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If you want to maximize your odds of getting an upgrade on a United flight, you’ll definitely want to check out this new feature. United will now let passengers take a look at their position on the upgrade list starting a full 30 days before departure. This new in-app feature is launching in beta and is expected to roll out more broadly over the coming weeks, TPG learned. To see your position on the upgrade list, you’ll need to first ensure you’ve updated to the latest version of the United app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Then, you’ll need to go to the trips page and manage your reservation. From there, you will see a new callout underneath the seat assignment for “upgrade waitlist.” Note that if you don’t see this callout, then either you’re flying on an unsupported reservation (only single-passenger reservations are currently supported) or this beta feature hasn’t yet been enabled on your account. After you click the upgrade waitlist, you’ll see your current position on the waitlist, along with the number of seats remaining. This feature works for any type of upgrade requested with United, whether it’s with miles, PlusPoints or even

Whether you’re planning on walking 10,000 steps per day on Rome’s cobblestone streets, relaxing poolside in Greece or introducing your kids to the culinary wonders of Paris this summer, a trip to any European country requires a few key items to stay cool, calm and collected during the hottest months of the year. For tips on the best sunscreen, walking shoes and more, I called on the experts who know best — my colleagues here at TPG — for their tried-and-true essentials for surviving a multicountry European summer trip. Related: Jump-start Prime Day with the Prime Visa’s instant $250 Amazon gift card welcome offer Even though online shopping isn’t a bonus category on most credit cards, there’s still a way to earn points, miles or cash back by maximizing online shopping portals for your purchases. For instance, Rakuten is offering 10% cash back through July 11 at retailers like Ulta Beauty, Lands’ End and Ray-Ban. And of course, many of these items are discounted during the Amazon Prime Day sale, which also ends July 11, so act soon to take advantage of these discounts. European plug adapter Anker Nano travel adapter. AMAZON I was sick of how chunky my plug

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are a favorite currency among the TPG staff, partly because you can transfer them to a variety of airline and hotel partners. I often transfer my points to Southwest Rapid Rewards, where I can redeem them for award tickets to destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean — and sometimes stretch my points even further with the valuable Companion Pass. Chase Sapphire Reserve®— Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (see rates and fees). However, depending on the Chase credit card you have, you may be better off booking Southwest Airlines flights through Chase Travel, as this can require fewer points and allow you to earn Rapid Rewards points on the ticket. In this article, I’ll cover how to transfer your Chase points to Southwest and when you should (or shouldn’t) do it. Related: How TPG’s points and miles experts maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards points How to transfer Chase points to Southwest ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY One of the great things about transferable points is that you can redeem them for award flights with airlines you’ve never flown