Transfer bonuses worth your while, the best airlines of 2026, and Alaska Airlines’ beautiful new Portland lounge
The Point of It All: A weekly recap of all things in TPG Land
Good morning, readers!
As I write this, I’m watching two of my colleagues run all over North America visiting the World Cup stadiums in their latest YouTube conquest. Usually, I’m wildly jealous of their travels because they’re constantly flying overseas in business class, reviewing seemingly delectable meals, but in this one, they are racing each other across the continent, and frankly, I’m both tired and in awe.
My favorite part is when Nicky decides to take Atlanta’s MARTA train — as someone who lived in Atlanta for five years, I knew we were in for a treat. (I won’t spoil what happens, but it’s about as MARTA station as it gets.)
You might have seen on our website, social channels and maybe even your television — We just released our 2026 edition of our Best Airlines Report.
Unfortunately, because of the Spirit bankruptcy, the yellow airline wasn’t included. (Yes, I’m still mourning.)
As you can see, Delta Air Lines is the big winner, and if you’ve been a reader for a while, you’ll know this is actually not the first, second or third time the air carrier has won.
This is Delta’s EIGHTH year topping the list, so clearly Ed Bastian (Delta’s CEO since 2016) knows what he’s doing down there in Atlanta. (Wow, another Atlanta mention. Clearly I’m missing the place!) Fun fact: Yesterday was actually Ed Bastian’s 69th birthday, so happy birthday to Delta’s big guy in charge.
If you’re curious about the methodology behind the rankings, you can check it out here.
Alaska Airlines, which ranked alongside its sister carrier Hawaiian at #4 on our list, has a brand-new lounge in Portland, Oregon. I heard about this in its planning phase last year when I visited the Alaska headquarters, so it’s cool to see the space come to life, and boy, it’s a stunning lounge.
First of all, it’s massive: 14,000 square feet! Carly Helfand, Portland resident and credit card expert, called it a “love letter to the Pacific Northwest” in her review, and I thoroughly trust her judgment, so you probably should too.
On top of a great-looking bar, loads of tasty food and a bounty of soft seats, Alaska Airlines uses Annie-approved Stumptown coffee in their lounges. I could drink a gallon of it, and frankly, one day, I might (for legal reasons, I do not endorse drinking a gallon of coffee in one sitting).
One thing is for sure: I am extremely jealous of anyone who gets to try the famous Alaska Airlines pancake printer. Until enough people request vegan batter, my pancake pressing dreams are dead — so yes, I’m living vicariously through you. (Alaska Airlines, if you’re reading this … you know what to do. Thank you in advance.)
In credit card news, with a new month comes new transfer bonuses!
If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy at a 55% increase until the end of the month. That means for every 1,000 Chase Ultimate points you can get 1,550 Bonvoy points, which is a perfect example of why keeping tabs on transfer bonuses is an excellent idea. My boss took advantage of this promotion and has already booked a hotel for her family vacation next year. She’s getting 3 cents per point, which, compared to Marriott’s usual 0.8 cents (and Chase’s 2.05 cents), is pretty unbeatable.
Peace of mind and using your rewards in a smart, money-saving way? Now that’s the point of it all. See you next Sunday!
 | A guest post by
|