New Hyatt hotels. Free bonus points.

☀️ Happy Friday fellow travelers! Phew, TGIF. You’ve made it through another week, so let’s wrap things up with a few more travel tips before you escape into the weekend.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• 👀 Get free bonus points for staying at new Hyatt properties

• 🛩️ Semi-private flights without the private jet price tag

• ✈️ Choosing your second travel card

• ➡️ Current transfer bonuses 

👀 Get free bonus points for staying at new Hyatt properties

Hyatt fans, here’s an easy win for ya — whenever a property joins the World of Hyatt portfolio, you can quietly earn a 500 bonus points for each qualifying cash or award night during the hotel’s introductory window.

Here’s how to take advantage:

• Stay at one (or more) of Hyatt’s new properties during the eligible timeframe

• That’s literally it. No registration required 🙃

I often skim through Hyatt’s running list of new properties to see what’s available and if I can maximize any of my upcoming stays.

500 bonus points per night is insane... Seven nights spent in beautiful, new hotels would yield 3,500 points, which is enough for a free night at a Category 1 property.

So, what’s on the radar right now?

The current list includes properties in Alaska, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Spain, New York, Texas, Vancouver, and many more. 👇

You’ll see each property’s eligible timeframe (usually a few months from its opening date), and right now, many on the list are eligible for stays through October 30 and even into the end of November.

Remember, this is a running list that is constantly being updated, so it’s always worth a glance. 👀

Two fine-print reminders:

• Your checkout date must fall within the property’s bonus window.

• Only one room earns the extra points, even if you’re paying for multiple rooms.

🛩️ Semi-private flights without the private jet price tag

That was a neat under-the-radar hotel perk, don’t you think? Now let me tell you about a lesser-known airline I’m a big fan of: JSX.

West Coasters might’ve spotted its bold red-striped planes, but most people still haven’t heard of it. The airline is often described as “almost private” because you fly from private terminals, skip TSA lines, and can roll up just 20 minutes before takeoff.

But let’s be clear: this is not Taylor Swift’s Falcon 7X. JSX uses small regional jets with about 30 seats. Think roomy, calm, and convenient — not champagne fountains or gold-plated seatbelts.

What is JSX?

• 30-seat jets with a 1-2 or 1-1 layout, so more legroom and fewer neighbors.

• Flies from private terminals, so boarding feels more like strolling into a lounge than braving an airport concourse. You can arrive just 20 minutes before a flight.

• Onboard perks: free snacks, drinks, and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi.

• Pet-friendly: as a dog parent, I can confirm it’s much easier than the usual hassle. 🐶

• Fares usually start around $200 each way, often similar to what you’d pay for regular first class.

Route expansion: not just West Coast anymore

JSX made its name in California and Texas, but now it’s spreading east. You’ll find flights like New York to Florida alongside the LA-to-Vegas staples.

Whether you’re dodging LAX crowds or are a snowbird swapping Manhattan for Miami, JSX is positioning itself as a faster, calmer alternative to the airport circus.

Loyalty & mileage options

• JSX recently launched Club JSX, where you earn 5% back in travel credit on base fares, seat fees, and even pet fees. Credits expire after 12 months, so it’s best if you’ll fly them more than once.

• If you prefer traditional airline miles, you can earn United MileagePlus miles or JetBlue TrueBlue points instead.

Bottom line

JSX doesn’t truly count as flying private, but it’s more fun (and less stressful) than slogging through a big airport. With extra space, private terminals, pet-friendly perks, and free Wi-Fi, it’s basically the “life hack airline” for anyone who values time and sanity over glitz.

✈️ Choosing your second travel card

Your first travel card is your ticket into the beautiful world of miles and points (which we’re a little crazy about, obvi).

It opens doors to free flights, hotel nights, and maybe even a lounge or two. But eventually, you’ll notice gaps.

Maybe your card is strong on travel and dining, but you’re missing out on groceries or gas. Or maybe you’ve got great everyday earnings, but no way to access airport lounges before your flight.

That’s where your second travel card comes in. 😎

The sweet spot is finding a second card that fills those gaps we were talking about.

You don’t always need another high-fee premium card, and sometimes the smarter move is a simple no-fee backup that helps your stash without adding cost.

Adding a second card can also open up new transfer partners and redemption options, making it easier to actually use the points you’re earning. That could mean the difference between finding an award seat or being stuck paying cash.

Your second card should feel more like a teammate than a twin. Pick one that complements your first, and you’ll stretch your rewards way further.

That wraps up another week in the wonderful world of travel. Have a lovely weekend, and we’ll see you bright and early on Monday!

The Daily Drop Team 💙

Contributions by Tiffany Eastham, McKay Moffitt, and Benji Stawski