THE BIG TRAVEL DEAL

Rail Rides: Pretty Lakes, Classic Trains and Summer Wine
New York State wines, especially vintages from the Finger Lakes, always seem to be better in concept than reality. But when you match those vineyards with the gorgeous lakes, summer weather and restored, classic passenger trains, you've got something special. The Finger Lakes Rail Experience uses five 1940s-era cars to chug along tracks with stops in Canandaigua, Geneva and Seneca Falls. On weekends in July and August, the best months to visit the Finger Lakes, there'll be dozens of runs as long as three hours. There are family-friendly excursions, wine trains and sunset rides. Your options include seats in the Hickory Creek, an observation car from the 20th Century Limited; a New York Central Railroad lounge car; Swift Stream, a 1949 stainless-steel lounge car; a New York Central first class dining car; and a mid-century passenger coach car from the Pennsylvania Railroad. Prices start at $30 a seat in the Penn coach and rise to $150 a seat in the Hickory Creek. The perks vary based on the length and type of ride. Taxes are extra. Also worth noting: a one-off eight-hour run on September 1. It's not yet for sale, however. Information: the FINGER LAKES RAIL EXPERIENCE site.

THIS WEEK'S OTHER NEW BARGAINS

JetBlue: What Are You Doing the Rest of the Year--and Your Life?
Now in its 25th year of flying, JetBlue Airways is searching, looking for profit, passengers--and especially repeat customers. Put this astounding promotion in the latter category. If you visit 15 JetBlue destinations before December 31, the carrier will award you with 150,000 bonus TrueBlue points. Reach 20 destinations and you will get an additional 200,000 points. That's 350,000 points for 20 cities. And if you make it to 25 destinations, you'll receive TrueBlue Mosaic elite status for 25 years. (Of course, you and JetBlue have to make it for the next 25 years … ) There are surprisingly few bits of fine print: All fares are included except for the airline's cheapest Blue Basic category; qualifying destinations must be reached by flying JetBlue, not a code-share partner; and you can't count any place you flew on JetBlue before June 25. Naturally, you must include your TrueBlue number on every flight to qualify. The rest of the verbiage is relatively standard. Information: The JetBlue 25 FOR 25 page.

InterContinental Hotels: 30% Off Elite Rooms in Japan
As occupancy rates (finally) soften, hotel chains are beginning to offer discounts on their better rooms. This week's example: InterContinental Hotels is cutting 30% off nightly rates of club rooms and suites throughout Japan. The deal is also available at IHG Hotel properties in Guam and Saipan. The discount is valid on stays of two nights or more until December 18 when you book by July 31. Information: the InterContinental CLUB & SUITES EXPERIENCE page.

Flying Blue: 20 Points Per Euro on Summer and Fall Hertz Rentals
Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France and KLM, still offers the best value on flight redemptions, especially for off-peak premium class travel. And now another perk: 20 Flying Blue points per euro spent on Hertz rental cars. (And Hertz outside the United States has held up and doesn't seem beset by the chaos of the domestic firm.) The extraordinary bonanza of points is available on rentals until October 30 if you book by July 19. Best of all, Hertz prices on cars booked through Flying Blue can be fabulous values compared to other booking channels. Information: the Flying Blue CELEBRATING 20 YEARS page.

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THE DISCOUNTS UP THERE

Singapore Airlines: Longest Flights, Cheapest Premium Economy Fares
Singapore Airlines may be positioned as a premium airline, but it was late with a dedicated premium economy class. And its premium economy cabin has lagged in sales since its 2015 introduction. Last year's refresh hasn't moved the needle, either. So it constantly discounts heavily to fill the cabins. That means superb bargains on the airline's ultra-long-haul flights across the Pacific. On San Francisco-Singapore nonstops, for example, premium economy sells for as little as $1,417 roundtrip. Seattle-Singapore is as low as $1,719 roundtrip. LAX-Singapore nonstop is pricier: $1,897 roundtrip. But the biggest bargains are on the world's longest nonstops: New York/Kennedy or Newark to Singapore for only $1,262 roundtrip. There are similar premium class bargains around Asia via Changi from all SIA gateways in the United States. Information: the COMPARE FLIGHTS page.

Finnair: Business Class Deals a Year Old in Europe
These are not easy times to be Finnair. The well-regarded Nordic carrier has always been something of an oddball. Finland wasn't one of the Scandinavian nations that originally founded SAS, so Finnair always had to go it alone. During the Cold War and for 30 years after, Finnair promoted its Helsinki hub to connect the West and Russian destinations. Russia's invasion of Ukraine killed almost all of that traffic, of course. Overflying Russian airspace was also banned, so that largely scuttled Finnair's attempt to use Helsinki as a hub to connect Asia and the Middle East with The Americas. What's left? Using compact, efficient Helsinki to connect U.S. cities with Eastern European, Nordic, Scandinavian and Baltic destinations. And the roundtrip business class offers are compelling: Bodo, Norway, for $3,067; Warsaw, Krakow or Gdansk, Poland, for around $3,050; Prague for $3,078; Tromso, Norway, for $3,104; and Stockholm or Gothenburg, Sweden, for $3,035. The prices are from New York/JFK, but Finnair offers similar deals from its other U.S. gateways. Finnair even offers a calendar to check fares by day through next May. Information: the BUSINESS CLASS FLIGHT OFFERS page.

American Airlines: Will Status Match for Business
Hate your current carrier? American Airlines wants your flying business and will status match to get it. But that is something of a poisoned chalice since AA is financially stressed, operationally shaky and rather threadbare in flight. Still, American might suit your needs. AA seems to be especially targeting Southwest and JetBlue elites with special perks. However, you can also get your status matched into 2027 if you're currently elite with United and Delta. The AAdvantage status match page offers a handy chart of what you'll receive and the rather lengthy rules for keeping the status once you've been gifted the initial match.

India: Peck Around for Business Class Bargains
The quest for business class deals to India is endless, especially since Air India remains in serious disarray as it attempts to right itself and its operations. There seem to be discounts now, however, if you're willing to peck around and be flexible on time and the carrier. Some roundtrip bargains I found this week: Finnair from Los Angeles to Delhi for $3,852; Etihad from New York/JFK to Bengaluru ($3,127) and Delhi ($3,208); and from Washington/Dulles to Kolkata ($3,572); and Turkish Airlines to Mumbai from Atlanta ($2,750), New York ($3,193) and Dallas/Fort Worth ($3,520).

Delta SkyMiles: Hey, Unhappy Southwest A-Listers, Trade Down to Us
Elite status in Delta SkyMiles, the most cynical, least-desirable program among U.S. majors, is of marginal value. After all, when was the last time you got an upgrade on a Delta flight? Or got a Delta perk you couldn't get cheaper in another program? So it's a measure of the perceived unhappiness of Southwest Airlines elite flyers that Delta is offering them a slightly richer status match. If you are a Southwest Rapid Rewards A-Lister, you'll receive SkyMiles Gold Medallion. If you're an A-List Preferred member, you'll receive Delta Platinum Status. The Delta status, such as it is, is valid until September 30. But remember: If you're a Southwest elite, you'll still receive a free checked bag and get a seat assignment even after Southwest makes it changes. But, of course, your mileage may vary and you may prefer to switch to Delta. It's certainly your call and your travel dollar. Information: the Delta STATUS MATCH CHALLENGE page.

British Airways: AARP Deal Back for All of 2025. Save $200 in Business
British Airways has a long-standing partnership with the AARP and its discount deal is back again--this time for all of 2025. BA once offered AARP members $400 off roundtrips. Now it's less compelling: $200 roundtrip off business class and $65 off standard coach or premium economy fares. Still, it's never wise to look a gift discount in the mouth. The current deal is valid for flights until January 31, 2026. You must be an AARP member, of course, which offers great value for the $15 annual rate. Information: the EXCLUSIVE AARP MEMBERS page.

STAY ON THE WAY/STAYOVER OFFERS

Iberia: Free Stopover in Madrid for As Long as Nine Days
Once a niche carrier, Iberia has made substantial inroads in the U.S. market by offering extremely attractive fares over its Madrid hub. Now another incentive to change planes in the Spanish capital: a free stayover that can last as long as nine days. As with most of the industry stopover schemes, the idea is simple: Find a route and book a stop either on the departure or return via Madrid. Information: Iberia's STOPOVER HOLA MADRID page.

Etihad Airways: Two Free Hotel Nights With Abu Dhabi Stops
After a nasty financial patch and misbegotten attempt to buy into weak airlines to create a fourth alliance, Etihad has rebounded and is again serving five North American cities: New York, Washington, Chicago, Boston and Toronto. Since all connecting flights require a change in Abu Dhabi, a stayover in the United Arab Emirates makes sense. Etihad now offers two free nights in a three-star hotel or 40% off stays at 4- and 5-star properties. There are also discounts and packages on dining, attractions, sporting events and other activities in Abu Dhabi, which fancies itself as more sedate and sophisticated than Dubai, its historic rival. YMMV on which city is better--and whether you prefer a layover with Emirates via Dubai--but at least Etihad is again making the effort to attract your long-haul business. Information: the Etihad ABU DHABI STOPOVER page.

Emirates Airline: Dubai in a Day (or More)
As many as 88 million people passed through Dubai Airport last year and the Emirates Airline superhub hosts lots of North Americans headed to the UAE and other destinations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. With so many connecting flights to so many places--and with the time zones completely askew--Emirates offers a spread of stopover and stay-on-the-way deals and packages. A 12-hour bundle, for example, includes a Dubai city tour, one-hour excursion around the harbor on a traditional wooden dhow, a desert ramble that includes a stop at a camel farm and a buffet dinner. That costs about US$100. For about the same price, a three-day itinerary includes a city tour, a safari run, a kayak adventure, dinner cruise and other attractions. There are also special rates available at the city's wide array of hotels and resorts, many of them among the most luxurious in the world. Information: the Emirates DUBAI EXPERIENCE page.

Turkish Airlines: Stay Up to Two Days Free in Istanbul
You'd be surprised to learn the identity of the carrier that flies to more nations than any other. It's Turkish Airlines, hubbed at sprawling and elaborate Istanbul Airport. The airline flies to 274 destinations and offers connections from more than a dozen gateways in the United States and Canada. Another perk: the Stopover in Istanbul scheme. It allows travelers connecting in Istanbul to spend a night or two in Turkey's largest city while Turkish picks up the hotel tab. Connecting coach flyers are eligible for a one-night stay at a 4-star hotel and business class travelers can get two nights in one of Istanbul's five-star properties. Some folks will not fly on Turkish because Turkey is ruled by an increasingly autocratic strongman who has been intent on turning the once proudly secular nation into an Islamic redoubt. But if you're flying Turkish--which is part of the Star Alliance and often offers great business class deals--why wouldn't you avail yourself of a free stop in one of the world's most intriguing cities? Information: The Turkish Airlines STOPOVER IN ISTANBUL page.

Qatar Airways: Stay on the Way With Doha Discounts
Qatar Airways has grown its Doha home into a global megahub and it carries many American travelers onward to Africa and Asia. But if you're interested in spending some time in the ultra-modern Qatari capital along the way, Qatar Air offers a raft of on-the-ground discounts. For stayovers as long as four nights, hotel rates start as low as $28 a day per couple for four-star properties. Beachfront hotels start as low as $60 a couple a night. There are also substantial discounts on city tours and attractions. One caveat: You'll need a visa to overnight in Qatar, but the airline can help handle that, too. Information: the Qatar Airways EXPERIENCE MORE page.

Icelandair: Add a 7-night Free Stay in Iceland to Your Trip
Icelandair, and before that Icelandic, has survived for decades in the cutthroat transatlantic market by leveraging its position between North America and mainland Europe. It has used Reykjavík as its continent-to-continent connecting hub and regularly promoted stay-along-the-way packages. It's the latter that is of interest now: The airline is permitting stays in Iceland for as long as seven days when you fly between North America and Europe. The so-called Stopover in Iceland program is available at no extra charge on your outbound itinerary. The airline's Web site also does an excellent job helping you book the stop. Information: Icelandair's STOPOVER IN ICELAND page.

Copa Airlines: Up to 7-Day Free Stopover in Panama
Panama's Copa Airlines is one of the few stable and reliable carriers in Latin America. The Star Alliance airline also has developed an efficient hub at its hometown of Panama City that connects destinations in the United States to both Central and South America. And now an added perk: A free stopover of as long as seven days in Panama City. The stay-on-the-way offer can be used on the departing or returning itinerary. The airline also works with Panamanian tourist authorities to offer up a bundle of tours, hotel stays and other add-ons. Information: the PANAMA STOPOVER page.

TAP Air Portugal: Free Portugal Stopover Can Now Be Ten Days
In the early days of transatlantic jet travel, free "stopovers" in the country of arrival were a standard perk. The deal was eventually abandoned as longer-haul nonstops came to dominate flying. But "stay along the way" offers are making a comeback among airlines that depend on connecting traffic to compete with longer nonstops. TAP Air Portugal is probably the best current practitioner of the stopover. The airline originally revived the deal with a free, three-day stopover in Portugal as part of roundtrip, transatlantic nonstops to Lisbon or Porto. It was then upped to five days. Now the offer is 10 days in Portugal before continuing to your next destination. There are other perks attached to the stopover, including a 25% discount on domestic flights, hotel discounts, museum and attraction admissions and freebies with meals. Information: the VISIT PORTUGAL page.

SATA Azores Airlines: Free Stopovers To/From Europe
It's a huge understatement to suggest that SATA Azores Airlines flies under the metaphoric radar. It's one of the least publicized carriers in Europe. But the islands-based carrier serves a number of gateways in the United States (New York, Boston and Oakland) and Canada (Toronto and Montreal). So when it offers free stayovers of as long as seven days en route to and/or returning from Europe, it's worth considering. Among its European destinations are London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan and, of course, Lisbon and Porto in Portugal. The stayover allows you to add in visits to the Azorean islands of São Miguel or Terceira. If your geography fails you, the Azores lie about midway between the United States and the Portuguese mainland. And if your meteorology fails you, the winter months in the Azores are mild (daytime temps in the low 60s, evenings in the mid 50s). Information; the SATA STOPOVER page.

CREDIT CARD ACQUISITION BONUSES

Amex/Marriott: Three Free Nights (Sorta) to Take a Business Card
Like American AAdvantage, Marriott Bonvoy allows customers to play credit card partners against each other. In Bonvoy's case, cards are issued by both American Express and Chase. The current Amex offer may be intriguing if you're a Bonvoy player: three free hotel nights as an acquisition bonus when you take the Bonvoy Business Card. Free nights are capped at 50,000 points--better than the 35,000-point cap on free nights offered by other Bonvoy cards--but it still means that you can't use them at Marriott's best properties. Still, the annual fee is modest enough ($125) and the spend requirement ($6,000) is spread out over six months rather than the normal three months. You also receive a 7% discount on Marriott bookings and a decent ongoing earning proposition: six points per dollar on Marriott spend: four points per dollar on restaurants and gasoline; and two points per dollar on other charges. You'll also get Gold Bonvoy status, which has some value. Information: the Amex MARRIOTT BONVOY BUSINESS page.

Wells Fargo: One Travel Card Won't Rule Them All, But Still ...
Wells Fargo hasn't been a big player in the travel card segment. But now comes the Autograph Journey Visa that Wells Fargo hopes will be a category killer. It's compelling, but not a category killer. The Autograph Journey Card offers a strong earnings proposition: 5 points for hotel spend; 4 points on airline purchases and three points on dining and most other travel charges. The annual fee is low ($95) and offset by a $50 annual statement credit against airline charges. There's generous trip-cancellation and lost-luggage coverage, cell-phone protection and no foreign transaction fees. Wells Fargo is even creating a points-transfer operation. Points accrued on Autograph Journey can be transferred 1:1 to Air France/KLM Flying Blue and programs operated by British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus. Wells Fargo promises more partners to come. And there's a hefty acquisition bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. So where does the Autograph Journey card fail? The car-rental collision-damage waiver is secondary, ride shares don't earn extra points, there's no trip-delay coverage and probably a shallow pool of future points-transfer partners. Still, it's an impressive package for a functional $45 annual fee. Information: the Wells Fargo AUTOGRAPH JOURNEY CARD page.

LODGING BARGAINS TO CONSIDER

Hyatt: Bonus World of Hyatt Points for Limited-Service Stays
Hyatt seems to have eschewed chainwide promotions in favor of targeted activity. One of recent note: Up to 16,000 bonus World of Hyatt points for stays at the limited-service brands: Hyatt Place, Hyatt House and Hyatt Studio. Stay three nights before September 7 and you'll earn 3,000 bonus points. Complete five nights and the bonus will be 8,000 points. Reach eight nights during the promo period and you receive the 16,000-point bonus. Registration is required. Information: The Hyatt MORE TO OFFER page.

Marriott: Bonus Bonvoy Points for High-End Stays
Marriott wants you to step up and book premium rooms and suites, which, of course, carry steep premium nightly rates. If you book in the United States and Canada and use promo code S2449, you'll earn a bonus of 3,000 Bonvoy points per stay. The deal is valid until August 15. The deal is more nuanced in Europe and the Middle East. Book a premium room or suite in that region and use S2449 and you can earn as many as 10,000 bonus Bonvoy points per stay. That is for booking at Marriott's luxury brands. Other brands are offering 1,000 to 5,000 bonus points per stay. This deal is valid on stays between June 27 and September 26. A two-night stay is required. For more details on the U.S./Canada promotion, surf here. For details on the other offer, surf here.

Hotels: Rate Deals Around the Edges for the Summer
Tariff talk and trade wars may be playing out in real time around the world and travel will be affected soon. But right now hotel rates remain surprisingly high. To find some deals, you'll have to scratch for rate deals and frequency promotions. Here is some of what I found this week:
        AAA discounts rarely yield notable bargains at major lodging groups. But there are exceptions: Choice Hotels promises "up to 20% off" room rates when you book by September 2. And Omni Hotels is offering "up to 14% off" at dozens of its hotels and resorts around the country.
        Loews Hotels is a small chain, but many travelers swear by the chain's properties and services. If you're one of them, then consider this special offer. Reserve a suite at most Loews outposts and the chain will throw in up to $200 a day in food and beverage credits. Information: the Loews A SUITE DEAL page.

        Omni Hotels is the official lodging partner of the PGA Tour, so the chain is capitalizing on the link with golf swag and course discounts. Book a golf package at one of 10 Omni resorts and you will receive: one round of golf per registered guest each day of your stay; unlimited use of the driving range; a pack of Callaway golf balls; a PGA Tour hat for each adult; and a $100 resort credit. Information: The Omni PGA TOUR GOLF PACKAGE page.
IHG Rewards: Is It a Unique Offer? Yes. Valuable? YMMV.
IHG Rewards is a lower-value program with far too many limited-service properties and far too few reasonably priced awards at the better resorts and hotels. Still, its late spring/summer points promotion is at least unique. You'll earn 2,000 points for each two nights you stay until August 31 or 8,000 points for each four nights you stay. The hitch, you can only register for the two-night or the four-night offer. You can't double dip. So choose carefully. Information: the IHG PICK YOUR POINTS OFFER page.

Choice Hotels: A $50 Gift Card for Two Spring/Summer Stays
Choice Hotels has been advertising relentlessly on television in recent months, but a mid-market chain with 7,500 properties also needs to promote relentlessly, too. Hence the late-spring and summer offer: a $50 gift card when you stay twice by September 2. But since this is Choice, there's a ton of fine print. The choice (ahem!) of gift cards is somewhat limited, although you can score one from Amazon, Applebee's, Fandango, Shell or Walmart. Technically, you're not earning a gift card, but Choice Privilege points that can be claimed for the gift card. The card you choose must be used by November 1. And, of course, you must register to participate. Information: the Choice EVEN MORE REASONS TO TRAVEL page.

Best Western: Not the Best Best Western Deal, But …
There's a funny moment in The Big Bang Theory when Amy explains to Sheldon that her Best Western isn't "best Best Western [but] the third best Best Western I've been to." I feel the same way about this iteration of the chain's latest Rewards promotion. In its very predictable way, Best Western rotates offers under the Rewards Rush rubric. Sometimes it's a free night and sometimes it's a $100 gift card and now it's the third-best offer: 10,000 bonus points after three nights at any property in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. You can score as many as two bonuses during the promo period, which lasts until September 1. (By the way, ignore the "$50 off" come-on. It is only valuable for the chain's less-than-stellar Pay With Points scheme.) Advance registration is required. Information: the Best Western LIMITED TIME OFFER page.

Hilton Honors: Let Us Insult You With 1,000 Points Per Stay
Look, if you are going to stay at a Hilton property, stay at a Hilton hotel. But be aware that its second-quarter Hilton Honors promotion, 1,000 points per stay, is absolutely insulting. As anyone who stays at Hilton and plays Honors knows, the program is extraordinarily low value. The chain has done double-points promotions for years simply to keep the program vaguely competitive. So when it offers just 1,000 points per stay, you know you're being taken for granted. But, again, if you are going to stay at Hilton, stay at Hilton--and do not think about the insult. The promotion is available for stays between June 1 and August 15. Information: the Hilton NEW POINTS PLUS page.

Hotels: Maybe You'll Find Rate Savings With a Credit Card
Domestic fares have been flat or falling recently, but hotel and resort prices continue to rise, precipitously in many destinations. Possible solution: hotel discounts and perks offered by your credit card. Of course, the specials below come with caveats. Most hotels in the programs are in the luxury category. You must book directly at the card's special Web site, which would eliminate most or all of the perks you get with elite status at your preferred chain. And you should always check that the rate you're paying is competitive with other offers.
      American Express Platinum Cards feature two plans--Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) and The Hotel Collection--that cover more than 2,600 properties around the world. Bundled with the FHR rates are space-available room upgrades; check-in as early as noon based on availability and guaranteed 4pm checkout; breakfast for two; free WiFi; and property-specific food and beverage credit or other amenity. The Hotel Collection locations offer space-available upgrades and some on-property perks. You'll also receive an annual statement credit of $200 when you book the hotels and five Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at the properties.
      Visa Signature cards claim to offer special rates at more than 900 properties. Perks include space-available upgrade; free WiFi; free breakfast for two; a $25 food and beverage credit; VIP status; and late checkout.
      Mastercard Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, available to some World and World Elite Mastercard holders, covers 3,800 properties. It offers free daily breakfast for two; as-available room upgrades; "if available" early check-in and late checkout; and on-property amenities worth as much as US$100. But there is a catch: The benefit is not available for Mastercards issued in the United States and Canada. They are covered by a much more amorphous travel-benefit program.

Air Canada Aeroplan: Fourth Night Free on Hotel Redemptions
Airline frequency programs stopped offering good deals on hotel redemptions decades ago, but Air Canada Aeroplan (and its related credit card) is a unique frequent flyer plan. So maybe this isn't as much of a surprise as you might assume: If you are an Aeroplan credit card holder, you'll receive a free fourth night when you book participating hotels using Aeroplan points. Book six nights with points and receive two free nights. The promotion is available for stays through December 31, 2025. Information: the Air Canada EXTEND YOUR REST FOR LESS page.

IHG One Rewards: 3,000-Point Bonus for an App Booking
I waffle on the value proposition offered IHG One Rewards, the loyalty program of InterContinental Hotel and its many other brands. But if you're an IHG player, there's no reason not to pounce on this: 3,000 bonus points for booking a stay through the IHG app. The offer seems fairly straightforward: be an IHG One Rewards member, register for the promotion, then book via the app and complete a stay within 30 days.

Omni Mount Washington: Third Night Free and an F&B Credit
The enormous, enormously popular and enormously expensive Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, offers thrilling views, excellent restaurants and a cornucopia of activities: a spa; golf and tennis; stables; ice skating, snowshoeing; and several types of skiing. But like many resorts, it has trouble filling off-season days. The solution: a buy-two-get-one sale. When you book two nights at the Flexible Rate, you will get a third night free. Also included: a $50 food-and-beverage credit. What isn't included: the tax and resort fee on the third night. As always with offers of this type, don't assume this rate is the cheapest. Check it against the price of paying the lowest available rate for three nights. Information: Omni's BUY 2 NIGHTS, GET 3RD NIGHT FREE page.

BACK HERE ON EARTH

Chase/Instacart: No Delivery Fees and a $10 Monthly Credit
Instacart is a well-known grocery delivery service and it has teamed up with Chase for a promotion targeting travel credit card holders. What you'll get: $0 delivery fees and a $10 monthly credit. How do you get them? Use an enrolled Marriott, Hyatt or InterContinental hotel card or airline cards issued for Southwest, British Airways, Air Canada, Aer Lingus or Iberia. The benefits are valid through December 31, 2027. Information: the Instacart CHASE page.

T-Mobile: Magenta Status Has Intriguing Travel Discounts
For years, T-Mobile marketed itself as "the un-carrier" and specialized in better service and cheaper prices. Now that it has caught Verizon and AT&T, it is less customer friendly and not notably cheaper. And folks have noticed, some going so far to call T-Mobile's marketing arc a long con. Still, its year-old Magenta Status, an unsubtle nod to the travel industry practice of stratifying customers, has some travel value. (Magenta is T-Mobile's corporate color, by the way.) It offers 15% off nightly rates and Silver Honors status at Hilton Hotels; a free year of AAA membership; free in-flight Internet; and an intriguing rental-car perk: the ability to return vehicles to Dollar and Hertz without paying to refuel a gas-powered car or recharge an EV. Also included: $5 movie tickets; 25% off concert tickets; and dining discounts. Another interesting perk: free streaming from Apple TV+, Netflix. Hulu, SiriusXM, Pandora and Major League baseball. If you are already a T-Mobile customer, Magenta Status is free. It's also a perk for new customers. Information: the T-Mobile MAGENTA STATUS page.

GigSky: Free International Data With Elite Visa Cards
GigSky is an eSIM operator offering international mobile-data service at prices below larger U.S. phone operators. Now GigSky is offering holders of Visa Signature and Visa Infinite a deal. If you hold a Visa Signature card, GigSky is offering you 1GB of international data over 15 days and 20% off other service plans. If you have a super-elite Visa Infinite card, the offer is 3GB over 15 days and 30% off other plans. The catch: Your mobile device must be able to handle an eSIM, a virtual card that replaces a standard SIM. Full details of the Visa promotion can be found here.

Burj Al Arab: Would You Pay for a Tour of a Glitzy Fantasy?
Burj Al Arab in Dubai was designed to be a glitzy, over-the-top fantasy as well as an outrageously expensive lodging and dining venue. It's built on its own island, is designed to look like the sail of an Arabic dhow and makes the ludicrous claim that it is a 7-star hotel. (They never quite say who awarded the seven stars, of course.) But the place is something to behold. And now they'll sell you a 90-minute tour--ahem, "exclusive" tour--that covers some regional history, the design and creation of the gigantic property, a visit to the wacky atrium and a peek into the hotel's huge Royal Suite. Whether you think such a thing is worth AED299--that's about US$82--may depend on how much free time you have in Dubai and whether you're interested in how the 2% of the 2% live on the road. Information: the Burj Al Arab TOUR OF AN ICON page.