Loyalty Lobby: "The iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo has closed its doors today and will remain closed for a period of roughly one year (~ October 2025) to complete a scheduled renovation project that will give the property a new face for the future."
Points Wire Note:
Hyatt fans will be sad to lose this popular option. If you plan to visit Tokyo during cherry blossom season next year and want to use points for your stay, start planning now. Award space can be tough to find, especially as we get closer to March/April 2025.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you use the links below.
If you purchase Iberia gift cards by May 14, 2024, you can get up to 10% off your purchase.
Terms & Conditions
Points Wire Note:
I would not buy Iberia gift cards speculatively. However, if you're booking cash tickets on Iberia in the next week or so, this could be an easy way to save a bit, especially if you're booking business class flights.
View From The Wing: "There was talk of an Airbnb loyalty program over 8 years ago, with some bank executives angling to do a co-brand credit card deal. Members would earn rebates in the form of points to use at Airbnb, banks would make money and Airbnb would make money. But it never happened."
"Finally they’re getting serious about loyalty with co-founder Brian Chesky saying they’ll 'eventually have something.' However be ‘doesn’t like’ points programs, so they won’t do one."
Chase has increased the bonuses on all three of its Avios cards.
New Welcome Bonus
Bonus Categories
Benefits
Annual Fee
Learn More
One Mile At A Time: "The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique is now accepting reservations for stays as of February 1, 2025. The property will feature 190 accommodations plus 41 residences. It will be located in Guanacaste, on a peninsula with unobstructed ocean views, just a short drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR)."
"The good news is that you’re able to redeem Hilton Honors points at the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica. Rates start at 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night (compared to 95,000 points when bookings first opened), and elite members get a fifth night free, lowering the average cost to 96,000 points per night. It goes without saying that redeeming points is a phenomenal value."
Points Wire Note:
If you're booking a cash rate, make sure you book with Hilton Impresario benefits which include daily breakfast for 2, a $100 property credit, room upgrade (if available), double Hilton points, etc.
Travel on Points: "A fact that I am not sure everyone realizes, that they unlock extra award space. That is because all that matters in order to be able to use them is that a standard suite is available for sale for a cash stay."
Points Wire Note:
If you have Globalist status, this is a great bonus perk to keep in your back pocket!
One Mile At A Time: "The partnership between Hyatt and Peloton also extends to the World of Hyatt program, though details remain limited as of now. World of Hyatt members are told to stay tuned for how they can earn points for qualifying Peloton Bike or Peloton Row workouts completed at participating Hyatt hotels."
Amex is out with a targeted Amex Offer for Air France and/or KLM flights. If you book flights of $1,000+, you can get $200 back as a statement credit.
Important Terms
Points Wire Note:
Ideally, you'll get this offer on the Amex Platinum so you can earn 5x and be covered by the card's trip delay insurance.
If you book award tickets with a total of $1,000+ taxes/fees, that should trigger the Amex Offer.
View From The Wing: "It began last week watching the prices for Lufthansa and ANA first class awards skyrocket but apparently United wasn’t done devaluing its MileagePlus miles."
"Days ago business class intra-Europe over 800 miles was 27,500 miles. Now it’s 45,000 to 49,500. Short-haul business class is now 33,000 miles."
Points Wire Note:
When United removed their public award charts in 2019, I noted that this would lead to more regular no-notice devaluations. Since then, United devalued just as the world shutdown in 2020, devalued again last year, and have now rolled out two more devaluations this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see more.
United's co-branded credit cards issued by Chase were already pretty weak, but these stealth devaluations make using one of these cards an even worse choice.
Amex is offering a 20% transfer bonus to Aeromexico Rewards through May 31, 2024. While most Amex transfer ratios are 1:1, it's 1:1.6 for Aeromexico. With the 20% transfer bonus, the bumps the ratio up to 1:1.92.
While that's appealing, please keep in mind that while Aeromeixco Rewards has some decent award rates, the carrier-imposed surcharges they pass on to you can be steep. Personally, I haven't found the phone agents to be the best either.
Points Wire Note:
While I don't generally recommended transferring points speculatively, I definitely wouldn't make a speculative transfer to Aeromexico. The risk to reward ratio is way too low.
Sign up for free flight alerts or upgrade to Straight To The Points Premium.
Premium members even get text alerts when there are great opportunities to book business and first class flights!
To make choosing your next card a bit easier, we've ranked the best credit card offers to help find the best bonuses.
Whether you need help figuring out the best ways to earn or redeem points and miles, I’ll work with you to create a personalized strategy that’s easy to follow.
In August 2018, I started the Straight To The Points flight alerts newsletter with the goal of making it easier to book business and first class flights with points & miles and fare deals.
I started Points Wire to make it easier for you to keep up with the news you need to know without all of the fluff.