Sam Helmy Latest Posts

Freelance Writer

Sam Helmy joined the AwardWallet team in late 2016. He discovered points and miles while planning trips in pursuit of his other passion scuba diving when he started using points and miles to get to some of the world’s best diving destinations. Eventually, he became a bit of an expert on how to use points and miles to get to diving destinations across the globe.

Over the years, Sam has lived in 6 countries and enjoys discovering new places and meeting new people, discovering new cultures, and learning new languages.

Sam currently lives in the UK, and when not working on points and miles he enjoys scuba diving, traveling, cooking, DIY, hiking, and walking with his wife and two dogs.

Latest Posts

You Can Now Book Emirates Awards With Aeroplan Points

You Can Now Book Emirates Awards With Aeroplan Points

by Sam Helmy

December 18, 2022

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This week, Aeroplan launched its new Emirates award chart, allowing Aeroplan members to redeem their Aeroplan points for Emirates awards. While Aeroplan plans to use a new Emirates-specific award chart, this is not yet active. In the meantime, you can currently book awards at the cheaper standard pricing.

You Can Now Redeem Citi ThankYou® Points at Walmart [But Please Don’t]

You Can Now Redeem Citi ThankYou^® Points at Walmart [But Please Don’t]

by Sam Helmy

December 12, 2022

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Qualifying Citi ThankYou cardholders can now redeem ThankYou points at Walmart checkout. You can save $10 for every 1,250 points you redeem. While more redemption options may seem like a good deal, cardholders should never utilize this option. You can get 25% more value by simply cashing out your ThankYou points for a statement credit or a check in the mail.

Air France Adds More Restrictions to La Premiere First Class Awards

Air France Adds More Restrictions to La Premiere First Class Awards

by Sam Helmy

December 11, 2022

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Air France recently announced further restrictions to its first class La Premiere awards. From January 1, 2023, Air France La Premiere first class award space will only be open to Flying Blue Platinum and higher elite members. Also, there will only be up to one award seat per flight.

JetBlue TrueBlue Announces Major Program Changes

JetBlue TrueBlue Announces Major Program Changes

by Sam Helmy

December 10, 2022

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This week, JetBlue announced a massive slew of changes to its TrueBlue loyalty program. The changes overhaul of how loyalty is earned, Mosaic tiers, and much more. Here's a full breakdown of what you need to know about the JetBlue loyalty program starting in 2023.

Ending Soon: American Airlines Status Match Challenge for World of Hyatt Elites

Ending Soon: American Airlines Status Match Challenge for World of Hyatt Elites

by Sam Helmy

December 6, 2022

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American Airlines recently launched a status match offer for World of Hyatt elites. The promotion offers Hyatt Globalist and Explorist members the chance to claim AAdvantage Platinum or Platinum Pro, respectively. However, you need to act soon to take advantage of this opportunity.

Capital One to Eliminate Priority Pass Non-Lounge Benefits Effective January 1, 2023

Capital One to Eliminate Priority Pass Non-Lounge Benefits Effective January 1, 2023

by Sam Helmy

December 5, 2022

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Capital One just announced that it will eliminate non-lounge benefits for the complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships provided to various cardholders, including the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This change kicks in effective January 1, 2023.

World of Hyatt Launches Free Night Promotion [Targeted]

World of Hyatt Launches Free Night Promotion [Targeted]

by Sam Helmy

December 4, 2022

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World of Hyatt recently launched a promotion giving targeted members a free night certificate after completing a 2-night stay. You need to check your account to see if you are targeted with this promotion. Once you register for the promotion, you have 120 days to complete your stays. You can earn up to 2 free night certificates with this promotion.

Delta Updates Sky Club Policies, Slashing Access

Delta Updates Sky Club Policies, Slashing Access

by Sam Helmy

December 2, 2022

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This week, Delta Air Lines announced a significant number of changes to its Sky Club access policy. The negative changes are aimed at reducing crowding - by cutting many travelers' access. Changes include huge price increases for Sky Club membership fees, eliminating eligibility of certain cabin classes from access, and much much more.

Aeroplan Adds Sun Express as a New Airline Partner

Aeroplan Adds Sun Express as a New Airline Partner

by Sam Helmy

November 23, 2022

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Air Canada Aeroplan recently announced the addition of Sun Express as a new airline partner. Effective immediately, Aeroplan members can redeem their points and book flights via the website, app, or call center for flights on Sun Express. But, is it a good deal? Let's dig into some examples to see.

Alaska Ending Lounge Access for Many First Class Passengers

Alaska Ending Lounge Access for Many First Class Passengers

by Sam Helmy

November 23, 2022

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Alaska Mileage Plan has announced that it will cut access to lounges for many paid and award first class tickets effective February 15, 2023. Also, the airline is hiking the price of their yearly lounge memberships. Here's what to know about these changes and the few exceptions to the new rules.

American Express Announces New ‘Apply With Confidence’ Feature

American Express Announces New ‘Apply With Confidence’ Feature

by Sam Helmy

November 21, 2022

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American Express has introduced a new "Apply with Confidence" feature to its credit card applications. This lets you know whether you will be accepted for a new credit card without pulling a hard inquiry on your credit report (which negatively impacts your credit score). Here's what we know so far about this feature.

Marriott and Asia Miles Launch Two-Way Point Conversions

Marriott and Asia Miles Launch Two-Way Point Conversions

by Sam Helmy

November 19, 2022

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Marriott Bonvoy and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles have announced two-way point conversions. You can now transfer your Marriott points to Asia Miles at a ratio of 3:1, and you can transfer your Asia Miles to Marriott Bonvoy points at a ratio of 2:1. That's a pretty bad rate, so here are all of your transfer options.

New Air Canada Aeroplan Partner: Bamboo Airways

New Air Canada Aeroplan Partner: Bamboo Airways

by Sam Helmy

November 18, 2022

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Air Canada Aeroplan announced a new partnership with Vietnam-based carrier Bamboo Airways. Effective immediately, Aeroplan members can earn and redeem points when flying on Bamboo Airways flights. Herae are the earning and burning rates — including 12,500-point redemptions to Bali and US to Vietnam for 75k points.

Capital One Adds 10% Cashback on Uber, Free Uber One Membership, Plus PRIOR Benefits

Capital One Adds 10% Cashback on Uber, Free Uber One Membership, Plus PRIOR Benefits

by Sam Helmy

November 15, 2024

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Capital One just announced that it's introducing several new benefits to multiple cards across its network. Highlights of the new benefits include a free Uber One membership and unlimited 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats for the Savor-branded cards. Plus Capital One Venture X cardholders now get luxury travel guide and access through PRIOR.

Transfer Capital One Miles to Accor Live Limitless With a 20% Bonus

Transfer Capital One Miles to Accor Live Limitless With a 20% Bonus

by Sam Helmy

November 3, 2022

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Capital One launched a promotion giving you a 20% bonus when you transfer your Capital One Miles to Accor ALL points. The promotion is valid for transfers through November 30, 2022. For every 1,000 Capital One miles you transfer, you receive 600 Accor points. Here are some creative uses of this otherwise forgettable transfer bonus.

British Airways & Iberia Move To Revenue-Based Avios Earning

British Airways & Iberia Move To Revenue-Based Avios Earning

by Sam Helmy

November 3, 2022

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In an email to its members and a press release, Iberia announced that it is moving to a revenue-based system of Avios earnings effective immediately. In the same announcement, Iberia's partner British Airways also announced that it will move to revenue-based Avios earnings in 2023.

Changing Lounge Access, Other Aeroplan Program Changes Coming in 2023

Changing Lounge Access, Other Aeroplan Program Changes Coming in 2023

by Sam Helmy

October 29, 2022

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Air Canada just announced changes to its Aeroplan program coming into effect in 2023. Most of the new changes come into effect on January 1, 2023. As expected, not all the changes are positive. And that's especially true for Aeroplan 35K members - who are losing a major benefit.

Convert Hotel Points to Aeroplan With A 20% Bonus (With One Big Exception)

Convert Hotel Points to Aeroplan With A 20% Bonus (With One Big Exception)

by Sam Helmy

October 28, 2022

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Aeroplan just launched a promotion giving you a 20% bonus when you convert hotel points to Aeroplan. The promotion is valid for transfers through November 13, 2022 and can be a great way of topping off your Aeroplan account for an award. However, this offer unfortunately does not include all hotel partners.

Earn Up to 15,000 Bonus Aeroplan Points on IHG Stays

Earn Up to 15,000 Bonus Aeroplan Points on IHG Stays

by Sam Helmy

October 27, 2022

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IHG launched a new promotion offering up to 15,000 bonus Air Canada Aeroplan points for eligible IHG stays. The promotion is valid for stays through January 31, 2023. However, reservations must be completed by November 30, 2022.

Last Chance: Transfer IHG One Points to Virgin Velocity Points With a 15% Bonus

Last Chance: Transfer IHG One Points to Virgin Velocity Points With a 15% Bonus

by Sam Helmy

October 21, 2022

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IHG One Rewards brought back a promotion giving you a 15% bonus when you transfer IHG One Rewards points to the Virgin Velocity program. The promotion is valid for transfers through October 25, 2022. But, is it worth transferring your IHG points at this ratio?

Marriott Bonvoy Ends Conversion Bonus to Four Airline Partners

Marriott Bonvoy Ends Conversion Bonus to Four Airline Partners

by Sam Helmy

October 18, 2022

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Marriott Bonvoy sent out an email this week to select members notifying them that, effective October 31, 2022, the standing points conversion bonus will be ending. For now, the change only affects four of the more than 40 airlines you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points. But it could be a bad sign of things to come.

Best & Worst U.S. Airports for Cheap Deals on International Flights

Best & Worst U.S. Airports for Cheap Deals on International Flights

by Sam Helmy

October 16, 2022

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Scott's Cheap Flights recently released its rankings for the best and worst US airports for cheap international travel in the last 12 months. Here are the top 10 and bottom 10 - and how you can use this information to help plan your travels.

Purchase British Airways Avios Through New Avios Subscription Plan

Purchase British Airways Avios Through New Avios Subscription Plan

by Sam Helmy

October 12, 2022

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British Airways launched a new subscription plan to purchase Avios. The new plan has four levels allowing you to purchase between 20,000 and 200,000 Avios per year. With this promotion, you can effectively purchase Avios for less than one cent apiece - but only if your account is registered in the U.K.

Delta Updates Its Million Miler Program With New Gift Options

Delta Updates Its Million Miler Program With New Gift Options

by Sam Helmy

October 9, 2022

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This week, Delta Air Line upgraded and enhanced its Million Miler Program. The improvements include an enhanced selection of gifts, a new website, and a better welcome experience overall. Here are photos of the new options.

Marriott Bonvoy Week of Wonders is Back!

Marriott Bonvoy Week of Wonders is Back!

by Sam Helmy

October 7, 2022

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Marriott Bonvoy relaunched its Week of Wonders promotion again this year. Now through October 13, 2022, you can receive a host of deals on a wide range of activities, such as discounted award night bookings, bonus points and discounts on cash bookings, 50% bonus on Bonvoy point purchases, and even bonus points for dining out!

ANA Increased Fuel Surcharges; Here’s Why Those Prices Fluctuate

ANA Increased Fuel Surcharges; Here’s Why Those Prices Fluctuate

by Sam Helmy

March 1, 2024

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ANA just increased the fuel surcharges it levies on flights on its own flights. The new charges applied to tickets booked on or after October 1, 2022. The new surcharges are a substantial increase on the previous ones and will negatively impact the value of ANA awards. But thankfully you can avoid paying fuel surcharges entirely by booking through the right partner. Here are a few options to consider.

New Offer to Earn Southwest A-List Elite Status Faster

New Offer to Earn Southwest A-List Elite Status Faster

by Sam Helmy

September 27, 2022

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Through November 30, 2022, you can register to have all your Southwest reward flights count towards your tier status segment qualification. Also, if you purchase a Southwest fare for cash, you can earn double elite qualifying points.

Transfer Membership Rewards Points to Qantas With a 20% Bonus

Transfer Membership Rewards Points to Qantas With a 20% Bonus

by Sam Helmy

September 23, 2022

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One of the 12 ongoing American Express Membership Rewards transfer bonuses is a transfer bonus to Qantas. Through September 30, 2022, you will receive a 20% bonus when you transfer your Membership Rewards points to Qantas Points. This can be a great value for booking flights on partner airlines like American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Book partner awards for as few as 8k Qantas points.

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