Southwest Airlines launches Free Companion Pass with credit card –
| The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is one of the best travel deals of the year. The pass lets you bring a companion with you on any Southwest flight for free (plus the cost of taxes and fees that are as low as $6 one-way). Normally you have to earn 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 Southwest flights to earn a Companion Pass. However, for the next few weeks if you sign up for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card you get a FREE Southwest Companion Pass plus 30,000 bonus points after you spend $4000 on your new credit card within the first three months. This credit card has an annual fee of only $69. So basically, sign up for the card and pay the annual $69 fee and you can have a FREE companion pass from now until February 2026. Let’s say you take 6 trips a year with your spouse and the average ticket is $400 RT. This means you save $2400 a year. WOW! That’s an amazing deal. CLICK HERE to read more. If you don’t have Global Entry you should consider the new Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App – MPC is a free app you can put on your smartphone, that allows eligible travelers to submit their travel documents, photos, passport information. Using MPC is almost as fast as using Global Entry at many airports as you have an express entry process, very similar to Global Entry. Executive Travel’s President Jennifer Belt had her family use the app when they returned from Europe in January and they said it worked great. CLICK HERE to find out more. The new online passport renewal service works slick as a whistle and super fast –My wife recently renewed her passport using the new U.S. Department of State online passport renewal service. She said not only was it easy, but it was fast as she got her new passport back in three weeks. In the past, I usually cautioned people that it might take 8 to 12 weeks. Not many times do I compliment the service of government, but this is a time we should say hip, hip, hooray! Here is the link to find out how to renew. February is check your passport month to see if it expires this year –You need to check the expiration date on your passport right now. Many people often make international travel reservations first and then check their passports only to see that it is set to expire soon. One of the biggest mistakes people make is they don’t know that many countries require that your passport be valid for six months after your return flight home. This means if your passport expires in 5 months and you are traveling in one month you will not be allowed onto the flight. February is the month I advise all travelers to check their passports to see if they expire this year. It will save you a lot of headaches. Super low prices to Europe right now – I have been amazed to see the low prices for coach travel from the U.S. to Europe in February, March, and April. How about roundtrip airfares from Omaha to London $663 (March 9-18); Paris $579 (March 3-12); Rome $640 (March 10-19); Madrid $624 (March 2-11); Amsterdam $597 (March 2-11; and Athens $635 (March 31 – April 8). These fares are basic economy so you will have to pay for luggage and seat assignments but are really low. Now is the perfect time to see Europe before the crowds and heat of summer hit. Here is one of my predictions for 2025 – Prediction # 5. Hot Destinations for 2025: Travelers in 2025 will seek a mix of classic charm and adventurous escapes. Italy remains a perennial favorite, with Umbria standing out as the go-to spot during the Jubilee year. Greece dazzles with its sun-soaked islands and rich history, while Vietnam rises as a Southeast Asian gem offering cultural depth and natural beauty. Cooler summer escapes will dominate trends, with Scandinavia, Iceland, and Canada topping the list of “Beat the Heat” destinations. Portugal continues to enchant with its blend of old-world allure and modern flair, while Australia and New Zealand attract those looking to swap winter for summer. In South America, Colombia shines with vibrant culture, and Peru offers more than just Machu Picchu with its growing culinary scene. Finally, Kenya and Tanzania provide life-changing safaris, while Japan, with its blend of tradition and innovation, makes a triumphant post-pandemic comeback. |
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