CLOVERDALE TRAVEL AGENCY

04/10/2026

Airlines are raising checked bag fees, with many travelers now paying about $90 round-trip for a single checked bag on domestic flights.
• Best ways to avoid fees:
o Airline elite status
o Premium cabin tickets
o Military benefits
o Co-branded credit cards (often the easiest workaround)
Here’s a streamlined breakdown using credit cards to avoid fees with emphasis by airline:
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✈️ JetBlue Airways
• Fees recently increased by $4–$9; typical pricing is ~$39 (first bag) and ~$59 (second) if booked early
• Prices vary by route, fare type, timing, and status; higher fees within 24 hours or peak dates
• Free bag options:
o Blue Plus fare → 1 free bag
o Mint fare → 2 free bags
o TrueBlue Mosaic 1 → 1 free bag
o Mosaic 2–4 → 2 free bags
o Active-duty military & dependents → 2 free bags
• Credit card: JetBlue Plus Card ($99 AF) → free first bag for you + up to 3 companions
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✈️ United Airlines
• Elite status: MileagePlus Premier → 1–3 free bags
• Premium tickets: Premium economy, business, first class include bags
• Military: 3 free (personal) / 5 free (orders); dependents get 2 on orders
• Credit card: United Explorer Card → free first bag for you + 1 companion
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✈️ Delta Air Lines
• Elite status: SkyMiles Medallion → 1–3 free bags
• Premium tickets: Premium Select & First Class include bags
• Military: Free checked bags
• Credit card: Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex → first bag free for you + up to 8 companions
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✈️ Southwest Airlines
• Higher fares: Choice Extra → 2 free bags
• Elite status:
o A-List → 1 free bag
o A-List Preferred → 2 free bags
• Military: Free bags, including oversized/overweight
• Credit card: Rapid Rewards® Plus → first bag free for you + up to 8 companions
• Note: Fees rising for Hawaii interisland flights booked after April 9, 2026
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✈️ American Airlines
• Elite status: AAdvantage → 1–3 free bags
• Premium tickets: Premium economy, business, first class include bags
• Military: Up to 3 free (personal) / 5 free (orders)
• Credit card: Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® → first bag free for you + up to 4 companions
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✈️ Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines
• Elite status: Atmos members → free checked bags
• Premium tickets: Business/First Class include bags
• Military: Free checked bags
• Credit card: Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® → free first bag for you + up to 6 companions
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04/10/2026

The Points Guy is reminding us that there's about $1250.00 in travel funds up for grabs. Check out the details.

This is your last chance to apply for the increased offer worth at least $1,000 in travel on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card before it ends on April 13.

This travel-lover's card is currently letting you earn 75,000 bonus miles after $4,000 in spending on purchases in the first three months, and a bonus $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first year as a cardholder.

That’s at least $1,000 in travel from a $95-per-year card if you keep things super simple and redeem the miles at a fixed rate of 1 cent per mile against travel charges you put on the card.

But based on our April 2026 valuations, we actually value those points and credit at a total of $1,638, when you use Capital One’s excellent transfer partners like Air France-KLM or Air Canada Aeroplan.

Remember: This increased offer officially ends in just days, on April 13, so act now if you don’t want to miss out!

04/02/2026

Here are some great ideas from The Points Guy on traveling comfortably without checking a bag.

How and why I carry on

03/25/2026

Yesterday United United turned its hangar at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) into a show-and-tell for its latest planes and seats. Here's a look at the new planes and seating configurations.

United Airlines just debuted its most premium plane to date: a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring its new "Elevated" interior, including an all-new Polaris business-class cabin.

03/24/2026

See how a $99 Clear Concierge appointment gets you through the airport security line.

Today I tried out the new $99 Clear Concierge service, and it ended up saving me over four hours in a security screening line. Here's what to know and how it works.

03/19/2026

Heading to the airport soon? ✈️ With the current government shutdown affecting TSA staffing, security lines are becoming unpredictable—some stretching past 2 hours!

If you have a trip coming up, here is how to stay ahead of the chaos:

Don’t rely solely on the MyTSA app: Since it isn’t being actively managed right now, the data may be outdated.

Check the Airport Website: Most major airports (like Atlanta, New Orleans, and Austin) provide real-time, terminal-by-terminal updates on their own sites.

Monitor Social Media: Check the airport’s official X (Twitter) or page for the most recent boots-on-the-ground guidance.

Arrive Early: Experts recommend arriving at least 3 hours before your flight, even if you usually breeze through.

Conditions are shifting fast, so stay alert and give yourself plenty of extra time! 🛡️🧳

11/23/2025

If you plan to travel by air for Thanksgiving, read this before packing any foods in your carry-on bag.

11/21/2025

The TSA may begin charging $18 to go through security if you don't have proper ID. TSA is preparing a new security setup that would allow travelers to pass through security checkpoints even if they don't have a Real ID or an approved alternative — like a passport.
However, those passengers would have to pay an $18 fee, which the TSA said is meant to cover the extra time and technology required to screen those passengers.

The Transportation Security Administration is planning to charge travelers $18 when they don't bring a Real ID or acceptable ID alternative to the airport.

08/26/2025

This article from The Points Guy came into my mailbox last week, and it describes 7 tools that help you get money back on flights.
If you fly frequently, it's worth taking a look at.

Tired of searching for cheaper flights? These tools help you reprice flights and get money back with minimal time and effort.

08/07/2025

Thanksgiving family cruise
Tuesday Nov 24, 2026 to Sunday Nov 29, 2026 Round trip from San Francisco
Join us for an easy 5-day Thanksgiving cruise getaway and let professional chefs and waitstaff plan, prepare, and serve your family and friends Thanksgiving dinner.

Everything is done for you, NO last minute shopping rush, NO preparation, NO cooking, and NO clean up
Relax onboard where you can spend quality time with your family and friends and enjoy the activities onboard.
This is an easy and convenient 5-day getaway cruise, round trip from San Francisco with stops in San Diego and Ensenada with shore excursion choices.

Leave the cooking to Princess, and join us for an elaborate traditional holiday feast in the dining room, complete with all the trimmings.
Princess Cruises offers this Thanksgiving cruise in 2026, with festive onboard activities, special menus, and the opportunity to explore San Diego and Ensenada. Guests can enjoy traditional Thanksgiving meals, festive decorations, and even watch football games on the outdoor screen.
Cruise fares from $788.00 Interior staterooms, and Balcony staterooms from $1225.00 per guest.
Book early for best selection with a No-Risk Refundable Deposit until the full balance is due on Aug 26, 2026.

07/30/2025

Thanksgiving family cruise
Tuesday Nov 24, 2026 to Sunday Nov 29, 2026 Round trip from San Francisco
Join us for an easy 5-day Thanksgiving cruise getaway and let professional chefs and waitstaff plan, prepare, and serve your family and friends Thanksgiving dinner.
Leave the cooking to Princess, and join us for an elaborate traditional holiday feast in the dining room, complete with all the trimmings.
Princess Cruises offers this Thanksgiving cruise in 2026, with festive onboard activities, special menus, and the opportunity to explore San Diego and Ensenada. Guests can enjoy traditional Thanksgiving meals, festive decorations, and even watch football games on the outdoor screen.
Cruise fares from $788.00 Interior staterooms, and Balcony staterooms from $1225.00 per guest.
Book early for best selection with a No-Risk Refundable Minimum Deposit of $100.00 per guest until the full balance is due on Aug 26, 2026.