Mark Reif
Author/Co-Author of 650 articles
Mark Reif has a passion for the outdoors and travel, and telling the stories of his experiences. He’s a lifelong snowboarder, trail runner, and more, and is always seeking his next adventure. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Design from Virginia Tech, giving him unique insights into outdoor gear.
TSA PreCheck sale helps families save on travel costs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is offering a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offer to sign up for PreCheck, helping families save money and ease through airport security.
I tested Oakley’s Sphaera sunglasses in 90-degree heat—here’s what surprised me
A hands-on experience with Oakley’s Sphaera sunglasses—tested in summer heat, with insights from Oakley’s VP of Design on style, fit, and performance.
United Airlines now offers free Apple TV+ streaming on flights
United passengers can now enjoy complimentary full seasons of Apple TV+ hit shows via the airline’s 130,000+ seatback screens and in the United app.
United Airlines just opened its fourth Denver club — what travelers can expect
The 33,000 square-foot space offers a Colorado-inspired design, more than 600 seats, and luxury amenities.
JSX quietly launches luxe new routes to Florida — here’s why you haven’t heard
Semi-private luxury airline JSX will begin flying to three new destinations, but don’t expect to hear much about them. That’s because the carrier doesn’t use standard airport terminals and faces restrictions on public advertising.
Alaska Airlines reveals new global design and flights to Europe
This week, Alaska Airlines announced two nonstop routes to Europe and the debut of a new exterior design on its expanding fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
More ways to fly: Alaska adds new West Coast routes
This fall and winter, travelers can better explore the West Coast, with Alaska Airlines adding seven new routes between California and the Pacific Northwest.
ANA unveils ultra-luxurious ‘The Room FX’ business class seats for its Boeing 787s
“The Room FX” (FX for Future Experience) seating will debut on ANA Dreamliners in 2026, continuing the concept’s success on some of the company’s Boeing 777-ERs.
SWISS’s new first class suites offer beds and private cabins
Starting this fall, the new seats will debut on the airline’s new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, elevating the in-flight experience for passengers in all seating classes.
United and JetBlue team up to offer more perks for travelers—what you need to know
Yesterday, JetBlue and United announced the completion of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) review of their collaboration, Blue Sky.
Southwest starts booking assigned seats: What flyers should expect
Flights with assigned seating start in January 2026, and travelers have several seat preferences to choose from.
Flying from Europe to the US? TSA’s new service speeds up connections
The “One Stop Security” program seeks to reduce connection times by 50% or more. The TSA began the pilot program last week with American Airlines.
Delta unveils fresh summer flavors in updated onboard menu
Delta continues elevating the in-flight experience during its centennial year, with summer menu offerings that satisfy the palate at 30,000 feet.
You can now spend AAdvantage miles while cruising at 30,000 feet
From Tuesday, the airline expanded the program to all regional flights, with the option now available network-wide. Prior to the change, members were restricted to making purchases with miles on mainline flights.
TSA could end 3-ounce rule—what it means for your travel routine
You’re all ready for your big trip, and after passing through , you’ll be whisked away to your destination, experiencing new places and people. But then it happens. Your carry-on luggage gets flagged for impermissible liquids, i.e., containers over 3.4 ounces. Whether it’s toothpaste or , you’ll need to buy more when you land, creating […]
American Airlines shares details on O’Hare schedule changes
The flights were set to originate at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and fly to destinations including Cleveland, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, and more.
Here’s what’s new in Amtrak’s upgraded Acela first class
Amtrak’s flagship Acela — which can travel at speeds up to 150 mph — just got a major upgrade with a new premium menu. First-class Acela customers can enjoy the menu on all routes, with recipes designed by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr. Here’s what passengers can expect. From noted restaurants to the railways […]
I tested the Arc’teryx Vertex Speed in the mountains — here’s what stood out
It’s a shoe that blurs the lines between running, and climbing, with features catering to each activity.
Delta boosts LAX hub with new Hong Kong and Chicago service
The non-stop flights begin June 7, 2026 and demonstrate Delta’s continued investment in LAX as an epicenter of domestic and international travel.
American Express adds chef-driven menus to U.S. Centurion Lounges
This week, American Express announced a collaboration with James Beard Award-winning Resy chefs Mashama Bailey, Sarah Grueneberg, Kwame Onwuachi, and Mike Solomonov, joined by noted Bar Director Harrison Ginsburg.
I ran in 90-degree heat in these new Saucony shoes — here’s how they held up
Summer running can bring joy and pain. Joy in the form of sunrise (or sunset) miles, sharing a run with friends, or appreciating nature. Pain arises when the temps creep past 90 degrees, and a leisurely pace feels like a sprint through the desert. Saucony released the Ride 18 Summer to accommodate those highs and […]
United adds new flights just in time for college football season kickoff
This fall, United Airlines heeds the call of devoted gridiron fans, with the addition of 24 round-trip direct flights to some of this year’s hottest games.
American Airlines debuts unique Provisions lounge in Charlotte
Starting in late summer 2025, American Airlines will bring a unique option to Admirals Club customers traveling through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): the Provisions by Admirals Club Lounge.
Avoid the wait: The most and least delayed U.S. airports this summer
Upgraded Points studied metrics from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to learn which airports (and airlines) are most likely to face summer flight delays.
American Airlines’ latest ‘flight’ from Philly to Trenton is actually a bus
American Airlines customers will soon have another way to reach New Jersey, with a route between Philadelphia and Trenton. The only catch? It’s on a bus.
CLEAR launches Concierge for a smoother, VIP-style airport journey
The secure identity platform CLEAR has announced Concierge, an upscale service that provides even faster airport passage.
Airport security just got easier with new TSA policy
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) just announced a change to its shoe removal policy that’s been in effect for almost 20 years.
I ran 50 miles on roads and trails—how the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 performed
Some manufacturers produce road-to-trail shoes that can handle both roads and trails, and everything in between. One such model is the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2, which features a supercritical midsole and a lugged outsole.
American Airlines unveils 3 new upgrades in Flagship Business suites
Select routes to Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia will receive upgrades, bringing Flagship Suites to the state-of-the-art 787-9s.
Arajet celebrates July 4th with flight deals to 28 sunny destinations
Arajet, a Dominican airline, is offering promotional fares as low as $78 one-way this 4th of July weekend.
These two U.S. airports rank among the world’s most beautiful
Recently, the Prix Versailles — a series of architectural competitions — released its list of “The Most Beautiful Airports in the World”, and two U.S. locations were among the winners.
Inside the new era of aircraft interiors, according to a design expert
I spoke to Johannes Lampela, Head of Industrial Design at Designworks, a BMW Group Company.
Qantas’ newest aircraft, the A321XLR, is en route to Australia
After taking delivery last week, Qantas will fly its new Airbus A321XLR from Hamburg, Germany, to Sydney, Australia.
American Airlines unlocks new destinations for adventure seekers
Yesterday, American Airlines announced several new routes, from world-class skiing getaways to sunny, tropical beaches
Delta adds new global flights and lounges as it grows Seattle presence
This week, Delta bolstered its offerings at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), announcing two new lounges, and direct service to Rome and Barcelona.
KAYAK offers advice on handling summer travel delays
To help travelers smooth out any summertime travel strain, KAYAK compiled data and tips.
JetBlue is leaving this Florida hub
This past Saturday, JetBlue announced it will cease flying out of Miami International Airport (MIA).
New study ranks the priciest (and thriftiest) airports in the US
Airports typically aren’t a cost consideration, but a new study shows some are more affordable than others.
United adds dining room to Polaris Lounge at this East Coast hub
United Airlines has added a dedicated dining area to its seven-year-old Polaris Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
This Asian airline just revealed innovative business class seats
Japanese Airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) has revealed new business class seating on its international Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
American Airlines uses technology to streamline summer travel
From trip planning to the day of travel, the airline’s tech solutions make every journey easier.
Capital One opens flagship lounge at this East Coast hub
Today, Capitol One opens its flagship lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
This airline was just named the best in the world — for the ninth time
At the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Qatar Airways earned recognition as the World’s Best Airline.
This summer, Delta offers European travelers a private jet experience
This year, Delta is making the journey more special and timely, offering Delta One customers a final connection via private jet to Europe’s far reaches.
These airlines are celebrating World Oceans Month with an inflight film
To celebrate World Oceans Month, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have collaborated with Lonely Whale on the short film, Seaweed Stories.
Frontier Airlines is launching these new routes from Atlanta
This week, ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines is launching six new routes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
American Airlines launches new inflight menus to celebrate these European destinations
Following the debut of summer routes to Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI); Naples, Italy (NAP); and Venice, Italy (VCE), American Airlines is adding a taste of Europe to the inflight experience.
This aviation CEO built a luxury jet service from a student travel business
Elevate Aviation Group, a fully integrated aviation services company, takes private jet travel to new levels, focusing on every detail of the journey.
The TSA found this wild item in a carry-on bag
Recently, one traveler took things too far, attempting to bring a piece of camping equipment in their carry-on.
Soon Apple Wallet can store your passport — but you’ll still need the original
When iOS 26 debuts this fall, Apple Wallet will let you store a digital copy of your passport.