Loyalty Programmes
Loyalty News & Intelligence
Frequent flyer programme changes: earn and burn rate updates, partner additions, status tier adjustments, and redemption news.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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-
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
The best points hotels to book for shoulder season — and before (or after) the summer crowds
The Points Guy publishes a guide to the best luxury hotels to book during shoulder season (spring and fall) using loyalty points, highlighting destinations like Florence's W Florence hotel where rates are softer and crowds are lighter than peak summer.
This content is relevant to frequent travelers and loyalty program members as it provides strategies for maximizing travel value during off-peak periods, which directly impacts hotel and airline loyalty program redemption planning.
The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 289: American Airlines Raising $1 Billion For Aircraft, Air Canada's 1st Airbus A321XLR, & Boeing 777X Timeline
The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 289 covers major aviation news including American Airlines raising $1 billion through bond sales for aircraft purchases, Air Canada receiving its first Airbus A321XLR, updates on a potential second Miami airport, Boeing 777X delivery timeline remaining on track for 2027, and United Airlines partnering with Lyft on a new pay-with-miles program.
These developments signal significant capital investments in fleet modernization across major carriers, expansion of long-range aircraft capabilities, and evolving partnerships that enhance customer loyalty programs and ground transportation integration.
29 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night
World of Hyatt is offering 500 bonus points per night at 33 newly opened hotels for a limited time after each property opens. Members automatically qualify for this promotion without needing to register, provided they use their World of Hyatt number and stay within the specified timeframe for each hotel.
This promotion incentivizes loyalty program members to try new Hyatt properties, driving early occupancy and brand awareness for newly launched hotels. For travelers, it represents an opportunity to earn additional redemption value (approximately $8.50 per night based on current valuations) on stays at new properties.
I Have 26 Credit Cards In A Drawer — How I Put 7 Cards To Work
A travel rewards expert explains their credit card strategy, maintaining 26 cards but actively using only 7 based on a framework of initial bonuses, valuable perks, and everyday spending optimization. The approach emphasizes understanding which cards serve which purpose rather than accumulating cards indiscriminately.
This provides practical guidance for frequent travelers on maximizing airline and travel rewards through strategic credit card selection and usage, which can significantly reduce travel costs through sign-up bonuses, perks like free checked bags, and optimized points earning.
New program allows Lufthansa passengers to turn a Munich layover into a mini-vacation
Lufthansa has launched a stopover program allowing passengers with layovers in Munich to extend their stay for up to seven days. The feature is integrated directly into the airline's booking website and is available across all cabin classes, with discounted hotel and activity packages available to stopover passengers.
This program enhances passenger experience by converting transit time into leisure opportunities, potentially increasing ancillary revenue for the airline while improving customer satisfaction. It represents an innovative approach to layover monetization that could be replicated by other carriers.
Monthly checklist: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using in May
This article is a monthly checklist guide from The Points Guy about credit card perks and benefits available in April/May 2026, focusing on statement credits and monthly benefits from cards like American Express Platinum that travelers can utilize.
For frequent travelers, maximizing credit card benefits and monthly perks can significantly offset travel costs and annual fees, making it directly relevant to travel planning and loyalty program optimization.
Will your credit card reimburse for Spirit Airlines tickets if the airline ceases operations?
An article examines what happens to Spirit Airlines tickets and credit card protections if the ultra-low-cost carrier ceases operations. The piece explains that airline refunds are unlikely if an airline shuts down, and standard credit card travel protections may not apply in this scenario.
With Spirit Airlines facing potential shutdown, travelers need to understand their limited recourse options for ticket purchases and cannot rely on typical credit card protections in the event of airline insolvency.
How (and when) to dispute a credit card charge
This article explains the process for disputing credit card charges, including when consumers are protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act and how to file disputes with credit card issuers for unauthorized charges, billing errors, and undelivered goods or services.
Travelers frequently use credit cards for airline tickets, hotel bookings, and other travel expenses, making knowledge of chargeback protections important for recovering funds in cases of fraudulent charges, incorrect billing, or undelivered travel services.