Travel Hacks & High Scores: From Rawdogging Flights to Uber Rewards

Happy Wednesday, jet-setters and travel enthusiasts! Whether you’re contemplating the art of "rawdogging" a flight for bragging rights, racking up bonus points on your next trip to Canada, or just debating which budget airline will make your European getaway less of a headache, we’ve got you covered. Oh, and if you’re looking to score some free Uber rides, CLEAR is throwing in a sweet $75 credit just for signing up. Buckle up, because today’s travel tips might just take your next trip from ordinary to extraordinary.

But first, here are the latest blog post from our website:

Latest Credit Card Transfer Bonuses – August 2024 Update

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR: What Frequent Flyers Need to Know

✈️Rack Up 6,000 Bonus Aeroplan Points on Your Next Air Canada Flight!

If you've got your eye on a trip north of the border, Aeroplan's latest promo might just sweeten the deal. Book a round-trip or two one-way flights from the US to Canada with Air Canada, and you'll pocket 6,000 bonus points—enough to score a free stopover on a future adventure.

Here's the scoop: Book by September 1st for travel between September 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. You’ll need to register before booking, and flights must be Air Canada-only (no codeshares, sorry!). With no minimum fare required, it's a pretty sweet bonus on an already-planned trip.

So, if Canada’s on your radar, why not earn some extra points while you’re at it? Just don’t forget to register before you book!

✈️Ryanair vs. easyJet: The Low-Cost Showdown

When it comes to budget flights across Europe, Ryanair and easyJet are the heavyweights. But which one wins in a head-to-head comparison? After flying round-trip from Manchester to Corfu—one leg with each airline—the verdict is in.

Booking: easyJet takes the cake here. While both airlines offer straightforward online booking, easyJet didn’t force extra charges for the empty middle seat, saving a few bucks for your Greek salad.

Check-In & Boarding: Again, easyJet has the edge. Ryanair’s confusing boarding pass process and mandatory passport check add unnecessary hassle, whereas easyJet lets you print at the hotel and skip the drama.

Seats: easyJet’s bulkhead row wins with a true wall and fewer distractions. Ryanair’s seats face an open area that turns into a mid-flight gathering spot—not ideal when you’re trying to relax.

In-Flight Experience: easyJet also shines in this category. While Ryanair ran out of hot food and dealt with rowdy passengers, easyJet offered a well-stocked menu, proactive service, and even a discount on fresh food during the last hour.

Overall Winner: easyJet by a mile. From booking to touchdown, it’s the better choice for a low-cost European flight. Would you fly Ryanair again? Sure, but only if easyJet isn’t available!

✈️Score $75 in Uber Credit with CLEAR Enrollment

If you’re an Uber regular and haven’t yet signed up for CLEAR, this deal’s for you. By enrolling in CLEAR using promo code WBB2S24 before August 25th, you’ll snag a $75 Uber credit—perfect for your next ride to the airport. Even better, if you’ve got an American Express Platinum, Amex Green, Hilton Aspire, or Business Platinum card, you can stack this with your card’s CLEAR reimbursement, effectively scoring $75 in free Uber credits.

The Breakdown:

• Sign Up: Use promo code WBB2S24 to enroll in CLEAR by 8/25/24.

• Get Rewarded: The $75 Uber voucher arrives after you complete enrollment and is valid until 2/28/25.

• Maximize Benefits: If you’re already using an Amex card for CLEAR, it’s a no-brainer. You get reimbursed and pocket the Uber credit.

Whether or not you frequent airports, this is an easy way to grab some extra Uber cash—no airport visit required! Just make sure to complete the process before the deal expires.

✈️ Are You Brave Enough to ‘Rawdog’ Your Flight?

Forget your Sudoku and leave that Kindle at home. The latest trend in in-flight entertainment—or lack thereof—is called “Rawdog Simulator,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like: staring blankly into space for hours on end during a simulated flight. Think of it as meditation with a side of masochism.

This summer, “rawdogging” has gone viral as the ultimate test of mental endurance. Players board their virtual flight, pick a seat, and then... do nothing. Eye-tracking technology ensures you're not sneaking a peek at anything distracting. The longer you stare, the higher you rank on the leaderboard—if you can top the current champ’s staggering 18 hours and 40 minutes.

So, do you dare to rawdog, or would you rather stick with more traditional in-flight thrills? Your sanity might depend on it.

✈️Jet Off to Northern Europe for a Steal: Finnair Business Class from 49k Points

Dreaming of a Northern European escape next summer? You’re in luck! Finnair is offering an incredible deal on business class flights to Northern Europe, with seats starting as low as 49k Amex Membership Rewards points each way—thanks to a clever booking strategy.

The Deal: Fly lie-flat in Finnair’s business class from November 2024 through August 2025. Best availability is in July and August 2025. Nonstop to Helsinki with easy connections to stunning cities like Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen.

Departure Cities:

Chicago (ORD) - 63k*
Dallas (DFW) - 63k*
Los Angeles (LAX) - 63k*
New York (JFK) - 63k*
Seattle (SEA) - 63k*

How to Book:

• Use Amex Points: Transfer 49k Amex points to British Airways for 63k Avios with a 30% transfer bonus. Then, combine your BA and Finnair Avios to book.

• Or Cathay Pacific Miles: Book with 63k Cathay miles each way. Points transfer from Amex, Bilt, Capital One, or Citi.

What’s Included: Enjoy lie-flat seats, priority boarding, checked bags, lounge access, and a glass of champagne—because why not?

Finnair’s service is top-notch, and their lounge in Helsinki is a gem. Whether it’s a solo trip or a romantic getaway, this deal is a surefire way to travel in style without breaking the bank. But hurry—availability is limited, and these seats won’t last long!

We love hearing from you! Share your travel stories, tips, or ask us burning travel questions. Ask me a question or advice on points and miles or other travel questions. Who knows, your story might be featured in our next newsletter!

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✨ Safe Travels & Happy Landings! Thank you for flying with us on this newsletter journey. Until next time, keep your passports ready and your adventures grand!