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This post was originally published on this site When navigating U.S. airport security, there’s no better way (in our humble opinion) to expedite your trip than by being both a Clear and TSA PreCheck user. A third program, Global Entry, completes the trifecta for speeding your way through airport lines. You might ask yourself whether it’s necessary to have TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, let alone all three. We are here to tell you that they are worth the investment — but let’s take a closer look at these programs so you can decide which is best for you. What is TSA PreCheck? JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES TSA PreCheck is an expedited security program run by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, allowing preapproved, low-risk travelers to pass through a dedicated TSA PreCheck security line without taking off their belt and light jacket or removing their laptop and liquids from their bag. TSA PreCheck users are also usually screened with a traditional metal detector. Although TSA PreCheck screening is separate from non-TSA PreCheck screening, sometimes a dedicated TSA PreCheck screening line isn’t available. In this case, you’ll need to use the standard TSA lane. However, even when using the regular security lane,

This post was originally published on this site The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) just got its biggest refresh yet — and with it, a significantly higher $795 annual fee. That’s a jump from the previous $550, and it naturally raises the question: Is it still worth it? We already broke down the pros and cons of the new structure, but in this piece, I’m getting specific: What does it actually take to break even on the annual fee? Whether you’re deciding to apply or keep the card after your next renewal, here’s what to consider — and how to squeeze real value out of (at least some of) the new perks. What does the refreshed Sapphire Reserve offer? Chase rolled out some big changes for new applicants from June 23; existing cardholders get access to the new credits — worth over $1,700 a year — and a revamped earning structure from Oct. 26. XAVIER LORENZO/GETTY IMAGES Here’s a quick rundown: An up to $500 annual The Edit hotel credit: $250 biannually; a prepaid two-night minimum is required. A $300 travel credit: Annually; applies automatically and can be used in full. $300 dining credit: $150 biannually; for curated

This post was originally published on this site Although it has just 48 guest rooms and 25 suites, the Mandarin Oriental, Munich feels anything but diminutive. That’s thanks to the fact that its home is an imposing 19th-century edifice originally constructed by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a grand venue to host royal events, concerts and debutante balls. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY The hotel is also in one of the city’s most historic districts, surrounded by little streets chock-a-block with shops, restaurants and beer halls, and just a quick walk to many of the town’s major attractions. The hotel’s intimate size, however, ensures that every guest feels personally taken care of from the moment they are offered a welcome glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne at check-in to the instant that a doorman wishes them a hearty “auf wiedersehn” upon checkout. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY Here’s everything you need to know about what happens in between, during your stay. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY Mandarin Oriental, Munich location The Mandarin Oriental, Munich is smack-dab in the heart of the city’s historic quarter, a mere stroll from the Residenz museum, the luxury-brand stores of Maximilianstrasse and the Marienplatz with its famous

This post was originally published on this site My friend flashed me a new credit card and said, “This is the latest one; it’s a must.” It was September 2016 and my first encounter with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees). At the time, I only held a cash-back credit card and a cobranded airline credit card, but I took his words to heart. Nearly a decade later, the Chase Sapphire Reserve still holds a special place in my wallet, as it was my first transferable currency credit card. Several staffers at TPG have the Sapphire Reserve, but many also have the ever-popular Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees). While there are valid reasons why some people cancel or downgrade their Sapphire Reserve, the idea of getting rid of mine has never crossed my mind. Even after the card’s massive refresh with an increased annual fee, new benefits and changes to the earning rates, this card is still my go-to travel card. This card has provided me with immense value throughout my points and miles journey. Here are all the reasons why I’ll never cancel my Chase Sapphire Reserve. The annual fee is justified When I