Tech & Travel Guru
This was my first time trying United’s new service from Carlsbad (CLD) to Denver (DEN), which launched on March 30, 2026. I booked the itinerary for 30,000 United MileagePlus miles one-way from CLD–DEN–FCA, all in First Class. While it wasn’t the best mileage redemption, cash fares to Kalispell (FCA) were...
After another incredible ski trip to Niseko, it was time to head back home. I booked this Japan Airlines flight from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to San Diego (SAN) through Cathay Pacific for 89,000 Cathay miles plus $260 in taxes. I snagged the award 360 days in advance when Business Class...
Hawaiian Airlines launched its Airbus A321neo service on January 8, 2018, and I finally had the chance to fly it last month. With that flight, I’ve now experienced every aircraft type Hawaiian operates. The A321neo is a narrow-body jet similar to the Boeing 737s that Alaska Airlines uses for its...
I was looking to use Delta SkyMiles to fly from San Diego to Cancun and found a flight via ATL for 52,000 miles and $47.52 USD in taxes for Comfort +. This was way overpriced so I knew there would be a cheaper way to get there. I found if...
Flying out of Tijuana for Mexico domestic flights instead of San Diego can save you money and CBX (Cross Border Xpress) makes it easy to access the Tijuana Airport. It costs $45.95 roundtrip for access to CBX. If you are staying in Mexico for more than 6 days you will...
I’m always excited to plan a trip to Japan! My friends invited me to go skiing in Nagano in January. I was able to find award availability 5 months in advance of the trip using my Alaska Airlines miles for redemption on Japan Airlines. It cost me 85,000 Alaska Airlines...
After a wonderful flight over to Europe on Lufthansa in Business Class, we decided to book British Airways in Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) nonstop back into San Diego. Using 42,500 Alaska Airlines miles + $237.15 in taxes per person we were able to lock in VIE-LHR-SAN. Taxes are high...
As award availability has become harder and harder to find, there is an app to present the data you need without creating 100+ searches with each airline. A former Robinhood Security Engineer, started Seats.aero as a side project. I’ve been using it since March 2023 and have found value in...
In May 2022, I was able to secure JAL (Japan Airlines) Business Class on CGK-NRT-SAN for 65,000 Alaska Airlines miles + $73.67 in taxes. It’s much harder to lock in a connecting itinerary via Tokyo on JAL now due to availability and it also costs 100,000 Alaska Airlines miles. I’m...
I was excited to try another route that JSX (JetSuiteX) offers as they grown significantly since I reviewed them back in 2018. They now serve 19 destinations domestically (route map below) compared to just 8 in 2018. Flying from Las Vegas to San Diego is a quick 45 minute flight,...
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PSA: Chase UR Points → Hyatt Devaluation Coming October 1st
August 27, 2026
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