get free travel pass

Cookies on citizensinformation.ie

We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice . You can also read our Privacy policy . You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or reject. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by using the My cookie preferences link at the bottom of each page.

Cookie preferences

Cookies used by google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise your IP address so that you are not personally identified. We gather information on:

• How you got to the site
• The pages you visit on citizensinformation.ie, and how long you spend on each page
• What you click while you are visiting the site

Free travel in Ireland

What is the free travel scheme, how to use free travel, where can i use free travel, how to qualify for free travel, how to apply for free travel, where to apply for free travel, senior smartpass for travelling in northern ireland.

The Free Travel Scheme allows you to travel, free of charge, on public transport and some private bus and ferry services.

Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland, can get the Free Travel Scheme.

People with disabilities and carers aged under 66 may also qualify for Free Travel.

If you qualify for Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may travel with you for free if you meet certain criteria (see ‘Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants’ below).

If you can’t travel alone for medical reasons, you may get Free Travel for a companion. This allows a person aged over 16 to travel with you for free.

Changes to the Free Travel Scheme in 2024

From 29 July 2024, you will qualify for the Free Travel Scheme if you are aged over 17 and under 66, and:

• Have never been able to drive due to a disability
• Have a driving licence and are medically certified as ‘not fit to drive’ for at least 12 months.

While the change won’t take effect until July, you can download and fill in an application form for Free Travel for people medically certified unfit to drive (FTM) (pdf) now.

In this case, your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant cannot accompany you free of charge when travelling.

If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-hand corner. The letter following it shows who can travel for free with you:

• FT-P - you can travel for free
• FT+S - your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free
• FT+C - you can have a person (over 16) travel with you for free

You must show or scan your Public Services Card to the travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. Find out more about 'How to use your public services card for free travel' .

Paper travel passes are no longer being issued but you can still use your paper pass, if it is valid.

You can use your Free Travel on most Iarnród Éireann , Bus Éireann , Dublin Bus , DART and Luas Services and on certain private bus and ferry services (pdf) .

Free travel is also available on Dublin Bus Nitelink , Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI (Transport for Ireland) Local Link services .

Free travel does not include some special services such as Dublin Bus AIRLINK services .

You can find a full list of services where you can use Free Travel (pdf) on gov.ie.

There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel.

Living on the Aran Islands or Tory Island

If you are permanently living on any of the Aran Islands, you may get up to 12 single (or 6 return) air trips each year between the islands and Galway City.

People who live permanently on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) are entitled to 8 (or 4 return) free journeys on the seasonal helicopter service operating between the island and Falcarragh on the mainland.

If your public services card includes free travel for a companion, spouse, partner or cohabitant, they can also travel with you for free on the above services.

Going to Northern Ireland

You may also travel free of charge on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But to travel free in Northern Ireland, you must have a Senior Smart Pass – see ‘Senior SmartPass for travelling in Northern Ireland’ below.

To get Free Travel you must be living in Ireland and meet one of the following conditions:

• You are aged 66 or over
• You are getting Disability Allowance , Blind Pension , Carer's Allowance or an Invalidity Pension
• You are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension
• You have been getting Incapacity Supplement or Workmen's Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months
• You are a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative's Allowance
• You are getting a social security invalidity payment (or similar payment) from a country covered by EU regulations or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months

Widow or widower or a surviving civil partner

If you are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over, living in Ireland and your late spouse or civil partner had Free Travel, you can get Free Travel, if you are getting one of the following payments:

• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Contributory) Pension
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension
• One-Parent Family Payment
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme
• A similar social security pension or benefit from a country covered by EU regulations or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement
• You are getting an ordinary Garda widow's pension

Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants

If you are entitled to Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may be able to travel with you for free.

Your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant cannot travel with you for free, if you are under age 66 and getting Free Travel because you are:

• Getting Carer's Allowance
• The nominated carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance

Your PSC card must have FT-S on it to allow your partner travel with you. To add your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant to your Free Travel - see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

If you can’t travel alone

If you are unable to travel alone , you can have a person, over 16 years of age, travel with you for free. Your PSC card must have FT-C on it. To add a companion to your Free Travel, see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

Free travel companion card for children

A child with a visual impairment can get Free Travel for a companion if they are under 18 and they either:

• Satisfy the blindness condition for a Blind Pension, or
• Are registered with Vision Ireland or the National League of the Blind of Ireland

The person they travel with (companion) must be age 16 or over.

Work and Free Travel

You can keep your Free Travel for 5 years, if you moved from one of the following disability payments to work:

• Disability Allowance
• Invalidity Pension
• Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)
• Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

You can also keep your Free Travel for 5 years if you transferred from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment , SOLAS or a Back to Work scheme.

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a State pension, your Public Services Card (PSC) will be issued showing that you have Free Travel automatically.

If you are under 66, you will get Free Travel automatically issued on your PSC if you get one of the following payments:

• Blind Pension
• Carer’s Allowance

If you are married or in a civil partnership, your PSC will be issued with FT-S on it. If you are cohabiting, you must fill in Part 1 and 2 of the Free Travel application form FT1 (pdf) .

If you are not getting one of the payments above but you are eligible for Free Travel, you must fill in the Free Travel application form FT1(pdf) and send to the Free Travel Section in the Department of Social Protection.

If you can’t travel alone and need a companion

If you are unable to travel alone, you can apply for Free Travel for a Companion, using either of the following forms:

• Over 70 Companion pass form (pdf)
• Under 70 Companion pass form (pdf)

You can get an application form for Free Travel from the Department of Social Protection. The form is also available at your local post office and Citizens Information Centre .

Lost or damaged Free Travel pass or PSC

There are currently 2 types of Free Travel Pass:

• A paper Free Travel Pass
• A Public Services Card with Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner)

Paper passes are no longer being issued so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass, you must undergo SAFE registration and get a Public Services Card .

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 0818 837 000 to request a replacement card.

Free Travel

Social Welfare Services College Road Sligo Ireland

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you can travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a Senior SmartPass card.

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you do not need to meet the residency condition in Northern Ireland to apply for a Senior SmartPass card.

How to apply for a Senior SmartPass

To get a Senior SmartPass, you must fill in an application form (FTNI1). You can get this form from your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. It is not possible to get this form online .

You should not use a photocopy of the form as each form is barcoded. The application form must be filled in with black ink only and returned in person (not posted) to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

You must bring each of the following items with your application form to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office:

• Your Irish Free Travel pass/Public Services Card
• Proof of your address, (for example, a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement)
• Proof of your identity, (for example, your driving licence, passport or another form of photo identification)
• A recent passport standard colour photograph

It may take up to 6 weeks to process your application. There is further information on the extension of the Free Travel Scheme .

Travelling with a partner or companion

A spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion cannot travel with you for free on public transport within Northern Ireland.

However, your Irish Free Travel allows your spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion to travel for free on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. For example, a cross-border train journey that starts in Ireland and ends in Northern Ireland or vice versa.

Renewing and replacing a Senior SmartPass

Your Senior SmartPass will expire after 5 years.

• If you have electronically used your card within the last 2 years, you will get a new card automatically in the post from Translink when your card expires.
• If you have not used your card in the last 2 years, you will be sent a renewal application form to fill in. The renewal form is not the same as a first-time application and you do not need to supply a photograph.
• If you have never used your card, you will not hear from Translink at all. If you wish to get it renewed, you must contact Translink by email at [email protected] , or telephone 00 44 289 075 9129 or 028 90 66 66 30 and they will send you a renewal application.

If you lose or need to replace your Senior SmartPass for travel in Northern Ireland, you can fill in form (FTNI 2) (pdf) .

Brexit and the Senior SmartPass

On 31 January 2020 the UK exited the EU . Senior SmartPass holders can continue to travel in Northern Ireland on the bus and train.

Related documents

• Tax-free purchases for non-EU travellers The Retail Export Scheme, allows visitors to Ireland (from outside the European Union) to buy goods in Ireland to take home with them and benefit from tax relief. 2722.5022
• Customs regulations for travellers to Ireland Find out about the important rules in place regarding customs regulations for people travelling to Ireland. 2619.5715
• Travelling from Ireland for healthcare in Europe Introduction to the options for Irish residents who want to access healthcare in other countries in Europe. 2546.8228

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

Manage cookie preferences

Navigate to myswitzerland.com

Destinations

Your swiss holiday time.

Holiday destinations

• Summer holiday destinations
• Winter sports & ski resorts
• Family destinations

Attractions

• Top attractions
• UNESCO World Heritage sites / biospheres
• Travel by train, bus or boat
• Top museums
• Swiss Parks
• Scenic nature

Experiences

Additional content about subnavigation experiences.

• Family excursions
• Food & Wine
• Group excursions
• Guided tours

Summer & Autumn

• Bicycle & Mountain bike
• Adventure & Sports Summer
• Zoo & animal experiences
• Ski and snowboard
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoe and winter hiking
• Tobogganing
• Winter excursions
• Christmas in Switzerland

Cities & culture

• Parks, Gardens and Squares
• Architecture

Experience Tour

• Car, motorcycle - Grand Tour
• Train, bus, boat – Grand Train Tour
• Mountain excursions

Accommodation

• Typically Swiss Hotels
• Wellness & Spa
• Family Hotels
• Bike Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Inspiring Meeting Hotels
• Swiss Historic Hotels
• Luxury hotels
• Winter sports hotels

Other types of accommodation

• On the farm
• Bed and Breakfast
• Mountains huts
• Group accommodation

Transport & Stay

• Travel to Switzerland
• Barrier-free travel
• Tickets public transport
• Service & support
• Money and shopping

About Switzerland

• General facts
• Custom and tradition
• History of Switzerland
• The Swiss Art and Culture Scene
• Health Travel
• Sustainability

Weather & Climate

• Climate in Switzerland
• Snow Report
• Water and pool temperatures
• City offers
• Touring offers
• Wellness offers
• Nature and outdoor offers
• Offers for families

Where are you from?

• België (Nederlands)
• Belgique (Français)
• Deutschland
• Netherlands
• Russia (Россия)
• Schweiz (Deutsch)
• Suisse (Français)
• Svizzera (Italiano)
• Switzerland (English)
• United Kingdom
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• China 中文简体
• China 中文繁体
• Gulf countries العربية
• Japan 日本
• Korea 한국어
• United Arab Emirates
• New Zealand
• International

Language, region and important links

• Slovenština

Service Navigation

• Help & Contact

Guest cards and tickets

In most Swiss destinations, guests get a guest card if they book one night’s stay or more, or can buy one at a discount. Almost all of these allow you to use public transport for free and to benefit from discounts on numerous attractions and activities.

Zurich and its region

Zurich Card : Gives you free travel on public transport in the city of Zurich and the surrounding area, free or discounted admission to 43 museums and many other benefits. 

Cityticket Baden: Book one night’s stay or more for free use of public transport, along with other benefits and discounts. 

Bern region

Lenk-simmental.

Simmental Card : Book one overnight stay or more and benefit from a range of free or discounted offers. Summer and winter vary. 

Bern Ticket : Book one night’s stay or more in the city to get free travel on the public transport network in and around Bern.

Brienz guest card : Free village tour in Brienz and discounts on cable cars and mountain railways and on leisure activities.

Nature Park Card : Book one night’s stay or more and get free travel by PostBus, as well as a surprise gift made of Diemtigtaler wood and other benefits. 

Interlaken Guest Card : Free travel on public transport and various discounts at numerous excursion destinations when you book one night’s stay or more.

Habkern / Beatenberg

Guest Card : When you book one night’s stay or more, you can enjoy free travel on public transport and various discounts at numerous excursion destinations.

Lake Thun PanoramaCard : Book one night’s stay or more for free travel with the STI bus and PostBus in the Lake Thun region. In addition, numerous discounts on activities in and around Thun. 

Bernese Oberland

Berner Oberland Pass: Free travel by train, bus, boat and many cable cars and mountain railways, as well as discounts with various partners on the selected days. Only in summer.

Gstaad Card : Free use of public transport in Gstaad and the Lenk-Simmental region when you book one night’s stay or more, together with numerous benefits and discounted offers. Only in summer.

Graubünden Pass : Free train and bus travel throughout the canton of Graubünden, as well as discounts on cable cars and mountain railways and leisure activities on the days selected. 

Arosa Card : Book one night’s stay or more for free use of cable cars and mountain railways, public transport and leisure facilities, as well as various discounts.

Various guest cards : with each guest card, you benefit from discounts and free offers.

Lucerne - Lake Lucerne

Tellpass : The card gets you free travel on trains, buses, boats and several cable cars and mountain railways, along with discounts on leisure activities on selected days. 

Seetal Lucerne

Lucerne Region Guest Card : Booking one overnight stay or more gives you numerous discounts on cable cars and mountain railways, museums and other leisure activities. 

Lake Sempach region

Guest card : Book one night’s stay or more to get numerous discounts on cable cars and mountain railways, museums and excursions.

Lake Geneva area

Lausanne Transport Card: Book one night’s stay or more to get free use of public transport in the Greater Lausanne area, together with unique discounts and numerous benefits in museums and stores, and other leisure time offers. 

Montreux Riviera Card : free use of public transport and attractive discounts on excursions and leisure activities when you book one night’s stay or more. 

Geneva City Pass : Explore the city of Geneva for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Purchase of the City Pass allows free use of public transport as well as free or discounted admission to attractions and activities. 

Lake Geneva Region

Regional Pass : Buy a five or seven-day pass, and get free travel on public transport on two or three days, and a 50% reduction on the others. Only in summer.

Free Access Card: Free use of public transport in the region and other attractive discounts when you book one night’s stay or more. Only in summer.

Ticino Ticket : One night in a hotel, youth hostel or camp site entitles you to the Ticino Ticket free of charge. This allows free use of public transport as well as discounts on cable cars and mountain railways, boat trips and tourist attractions. 

OSKAR : Can be purchased for CHF 15 when two nights or more are booked (children half price). Guests benefit from free public transport within the Ostwind fare zone, as well as a host of free holiday experiences. 

Appenzell Holiday Card : Book three nights or more to get free use of public transport in and around Appenzell, attractive discounts on cable cars and leisure activities (additional offers vary depending on the season).

Basel region

BaselCard : When you book one night’s stay or more in a Basel hotel, free public transport and access to Basel Guest Wi-Fi and attractive reductions on leisure activities.  

Baselland Guest Pass : Free use of public transport in the Basel region if you book one night’s stay or more, as well as discounts on various leisure activities. 

Aargau Solothurn region

Wellness Pass in Aargau : When you buy the pass you get one admission each to Bad Schinznach, Thermalbad Zurzach and the Sole Uno Wellness World – a total saving of 15%.

Jura & Three-Lakes

Jura Pass : Gives you free use of public transport within the Vagabond fare zone when you book one night’s stay or more, as well as attractive discounts for a wide range of leisure activities. 

Neuchâtel Tourist Card : Free use of public transport in the canton of Neuchâtel when you book one night’s stay or more, as well as free admission to museums, and other discounts.

Vallée de Joux

ValPass: Book one night’s stay or more to get free use of regional public transport and discounted admission to several sights. 

Fribourg region

“Passeport La Gruyère” : Benefit by booking hotel accommodation through the regional tourism office. Free travel on public transport, as well as discounts on museums, cable cars and mountain railways, and various activities.

Cross-regional and nationwide offers

RailAway : Benefit from travel by public transport and discounted leisure experiences.

Adventure Card : Free travel on the entire MGBahn network, on BLS trains between Kandersteg, Brig and Domodossola, on the SBB line from Brig to Salgesch as well as on all PostBus routes in the Upper Valais on the selected days, plus various discounts. Only in summer.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Driving and transport
• Parking and public transport

Apply for an older person's bus pass

If you live in england or wales.

In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age .

If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you’re 60, but only within London.

In Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.

Enter your postcode to:

• apply for a bus pass from your local council
• check if you can get one sooner

Find a postcode on Royal Mail's postcode finder

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

You get an older person’s bus pass when you’re 60. Apply if you’re in:

• Northern Ireland

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Airlines + Airports

How to Get TSA PreCheck for Free

Here’s everything you need to know about PreCheck — plus how to get it for free.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

TSA PreCheck Costs and Requirements

Credit cards that offer free tsa precheck, other ways to get free tsa precheck.

Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Frequent travelers have their airport routines down to a science. As a full-time digital nomad, I fly tens of thousands of miles each year, so I’ve experimented with many different ways to make flying as seamless as possible. With TSA PreCheck, you can breeze through security and board your plane just minutes after arriving at the airport. Here’s everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck — including how to get it for free. 

TSA PreCheck is a popular program offered by the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA). Travelers enrolled in the program enjoy expedited security. You don’t have to take off your shoes, belts, or light jackets or remove electronics and small liquids from your carry-on baggage. According to the TSA, 99 percent of PreCheck passengers will get through security in 10 minutes or less. From personal experience, I’ve gotten through security in less than two minutes. Most often, it’s less than five, but this can vary depending on the airport. 

TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports nationwide and with more than 90 different airlines . To enroll, you must complete an application online , visit an enrollment location for fingerprinting, documentation, and payment, and then receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Once you have this number, you can add it to your future reservations with airlines, and TSA PreCheck will appear on your boarding pass. 

There are new PreCheck enrollment partners to help combat the long wait times in processing applications and finding an in-person appointment. Depending on the provider, new applications will cost between $78 and $85, while renewals cost as low as $70. 

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck, as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS. You can be disqualified for several reasons, including anything that may arise from a criminal background check conducted as part of your application. 

Global Entry is another Trusted Traveler Program that expedites re-entry into the U.S. from abroad. If you are enrolled in Global Entry, you use facial recognition software at Global Entry kiosks before speaking with a customs agent. I’ve had Global Entry for years, and it’s one of my favorite investments. It costs $100 to apply. The application fee and process for getting approved are slightly more strict and take longer, but it is worth the effort. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits.

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

There are dozens of cards that offer a reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. If your card offers this benefit, you simply need to use your card when paying for the application fee, and you will be reimbursed within a few weeks as a statement credit on your account. 

Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the benefit for your card, as most will only reimburse once every four to five years and might only cover TSA PreCheck, not Global Entry. Below is a list of all the cards that currently offer a statement credit for most or all of the application fee for TSA PreCheck, along with their annual fee. 

Credit Cards With an Annual Fee Under $100:

• Aeroplan® Credit Card: $95 
• Arvest Visa Signature® Credit Card: $0
• Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card: $95 
• Capital One Venture Card: $95 
• Choice Privileges Select Mastercard®: $95 
• Commerce Bank World Elite Mastercard®: $95 
• HSBC Premier World Mastercard: $0 for qualifying HSBC bank clients
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: $99 
• Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card: $49 
• PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: $95, waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members
• Provident World+ Travel Visa Signature Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $45 
• Truist Enjoy Travel Credit Card: $0 
• United Explorer Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
• USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card: $95
• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
• U.S. Bank FlexPerks Gold American Express Card: $85 

Premium Credit Cards:

• Capital One Venture X Card: $395 
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card: $550 
• Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard: $595 
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: $350 
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: $650 
• HSBC Elite World Elite Mastercard: $395 for qualifying HSBC bank clients
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: $650 
• MasterCard Black Card: $495 
• MasterCard Gold Card: $995 
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 
• SKYPASS Select Visa Signature Card: $450 
• Truist Enjoy Beyond Credit Card: $195 
• UBS Visa Infinite Credit Card: $495 
• United Club Infinite Card: $525
• United Quest Card: $250 
• U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card: $400 

Business Credit Cards: 

• Capital One® Venture X® Business Card: $395 
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card: $99 
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: $199 
• Truist Business Travel Rewards Credit Card: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $49
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95

I used my Capital One Venture Card to enroll in Global Entry in 2019. My renewal is coming up this year, so I’ll likely use my Capital One Venture X to pay the renewal fee . With so many cards offering this statement credit and wait times at airports continuing to increase as we move into summer, it would be foolish to let my membership lapse and not enjoy the many benefits of these programs. 

If you have children 12 or under, they may accompany you in the TSA PreCheck lane without needing to be enrolled in the program themselves. Children aged 13 to 17 could join you in the PreCheck lane if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass. If not, they will need to use the regular security lane. If children 17 or under travel by themselves, they must have their own membership to use the PreCheck lane. 

Some loyalty programs, like United MileagePlus, IHG Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, will let you use points to cover the application fee for TSA PreCheck. However, this will not be the best valuation you can get from your points, so it would be better to use a credit card.

Related Articles

8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear

Editor's Note

As we hurtle through the summer travel months, it's hard to think that fall and the holidays will be here before we know it.

With flight delays and airport queues becoming something of a universal travel experience — particularly during summer and colder holiday seasons — there's no better time to arm yourself with tools to pass through the airport as quickly as possible. We're specifically talking about the Transportation Security Administration checkpoints and customs lines when returning from abroad.

Both Clear and TSA PreCheck can speed travelers through the TSA security line; Global Entry can be great if you regularly travel abroad. Each service is slightly different — and offers ways to join them for reduced costs or even free.

What are TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear?

Tsa precheck.

TSA PreCheck enables users to pass through airport security using a dedicated line. In this line, users do not have to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets like passengers in the regular TSA line.

Global Entry

Global Entry is useful for frequent international travelers. It gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad. Global Entry users can enter the country through automated kiosks at more than 75 airports .

Like TSA PreCheck, Clear users begin the security process in a dedicated Clear-only lane. They are biometrically identified via fingerprint or iris scans, which spares them from having to show their IDs anytime during security screening. Users are then taken to the front of the line for the security screening machines (either the front of the TSA PreCheck screening line for those with Clear and TSA PreCheck or the front of the normal TSA screening line).

How much do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear cost?

A five-year membership to TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85, while five years of Global Entry costs $100. However, starting in October, Global Entry will cost $120 to apply.

TSA PreCheck's fee varies by provider. It costs $78 to apply through Idemia and $85 through Telos . Online renewal costs $70 through either provider.

With a Global Entry membership comes membership in the TSA PreCheck program. Essentially, you reap the benefits of both programs for an extra $22 for applications before October or an additional $42 from October on.

As for Clear, an annual membership costs $199.

'Free' TSA PreCheck and Global Entry via credit cards

There are several cobranded airline, hotel and other credit cards offering up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for the application fees associated with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. This credit is typically available every four to five years, though you should check the terms for your specific card for the exact frequency.

Some of the cards conveying free TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry memberships are:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• United℠ Explorer Card
• Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees )
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card

Visit the TSA website for a full list of credit cards that offer a discount for TSA PreCheck. As of August, Citi, Chase and American Express confirmed an increased statement credit of $120 will be issued from October on to correspond with the program's price increase.

Bundled TSA PreCheck and Clear

As of April, Clear users can enroll in TSA PreCheck for a bundled rate of $199 instead of paying $78 for TSA PreCheck alone. To get that price, travelers must apply for both TSA PreCheck and a Clear Plus membership on the Clear website. Clear will issue a rebate of $77.95 after travelers complete the process and are approved.

Your miles can pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

In addition to the aforementioned cards offering credits for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, some loyalty programs allow members to use points or miles in exchange for membership fee coverage. While these are options, the return per point is less than TPG's August 2024 valuations , so they're not our top picks for ways to save on these memberships.

Still, if you wish to go this route, these are the programs that provide this option for members:

• Radisson Rewards Americas: Members can redeem 65,000 points for an $85 application credit to TSA PreCheck only.
• Orbitz Rewards: Platinum members get a free TSA PreCheck membership every five years.
• Marriott Bonvoy : Members can redeem 25,000 points for an $85 application credit.
• IHG One Rewards : Members can redeem 30,000 points for an $85 application credit.
• United MileagePlus : Members can redeem 11,000 miles for a TSA PreCheck membership.

'Free' Clear memberships via credit cards

Since Clear costs $199 per year instead of $85 to $100 every five years, there aren't nearly as many credit cards that provide a free Clear Plus membership as there are with the others.

However, you do still have some options if you want your travel credit card to pay for your Clear Plus membership.

Cards that currently cover the membership fee include:

• The Centurion Card from American Express
• American Express® Green Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Occasionally, targeted Amex Offers covering the cost of Clear Plus membership are available for those with different American Express cards . So, keep your eyes peeled for limited-time offers.

The information for the Centurion, Green and Hilton Aspire cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Credit cards that save you money on Clear

If you don't have a credit card that makes Clear completely free with statement credits, some additional credit cards can at least reduce your annual Clear membership cost:

• All Delta SkyMiles cobranded Amex cards : $159 annual membership
• All United credit cards available in the U.S. : $149 annual membership

Save on Clear with a frequent flyer membership

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines offer their frequent flyers free or discounted memberships to Clear.

Discounts from Delta SkyMiles

Top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion members can get Clear for free. The airline's Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members can pay a reduced price of $149. The same price applies to those without a Delta credit card .

All Delta SkyMiles members without elite status can get a discounted membership for $189 — a $10 discount.

Discounts from United MileagePlus

Similarly, United's Premier 1K members are entitled to free memberships in Clear, while United Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members can pay $149. Those with a United credit card receive this same discount.

United MileagePlus members without status can access Clear for $179 per year.

Discounts from Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can enroll in Clear at a slightly discounted rate of $189 annually.

Mileage Plan members who sign up for Clear will also receive bonus miles. MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members will receive 1,500 miles, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew.

Clear discounts for families and students

For families, children under 18 can pass through Clear with an adult for free without needing to scan their eyes or fingerprints.

College students can use a discounted student Clear rate of $60 per year for up to four years.

Clear also has a family plan , and you can add up to three adults to your primary membership for $119 per additional person, per year.

Try Clear for free with a referral code

TPG readers can try Clear for free for two months before deciding if it's worth keeping. Fair warning: In my experience, once you go Clear, you never go back.

Bottom line

Not only do TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear help travelers save time, but it's also possible to get memberships without breaking the bank. Before you sign up for one or more of the programs, see if you can get a membership for free or at a reduced cost through one of these methods.

Related reading:

• Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
• Global Entry fee hike is coming: It will soon cost $120 to apply
• Clear just increased its annual price for users by $10
• Travelers can now enroll in TSA PreCheck via Clear at 13 US airports

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Get Free Flights (Or Close to It)

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

You may have seen or heard it. At the workplace water cooler, the holiday dinner table and just about every place else you go, proud travel hackers are boasting about scoring free flights to far-off destinations.

Ready to get in on the action? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get free flights, starting with a caveat: "Free flights” aren’t usually free. You often pay at least $5.60 each way for Transportation Security Administration fees on your ticket. For certain international flights, you'll also be on the hook for fuel surcharges , which can sometimes cost around $200 each way for economy class and more than $700 each way in business class.

Now that you know award travel means “mostly” free, here are the most reliable ways to get free flights.

5 ways to get free flights

With time, strategic spending and the right credit cards, you'll be well on your way to flying at deep discounts.

1. Earn miles or points by flying your preferred airline

Sign up for an airline loyalty program (joining is free). Every time you fly the airline, you will earn miles or points that can be redeemed for free flights.

» Learn more: How do airline miles work?

The number of miles you earn varies by airline. Most award you miles based on the cash price of your ticket. For example, United Airlines’ MileagePlus program members earn 5 MileagePlus miles per dollar spent on qualifying tickets. Premier members of the program get bonus miles on top of that.

Other airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines, award miles based on how far you fly. A 2,397-mile flight from San Francisco to Honolulu, for example, puts 2,397 HawaiianMiles in your loyalty program account.

You can also earn miles with your preferred airline by flying on one of its partners . For example, if you fly JetBlue, you can use your HawaiianMiles member number when booking to earn miles on Hawaiian. Or, book a flight to Paris on Air France , use your Delta Air Lines SkyMiles number when booking and you’ll earn Delta miles for your trip. Determine which airlines partner with your preferred carrier to see all your options for earning miles.

» Learn more: Plan your next redemption with our airline points tool

So how many miles do you need to rack up before you have enough for a free flight? That depends on the airline miles you collect, where you’re going and when. Search your preferred airline’s website for sample award bookings for your travel dates and other dates to see how award prices can vary.

To give you an idea of how far your miles can take you, NerdWallet keeps a regularly updated chart showing the estimated cash value of each mile or point from some major airline loyalty programs.

2. Earn miles making everyday purchases with an airline credit card

Airlines partner with financial institutions to offer airline credit cards that award your spending with miles or points deposited directly into your loyalty program account. You can earn enough points or miles for an award flight without ever buying a plane ticket with one of these credit cards.

If you want to avoid paying out-of-pocket for a credit card, several no annual fee travel cards are worth considering.

The trick is to choose an airline card that offers the most points and miles for your spending style. For example:

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .

• 2 miles per $1 on United purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at restaurants and hotels (when booked directly with hotel).

• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Southwest purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 6 points per $1 with JetBlue.

• 2 points per $1 at restaurants and grocery stores.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

• 1 Mosaic tile per $1,000 spent.

Before you sign up for a card, think about where you spend most of your money. Then compare credit card annual fees, and find one that fits your budget and has valuable benefits.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

3. Earn thousands of miles as a credit card welcome bonus

The fastest way to get enough miles for a free flight is to snag a credit card “ welcome bonus .” These offers typically include a big stack of points or miles, often in the tens of thousands. You earn this welcome bonus when you sign up as a new cardmember then hit a spending minimum in a set period — usually the first three months after opening.

on Citibank's application

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

4. Earn flexible points using a non-airline credit card

Chase, American Express, Capital One, Citi and other financial institutions offer travel credit cards that pay points. You can redeem points for flights on the issuer’s travel booking site or, for some of these programs, convert your points into your favorite airline's miles. Others allow you to redeem them for a statement credit to compensate for the cost of a flight or hotel.

For example, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card earns you 1.5 points per dollar. You can use those points to book a free flight in Bank of America’s travel booking portal, or you can purchase a flight using the credit card, then apply your points for a statement credit to offset the purchase.

These flexible rewards cards give you a more comprehensive selection of airlines to choose from. But they don’t offer some perks, like free checked bags or bonus miles for buying same-brand flights with an airline's co-branded card.

Airline-branded cards work best for travelers who favor a single airline, while broader travel rewards cards are better for those who aren’t loyal to one brand.

5. Earn an airline companion pass

Some airlines offer a chance to earn a “companion pass,” which lets a second passenger fly with you for free (not including taxes or fees). For example, you can earn the Southwest Companion Pass by flying 100 one-way flights or accumulating 135,000 qualifying points through purchasing flights or spending on a Southwest credit card . The Southwest Companion Pass lets you pick one person who can fly with you on the same itinerary for the cost of taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 each way. It’s valid for the remainder of the year in which you earned it, plus the entire following calendar year. You can even change your designated companion up to three times a year.

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card also comes with a one-time-use companion fare each year, which gets your companion on a flight with you starting at just $122 (($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23).

If you want to fly for free ...

Travelers who want to join the ranks of those who get free plane tickets, plan your strategy carefully. First, consider where you’ll travel and on what airlines. Next, sign up for loyalty programs, then look at credit card welcome bonuses and other ways to earn miles. Even if you don’t make a lot of credit card charges, you can slowly work toward low-cost or nearly free airline tickets.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

TSA PreCheck®

Enjoy the same great tsa precheck benefits you know and love, now with new enrollment options..

Enjoy a smoother security screening process with no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.

*TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

TSA PreCheck Benefits

Wait 10 Minutes or Less

About 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes.

Families Welcome

Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when TSA PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass.  Learn more .

Nationwide Access

More than 200 airports and 90+ airlines  provide TSA PreCheck®

How it works

To enroll in TSA PreCheck just follow these three steps or walk into any enrollment location. Be sure the enrollment provider selected has enrollment locations near you. To renew simply click here and complete your renewal online in as little as 5 minutes.

1. Apply Online

Select an enrollment provider with enrollment locations near you. Submit your TSA PreCheck application online in as little as 5 minutes.

2. Visit an Enrollment Location

Complete enrollment in 10 minutes at your chosen provider which includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.

3. Get Your TSA PreCheck Number

Once approved, get your Known Traveler Number (KTN), add it to your airline reservations and start saving time in screening.

New TSA PreCheck Enrollment Options

TSA has selected the following partners to help enroll travelers in TSA PreCheck. Applicants can pick any enrollment provider based on cost, locations , and additional benefits. Get started below.

Costs for enrollment vary by provider which results in pricing variation.

tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov

Enroll in minutes when it's convenient for you - no appointment necessary.

46 Active Locations

Renew through CLEAR and you may qualify for discounts on other CLEAR travel products.

• Renew online for $68.95
• Renew in-person for $77.95

tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov

Convenient access to 620+ enrollment centers and local enrollment events daily.

620+ Active Locations

IDEMIA provides fast and easy online renewal

• Renew online for $70
• Renew in-person for $78

tsaprecheckbytelos.tsa.dhs.gov

Enroll in TSA PreCheck® with Telos and look for upcoming travel deals.

83 Active Locations

Renew through Telos for a convenient renewal experience

• Renew in-person for $70

Additional TSA Resources

Tsa precheck customer service.

Learn who to contact based on your question or concern, plus ways to contact us.

Find your TSA PreCheck Number

Need your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to complete a renewal or update an existing airline reservation? TSA PreCheck members only, excludes Global Entry.

Search Here

TSA PreCheck Enrollment Locations

Find open enrollment locations for CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos. Check back for updates.

Get TSA PreCheck for free!

How to get a free Priority Pass membership — which includes access to over 1,200 airport lounges around the world

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate products and services to help you make smart decisions with your money.

• Airport lounges are comfortable, exclusive places within airport terminals where you can relax and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, plenty of seating, fast Wi-Fi, and more, all separate from the main part of the terminal.
• The Priority Pass network includes access to more than 1,200 lounges around the world, as well as credits at a few restaurants.
• It can be expensive to join Priority Pass, but two premium rewards cards come with a complimentary membership: the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express**.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Platinum Card are two of the best cards available for anyone who travels. While there are a few differences between the cards, which you can read about here , they're also similar in many respects.

One of the things that the cards have in common is that they both come with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges that members can access for free, as well as a number of restaurants and spa-type properties that offer substantial credits for Priority Pass members.

Priority Pass recently announced that it has surpassed 1,200 locations around the world, having spent the past year bringing about 175 new lounge properties and other facilities into the network.

As cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve have become more popular and common, there's been an increased demand on the Priority Pass network. By adding 141 traditional lounges and 34 restaurants, spas, and "relaxation experiences," Priority Pass has expanded offerings around the world.

"We aim to continually improve and evolve the Priority Pass offering to our members with new and exciting experiences that meet their ever-changing needs," said Sheryl Pflaum, EVP of The Americas at Collinson, the operator of Priority Pass.

Personally, I love having lounge access. They're comfortable, relaxing, and generally include access to relatively private, comfortable seats, an internet connection, food and drinks (which are often complimentary), and sometimes other amenities. Lounges are the perfect oases where you can get away of the hustle and bustle of the main terminals — even when lounges are busy, they still beat the gate area by a wide margin.

Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

This article was originally published on 6/15/2018.

• The president of Emirates says passengers will never again be as comfortable as they have been aboard the enormous discontinued Airbus A380
• 'Delta may be onto something': Experts describe how the company is winning with customers even though rival airlines can fit more passengers
• United's CEO argued it's not a problem that airlines will keep burning tens of millions of cash per day for months
• Delta's CEO reveals why the airline industry is nixing the change fees that once produced 3% of revenues — and how happier travelers could make up the difference
• The pandemic is reshaping airlines — and how you fly will never return to 'normal'
• DHL execs explain how they'll capitalize on the airlift of a lifetime and deliver billions of COVID-19 vaccine doses
• New data shows how US airfares plunged alongside demand early in the pandemic, dealing airlines a double blow
• United is shifting its strategy as it rebuilds its flight schedule, targeting new pockets of demand in Africa, India, and Hawaii
• American will lose its crown as the biggest US airline and could fall behind Delta and United as it struggles to pay off $38 billion in debt
• A Bill Gates-backed aviation startup founder reveals how he got $21 million to build a hydrogen plane that won't go to market for a decade
• An American Airlines worker reveals why he's giving up his dream job — and his paycheck — to take a buyout
• JetBlue founder David Neeleman reveals how his new airline can succeed by flying weird routes for low prices
• Airline CEOs say it doesn't matter how well they protect passengers from COVID-19 — travel demand won't bounce back until the pandemic ends
• Boeing may have to shell out billions to airlines after regulators erased one of the 737 Max's key selling points
• Airbus redesigned a key part of the A350 jet cockpit after spilled drinks caused two midair engine shutdowns
• I flew on Qantas' 'Project Sunrise,' a nonstop flight from New York to Sydney, Australia, that took almost 20 hours and covered nearly 10,000 miles — here's what it was like

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

• Main content

• Find your local Age UK

• Site search Search term
• Back Information and advice
• Back Money & legal
• Back Benefits and Entitlements
• Attendance Allowance
• Benefit rates 2024-25
• Benefits Calculator – what are you entitled to?
• Bereavement Support Payment
• Carer's Allowance

Benefits for mixed age couples

• Changes to the benefits system
• Cold Weather Payment
• Council Tax Reduction
• Disability Living Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance

Free bus pass and transport concessions

• Free prescriptions for over 60s
• Housing Benefit
• How to apply for a Blue Badge
• How to challenge a benefits decision through mandatory reconsideration
• How to get help with urgent or one-off expenses
• How your benefits are means tested
• Income Support
• Jobseeker's Allowance

Pension Credit

Personal independence payment.

• Returning to the UK after living abroad
• Support for Mortgage Interest
• TV licence concessions
• Universal Credit
• Warm Home Discount
• Winter Fuel Payment
• More money in your pocket information guide
• Back Debt and savings
• Debt help and advice
• Energy advice for the home
• Financial jargon checker
• How to reduce your water bills
• How to trace lost money
• Using credit wisely
• Back Income and tax
• What is equity release?
• Ways to reduce Council Tax
• Inheritance tax
• How to boost your income in retirement
• Equity release information guide
• Back End of life planning
• Back Legal issues
• Finding legal advice
• How to be an executor information guide
• Making a will
• Power of attorney
• Power of attorney information guide
• Thinking about end of life information guide
• What is a living will (advance decision)?
• What to do when someone dies
• Wills and estate planning information guide
• Back Pensions advice
• Annuities explained
• Finding old pensions
• Pension calculator
• Pensions scams and fraud
• State Pension
• What are workplace pensions?
• What pension options do I have?
• Back Scams and fraud
• How to spot a catfish
• Spotting TV Licence scams
• Doorstep scams
• Postal scams
• Phone scams
• What to do if you're the victim of a scam
• Investment scams and fraud
• Avoiding scams information guide
• Help with the cost of living
• Back Consumer advice
• Changes to landline telephones
• Back Health & wellbeing
• Back Conditions and illnesses
• Bladder and bowel problems information guide
• Bowel problems
• Coronavirus
• Depression and anxiety
• Hearing loss
• High blood pressure
• Influenza (flu) prevention
• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Back Health services
• Dental services for older people
• 9 health tests that could save your life
• Getting the most from your medicines
• Getting help when feeling unwell
• NHS continuing healthcare
• Your hospital stay
• GP services for older people
• Leaving hospital
• Complaining about NHS services and hospitals
• What standards you should expect from NHS services
• Your hospital stay information guide
• Back Being active
• Getting active when you find exercise difficult
• Getting active but not sure where to start
• Helping someone to get active
• Preventing falls
• How to look after your feet
• Walking tips
• Physical activity videos to use at home
• Staying steady information guide
• Back Mind and body
• 10 tips for ageing better
• 5 tips to boost your mood
• Getting a good night's sleep
• Your mind matters
• Mindfulness
• Staying cool in a heatwave
• Staying sharp
• Preventing and treating burns
• Back Loneliness
• A Life Less Lonely
• Caring for someone who's lonely
• Feeling lonely
• Back Keep well this winter
• Keeping warm and well in winter
• Keep your spirits up
• Look after each other
• Cold weather advice and tips
• Managing money in winter
• Winter wrapped up information guide
• Winter illnesses
• Back Relationships and family
• Financial and legal tips before remarrying
• Planning for end of life
• Protection from abuse and neglect
• Dating in later life
• Sex in later life
• How to deal with grief after a bereavement
• How to adjust to living alone
• Top tips for grandparents
• Worried about someone?
• Back Care & support
• Back Finding and arranging social care
• Care needs assessment
• Home care: how to find the care you need at home
• Back Paying for care
• Financial assessment explained
• Paying for residential care
• Paying for homecare
• How much does care cost?
• Back Help for carers looking after a loved one
• Carer's assessment
• Financial support for carers
• Balancing working and caring responsibilities
• Caring for someone with dementia
• Looking after yourself as a carer
• Respite care: having a break from caring
• What to do when your caring role changes or ends
• Carer's checklist
• Back Housing options in later life
• Assisted living and extra-care housing
• Safety in the home
• Home adaptations to simplify home tasks
• Specialist housing options
• Renting and social housing
• Homelessness
• Moving in with children and family
• Park homes (mobile homes)
• Sheltered housing
• Back Problems with care
• How to complain about care to your local council
• Problems with homecare
• Back Work & learning
• Back Making the most of the internet
• Computer training courses
• Glossary of online terms
• Getting started on the internet
• Staying safe online
• Keeping in touch using a video call
• Making your device easier to use
• How to download apps
• Email essentials
• What's WhatsApp?
• Using social media
• Is online banking safe?
• How to transfer money and make payments
• Shopping safely online
• Online password security
• Age UK's digital instruction guides
• Back Discrimination and rights
• Changes to immigration status – what is an eVisa?
• EU citizens and settled status after Brexit
• Help for Ukrainian nationals in the UK
• Human rights
• The Equality Act
• Windrush Compensation Scheme information guide
• Windrush Scheme
• Your rights at work
• Back Education and training
• Build up your skills
• Classes and courses
• Higher education and university
• u3a – Later life learning
• Back Looking for work
• Be your own boss
• CVs and job applications
• Job interview tips
• Back Retirement
• Preparing emotionally for retirement
• Paul Lewis: Retirement planning advice
• Living abroad after retirement
• Retirement age
• Back For professionals
• Benefits hub for professionals
• Mental health hub for professionals
• Winter hub for professionals
• Information guides and factsheets

Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602

Free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days a year Find out more

Telephone friendship

Get a free weekly friendship call. We'll match you with one of our volunteers. Our service is flexible to suit the different needs of everyone who takes part.

• Sign up for telephone befriending
• Find services near you
• Find charity shops near you

Popular services

• Age UK Advice Line
• Befriending services
• The Silver Line Helpline
• Day Centres
• Exercise and physical activity
• Handyperson services
• IT Training
• Social activities
• Back Services
• Back Get involved
• Back Donate
• Make a donation
• Back Leave a legacy donation in your will
• How to leave a gift in your will
• Making and amending your will to include a gift to Age UK
• Information for executors
• The difference a gift in your will could make
• Ways to write your will
• Free Wills Month 2024
• Will Aid November 2024
• Back Donate to our shops
• Age UK and The Wombles join forces
• Age UK's eBay store
• Sustainability
• Back Donate in memory
• Make a donation in memory
• Fundraise for Age UK in memory of your loved one
• Make a one-off donation
• Funeral donations and collections
• Set up a Tribute Fund
• Meaningful ways to remember your loved one
• Make a major gift
• The difference your money makes
• Our professional fundraisers
• Back Fundraise
• Back The innocent Big Knit – get knitting for charity
• innocent Big Knit updates
• Back Sporting events
• Run for charity
• Skydive for charity
• Cycle for charity
• Charity walks and treks
• Charity triathlon events and obstacle courses
• Do your challenge for Age UK
• Back Fundraising ideas
• Most popular ideas
• Sporty ideas
• Fundraise at work
• Fundraise at school
• Fundraise while you celebrate
• Fundraise as a community
• A-Z of fundraising ideas
• Get your free fundraising guide
• Pay in your fundraising
• Fundraising resources
• Leeds Abbey Dash
• TCS London Marathon
• Back Stream for Ages
• Your free downloads
• Back Lottery and raffle
• Play the Age UK lottery
• Tuesday Treat Draw
• Play the Age UK raffle
• Gift the Lottery
• Player Zone
• How every entry helps
• Are you a winner?
• Lottery and Raffle rules
• Back Volunteering
• Telephone Friendship Service volunteering
• The Silver Line Helpline volunteering
• Connect and Support Service volunteering
• Age UK shops volunteering
• Local Age UK volunteering
• Support our campaigns
• Back Corporate partnerships
• Why partner with Age UK
• Back Ways we could work together
• Can your company support the Age UK Telephone Friendship Service?
• Help Age UK become Morrisons’ next charity partner
• Latest jobs with Age UK

Age UK. Know what to do. 

Last year, over 10 million people trusted us to help them with some of the biggest issues in their lives. Learn more about how we help.

How your support helps

Here's how, with your support, Age UK is supporting older people through the cost of living crisis.

• See the difference your donations make

Making older people's voices heard

• Age UK know what to do
• Campaigning with older people
• Discover - news, stories and features
• Media Centre
• Policy and research
• Wellbeing programmes
• Politics and government
• Back Our impact
• Back Buy products
• Back Over-50s Insurance
• Car insurance
• Home insurance
• Motor breakdown cover
• Travel insurance
• Travel insurance with medical conditions
• Back Independent living
• Bathing Solutions
• Stairlifts and Homelifts
• Personal Alarms
• Back Financial services
• Funeral Plans
• Legal services
• Back Healthcare
• Incontinence products

Benefits and Entitlements

• Changes to Tax Credits

If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on train travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport, more travel concessions questions.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

• an older person's bus pass
• a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website Other areas may also offer travel concessions for people who are over 60. It's a good idea to check with your local council to see what help is available. 

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

Find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £15 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

• a Senior Railcard
• a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Or, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

Can I get a Disabled Person's Railcard?

The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• you're registered as having a visual impairment
• you have epilepsy
• you receive a disability-related benefit, such as  Personal Independence Payment
• you receive War or Service Disablement pension
• you receive Attendance Allowance
• you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• you've reached State Pension age
• you have a disability.

Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

• Please select a search type
• Please enter a valid postcode

No, you can't use a free bus pass on National Express buses. To get senior concessions on National Express you need to buy a senior coachcard, which costs £15 a year and gets you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Top of section

Yes, your bus pass will give you free travel on buses across England, including London. However, there may be specific rules about when you can travel for free, so check your local council's free bus pass guidance before travelling.

Find your local council's older person's bus pass guidance on GOV.UK

Want more information?

Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

We're here to help

We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.

About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK

Share this page

• Share on Facebook

Last updated: Jul 30 2024

You might also be interested in...

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who need help with daily activities or getting around.

Pension Credit information guide

If you’re over State Pension age and struggling to make ends meet, you might be entitled to Pension Credit. Download...

Being part of a mixed age couple affects which benefits you can claim. Find out if this affects you and what you...

If you're over State Pension age and you're struggling to make ends meet, Pension Credit could help top up your income.

Become part of our story

• Please enter a valid email address

Back to top

How to choose a credit card for airport lounge access

W hen people find out my job is to write about travel credit cards, they usually ask for expert advice. They want to know which of our favorite credit cards I recommend, which cards will complement their existing portfolio and whether their current everyday card is a good one.

Just as often, they also want to know which credit card they should get if they want airport lounge access.

Until recently, this question was fairly easy to answer since many cards offered similar lounge benefits. But lately, it's gotten more complicated. The issuer lounge space has more options than ever, while some cards have lost perks like guest privileges and restaurant access.

It can feel overwhelming, but we've got you. Here's a breakdown of what to consider when choosing a credit card for airport lounge access .

Access with top cards

If you have a lounge in your home airport.

Presumably, your home airport is where you spend the most time. If you live in an airline hub or have a perfectly placed lounge that you want access to, let that drive your decision.

For instance, if Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is your home airport, you probably pass an airline lounge regardless of your preferred airline since it is a hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Similarly, if you have an issuer lounge in your home airport, you may want to choose the premium card from that issuer that includes lounge access. Someone whose home base is Dulles International Airport (IAD), for example, will likely want access to the Capital One Lounge that's conveniently located just past the airport's security lines.

On the flip side, not all of us have a wide range of lounge options at home. I'm based in Nashville, and as much as I love Nashville International Airport (BNA), it has limited lounge options. As such, I've based my lounge access decision on the airports I frequently travel through rather than my home base.

If you're loyal to a specific airline

If you're loyal to American, Delta or United, you'll likely benefit from airline-specific lounge access since you'll most frequently fly through hubs with a lounge.

American Airlines

Frequent American flyers will want to go with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) since it's the only credit card with an Admirals Club membership.

Delta Air Lines

If you're a regular Delta passenger, note that the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card includes unlimited complimentary Sky Club access through January 2025. After that, cardmembers will receive 15 complimentary visits per year and can receive unlimited visits by spending $75,000 on the card each calendar year.

United Airlines

Similarly, United fans will benefit most from the United Club℠ Infinite Card , the only card with a United Club membership as one of its perks.

Of course, if you're loyal to an airline that doesn't have its own airport lounges, you can cross these off the list. As a Southwest Airlines loyalist , I knew I didn't want to limit my lounge access to a specific airline, so I was able to turn my attention elsewhere.

If you want issuer-specific lounge access

For quite a while, American Express had the issuer lounge market cornered. But as Capital One and Chase continue to grow their own lounge networks, you may decide you want to choose your credit card based on the issuer's lounge access it gets you.

American Express

You can find American Express Centurion Lounges in over 20 locations, making them the most prominent issuer lounge. If you want access, you'll most likely want either the Amex Platinum or the Amex Business Platinum .

Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business cardmembers can also access Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, as long as the flight was booked on their card (excluding basic economy tickets).

Related: I'm an Amex Platinum newbie — here's why lounge access is surprisingly my favorite perk

Capital One

While not as well established as Centurion Lounges, Capital One Lounges have grown rapidly. Currently, you can find them in three airports: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) , Denver International Airport (DEN) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) .

A planned location in Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas has been announced but is not yet open. To access these lounges, you'll want either the Venture X or the Venture X Business .

Additionally, Chase has been asserting its presence in the lounge space with Chase Sapphire Lounges. With their impressive designs and amenities like complimentary facials, they may be gunning for the No. 1 spot.

Currently, you can find Sapphire Lounges in four locations: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) , Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) , John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York. There's also a smaller terrace location at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) .

To get unlimited access to these lounge concepts, you'll need the Chase Sapphire Reserve . You can also get one complimentary visit to a Sapphire Lounge per calendar year if you have a Priority Pass Select membership from another credit card.

If you want more diverse lounge options

If you want a wider range of airport lounge access options, opt for a card with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Priority Pass is a network of over 1,500 lounges, Minute Suites , Be Relax spas and various restaurants located in 600-plus airports in more than 150 countries.

Airline cobranded cards don't include Priority Pass access, but you'll get it with the premium cards that unlock issuer lounge access: Amex Platinum (enrollment required), Amex Business Platinum (enrollment required), Chase Sapphire Reserve , Capital One Venture X and Capital One Venture X Business .

Additionally, you can get Priority Pass access with some other cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card : Unlimited complimentary access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests (enrollment required)
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card : Eight complimentary visits annually
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card : Four complimentary visits annually

The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve and U.S. Bank Altitude Connect have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Is a Priority Pass lounge membership actually worth it?

If you want access to Priority Pass restaurants

If you frequently pass through airports with a Priority Pass-affiliated restaurant, getting a card with access can save you big bucks. This perk will comp a certain amount of the restaurant bill for you and up to one registered guest. The amount varies by restaurant and is typically $28 to $30 per person; you can look up the exact values for each restaurant on the Priority Pass website .

Many cards with Priority Pass Select access have eliminated restaurant access in recent years, but you can still get it as a part of the Priority Pass Select membership on select cards.

BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY

While my home airport in Nashville doesn't have much to offer in the way of lounges, it does have a Priority Pass restaurant. I get a $28 credit toward my bill for me and another $28 credit for a guest.

Related: Better food and more options: Why I value the Priority Pass' airport restaurant credit over lounge access

If you want to bring guests for no additional cost

If you frequently travel with a partner or family, you'll want to choose a card that includes guest access. While some cards like the Amex Platinum and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve allow you to bring guests for an additional fee, the following cards include complimentary access for the primary cardholder and up to two guests:

• Citi® / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard (can be either immediate family — spouse, domestic partner and children up to 18 years old — or up to two guests)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• United Club Infinite Card
• Capital One Venture X (also includes access for authorized users and up to two guests with them; see rates and fees )
• Capital One Venture X Business (see rates and fees )

Related: A guide to guest policies for airport lounges

If you're unsure

If you're new to the airport lounge world, committing to a credit card with a hefty annual fee can feel daunting. If you aren't ready to make the jump, consider one of these options to dip your toes in first.

Go as someone's guest

As outlined above, several credit cards come with lounge access, allowing cardholders to bring guests into a lounge. If you have a friend with this access, try to find a time to visit a lounge as their guest to see how you like it.

Become a Venture X-authorized user

One of the most valuable perks of the Capital One Venture X is the ability to add up to four authorized users, each with their own airport lounge access benefit, for no additional cost (see rates and fees ). If you have a friend who has the Venture X, ask them to add you as an authorized user .

Doing so will give you access to Capital One Lounges, as well as Priority Pass Select lounges for no additional cost.

Get a card with a set number of visits

You can get a limited number of lounge visits without paying a premium annual fee. Consider one of these options if you're aiming to keep your annual fee costs down:

• U.S. Bank Altitude Connect : With this card, you'll get four complimentary visits to Priority Pass Select lounges annually for just a $95 annual fee, making it a great way to try out some lounges without committing to a high annual fee.
• American Express® Green Card : The Amex Green has a $150 annual fee and comes with a up to $100 LoungeBuddy credit , which you can use to try out some airport lounges before committing to a card with unlimited access.
• United℠ Explorer Card and United℠ Business Card : With either card, you'll get two one-time United Club passes per year for a $0 introductory annual fee, then $95 each year after.

The information for the Amex Green hand U.S. Bank Altitude Connect has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: 11 credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access

Pay for a one-time pass

You don't necessarily have to have a membership or access through a credit card to get into a lounge. Most lounges give you the option to pay out of pocket per visit. If there's a lounge you pass often and are considering getting a credit card to access, paying for a visit to see if it's worth it to you can be a great option.

Bottom line

You have some great options when choosing a credit card for airport lounge access. The different types of access can feel overwhelming, but deciding which type of access matters most to you is key to landing on a card that's the perfect fit. No matter which you choose, you'll be well on your way to lounging in style on your next layover.

Related: The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click here

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business, click here

For rates and fees of the Bonvoy Brilliant, click here

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

From discounted trips to free books, these top hacks will help you nab deals

If you ask me, some of the best things in life truly are free. We work so hard for our money − so when we get to save some, it’s the best of feelings.The best price tag truly is $0, so here are three of my favorite hacks to get something free.

Master the art of travel hacking 

Travel hacking is one of the latest and greatest trends for getting free, or discounted, travel. This strategy involves the smart use of credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles and loyalty programs − and is my first, and possibly favorite, way to get something for basically nothing.One way to travel hack is to use specific travel rewards credit cards to maximize points, take advantage of sign-up bonuses, and optimize spending categories. Booking travel with credit cards often means you’re also getting things like delayed-baggage insurance and trip cancellation insurance. 

Remember to join airline and hotel loyalty programs, too − earning top-tier status will let you have perks like free upgrades and priority services. 

Get audiobooks for free with Libby

Bookworms, this one's for you. Never pay for a book again with apps like Libby . All you need is a library card from your local library (it can be an e-card, too) and you have access to thousands of books at your fingertips.Libby allows you access to e-books, audiobooks and magazines and is available on most devices. If you don’t have a local library, many states actually have library systems where any state resident can get a library card online − so check that out.

Learn more: Best credit cards of 2023

Become a rewards member wherever and whenever

From restaurants to retail chains and department stores, there are so many rewards programs you can sign up for. And usually, these programs are free.

Money moves: How can you be smarter with your money? Follow these five tips

But the best part about signing up is you can take advantage of frequent deals and coupons while racking up rewards points. Some places even offer birthday gifts for their loyalty members, and to be eligible, it's usually as simple as just signing up.Some of my favorite examples of where it pays to be a rewards member are:

• Starbucks. Reward members can get free refills of hot or iced brewed coffee or tea on the same visit.
• Ulta Beauty’s Ultamate Rewards program gives members a free birthday gift, a $10 coupon, and double points on purchases made in their birth month.
• Sephora ’s free birthday gifts are my personal favorite. Beauty Insider members get to pick from a selection of free birthday sets during their birth month. 
• Build-A-Bear offers the “Pay Your Age” promo to their Bonus Club members. The Birthday Bear is normally $14 but when visiting during your child’s birth month, you can get the bear for your child’s age. So yes, if your child is turning 1, you get it for $1!
• JCPenney Rewards gives you a $10 CashPass Reward instantly when you sign up. You also get another $10 CashPash reward for your birthday. 

No cost, no catch

Who doesn’t love something free? The truth is, there are tons of ways to get good deals and steep discounts. You just need to be willing to do some research − and perhaps punch your email and phone number in a few times. One final pro tip: Create a dedicated email to give to stores so your primary inbox doesn’t get cluttered.If you don’t feel like researching or reading the fine print, that’s where I come in. Follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest freebie hacks; I share them with you as I find them!

Money blog: Is this the end of the British pub?

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Read our deep dive into the demise of the British pub below - and we'll be back with live updates on Monday. As always, you can comment on anything we're covering in Money below.

Saturday 10 August 2024 09:21, UK

Weekend Money

• Is this the end of the British pub?
• Reader comments : How to eat a Twix properly, the best crisps of all time and the deterioration of chocolate bars compared with 1980/90s
• Weekly news round-up : Where tumultuous week for markets leaves economy

Best of the week

• The rise of 'doom spending' - what it is and how to stop
• Five budget ways to increase your house value
• Where kids can eat for free or cheap
• Top chef picks Cheap Eats in North Yorkshire and at home
• What do nutritionists think of Aldi's new copycat?
• Is it time to get a will - and what happens if you don't?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive of features

Ask a question or make a comment

By Brad Young , Money reporter

Mourning his mother's death and celebrating her life at the Old Neighbourhood Inn was the obvious choice for Martin Leach, 72, from Chalford Hill, near Stroud. 

The wood-beamed pub opposite his home had been woven into the fabric of the village for 150 years, so it made sense for 90 friends and family members to gather there in 2015 to say their final goodbyes to Nellie "Lilian" Leach. 

But seven years later, the village would say goodbye to the Old Neighbourhood too; its only pub shuttering its doors in a scene playing out hundreds of times over across the UK – and at an accelerating pace. 

"Entirely pissed off," said Mr Leach, when asked how he felt about the closure of the pub, which had once played host to local bands, mobile bakeries, artisan vendors and an affectionate black Labrador. 

"The pub was all that was left to represent that [village] community, and that's gone. And I think it's important to have that sense of community otherwise we just turn into a bunch of hamsters in cages."

Some 239 pubs closed in England and Wales during the first three months of the year, according to government figures – 56% more than in the same period in 2023. 

"There's a sense of death by a thousand cuts or 'what fresh hell is this?'" said Dr Thomas Thurnell-Read, a sociology expert at Loughborough University who has extensively researched pub closures. 

"Everything cumulatively is building up and that's why, sadly, there isn't a magic bullet for the problems in the sector."

Gen Z's changing habits 

Young people are more health and fitness conscious and more time-poor than their parents were, said Dr Thurnell-Read. 

The financial burden of university is rising, meaning students are taking part-time jobs and reducing the social time when drinking habits could form, he said. 

Freshers' week, once a party-filled gateway to three years of drinking, has become a box to tick and leave behind. 

"A generation of young people are finding other ways to socialise without automatically reaching for alcohol."

COVID played some part in this trend, said Dr Thurnell-Read. His students who started their degrees during social restrictions don't routinely go for big nights out or spontaneous, post-lecture pints. 

Between 2011 and 2022, the proportion of non-drinkers increased from 16% to 19%, according to Drinkaware's analysis of NHS data.

It's a trend driven by 16-24-year-olds (26%) and resisted by adults aged between 55 and 64 (14%).

Less cash, more alternatives 

"The younger generation don't drink as much. That's definitely a noticeable thing, but I don't think anyone really does any more. I don't really see the culture of when people used to go out and drink – like properly drink," said Simon Goodman, 44, owner of the Duke of Cumberland Arms, Henley.

The publican, who has been in the industry for 18 years, said that trade between the start of the year and the start of summer was "the quietest I have ever seen it". 

"People just weren't around. It's very bizarre after being in the business like this for so long."

The public have little money left over after paying their bills and more places to spend it, said Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). 

This was a trend that began in 2003, when the Licensing Act gave new types of venues the right to sell alcohol, not just pubs and clubs. 

Now the cost of living crisis looms large. One in five people who would usually go weekly to pubs and restaurants said they were doing so less often in a survey by consultancy firm CGA in April.

At the same time, skyrocketing rents and mortgages have led to a squeeze on leisure time, with people spending longer commuting in order to afford homes in cheaper locations, added Dr Thurnell-Read. 

"The big shift I think has been home entertainment. One of the other effects of COVID was it showed everyone how easy it was to get just about everything delivered to your front door," Mr Stainer said. 

This is a setback profoundly familiar to the manager of the Queen Inn, Great Corby, in Carlisle, which closed on 30 June.

Punters thinned out because they had a "vast amount of options at their fingertips" at home and supermarket alcohol was significantly cheaper, said Katie Wilkinson.

"It's a big shame," Ms Wilkinson said: "It means the village won't have a pub anymore and a lot of people rely on coming in each night for that social aspect."

She said this was particularly important for older people: "They see each other every night and now they won't.

"I think as we move forward more and more smaller village pubs will be closing."

The real estate incentive

As pubs become less profitable, companies that own the land are knocking them down to cash in on the real estate value "time and time again", said Dr Thurnell-Read.

"Pubs are being closed against the will of the people who run them and often against the will of the community who need them."

One of those community members is Tricia Watson, who moved to Chalford Hill, Stroud, as a new mum and used the Old Neighbourhood as a hub to connect with other parents. 

Now a Stroud district councillor representing the area, she has joined a campaign group fighting to stop the landlord's plans to convert it into a residential property. 

The Old Neighbourhood has been deemed an asset of community value under the 2011 Localism Act, meaning local groups like the Chalford Hill Community Benefit Society must be given time to make a bid to buy it for the community. But, ultimately, the owner can reject it. 

"The asset of community value regulations are absolutely toothless. So any community that wants to keep their pub going is at the mercy of the markets," she said, adding the site is worth £300,000 more as housing than as a pub. 

Without outside support, community efforts to purchase closing pubs have a success rate of less than 10%, according to the Plunkett Foundation, a charity promoting community-owned businesses. 

"Sadly that picture is very recognisable," said CAMRA's Mr Stainer. "It was recognisable pre-COVID and COVID has accelerated the process."

He added: "I think a lot of property owners are being tempted to take the fast buck."

Pub companies often finance buying pubs in such a way that they need to make big returns to service the debts, which can either be done by raising rents or selling off parcels of land, he said. 

"It is the tenants and the pubs that suffer because they are the ones that get chucked out of their business and often their homes."

'Daily struggle' of doing business 

The last four years have been "incredibly intense" for the industry, said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). 

She lists off some of the "thousand cuts" Dr Thurnell-Read was referring to: the pandemic, war in Ukraine, pressures on supply chains, the energy crisis, cost inflation and customers who are far worse off than they were 2019.

Mr Goodman, of the Duke of Cumberland Arms in Henley, lists the impacts of these wounds: "The price of food, alcohol, wages, electric, gas - it's never ending." 

He said: "It is definitely the trickiest the industry has ever been I think. It is a daily struggle."

Food costs in particular have been "insane since the beginning of the year", rising by at least 15%, and in some cases doubling since 2019.

And they are completely unpredictable: "The prices can just change overnight, quite drastically as well."

It's not just food. Despite wholesale energy costs easing, Ofgem research published in March found 88% of hotel and catering businesses were still concerned about the impact of energy prices on their business. 

Fixed energy contracts have come to an end at five Cornish pubs run by Chris Black and his husband Jason, who face new tariffs costing 25% to 50% more.

"Pubs are not particularly energy efficient. I think that can be a massive factor in where money is basically being wasted quite easily," said Mr Black, 39.

He went on to echo an argument being made across the industry: while world events may not be in the government's gift, taxation is, and pubs are being "overly taxed". 

"I don't think there has been enough done to support pubs and that's evident in the number of pubs that are closing," he said. 

Alcohol duty, a tax levied on booze, is worth approximately 54.2p in a pint of 5% ABV draught beer (38p in a 3.5% pint, 75.9p for 7%).

Food and drink served in pubs is also subject to 20% VAT (though this was reduced to 5% and 12.5% at different stages of the pandemic). 

Pubs contribute 2.5% of all business rates collected by the government, but generate 0.5% of total business turnover, which CAMRA and the BBPA argue equates to a £500m overpayment. 

Taken together, Ms McClarkin estimates £1 in every £3 goes "straight to the tax man". 

COVID loans hangover and WFH 

During his research, Dr Thurnell-Read was told by many publicans they could have survived COVID or the cost of living crisis – but not both. 

The term perfect storm is overused, but for CAMRA's Mr Stainer, it's the only appropriate description. 

The pandemic burned through pubs' savings and forced them to take on more debt, just before the cost of energy and ingredients rose dramatically and the amount of money customers had to spend plummeted. 

Now, loans taken out and rents deferred during COVID are being called in, said Mr Stainer. 

"Many pubs have survived COVID but maybe are in danger of not surviving the long-term effects of the lockdown."

Introduced in March 2020, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan was a scheme whereby the government would encourage banks to loan up to £5m to businesses by guaranteeing 80% of the money and paying any interest or fees for the first year. 

"It is definitely a contributing factor to these failures, the inability to be able to pay back these loans," said Ms McClarkin, of the BBPA.

She said some smaller brewers had gone into administration because they "simply cannot pay them back". 

Loans aren't the only COVID hangovers facing pubs, according to Ms McClarkin: "Working from home culture has definitely damaged the pub sector, to the point where some pubs simply don't open Monday, Tuesday."

The pub lunch has dwindled in cities and big towns, and some establishments are choosing to close early on weekdays and open earlier on weekends, she said, as customers switch to less frequent outings. 

Fewer, more costly staff

Staffing has been a problem since Brexit, says Jane Pendlebury, chief executive of the Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA). 

She explained the end of freedom of movement has made it more difficult to find staff - and choose the right ones. 

"The friendliness, the smiles, charm, the willingness to pour a drink or deliver some food with a smile on your face will take them [pubs] a long way, but... if you can't get the right staff then you're not going to be delivering that." 

Minimum wage increases, while great for workers, have added to the outgoings for struggling pubs, she said. 

April's increase (£1.02-£1.26 more per hour for each employee) will see the sector's salary bills rise by £3.2bn, according to trade body UKHospitality. 

"People's wages have gone up, and that's absolutely acceptable and they should go up, but when it all adds up in this industry, when do you start going out and you're paying over £50 on a steak?" said Mr Goodman, of the Duke of Cumberland Arms. 

Cornish publican Mr Black said: "We've run a lot tighter on labour to try and keep the cost down because labour costs can be real money down the drain if you've got too many staff on at the wrong times."

Exhaustion 

For HOSPA's Ms Pendlebury, it's important to remember pubs are run by people – and they have a limit. 

"People that run pubs, own pubs, are just exhausted. 

"They were enormously under pressure [during COVID] and then as the guests came back, they were more difficult to deal with because their expectations were so high.

"So I think they are at their wits' end."

It's the smaller, more independent pubs that are closing, she said.

The scale of pub companies means more favourable borrowing rates, supply-chain priority and better value for money when bulk buying stock like menus, cutlery and loo roll, she said. 

They may have their own property managers – rather than more costly local tradespeople - and staff to manage their online reputation. 

"If it's all chains then we would, probably, ultimately lose some of our character as a country," said Ms Pendlebury.

It's not all bad

Walk across the River Ver, St Albans, north of London, almost 1,000 years ago and you would have seen the same building where Ronan Gaffney serves pints today. 

Pop into Ye Olde Fighting Cocks for an ale 400 years ago and you might even have bumped into Oliver Cromwell, who was said to have spent a night at the inn during the mid-1600s.

But centuries of history could not save the pub in February 2022, when the Fighting Cocks, the only inn to be officially recognised as the oldest in Britain, closed (though this was a title so disputed in the industry that Guinness dropped the category entirely in 2000).

Mr Gaffney, 27, and his colleagues lost their jobs in the pub where he – and generations before him - bought his first pint. 

But this isn't the story of another lost community asset: the pub reopened two months later, and Mr Gaffney was there to welcome the community back – with a promotion. 

The establishment's manager and head chef had banded together to take over the lease with a third business partner.

"It was super rewarding being able to reopen the doors and have been back in," said Mr Gaffney, now general manager.

"It was lovely to see the local community come in and say they're glad we're open again. A lot of people do have a lot of memories in this pub."

The pub is now in a much for comfortable position, though they must remain "very cautious on a daily basis", he said. 

He put its success down to attention to detail, big events, pricing and luck.

Bars can't get by on day trade anymore: birthdays, weddings and other large bookings are essential, he said.

"That is definitely one thing that our pub is not only very good at, but we're also almost reliant on it for a certain amount of our turnover."

Unless your pub is next to a train station, food is a must: "Being a simple boozer any more doesn't really seem to exist." 

He said he pays close attention to how staff are trained, products are bought and prices are set.

A lot of alcohol and food will return very slim – if any – margins, so you've got to make up for it on soft drinks, crisps and nuts, he said.

The same applies to the low and no alcohol products that have become so popular among younger people as they steer away from heavy drinking.

"It was quite strange," said Mr Gaffney. 

"It's not too rare for a pub to close or reopen these days, but it was quite rare to be able to be on both sides of that."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

On Monday, stock markets around the world plummeted amid fears the US might slump into recession.

The UK's FTSE 100 closed down more than 2%, its worst day since July 2023. In the US, the S&P 500 index slid 3%, while Japan's Nikkei 225 plunged more than 12% - its biggest fall since "Black Monday" in October 1987.

It followed US jobs data, which came in much lower than expected for July, sparking fears of a recession in the world's largest economy.

If a recession was to play out (and that's a big if) there would be consequences around the globe, many negative but not all...

Concern over the strength of China's economy and several weak earnings reports from major tech firms added to the jitters, but from Tuesday onwards  stock markets started to slowly recover , making some gains as investors' worries calmed.

This was given further momentum on Thursday with the release of more jobs data - this time US figures showing a bigger-than-expected drop in jobless claims, alleviating - though not ending - fears of recession. 

More official US data on areas such as jobs and inflation in the coming months will help us get a better idea about the state of the country's economy and whether the recession worries this week were an over-reaction – or bang on the money.

The recovery in the stock market came as the pound's value also began to slowly climb back over the week.

It had dipped after an interest rate cut from the Bank of England last Thursday.

Generally, higher interest rates tend to attract foreign investors looking for more return on their money - lower rates are unappealing and can decrease a currency's value.

On Monday,  £1 could buy you $1.2811 or €1.1677 before its value against both fell.

But by Friday afternoon, Sterling had managed to climb back up to $1.2755 – not quite a full recovery but much better than its lows earlier in the week. 

It means those heading to the US will now get less buck for their bang, compared with if they had exchanged their cash last week.

However, the pound's strength against the Euro on Friday was almost back to where it was at the start of the week, valued at €1.677 by the markets. So those who exchanged money during the week may have got worse exchange rates, compared with those who waited until this weekend.

Several readers got in touch to ask how a US recession might impact exchange rates and holiday money - we took a look here...

The picture could be changed again next week when a few significant economic moments will play out in the UK.

Jobs data on Tuesday and inflation figures for July on Wednesday will provide an updated sense of where we've got to in the cost of living crisis - and likely impact expectations for the direction of interest rates.

We'll also hear how the broader UK economy is doing with quarterly GDP figures on Thursday.

As always, we'll have everything you need to know here in the Money blog.

Each week we feature comments on the stories you're talking about.

Our Bring it Back feature this week looked at Cadbury's Spira, which back in the late Eighties featured six hollow tubes allowing discerning chocolate fans to use them as a drinking straw for hot drinks.

While many mourn its disappearance, one reader pointed out there are alternative chocolate bars for dipping...

RE: Using confectionary as a drinking straw. You have clearly never heard of using a Twix. Nibble off a small amount at either end - then dip one end into very hot tea and suck hard. It's like dunking a Twix from the inside out. Highly recommended - and no mess lol.  Paul C

Other readers commented...

Not a question, more a statement, please continue this worthwhile crusade to BRING BACK THE SPIRA. Thanks. Razor

Hi Bring it Back team, can you please ask Heinz to bring back Toast Toppers. Their posts on Facebook are always full of people begging them to bring them back and I think there are three petitions online but as yet no joy. Can you ask them please? Lovetoast

Good news, Lovetoast - we'll be focusing on this next week. 

More comments came in...

The greatest ever chocolate bar was the Cadbury's Fuse. I recall my wife, when we were courting in our youth, telling me in the mid-90s that a Cadbury's representative came into the Spar she was working at and said: "It is more than just a chocolate bar, it's a full meal." Shaun Fielding

Campbell's need to bring back condensed pea soup - think about vegetarians. I used to live on pea soup, then they decided to put ham in it. No other pea soup will do, they just don't taste the same. I have tried ordering it online but it has been discontinued.  Mandy63

Brannigans beef and mustard crisps were and still are the best I have ever had - there is not a crisp out there today that comes close in flavour. Mr S

Mr S, we're looking into this one too.

Burtons fish and chips. A wee packet of savoury biscuits. Currently available in salt and vinegar, but not in the original fish and chip flavour. A favourite of tuck shops and much loved by 1970s school children. Ruth Currie

Bring back the Aztec bar. Best bar ever. Young people have no idea just how short-changed they are with mediocre chocolate bars. Cadbury Marvellous Creations? What a load of rubbish!! RuthiePuthie

They need to bring back white Maltesers! I could never get enough of them, so much so I've not had a Malteser since! CEdwards

Walkers crisps. Bring back the small bags of your discontinued (last year) Worcestershire sauce flavoured potato crisps. It was, and always will be, Walkers' best flavoured crisp. R. Lyon

Please bring back Kellogg's Puffa Puffa Rice, best cereal ever!! I used to eat this cereal morning, noon and night. It tasted delicious! I really wish they would bring it back Doglover

Bring back the Pyramint! Dark chocolate shaped pyramid filled with mint flavoured fondant. Made by Terrys. Yum!!! JessElizabeth

Bring it back: Ketchup Pringles! They are the most delicious Pringles and other countries sell them but can only get them imported here very expensively. They should stop creating all these weird flavours and bring back the best one! Sooty

We need to bring back the Cabana Bar - a mix of coconut, cherries and caramel wrapped in chocolate. A treat that this generation are sadly missing out on - Bring it Back! Please. Gillian Mackay

Bring back Pacers! A bit like the shape and texture of Star Burst (previously Opal Fruits) but minty with white and green stripes! Never could understand why they stopped making them! LorWil

Cadbury should bring back the Secret bar. Very fond memories of being sent to the local shop to get one for my mum and then having the last bite. Francesca D

PLEASE can you harass the hell out of whoever has the power to bring the Secret chocolate bar back? It was so unique! Help a girl out (With many thanks). SecretAgent

I'd love to see the Texan Bar brought back. It was like a big Chomp and I loved it. Also, Cowan's Highland Toffee was another favourite that I don't think you can get anymore. And Riley's Toffee Rolls too, which were a bit like Eclairs but chewier! LupusAquatica

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a weekend feature, a round up of what readers have been saying this week, and an overview of the biggest news.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young, Ollie Cooper and Mark Wyatt, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

ScotRail and Caledonian Sleeper staff have voted in favour of a walk-out in an ongoing dispute over pay, the RMT union has said.

Union members at the two publicly owned rail operators were separately balloted for strike action following a pay offer that was described by the union as "derisory".

Bexley has topped the list as London's cheapest area to rent .

The average rent in the southeast London region is £1,297 per month, a study by  BLG Development Finance and Online Marketing Surgery  found.

In second place is east London's Havering, with an average rent of £1,350 a month.

The most expensive average rent is in Kensington and Chelsea, with renters paying around £3,322 a month.

A secret advertising deal was struck between Google and Meta to boost Instagram's users, according to a Financial Times report . 

Google had worked on a marketing project for Meta aimed at targeting 13 to 17-year-old YouTube users with adverts promoting Instagram. 

That's despite Google's rules prohibiting personalising and targeting adverts to under-18s. 

Google has since cancelled the project after being contacted by the FT and investigating its claims.

The chocolate maker is giving customers the chance to star in one of its classic ads from the last 200 years with the use of AI.

As part of the AI-powered tool, users will be able to upload a selfie and select their era from one of seven Cadbury ads. 

Users can also select how they would like to be represented and the AI technology will then recreate their image.

Those who do give it a try will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £200.

The My Cadbury Era campaign is being launched by the chocolate company's agency VCCP London to mark Cadbury's 200th anniversary this year. 

You can find out more here ...

Free Jude's ice cream is being offered for John Lewis reward members this summer.

Shoppers looking to indulge will be able to get one for free at The Place to Eat if they join the retailer's loyalty scheme .

The offer comes as a short-lived but intense spell of hot weather prepares to hit the UK this weekend, with temperatures expected to reach 33C in parts of the country.

The offer is valid until 27 September.

Eagle-eyed shoppers have noticed Heinz Ploughman's Pickle appears to have disappeared from supermarket shelves. 

The popular condiment might have been a favourite for your cheese sandwich, but there's bad news - Heinz has confirmed the product has, in fact, been discontinued. 

Concerned customer Sarah-Ann asked this on Twitter...

To Sarah-Ann's disappointment, Heinz replied: "Thanks for your message. Sorry to say but this product has now been discontinued."

So, is this one that should be brought back? 

We've been running a weekly series called Bring It Back where we look at the discontinued food items that you want back on our shelves. 

Here are the ones you've been calling for so far... 

Teachers and school support staff can now apply for a Blue Light discount card - but the sudden surge in demand has caused the official website to temporarily crash. 

The Blue Light card is a discount provided to emergency services, NHS workers, social care staff and members of the armed forces, and provides thousands of offers and discounts online and on the high street. It costs £4.99 to register for two-year access to more than 15,000 offers from large national retailers and local businesses. 

But it seems demand was so high, with teachers rushing to grab the card, that it promptly crashed the website.

"Due to the high demand we've seen over the last 24 hours we experienced some issues with our website and app," the organisation wrote on X. 

"Please accept our apologies for this error. We are in the process of refunding any duplicate payments and you should receive an email in the next 24 hours with more information." 

However, the move to accept teachers into the scheme has been met with some criticism. 

One A-level maths teacher wrote: "I'm not sure how I feel about this. Teaching can be hard, but we're not an emergency service, and our work isn't really in the same category as "blue light" jobs. If they're going to widen the eligibility criteria, it needs a name change, at the very least."

Another X user wrote: "This is precisely why fewer and fewer businesses accept the BLC. You really ought to rebrand to something like 'Key Worker Card'. The majority of jobs which meet your eligibility criteria are not 'blue light' roles -- the name 'BLC' is misleading now." 

But Blue Light Card hit back, saying: "Teachers are not just educators; they are mentors, guides and inspirations that are helping shape the future for our children. They are fully deserving members of our blue light community." 

What kind of offers can a Blue Light card get you? 

Among the offers is 12% off at Fenty Beauty and 15% off at Bose. 

Users can also get a £30 gift card if they spend more than £1,000 at British Airways or a £110 voucher if they sell their car via Carwow. 

Or if getting fit is more your thing, you can get 50% off an annual subscription to the Body Coach.  

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

• Shop all deals
• Free phones
• Smartphones
• Verizon Home Internet
• Bring your own device
• Accessories
• Refer a Friend
• Verizon Visa® Card
• Certified pre-owned phones
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro
• Apple iPhone 15
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Google Pixel 8 Pro
• Other phones
• Trade in your device
• Tablets & laptops
• Certified pre-owned watches
• Jetpacks & hotspots
• Shop all accessories
• Phone cases
• Screen protectors
• Tablet accessories
• Chargers & cables
• Phone attachments
• MagSafe compatible
• Verizon accessories
• Shop all watch accessories
• Smart watches
• Shop all plans
• International services
• Connected devices
• Discounts overview
• Mobile + Home
• First responders
• Verizon Forward
• Connected car plans
• Shop all home solutions
• Fios Home Internet
• 5G Home Internet
• LTE Home Internet
• Accessories overview
• Cables & connectors
• Networking & Wi-Fi
• TV accessories
• Phone equipment
• 5G Home accessories
• Prepaid overview
• Phone plans
• Smartwatch plans
• Tablet & hotspot plans
• International plans
• Smartwatches
• Hotspots & routers
• Basic phones
• Why Verizon Prepaid
• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+
• Apple Arcade
• Google Play Pass
• Apple Music
• Xbox All Access
• Services & perks overview
• Entertainment
• Protection & security
• Digital family
• Financial services
• Back to Menu
• Sign in to My Account
• Prepaid instant pay
• Business Log in

Choose your cart:

• Mobile solutions
• Home solutions

TravelPass SM Countries

Now your wireless plan travels just like you do. For just $5 a day per line in Mexico and Canada and $10 a day per line in more than 210 countries and destinations you can take your domestic talk, text and data allowances with you. You're only charged on the days you use your device abroad. It's an economical way to stay connected while you travel.

TravelPass Countries

• Home Internet & TV
• Mobile + Home discount
• Support overview
• Return policy
• Community Forums
• Business support
• Download My Verizon App
• Accessibility
• Check network status
• Responsibility
• Verizon Innovative Learning
• 5G overview
• Innovation Labs
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus
• Apple AirPods Max
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Elizabeth James
• Terms & Conditions
• Device Payment Terms & Conditions
• Report a security vulnerability
• Mobile customer agreement
• Announcements
• Radio frequency emissions
• Taxes & surcharges
• Legal notices
• facebook-official
• Privacy Policy
• California Privacy Notice
• Health Privacy Notice
• Open Internet
• Terms & Conditions
• About Our Ads

Advertisement

Trump Campaign Criticizes Walz for State Law Providing Tampons in Schools

The law, which was passed in Minnesota last year, includes language requiring menstrual products to be available in bathrooms of all schools for grades 4 to 12 as a way to accommodate transgender students.

• Share full article

By Chris Cameron

• Published Aug. 6, 2024 Updated Aug. 9, 2024, 8:05 a.m. ET

As part of their effort to portray Tim Walz, the new Democratic vice-presidential candidate, as a far-left liberal, the Trump campaign attacked the Minnesota governor on Tuesday for signing a bill last year that provides access to menstrual products for transgender students.

At issue is broadly inclusive language in the law, which states that products like pads, tampons and other products used for menstruation “must be available to all menstruating students in restrooms regularly used by students in grades 4 to 12.” Republican state lawmakers in Minnesota had tried — and failed — to amend that bill so that it would apply only to “female restrooms,” though some Republicans went on to vote for the final version of the bill .

Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, said in an interview on Tuesday on Fox News that the law, among other policies seen as supportive of transgender rights, was “a threat to women’s health.”

“As a woman, I think there is no greater threat to our health than leaders who support gender-transition surgeries for young minors , who support putting tampons in men’s bathrooms in public schools,” Ms. Leavitt said. “Those are radical policies that Tim Walz supports. He actually signed a bill to do that.”

State Representative Sandra Feist , a Democrat and the chief author of the bill, said in an interview that it was important for her and the student activists who pushed for the change that transgender students were able to access menstrual products without having to ask for them.

“I actually received emails,” Ms. Feist said. “From trans students, parents, teachers, librarians, custodians from across the country, talking about how they were — or that they knew — trans students who faced these barriers and needed these products, and how much it meant to them that they would have that access, and also that we were standing up for them.”

Mr. Walz made significant efforts to protect the rights of L.G.B.T.Q. people in Minnesota as governor, and was an early supporter of gay rights going as far back as his time as a high school teacher in the 1990s. Mr. Walz signed a bill last year designating Minnesota as a legal refuge for transgender people.

Chris Cameron covers politics for The Times, focusing on breaking news and the 2024 campaign. More about Chris Cameron

Keep Up With the 2024 Election

The presidential election is 91 days away . Here’s our guide to the run-up to Election Day.

Tracking the Polls . The state of the race, according to the latest polling data.

Election Calendar. Take a look at key dates and voting deadlines.

Candidates’ Careers. How Trump, Vance, Harris and Walz got here.

Who Is Tim Walz? Meet the Minnesota governor, who Harris picked as her V.P.

Harris on the Issues. Here’s where Harris stands on abortion, immigration and more.

Trump’s 2025 Plans. Trump is preparing to radically reshape the government.