AirConnect News Desk

Loyalty Programmes

Loyalty News & Intelligence

Frequent flyer programme changes: earn and burn rate updates, partner additions, status tier adjustments, and redemption news.

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Chase Raises IHG Card Fees And Refreshes Perks—New $350 Card Adds Shortcut To Suites And Hotel Lounges

Chase is raising the annual fees on its IHG hotel cards, taking Platinum status away from the Premier card, and putting the no-fee card’s fourth-night-free benefit behind a $5,000 spending requirement. It’s also introducing a $350 card that makes confirmed suite upgrades and hotel lounge access much

1 Oct 2026View from the Wing
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Rove launches 3 huge October transfer bonuses, including a 50% bonus to Japan Airlines

Rove is offering a 50% transfer bonus to Japan Airlines, a 40% bonus to Flying Blue and an up to 35% bonus to Qatar Airways through Oct. 31. Here's how to use each one.

1 Oct 2026The Points Guy
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Applying for a passport is about to change: Here's what we know

Changes are coming to the US passport's appearance and the application process.

30 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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United will bring 'basic' fares to yet another cabin: First class - The Points Guy

United will bring 'basic' fares to yet another cabin: First class The Points Guy

30 Sept 2026Google News: Premium Cabin
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How to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles

Learn how to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles through flights, credit cards, Citi ThankYou Rewards transfers, hotels, dining, shopping and more.

30 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Bank Of America Points Will Transfer To Alaska Airlines—But Your Miles Could Be Worth Less

In addition to news about product and joint ventures, Alaska Airlines announced news announced its loyalty program today. One item is generating frequent flyer excitement - points transfers to Alaska are coming - that I'm not so sure bodes well for the value of miles already in your account.

29 Sept 2026View from the Wing
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Earn up to 80,000 Rapid Rewards points with a Southwest business card

You can earn a stash of bonus points with the Southwest Airlines personal credit cards' welcome bonus offers. Here is what you need to know.

29 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Cruise drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America and MSC Cruises are among cruise lines offering inclusive alcoholic drink packages.

29 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Hyatt’s New Promotion Offers Up To 36,000 Bonus Points—Free Nights Count, But You Must Register

Hyatt will give you 3,000 bonus points for every three eligible nights this fall, even when you’re redeeming points or a free night certificate for the room. The new promotion tops out at 36,000 bonus points, and registration is open for nights September 29 through December 15, 2026.

29 Sept 2026View from the Wing
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Alaska Airlines' new loyalty option launches this week - The Points Guy

Alaska Airlines' new loyalty option launches this week The Points Guy

29 Sept 2026Google News: Loyalty
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These are 10 of the most haunted hotels in the world — and you can actually sleep in them

From the Stanley Hotel in Colorado to The Emily Morgan in Texas, these are the most haunted hotels on the planet.

28 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Carnival Rewards Mastercard credit card review: The first cruise card to earn you loyalty status

The Carnival Rewards Mastercard has no annual fee and lets cardholders earn points and Loyalty Status Stars. See if it's right for you.

28 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Last call: Who should (and shouldn't) transfer Chase points to Hyatt before Oct. 1

The Chase-to-Hyatt transfer ratio changes from 1:1 to 4:3 on Oct. 1 for some cardholders. Here's a quick look at when I'd transfer points — and when I wouldn't.

28 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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These are the best Latin American cities to use your points and miles

Learn more about Hispanic heritage by visiting these Central and South American cities.

27 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Hilton May Add “Black Diamond” Above Diamond Reserve—Pushing Diamond Status Further Down [Roundup]

Hilton’s “Black Diamond” has surfaced in internal materials, suggesting another status tier above Diamond Reserve could push ordinary Diamonds further down the ranks. Also: a $50 Rakuten signup offer ending soon, CardPointers’ coming price increase, Southwest flight attendants challenging their unio

26 Sept 2026View from the Wing
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1 Hotels takes Austin, a social-focused Hyatt all-inclusive and more hotel news

Here's the hotel news you need to know this week.

26 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card review: High potential for a reasonable fee

Here is everything you need to know about the Hilton Honors Surpass Amex card, who should apply and if it's worth it for Hilton Honors loyalists and guests.

26 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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8 frequently asked questions about the Capital One Venture X card

If you're considering applying for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, here are the answers to frequently asked questions about this valuable card.

26 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Misleading New York Times Essay Blames Your Miles For Killing Spirit Airlines—Author Wanted Miles Banned 34 Years Ago

Spirit borrowed heavily against its loyalty program, lost cost discipline, and posted a negative 30% operating margin months before the Iran war. A New York Times essay blames lack of access to credit card funds for the airline's failure while leaving out the facts that explain what really happened.

25 Sept 2026View from the Wing
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Clear offers TSA PreCheck enrollment at dozens of US airports — here's what to know

You can enroll in TSA PreCheck through Clear at airports and retail locations across the U.S. Here's how much it costs and how to sign up.

25 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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How the new 15% Air Canada award discount for Aeroplan credit cardholders works

The Chase Air Canada Aeroplan card now takes at least 15% off eligible Air Canada awards. Here's how it works and how it stacks with Priority Rewards.

25 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Save on your safari: A first look at Marriott Bonvoy’s new Serengeti safari camp

This luxurious safari camp is all-inclusive and bookable with points.

24 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Flight canceled or delayed? Here’s what to do next

Airline delays and cancellations are happening frequently. Here's how to avoid getting stuck if they happen to you.

24 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Frontier Passengers Refused To Pay An Extra Bag Fee And Boarded Anyway—Bodycam Shows Them Leaving In Handcuffs

An employee says the group had two carry-ons but had paid for only one. The March incident delayed the Philadelphia flight about an hour; a September upload is recirculating body-camera footage that local television covered in April

24 Sept 2026View from the Wing
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Is it worth becoming a Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized user for Admirals Club access?

Is a Citi / AAdvantage Executive authorized user worth it? See how much it costs, what Admirals Club access you get and the benefits you miss out on.

24 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Chase Freedom Flex card review: Incredible earning with no annual fee

The Chase Freedom Flex is a great no-annual-fee card. With rotating quarterly categories and no foreign transaction fees, it's worth seriously considering.

23 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Kimpton just opened its first all-inclusive — and it's set in a Mexican nature reserve

Kimpton's first all-inclusive resort is now open in Mexico's Riviera Maya, with 355 rooms, seven restaurants and bars, pools, a spa and more.

23 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Chase Freedom Q4 categories: Up to 7% back on dining, grocery stores and American Red Cross donations

You won't want to miss out on a single point — or cent of cash back — on your spending. Here's how to activate your Chase Freedom and Freedom Flex 5% earnings.

22 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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9 cool hotels for leaf peeping, from Central Park to the Rocky Mountains

From a hotel in New York City with views of Central Park to a mountain resort in Aspen, Colorado, here are nine hotels for viewing fall foliage.

22 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Who's eligible for the Citi / AAdvantage Executive 125,000-mile bonus?

The Citi AA Executive Mastercard is a popular American Airlines credit card. It has a lucrative welcome offer, but make sure you are eligible before applying.

22 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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1,000 flights (and counting) canceled on East Coast: What options do travelers have?

Here are TPG's tips for navigating Monday's mass flight cancellations on the East Coast after an FAA outage.

21 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Is the Capital One Spark Cash Plus worth the annual fee?

Is the Capital One Spark Cash Plus worth its $150 annual fee? See the spending threshold, break-even point and potential first-year value.

21 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Citi adds an exciting new airline transfer partner — with a 30% bonus

Citi points now transfer to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, opening up some excellent award options — with a limited- time 30% transfer bonus available at launch.

21 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Visa Has 2 New Tiers Above Infinite — Sapphire Reserve Is No Longer The Highest

Visa Infinite Privilege and Infinite Private sit above the cards that Americans can get. Canada has offered Privilege for years, Asia just expanded the lineup, and Mastercard World Legend already offers U.S. cardmembers complimentary airport dining with three guests.

20 Sept 2026View from the Wing
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How El Nino will impact travel in the coming year

Where to go, where to reconsider travel, and how to prepare for the weather El Nino might bring.

20 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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How you earn frequent flyer points is about to drastically change - SMH.com.au

How you earn frequent flyer points is about to drastically change SMH.com.au

20 Sept 2026Google News: Loyalty
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Discover it Student Chrome card review: Simple gas and dining rewards for students

The Discover it Student Chrome offers simple cash-back rewards, no annual fee and a first-year cashback match. See if this student card is right for you.

20 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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What credit cards should you use to purchase gift cards?

If you shop at the right merchant with the right credit card, you can earn extra rewards for purchasing gift cards for other retailers.

20 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Discover it Chrome review: Simple cash back, but limited rewards

The Discover it Chrome is a decent option to earn elevated cash back on gas and restaurant purchases. However, there are better options out there.

19 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Citi / AAdvantage Executive vs. Globe: 2 great options for American Airlines fans

If you're a frequent American Airlines flyer, I break down which card is better for you: The Citi / AAdvantage Executive or Citi / AAdvantage Globe.

19 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Discover it Cash Back credit card review: Rotating 5% cash back

The Discover it Cash Back card is a great way to earn bonus rewards on everyday purchases each quarter. Here's why it's a great fit for starters and pros alike.

18 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex worth the $650 annual fee?

Is the premium credit card in Marriott's lineup worth the $650 annual fee? If you stay at the chain's properties even a few times a year, it's an easy decision.

18 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Amex Pays Delta 3.8 Cents Per Dollar Charged—Why Banks Pay More For Miles Than You Do

Banks pay for miles, lounge access, brand rights and a chance to sell credit cards to loyal travelers. Delta’s disclosures and an unusually detailed contract from another airline show how much money changes hands.

18 Sept 2026View from the Wing
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Hilton’s New Fall Promo Delivers Just $4 Per Stay—While A Week At A Resort Gets You At Most $12

Hilton’s October 15–December 31 promotion offers 1,000 bonus points per stay, or 3,000 at selected hotels. That's worth $4 or $12, with no extra reward for staying longer.

18 Sept 2026View from the Wing
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Can you earn a Citi / AAdvantage Executive Mastercard welcome bonus more than once?

Here is how to earn the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard bonus multiple times with an easy-to-understand explanation of Citi's 48-month rule.

17 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Leaf-peeping season is almost here: Where to see spectacular fall foliage across the US in 2026

From New England to the Pacific Northwest, these are the best places to see fall foliage in 2026 based on data from The Old Farmer's Almanac.

17 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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9 great ways to use Bilt Cash — from bonus points to helicopter rides

Bilt Cash can unlock bonus points, hotel savings, Blade helicopter rides and more. Here are 9 of our favorite ways to use it before most of it expires.

17 Sept 2026The Points Guy
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Marriott Names A New Bonvoy Boss From JetBlue And The Points Guy—Will He Make Hotels Honor Your Benefits?

Chris Buckner helped overhaul JetBlue’s loyalty program before joining The Points Guy. Now he takes over Bonvoy, where the biggest opportunity is getting hotels to deliver promised benefits, making upgrades useful and stopping resort fees from turning “free” nights into expensive stays.

17 Sept 2026View from the Wing
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Cleartrip’s New Loyalty Program Is About Reducing ‘Travel Anxiety’

Cleartrip’s Elite program is less about big perks and more about knowing its travelers better. That could be the bigger prize for an OTA.

17 Sept 2026Skift
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Frontier Airlines Passengers Brawl While Getting Off The Plane—One Takes Off His Hoodie And Keeps Swinging

A Frontier Airlines passenger pulls off his hoodie in the middle of a fight, then keeps throwing punches over the seats. It started with a shove as people stood to get off the plane as nearby travelers wound up pulling the men apart.

16 Sept 2026View from the Wing