Loyalty Programmes
Loyalty News & Intelligence
Frequent flyer programme changes: earn and burn rate updates, partner additions, status tier adjustments, and redemption news.
Chase Travel explained: Points Boost, redemption rates and smart ways to book
Learn how Chase Travel works, when to use it and how to maximize Ultimate Rewards points with Points Boost, transfer partners and smart booking tips.
Air travel concerns over European jet fuel shortage grow: What travelers should know
Here's what you should know if you're planning a trip to Europe in the midst of the jet fuel shortage.
These are the points hotels TPG staff is booking in 2026
Ever wonder where TPG staff use their own points and miles to stay? Here are the hotels we have booked for 2026.
[Ends Soon] Hyatt Business Card Record 80,000 Points — The Fastest Way To Spend Toward Status
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card now has its biggest-ever welcome bonus: 80,000 points after $10,000 in spending in the first three months, up from the previous 60,000-point offer. The bigger reason to care is that Hyatt makes this its fastest card for spending your way toward elite status.
Chicago flight cuts coming: FAA orders airlines to reduce O'Hare schedules to cool turf war
The FAA is ordering airlines to reduce their flight schedules for the coming summer season at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Airlines Keep Selling First Class For $26 — Killing The Reason To Chase Their Top Status
Airlines are selling domestic first class seats for as little as $26 instead of using them to reward frequent flyers, and that is quietly gutting the biggest reason many customers chase top-tier status in the first place. That weakens premium credit card spend. But there are ways they could fix this
How to book a cruise using points and miles
Did you know you can use your points and miles to reduce the cost of your cruise vacation? Learn how to leverage loyalty programs and unlock cruise savings.
Why American Airlines flyers should pay attention to Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards
I rarely fly on Alaska Airlines, but its Atmos Rewards loyalty program has helped me book American Airlines flights at great award prices.
The Apartment Collection by Hilton is now accepting reservations
The first of Hilton’s new apartment-style accommodations are now open for booking, offering a new way for Hilton Honors fans to stay with points.
You Can Buy United Airlines 1K Status Online For $330 — But It Could Cost You Your Account
United Airlines top-tier 1K status is being offered online for just $330, a tiny fraction of what frequent flyers normally spend to earn it. It may look like an easy shortcut to upgrades, priority treatment, and fee waivers, but buying status this way risks far more than wasted money if the airline
More than $1,000 in flights: Earn 75,000 bonus points with this Aeroplan credit card offer
An analysis of the value of the current welcome bonus on the Aeroplan Credit Card from Chase. Is now a good time to apply? Here is what you should know.
United Makes Major Changes to Miles Earning Rates - NerdWallet
United Makes Major Changes to Miles Earning Rates NerdWallet
10 best ways to redeem 100,000 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points
Book business-class flights to Europe, plus nine other ways to redeem 100,000 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points.
Europe’s new digital border system leading to long lines, delays and missed flights
EU airports have reported delays of up to three hours to clear the Entry/Exit System, which has led some travelers to miss their flights.
5 reasons I love recommending the Chase Freedom Unlimited to credit card beginners
I often recommend the Freedom Unlimited to beginners, thanks to its lack of an annual fee, solid earning potential and flexibility.
The best credit card welcome bonuses of April 2026
Make sure these elevated and limited-time credit card offers are on your radar this month, or you could end up missing out.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Adds A New Transfer Partner — With A New Way To Get More Value From Points
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey has added Wyndham as a 1:2 transfer partner,. For travelers looking for a better answer after Chase cut bonus rewards on Airbnb and cruises, this turns an already solid $95 card into a more useful option for getting outsized value from everyday travel spending.
The Simple Flying Podcast Episode 286: Frontier Airlines' LAX Near Miss, Lufthansa's 100th Anniversary Flights
Join Tom & Channing for the latest aviation hot topics.
$3,000 ticket, 0 miles earned?! United launches basic biz, premium fares with tough new restrictions
United Airlines has launched basic versions of its Polaris and Premium Plus tickets. Here's what restrictions you'll face.
Should you get an airline cobranded card to offset bag fees? We did the math
Major U.S. airlines raised checked bag fees: Here's how a cobranded credit card may be worth it to offset costs.
The chic new Andaz Lisbon is now open
Here's everything you need to know about the now-open Andaz Lisbon.
Bunk beds are coming to the sky with Air New Zealand’s new Skynest
Bunk beds at 36,000 feet are coming to Air New Zealand on select aircraft this year as the innovative airline introduces Skynest.
Southwest Airlines Hired A United Veteran As New Loyalty Chief — Rapid Rewards May Not Look The Same For Long
Southwest Airlines has put a former United executive in charge of Rapid Rewards at a moment when the loyalty program is under pressure and redemptions have been falling. Her background suggests Southwest may push harder on personalization, partner revenue, and a more modern loyalty model—with change
Air India Maharaja Club: How to earn and redeem points, get elite status and more - The Points Guy
Air India Maharaja Club: How to earn and redeem points, get elite status and more The Points Guy
Air Canada to debut luxe new cabins and business-class seats
Air Canada previewed a stunning new business class seat for its Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-10, along with refreshed coach and premium economy cabins.
The best credit cards for booking cruises
If you want to book a cruise, you should probably pick one of these travel rewards cards — not a credit card from a cruise line — to maximize your purchase.
Is airline merger mania back? That's the question as United-American rumors swirl
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and and the CEOs of United and Delta see room for more airline consolidation.
American Airlines Now Lets Private Jet Customers Buy Their Way To Elite Status
American Airlines has a new private jet partnership that lets customers earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points, creating a new path to elite status outside traditional airline flying. It is a small deal for American financially, but a much bigger one for TLC Jet—and it also undercuts the airline’s
Deal of the day: Fly Swiss business class this summer for 50,000 Chase points one-way
Fly to Zurich or Geneva in comfort starting at 50,000 Chase points with a limited-time transfer bonus.
Capital One Venture Business card debuts with solid 150,000-mile bonus
The current bonus offer on the Capital One Venture Business provides new cardholders the chance to earn valuable Capital One miles. Here's what you need to know.
IHG Premier Business Credit Card review: Strong value for a low annual fee
Is the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card worth it? Learn about benefits, free night value, earning rates and whether it’s worth the $99 annual fee.
A United Takeover Could Fix The Biggest Problem At American Airlines — It Still Tries To Compete With Spirit Instead Of Delta
A United takeover would be terrible for competition, but it could solve the problem that has defined American Airlines for more than a decade: the carrier still acts like a high-cost airline trying to compete with Spirit and Frontier instead of leaning into the premium strengths of its network, peop
This charming Greek Island is getting a chic new Hyatt this summer
Here's everything we know about Hyatt's soon-to-open Parian Chronicle hotel in Greece.
Best time to apply for Atmos Rewards cards based on offer history
The Atmos Rewards cards provide excellent welcome bonuses for Alaska and Hawaiian flyers. When is the best time to apply? Here is their welcome offer history.
Chase Freedom Unlimited review: A great card for beginners and pros alike
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the best no-annual-fee cards currently available. Let's explore the reasons why.
Delta unveils new suite design, posh plane; plans upgrade for old, dated cabins
Delta Air Lines has announced that a next-generation Delta One product is coming to its newest plane next year. Retrofits are also in the works for its older aircraft cabins.
Act fast: Get up to 50% more from Citi point transfers to hotel partners before April 19 devaluation
Citi ThankYou Rewards is cutting transfer ratios to Choice Privileges by 25% and I Prefer Hotel Rewards by 50% on April 19. Here's what to book before the deadline.
United’s Cheapest Business Fares Even Worse Than First Reported — No Flight Credit, And For Many Travelers No Miles
United’s cheapest business class fares are turning out to be more punitive than first advertised: beyond losing Polaris lounge access, seat selection, and no changes, many travelers will also earn no redeemable miles and get no flight credit toward status.
American Airlines Finally Has Pilot Trading Cards — But The Union Made Them, Not Management
American Airlines finally has pilot trading cards, but the airline did not create them — the pilot union did, filling a small but telling gap that even Spirit and Frontier had already managed to cover, underscoring how American spent years missing the little customer-facing details.
The best relaxing adults-only, all-inclusive resorts for a kid-free vacation
Some of the world’s most luxurious hotels are embracing the all-inclusive model — and some are adults-only. Here are TPG's favorites.
Taxi App Users Warn Of Scam — Drivers Claim The Payment Failed, Then Charge You Again [Roundup]
A roundup of aviation news includes warnings about a Curb taxi app scam where drivers claim payments failed to charge riders twice, American Airlines receives praise for its centennial beef wellington meal, American Express loses Lufthansa lounge access, Air Canada opens new cafés, and JetBlue adds cash surcharges to United Airlines international award redemptions.
These developments impact traveler experiences across ground transportation, airline dining, lounge access, and loyalty program value. The JetBlue-United partnership deterioration and new surcharges particularly affect frequent flyers seeking value in award bookings.
Full List of Airport Lounges at San Francisco International Airport [SFO] - Upgraded Points
Full List of Airport Lounges at San Francisco International Airport [SFO] Upgraded Points
Credit Card Coupon Books Are Tiresome — Except When These Provide Real Value
American Express and Chase have increased annual fees on premium credit cards (Amex Platinum and Sapphire Reserve) while adding statement credits and merchant offers to justify the costs. The article argues that when credits are abundant and easy to use, they provide genuine value rather than feeling like tedious coupon books.
Premium travel credit cards are significant tools for frequent travelers to offset annual fees through travel credits and lounge access. Understanding which cards genuinely pay for themselves through usable benefits helps travelers make informed decisions about premium card membership.
The MileagePlus Overhaul That Splits United Airlines Flyers Into Credit Card Haves & Have-Nots
United Airlines has restructured its MileagePlus loyalty program as of April 2026, creating two distinct membership tiers that heavily favor customers holding United-branded credit cards. Non-cardholders now face significantly reduced earning rates and redemption benefits, while cardholders receive tiered discounts, fundamentally shifting the program from a traditional frequent flyer model to a 'frequent spender' ecosystem tied to Chase banking.
This represents a seismic shift in airline loyalty programs, redefining customer value from flight frequency to credit card spending and financial product engagement. The change signals a broader industry trend where airlines prioritize high-margin banking partnerships over traditional seat-based loyalty, potentially triggering similar moves across competitors and forcing travelers to reconsider their financial relationships with airlines.
Alaska vs. American Airlines: Which Is Better? - NerdWallet
Alaska vs. American Airlines: Which Is Better? NerdWallet
Delta SkyMiles: What to Know - NerdWallet
Delta SkyMiles: What to Know NerdWallet
Frontier Pilot Slams On The Brakes After Two Trucks Cut Off His Plane At LAX: “Closest I’ve Ever Seen”
A Frontier pilot taxiing out of LAX says two trucks suddenly cut in front of his Airbus A321neo so fast that the crew had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting them. The FAA is now investigating the airside vehicle incursion, which the pilot described to controllers as the closest call he has ever
Points and miles April deals: Earn more with these offers - The Points Guy
Points and miles April deals: Earn more with these offers The Points Guy
American Airlines Is Stripping Elite Benefits From Basic Economy — You No Longer Have Status, You’re Just Your Fare
American Airlines is eliminating elite status benefits on basic economy fares starting May 18, including free seat assignments, complimentary upgrades, and priority boarding. AAdvantage members will be downgraded from group 6 to group 7 boarding, and basic economy passengers will pay an additional $5 for checked bags.
This policy change significantly reduces the value proposition of airline loyalty programs for elite members, potentially weakening customer retention and lifetime value. It also signals a race-to-the-bottom in the industry where carriers compete on ancillary fees rather than customer service, ultimately diminishing the travel experience across all fare classes.
Don’t Miss The Chase 100,000 Point Ink Business Preferred Bonus
Chase has relaunched a 100,000-point bonus offer on the Ink Business Preferred credit card, requiring $8,000 in spending within 3 months. The card carries a $95 annual fee and offers 3 points per dollar on travel, shipping, and digital service purchases, with points transferable to major airline and hotel loyalty programs.
This card offer significantly impacts frequent traveler acquisition and loyalty program engagement, as high-value sign-up bonuses drive enrollment and provide valuable redemption options across multiple airline partnerships. The bonus availability affects business traveler economics and the relative value proposition of premium travel credit cards.