New TSA screening processes on the horizon?

Lines are already long at airports for security, and now a new report is out that the TSA may be looking to adjust screening for larger electronic devices.

From CNBC here.

It appears that testing is already underway.

I'm not opposed to changes that make flying safe for all - I just hope they take into account how the process is already affected for those without Pre Check or GlobalEntry.

100k Ultimate Rewards points for a new mortgage?

It appears Chase is getting pretty creative with how to get business - this time, offering up to 100k Ultimate Rewards points for a new mortgage.  From Marketwatch:

Chase offering UR for Mortgage

Not sure I would go this route, but I'd take a look to see if it made sense with interest rate, points, etc.  And only available through August 6 if you had a card as of May 7th.

Fare Alert: Newark to Ho Chi Minh City for $574 in fall

Fall travel alert!

Fares are at fantastic rates for fall travel to a number of locations, one of them being SGN (Ho Chi Minh City).  Here is one option for a potential PQM mileage run Oct 30-Nov 1 (just under 20k PQM):

https://goo.gl/flights/c2QM

$574 is a great deal!  Longer stays are possible.

Family trip: visiting Murren

Mom specifically requested a trip to Switzerland and the Alps, and I was more than happy to plan and share one of my favorite places: Murren.  I was wondering how the weather would hold this time of year and we were treated with amazing sun, warmth, and snow!

It was the first time visiting the Eiger Guesthouse and the room did not disappoint.  I also liked its close proximity to the BLM station.

We had time to take a hike on one of the lower trails and had nice conversations with a local man also on the same path before finding dinner at a Rick Steve's recommended restaurant, Hotel Restaurant La Grotte.

Treating Mom: Flights and stays

I had my eye on flights to get us over to Switz for some time, but the challenge is to find mileage options along with a paid ticket itinerary that matches (and doesn't make you break the bank in the process).  Thankfully, mom's flight options were fairly straightforward - I also needed to get her to Newark to meet me before we took off for Zurich.

American miles to get mom to EWR: 54,000
United miles to Zurich: 180,000 (a surprise: Polaris Business class!)

For places to stay I once again used Booking.com and found some fantastic deals.  We'll be staying at the following locations:

Eiger Guesthouse

Hotel Alpha

Park Hyatt Zurich

The best way I've found to get around Switz is to use the train system - fast, efficient, and always on time.  As luck would have it, a March promotion was happening on RailEurope that took 30% of tickets purchased through 3/27...and made the cost of a 2nd class pass the same as 1st class.  Score!  Quantities were limited and I'm fortunate we could take advantage.