Gate Changes at Ohare October 1st

In case you haven't seen the prior news, Crankyflier and others reported that gate changes will likely be occurring at Ohare starting October 1st, 2025.

A link and map here: https://crankyflier.com/2025/06/03/united-officially-gets-its-gates-at-ohare-but-the-fight-isnt-over/

I'm curious how this will affect some travelers who need to make gate changes between AA and UA for some destinations (like myself!).

GUM Will Get New United Planes!

Great news from United!  The Island Hopper and other locations based out of Guam will soon be receiving upgraded 737 Max planes as the older -800 series will be retired:

https://www.united.com/en/us/newsroom/announcements/cision-125406

This will be a significant upgrade for passengers flying the Hopper! 

Mid-Year 2025 Travel Check

Relatively high fares and inflation continue to impact travel for most people (including me!).  I feel as though my searching has increased these last months in order to find the best deals.  

American

I still have Gold status and there's an outside chance I'll be able to get it again through a status match.  AA is still the only way to get home to the farm easily.

United

United is my first choice for flights though due to program changes I expect to only have Gold status next year.  I do miss having 1K!  For whatever reason I've seen more upgrades in the last months than most of last year.  I still use the Club Card for lounge stays.  I'm also on the threshold of 1M miles on United and expect to get it just after the new year! 

Hyatt

I was able to requalify for Globalist this year and will have the status until 2027 - this will be extremely helpful for a possible return trip to the Maldives in 2026.  Where possible we still make Hyatt our first choice for stays.   

I hope many of you are able to travel during the last part of the year!