Tag: Major Updates

MGM Overhauls M Life Rewards Program, Changes Coming February 1, 2022

August 31, 2023 4

MGM is making big changes to its M Life rewards program, and these will launch on February 1, 2022. The new program will be called MGM Rewards. Changes for gamblers and non-gamblers are coming, so let’s dive into all of the details.

Ryan Smith

IHG Rewards Changes Coming in March 2022: New Elite Status Tiers & Higher Requirements

January 19, 2022 6

IHG Rewards just announced changes to its loyalty program, coming in March 2022. Elite status will have more tiers, and earning this status just got more complicated. Additionally, IHG's announcement means the info you see online/in the app is no longer correct. But, IHG promises "more fun" and "enhanced benefits" coming soon. Let's dig in to what we know so far.

Ryan Smith

Citi ThankYou^® Rewards Adds Wyndham as Second New Hotel Transfer Partner in Under a Month

November 14, 2021 13

Citi ThankYou® Rewards just added Wyndham Rewards as its second new hotel transfer partner in under a month. Wyndham Rewards offers a fixed-redemption-rate program, making it a great choice for times when cash rates (and points rates with other hotel brands) are high. Here's how to take advantage of this new partnership.

JT Genter

American Airlines Simplifies Elite Status Requirements and Makes Changes to AAdvantage^® Program

October 26, 2021 37

American Airlines just announced that it is revamping its loyalty program and simplifying the way AAdvantage® members can achieve elite status. Beginning in 2022, AA will replace its current elite status requirements and use the all-new AAdvantage® Loyalty Points system.

Toni Southam

Marriott Introduces Dynamic Award Pricing, Says Goodbye to Award Chart

October 26, 2021 36

Big news from Marriott this morning. Over the next few months, Marriott is introducing dynamic award pricing. This will see the end of award charts and standardized pricing. Instead, award prices will mirror demand and cash prices at hotels. Here is what we know about this huge change.

Ryan Smith

Hyatt Introduces Peak and Off-Peak Pricing Model

October 21, 2021 24

Back in December 2019, Hyatt announced it would be changing the way award nights are priced. Those plans were temporarily put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But as of October 26, 2021, Hyatt implemented these changes for all nights stayed on March 1, 2022 or after. Here's what you need to know about the new pricing.

Toni Southam

Citi Adds Choice Hotels As Its Newest Transfer Partner

October 19, 2021 16

Citi ThankYou® Points just got a bit more flexible to use. As of Monday, Citi ThankYou® Points are now transferable to Choice Privilege points. That makes Choice the only hotel transfer partner for Citi. You'll get 2 Choice points for every 1 ThankYou Points® you convert.

Toni Southam

Amex Business Platinum Card Adds Benefits, Hikes Annual Fee

October 15, 2021 24

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is undergoing some changes. First, the annual fee has increased. Second, several additional perks and benefits have been added, including a wireless credit, Adobe credit, Indeed credit, and more.

Toni Southam

You Can Now Transfer Capital One Miles to 6 More Airlines at a 1:1 Ratio

October 7, 2021 10

You can now transfer Capital One miles to 6 more airline mileage programs at a 1:1 ratio. These improvements now mean you can transfer Capital One miles to 13 airlines at a 1:1 transfer ratio, putting it well on par with other major transfer currencies. This is a big improvement in redemption options. It should make Capital One miles much more valuable going forward.

Ryan Smith

Chase Announces New Sapphire Benefits, Improved Earning Rates

August 10, 2021 51

From August 16, 2021, Chase is enhancing both the Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve credit cards. Both cards are getting improved earning rates on a wide variety of categories along with other features and improvements. Even better, there's no increase in the annual fee.

Toni Southam

You Can Now Book Etihad Awards Using Aeroplan Points — Including 'The Apartment'

April 24, 2021 39

In June 2020, Air Canada Aeroplan partnered with Etihad Guest, allowing reciprocal earning and redeeming opportunities. Now that Aeroplan has relaunched as a new program, we are revisiting this partnership. While both programs can offer solid value, we're particularly excited about how this partnership makes booking Etihad's premium-class cabins a little more accessible for award travelers.

Patrick Stouffer

Capital One Ups Its Game: New Transfer Partners, Better Transfer Rates, New Airport Lounges

April 20, 2021 28

Capital One just announced a bunch of great enhancements to the Capital One Miles program, including 4 new transfer partners and better transfer rates for 7 existing partners. Capital One has also announced plans to open 2 new airport lounges, with the first opening in late summer 2021.

Toni Southam

Southwest Devalues Rapid Rewards Program, More Points Now Needed for Award Flights

April 15, 2021 23

Southwest Airlines just made some very unwelcomed changes to the airline's Rapid Rewards program. Without notice, Southwest reduced the value of Rapid Rewards points. You'll now need more Rapid Rewards points to make the same award travel redemptions.

Max Prosperi

You Can Now Fly ANA Business Class to Japan for Just 45,000 Virgin Points One-Way

April 7, 2021 17

One of the sweetest sweet spots just got even sweeter! Flying Club members can now redeem Virgin points for one-way ANA awards in any class of service. Combined with this partnership's unbelievable award pricing, this opens incredible opportunities for flights to/from Japan. But don't delay — deals this good don't tend to last forever.

Patrick Stouffer

JetBlue Changes Carry-On Bag Policy and Drops Change Fees

February 22, 2021 28

JetBlue announced significant changes to the airline's carry-on and change/cancellation policies. This announcement is a mixed bag (pun intended) with some good changes to change fees and some bad news for those flying on the cheapest fares. Here's what passengers need to know about these changes.

Max Prosperi

Delta SkyMiles Further Devalues Partner Awards to Europe and Asia

February 12, 2021 37

Delta Air Lines has done it again. For reasons unknown, it's just raised partner award prices to Europe and Asia for the second time in four months. To make matters worse, these aren't small, forgettable price hikes. These are significant, balance-busting increases that make certain partner awards laughably expensive. Let's go over this and see if there's anything salvageable.

Patrick Stouffer

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Devalues Many Delta Awards

February 9, 2021 9

Just as the calendar turned over in 2021, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club very quietly changed its redemption scheme for flights operated by Delta. Long-haul and premium cabin travelers will be disappointed to find out their points won’t take them nearly as far anymore. However, there's a silver lining in these changes for domestic and other short-haul flyers.

Ross Denkin

Chase and Air Canada Announce New Credit Card and Point Transfers Starting in 2021

December 17, 2020 4

Air Canada Aeroplan announced an exciting new partnership with Chase and Mastercard set to debut in late 2021. This includes a new Chase-issued Aeroplan co-branded credit card for U.S. customers and (even better) the ability to convert Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan points! Translation: your Ultimate Rewards points will become a whole lot more valuable!

Patrick Stouffer

Hyatt Credit Card Changes: Phase Out of Legacy Card, Change to Earning Free Night Awards

November 26, 2020 27

Hyatt has announced a string of new promotions and card updates, so we've rounded them all up in one place for you. Hyatt cardholders can earn bonus points at Amazon and at grocery stores this holiday season. Plus, legacy Hyatt Card holders have the opportunity to earn a free night by the end of the year. Hyatt is also adjusting how cardholders earn Free Night Awards in 2021. And, remaining legacy Hyatt Cards are being phased out in January 2021.

Patrick Stouffer

American Airlines Eliminates AAdvantage Award Fees, Extends Mileage Expiration Pause

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.

JT Genter

Delta Devalues Partner Awards to Europe and Asia Without Notice

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?

Patrick Stouffer

American Express Adds New Uber Cash Credits, Uber Eats Pass to Select Amex Cards

October 28, 2020 10

Amex has replaced for the Amex Gold card's $100 annual Airline Fee Credit that ends in 2022. Starting in February 2021, cardmembers will receive Uber Cash credit each month. That means that cardmembers that applied before February 3, 2021, can take advantage of both benefits. Plus, Amex has announced that Platinum Card®, Amex Gold, and Amex Green Card cardholders each get a free, 12-month Uber Eats Pass available for immediate activation.

Patrick Stouffer

New Amex Gold Cardholders Are No Longer Eligible for the $100 Airline Fee Credit

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?

Patrick Stouffer

Delta Removes Change Fees From Some Awards, Extends Card Benefits and Lounge Memberships

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.

Patrick Stouffer

Additional Bonus Categories for Chase Freedom Unlimited Now Active

August 31, 2020 34

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has always been a great card for daily use thanks to its 1.5% cash-back earning on everything you buy. Starting on September 15, 2020, cardholders can take advantage of three additional bonus categories: 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining, and 3% on drugstore purchases.

JT Genter

A Comprehensive Guide to All Credit Card Benefits, Changes Due to COVID-19 [Updated]

October 27, 2022 82

Feeling overwhelmed by all the new promotions and credit card changes in response to COVID-19? You're not alone. With new changes announced every day, it's getting harder and harder to keep up. We've tried to make things a little easier by putting together a post where you can find ALL of the changes in one place.

Patrick Stouffer

ANA Slashes Surcharges, Drastically Reducing Out-Of-Pocket Costs on Award Tickets

June 12, 2020 23

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has drastically lowered the surcharges imposed on tickets to and from Japan and several other regions. While this won't necessarily make cash flights to Japan cheaper, it significantly reduces the out-of-pocket costs on award tickets. That makes already lucrative award bookings even better!

Patrick Stouffer

Citi Accelerates Premier Benefits, Adds Temporary Spending Bonus for Prestige

June 4, 2020 14

Citi has accelerated increased earnings on the Citi Premier℠ Card due to go into effect later this year. Plus, Citi announced a temporary new spending bonus for the Citi Prestige® Card. Cardmembers with accounts active on May 22nd can now earn bonus ThankYou® Points on the things that we're spending more on lately—including online retailers, supermarkets, and restaurants.

Patrick Stouffer

IHG Rewards Launches Dynamic Award Pricing in the U.S. and Beyond

May 29, 2020 36

After testing dynamic award pricing with a small set of hotels earlier this year, IHG Rewards confirmed to AwardWallet this morning that it has expanded dynamic award pricing to more hotels around the world—including many regions here in the United States. Dynamic award pricing is usually bad news, but we are surprised to be finding some great deals using your IHG Rewards points now!

JT Genter

Emirates Skywards Slashes Award Fees by Over 90%

May 26, 2020 24

Emirates offers some of the best onboard products in the sky. But booking these aspirational seats can be expensive—even on award redemptions. Perhaps not anymore. Recent searches on Emirates' site are displaying a massive drop in carrier surcharges across the board. We are seeing some cuts to out-of-pocket costs as great as 90%!

Patrick Stouffer