CLOVERDALE TRAVEL AGENCY

07/06/2026

I found this recent posting from Elliott.org, a consumer advocacy, about 6 travel troubles we can expect to see for the rest of the year.

Our caseload is up 81 percent this year. It's a crystal ball for what comes next.

06/30/2026

I want to share with you, a guide to finding your lost luggage while traveling. This is from Elliott.org, a consumer advocate.

Lost luggage can turn travel into a nightmare. Learn the secrets to navigate the claims process and protect your belongings.

06/08/2026

If you have ever forgotten or lost your ID and are traveling, this information from the Points Guy can be helpful.

Forgot to bring your ID to the airport? The TSA may still let you fly. Here’s what happens, how identity verification works and tips to avoid it next time.

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.