Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

Seattle

Freelance Writer at Fortune

Freelance writer @AwardWallet @ForbesAdvisor & @FortuneRecs points, miles, credit cards, award travel, airlines & hotels | Formerly @NerdWallet @CNNUnderscored

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Articles

United Polaris Lounges: Where They Are and How to Access Them

2 weeks ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

Travel can be hectic, so finding peace and quiet when going through an airport can feel like a real treat. If you're flying Polaris business class with United Airlines — or in a premium cabin on a Star Alliance member airline — it's worth checking whether you'll be able to access one of the airline's most premium lounges. This Polaris Lounge guide can help you find out if you can get in. What are United Airlines Polaris Lounges?
Delta Now Limits Sky Club Access — Here's How to Track How Many Visits You Have Left

3 weeks ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

Delta Sky Clubs are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport. But as of early 2025, access to these oases has been throttled back due to new rules from American Express and Delta. Here’s how to track your Sky Club visits so you’re not left searching for a seat at the gate instead of enjoying a drink in the lounge.
How Amex Platinum Card Members Can Unlock Complimentary Centurion Lounge Guest Access

3 weeks ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

Ever since American Express announced it would be ending free guest access to Centurion Lounge for those with The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, traveling couples and families have been feeling the sting of these changes. From complimentary food from local chefs and free-flowing drinks, the Centurion Lounges are the top tier of airport sanctuaries.
How to Set Up Your Digital Priority Pass Card to Access Airport Lounges

4 weeks ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

For anyone like me who is looking for a break from crowded, noisy airport areas, having a Priority Pass membership is always a fantastic idea. With so many premium travel cards now offering Priority Pass as a benefit, it’s easier than ever to gain access to hundreds of airport lounges around the world. But if you’d rather not carry your physical card while traveling, here’s how to set up your Priority Pass digital card on your phone instead.
Which Credit Cards Still Offer Access to Priority Pass Restaurants?

4 weeks ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea |Tyler Glatt

Priority Pass gives travelers access to participating airport lounges worldwide, no matter which airline they’re flying or what class of service they’re in. But Priority Pass has expanded beyond just airport lounges. At select airports, members can skip the lounge and enjoy a free or heavily discounted meal at a sit-down restaurant instead. Unfortunately, this perk is slowly disappearing from many credit cards, so it’s natural to wonder which still offer it.
Free Instacart+ and Monthly Credits Now Available on These Chase Cards

1 month ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

Chase cardholders are starting May on a strong note. As of May 1, 2025, many Chase-issued credit cards will start enjoying an additional benefit that can save you some cash on your next Instacart order. As part of Chase's expansion of its partnership with Instacart, eligible cards now include Instacart membership and monthly credits as benefits. To begin taking advantage of these perks, cardmembers must first sign up for an Instacart account. Then, enroll your card to redeem this offer.
How to Redeem Alaska Miles for One-of-a-Kind Mileage Plan Unlocked Experiences

1 month ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

Alaska Airlines launched a new program called Mileage Plan Unlocked, giving members the chance to use their hard-earned miles for exclusive events and experiences. Some of these experiences start at just 10,000 miles and can include things like concert tickets, sporting events, travel packages, or food and wine tastings. So, how do you redeem miles for Mileage Plan Unlocked experiences? Let's take a look. What Is Mileage Plan Unlocked?
World of Hyatt Points Transfers: How to Combine Points With Another Member

1 month ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

Like many loyalty programs, World of Hyatt allows you to transfer points between members. But unlike most other programs, Hyatt does not place restrictions on who you can send points to or how many points you can transfer. Best of all, there's no fee to share points with another member! That makes pooling points with a significant other or even a friend surprisingly simple. Here are a few reasons why you might want to combine your Hyatt points and the steps to follow to do so.
Avoid Wasting Valuable Hyatt Free Night Awards — How To Make Sure Hyatt Pulls the Right Certificate

1 month ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

Hyatt’s Milestone Rewards program offers a variety of Free Night Awards as you climb the tiers of elite status — and beyond. But, not all certificates are created equal. Some are valid only at Category 1–4 hotels, while others can be redeemed at Hyatt’s top-tier properties worldwide. So when you go to redeem a Free Night Award, how can you be sure Hyatt pulls the right certificate from your account?
Hyatt Club Access Awards: Your Guide to Earning, Using, and Gifting These Valuable Perks

1 month ago | awardwallet.com | Ben Nickel-D'Andrea

Food and drinks can get expensive when traveling, but Hyatt Club Access Awards can help you save by covering breakfast and offering snacks throughout the day. While not all Hyatt hotels have a club lounge, if you’re staying at one that does, using a Club Access Award is an easy way to elevate your stay. Here’s how these awards work and how to make the most of them. What Is a Hyatt Club Access Award?