Costco is running a sale on $500 Southwest e-gift cards. You can buy a $500 gift card for $429.99. There's a limit of one transaction per member, but you can purchase up to five Southwest gift cards. The offer is valid through May 25, 2024.
Points Wire Note:
For those with the Southwest Companion Pass, this is a great way to get a discount on a Southwest ticket before you even factor in bringing your companion for just the cost of the taxes/fees.
One Mile At A Time: "Etihad Airways has a great inflight product in first class and business class, and historically it has been pretty easy to redeem points for these experiences. In particular, Etihad has partnered with American AAdvantage and Air Canada Aeroplan, meaning you could redeem both points currencies for travel in Etihad premium cabins."
"Unfortunately in recent months, it seems like actually redeeming partner miles for travel in Etihad premium cabins has become more challenging. In this post I wanted to cover the trends that we’re seeing when it comes to Etihad award availability, including a possible 30-day rule on redemptions."
Loyalty Lobby: "Malaysia Airlines has made some significant unannounced changes to its Enrich award chart, jacking up most business-class award prices by 60% or more."
"These are quite significant changes, and those redeeming for business class are really the losers. I wish that Malaysia Airlines would have given proper advance notice to its Enrich members about these changes."
Points Wire Note:
Previously, Malaysia Airlines was a transfer partner of Citi ThankYou Points. However, that partnership ended in March 2022. At that point, Malaysia Airlines had already devalued the Enirch program to the point that it was mostly useless for those in the US.
One important point to note is that even without a single US-based transferable points partner, Malaysia Airlines still imposed a massive devaluation. While some road warriors have complained that devaluations are caused by people earning points from credit cards, this is a sad reminder that airlines devalue their programs regardless.
Disclosure: I may earn a referral bonus if you use the links below.
Both American Express and Chase issue co-branded Marriott cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Business Card is issued by Amex and the only Marriott business card.
I consider it a niche card as the bonus categories are weak. To me, the real benefit is the 15 elite night credits you get each year as a cardholder. This can make it easier to qualify for the more useful elite status levels with Marriott Bonvoy - Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador.
You also receive an annual Free Night Award worth up to 35,000 Marriott points on your account anniversary.
New Welcome Offer
However, there's a new welcome bonus offer that makes this a particularly good time to get the card.
You can top off each free night certificate with an additional 15,000 Marriott points.
If you'd like more info on this card, you can check out my quick review.
If you'd like to apply, this is my personal referral (not an affiliate link).
United has released a new round of Mile Play offers. Hopefully, you'll get a great offer that fits your travel needs. To earn the bonus, you must book and take your flight(s) by September 13, 2024. Please note that not all United MileagePlus members are targeted for this promo.
I received the following offer:
Book and take one trip and earn 3,000 bonus United miles. The fine print notes that the ticket must be at least $100 to qualify.
Points Wire Note:
It's rarely worth going out of your way to fly United for one of these promos. They're just nice bonuses if a United flight fits your needs.
UPDATE: Emirates will start flying this fifth freedom route on June 3, 2024.
One Mile At A Time: "A couple of years ago, I wrote about how there was talk of Emirates potentially launching a new route between Miami and Bogota. At the time, it seemed like a long shot."
"There’s now an exciting update, as this seems close to becoming a reality. Not only has Emirates requested permission with Colombian authorities to launch this route, but the airline has also updated its schedule in a way that suggests this service is happening."
Points Wire Note:
The flight time between Miami and Bogota is only 3.5 to 4 hours, but this will be one of the best ways to fly business class - possibly first class - to South America.
Last month, Head for Points flagged that it avios.com was being shuttered and you would soon be able to book award tickets via on the Aer Lingus site.
All I can say is finally!
This means you can book Aer Lingus flights with Avios without having to book via British Airways. Even better, it seems there's additional Aer Lingus award space available when using Avios on their own site.
You can use this link to log into your Aer Lingus account and book award tickets.
Update: This transfer bonus is now live!
Citi is launching a transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Between February 18 and March 16, 2024, you'll be able to transfers Citi ThankYou Points to Virgin and get a 30% bonus.
While award flights on Virgin Atlantic have steep carrier-imposed surcharges which leave you on the hook for sky high taxes/fees, you can get some great value out of Virgin points by booking award tickets on partner airlines.
Air France, KLM, and ITA Airways to Europe standout. Delta can be a great option to Europe as well, just not to/from the UK. All Nippon Airways (ANA) is always a fan favorite for those visiting Japan - though award space is tough. Air New Zealand is also a great option.
Hyatt's Bonus Journeys promo is now live!
More Points With A Hyatt Credit Card
If you have a World of Hyatt Business Credit Card or a World of Hyatt Credit Card, you earn an additional 1,000 bonus points per three nights you stay. If you were to max out this promo by staying 21 nights, could earn 28,000 bonus points as a cardholder.
According to a FlyerTalker, only Hyatt properties in the following countries will be eligible for the cardholder bonus:
Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mainland China, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Vietnam.
Stack With Etihad Guest Promo
If you have stays in March, you'll be able to earn bonus Hyatt points as well as Etihad Guest miles.
Details on Hyatt x Etihad promo
Points Wire Note:
Oddly enough, I have 12 nights coming up in an eligible country. I'll happily take 16,000 bonus points!
This could also pair nicely with a Hyatt Privé booking - extra perks on your stay + extra points.
Chase issues three co-branded IHG One Rewards credit cards - two personal cards and one business card. The bonuses for both personal cards have been increased.
Please note that IHG One Rewards just recently devalued their award rates.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Additional benefits include: A free might certificate (worth up to 40,000 IHG points) on your account anniversary, 4th night free when you book a 4-night award stay, Platinum Elite status and a Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
Additional benefits include: 4th night free when you book a 4-night award stay, Gold Elite status.
Points Wire Note:
If you ask me, the Premier Card's $99 annual fee is worth the additional 65,000 IHG points alone. The anniversary free night certificate helps as well.
If you simply want the 4th night free benefit so you can take advantage of it when you buy IHG points during a 100% bonus promo, the Traveler Card might be a better choice.
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.