A shocking day in travel as one airline suddenly closes shop, a major airport lounge gets shut down by health inspectors, and a luxury resort shows off its $100M transformation. Let's dive into today's biggest stories...

Iceland's budget carrier PLAY Airlines has suddenly ceased all operations, effective immediately. The airline blamed recent negative media coverage and weak ticket sales for the shutdown. All flights are canceled, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives between North America and Europe.

In an unprecedented move, Philadelphia's health department has forced the United Club at PHL to cease operations. The lounge was found dark and empty today, with notices posted regarding the closure. This serves as a stark reminder that even premium travel spaces must maintain strict health standards.

The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal reopens October 1 after completing its multi-year transformation. All 112 rooms, suites, villas and casitas have been completely redesigned with new lighting and fresh décor. This remains one of Hilton's most prestigious properties for point redemptions.

American Airlines has announced a new codeshare agreement with Canada's Porter Airlines. AAdvantage members can now earn and redeem miles on Porter flights, plus earn Loyalty Points toward elite status. This strategic move significantly expands American's reach in Canada.

Hilton has launched its latest promotion offering 1,500 bonus points per stay through the end of 2025. While not as generous as past offers, it's worth registering if you have upcoming Hilton stays planned.

The U.S. has finalized new exit control procedures, making biometric face scans mandatory at over 50 airports before international departures. This program is set to expand further, marking a significant change in how travelers leave the country.

Before we wrap up, I wanted to share some timely opportunities I've been tracking (courtesy of our friends at AwardTravelFinder). These deals won't last long, so let's dive in.

Active transfer bonuses worth considering:

Airline programs:

Hotel programs:

Remember: only buy points when you have a specific redemption already planned. Purchased points typically expire and won't be refunded if programs devalue.