How To Avoid The Long Lines At TSA

Skip the TSA Line With This Facial Recognition Shortcut ✈️

Want to breeze through airport security without the usual wait? A little advance planning is all it takes.

TSA is currently expanding a touchless pilot program at airports across the country — and the timing couldn't be better. With security lines growing longer by the day, this upgrade is a welcome relief for frequent flyers.

It's called the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, and it uses facial recognition technology to get you through security without fumbling for your boarding pass or driver's license. Just step up to the camera, and you're on your way. 📸

I got to try it firsthand this week at Charleston International Airport in South Carolina — and the difference was striking. There was a small line for standard TSA PreCheck, a longer one for regular security, and zero wait at the Touchless ID lane.

Here's how to set it up:

Before you fly, head to the profile section of your airline's app or website. Look for the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID option, scan your passport, enter your Known Traveler Number, and hit submit. Note that you'll need to repeat this process for each airline separately — it doesn't carry over automatically.

One important requirement: you must already have TSA PreCheck to use this program. 🔐

Which airlines support it?

All five major U.S. carriers are currently participating: United, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and American Airlines.

Where is it available?

Not every airport has it yet, but TSA plans to roll out the program to 65 airports by June 2026 — so keep an eye out next time you travel. 🗺️

And if you don't have TSA Precheck yet, a few of our favorite credit cards offer a $120 Global Entry credit like the Capital One Venture X, the Capital One Venture and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.  

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? I can plan your entire trip using your points and miles or offer a 30 minute consult to answer questions or you can  download my ebook, custom tracker or Join my Travel Coaching Program.

Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the coaching program. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities. 

How To Get Thousands of FREE Airline Miles Without Spending Extra $

I talk about shopping portals all the time because they’re one of the easiest ways to earn airline miles and hotel points on spending you’re already doing. 🛍️✈️

Today I want to show you a few real examples — plus some bonus offers that can help you stack even more points and miles.

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Rakuten is my current favorite shopping portal 💻✨

Rakuten.com has become my go-to for earning extra rewards on everyday purchases.

For example: I buy cat food from Chewy.com every few months. If I take the extra step of starting at Rakuten and then clicking through to Chewy, I’m still shopping at the exact same website — but now I earn:

• 2% cash back from Rakuten

• Plus 1x–2x points from my credit card

Chewy is listed on a bunch of shopping portals, so it’s always smart to check cashbackmonitor.com before you buy. When I checked, most portals were offering 1x points or miles at Chewy… but the Chase Freedom portal was offering 2x. 👀

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The best part: Rakuten can pay out in points 🎯

Rakuten lets you earn rewards as:

• Cash back

• American Express Membership Rewards points

• Bilt points

I linked my Rakuten account to Bilt, so every 4 months my Rakuten rewards automatically transfer into my Bilt account.

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Quick Bilt refresher (because these points are legit)

Bilt points are a newer flexible currency — similar to Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex, Citi, and Capital One.

You can transfer Bilt points to airline and hotel partners like:

• Southwest

• Alaska

• Iberia

• Virgin

• Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)

• Hyatt

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A huge current Rakuten offer: Kraken 💰

Right now on Rakuten, the crypto platform Kraken is offering:

$150 back on a $225 deposit and purchase

If you’re earning in Bilt points, that’s essentially 15,000 Bilt points (since it transfers 1:1).

To put that into perspective:

• My last flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles cost 4,500 Alaska points

• The one before that cost 2,500 Southwest points

• And yes, I brought a companion along for free 😅

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Want to stack the deal even more? 🔥

If you open a Rakuten account using my referral link, you’ll get an extra 5,000 points after you spend $50.

So if you did the Kraken offer, you’d be looking at 20,000 Bilt points total.

And just to show how real this is: transfer those points to FlyingBlue.com and you can potentially book a one-way economy ticket on Air France from Los Angeles to Athens. Seriously.

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Not into crypto? Totally fair 😄

If crypto isn’t your thing, you can still use the referral offer and earn the bonus on a normal purchase.

I used it once to send flowers to a friend as a thank-you and earned the 5,000 points that way. You could also use it on something basic like… cat food. 🐾

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More bonus offers to earn points on everyday life ✈️🍽️🚗

United + Instacart 🛒

If you link your Instacart account with your United account and make a grocery purchase within 60 days, United will give you:

• 500 miles for free

If you’re a new Instacart customer and make 4 orders in 8 weeks, United will give you:

• 5,000 miles

I just did this and added another stack. I clicked on Rakuten.com which was offering 3x points on Instacart then placed an order with my Capital One Venture X to earn 2x points and 500 bonus United miles. Woohoo! 

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Lyft partnerships 🚙

Link your Hilton, Alaska, Bilt, or United account with Lyft and earn points every time you ride.

Prefer Uber? You can link Uber + United for extra miles too.

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Airbnb miles 🏡

• Book through Delta Airbnb to earn Delta miles

• You can also earn British Airways Avios on Airbnb stays through their earning portal

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Rental car miles 🚗

I’ve linked my Budget Rental account to my Southwest Airlines account — so every rental earns me 500 Southwest miles.

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VRBO + United 🧳

United also has a partnership with VRBO, so you can earn United miles on stays.

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Dining points through IHG + OpenTable 🍷

On the IHG website, you can access OpenTable and earn:

• 150 IHG points every time you dine out

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The takeaway

None of these require extra spending — they just require one extra click or a quick account link. And over time, these little wins can add up to real flights and hotel nights. 😎

There are even more offers like this out there, so check the websites (or social pages) for your favorite brands and see who they partner with for rewards.

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? Book a 1:1 consulting call, download my ebook, custom tracker or Join my Travel Coaching Program and we will design your personal strategy to travel for almost FREE and guide you through the process.

Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the coaching program. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities.

How To Get A Southwest Companion Pass Fast

Southwest is back with another fast track to a Companion Pass 🎉

This time, you only need one Southwest personal credit card. Meet the minimum spend, and you’ll earn a Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027 — plus a stash of Rapid Rewards points.

The exact bonus and spending requirement depend on which card you choose (details below). But first, a quick refresher.

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the strongest perks in domestic travel. It’s essentially a buy-one-get-one benefit: when you book a paid or award ticket with Southwest Airlines, your companion flies for just the taxes and fees. There are no blackout dates, and you can use it as often as you want. You’re also allowed to change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year.

Normally, you’d need to earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a single calendar year to qualify. This offer shortcuts that requirement.

I’ve used the Companion Pass to offset the cost of college visits, family trips, and quick weekend getaways — it adds up quickly. ✈️

Here’s how the current card options compare:

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

• Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027

• 20,000 bonus points

• $3,000 minimum spend

• $99 annual fee

Key perks:

• First checked bag free

• Complimentary standard seat within 48 hours of departure

• 10% promo code

• 3,000 anniversary points

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027

• 30,000 bonus points

• $4,000 minimum spend

• $149 annual fee

Key perks:

• First checked bag free

• Complimentary preferred seat within 48 hours of departure

• 15% promo code

• 6,000 anniversary points

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

• Companion Pass valid through February 28, 2027

• 40,000 bonus points

• $5,000 minimum spend

•  $229 annual fee

Key perks:

• First checked bag free

• Complimentary preferred seat at booking

• Extra legroom seat within 48 hours of departure

• 7,500 anniversary points

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A few important notes before you apply:

• You’re only eligible for a personal card welcome bonus once every 24 months, so double-check your timeline.

• Make sure a Companion Pass valid through early 2027 fits your travel plans. In some cases, it may make more sense to pursue the traditional Companion Pass strategy, which can stretch benefits close to two full years depending on timing.

If you already have trips in mind for 2026 and early 2027, this is a straightforward way to lock in significant savings. 💙

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? I can plan your entire trip using your points and miles or offer a 30 minute consult to answer questions or you can  download my ebook, custom tracker or Join my Travel Coaching Program.

Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the coaching program. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities. 

Hurry! Earn A Mini Southwest Companion Pass

Wow—Southwest just dropped a new mini Companion Pass offer, and this one comes with a tight deadline ⏰.

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable perks in travel. It’s essentially a buy-one-get-one flight: you can bring a companion on any Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees. You can use it as many times as you want during the valid period, and you’re even allowed to change your companion up to three times. That flexibility alone makes it a standout perk 👍

Normally, you’d need to earn 135,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points in a single calendar year to earn the Companion Pass, which is then valid for the rest of that year and the following year. But a few times a year, Southwest releases a shorter-term version—often much easier to earn.

That’s exactly what’s happening right now. Here are the details 👇

How this mini Companion Pass works:

• Register here for the promotion

• Purchase a round-trip flight or two one-way flights by Thursday, February 5th 2026

• Complete travel by March 31st

• Earn a Companion Pass valid from August 10th through October 7th

This timing could be especially useful if you’re helping a child move into college this fall or family weekend 🎓. I’ve used the Companion Pass to fly around the country for college visits, and the savings really added up.

A few important things to know:

• If you already have flights booked for February or March, you’ll need to cancel and rebook to qualify—so make sure the math works for you.

• You can pay with cash or a combination of cash and points, and all fare types count.

One strategy is to look for inexpensive flights from your home airport. A few years ago, I booked a quick round-trip to Phoenix just to qualify—my flight was about $100. That single trip unlocked thousands of dollars in value from the Companion Pass 💰

If your plans line up, this is a solid opportunity to grab one of Southwest’s best benefits with minimal effort. 

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? I can plan your entire trip using your points and miles or offer a 30 minute consult to answer questions or you can  download my ebook, custom tracker or Join my Travel Coaching Program and we will design your personal strategy to travel for almost FREE and guide you through the process.

Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the coaching program. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities. 

How to make sure you get the Southwest seat you want

How to make sure you get a seat and overhead bin space

With Southwest’s new seating structure rolling out, getting an assigned seat—and space for your carry-on—takes a little planning. Here’s how to stack the odds in your favor 👇

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1️⃣ Hold a Southwest credit card

Southwest credit cards now come with different seating perks, so it’s worth choosing the one that fits how (and how often) you fly.

• Plus – Select a standard seat within 48 hours of departure
  Annual fee: $99

• Priority – Select a standard or preferred seat within 48 hours of departure
  Annual fee: $149

• Premier – Select a preferred seat at booking
  Annual fee: $229

• Business Premier – Select a standard or preferred seat within 48 hours of departure
  Annual fee: $149

• Business Performance – Complimentary preferred seat at booking
  Annual fee: $299

💳 Current offers:

• Personal cards: 50,000 bonus points after $1,000 minimum spend

• Business cards: 60,000 points with $3,000 spend or 80,000 points with $5,000 spend

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2️⃣ Book with points and choose the right fare

If you’re booking with points (as you should 😄), your fare class determines what kind of seat you’ll get.

• Basic – Standard seat assigned at check-in

• Choice – Standard seat included

• Choice Preferred – Preferred seat included

• Choice Extra – Extra-legroom seat included 🦵✨

The higher the fare, the earlier your seat is locked in—and the better your chances of snagging overhead bin space.

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Saying goodbye to Southwest boarding positions 

3️⃣ Use A-List status if you have it

A-List status still matters, especially for seat upgrades.

• A-List – Can move to extra-legroom seats within 48 hours of departure

• A-List Preferred – Can choose extra-legroom seats at booking

🎒 Bonus perks:

• A-List members and Southwest credit card holders get a FREE checked bag

• Boarding order matters:

  • A-List boards in Group 2

  • Credit card holders board in Group 5

  • Basic fare flyers board last

Right now, passengers in extra-legroom seats are also getting extra snacks and complimentary premium drinks 🍹🍿

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One last thing about carry-ons

We’re hearing consistent reports that overhead bin space is tight. Hopefully this smooths out as the new system settles, but until then, earlier seat selection and boarding are your best defense.

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? Book a 1:1 consulting call, download my ebook, custom tracker or Join my Travel Coaching Program and we will design your personal strategy to travel for almost FREE and guide you through the process.

Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the coaching program. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities. 

TSA PreCheck Just Got Better!

 

If you have TSA Precheck, security just got even easier! A new Touchless ID option is being offered to those who already have TSA Precheck. With this new option, you don't need to show your ID or boarding pass, security is done with facial recognition. 

There may even be a separate line for those who have opted in. 

So how does it work?

• Enroll: Link your Known Traveler Number (KTN) with a participating airline and opt-in via their app, uploading your passport info. At this point, we are not sure if you have to opt in for each airline or just once. 
• Check-in: Look for the "TSA PreCheck Touchless ID" indicator on your mobile boarding pass
  . The icon will not show up on a printed boarding pass. 
• At the checkpoint: Find the dedicated lane, show your mobile pass, and look into the camera for a facial scan.
• Verification: The system compares your live photo to your passport photo. If it matches, you proceed without showing documents. 

Currently, the program is available in 15 airports and the following airlines Delta, 

United, Alaska, American and Southwest.

According to TSA, the program will expand to 65 airports in 2026. 

Several credit cards offer a Global Entry credit which includes TSA Precheck. 

My favorites are the Capital One Venture X and the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards.

Both cards are offering bonuses right now. 

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? Book a 1:1 consulting call, download my ebook, custom tracker or Join my Travel Coaching Program and we will design your personal strategy to travel for almost FREE and guide you through the process.

Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the coaching program. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities. 

How You Can Use Your Sapphire Reserve Credits For A Vegas Holiday

Since the refresh of the Chase Sapphire Reserve last year, figuring out how to actually use the card’s growing list of credits has been top of mind. With such a high annual fee, you really don’t want those credits expiring unused—but how do you use them without spending a ton of extra cash?

I kept seeing Las Vegas mentioned as an easy win, so I decided to test it myself. My credits were expiring December 31, 2025, which gave me a perfect excuse to plan a quick midweek escape. I started researching what 48 hours in Las Vegas could realistically look like—and whether the math would actually work in my favor.

Below is exactly how I used the credits, and what the weekend ultimately cost. 🎰✈️

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credits (Current Lineup)

The Chase Sapphire Reserve currently includes the following credits:

• $500 Edit Hotel Credit – $250 per two-night stay booked through the Chase Travel portal

• $300 Restaurant Credit – valid through Chase Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Dining

• $300 StubHub Credit – must be activated in your Chase account before purchase; split into two $150 credits (Jan–June and July–Dec)

• $250 Chase Hotel Credit – valid on select hotel brands (Omni, IHG, Montage, Pendry, Virgin, Minor, Pan Pacific) booked through the portal; two-night stay required

• $300 Annual Travel Credit – automatically applied to eligible travel purchases charged to the card

The credits I specifically needed to use before they expired were:

• $150 Dining Credit

• $250 Edit Hotel Credit

• $150 StubHub Credit

Booking the Hotel 🏨

I logged into the Chase Travel portal and found a solid midweek deal at Park MGM: Tuesday–Thursday in mid-January for about $145 per night, plus a $100 property credit. After booking, the $250 Edit Hotel Credit posted the next day. The hotel was well located, room was large and beds were comfy. Added bonus, there is a tram that connects the hotel to the Bellagio saving your feet from more walking. 

Total out-of-pocket for the hotel: $41

Using the StubHub Credit 🎭

Next stop: StubHub. I noticed The Wizard of Oz was playing at the Sphere—seeing a show there was already on my wish list. Midweek 5:00 pm tickets were about $189 per ticket including fees and taxes.

After activating the StubHub credit, I booked the tickets. The $150 credit posted immediately.

Total out-of-pocket for the show: $229

Dining with Chase Exclusive Tables 🍽️

I checked Chase Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables and snagged a reservation at Hell’s Kitchen. Dinner came to $175 including tax and tip, and the dining credit applied seamlessly. And by the way, dinner was delicious. Highly recommend! 

Total out-of-pocket for dinner: $25

Property Credit Meals & Extras 🥢☕

We used the $100 Park MGM property credit for dinner at La La Noodle and breakfast at Primrose Café. The front desk confirmed the credit only covered food—not tax or tip, but was valid at any of the restaurants inside the hotel except Crack Shack. 

We also split a sandwich from Eataly before the show. 

Total out-of-pocket for additional food, tax and tip: $45

Since that used up the property credit, we picked up breakfast at the airport before our flight home in the Capital One Lounge which is a benefit of the Capital One Venture X credit card. Yum! 

Capital One Lounge Las Vegas

Flights & Transportation 🚗

We flew to Las Vegas on Southwest using points and my Companion Pass. I did park my car at the San Diego airport for $36.

We skipped renting a car in Las Vegas and used Lyft instead. I applied the $10 monthly Chase Sapphire Reserve Lyft credit for the airport ride, and paid for the return trip.

Total out-of-pocket for parking and rides: $51
(If I still had my $300 travel credit available, this would have been fully covered.)

Beautiful light and fountain show in front of the Bellagio Hotel

Final Tally 💸

Was this a completely free Las Vegas trip? No—not technically. But for 48 hours in Vegas, a hotel stay, a Sphere show, multiple restaurant meals, and flights on points, we spent about $250 out of pocket total.

More importantly, I used credits that otherwise would have expired—and turned the Chase Sapphire Reserve “coupon book” into a genuinely fun, low-stress getaway. For me, that’s exactly how these credits should work. If you are interested in applying for the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred credit cards, use this link. 

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? Book a 1:1 consulting call, download my ebook, custom tracker or Join my Travel Coaching Program and we will design your personal strategy to travel for almost FREE and guide you through the process.

Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the coaching program. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

*For every new client, we will donate 10% of the proceeds to one of our favorite charities.