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Joe Cortez

Joe covers travel rewards for NerdWallet. He has spent the past six years following aviation, travel insurance and travel rewards for several websites — all while trying to save money on his own vacations. When he's not on airplanes, Joe is often on golf courses, in game stores, or poring over award charts to find deals.

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Posts by Joe Cortez:

5 Ways Your Flight Experience Could Change in 2019

Joe Cortez
Jan. 12, 2019

Every year comes with changes – especially to the world’s aviation infrastructure. Airlines launch, shut down or add new products that aren’t always customer friendly to their lineup. What can…

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Is the Southwest Companion Pass Sign-Up Bonus Worth It?

Joe Cortez
Jan. 10, 2019

With the excitement generated by Southwest Airlines’ limited-time welcome offer that includes a promotional Companion Pass and 30,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points, many travelers may be dreaming of all the places they can bring…

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card’s Travel Insurance Benefits Explained

Joe Cortez
Jan. 4, 2019

When travelers go abroad, many don’t think about travel insurance until something bad happens. Lucky for those who purchase their trip with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card, they are…

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Will Travel Insurance Cover Winter Weather Woes?

Joe Cortez
Jan. 2, 2019

When major winter storms pass overhead, it usually means trouble for travelers. Airlines can be forced to cancel thousands of flights that affect travelers throughout the country, hotels may abruptly…

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Best Western Rewards: The Complete Guide

Joe Cortez
Dec. 21, 2018

Best Western Rewards was originally founded in 1988 as the Gold Crown Club, making it one of the oldest loyalty programs among hotels. In its first year, 200,000 people signed…

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What’s Changing With Delta SkyMiles in 2019?

Joe Cortez
Dec. 21, 2018

Every year, loyalty programs adjust based on customer feedback, usage and what makes sense for their bottom line. Delta Air Lines is making some small changes to the SkyMiles program…

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What’s Changing With American AAdvantage in 2019?

Joe Cortez
Dec. 21, 2018

Every year, airlines often make subtle changes to their reward programs. At American, the annual adjustments have turned into a variety of changes that both help and hinder regular travelers…

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Hilton HHonors Rewards

Hilton Honors: The Complete Guide

Joe Cortez & Claire Tsosie
Dec. 20, 2018

If you’re looking for a hotel loyalty program that offers flexible rewards, consider joining Hilton Honors. As one of 82 million members worldwide, you’ll be able to redeem your points…

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Lounge Review: The American Airlines Admiral’s Club Lounge at SFO

Joe Cortez
Dec. 19, 2018

For frequent travelers, the airline lounge represents a quiet place in the storm of travel. Behind the glass doors lies the promise of luxury, where comfortable chairs and power outlets…

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American Airlines AAdvantage Program: The Complete Guide

American Airlines AAdvantage Program: The Complete Guide

Paul Soucy & Joe Cortez
Dec. 14, 2018

Tracing its history back to 1930, American Airlines is one of America’s three “legacy” carriers and one of the most visible brands in aviation. In 2015, US Airways merged with American’s…

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