As we approach the end of 2024, our focus shifts to the upcoming transformations in the travel sector for 2025. From innovative hotels and new airline routes to luxurious credit cards and upscale airport lounges, here are 11 developments we’re eagerly anticipating in the coming year.
Related: Tasks for maximizing points and miles by year-end
Earning points on mortgage payments
One piece of news that has me particularly excited is a recent statement from the founder and CEO of Bilt, addressed to Bilt Rewards members:
“[In 2025], we will reveal the first phase of our plans in the mortgage sector, introducing a brand new category of value for homeowners. Whether making monthly payments or refinancing, you’ll soon have the option to earn points on your mortgage payments.”
As someone who entered the points and miles arena after purchasing a home, I have yet to utilize the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees) to accumulate valuable transferable points on rent. If Bilt implements this, it would significantly benefit me.
Of course, specifics remain to be seen. Will this apply to all mortgages or only select providers? Will there be a cap on the points you can earn? What will the earning rate be?
I hope we will have more details sometime next year.
Related: Is paying your rent with Bilt a smart move?
Simplified elite status with Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan recently announced several modifications aimed at making it simpler to achieve elite status. Firstly, holders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card or Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card will now earn 1 elite-qualifying mile (EQM) for every $3 spent, up to 30,000 EQMs annually starting January 1, 2025 (the previous annual cap was 20,000 EQMs).
Even more thrilling, the program will begin awarding EQMs on award tickets, similar to paid tickets. This generous feature is not common among frequent flyer programs and could make elite status more attainable for occasional Alaska flyers. One TPG team member even indicated it might persuade her to leave American’s AAdvantage program.
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However, these changes may also have unintended consequences. They could result in an influx of members in the Mileage Plan’s elite ranks, especially when the program merges with HawaiianMiles, potentially leading to longer lines, busier lounges, or increased competition for upgrades. We will be monitoring this situation closely in 2025 to see how it unfolds.
Related: Last-minute tips for earning airline elite status
Introducing new premium credit cards
In an exciting move, Alaska Airlines has revealed plans for its first premium credit card, expected to launch in summer 2025 with an annual fee of $395. The card promises impressive perks including 3 miles for every dollar spent on eligible dining and overseas purchases, lounge access, and a companion award certificate. You can earn 500 bonus miles simply by registering for the waitlist—plus an additional 5,000 miles if you apply and are accepted once the card is launched.
JetBlue has also hinted at a forthcoming premium credit card aimed at providing elevated benefits compared to the JetBlue Plus Card. While details remain sparse, a noteworthy advantage will involve access to JetBlue’s inaugural airport lounges for both the cardholder and a guest.
These may not be the only higher-tier cards debuting in 2025. With airlines like Frontier and Southwest focusing on premium onboard offerings, TPG credit card writer Olivia Mittak speculates, “2025 appears to be the year of the airline credit card.”
Related: Are premium credit cards worth the annual fee?
New (and less-crowded) airport lounges
At TPG, our fondness for airport lounges runs deep — hence, we’re excited to see numerous new ones set to open next year.
Alaska Airlines plans to extend its lounge offerings across hubs in San Diego and Honolulu, a savvy move following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines. JetBlue is preparing to launch lounges in New York and Boston in late 2025. Access to these lounges will be granted to holders of the airline’s upcoming premium credit card, top-tier Mosaic members, and travelers of the transatlantic Mint cabin. Delta is also focusing on lounge expansion, having inaugurated the first three Delta One Lounges this year in New York’s JFK, LAX, and Boston Logan airports.
Chase’s rapid lounge portfolio growth continued in 2024, with new locations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) now welcoming travelers. This expansion is set to continue with new lounges opening in Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas in 2025. Plans are also underway for another new venue in Los Angeles, though its opening date remains unconfirmed.
In November 2024, the first Capital One Lounge was inaugurated at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), with a second expected at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in 2025. Additionally, two new Capital One Lounges are slated for 2025 in Las Vegas and New York-JFK, the latter featuring a bodega and in-house cheesemonger.
Separately, some programs are taking measures to tackle lounge overcrowding by reducing credit card lounge access. Holders of various Delta Sky Club access cards will face a cap on their visits in 2025, while two Capital One cards will lose access entirely as of January 1, 2025.
While this news may disappoint some, I see it as a positive change. I hold the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which still offers lounge access, and often face significant crowds and prolonged wait times at the issuer’s Denver lounge. I hope this adjustment will ease overcrowding and enhance my lounge experience next year.
Related: Essential tips for visiting an airport lounge
An abundance of hotels, cabins, and campsites
“The hotel landscape in 2025 is gearing up to be exceptional,” notes TPG senior hotels reporter Tanner Saunders. He is particularly excited about “the anticipated announcement of more points-eligible safari lodges, as well as potential major acquisitions or partnerships from leading hotel chains following recent significant shifts involving brands like Graduate, Autocamp, The Standard, MGM, and Small Luxury Hotels.”
As an outdoor enthusiast, I’m especially eager to see the trend of bookable cabins and campsites with points continue into 2025. Since Hyatt acquired Under Canvas and Autocamp joined Hilton’s portfolio last year, we now have various options for glamping using points. With Marriott’s latest news about Postcard Cabins and Trailborn, I’m hopeful we will be able to earn and redeem Bonvoy points at these properties in 2025.
Related: The best U.S. glamping resorts for an adventurous getaway
Increased premium seating options
Premium seating options — from extra-legroom seats to lie-flat pods — undeniably enhance the flying experience. That’s why we’re excited to witness more low-cost and regional airlines joining the Big Three in providing premium cabins by 2025.
Southwest will start retrofitting its planes with extra-legroom seating, a first for the airline, commencing in the first quarter of 2025. These seats will be available to elite members as a new perk, or to non-elites for an additional fee.
Alaska will introduce a new international premium economy offering across its upcoming long-haul routes, beginning with Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) and Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN).
Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier has announced plans to add first-class-style seating by late 2025. JetBlue is also enhancing its premium offerings with a new domestic first-class cabin to complement its Mint, its international lie-flat business-class experience.
Related: How to reserve premium economy for the cost of a coach seat
Assigned seating coming to Southwest
While some Southwest devotees lamented the airline’s decision to implement assigned seating, others are embracing it.
Gabby Bernardini, TPG’s senior points and miles editor, is among the excited:
“This could be a bit polarizing, but I’m genuinely looking forward to the airline offering assigned seats. As a Southwest cardholder, I frequently find myself in boarding group C and often separated from my party. The shift to assigned seating … makes me more eager to fly with them. Not only will I know my exact seat, but I also won’t have to be apart from my travel companions. Plus, it gives me extra couch time in an airport lounge since I won’t need to rush to line up when my boarding group is called for a better seat.”
Southwest passengers can expect assigned seating for purchase starting in late 2025 on flights commencing in early 2026, with A-List and A-List Preferred members getting clearer insights into the seating perks available to them.
Related: Saying goodbye to Southwest’s open seating era: Emotional reactions
Enhanced redemptions at Choice Hotels
TPG’s senior points and miles writer and devoted Choice Privileges member Katie Genter anticipates several changes within the program in 2025.
Currently, Choice Privileges members can book award stays up to 100 days in advance. This will expand to an impressive 50 weeks in early 2025—almost a full year ahead. This enhancement will facilitate trip planning for travelers, potentially allowing them to save on airfare by booking further in advance.
Choice is also reintroducing RewardSaver, a helpful tool from Radisson Rewards Americas before it was merged into Choice Privileges. RewardSaver will automatically apply discounts to award rates, lowering the minimum award night price from 8,000 points to 6,000 points.
Related: Creative strategies for redeeming Choice Privileges points
Expanded options for points & miles to Europe
With the demand for flights to Europe on the rise, so are ticket prices — making this an excellent opportunity to redeem your points and miles. Major airlines have rolled out new routes to Europe in 2025; newly established routes frequently offer the best availability for awards.
For instance, tickets are available on JetBlue’s new seasonal nonstop service from Boston to Edinburgh for approximately 32,000 TrueBlue points and $5.60 one-way in the fall of 2025.
American’s new service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Naples International Airport (NAP) also presents abundant availability for summer 2025, with fares available for as low as 19,000 AAdvantage miles and $5.60 each way.
Additionally, consider checking out United’s eight new international destinations and Delta’s extended transatlantic routes for potential fantastic deals. Furthermore, thanks to recent changes in Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, economy fares to Europe can now be found for as little as 6,000 Virgin points each way, or enjoy their well-regarded Upper Class for as low as 29,000 points.
Read more: Merging a transfer bonus with Virgin’s Saver fares: How I booked lie-flat business-class seats to London for just 21,000 points
Anticipated new cruise ships and stops
TPG’s cruise experts are thrilled about the roster of new ships embarking on their maiden voyages in 2025.
Disney plans to launch its largest ship ever, Disney Adventure, in Singapore, accommodating 9,000 guests and crew members, featuring the world’s longest roller coaster at sea. April 2025 will see the debut of MSC World America, MSC’s largest ship yet, which will be making its way to the Caribbean.
A lesser-known cruise line, Windstar, will introduce two luxurious all-suite vessels equipped with ice-strengthened hulls to facilitate voyages to Antarctica and other polar locales.
In addition, Carnival Cruise Line is set to unveil a new private island off the Bahamas, ideal for those preferring a swimsuit-centric getaway over parka-clad vacations. Celebration Key is scheduled to open for cruise visitors in July 2025, featuring dining, shopping, and excursion opportunities.
Related: Top recommendations for first-time cruises suitable for all traveler types
Exciting theme park happenings and openings
The year 2025 is set to be spectacular for theme park enthusiasts — especially for Disney lovers who have found it challenging to secure special event tickets. Disneyland Anaheim is gearing up for its 70th anniversary celebration, which will unfold over a year starting in May 2025, promising plenty of chances for visitors to partake. Disney has already released its roster of special events, allowing families to plan their visits earlier this year. Certain events, such as the Oogie Boogie Bash, will feature additional dates to enhance your chances of snagging tickets.
TPG senior writer Tarah Chieffi is particularly looking forward to the Disneyland After Dark: 90s Nite event. “While I was a bit too mature for the Disney Channel Nite in 2024, this event promises all my favorites … characters like Darkwing Duck and Powerline Max along with nostalgic 90s music and photo opportunities.”
Similarly, senior director of content Summer Hull expresses enthusiasm for Disneyland’s Pride night, which takes place over two nights—greatly enhancing the opportunity to experience the festivities—and the Oogie Boogie event, which she considers the finest Halloween celebration offered by Disney.
Not only is it the Mickey Mouse kingdom that has theme park fans eagerly anticipating the future. Universal is set to unveil Epic Universe, its brand-new Orlando theme park, commencing May 22, 2025.
Related: Special early 2025 tickets to Disneyland available for just $50 for kids
Final Thoughts
The unfolding year of 2025 holds great potential, with fresh credit cards, airport lounges, cruise ships, and even a brand-new theme park on the horizon. We are also likely to encounter even more thrilling advancements in the travel and loyalty realm that are not yet on our radar.
Nevertheless, not all alterations may be favorable. Our predictive trends report for 2025 suggests that travel costs are likely to keep rising, making it increasingly difficult to utilize points and miles. Furthermore, ongoing legislative proposals could significantly reshape the rewards landscape.
At TPG, we are dedicated to keeping ahead of all developments slated for 2025. Be sure to subscribe to our daily newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for extensive coverage and analysis of these exciting changes occurring next year.
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