American Airlines Eliminates AAdvantage Award Fees, Extends Mileage Expiration Pause by JT Genter November 10, 2020 98 American Airlines just announced three positive changes to its AAdvantage program. Effective November 11, 2020, AA is eliminating all award reservation fees and eliminating all fees for canceling awards and redepositing miles. Plus, AA is extending the pause on mileage expiration through June 30, 2021. Here's what you need to know about these changes.
Why I’m So Excited About Flexible Point Currencies Right Now by Joe Petrovic November 9, 2020 23 Low cash prices and increased earning opportunities are making flexible points more valuable than ever before. With these points, you have a choice between transferring to airline and hotel partners or redeeming for a fixed, cash value. The conventional wisdom is to transfer points for higher value. Today, I’ll explain why that advice might not be true right now—and how to make the right choice on your next redemption.
Emirates Will Block First Class Awards From Partners Starting in April 2021 by Patrick Stouffer November 6, 2020 16 It appears that Emirates will block partner airlines from accessing first-class awards. A notice on Alaska Air's website states that starting April 1, 2021, Emirates will no longer give partners the ability to book Emirates first class awards. In this post, we cover all the details of this change and how you can book an incredible award before this restriction goes into place.
Mr and Mrs Smith Hotels Now Bookable With IHG Rewards Points by Patrick Stouffer October 31, 2020 18 IHG has (finally) begun to roll out its long-awaited partnership with Mr and Mrs Smith Hotels. Now, IHG Rewards Club members can earn and redeem IHG points at 100 Mr and Mrs Smith hotels, with 300 more expected by the end of November. In this post, we show you some of the incredible new opportunities available with IHG points.
[Expired] American Express Cardmembers Can Activate a Free Year of Calm Premium Membership by Michelle Molloy April 27, 2023 35 American Express announces a new partnership with the Calm app. All U.S. Amex cardholders can now signup for a free premium subscription to the app for one year. That's 12 months of access to guided meditations, calming music, and even soothing bedtime stories—all for free!
Hilton Slashes 2021 Elite Status Requirements, Extends Point Expiration Pause by Max Prosperi October 30, 2020 5 Hilton just announced several positive changes to the 2021 Hilton Honors program in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The changes include reducing the qualifications needed to earn elite status in 2021, extending the pause on Hilton points expiration, and extending the validity of credit card benefits. Here's what members need to know about the most recent round of changes.
Delta Devalues Partner Awards to Europe and Asia Without Notice by Patrick Stouffer October 29, 2020 24 This week, Delta devalued partner redemptions to specific destinations without any notice. Now, flights between the U.S. and Europe / Asia cost up to 40% more miles than before. While Delta isn't the first airline to raise award prices during the pandemic (we're still mad at you, United), the timing leaves many award travelers wondering—why?
Marriott Extends Free Night Awards Another 6 Months, Extends Points Expiration Pause by Patrick Stouffer October 26, 2020 12 Marriott just announced another extension to Bonvoy Free Night Awards. Any certificates that were originally scheduled to expire in 2020 or anytime before July 31, 2021 have been extended by 6 months. Now, members have until August 1, 2021 to use their rewards. Even better, Marriott is also pausing points expirations until August 1, 2021 as well.
Citi Introduces Shop With Points at Select Shell, BP, and Amoco Gas Stations by Patrick Stouffer March 14, 2024 11 This week, Citi released a new way to redeem your ThankYou® points. Now, ThankYou® point collectors can redeem points right at the pump at Shell, BP, and Amoco gas stations using Citi's 'Shop with Points' feature. But before you take advantage of this, you'll want to make sure you don't have a better use for your points.
New Amex Gold Cardholders Are No Longer Eligible for the $100 Airline Fee Credit by Patrick Stouffer October 23, 2020 19 One of Amex's go-to benefits for justifying high(er) annual fees is the Airline Fee Credit. This credit reimburses cardmembers for making eligible purchases with their airline of choice every year. However, for the Amex Gold, this benefit is in its last years. Starting in January 2022, Amex will no longer offer the annual $100 Airline Fee Credit to Amex Gold cardholders that signed up before February 4, 2021. What's next for this card?
Why Now is a Great Time to Book a Dream Trip to French Polynesia by Patrick Stouffer October 15, 2020 18 While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make traveling difficult, one dream destination has already re-opened its borders to all travelers. If you've ever heard of Tahiti, Bora Bora, of French Polynesia, chances are you've dreamed of vacationing there. Thanks to significant safety precautions and generous award availability, now could be the perfect time to make that dream a reality. We will show you how to do so in this post.
The Best Ways to Book United’s New Routes to Africa, India, And Hawaii by Ross Denkin October 27, 2022 14 United has announced 7 exciting new routes for 2021 to Hawaii, Africa and India. Although details are slim on some routes, others are already on sale. So, we at AwardWallet dug into the best ways to book these new routes with miles and points. Here's how to book United business class to Hawaii from 15,000 miles each way, Africa starting at 52,000 miles each way, and India for as little as 52,500 miles each way.
[Expired] Earn 5X on Online, Cable, Streaming Purchases Using Citi Prestige Through End of 2020 by Patrick Stouffer October 13, 2020 15 Citi just announced another round of promotional bonus categories for the Citi Prestige® Card. Through the end of 2020, Prestige Card cardholders can earn 5X ThankYou® points per dollar spent on online, streaming, and cable purchases—up to 7,500 bonus points.
Hyatt Postpones Program Updates, Tweaks Hotel Award Categories, Extends Point and Award Validity by Patrick Stouffer October 8, 2020 10 Hyatt just announced even more program updates. Thankfully, most of them are positive for World of Hyatt members. First, Hyatt further paused point expirations and further extended all Free Night, Club Lounge, and Suite Night Awards. Second, Hyatt postponed the introduction of peak/off-peak award pricing (again) and will only make changes to award pricing at 16 properties between now and 2022.
Save 50% Avios on All British Airways Long-Haul Flights—Including Business and First Class by Skye Class October 6, 2020 22 British Airways just launched its best deal of the year! All long-haul British Airways reward flights are half-off through October 13. Even better, the discount applies as far out as June 2021. We found economy awards from the U.S. to London starting at just 6,500 Avios plus a reasonable $83 in taxes/fees one-way. Or, book business class awards between the U.S. and London starting at just 25,000 Avios each way.
How I’m Stacking Marriott Promotions To Elevate My Bonvoy Elite Status, Earn Additional Points by Joe Petrovic October 4, 2020 18 Stacking Marriott Bonvoy's latest promotions and Amex Offers can help you earn more points and save on upcoming stays. Here's how I'm stacking a few of these offers to get elite status quicker and cheaper than before. What do you stand to gain from stacking these offers? More value awaits including free breakfasts, upgrades, checkouts as late as 4 p.m., milestone benefits, and even more bonus points.
Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards To Southwest Rapid Rewards With a 20% Bonus by Patrick Stouffer October 2, 2020 7 Chase just announced its third-ever transfer bonus for Ultimate Rewards points, this time to Southwest Rapid Rewards. Through the end of October, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Southwest and receive a 20% bonus. This presents a unique opportunity for those who regularly fly Southwest, offering up to 1.8¢ per point in value on Southwest award redemptions.
American Airlines Just Improved Basic Economy Fares for Elites and Non-Elites by JT Genter October 1, 2020 20 As part of announcing the elimination of change fees, American Airlines teased improvements to basic economy fares. Starting "this fall", elite members would get upgrade privileges, extra-legroom seats, and even same-day flight changes. Without fanfare, these changes took effect overnight. Here's what you need to know about the changes to American Airlines basic economy.
Chase Extends Pay Yourself Back, Expands to Ink and Freedom Cards by Patrick Stouffer September 29, 2020 12 Chase has announced the extension of its popular 'Pay Yourself Back' feature, which was initially set to expire on September 30. Even better, Chase is expanding the feature to certain Ink and Freedom credit cards and offering several new eligible purchase categories. In this post, we cover all the details, including why we think 'Pay Yourself Back' is here to stay.
Delta Removes Change Fees From Some Awards, Extends Card Benefits and Lounge Memberships by Patrick Stouffer September 24, 2020 10 Delta just announced several major SkyMiles program updates. And, that good news is it's all positive. The airline is extending Sky Club memberships, Medallion status perks, and co-branded credit card benefits. In addition, Delta is permanently slashing fees and restrictions on many domestic award tickets. But, unfortunately, there are some notable exclusions.
Innovative New X1 ‘Smart Card’ Announced by Patrick Stouffer September 17, 2020 22 An intriguing new 'smart card' just hit the scene, and a waitlist is already open for prospective cardholders ahead of its debut this winter. The X1 credit card is a brand new rewards card concept, offering cutting-edge technology and compelling point-earning schemes with no annual fee. We're covering everything we know about the X1 Card to see if it lives up to the hype.
Limited Time: Earn Miles When Flying on American Airlines AAdvantage Award Flights by JT Genter September 16, 2020 26 Typically, points and miles travelers don't earn miles when flying on award flights. However, American Airlines is changing that for a limited time. AAdvantage members can earn up to 2,000 bonus miles from award flights flown in October. But, you'll need to register to get these bonus miles. Here's how.
Widespread AA Domestic Web Specials Starting at Only 5,000 Miles! by Patrick Stouffer September 14, 2020 35 The AwardWallet team found another massive wave of ultra-discounted AA domestic award availability. Fly across the U.S., make a short hop to a small town, or visit that favorite travel destination—all for only 5,000 AA miles each way. Even better, book worry-free, thanks to waived award reinstatement fees for all award bookings through the end of 2020.
![[Expired] American Express Cardmembers Can Activate a Free Year of Calm Premium Membership](https://awardwallet.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/find-balance-scaled-e1590001800794-1024x818.jpg)
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