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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Are you eligible for a Chase Sapphire welcome bonus? Here's the full checklist

Before applying for a Chase Sapphire card, check these eligibility rules, including Chase's 5/24 policy and Sapphire bonus restrictions.

13 May 2026The Points Guy
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Airline baggage fees: How much it costs to check a bag on major US airlines

Many airlines now charge a checked bag fee, and some even charge for carry-on luggage. Here are the best airlines for baggage fees.

13 May 2026The Points Guy
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Frontier Passengers File $10 Million Claim Against Denver For Failing To Stop Runway Suicide

Frontier passengers traumatized after a suicidal trespasser walked into their jet’s path on a Denver runway have filed a $10 million claim against the city, arguing airport security should have stopped him before takeoff. Their trauma is real — but making taxpayers liable because someone scaled a ba

13 May 2026View from the Wing
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13 credit cards that can get you $1,500 or more in first-year value

How much are you getting from your credit card? If it's not enough, consider one of these choices that can provide at least $1,500 in value in the first year.

13 May 2026The Points Guy
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How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United MileagePlus

Chase Ultimate Rewards has several appealing transfer partners, including United Airlines. Here's how to transfer Chase points to United MileagePlus.

13 May 2026The Points Guy
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Bargain era over: Airfares up a whopping 27% as fuel costs soar (See our booking tips)

If you waited until now to book summer flights, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise when you head to the airline’s website.

13 May 2026The Points Guy
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Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard review: A strong mid-tier option for AA travelers

Receive lounge passes, a companion certificate and preferred boarding with the Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard. See if it’s right for your travel style.

13 May 2026The Points Guy
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The Amex And Chase Points Playbook Is Changing — Some Programs Are Rising, Others Are Getting Riskier

Transferable points used to be the easy hedge against airline and hotel devaluations: keep flexible currency, transfer only when award space appears. But the currencies themselves are now moving in different directions, with some programs adding value while others lose edge or introduce new risk.

12 May 2026View from the Wing
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Self check-in kiosks and breakfast until 2 p.m.: My first Caption by Hyatt stay as a Globalist

What it’s like to stay at Caption by Hyatt Sydney Central as a Globalist member, including elite benefits, rooms, dining, amenities and self-service check-in.

12 May 2026The Points Guy
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Spirit Airlines collapse: See all the new flights rivals have added since the shut down

U.S. airlines are moving quickly to fill the gap left by Spirit Airlines in the market.

12 May 2026The Points Guy
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Man Who Walked In Front Of Frontier Jet In Denver Identified — Death Ruled Suicide

The man struck by a Frontier Airlines jet during takeoff in Denver has now been identified, and authorities say his death was suicide. He had climbed an 8-foot perimeter fence, crossed into a remote airfield area, and reached the active runway within about two minutes — a rare but not unprecedented

12 May 2026View from the Wing
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Offer extended: Free snacks on some flights if you are a Delta Air Lines cardholder

Delta is offering Delta cobrand cardholders an onboard snack for a limited time. Delta just extended the offer through the end of June.

12 May 2026The Points Guy
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United becomes 2nd US airline to return to Venezuela, ending nearly 10-year hiatus

Daily service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Caracas’ Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS) will begin Aug. 11.

12 May 2026The Points Guy
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Deal of the day: Fly nonstop to Tahiti from 25,000 Capital One miles

You can save on flights to Tahiti with this Qantas deal, and stretch your points even further with a Capital One transfer bonus.

12 May 2026The Points Guy
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Amex just added ChatGPT statement credits for select business cardholders

American Express launches a perk for Amex Business Platinum and Amex Business cardmembers: up to $300 in statement credits for ChatGPT Business. What to know.

12 May 2026The Points Guy
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Air France KLM Just Put A Real Points Expert In Charge Of Flying Blue

Most loyalty programs are run by people who understand spreadsheets better than members. Flying Blue just went the other way, tapping someone who has spent years on the member side of loyalty: helping travelers understand points, search awards, and navigate the programs from the outside. That is rar

11 May 2026View from the Wing
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Inside London's new luxury wellness retreat: Six Senses London

The Six Senses London is a 109-room luxury retreat in the heart of the British capital with some of the most cutting-edge spa and wellness facilities of any hotel.

11 May 2026The Points Guy
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Jeffrey Epstein Had 17 Amex Cards And 11 Million Points — His Black Card Concierge Booked “Decoy” Visa Flights

Jeffrey Epstein’s Amex records show the banal machinery behind something much darker: 17 cards, 11 million Membership Rewards points, and a Black Card concierge helping book “decoy” flights for visa interviews.

11 May 2026View from the Wing
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United Quest Card review: A powerful mid-tier card for United loyalists

The United Quest Card comes with United Airlines benefits that frequent United flyers will appreciate. But is it the best card for you? Here's what to know.

11 May 2026The Points Guy
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We're bringing back reader success and mistake stories. Tell us yours!

The Points Guy is relaunching our article series on reader successes and mistakes using points and miles. Write to us and tell us yours.

11 May 2026The Points Guy
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Frontier Scolded Passenger For Leaving Bags Behind During Evacuation — Then They Had To Fight For Diapers And Formula

Frontier passengers were told to leave their bags behind during an emergency evacuation — exactly what safety rules require. One mother traveling with a baby says she did just that, then spent hours without diapers, formula, ID, keys, medication, or a car seat while Frontier scolded them for not tak

11 May 2026View from the Wing
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A complete guide to Amex’s 1-bonus-per-lifetime restrictions

Everything you need to know about how American Express typically limits customers to one welcome bonus per card during their lifetimes.

11 May 2026The Points Guy
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Points Battle: 2 trips, 150,000 points, 1 card — who will win?

How we used the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card plus 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points to plan two epic trips, one to New Zealand and one to Morocco for a chance to win even more points.

11 May 2026The Points Guy
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Need points for holiday season travel this fall and winter? Apply for a new credit card now

Applying for a new credit card now can earn you bonus rewards to help you make your holiday travel bookings early, saving you money and stress.

11 May 2026The Points Guy
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Your United Miles Can Help Someone Reach A Dying Loved One In Time — Here’s How

Miles are usually about getting more value for yourself. But United miles can also do something far more urgent: help someone get on a plane in time to say goodbye to a dying loved one.

11 May 2026View from the Wing
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I finally flew ANA’s The Room business-class product to see if it lives up to the hype

I finally flew ANA’s The Room business class on a 12-hour flight. Here’s what stood out, and what fell short, on my long-haul flight from Tokyo.

11 May 2026The Points Guy
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Bags Before Safety: Frontier Evacuation Faces NTSB Probe Over Carry-On Chaos

Passengers reportedly ignored crew instructions and took their carry-on bags.

11 May 2026Simple Flying
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“Leave The Bags!” Flight Attendants Plead In Frontier Evacuation Video — Passengers Took Carry-Ons Anyway

Cabin video from the Frontier evacuation shows flight attendants pleading, “Leave the bags!” as passengers took carry-ons anyway. The exchange captures why emergency evacuations rarely work the way safety briefings imagine: people panic, protect their belongings, film, and make split-second choices

10 May 2026View from the Wing
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Hurry For The Chase 100,000 Point Ink Business Preferred Bonus

Chase has brought back a 100,000-point bonus on the Ink Business Preferred, giving small-business owners and those of you with a side hustle one of the strongest bank card offers available right now. The card’s $95 annual fee is low for a bonus this large, and the points can be transferred to valuab

10 May 2026View from the Wing
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8 best Hilton all-inclusive resorts

In recent years, Hilton has upped its all-inclusive offerings. Whether you wish to visit the Caribbean, Mexico or Europe, these are the best all-inclusive resorts from Hilton you can book.

10 May 2026The Points Guy
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JetBlue Premier Card review: Shiny on the outside, dull on the inside

The JetBlue Premier Card is JetBlue's answer to the growing premium card market. Does it hold its weight or crumble against the competition? Let's find out.

10 May 2026The Points Guy
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Alaska Airlines plots premium economy, luxe Seattle lounge as global expansion ramps up

After acquiring Hawaiian Airlines last year and launching its first European service last week, there is a lot of positive change on the horizon for Alaska.

10 May 2026The Points Guy
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Delayed: Singapore Airlines’ new First and Business Class cabins - Mainly Miles

Delayed: Singapore Airlines’ new First and Business Class cabins Mainly Miles

10 May 2026Google News: Premium Cabin
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Better Than United? Papa Johns Turns Worthless Spirit Airlines Loyalty Points Into Free Pizza

A free pizza may be the only immediate redemption for former Spirit Airlines loyalty program members.

9 May 2026Simple Flying
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Flight Attendants Union Demands Airlines Screen Passengers For Hantavirus — And Bring Back Masks [Roundup]

A flight attendants union wants airlines to screen passengers for hantavirus symptoms, provide masks, and keep some travelers from boarding. Plus: Amsterdam bans airline ads while Europe’s air traffic system burns extra fuel, Southwest points keep losing value, and Capital One faces rewards litigati

9 May 2026View from the Wing
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Chase Sapphire Reserve 150,000-point bonus: Your frequent questions answered

If you are interested in the Chase Sapphire Reserve and its valuable 150,000-point bonus, you may have questions. Here are answers and everything else to know.

9 May 2026The Points Guy
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How many first-class seats?! Delta's new plane has wildest configuration yet

Later this month, Delta will launch service on an aircraft with a massive first-class cabin. But it's only a temporary solution.

9 May 2026The Points Guy
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“We Just Hit Somebody”: Frontier Pilot Aborts Takeoff, Reports Engine Fire

A Frontier Airlines pilot aborted takeoff in Denver after reporting an engine fire and telling the tower, “We just hit somebody.” The Airbus A321 had 231 people onboard when crew said a pedestrian was walking across Runway 17L, forcing an emergency evacuation by slides.

9 May 2026View from the Wing
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Earn up to 25,000 bonus miles when flying to Australia and New Zealand with American Airlines and Qantas

Members of American Airlines' AAdvantage program can earn up to 25,000 bonus miles on eligible flights operated by American or its partner Qantas.

8 May 2026The Points Guy
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10 best ways to redeem 150,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points

The Chase Sapphire Reserve's best-ever public welcome offer is live. Here are 10 of the best ways to redeem 150,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points right now.

8 May 2026The Points Guy
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Best time to apply for United Chase cards based on offer history

Knowing when to apply for a card is important so you can get the most rewards possible for your spending. Here's a deep dive into Chase's United Airlines cards.

8 May 2026The Points Guy
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First look: Puerto Vallarta's beloved Westin ushers in a new era of all-inclusive vacationing

TPG got an exclusive inside look at the renovated and reimagined Westin Playa Vallarta, Mexico's first all-inclusive Westin property.

8 May 2026The Points Guy
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Citi Strata Elite Card Delivers 75,000 Points Plus $1,200 In Credits In Your First Year

Citi new Strata Elite card delivers a surprisingly strong first-year value play. The current offer combines 75,000 points with up to $1,200 in travel credits, and those points can now transfer directly to American Airlines AAdvantage.

8 May 2026View from the Wing
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22 cards currently offering welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or more

Here are some of the most valuable credit card welcome bonuses currently available on the market right now, worth at least 100,000 points or miles.

8 May 2026The Points Guy
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These 13 apps and websites make award redemptions easier to find

These 13 apps and websites will help you find award availability for flights and hotels so you can make sure you are getting the best points pricing possible.

8 May 2026The Points Guy
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Bust that travel myth: Booking on a Tuesday won't help you save money, but here's what will

It’s simply not the case that booking at certain times of day or days of the week is cheaper. Here are other myths about travel and how to save for real

8 May 2026The Points Guy
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My dad was a points and miles expert. Here's what we still got wrong when preparing for his death

These four lessons can save you some headaches if you're making a plan for yourself or a loved one.

7 May 2026The Points Guy
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Royal ONE Visa Signature credit card review: A faster path to cruise discounts across Royal Caribbean brands

A no-annual-fee cruise credit card with solid earnings and onboard perks. See why the Royal ONE Visa Signature could be worth it for loyal cruisers.

7 May 2026The Points Guy
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I'm going for the Chase Sapphire Reserve after years with the Sapphire Preferred. Here's why

These are reasons I am considering the Chase Sapphire Reserve after having the Sapphire Preferred, including premium travel perks, statement credits and more.

7 May 2026The Points Guy
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Wine country turf war? Alaska Airlines adds 3 Sonoma routes, returns to Long Beach

Alaska Airlines is doubling down on California Wine Country with three new routes to Santa Rosa, while returning to Long Beach after a decade absence.

7 May 2026The Points Guy