Sunday, February 2

Between the recent plane crashes and the wildfires in California, January was a tragic month for so many. My heart goes out to all of those impacted by the devastating incidents, as well as their friends, families and loved ones. Here's hoping that February will be kinder.

🛋️ Review: The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is a stylish hideaway with abundant food, seating and amenities
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge in Istanbul, one of the best business class lounges in the world, is an extravaganza of size, comfort and amenities. That’s not surprising since Turkey’s flagship carrier has claimed the world record of flying to the most countries in the world since 2012, officially recognized as such by the Guinness World Records. Open 24/7, the lounge is available to all passengers traveling in Business Class on international flights with Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance member airlines. Here's the review.
📻 WGN Morning Drive
I was up early on Monday morning to call into Bob Sirott's morning drive on Chicago's popular WGN radio. As usual, we discussed a range of travel topics including whether or not searching for airfares online increases the price. We also touched on what to do in weather delays and flight cancellations, how to get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry access for free, how crowded some airline club lounges are and our brief stay at the Chicago O'Hare Hilton during Christmas. You can listen to the interview here.

In this issue:

✈️ Today's Travel Outlook

As of 10:10am PT, there have been only 100 canceled flights to, from or within the United States and 1,712 delayed. Here's a link to the up-to-date stats and a live look at the FAA's National Airspace System Status. Here's what to do during weather delays and flight cancellations.

🧭 Travel Products of the Week

⌚ Monday

Some Apple Watch bands contain 'forever chemicals'
A class action lawsuit filed in Northern California claims that Apple Watch bands, including the Sport Band, Ocean Band, and Nike Sport Band, contain harmful levels of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," which are linked to health issues like cancer and pregnancy complications. The lawsuit alleges Apple was aware of the risks but chose not to use safer materials, despite marketing the product as health-focused. A University of Notre Dame study identified elevated PFAS levels in these bands, which are designed to resist sweat and skin oils. Apple denies the allegations, stating its watch bands are rigorously tested for safety and exceed regulatory standards. The lawsuit seeks refunds for consumers and demands better transparency and labeling from Apple.
If you or anyone you know wears an Apple Watch regularly, it might be time to swap that band out for something safer. This leather Apple Watch band slides into place with one click and is available in a variety of colors for both men and women's watches. Check out other options here.

✈️ Tuesday

Expedia's new air travel report busts common myths and reveals tips to save up to 25% on flights
In yesterday's newsletter, I debunked a popular travel myth. If you’re looking for more myth-busting travel hacks, then check out Expedia's newly released 2025 Air Travel Hacks Report. Here are their tips for saving money on travel in 2025.

🏨Wednesday

The travel hack hotels don’t want guests to know about
Regardless what time of year you’re traveling, hotel rooms can often feel hot and stuffy. If you find yourself in a hotel room that you just can’t make cold enough for your liking, it’s most likely because the hotel has set the thermostat to save money. I personally can’t blame them and if I ran a hotel, I would probably do the same thing, especially when guests aren’t even in the room. But if you want to learn how to change the hotel thermostat settings yourself, read on. Here's what you need to know.

✈️ Thursday

New details emerge about American Airlines regional jet that crashed into the Potomac River and American Airlines CEO releases statement
It’s a devastatingly sad day for all Americans, the aviation industry and for American Airlines/PSA Airlines employees and frequent flyers. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. Here’s what you need to know.
FYI: The photo above was taken last month from our AA/PSA flight between Toronto and Philadelphia. It's the same type of aircraft that was involved in last night's crash.

😬 Friday

Advice for coping with a fear of flying after D.C. plane crash
I’ve read so many stories on the news and from people on social media about being afraid to fly following the plane crash that occurred on Wednesday night. Given the fears I used to have, I can relate. But it’s important to remember that statistically, flying is extremely safe and airplane crashes are very rare. Here's some advice for you or anyone you know who may be fearful of flying.

🛫 Saturday

The most turbulent flight routes in North America and around the world
There aren’t many people who enjoy experiencing turbulence when they fly, and I’m one of them. The reason I didn’t say any is because I actually have two friends who find it exciting, which I find bizarre. If you’re curious about what routes have the most turbulence, then you’ll be interested in this report.

📺 Travel Videos of the Week

🌎 Top 12 Travel Stories of the Week

1 Who are the victims of the DC plane crash?
2 Staffing was ‘not normal’ at Reagan Airport tower, according to F.A.A. report
3 285 of 313 Air Traffic Control Facilities Are Understaffed
4 FAA chief Michael Whitaker quit on Jan. 20 after Elon Musk told him to resign
5 FAA closes helicopter routes near D.C. airport after American Airlines crash
6 Father Seeks $7 Million for Food Poisoning Deaths in Dominican Republic
7 Deadly Eaton and Palisades fires 100% contained after 24 days
8 Frontier Airlines makes another bid to merge with Spirit Airlines
9 Passenger plane catches fire at South Korean airport. All 176 on board evacuated
10 Aircraft tug killed American Airlines employee at Charlotte airport, police confirm
11 The Starwood Hotels name is coming back
12 YYZ – LGA: Porter Airlines boosts New York presence
Read it all here as well as the 84 other top travel news stories from this past week!

✅ Currency Exchange

✅ Calendar Countdown

✈️ Miles and Points

💳 What points transfer to American Airlines miles?
American Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines that serves just about every destination across the world. As it’s easy to redeem travel miles for award flights, you may try to transfer points to American Airlines to put them to good use and to stop your travel miles from expiring. But what points transfer to American Airlines? Here's what you need to know.
💳 5 reasons why the Bilt Card is worth it
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard continues to be the best way to pay rent with a card as you can earn 1 point per dollar in rent payments without fees. However, if you have a high monthly payment, you can reach the previous $50,000 annual earning cap before year-end. Thankfully, the annual Bilt points cap is being lifted so you can earn more points on rent. Here are 5 of the best reasons the Bilt Card is worth it.