One Mile At A Time: "The avianca lifemiles program is known for being useful for Star Alliance redemptions. Not only does lifemiles often sell miles at an attractive cost, but the program also partners with major transferable points currencies. Unfortunately the value of lifemiles has just decreased a bit, as many award costs have quietly been increased."
Points Wire Note:
One-way first class rates between the US and Europe increased from 87,000 lifemiles to 130,000 lifemiles. The business class award rate on many routes between the US and Europe increased from 63,000 miles to 70,000 miles. The first class devaluation is aggressive, while the business class devaluation is more reasonable.
I will note that business some business class rates decreased slightly. So far, these seem to be routes that were already a bit lower than the usual award rate. For example, JFK to Zurich was 56,000 miles one-way, but it's now 55,000 miles.
Sadly, it also looks like the amazing sweet spot of JFK to Lisbon has been devalued. Previously, you could book a one-way business class ticket for 35,000 miles. Now, it's showing you need 65,000 miles.
Another (small) positive is that the award rate from JFK to Geneva decreased from 63,000 to 60,000 miles.
Executive Traveller: "Private business class suites with sliding doors which become double beds, a restaurant-grade à la carte menu featuring ‘dine on demand’ meals, Taittinger and Gosset Champagne… there’s no doubt that Qatar Airways has elevated the business class experience of new heights of luxury."
"And soon the Gulf airline will add even more lustre to its five-star crown by serving caviar in business class."
There's a Chase Offer for 10% back (up to $40 back) on one Southwest Airlines purchase of $50+. This means you can can get 10% back on up to $400 spent with Southwest. This offer expires August 19, 2024.
Important Terms
One Mile At A Time: "Unfortunately the sector between Manchester and Houston will be suspended as of April 1, 2025. While it’s not being marketed as a permanent cut, there’s no indication of if or when the route will return. The route between Singapore and Manchester will continue to operate as before."
Points Wire Note:
It's a sad day for those of us who love flying fifth-freedom routes.
Disclosure: I may earn a referral bonus if you use the links below.
It's back as of August 12, 2024!
Rakuten is offering 100% cash back at NordVPN. You can earn 100x Membership Rewards points if you link an eligible Amex card to Rakuten. This means you can earn Amex points for 1 cent per point.
Please note that you will only earn Amex points or cash back on your initial purchase so your best bet is to pay for a one or two year plan in full.
If you don't have a Rakuten account, you can sign up and earn a bonus 10% back (or 10x Amex points) on purchases made during your first seven days with Rakuten.
Exclusions: Cash Back is only available to new NordVPN customers. Cash Back can only be earned on the initial sign-up. Limited to one per member. Cash Back is not available on NordPass, NordLocker, Incogni and Dedicated IP subscriptions or refunded orders.
Posting Time: Cash Back will be automatically added to your Rakuten account within one week.
Direct link to Rakuten x NordVPN offer
Note: During previous promos, I heard reports that people were only seeing it track up to ~$81 in purchase price. Please keep that in mind. You might be able to email Rakuten a receipt if your purchase amount exceeds $81 and they don't give you the correct cash back or points initially.
Danny the Deal Guru: "American Express is offering an increased welcome bonus for the Blue Business Plus card. You can earn up to 55,000 Membership Rewards points when you apply and spend $15,000 within the first year."
"This is offer has no lifetime language (NLL), but it is targeted."
View From The Wing: "Beware Googling airline phone numbers because scam travel agencies have corrupted the results. You call thinking you’re reaching your airline, but the person on the other end charges you for changes you are entitled to for free – like a new flight when yours is cancelled, or seat assignments."
"Scam travel agencies buying Google ads to appear that you’ve found the airline’s phone number. They’re doing this with United Airlines, JetBlue, Hawaiian and others. You get connected to an agency with a one star and an F rating from the Better Business Bureau."
Always use an airline's website to get the correct contact number.
Danny the Deal Guru: "American Express is targeting select Amex Gold Card holders with a bonus for adding Authorized Users. These offers are sent by mail, email or show up online when you log into your accounts. We also have a couple of links for you where you can check. If eligible, you can earn 10,000 Membership Rewards points just for adding one authorized user and spending $2,000."
To see if you're targeted, click here. If that doesn't work, click here.
Capital One will now now cover the increased Global Entry application fee of $120.
When it was announced that the application fee would increase from $100 to $120, Citi quickly adjusted the benefit on the Citi Prestige and Citi AAdvantage Executive cards to cover the new fee. American Express and Chase followed shortly after them.
It took a bit, but it's great to see Capital One has joined the party.
Capital One Cards that cover the Global Entry application fee include:
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy is Amex's entry level Marriott card, but it has more of a mid-tier annual fee.
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