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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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
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Earn Top-Tier Hotel Status Without Staying A Single Night — Blacklane Rides Now Count For GHA Discovery

GHA Discovery now lets you earn hotel elite status without staying a single night. The program’s new Blacklane partnership awards status and credits based on chauffeur rides — up to Titanium after 11 rides — and the benefits can stack with Blacklane rebates, vouchers and Citi Strata Elite’s $200 ann

7 May 2026View from the Wing
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IHG’s new bonus points promotion has 2 paths: Here’s how to pick the best one

Register for a new IHG bonus points promotion and choose between earning 2,000 points every two nights or 8,000 points every four nights on stays this summer.

7 May 2026The Points Guy
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I stayed exclusively with Hyatt on my 10-day Germany trip for $0 — here's how I did it

I spent nothing out of pocket for my hotel stays on a 10-day trip to Germany. Here's how I did it.

7 May 2026The Points Guy
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Credit card transfer bonuses (May): 65% bonus to Marriott, 25% to Aeroplan, 20% bonus to Qantas and Air France-KLM, and more

Here's a look at all the current transfer bonuses involving major credit cards and airline and hotel loyalty programs.

7 May 2026The Points Guy
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Air Canada Aeroplan adds a new transfer partner, with a 25% bonus to celebrate

Rove Miles adds Air Canada Aeroplan as its newest transfer partner, with a 25% bonus to celebrate

7 May 2026The Points Guy
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You Don’t Need A Bilt Credit Card To Earn Transferable Points — 4 Million Members Already Don’t

Bilt gets plenty of attention for its credit cards, but most members do not even have one. More than 4 million people have Bilt accounts without a Bilt card — and they can still earn transferable points through dining, Lyft, Walgreens, fitness, travel bookings, shopping, parking, GoPuff and housing-

6 May 2026View from the Wing
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Unlock 100,000 valuable TrueBlue points with this limited-time JetBlue Premier Card offer

JetBlue's credit cards are currently offering solid welcome bonuses for new applicants to earn bonus TrueBlue points. Here are their current offers.

6 May 2026The Points Guy
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Which premium card has the best welcome bonus? Amex Platinum vs. Sapphire Reserve vs. Venture X

Compare the latest Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X welcome offers and see how far they can take you.

6 May 2026The Points Guy
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IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card review: Hotel perks for no annual fee

The no-annual-fee IHG Traveler card offers a decent return on IHG hotel stays. Is it worth adding to your wallet? Here's a closer look at the card.

6 May 2026The Points Guy
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You Can Now Buy A Pre-Dented Suitcase — So Your Bag Looks Destroyed Before The Airline Gets It [Roundup]

A pre-dented suitcase is now something you can buy on purpose — because apparently looking like your bag has already survived years of airline baggage handling is a travel aesthetic. Also: Amex’s JetBlue transfer bonus disappoints, Singapore Airlines adds Starlink slowly, and Etihad turns amenity ki

6 May 2026View from the Wing
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The St. Regis Costa Mujeres, Cancun is opening June 25 — and reservations are open

Here's everything you need to know about bookig and staying at The St. Regis Costa Mujeres, Cancun.

6 May 2026The Points Guy
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4 reasons why I love my Sapphire Reserve card

A look at why one TPG staffer loves his Chase Sapphire Reserve card after a recent trip to Atlanta

6 May 2026The Points Guy
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Why Airlines Keep Going Bankrupt Even When Flights Are Packed

Airlines can fill planes and still be terrible businesses. The same competition that gives passengers cheaper fares and more choices also makes capacity hard to manage, prices easy to undercut, and profits fragile — which is why airlines keep searching for moats in hubs, loyalty programs, credit car

6 May 2026View from the Wing
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Air Canada Aeroplan Members Now Earn More Points With Hertz Than On Flights

Air Canada’s new Hertz partnership is unusually rewarding: Aeroplan members can earn points, Hertz elite status, and even credits toward Air Canada elite status from car rentals. The odd twist is that most members now earn more Aeroplan points renting from Hertz than they do flying Air Canada.

6 May 2026View from the Wing
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You may not have flown Spirit Airlines, but your wallet will likely feel its absence

Spirit Airlines collapsed over the weekend. Now, concerns are rising about what will happen to airfare in its wake.

6 May 2026The Points Guy
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Charge Foreigners More: Japan to Expand Two-Tiered Pricing at Tourist Sites

Japan is moving slowly but surely toward two-tier pricing, as the Himeji Castle model has shown that what was once a politically fraught idea can now be measured in revenue.

6 May 2026Skift
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How BofA Rewards can elevate your lifestyle

BofA Rewards can help you elevate multiple aspects of your travel, lifestyle and home. Here's what you need to know about the program's lifestyle benefits.

6 May 2026The Points Guy
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High-rise heaven: Morocco’s Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé is now open

Morocco's first Waldorf Astoria has opened its doors in an iconic skyscraper, and you can book it with Hilton Honors points.

6 May 2026The Points Guy
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Credit card transfer bonuses (May): 65% bonus to Marriott, 20% bonus to Qantas and Air France-KLM, and more

Here's a look at all the current transfer bonuses involving major credit cards and airline and hotel loyalty programs.

5 May 2026The Points Guy
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You Can Now Earn Delta SkyMiles by Booking on Airbnb—Here's How

Starting May 5, you can link your Airbnb and Delta accounts to earn SkyMiles on stays, experiences, and services.

5 May 2026Conde Nast Traveler
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Frontier Says It’s Poised to Gain From Spirit’s Collapse

Frontier is looking to absorb some of Spirit’s demand and expand in markets like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Detroit — all of which are former Spirit strongholds.

5 May 2026Skift
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Breeze unveils big 11-route expansion, begins to fill Spirit's void in Atlantic City

Breeze Airways announced an 11-route expansion that includes upping its presence in Atlantic City, previously dominated by Spirit Airlines.

5 May 2026The Points Guy
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Citi Strata Elite Looks Premium — But The Real Value Is 75,000 Points And American Airlines Miles

Citi Strata Elite arrives in a surprisingly premium package, but the real value is what the card earns. The current offer delivers 75,000 points and credits worth up to $1,200 in the first year, and its points now transfer to American Airlines AAdvantage.

5 May 2026View from the Wing
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Chase credit cards: Best time to apply based on offer history

Credit card welcome bonus offers can change quickly and over time. Here's what to know about Chase's bonuses so you can know when to apply.

5 May 2026The Points Guy
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From where you go to what you do: More ways to earn miles with Airbnb

For SkyMiles Members, earning miles isn’t limited to flight day — or even to where you stay. Today, Delta and Airbnb are expanding their loyalty partnership to reward more of the moments that make trips unforgettable. Members have long been able to earn miles on Airbnb Homes, and now that earning ex

5 May 2026Delta Air Lines
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JetBlue’s Boston BlueHouse Lounge Will Open This Summer — Including a Full Kitchen, Thankfully - Upgraded Points

JetBlue’s Boston BlueHouse Lounge Will Open This Summer — Including a Full Kitchen, Thankfully Upgraded Points

5 May 2026Google News: Lounge News
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The 5 best airline credit cards with annual fees of $150 or less

Semi-frequent travelers or those looking to make the most of their trips with their preferred airline should consider a card with $150 or less in annual fees.

4 May 2026The Points Guy
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Spirit refunds 'most' passengers, but points and vouchers in major jeopardy

Spirit Airlines has issued refunds to most passengers who paid by card, but things look dicier for travelers' points.

4 May 2026The Points Guy
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Picked Spirit for your Amex airline benefits? How to update your selection after Spirit's shutdown

If you selected Spirit Airlines as your preferred airline for American Express benefits, you need to update your selection. Here is what you can do now.

4 May 2026The Points Guy
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AvGeek alert: There's a 747-fuselage suspended between 2 Seattle high rises

You can now see the fuselage of a decommissioned Boeing 747-400 airplane suspended between two buildings in a mixed-use development in Seattle.

4 May 2026The Points Guy
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Up to 110,000 United Miles For New Card: Unlocks Faster Flight Earning, Lower Award Prices

United’s big MileagePlus changes are now live, and the program is plainly moving more of its value behind a co-brand card: faster mileage-earning, cheaper United award prices, and better access to saver inventory for cardholders, while non-cardmembers earn less. United and Chase are raising the upfr

4 May 2026View from the Wing
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Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which premium travel card is right for you?

Here's a look at the perks and benefits of American Express Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve to see which card may be best for you.

4 May 2026The Points Guy
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What to pack in your car for a road trip, according to travel expert Samantha Brown

Add these items to your road trip packing list for an easy and enjoyable vacation

4 May 2026The Points Guy
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JetBlue Expands Fort Lauderdale Flying: 11 New Destinations, More Flights and Spirit Status Match - JetBlue Airways Corporation - Investor Relations

JetBlue Expands Fort Lauderdale Flying: 11 New Destinations, More Flights and Spirit Status Match JetBlue Airways Corporation - Investor Relations

4 May 2026Google News: Route Launches
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The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

You may think that it’s wild to pay $395 or more for a card's annual fee, but premium cards are packed with perks. Here's how they stack up against each other.

4 May 2026The Points Guy
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Dubai International Airport Passenger Traffic Plunged 66% in March as Iran War Closed Airspace

Dubai spent years chasing the 100 million passenger milestone — the war pushed it back a year in a single month.

4 May 2026Skift
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Undiscovered Italy? United debuts flights to lesser-known Puglia ahead of summer travel rush

United Airlines ambitious global expansion continues with the first-ever fligth by a U.S. airline to the heel of Italy.

4 May 2026The Points Guy
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The complete guide to Chase Sapphire airport lounges — and how to get access - The Points Guy

The complete guide to Chase Sapphire airport lounges — and how to get access The Points Guy

4 May 2026Google News: Lounge News
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IHG Premier Card Hits 185,000 Points — Worth Getting For The Bonus, Keeping For The Free Night

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is offering a limited-time bonus of up to 185,000 points, combining a 150,000-point sign-up bonus after $3,000 spend in 3 months with an additional 35,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months. The card costs $99 annually but provides valuable benefits including an anniversary free night, fourth-night-free on redemptions, automatic Platinum Elite status, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits.

This offering is significant for frequent travelers and hotel loyalty program members as it provides substantial earning potential and practical hotel benefits that can offset the annual fee through the anniversary free night certificate alone. The fourth-night-free redemption benefit is competitive within the hotel credit card market and appeals to travelers who take regular multi-night stays.

3 May 2026View from the Wing
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Limited-Time Best AAdvantage Business Card Bonus: 75,000 Miles and $0 Annual Fee For 12 Months

Citi has launched its best-ever welcome bonus for the AAdvantage Business card, offering 75,000 American Airlines miles after $5,000 spend in 5 months, plus a $99 annual fee waived for the first 12 months. This represents a 10,000 mile increase from the previous 65,000 mile offer and includes valuable benefits like free checked bags and preferred boarding.

This promotion directly incentivizes business travelers to consolidate spending on American Airlines' co-branded credit card, driving loyalty program enrollment and increasing customer lifetime value. The enhanced bonus offer signals competitive pressure in the premium business travel card market and benefits frequent flyers by providing more valuable sign-up incentives.

3 May 2026View from the Wing
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Who should (and who shouldn’t) get the Amex Gold?

This article reviews the American Express Gold Card, evaluating whether its $325 annual fee is justified through various dining, ride-sharing, and restaurant credits. The card offers bonus earning categories for dining and supermarket purchases, with potential annual benefits up to $424 that can offset the annual fee.

Travel rewards credit cards like the Amex Gold are important for frequent travelers as they directly impact the value proposition of travel spending and loyalty program accumulation. Understanding which cards provide genuine value helps travelers optimize their spending and maximize benefits for aviation and hospitality purchases.

3 May 2026The Points Guy