Today is Wednesday, December 31, 2025, which is New Year’s Eve. This is typically the bittersweet time of year in which members of frequent travel loyalty programs have mixed feelings: those who have achieved elite level status are thrilled or pleased that they have at least another year to enjoy that status; while others dread checking their membership accounts on January 1 to see that big “goose egg” which indicates that it is yet time again to start over in working to earn and achieve elite level status for yet another year — but will 2026 be a happy new year for you?
Will 2026 Be a Happy New Year For You?
I do not typically engage in retrospectives, as has been the case with previous years at The Gate With Brian Cohen. However, this year will be slightly different, as this travel year was special for me, as I:
- Stood on the rim of an active volcano in Vanuatu
- Visited the Galápagos Islands and enjoyed one of the best lodging stays of my life
- Fulfilled a dream by setting foot on Antarctica, which was at the top of my travel list for years — and now, I have been to all seven continents
In other news, further perceived devaluations by many membership programs of airlines, lodging companies, rental car companies, and credit cards continued in 2025, as they increasingly cater to how much members spend versus how much time and effort members expend in terms of the achievement of advancing to the next tier of elite status — as well as unlocking certain amenities and benefits.
The transition from one year to another year is similar to crossing a border: a new experience awaits. 2026 should hopefully be a better year for me overall — and hopefully a better year for you as well. We shall see.
Regardless — as always — your constructive criticism, suggestions, thoughts, and ideas are welcome.
Final Boarding Call
Bucking what would seem to be the obvious choice of a frequent flier, I am spending the transition from 2025 into 2026 as I have during many past transitions into the new year: quietly and not traveling.
If I have not expressed my gratitude to you enough, thank you for reading and supporting The Gate for the past 19.5 years. I look forward to seeing you more in 2026.
In the meantime, my wishes and hopes for you in 2026 are as follows:
- May you safely travel to every desired destination on your list — as well as to ones to which you did not even know you wanted to travel
- May you spend quality time trying new things, openly engaging new experiences, and doing everything you have always wanted to do at each destination
- May your travels result in lifetime memories and stories to leave the listener engaged and envious enough to compel them to create their own travel adventures
- May your frequent travel loyalty program miles and points never expire
- May you continuously be awarded elite status every year
- May you always have lounge access at every airport — as well as every hotel and resort property
- May your upgrade requests always be granted
- May you dine well on your favorite food and drink as well as sample new flavors and tastes from all around the world
- May your travels always be safe, interesting and fun — yet filled with adventure and spirit
- May all of your dreams and wishes come true — especially those related to travel, miles and points
- May the year 2026 be the best and most successful year yet — filled with love, happiness and joy; and experienced with the best of health and the most of wealth
I will catch you in 2026 with the next article. Have a happy new year.
Illustration and all photographs ©2023 and ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
