Primeclass Lounge Paris Orly: La Compagnie and Priority Pass
This Orly Airport lounge offers self-serve spirits, decent buffet breakfast, and excellent tarmac views. Though missing wine, it remains a solid Priority Pass option that outperforms standard American domestic lounges.
The Club SFO: Not quite a Sapphire Reserve Lounge but an Elevated Experience
Located at SFO, this spacious lounge offers an elevated buffet and a unique "Wellness Room" perfect for quiet relaxation or calls. It surpasses standard Priority Pass options with customizable lighting and high-quality breakfast, though it can get loud during peak travel hours.
Le Meridien Denver: Pretty basic, but aren’t they all?
Centrally located near the convention center, this Le Meridien offers a basic experience with small rooms and no executive lounge. The brand is underwhelming compared to standard Marriotts.
JW Marriott Essex House: Great new lounge, great location but rooms are very hit or miss
The JW Marriott Essex House offers an unbeatable location facing Central Park and a standout executive lounge with excellent breakfast and snacks. While the rooms meet standard brand quality, upgrades and views are inconsistent regardless of elite status. It remains a preferred choice over the nearby Ritz-Carlton for value.
Alaska Airlines First Class: Decent food and great lounges; albeit with a basic seat and no in-seat IFE
Alaska Airlines First Class offers a superior soft product with locally sourced food and exceptional lounges, particularly in Seattle. While the seats are basic and lack In-Flight Entertainment (IFE), the high-quality dining and craft beer selection outperform major competitors like American Airlines, making it a strong choice for West Coast travel.
The Pacific Suite at the JW Marriott Union Square San Francisco
This high-floor corner suite offers great views but lacks a separate living area, featuring an inefficient, hallway-heavy layout.
Returning to Sandals Royal Caribbean 14 Years After Our Honeymoon
Returning to Sandals Royal Caribbean the first time since our honeymoon 14 years earlier, we found the resort conveniently located but showing its age. While the butler service and dining (specifically the Indian restaurant) remained highlights, the rooms felt only partially renovated. They noted small pools and a mediocre beach compared to other Caribbean destinations. Ultimately, they concluded that the dated facilities no longer justify the price, prompting them to seek different operators for future trips.
Luggage: As kids get older, your options expand and their independence grows
As kids grow, their travel independence grows too. Moving beyond diaper bags, the switch to kid-specific carry-on roller boards makes "no-check" travel possible even for families. These specialized bags feature angled pull cords and footrests, allowing children to manage their own gear with ease. Combined with a standard backpack, these luggage options teach responsibility and independence, turning young travelers into capable explorers while making the airport experience smoother for parents.
Why AA Premium Lounges with British Airways at JFK Are American’s Best Lounges in the Portfolio
Repositioning to JFK can offer significant savings on European travel, with roundtrip flights to London found for under $350. By leveraging American Airlines status on Oneworld carriers, travelers can access the premium AA/BA joint lounges, like the Soho lounge. These elevated spaces offer superior food, complimentary cocktails, and a European feel that surpasses standard Admirals Clubs, making JFK the strategic choice for both cost-conscious and status-holding travelers heading across the Atlantic.