Today we're covering a TSA scandal at LaGuardia that was completely illegal, a disturbing trend with Global Entry removals (but there's good news on appeals), Citi's improved credit card offer, and why The Venetian thinks $45 for ATM access is somehow acceptable.

A tip box appeared on a TSA checkpoint table at LaGuardia Airport — and it violated multiple federal laws. Cash tips for federal employees aren't just discouraged; they're explicitly prohibited under federal ethics rules, TSA's own code of conduct, and criminal statutes governing gifts to government workers.

The setup was flatly illegal from every angle. Federal employees can't solicit tips, period. While TSA removed the box after travelers flagged it, the fact that it appeared at all raises serious questions about oversight at security checkpoints. If you spot similar violations, report them directly to TSA or your congressional representative.

Here's a concerning trend: DHS is now revoking more Global Entry memberships than it's approving. Even more troubling, the agency often won't disclose the reason for revocation, leaving travelers to appeal completely blind.

But here's the silver lining: 39% of appeals succeed. That remarkably high reversal rate strongly suggests many removals never should have happened in the first place. If you lose Global Entry unexpectedly, don't give up — file that appeal immediately. The odds are better than you might think, and the data indicates the system is making plenty of mistakes.

For more on TSA policies and Trusted Traveler Programs, check out our comprehensive coverage.

If you applied for the Citi Strate Elite card during its initial launch, you might be kicking yourself right now. The limited-time offer just jumped from 80,000 to 100,000 points — a 25% increase that represents significant extra value.

This improved launch offer makes an already compelling card even better. Those 100,000 Citi ThankYou points can transfer to multiple airline partners or be used for travel through the Citi portal. Early adopters got a solid deal at 80,000, but new applicants are getting an objectively better one right now.

Los Angeles World Airports just approved a $1.5 billion budget for a new 4.4-mile road into LAX. Do the math: that's roughly $340 million per mile — several times higher than typical highway or airport access road costs.

Comparing this to similar U.S. airport projects reveals just how abnormal this price tag is. While construction in Los Angeles is expensive, these numbers suggest either extraordinary engineering challenges or concerning cost inflation. Either way, travelers will ultimately foot the bill through higher airport fees embedded in ticket prices.

Keep up with all LAX developments and airport updates as they unfold.

Las Vegas hotels have always pushed fees, but The Venetian just crossed into absurd territory: $45 for ATM access if you're not gambling. This isn't a withdrawal fee on top of your bank's charges — this is a charge just to use the machine.

The message is clear: Vegas properties increasingly view non-gaming guests as walking wallets rather than valued customers. Between resort fees, parking charges, and now outrageous ATM access costs, the nickel-and-diming has reached new extremes. Your best defense? Use your credit card everywhere possible and avoid these predatory fees entirely.

Read more about Las Vegas travel trends and casino policies in our dedicated coverage.

If you're sitting on Amex Membership Rewards, there's a straightforward way to earn more without opening another credit card: Rakuten's Amex points option. Instead of receiving cash back from online shopping, you can choose to earn Membership Rewards points directly.

This makes Rakuten particularly valuable for Amex users who transfer points to airline partners. While the earning rate varies by retailer, you're essentially getting free points for purchases you'd make anyway. Right now, Rakuten is offering a best-ever $50 bonus for new members, which makes it an especially good time to sign up.

In what might be the clearest example of the aircraft manufacturer duopoly forcing airlines into corner, Emirates reportedly plans to order 30+ Airbus A350-1000s — the same aircraft type they previously criticized as defective.

Until recently, Emirates operated a streamlined fleet of just A380s and 777s. But with Boeing facing endless delays and quality issues, Emirates appears left choosing between the lesser of evils rather than something they're actually excited about. This situation perfectly illustrates how limited aircraft options have become for major carriers trying to plan their future fleets.

Follow Emirates news and fleet updates as this story develops.

From TSA breaking federal law to Global Entry's concerning removal rates, today's stories highlight how quickly travel norms are shifting. The Citi Strate Elite improvement is good news for new applicants, while Vegas properties continue their relentless fee escalation. If you've been waiting to apply for Global Entry, the high appeal success rate suggests the system has serious accuracy problems — but at least there's recourse if you're wrongly removed.

Stay informed, protect your rights, and keep maximizing those points.

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: