shrubs and other flora that thrive in this semiarid climate. Curacao is anchored by the Dutch Colonial village of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site established in 1499, filled with colorfully hued, gable-roof buildings and centuries-old military fortifications.

Home to more than three dozen breathtaking beaches and popular for diving, swimming and fishing, the island has become an increasingly popular destination with LGBTQIA+ travelers, especially during the 10-day Curacao Pride celebration in late September and early October. It’s frequently a port of call on gay Caribbean cruises, and the legalization of same-sex marriage on Curacao in 2024 has also helped grow its reputation as a locale for queer weddings and honeymoons.

Where to stay

With a stunning oceanfront setting and an inviting infinity pool, the Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort (rates start at $252 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is also a short stroll from the historic Queen Emma pontoon pedestrian bridge that leads into the charming heart of Willemstad. The main lodging sponsor of Curacao Pride, the Renaissance offers a full slate of amenities, including a spacious fitness center and five bars and restaurants.

Kauai, Hawaii

Ruggedly spectacular and the least populated of Hawaii‘s four largest islands, Kauai is hard to beat if you’re looking to commune with nature or laze on a tranquil beach with nothing but the sound of the surf as your soundtrack. The host of a popular Pride event each June, Kauai also has an inclusive vibe. Two of Kauai’s popular LGBTQIA+ beaches — Lydgate Beach Park and Paliku Beach — can be found on the lush eastern (or windward) shore.

Centrally located Lydgate Beach Park draws more sizable and eclectic crowds and offers proximity to plenty of fun options for post-beachcombing cocktails. There’s also a section enclosed by jetties that’s ideal for swimming.

If it’s complete serenity you’re after, head to Paliku Beach (aka Donkey Beach). The magic begins with a stroll from the parking area through the Tree Tunnel, a gently sloping pathway beneath a canopy of verdant vegetation. Once you reach the stunning golden sand, you can bliss out for hours, often in near solitude — just keep in mind that the rough surf here makes swimming treacherous.

Paliku Beach is an especially enjoyable place to decompress after hiking the spectacular sea cliffs of Kauai’s Napali Coast or the otherworldly red-clay bluffs of Waimea Canyon.

Where to stay

Delivering the ultimate splurge on an island with plenty of cushy accommodations, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (rates start at $1,022 per night) cascades down a seaside bluff in the exclusive Princeville resort district, near historic Hanalei, which served as the filming location for the musical “South Pacific.” The spacious rooms have huge picture windows with views of the sea and surrounding mountains, and Bamford Wellness Spa offers a slate of blissful treatments. 

The Marriott Kauai Beach Club (rates start at $516 or 71,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) is set on an 800-acre tract of pools, gardens and beaches on Kauai’s eastern shore, close to Lihue Airport. Its myriad amenities and central location make it a great base for exploring both the north and south shores.

Zipolite, Mexico

Set amid the towering sea stacks and rocky ramparts of Mexico‘s dramatic Oaxacan coast, Zipolite sits along a string of minimally developed beach villages — there’s not a high-rise or internationally branded resort in sight … yet.

Bohemians, yoga enthusiasts, surfers and free spirits have been vacationing here and in neighboring Mazunte for years, and although it’s far less touristy and pricey than Puerto Vallarta or Tulum, this former fishing village offers a growing number of stylish boutique hotels, laid-back wellness retreats and nudist-friendly men’s resorts.

Many queer visitors come to experience the inclusive vibes and surreal beauty of Playa del Amor, a clothing-optional, horseshoe-shaped sandy cove nestled between cliffs and massive boulders. All day long, and especially at sunset, this compact beach on the eastern edge of town offers a delightful mix of socializing and seclusion, while an unpretentious beach bar dispenses ice-cold micheladas and fresh coconuts.

Fringed with palapa-roofed ceviche restaurants, Zipolite’s main beach stretches along the crashing surf for another mile or so and is every bit as gorgeous. Several airlines make the 75-minute flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, each about a 90-minute drive from Zipolite.

Where to stay

El Alquimista (rates start at $192 per night) enjoys a peaceful setting at the west end of Zipolite’s long, picturesque beach. Breezy cabanas with palapa roofs, decks and hammocks impart an easygoing vibe, and the open-air, toes-in-the-sand restaurant is one of the best in town.

Durban, South Africa

Cape Town may receive more international attention, but South Africa’s third-largest city is arguably more appealing for a beach vacation. The consistently warm waters of the Indian Ocean make this LGBTQIA+-welcoming city ideal for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and sunbathing, and the tropical climate is mild year-round, though it can get muggy during Durban’s wet summers (from October to April).

This lively and diverse port city on South Africa‘s east coast has plenty of oceanfront hotels and is just an hour or two by plane from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Durban is fringed by a stretch of breathtaking beaches known as the Golden Mile, with lively North Beach just a few minutes’ drive from the gay cafes and bars of the colorful Morningside neighborhood.

Just a short drive up the coast, you can mingle with locals and laze in the sun at LGBTQIA+-popular Virginia Beach (next to a small, private airport) when you’re not lounging on the section of sand adjacent to Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve in the affluent town of Umhlanga.

Umhlanga is an appealing base for exploring the region. Several upscale hotels are within walking distance of the beach and the town’s Instagram-worthy Whalebone Pier. You’ll find everything from luxurious beach hotels to budget-friendly outposts from brands like Hilton and IHG.

When it’s time to satiate your appetite, be sure to sample a bunny chow, a local street food consisting of a loaf of crusty bread hollowed out and filled with spicy curry. Durban is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of Asian Indian immigrants, so it’s packed with superb Indian restaurants.

Where to stay

Perched overlooking the sea in Durban’s bustling North Beach neighborhood, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani (rates start at $93 per night) is one of the largest resorts in the city, and it offers plenty of amenities, including a rooftop pool, full-service spa and bikes to pedal along the beachfront. It’s a five-minute drive to several popular LGBTQIA+ bars. Set directly on the beach and overlooking the picturesque lighthouse in affluent Umhlanga, the historic Oyster Box (rates start at $530 per night) has long been the favorite address of visiting celebs and dignitaries. Attentive service, superb dining and exquisitely manicured gardens and grounds are hallmarks of this 86-room resort.

Lisbon

Although Spain is home to several of Europe’s most iconic gay beach destinations (we’re looking at you, Sitges and Ibiza), neighboring Portugal is rapidly gaining ground in popularity, with the hilly and historic capital, Lisbon, leading the charge.

One of Europe’s top vacation values, Lisbon offers a thrilling mix of vaunted restaurants, well-preserved Roman ruins, buzzy art museums and inviting queer bars. The latter are set mostly along the quaint cobbled lanes of the Bairro Alto district.

This dynamic metropolis, where the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean meet, is just a half-hour drive from Beach 19, the country’s — and one of Europe’s — most beloved LGBTQIA+ sunbathing locales. This beautiful clothing-optional beach is set against gentle dunes and occupies an undeveloped span of the Costa da Caparica, which is blessed with sunny and generally dry (at least, from March through September) weather. Looking for refreshments? From Beach 19, you can walk just 10 to 15 minutes south to the breezy beach bars of Fonte da Telha.

Where to stay

Just south of the Tagus River, the modern Crowne Plaza Caparica Lisbon (rates start at $177 or 32,000 IHG points per night) is equidistant to Lisbon’s attractions and the queer social scene at Beach 19.

Ogunquit, Maine

Provincetown may be New England’s best-known LGBTQIA+ beach destination. However, this charming, historic, seaside village on the coast of southern Maine has its draws, too. Set along a jagged, rocky swath of shoreline that looks like it belongs in a Winslow Homer painting, this dapper village of clapboard bed-and-breakfast accommodations and eateries has been an artists’ colony since the late 19th century.

The exceptional Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the Ogunquit Playhouse, which presents acclaimed summer stock musicals, carry on the village’s rich artistic tradition.

The queer beach scene here is relaxed and fun, and from the south end of the long and sandy strand it’s just a 10-minute walk to the town’s restaurants and gay bars. You can also stroll along Marginal Way, a paved pathway along the granite ledges that fringe the ocean, to Perkins Cove, a quaint fishing village that abounds with lobster shacks.

Should you crave more variety, you’re in luck: A few more beaches and an acclaimed dining scene can be found just 45 minutes up the coast in Portland, Maine.

Where to stay

One of the most charming bed-and-breakfasts in town, the LGBTQIA+-owned Trident Inn (rates start at $299 per night), formerly known as 2 Village Square Inn, sits on a hilltop overlooking the village center and is a quick stroll from restaurants, bars and the beach. Purchased by new owners and rebranded and fully renovated in 2025, this stylish property has 17 rooms in various sizes and configurations, and perks include a saltwater pool, hot tub and a romantic new restaurant, Coastal Alchemist.

Quepos, Costa Rica

With its alluring mix of jungle-covered mountains, lush cloud forests and spectacular beaches, Costa Rica ranks among Latin America’s top destinations for laid-back oceanfront vacations and eco-oriented adventure travel. It’s where zip lining was invented, after all.

It’s also a country that has long extended a warm welcome to LGBTQIA+ travelers, with the beach town of Quepos leading the way. It’s located along the central Pacific Coast, a three-hour drive from Costa Rica’s largest city, San Jose, but guests can also fly into the town’s small airport, which has several flights daily from the capital.

Quepos is also the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, with spectacular beaches, nature trails and hundreds of rather mischievous capuchin and howler monkeys (along with plenty of other fascinating fauna). The gay scene in Quepos is low-key, but there’s a fun club in town with dancing and live music that draws a mixed crowd, and LGBTQIA+ parties and events take place throughout the year, including Pride on the Beach in July.

Where to stay

Tulemar Resort (rates start at $365 per night) spreads across a dramatic 33-acre tract of jungle with its secluded private beach, just south of Quepos on the road to the national park. The resort’s eco-friendly villas have one to four bedrooms, and the property features four pools, two restaurants and a festive beach bar. Set on a lush hillside with expansive ocean vistas, La Mariposa Hotel (rates start at $210 per night) is a sleek boutique resort popular with LGBTQIA+ travelers that offers both classic rooms and roomier apartment-style units, all with gracious patios or balconies.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Within a three-hour drive of Detroit and Chicago, this postcard-worthy town hugs the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan and has long been the Midwest’s premier LGBTQIA+ vacation playground. You’ll find numerous queer-owned accommodations, eateries and shops in the tree-lined village centers of both Saugatuck and its similarly charming neighbor, Douglas. The long-running Dunes Resort is an LGBTQIA+ social hub with several bars and a central pool, and offers overnight accommodations.

You can rent kayaks to paddle around Kalamazoo Lake, a wide section of the Kalamazoo River that bisects Saugatuck before flowing into Lake Michigan. Take a short ride across the river on the hand-cranked chain ferry, climb the staircase to the top of Mount Baldhead for a bird’s-eye view of the area and then walk to Oval Beach, with its gentle golden dunes and stunning sunset views (you can also drive to the beach). See what’s on in the evening at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, an acclaimed performing arts space.

Where to stay

One of a handful of endearingly retro midcentury motor lodges that LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs have purchased and given stylish makeovers in recent years, the Starlite Resort (rates start at $139 per night) has 29 cozy, immaculate rooms set on 6 tree-shaded acres with a heated pool and fire pits.

Santa Catarina Island, Brazil

This sunny, verdant island in southeastern Brazil is just 33 miles long but offers some of the most alluring beaches in the country. Along the coast, there is an abundance of stylish resorts, from the tiny beach town of Jurere to the lively city of Florianopolis. The latter is close to Praia Mole, a crescent-shaped beach backed by emerald hills that LGBTQIA+ sunseekers flock to.

Although Santa Catarina Island has become a favored gay weekend getaway among those seeking a less party-driven alternative to pulsing Rio de Janeiro, which is less than 90 minutes away by plane, you can still find opportunities here for revelry. In Florianopolis, there’s dancing until dawn on weekends at Jivago Social Club, Conca Club and other queer nightspots.

Another bonus: This lush island, roughly twice the size of Martha’s Vineyard, offers gorgeous hikes through the rugged mountains of Sao Joaquim National Park and the otherworldly sands of the Joaquina dune field.

Where to stay

The posh and LGBTQIA+-welcoming Hotel Boutique Quinta das Videiras (rates start at $196 per night) sits a block from the shore of freshwater Lagoa de Conceicao, on the edge of Florianopolis. Designed in the Portuguese Colonial style, this pink mansion has 16 antique-filled rooms and is less than a 10-minute drive from the ocean and the sands of Praia Mole.

Port Douglas, Australia

Home to Australia‘s most famous LGBTQIA+ hotel, the Turtle Cove Beach Resort, as well as the gay-owned Pink Flamingo Resort, the former gold-mining hub of Port Douglas is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier gay beach retreats. It’s just a 45-minute drive from the small city of Cairns (a three-hour flight from Sydney) near the northern end of Queensland.

Port Douglas’ Four Mile Beach is the stretch of sand to prioritize. It overlooks the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea and features gorgeous golden sand to walk on at sunrise or sunset.

Those keen on scuba diving and/or snorkeling will love that the town offers direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, while hikers and wildlife enthusiasts flock here to explore the natural wonders of the Daintree Rainforest. For a sneak preview of this beautiful little slice of paradise, hop on YouTube to seek out Kylie Minogue’s bubblegum-pop video “It’s No Secret,” which was filmed entirely on location in Port Douglas in the late ’80s.

Where to stay

Set along a sublime and secluded stretch of sand near Macalister Range National Park, about a 20-minute drive south of Port Douglas, Turtle Cove Beach Resort (rates start at $149 per night) is an idyllic place to spend a few days sunning, swimming and sipping drinks in the convivial beach bar. Located just outside Port Douglas, Pink Flamingo Resort (rates start at $107 per night) is a pet-friendly hideaway with 12 attractive rooms, most with a kitchenette, plus a palm-shaded pool.

Guam

For many visitors, this quietly blissful Micronesian island that’s an unincorporated U.S. territory is an unexpectedly magical place for a tropical beach vacation. One of the friendliest and most LGBTQIA+-embracing getaways in the Asia-Pacific region, Guam legalized same-sex marriage in 2015 and has become a favorite wedding destination with queer folks from throughout Asia and even Russia.

Think Hawaii, but with fewer crowds and significantly lower prices. You can snorkel in the sheltered, bathtub-warm waters of Tumon Bay and hike in the forest-covered mountains of the island’s interior, and you’ll discover tasty Thai, Japanese and local Chamorro food at every turn.

The island’s ties to the LGBTQIA+ community are deep. Guam’s lieutenant governor, Josh Tenorio, is openly gay, as is the retired chief justice of the Guam Supreme Court, Benjamin Cruz. Most of Guam’s resorts are in the island’s second-largest town, Tamuning, which offers an array of enticing high-end shops (bargain seekers take note — the entire island is duty-free), eclectic restaurants and friendly bars, a few of which have strong LGBTQIA+ followings.

Although it takes some effort to reach this island, about 1,300 miles east of the Philippines, the trip from the North American mainland can be part of the fun, as you can easily add a long stopover in Hawaii, Tokyo or Seoul.

Where to stay

A favorite of the island’s LGBTQIA+ visitors, the well-appointed Westin Resort Guam (rates start at $229 or 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) offers a full slate of leisurely pursuits: scuba, snorkeling, kayak and boat rentals; a sprawling pool; a well-equipped fitness center; and an impressive spa. There are also five excellent restaurants, spanning sushi to gourmet Italian, and rooms are airy and comfortable with balconies.

Credit card welcome bonuses are one of the quickest ways to earn valuable travel rewards. You can often pick up 100,000 points or more in a single bonus, which can be worth thousands of dollars in travel.

Right now, American Airlines’ top-tier card is offering its best-ever welcome bonus, worth $1,650 (according to our May 2025 valuations). For a limited time, those who apply for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) can earn 100,000 bonus AAdvantage miles after spending $10,000 in three months of account opening.

But what if you already have the card or have held it in the past? Can you earn the welcome bonus on it again?

To answer this question, it’s important to understand Citi’s application rules and identify the exact date when you last earned the welcome bonus on this card. Let me walk you through it.

Related: Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard worth it?

Understanding Citi’s application rules

On most of its cobranded cards, Citi restricts earning the welcome bonus to once every 48 months. This rule applies to the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.

So, for example, if you wanted to apply for this card in May 2025 and earn the welcome bonus, you would only be eligible if you received your last welcome bonus on the card before May 2021.

The best way to find out this date is to call Citi at 888-766-2484. Alternatively, you could also call AAdvantage at 800-882-8880. (You can only see your account activity through your AAdvantage online account for the past two years.)

Related: Who’s eligible for the 100K-mile Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard bonus?

Timing is important

The 48-month period starts from the date the previous bonus was received, not when the account was opened or closed.

That’s important because a few months will probably have passed between when you were approved for the card and when you met the minimum spending requirement and, thus, received the welcome bonus.

Product changes

You can earn the welcome bonus on each of Citi’s AAdvantage cards once every 48 months — each product is treated separately.

In the past two years, I have applied for the following three Citi / AAdvantage cards and earned the welcome bonus on each:

• This card
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
• Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)

However, suppose I had earned the bonus on my Platinum Select and then the product changed (or upgraded) it to the Executive. In that case, I would need to wait 48 months from when I received the Platinum Select welcome bonus to earn the welcome bonus on the Executive.

Strategies to maximize bonus opportunities

Here are some of my top tips to quickly earn a lot of AAdvantage miles by applying for cobranded American Airlines credit cards.

Work out your application strategy

If you are confident that you received the welcome bonus on your Executive card more than four years ago and don’t currently hold the card, you’re good to apply for it again.

If you do currently have the card, first, you’ll want to downgrade or cancel your card.

My recommendation would be to downgrade it to the no-annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® card by calling Citi at the number on the back of your card. However, note that by downgrading, you will not be eligible for the welcome bonus on this card. The upside is that you will protect your credit score as there will be no change to your credit report.

The information for the AAdvantage MileUp card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Alternatively, you can cancel your Executive card. While this may temporarily hurt your credit score due to an increase in your credit utilization ratio, you may be eligible to earn the welcome bonus on the MileUp should you choose to apply for it in the future.

After downgrading or canceling your card, wait a week or so and then apply for the Executive card again.

Track bonus timelines

You may have received your welcome bonus on your Executive card more recently. In that case, find out the exact date you received your bonus. Then, use a bonus tracking spreadsheet or set a reminder to note when you will be eligible again.

I applied for this card in July 2023, in the first week after the card was refreshed. According to my account activity in my online AAdvantage account, I received the welcome bonus in November 2023. So, I have put a note in my Google Calendar that I’m eligible to apply for this card again from December 2027.

Explore other AAdvantage cards

If you want to pick up more bonus AAdvantage miles, consider applying for one of the carrier’s other cards.

My top suggestion would be to pick up the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard. It’s the only AAdvantage card that Barclays is still issuing, ahead of Citi becoming the carrier’s sole credit card partner next year. Applications for this card could close any day now (and almost definitely before the end of the year).

You are eligible to apply for it if you haven’t had it in the past six months. Here is a link to earn 10,000 extra miles on top of the card’s standard offer.

The information for the Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you haven’t earned the bonus on one of Citi’s other two personal cards or the business version in the past 48 months, then they are good options too.

Bottom line

Citi’s 48-month rule makes timing critical when applying for its AAdvantage credit cards. By tracking when you last earned a welcome bonus and understanding how product changes affect eligibility, you can ensure you maximize your approval chances.

With the 100,000-bonus-mile offer currently available on the Executive card, now is the time to evaluate your timeline and take full AAdvantage if you’re eligible.

To learn more about the card, read our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.

Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

• A large family-friendly ship geared toward first-timers
• Plenty of interesting cabin categories for every budget
• No shortage of places to eat, bars and entertainment venues

It’s hard to believe, but when Freedom of the Seas first set sail in 2006, the 3,926-passenger ship was the largest ship ever built (by gross tonnage) — until the debut of its sister ship Liberty of the Seas in 2007, that is. That said, Freedom of the Seas is still plenty big by today’s standards — the ship stretches 1,111 feet in length and rises 15 decks in height — but it is markedly more human-sized than Royal Caribbean’s newest megaliths, Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean deploys Freedom of the Seas on alternating four- and five-night voyages to the Bahamas and Royal Caribbean’s very own high-octane private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In many ways, this makes Freedom of the Seas an ideal choice for first-time cruisers looking to get their feet wet, as well as those who are staunchly “Loyal to Royal” and looking for a quick cruise getaway at a reasonable price.

Because of that, you’re likely to encounter an eclectic mix of passengers on board: multi-generational families, couples young and old, spring breakers looking to party hard, and more.

That can be both a pro and a con. Shorter mainstream cruises always have more of a party vibe than their weeklong counterparts, and Royal Caribbean has, for better or for worse, leaned into that on these short voyages. Expect plenty of nonstop entertainment, thudding bass by the pool deck, late-night disco parties and daily performance spectacles along the Royal Promenade, the ship’s interior atrium that runs half the length of the vessel.

While Freedom of the Seas generally handles the crowds well (even at full occupancy, as our spring break cruise was), this is not the ship for calm and quiet. But the features aboard Freedom of the Seas are guaranteed to win over even the most skeptical vacationer, with fun diversions like the Studio B arena and ice rink, the Flowrider surfing simulator, and pools and waterslides galore.

While Royal Caribbean’s 2020 overhaul of Freedom of the Seas was substantial and revitalized nearly all public spaces onboard, it didn’t extend as far as it could have into the cabins, which still reflect a style pioneered by Royal Caribbean in the mid-1990s. Don’t expect much in the way of whiz-bang technology here; power outlets are a scarce commodity, and closet space can be tight in entry-level cabins.

Still, Freedom of the Seas provides a comfortable home-away-from-home on its short Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries, and its abundance of open deck space will definitely be appreciated by sun-seekers and seafarers alike.

Freedom of the Seas cabins and suites

Passengers are spoiled for choice when it comes to cabins aboard Freedom of the Seas. Though the ship offers four basic choices (inside cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites), nestled within those categories are some truly interesting possibilities.

Our favorites, for those on a budget, are the Interior Promenade View cabins overlooking the Royal Promenade. Essentially a slightly larger interior cabin, these offer a large bay window with a small love seat, perfect for watching the shows below. However, light sleepers may want to skip these. The performances — which go past 10 p.m. on some nights — can definitely be heard inside.

Balcony cabins are plentiful onboard, with full step-out balconies of varying shapes and sizes, including some placed on “the hump,” a section of the superstructure jutting out from the main vessel that is prized by some cruisers for its unobstructed views.

The ocean-view cabins on Freedom of the Seas deserve some recognition, too. Most offer oversized, circular windows that flood these rooms with natural light, and special Family Oceanview staterooms situated at the front of the ship overlooking the bow can sleep between four and six guests with more space and privacy than some entry-level suites.

All cabins, regardless of category, offer an in-room safe, an interactive television set, temperature control and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, sink, vanity and toilet. Royal Caribbean has its own brand of toiletries onboard and provides a shampoo-soap combo with a pleasing fragrance that dispenses from a wall-mounted unit.

Royal Caribbean earns praise for its beds and bedding, and most rooms can be configured to be either one queen bed or two twins.

Being a ship on short turnarounds, though, has put these rooms through their paces. Evidence of wear and tear is visible on hard furnishings, though soft furnishings like carpets, linens and upholstery are generally in better shape. Those bringing plenty of electronics onboard will want to economize: there are but two North American outlets and one two-pronged European-style outlet in most rooms, though you can access a second European-style outlet if you’re willing to reach around and unplug the TV.

Still, given that Freedom of the Seas primarily sails shorter cruises, these rooms are comfortable enough for the purpose. You’re likely to sleep well, too: most rooms have very little structural or mechanical noise, even in heavy seas.

Connecting and accessible cabins are offered aboard Freedom of the Seas. However, the ship lacks solo cabins designed for one person — and Royal Caribbean charges a hefty 100% single supplement on most of its voyages for the privilege of sailing alone.

Freedom of the Seas restaurants

The old joke is that you’ll never go hungry aboard a cruise ship — and that’s particularly true of Freedom of the Seas.

Even if you never set foot in the ship’s extra-charge specialty restaurants (of which there are many), you’ll be so spoiled for choice that you certainly won’t feel pressured to spend the extra money.

Freedom of the Seas boasts a beautiful, three-story main dining room lined with banks of wall-to-wall windows. It is easily the most striking public space onboard and recreates the grandeur of the golden age of ocean travel, even if perhaps the quality of the cuisine does not.

Food on Royal Caribbean, as a rule of thumb, is good. Not great, but good.

The same can be said of the service, which is genuine and friendly, but sometimes lacking in polish, particularly if you elect not to have a set dining time (we strongly recommend going with the early or late fixed-seating dinner so your wait staff can get to know you and your food preferences).

Outside of the main dining room, the Windjammer Buffet is a sprawling casual eatery situated aft on Deck 11 serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-evening snacks. It also has its own bar, meaning libations are close at hand. Food quality on our voyage was much improved over past sailings, with more diverse offerings that appeal to a wider variety of tastes.

On the Royal Promenade, Sorrento’s serves up Royal Caribbean’s free, seemingly endless pizza. It’s not the best pizza you’ve ever had, but it is functional and gets the job done, particularly when the bars empty out at the wee hours of the morning and you’re feeling peckish.

On the specialty dining front, Freedom of the Seas offers two Royal Caribbean staples: Chop’s Grille and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

These venues are not cheap (surcharges seemingly increase every year or so), and the value proposition in the last few years is questionable. Chop’s is the most consistent in our experience, recreating a cozy, American-style steakhouse experience with superb views. Giovanni’s is dedicated to everything Italian but might have more in common with Olive Garden than, say, authentic Italian cuisine. Whether that’s a pro or a con is up to your personal tastes.

Up on Deck 12, a Johnny Rockets location (remember those?) serves up the American chain’s signature burgers in a recreated 1950s-style diner. The burgers are good, and you can also indulge in a list of milkshakes, floats and sundaes that are worth the price of admission. Royal Caribbean hiked the price of dining here from $6.95 to $14.99 per person a few years back, and you’ll likely hear much grumbling about that onboard.

Room service aboard Freedom of the Seas is available round-the-clock and carries a surcharge plus an 18% gratuity. Only continental breakfast is provided complimentary; a full American breakfast will carry a surcharge of $7.95.

Freedom of the Seas bars and lounges

Freedom of the Seas has a bar or lounge to suit every taste, from a British pub (with all the requisite imported drafts) to the classy R Bar and even a panoramic lounge (the Viking Crown Lounge) perched high atop the ship.

On the Royal Promenade on Deck 5, passengers can indulge in the Bull and Bear Pub, serving up pints of frothy goodness and some very creative “beer cocktails,” along with nightly tunes. Sadly, the former Vintages Wine Bar that was directly across from the Pub has been converted into a nonsmoking casino.

A little further aft is the R Bar, a quiet (relatively speaking) martini joint next to the aft atrium and its spiral staircase. Down on Deck 4, the Latin-themed Boleros positively rocks each and every evening with plenty of lively music and dancing. Forward of that is the newly-added Playmakers’ Sports Bar and Arcade, which offers pool tables, plenty of live sporting events and a menu of pub favorites and beverages.

For those looking for a more subdued moment, the Viking Crown Lounge up on Deck 14 serves up classic cocktails made to order, accompanied by live music and magnificent views of the pool deck and ocean beyond. It’s the place onboard to be for sundowners and sailaways.

Our hands-down favorite bar and lounge is the Schooner Bar on Deck 4. This is the place for daily trivia sessions and nightly jams with the onboard pianist. With its pitch-soaked lines giving it a decidedly nautical fragrance and large circular windows, it’s a cozy and inviting space, if far too small for the crowd that tends to gather here. Get here early for a seat, particularly at trivia.

Royal Caribbean also offers a wide array of drink packages that include everything from soft drinks to basic alcoholic drinks and even premium offerings. Prices are dynamically listed according to voyage, and all passengers on the same reservation must purchase a package.

Freedom of the Seas activities

You won’t be at a loss for things to do on Freedom of the Seas. From full-scale productions in the three-story theatre to game shows, audience participation activities and silent discos in the Star Lounge — and plenty of live music throughout the ship — Freedom of the Seas is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise.

Full-blown production spectaculars roam the Royal Promenade, the heart of the ship, by day and night. Royal Caribbean is famous in the cruise world for its Quest game show, which is not for the easily offended or faint of heart. And, to top it all off, Freedom of the Seas even has its own onboard ice rink — Studio B — which hosts spectacular ice skating performances and even lets passengers lace up for a spin around the ice themselves at times.

For those who lean on Lady Luck, Freedom of the Seas has a sprawling casino on Deck 4 (and its own associated bar), and a recent refit added a decently sized nonsmoking casino up on Deck 5, in the space formerly occupied by Vintages Wine Bar.

The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center are located on Decks 11 and 12 and offer the standard spa treatments and a good assortment of fitness equipment. Staterooms added a few years back have reduced the size of the Spa on Deck 11, but Royal Caribbean still manages to deliver a solid spa product.

Top-deck fun includes plenty of pools and whirlpools, including two extremely popular whirlpools that cantilever out over the side of the ship. The views are incredible — but the sheer amount of flesh-pressing-upon-flesh may deter all but the heartiest passengers.

A recent refit in 2020 added new waterslides and a refreshed splash park for the little ones, in addition to the already-popular Flowrider surfing simulator.

Freedom of the Seas itineraries and pricing

As mentioned, Freedom of the Seas primarily sails a mix of four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Miami. These mostly call on ports like Nassau, Bahamas; Labadee, Haiti; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Royal Caribbean’s own private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Itineraries typically start at around $400 per person in an inside cabin, but holidays and popular events like spring break can push entry-level prices well above the $1,000-per-person mark. While there may be close-to-sailing deals, the best prices will likely be available by booking well in advance.

Freedom of the Seas for families

Freedom of the Seas is a great choice for families. The ship’s early-2020 refit spruced up its Adventure Ocean kids club offerings that provide services and activities for infants, teenagers and everyone in between.

The ship’s pool deck areas also received a major sprucing-up, adding waterslides for grown-ups and teenagers and a brand-new splash park for the little ones. Throw in Royal Caribbean’s signature diversions like the Flowrider surf simulator, onboard rock-climbing wall, and pickleball and sports courts, and boredom simply becomes an impossibility.

There’s also a decently sized Library and Card Room that, on our sailing, was well-populated with families playing card and board games.

Royal Caribbean also makes it easy for families to book connecting staterooms in any cabin category right on its website, whereas most other cruise lines will make you phone in or go through a travel agent. That, plus the addition of dedicated staterooms designed for just for families, makes Freedom of the Seas an easy win for families looking for an effortless cruise vacation.

Freedom of the Seas accessibility

Royal Caribbean takes accessibility concerns seriously across its entire fleet. To that end, passengers will find a number of accessible cabins across multiple categories aboard Freedom of the Seas that include wider doorways, spaces to turn a chair, roll-in showers and grab bars.

Chair lifts are provided at the ship’s main pool and whirlpool area, while lowered counters are available at Guest Relations and Shore Excursions, and lowered playing tables in the ship’s Casino. Assistive listening systems are provided in Studio B and the main theatre onboard, and Braille signage is provided onboard.

All decks have elevator access except for Deck 15, which can only be ascended via stairs or electric chair lift.

Bottom line

Freedom of the Seas is a comfortable, feature-laden ship that’s sure to please first-time cruisers and those looking for a quick ocean getaway to the Bahamas and Caribbean. Its 2020 refit has left it looking sharp, and while cabins aren’t anything to write home about, passengers will be won over by the sheer number of things to do onboard. It’s the very big ship that, ironically, feels smaller and more intimate than many of the newer vessels out there.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• The 17 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Due to Chase’s restrictions on credit card applications, the smartest move for building your credit card strategy is opening credit cards from Chase before moving on to cards issued by other banks.

One such restriction you may encounter is Chase’s 5/24 rule. This Chase rule (that isn’t published externally but is still very real) says you’ll be automatically rejected for a new card if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the last 24 months. This includes cards from other banks outside of Chase.

If you’re not familiar with the 5/24 rule, I strongly suggest starting with this guide to see which cards are counted and which cards it affects.

This rule’s consequence (coupled with the fact that Chase issues some of the best travel credit cards) is that people who are new to travel rewards should start with Chase cards before applying for cards from other issuers.

Today, we’ll look at the best ways to use your five slots with Chase.

Which Sapphire card is right for you?

The first thing you want to consider when building a multicard strategy is which card will serve as your anchor. This is the one card you would keep if you had to discard the rest. It needs to be a card that offers strong bonus categories, transferable points, and a decent selection of perks and benefits.

Chase offers two of the best anchor cards on the market, although you’re only allowed to hold one of them at a time: the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees).

If you’re starting from scratch, in 99% of cases we recommend the Sapphire Preferred or a Sapphire Reserve as your first card. You can check out this guide to help you pick between the more entry-level Sapphire Preferred and the premium Sapphire Reserve, but here’s a concise overview:

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card review

A taste of Freedom

Welcome offers come and go, so you’ll need a card that gives you strong bonuses in functional everyday categories to keep those points rolling in for years to come. Chase offers two great cards in this category.

Although they’re technically cash-back cards, you can convert your rewards into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points if you also hold a premium Ultimate Rewards card like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees).

The Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) and Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) don’t have annual fees, so you can keep them open without paying anything out of pocket and take advantage of all their earning potential.

For the long term, the Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5% cash back on everyday spending, with no caps to worry about. The Freedom Flex offers 5% back on your first $1,500 spent in rotating quarterly bonus categories (activation required).

The Freedom Flex categories rotate each quarter but have historically included retailers such as gas stations; internet, cable and phone services; select streaming services; grocery stores; department stores; and restaurants.

You need to register your card every quarter for the rotating bonus earnings, but Chase (and TPG) will send you plenty of reminders. Additionally, both the Freedom Flex and Freedom Unlimited offer 5% back on travel purchases in Chase Travel, 3% on dining, 3% at drugstores and 1% on other purchases.

Between everyday spending on the Freedom Unlimited and the 5% bonus categories on the Freedom Flex, most people can fit one or both of these cards into their rewards plan.

Related: Credit card showdown: Chase Freedom Flex vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

The incredible value of Ink business cards

Many people in the early stages of building a credit card strategy with Chase assume they won’t be eligible for a small-business card. Chase business cards don’t count toward your 5/24 total, but you must be under 5/24 to be approved.

Although Chase has been known to ask for documentation of your business activity (including, but not limited to, proof of an Employee Identification Number or bills demonstrating business activity), you might be surprised to learn that you qualify for a business credit card if you have a part-time tutoring or child care job, sell products on eBay or Etsy, or a host of other side-hustle activities.

Don’t ignore Chase’s lineup of Ink business credit cards, or you might not be able to get them later. If there’s any way you can get an Ink card, you may want one to round out your perfect Chase Trifecta.

The Ink Business Preferred has a $95 annual fee and offers a 25% bonus when redeeming points through Chase Travel.

Cardholders can earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent each account year across the following categories: travel, shipping purchases, internet services, cable services, phone services, and advertising purchases with social media and search engines. Other purchases will yield 1 point per dollar.

For a complete breakdown of all the different Ink Business credit cards, make sure to check out this guide.

Related: Business credit cards that don’t count under Chase’s 5/24 rule

Adding an airline credit card

While your first priority with your 5/24 slots should likely be Ultimate Rewards points-earning cards, Chase also offers a number of great cobranded airline and hotel cards to choose from. If you’ve secured a Sapphire card, a Chase Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex, and an Ink card or two, you should still have two or three spots remaining before passing 5/24. You should look at Chase’s lineup of airline and hotel credit cards next.

With airline credit cards, your first thought may be the airlines you fly most often. Credit card bonuses could help you earn the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, after all.

However, airline miles aren’t necessarily related to the airline you want to fly on for your next vacation. While a credit card can help you get free checked bags on your next flight, it’s also possible to use United Airlines miles for a flight on Lufthansa, for example.

Which hotel card should you get?

You also should consider adding a hotel credit card to your wallet. While these cards typically aren’t strong earners for everyday spending, they can offer valuable benefits on your next hotel stay. That includes benefits like elite status, free night awards and late checkout.

Many travelers are partial to one hotel chain over another. If you’re starting from scratch, however, it’s worthwhile to read our guides to these hotel programs to decide which one might be best for you:

• IHG One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• World of Hyatt

Consider where you plan to travel and which hotels are available there. Also, consider how these programs (and their associated credit cards) will reward you with bonus points, free night awards and elite status benefits based on your travel and spending habits.

Related: What to do after you reach 5/24

Bottom line

The Chase 5/24 rule can sometimes feel like a punitive restriction, but it can help you narrow the field of cards to pick from first as you round out your ideal wallet. You can mix and match the bonus categories as you see fit, but remember that most people only get one shot at applying for Chase cards.

Thus, you should pick long-term keepers and not waste valuable wallet slots on frivolous applications.

Related: How to calculate your 5/24 standing

If you hold an American passport, you’re probably used to traveling internationally with relative ease. You may be surprised, then, to learn that several countries still require Americans to jump through some hoops to visit. As of May 2025, at least 15 countries require American citizens to obtain either a tourist visa or another form of electronic travel authorization prior to visiting.

Note that this list does not cover countries that the U.S. Department of State has advised U.S. citizens to refrain from traveling to by issuing Level 4 travel advisories. It also doesn’t include destinations that are not currently issuing visas for Americans or that TPG has not recently or routinely covered.

Here’s what you need to know.

UK

Type: Electronic Travel Authorization. Although not technically a visa, the ETA is similar to the U.S.’ own Electronic System for Travel Authorization program, and all Americans need one to visit the U.K.
How to apply: Online or through the app. Find more information here.
Length of time: Valid for multiple visits of up to six months over two years.
Cost: 16 British pounds (about $22).
Processing time: Up to three business days.

Australia

Type: Australian Electronic Travel Authority.
How to apply: With the Australian ETA app or online through the Australian government.
Length of time: Valid for unlimited stays up to three months each within a 12-month period.
Cost: 20 Australian dollars (about $13).
Processing time: Within one business day.

Pakistan

Type: Visa prior to arrival.
How to apply: Online through the Pakistani government. Find more information here.
Length of time: Valid for multiple visits within 90 days.
Cost: N/A.
Processing time: One business day.

Bhutan

Type: Bhutanese visa.
How to apply: Online through the Bhutan government.
Length of time: Valid for the scheduled travel period; airport tickets cannot be purchased until visa clearance is received.
Cost: $40 one-time application fee plus a Sustainable Development Fee of $100 per day per adult ($50 per day per child age 6 to 11; free for children under 6).
Processing time: Up to five business days.

Bolivia

Type: Bolivian tourist visa.
How to apply: Per the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia, you can also apply in person at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. or at any land or air border.
Length of time: Valid for visits up to 30 days each for 90 days total in one year.
Cost: $160.
Processing time: N/A.

Brazil

Type: Brazilian eVisa, required as of April 2025.
How to apply: Online through the Brazilian government-authorized website.
Length of time: Valid for travel up to 90 days in one year.
Cost: $80.90.
Processing time: Up to five business days.

China

Type: Chinese tourist visa.
How to apply: Online through the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying at a Chinese embassy or consulate in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco or Washington, D.C.
Length of time: Typically up to 60 days per visit over a period of three months or more.
Cost: $140.
Processing time: Four business days.

Related: Americans no longer need a visa to visit China for up to 10 days if they’re transiting to another destination

Egypt

Type: Egyptian eVisa.
How to apply: Online through the Egyptian Ministry of Interior or on arrival at Egyptian airports.
Length of time: Valid for visits up to 30 days over a 90-day period.
Cost: $25 for a one-time entry, $60 for a multiple-entry visa.
Processing time: Two to seven business days.

India

Type: Indian eVisa.
How to apply: Online through the Indian Bureau of Immigration.
Length of time: Valid for visits up to 30 days over one year.
Cost: $10 to $80, depending on time of visit and length of validity.
Processing time: 72 hours.

Ghana

Type: Ghanaian Visa.
How to apply: Online through the Embassy of Ghana.
Length of time: Valid for one visit up to 30 days over a period of three months, or multiple visits over a longer period.
Cost: $60 for a single-entry visa, $100 for multiple entries.
Processing time: 15 to 20 business days from receipt of hard-copy application.

Indonesia

Type: Indonesian visa on arrival.
How to apply: If your passport has at least two blank pages and is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Indonesia, you can apply for a visa on arrival at some international airports.
Length of time: Valid for one trip (up to 30 days long) within 90 days of issuance.
Cost: 500,000 Indonesian rupiahs (about $30).
Processing time: N/A.

Kenya

Type: Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization.
How to apply: Online through the Directorate of Immigration Services.
Length of time: Valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Cost: $30.
Processing time: Three business days.

Myanmar

Type: Myanmar tourist eVisa.
How to apply: Online through Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population.
Length of time: Valid for travel up to 28 days, from 90 days of issuance.
Cost: $50.
Processing time: Three business days.

New Zealand

Type: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.
How to apply: Online through New Zealand Immigration or on the app.
Length of time: Valid for travel up to three months, from two years of issuance.
Cost: 17 New Zealand dollars ($10) on the app, 23 New Zealand dollars ($14) online. You must also pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of 100 New Zealand dollars ($59).
Processing time: 72 hours.

Vietnam

Type: Vietnamese electronic visa.
How to apply: Online through the Vietnamese government.
Length of time: Valid for single or multiple entries within 90 days of issuance.
Cost: $25 for one entry, $50 for multiple entries.
Processing time: Three business days.

Bottom line

Given that processing timelines, fees and even application requirements change over time, we recommend checking your country of interest ahead of travel to ensure you are up to date with the latest processes. And remember that most countries require at least six months of validity on your passport, so get those passports renewed ahead of time.

We also suggest bookmarking the State Department’s page for each country — as it offers information related to visas, safety and more — and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. For more information, refer to the U.S. Embassy associated with each international destination.

Related reading:

• When and how to renew your passport
• Passport mistakes to avoid
• Everything you need to know about emergency passports

In the points and miles world, a mention of the infamous 5/24 rule is sure to follow whenever a Chase card comes up. Essentially, this refers to the unofficial rule that Chase won’t approve a credit card application for someone who has opened five or more new credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months.

However, without any official published policy from Chase, dissecting the 5/24 rule relies heavily on crowdsourced data. Because of this, some data points are outliers. That being said, here’s what you need to know about Chase’s 5/24 restrictions.

What is the Chase 5/24 rule?

In order to be approved for any Chase card subject to 5/24, you cannot have opened five or more personal credit cards across all banks in the last 24 months (more on business cards in a moment).

This means you actually need to be under 5/24 to be approved. The 5/24 rule only applies to getting approved for cards issued by Chase, but your 5/24 count includes credit cards from all banks.

Related: The best ways to use your 5/24 slots

Are all Chase cards subject to 5/24?

Most travel cards issued by Chase are subject to 5/24 for approval, including cobranded cards. The following are cards reported to be subject to the 5/24 rule:

• Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card*
• British Airways Visa Signature® Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
• Disney® Premier Visa® Card (see rates and fees)
• Disney® Visa® Card (see rates and fees)
• Iberia Visa Signature® Card*
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Premier® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card*
• Prime Visa (see rates and fees)
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card*
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees)
• United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees)
• United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees)
• United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees)
• United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees)
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
• World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees)

*The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Reader reports also indicate that applying for too many Chase cards too quickly can lead to account scrutiny and shutdowns, regardless of your 5/24 status. Some online reports have noted that Chase will not accept you for more than two new accounts within 30 days.

Because of that, a general recommendation is to avoid applying for a new account more frequently than every three or four months.

Remember that 5/24 is not the only factor determining whether your Chase credit card application is approved. Your credit score, income, debt levels and many other variables are also considered.

For business cards, Chase also sometimes requests documentation such as financial statements or articles of organization to show that you have a legitimate business or sole proprietorship.

Related: How to complete a Chase business credit card application

How do I check my 5/24 status?

We’ve found the easiest way to check your 5/24 status is to sign up for Experian’s free credit report service. (Make sure you don’t accidentally sign up for a paid service, unless that’s your intention.)

Using the Experian app, you can view all of your accounts and sort them by the date they were opened. From here, count anything opened within the last 24 months. Chase only looks at whether an account was opened. It doesn’t matter if you’ve since closed it.

According to the most recent data points, you will not technically be below 5/24 until the first day of the 25th month after your fifth account was opened. For example, if your fifth most recent account was opened on Oct. 17, 2023, do not apply for a new card until at least Nov. 1, 2025.

Related: How to calculate your 5/24 standing

What accounts add to your 5/24 status?

The following accounts count toward your 5/24 standing:

• All personal credit cards opened with any bank in the immediate past 24 months (even if they’re now closed).
• Business cards opened with Discover and TD Bank in the past 24 months, plus any Capital One small-business card other than the Capital One Venture X Business and Capital One Spark Cash Plus accounts.
• Authorized user cards from another person’s personal card opened in the past 24 months, as they’re reported on your credit report. However, you can call the Chase reconsideration line and ask that these accounts not be considered.
• Specific store cards opened in the last 24 months that are part of a national payment system and can be used elsewhere. Some data points suggest that even store cards that can only be used at a single establishment also now count. Assume that if it shows up on your credit report, Chase will count it.

The following accounts will not count toward your 5/24 standing:

• Cards for which you applied but were ultimately denied. (Credit inquiries aren’t counted.)
• Small-business cards from the majority of card issuers, with the known exceptions listed above.
• Auto loans, student loans and mortgages.

Related: These business cards can help you stay under Chase’s 5/24 rule

What about card conversions and upgrades?

Depending on how a bank processes a card conversion or upgrade (also known as a product change), it might not be reported as a new account. Before completing an upgrade or product change, ask the bank if a hard credit pull will be completed. In addition, ask if you’ll receive a new account number after the switch.

If the answer to one (or both) of these questions is yes, that could be a sign the account will be considered new and add to your 5/24 standing.

Related: How to downgrade a Chase credit card

Are there active methods to bypass 5/24?

There have been some instances recently where cardholders bypassed the 5/24 rule through targeted “Just for you” offers. To see if you’re targeted, navigate to “Just for you” under “Explore products” in the left-hand menu bar when you’re logged in to your Chase personal account.

If you desperately want a card now and are over 5/24, you can attempt a product change within the Chase Ultimate Rewards card family (assuming you’ve held the card you want to convert for at least a year).

However, unless you’ve been specifically targeted for a bonus to upgrade a card, you will not receive a welcome bonus for any product change.

Related: When should you ignore Chase’s 5/24 rule?

Chase 5/24 FAQ

Can I apply for two Chase cards on the same day when I’m at 4/24 and get approved for both?

Historically, some data points suggested you can apply for two Chase cards on the same day when you’re at 4/24. However, one of the applications may be automatically declined in this case. If you then call the reconsideration line, the agent may see your new (approved) account, and this may make you ineligible for the second one (though you’d still have the second hard inquiry on your account).

In either case, remember that Chase may scrutinize customers applying for credit too quickly. Our recommendation is to only apply for one Chase card at a time.

I applied for a card on the exact day I went below 5/24 and was denied. What can I do?

Wait until the first day of the next month and call the Chase reconsideration line, or reapply after the first day of the next month.

I am at or over 5/24. Can I get a card from another bank?

Yes. Approvals for credit cards issued by banks other than Chase are not affected by your 5/24 score. Of course, each bank does have its own approval criteria.

Do Chase business cards count toward my 5/24 score?

No. If you are approved for a Chase business card, it shouldn’t add to your 5/24 standing. However, you must be below 5/24 to get approved for most Chase business cards.

What if I’m under 5/24 but have authorized user accounts on my credit report that make me appear at (or over) 5/24?

Your application may be outright denied or marked for further review. In either case, you’ll want to call the Chase reconsideration line and note which accounts are authorized user accounts. The agent will likely ask whether you are responsible for these accounts and may approve you if someone else is the primary cardholder. However, this is a manual process, and it may not work.

Instead, consider planning ahead and removing yourself as an authorized user at least a month before submitting your application.

Related: The best cards to get after you hit 5/24

Bottom line

Chase’s 5/24 is a firmly entrenched rule with no signs of disappearing anytime soon. This means you need to be extremely strategic about your application and rewards strategy so you can maximize your five allowed Chase slots.

If you’re starting in the realm of credit card rewards and aren’t close to 5/24, you’ll want to prioritize getting Chase cards first. But remember not to try to fill your five slots with Chase cards too quickly. Take it slow and be smart about which cards you apply for and when you do it.

For additional reading, check out our picks for the best credit cards.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve

Castaway Cay was actually a first of its kind in some ways, as it did not require a tender to reach the island, unlike the way some other cruise lines’ islands operated at the time. Instead, the ship could pull right up to the dock, and the day of fun in the sun could begin for cruisers.

For a couple of decades, Castaway Cay was the only Disney Cruise Line private island destination for those who chose to sail with Mickey and friends.

However, the line entered an expansion era in 2022 when Disney Wish joined the original fleet of four ships. This phase of growth will culminate in 2033 when the line expects to sail a total of 13 ships (more than three times the number it had in early 2022).

With the rapid growth in ships and passengers has come the addition of a second private island destination in the Bahamas, Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which opened in 2024.

Get the free planning help of a Disney vacation planner via TPG’s partner, Mouse Counselors.

Unlike Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point isn’t an entirely private island, as it sits at the southernmost tip of the populated Bahamian island of Eleuthera (about 70 miles east of Nassau). But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it means it is a cool and differentiated offering from Castaway Cay.

Some Disney cruises, like the four-night sailing I recently took on Disney Fantasy, hit the itinerary jackpot by going to both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. But many times, you may be on a ship that either goes to one island destination or the other.

If you have to choose between Disney’s Castaway Cay and Disney’s Lookout Cay, here’s how these islands compare so you can select the best match for your family.

Please note that I’ve never been on a Disney cruise without my family, so I’m not at all qualified to compare the islands’ adult spaces (yet). Instead, we are going to keep this head-to-head ranking focused on the family areas and activities on these islands rather than the adult-only ones.

Related: 12 ways to save money on a Disney cruise 

Best beach

This is where I give you the good or bad news about this comparison of Disney’s two island destinations. Much of which one is “better” is subjective, even when you break it into categories. So, I will give you my take and my reasons, but you might come to the opposite conclusion than I did, which is great, as the whole point is helping you determine which one you’ll enjoy the most.

Disney’s Castaway Cay has excellent postcard-worthy beaches, and the family beach has the added benefit of being sheltered by a rocky breakwater. This means the water is usually very calm, making it a great match for families.

There are lifeguards, free beach chairs with and without umbrellas and some shade under mature trees.

However, if you want a good seat close to the water or with some shade at Castaway, you often need to either get off the ship pretty early or wait until after lunch when more families start to head back to the ship.

Meanwhile, at Lookout Cay, that general advice is still true if you want a seat on the main strip of beach. However, at Lookout Cay, you have even more options.

First, there are additional chairs in a secondary section behind a dune, not quite as close to the beach. But perhaps more importantly to me, if you simply walk a little bit farther down toward the island’s tip, you can find plenty of space that isn’t crowded, even during the busiest time of the day.

There are chairs you can bring down to that uncrowded section of the beach, making it a pretty fantastic setup. This is also open water in the sense that you will get some waves that you don’t get when at Castaway. Whether or not you like that will likely depend on the ages of your kids and their swimming abilities, but we loved it.

Last but not least, Lookout Cay’s pink-hued sand adds an extra-special beach experience.

My personal preference is the beach at Lookout Cay. However, I’m calling it a tie because the water in the family beach section is not as calm as at Castaway Cay, thanks to the latter’s breakwater rocks. The less crowded part of the beach at Lookout Cay is also away from the lifeguards, and there aren’t shade-providing trees on the beach, so it won’t be the best match for all families.

Winner: Tie depending on preferences

Best food

Of course, food is also very subjective. However, I do have a clear favorite in this battle of the Disney islands, so this one will not end as a tie in my book.

On Castaway Cay, lunch is included at Cookies and Cookies Too, which are essentially the same except they are located at different parts of the island. On the buffet menu at both, you’ll find options such as ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, cornbread, corn on the cob, chips, cookies, pulled pork, fruit, potato salad and beans.

I do enjoy the easy lunch with crowd-pleasing favorites at Cookies and Cookies Too. The line is structured with multiple buffet stations that are all the same, so it usually moves quickly and rarely has you waiting out in the sun in line for long. Not to mention, everyone is able to find something they like well enough to fill them up.

But while I like the included food on Castaway Cay well enough for a day on the island, I enjoyed what is available and included at Lookout Cay even better.

The food on Castaway gives the vibe of a Fourth of July barbecue picnic, but at Lookout Cay, the island’s True-True BBQ and True-True BBQ Too lean into its tropical location a bit more with options such as plantains, ginger-marinated snapper and seafood jambalaya. Despite liking the American staples on Castaway as much as the next person, I know I can get a fair number of those fan favorites on board the ship pretty much every day of the cruise, so it’s fun to mix it up more while on land.

But don’t worry if island-inspired food sounds like your kid’s worst nightmare. There are still cheeseburgers, hot dogs, french fries and macaroni and cheese, among other kid-approved classics, on Lookout Cay.

The variety of menu options at Lookout Cay does lead to slightly longer lines, in my experience, as the sections of the buffet are different. This is great for choice, but it does mean a potentially longer wait (sometimes in the sun) to make your selections. I’ll also add that we had a bit more trouble getting a table for lunch at Lookout Cay than we did on Castaway, so be strategic about getting somewhere to sit or eating at slightly off-peak times.

But with a greater variety of more island-inspired choices and what I’d also describe as a wider selection of tried-and-true kid favorites (like the addition of fries and macaroni … don’t judge), the lunchtime trophy from me goes to Lookout Cay.

Winner: Lookout Cay

Best for ease of use

Both Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay are easy-to-access islands in that no tendering is required. (For those not familiar, tendering involves leaving your big ship on a smaller boat to reach the land.)

On Castaway, once you step off the ship at the dock, you are just a two- or three-minute walk from the tram that takes you to the different parts of the island. However, if you wanted to skip the tram, it isn’t that far of a walk to the nearest of the two family-friendly beach areas, so you could get your steps in and be at the beach within a few minutes.

On my last trip to Castaway, I got off the ship to do the at-your-own-pace 5K in the morning, went back to the ship to get my kids up for breakfast and then we all went back onto the island together later that morning. The on-and-off-and-on-again situation didn’t feel like a big deal due to the proximity of everything on Castaway.

Lookout Cay is a different story.

To protect the sea floor life and not have to dredge in order for the ship to be able to pull up closer to the land, Disney constructed a lengthy pier from where the ship docks to the island. It really does look a bit worse than it is, but my Apple Watch clocked the walk from the ship to the tram stop on Lookout Cay at about 0.6 miles each way. That’s not the biggest deal in the world, but it does discourage hopping on and off the ship too much in one day. And in inclement weather, it wouldn’t necessarily be a very pleasant part of the journey.

There are little red wagons for young kids to be pulled in, and those with mobility issues can request a golf cart ride, if needed. But the majority of guests will get about 1.2 miles worth of steps in full sun just walking from the ship to the island and back.

Then, once you are at the tram stop and loaded on the tram, it’s still a five- to 10-minute ride to the main beach area that Disney uses.

All this to say, while both islands are very easy to get off the ship and enjoy compared to visiting most other islands outside the “Disney bubble,” there’s no question that getting straight to the fun at Castaway Cay is a little easier than at Lookout Cay.

Winner: Castaway Cay

Best included amenities

Do you like a waterslide into the ocean? What about a large kids splash area with waterslides that don’t drop you into the ocean? How about a “free” 5K with a medal?

Do your kids want to head to an island kids club (with a shaded splash area) just for them? Do your teens want a hideout area where little kids and adults aren’t allowed? What about a nature trail?

Well, you are in luck, depending on which of Disney’s island destinations you choose.

Here are some highlights of the included amenities on Disney’s Castaway Cay:

• Pelican Plunge: This is an in-water play structure located in the cove. It has two waterslides that shoot you into the water.
• Spring-a-leak: This is a small, covered splash area for younger cruisers to play.
• Snorkeling Lagoon: There are some Disney-themed surprises underneath the water here (snorkeling in the lagoon is free if you have your own equipment; otherwise, there is a small fee to rent snorkeling equipment).
• Castaway Cay 5K: This is a free, untimed, go-at-your-own-pace route you can do while on Castaway Cay. You’ll earn a medal after completing the course. Pro tip: Do this first thing in the morning, as it does get hot later in the day.
• In Da Shade Game Pavilion: This is a shaded area with activities such as basketball, foosball, chess and pool.
• Scuttle’s Cove: This is a drop-off kids club for children ages 3 to 10 (similar to what you’ll find on the ships).
• Teen Hideout: This hangout area on the island is just for teens ages 14 to 17.

While there are some overlapping amenities at Lookout Cay, there are also some very differentiated offerings. In addition to the previously mentioned pink-hued beach, beachside chairs and lunch, the main included amenities to enjoy on Disney’s Lookout Cay are:

• Rush Out Gush Out: This large, colorful interactive water play area has two waterslides, splash and water drums, among other features.
• Junkanoo parade: This lively parade is put on by the Bahamian people who live on the island. It usually happens twice per day.
• Sebastian’s Cove: This drop-off kids club for those ages 3 to 10 has a water play area that is inspired by “The Little Mermaid.”
• Goombay Cultural Center: The Junkanoo parade ends here, so it’s a great place to enjoy music and see the characters and headpieces.
• Play-Play Pavilion: This is also a shaded place to see Disney characters, plus play games such as ring toss.
• Nature Trail: lf you want to stretch your legs and learn about the indigenous flora and fauna of the island, you can walk the roughly 20- to 25-minute marked nature trail (and see the historic lighthouse from 1901).

Winner: Tie depending on preferences

Best cabanas

Both of Disney’s island destinations have cabanas that you can rent for your own private space to enjoy the beach.

But before we talk about which Disney island cabanas are better, I want to be sure you know that these cabanas are pretty hard to book. As you will soon see, there aren’t very many cabanas compared to the thousands of guests on board a typical Disney cruise, so you often need to be sailing in a concierge-level cabin or have the highest level of Disney’s Castaway Club status to have a shot at early booking … and even then, it’s not guaranteed you’ll get one due to supply and demand.

With that caveat out of the way, let’s dive into the cabanas on each island.

On Castaway Cay, there are 20 cabanas available on the family beach (one of which is larger than the others) and six cabanas available at Serenity Bay, the adults-only beach, though more are reportedly under construction.

Currently, the family cabanas on Castaway Cay have space for up to six people and cost $880 for the day. It costs $1,238 for the Family Grand Cabana for up to 10 people for the day. The six cabanas on Serenity Bay cost $523 for the day and can accommodate up to four guests ages 18 and over.

At Castaway, the family cabanas are located right next to one of the main family beaches and just a beach ball’s throw away from one of the main areas where you can get lunch, bikes and more.

Related: Are Disney’s Castaway Cay cabanas worth the price?

Meanwhile, over at Disney’s Lookout Cay, you’ll find 20 family cabanas over in Mabrika Cove, which is notably on the opposite side of the island from the main family beach. In fact, this is the only beach on Disney’s part of the island where you can see the cruise ship from the sand. To get straight to your day in the cabana, you won’t need to take the tram, as this area is the first stop to the right after you walk across the pier.

That’s great news for access purposes, but on the flip side, this means that the cabanas aren’t particularly close to the Junkanoo parade, Sebastian’s Cove, the waterslides and other happenings, which will require a ride to the other side of the island.

The 16 six-person family cabanas on Lookout Cay are priced at $963 for the day. Currently, for the four grand cabanas with space for up to 10 people, you can expect to pay $1,375 per day. (You can add extra guests for additional fees.)

On Lookout Cay, there are two grand cabanas on adults-only Serenity Bay that up to 10 people can enjoy for $963, while the four Lookout Serenity Bay cabanas that accommodate up to four guests are priced at $523.

Unique to the new cabanas at Lookout Cay is the presence of iPads from which you can order food, more towels, toys, cocktails and more with just the press of some buttons.

You do have your own place to make your plate for lunch in the family cabana area on Lookout Cay. It has the same food as what’s available at the main lunch stations, plus steak for cabana guests.

However, you are removed from most of the island’s main amenities (and people). That may be a pro or con, depending on the ages of your kids and what you want to do during your day at Lookout Cay.

Winner: Tie depending on preferences

Best sense of culture

OK, let’s be serious. These are both Disney private island destinations, so we are talking tastes or degrees of culture, not depths of authentic culture. That said, this category still has a clear winner.

Castaway Cay is an absolute blast with fun details, including great beach outfits donned by Mickey and his pals. You’ll also get a clever shipwrecked storyline with lots of Disney Easter eggs hidden about.

But when it comes to any true, authentic culture outside of the one created by Mickey and friends … well, this is not the island you are looking for.

While Mickey and Minnie also have some different festive outfits on Lookout Cay, they are not the only ones dressed for the occasion.

Residents of the island also get into the celebrations on Lookout Cay by putting on the twice-daily Junkanoo celebration.

Instead of creating a fictional storyline for the island, like Disney did for Castaway Cay, the cruise line made the Bahamian people and culture the stars of Lookout Cay’s story. The island leans into a (slightly Disney-fied) version of where it really sits. That means you do get a dose of culture that can be enjoyed not only through the parade and the cultural center, but even in the food and the shops.

For example, while you can get official Lookout Cay merch on the island, you can also purchase jewelry, decor, bags, toys and other items that were made by island residents.

Winner: Lookout Cay

Best for staying in the Disney bubble

Both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay are private Disney destinations (even though one isn’t technically an entire private island). Both have Disney characters, an included lunch, multiple included amenities and Disney cast members entertaining guests at almost every turn.

So, both islands are pretty solidly in the Disney Bubble in many respects. However, they aren’t exactly the same in how they approach that experience.

On Castaway Cay, you can snorkel to get a look at underwater Disney statues in a designated area and book an activity at the stingray adventure right on the beach. And, of course, we’ve already covered how easy it is to get off the ship and be almost immediately in the fun.

On Lookout Cay, you are actually on a larger, inhabited Bahamian island, so while the part of the island Disney uses is just for Disney, you are able to do excursions that get you out of the bubble.

For example, on Lookout Cay, you could book the South Eleuthera Eco and Cultural Tour, during which you will see things like the town of Rock Sound, the Boiling Hole (also known as “nature’s hot tub”) and the Cathedral Cave, with its stunning rock formations. That sounds like a lot of fun if you want a broader sense of the island, but it may not be the best match for those who want to stay all-in on Mickey and friends during their day.

Winner: Castaway Cay

Bottom line

If you asked my family if they’d rather cruise to Disney’s Castaway Cay or Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, I bet you’d get a split vote — though the true answer is really either, anytime.

For us, our favorite elements of Castaway Cay are its familiarity, ease of use, 5K running and biking course, more mature trees for shade, protected beach and teen hideout, the latter of which Lookout Cay notably lacks. However, it’s very much in the Disney bubble, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on what you are after from that port.

Meanwhile, our standout memories from Lookout Cay involve the cool on-land waterslides, the gorgeous beach with pink sand, the fun Junkanoo parade and the delectable island-inspired lunch. On the flip side, Lookout Cay was really hot (even in March) because it didn’t have much natural shade, and, of course, that trek from the ship to get to the fun was unquestionably longer than on Castaway Cay.

But truly, both are top-notch cruise island destinations, and I’d pack my bags in a hot hurry if you told me we had a chance to return to either and take comfort in knowing that there is no bad choice.

More stories to help you plan your next cruise:

• Best Disney cruise ships for everyone — even Disney adults
• Everything we know about Disney Destiny, coming to Disney Cruise Line in late 2025
• The best credit cards for booking cruises
• Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

Lounge access is now more accessible than ever, thanks to myriad credit cards offering this perk as a benefit. Lounge access typically makes for a more luxe, less stressful travel experience.

This is the case with many top rewards credit cards that offer access to Priority Pass airport lounges. Although you may already have a Priority Pass card in your wallet or on your phone, it’s sometimes unclear what that means and what’s included in your membership.

It’s also worth noting that Priority Pass membership isn’t automatic; if you have a credit card that offers membership, you still need to enroll to activate your membership benefits.

Let’s look at the different levels of Priority Pass membership, which cards offer it and how to get the most out of your access.

What is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges, private suites and even airport restaurants. The company currently boasts 1,700 eligible locations in over 600 cities in 145 countries.

Although those numbers are impressive, many Priority Pass lounges are outside the U.S. As a result, there’s no guarantee you’ll have access to a lounge on every trip.

Priority Pass lounges are at more than 40 U.S. airports, and some have multiple lounges, including:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
• Charleston International Airport (CHS)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Related: The 9 best Priority Pass lounges in the US

When traveling internationally, you may find lounges in small to midsize airports such as Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica, and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe, Uganda. There’s even a lounge with a pool in the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).

The facilities in the Priority Pass network vary by owner and location. Some lounges, like The Club ATL in Atlanta, are independent facilities, while others are affiliated with airlines. The Turkish Airlines Lounge in Washington D.C. and the Air France Lounge in Boston are two examples of this.

Related: Inside Priority Pass’ most highly rated lounge

If you are traveling with guests and children, you’ll also want to check the rules of your desired lounge location and your Priority Pass membership to determine if there will be an additional charge or a guest limit.

Priority Pass Airport Lounge Amenities

At most Priority Pass lounges, you’ll find a bar, snacks and a dedicated Wi-Fi network. These lounges also give you a place to relax away from the chaos of the airport terminal, which can be a benefit in and of itself at major hubs.

That said, amenities vary by lounge, and it’s worth researching before you visit a Priority Pass lounge, as their quality can vary quite dramatically.

Some, like the Vienna Lounge at Vienna International Airport (VIE), are in a class of their own (think priceless artworks and high-end food); others, such as the Bellini VIP Lounge at Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA) in Sicily, are basically the opposite.

The Priority Pass app and website will show you each lounge’s amenities and facilities.

Priority Pass restaurants and Minute Suites

Priority Pass also partners with airport restaurants, lounges with hourly beds (Minute Suites) and more. This lets members enjoy perks at airports without traditional lounges or eat at a restaurant in the terminal.

Note: American Express removed the restaurant benefit from its Priority Pass memberships some time ago, and Capital One removed this benefit at the start of 2023 for personal Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders. Chase also removed this benefit in July 2024.

Similarly, the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* offers eight Priority Pass visits per year, but according to a spokesperson for U.S. Bank, these cannot be used for Priority Pass restaurants.

The credit cards offering Priority Pass memberships that still include non-lounge visits, such as at spas and restaurants, include:

• Capital One Venture X Business (only for eligible cardholders who applied before May 2024, not for new applicants)
• Citi Prestige® Card* (no longer open to new applicants)
• UBS Visa Infinite Card*

*The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

There are currently more than 30 Priority Pass-participating airport restaurants within the U.S., and more are available internationally. Some examples include:

• • Miami International Airport (MIA): Corona Beach House
  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Landry’s Seafood
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO): San Francisco Giants Clubhouse

The amount of the Priority Pass restaurant credit varies by location, but it averages $28 per person. Some restaurants also cap the number of guests.

At bars and restaurants, gratuity is not included, so be sure to tip on the bill amount before the credit is applied.

Priority Pass also has some less conventional airport options. For example, the PGA MSP Lounge at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) offers free access to a putting green, along with golf lessons and a golf simulator for a fee.

This lounge also offers a $15 credit that can be applied toward food, drinks or a golf experience. However, this location has the same limitations as the other non-lounge visits mentioned above.

Finally, Priority Pass provides access to Minute Suites in Atlanta, Charlotte, Salt Lake City, Dallas-Fort Worth and Philadelphia. The first hour is included with your Priority Pass membership, and you can rent additional hours at a discounted rate of $34 per hour.

Related: The 10 best Priority Pass lounges around the world

Priority Pass membership levels

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the terms “Priority Pass” and “Priority Pass Select,” so we want to clear the air.

Priority Pass is the name of the company that offers memberships to lounges in its network. You can purchase Priority Pass memberships directly on the site, with annual fees starting at $99. Here’s a breakdown of the membership options:

• Standard membership: $99 per year; includes visits for $35 each for the member and any guests.
• Standard Plus membership: $329 per year; includes 10 free visits, with subsequent visits for $35 each (the same price as all guest visits).
• Prestige membership: $469 per year. All visits are included for the member, though guests are charged $35 per visit.

If you’re considering one of the above Priority Pass membership packages, Standard is best for occasional travelers. Standard Plus is best suited to frequent travelers who visit airport lounges several times per year. The Prestige membership is for frequent flyers who make good use of unlimited lounge visits due to how often they travel.

Many U.S. credit cards offer Priority Pass access benefits called Priority Pass Select. Some are for just one person, while others include guests, depending on the card.

In either case, Priority Pass and Priority Pass Select members can pay for additional guests beyond what is included with their membership.

Related: Is a Priority Pass lounge membership actually worth it?

What credit cards come with Priority Pass access?

These are multiple credit cards through which you can get a Priority Pass Select membership.

These include premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required), hotel credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (enrollment required) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which even includes two guests. 

Other cards that offer Priority Pass benefits include:

• Capital One Venture X Business
• Citi Prestige Card*
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card*
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card*
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card*

*The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Note that the number of visits included and guest policies with each card can vary and will generally require that you enroll for the perk.

Check out this guide for more information on the best credit cards to access Priority Pass lounges.

How to Get and use Priority Pass benefits

Even if you have a credit card that includes a Priority Pass Select membership, you can’t just present your credit card at a participating lounge for access.

First, you must enroll in the program using a link associated with your credit card account. Find the link under “Benefits” when you log in to your account.

Related: How to enroll in Priority Pass with eligible credit cards

Because it can take a week or two to receive your membership card in the mail, it’s best to enroll as soon as you receive your credit card if you’re interested in this benefit.

In the meantime, you can download the Priority Pass app, which includes a digital membership card that you can use to access most, but not all, facilities.

Before your visit, make sure to know if guests are permitted as part of your benefit and how many; the lounge’s reception team may not always know your specific guest privileges.

Since you’re never asked to present your credit card at the lounge, you might not know you’re charged for a guest until you see your statement.

Lounge access isn’t guaranteed

Your best-laid lounge plans may not work out. Nowadays, many travelers have lounge access, and the lounges sometimes reach capacity.

Some lounges are available to Priority Pass members only during select hours. Check the Priority Pass website before your next trip for available locations and their hours. Don’t be shocked if some lounges are temporarily at capacity during peak times and deny access to Priority Pass members.

FAQs about Priority Pass membership and lounge access

Priority Pass is a huge lounge network with various membership tiers — so naturally, you might have some questions. Here are the answers to some commonly asked Priority Pass questions.

Is Priority Pass worth it?

That depends on how often you travel and how you obtain your Priority Pass membership.

If your membership is included with a credit card you already have, it’s worth enrolling in the Priority Pass benefit and keeping the card with you. This way, you’ll have access if you come across a Priority Pass lounge during your travels. Just be sure you know which amenities are included — remember, Amex, Chase and most Capital One cards no longer include access to Priority Pass restaurants and other non-lounge locations.

Meanwhile, if you cannot get a membership with a credit card, you should only purchase one if you plan to use it. You might consider buying a membership if your home airport or somewhere you travel frequently has a Priority Pass lounge. Likewise, it’s only worth purchasing a membership if you travel enough to benefit from it. It’s not likely worth it if you only travel once or twice per year.

Priority Pass Select vs. Priority Pass — what’s the difference?

Priority Pass Select is a Priority Pass membership tier included with select premium credit cards. Depending on the bank that issues your membership, you can access Priority Pass lounges and possibly other Priority Pass amenities like restaurants.

Can Priority Pass guests enter for free?

This depends on your membership tier or the bank that issues your Priority Pass Select membership. Some cards, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, allow two guests per visit. Meanwhile, the membership included with certain American Express cards only includes one guest per visit. Check with your bank to see how many guests you can bring with you.

What are the perks and amenities available with Priority Pass?

In terms of lounges, the amenities you’ll receive depend on the lounge you visit. Some may only offer basic snacks and a small bar. Others might provide a full meal and even spa amenities. Check the Priority Pass app or website to see what amenities are provided at the lounge you plan on visiting.

Further, some Priority Pass memberships include access to restaurants and other non-lounge experiences. However, as this article mentions, the number of credit cards offering access to these benefits has decreased sharply over the years.

Bottom line

Several cards offer Priority Pass Select membership as a benefit. This program can improve your travel experience with goodies like free food and drinks, as well as a comfortable place to relax or get some work done.

Check specific details of your membership, because the guest policies vary from card to card.

Related reading:

• TPG’s 2025 travel trends report
• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can’t travel without

I had hesitated before because of the card’s $695 annual fee (see rates and fees), but I decided to go ahead with it because of an incredible welcome offer. 

I figured I could pay the annual fee and then give myself a year to see if I could take advantage of enough of the card’s many upscale perks, including statement credits for things like Hilton stays (up to $200 annually), airline fees (up to $200 annually) and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ($120 every 4years for Global Entry or up to $85 every 4 1/2 years with TSA PreCheck). Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Depending on whether I could leverage those perks, I could decide if it made sense to pay the fee for a second year.

Turns out I was able to recoup the value of the annual fee with a single two-night stay at one of my favorite hotels in the world, The Peninsula Hong Kong, thanks to one of the card’s money-saving benefits.

Here’s how.

Getting the Amex Business Platinum Card

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is currently offering a two-component welcome bonus (you can earn one or both of these offers, which end June 30): 

• Earn 150,000 points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.
• Earn a $500 statement credit after spending $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel within the first three months of card membership.

That’s a lot of spending, but 150,000 American Express Membership Rewards points are worth around $3,000, according to TPG’s May 2025 valuations. Throw in the $500 in statement credits after the qualifying flight spend, and that’s a whopping $3,500 in value you could get just for meeting those minimum spending requirements.

Beyond the welcome offer, though, I was both interested in and curious to know whether I could maximize the card’s other ongoing perks, which include:

• Annual airline fee statement credit of up to $200 on charges by the airline you select each calendar year
• Statement credits for purchases made directly from any U.S. wireless telephone provider (up to $10 per month)
• Up to $199 per year in statement credit toward an annual Clear Plus membership for expedited airport security (subject to auto-renewal)
• Statement credit for Global Entry ($120) every four years or TSA PreCheck (up to $85) every 4 1/2 years
• Up to $50 per quarter statement credit (so up to $200 per year) for eligible purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio (Hilton for Business program membership is required)
• Up to $200 statement credit semiannually (so up to $400 per calendar year) for U.S. Dell purchases
• Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy
• Access to Amex Centurion Lounges, as well as Delta Sky Clubs that you can enter when you have an eligible same-day flight on that airline (up to 10 times per year, unless you spend $75,000 on purchases), Priority Pass lounges (excluding restaurant locations), Escape lounges and Lufthansa lounges when you have a same-day flight on that airline
• Cellphone protection*, for a maximum of $800 per claim with a limit of two approved claims per 12-month period 
• Access to the Cruise Privileges Program and the International Airline Program
• A 35% airline bonus when you use Pay with Points to cover a first- or business-class ticket on any airline or an economy ticket on one airline of your choice (up to 1 million points back per calendar year)

Enrollment required for some benefits.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. 

I travel so regularly and extensively that I knew I would have no problem leveraging the vast majority of these perks. However, it does take some organization to ensure you’re getting the full value of all those quarterly, semiannual and annual statement credits.

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts perks with the Amex Business Platinum

The one benefit I was really hoping to take for a test drive was American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, which you can use for booking select participating properties as an Amex Business Platinum Card member.

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts reservations come with all kinds of benefits in and of themselves, including:

• Noon check-in, when available
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available at check-in (properties may exclude some room types, and some may only give you a room with a better view)
• Daily breakfast for two people
• Complimentary Wi-Fi (when a property includes Wi-Fi in a mandatory resort fee, you’ll receive a daily credit equal to the Wi-Fi cost)
• Experience credit (the experience should be valued at $100 or more and usually consists of a property, dining or spa credit)

I regularly stay at hotels in the Fine Hotels + Resorts portfolio, so I thought that this one benefit might be the main tool I could use to get enough value from my card to justify its steep annual fee. By trying it out on a few stays, I could see if I was coming out ahead.

As it turned out, just one hotel stay was enough to offset the card’s annual fee.

Here’s how a recent two-night stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong got me over $800 in value and cemented the Amex Business Platinum as a fixture in my wallet.

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts perks and savings at The Peninsula Hong Kong

I took a recent trip around the globe that had me stopping in Hong Kong for a few days. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world, thanks in no small part to how many fabulous luxury hotels are available there.

Among the most storied of them is The Peninsula Hong Kong, which originally opened its doors in 1928, becoming one of the world’s most famous hotels. 

On my very first trip to Hong Kong, when I was just 11 years old, my mother took me to The Peninsula Hong Kong for its legendary afternoon tea, and I still remember the lavish spread of pastries, the classical live music and the awe-inspiring lobby lounge. 

Since then, I’ve had the chance to stay at the hotel a few times, but this would be the first time I have booked it using Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts.

I carefully tracked the value-added perks I enjoyed thanks to booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts. Here’s how they added up.

Room rate rebate: $320

At the time of my trip in March, the hotel was offering 25% off rates for standard rooms. Instead of paying $690 per night for a standard deluxe room, my rate came to just $530 per night. That meant a savings of $320 on a two-night stay.

A 2-category room upgrade: $460

When I checked into the hotel, the agent who assisted me — and basically acted as my personal concierge throughout my stay after that, arranging restaurant reservations at the hotel and out in the city, among other details — informed me that, thanks to my Fine Hotels + Resorts booking, I had received a two-category room upgrade to the grand deluxe king room category, which would have cost $230 more per night (it was not available at the 25% discount).

That meant I enjoyed slightly more spacious accommodations (about 20 square feet more than an entry-level deluxe room), plus a higher floor location and better city views. Of course, the best rooms at the hotel have harbor views, but the panorama of Kowloon’s skyscrapers and hills through my windows was still fantastic.

The room itself was also quite elegant, with a toned-down palette of cream, taupe, bronze and brown, a welcoming king-size bed that looked out toward the window and a large entertainment system. Like other Peninsula properties, the Hong Kong outpost also featured Peninsula-branded in-house technology, such as tablets that control all the room functions.

I especially loved the classic (and palatial) white and green marble bathroom with its enormous soaking tub. It came complete with an in-wall TV, dual sinks — one at either side of the room — and custom-blended bath products from local parfumier Angel Cheung.

Daily breakfast for 2: $260

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings include complimentary daily breakfast for two. 

At The Peninsula Hong Kong, breakfast is served in the sunny Verandah restaurant (with spillover into the Swiss-themed Chesa restaurant that is decorated like an Alpine chalet) and includes an extensive buffet of Western, Japanese and Chinese dishes, plus made-to-order omelets and all-you-can-drink coffee and tea selections.

The hotel normally charges $65 per person, per day for breakfast, so my two morning visits with a friend equated to a whopping $260 in value.

Dinner at Felix: $100

I could have used my $100 on-property experience credit at the hotel’s various restaurants or spa. In the end, my dedicated concierge was able to secure me a table at the top-floor restaurant, Felix, with prime harbor views.

The menu features contemporary European cuisine with heavy Mediterranean influences. For my dinner, I tried a rich but delicate starter of Japanese king crab with avocado puree and a delicate coriander tuile, followed by hearty lamb from France’s Aveyron region with spring vegetables and herbaceous za’atar sauce as my entree. To conclude the meal, I ordered the signature deconstructed Hong Kong milk tea dessert, which was creamy and light. 

My bill, which also included two glasses of wine, came to around $230, but thanks to my Fine Hotels + Resorts credit, I saved $100.

My grand total in savings: $1,140

All told, I calculated my value-added benefits due to booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts at $1,140. That comes with a few caveats, though.

First, I probably would not have paid the upcharge to the grand deluxe room, considering how high that would have been with my discount. These rooms sometimes are just $60 to $100 more per night than standard deluxe rooms, so the upgrade value was inflated by the 25% discount I was able to enjoy on my booking. Still, that 25% was a lot of savings, and it was also available for a significant portion of the year.

Second, though I did save $100 on my dinner, the overall bill was still expensive, at more than $200 for a single person, so this benefit only comes in handy if you’re splurging anyway.

Finally, hotel breakfast prices tend to be relatively high, and you can enjoy plenty of great Hong Kong breakfast spots for much cheaper than $65 per person. So, if you tend to skip breakfast, that might not come in handy.

Still, for my needs, I felt like I got tremendous value from this single Fine Hotels + Resorts booking. I’m going to try to do the same on other stays throughout the year. 

Other amenities at The Peninsula Hong Kong

My stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong this time was short, but hopefully I’ll get back there again soon. I love the hotel and its many amenities, so here are a few things you should try to experience there if you get to stay.

The Peninsula Hong Kong’s tony afternoon tea is still the stuff of legend, taking place in its ornately gilded lobby with live music drifting down from the minstrel’s gallery, so be sure to book a table and settle in for quite the afternoon affair.

The hotel’s many restaurants are each worth a visit. My favorite are Gaddi’s, which is in the former grand ballroom and has a Michelin star thanks to chef Anne-Sophie Nicolas’ meticulous French cuisine (be on the lookout for the famous Christofle silver duck and lobster press); and Spring Moon, also with a Michelin star, for sumptuous Cantonese banquets in a space that feels like an emperor’s summer palace. 

A dip in the hotel’s sprawling indoor pool feels like swimming at Hearst Castle, thanks to the Greco-Roman theme and incomparable harbor views. 

Meanwhile, there’s also an extensive fitness center with locker rooms featuring saunas, steam rooms and bath circuits. 

The hushed spa offers treatments incorporating all-natural Irish Voya products and Margy’s Monte Carlo skin care line. 

If your budget allows, there’s no experience like being chauffeured in one of the hotel’s bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms — in the hotel’s signature green color, of course — on private drives through the city or to and from the airport (transfers cost around $200 each way).

Although Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings include availability-based noon check-in and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, the point is pretty much moot at The Peninsula since Peninsula Hotels offer a “Peninsula Time” benefit where you can check in as early as 6 a.m. and check out as late as 10 p.m., depending on your particular travel plans.

Finally, The Peninsula is renowned for its service — just picture those white pillbox-hatted doormen — and my stay proved the rule. Not only was I greeted by name by practically every staff person I met, but all I had to do was ask for help with everything from restaurant reservations to museum tickets to suggestions for an inexpensive foot massage on nearby Nathan Road. In short, I felt taken care of but not chaperoned, and it created a balanced and beautiful sense of hospitality.

Bottom line

The Peninsula Hong Kong is still one of my favorite hotels in the world, even after all these years, and my recent stay there was just another wonderful memory I’ll have of the property.

What made it even better was the fact that I got well over $1,000 out of my stay by booking through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts with my new Business Platinum Card from American Express.

Of course, you have to be staying at expensive luxury hotels and spending money on things like meals and spa treatments in order to maximize the benefits of the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program. But if that fits your travel needs, then there’s no question you can reap hundreds of dollars in value out of each and every hotel stay you book through the program.

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.