Miles & Points Daily Podcast

Today we dive into shocking new frequent flyer program rankings based on 22 million award searches, with Air France Flying Blue claiming the top spot and American Airlines rocketing to #2, leaving United and Delta behind. We'll also explore the Mesa Homeowners Card's impressive 50,000-point no-annual-fee offer, British Airways' 40% Avios purchase bonus, and IHG's 15% off award nights promotion. Pl...

Lucas covers major developments in the loyalty world, starting with Hilton's egregious devaluation that now requires up to 250,000 points per night at top properties. He discusses the restoration of British Airways to Iberia Avios transfers and highlights a generous Kenya Airways status match opportunity to SkyTeam Elite Plus. The episode also covers Delta's massive Austin expansion plans with 150...

Today's episode covers Singapore KrisFlyer's impressive 20% off economy and premium economy award sale, plus compelling point buying opportunities from JetBlue (130% bonus), Wyndham (90% bonus), and Choice Privileges. We discuss the new Alaska-Hawaiian Atmos Rewards program benefits including free cocktails in lounges, Air France's fleet-wide free Starlink Wi-Fi rollout through 2026, and important...

Today's episode covers Virgin Atlantic Flying Club's rare 70% bonus when buying points, making them just 1.20-1.48 cents each for premium cabin travel on Virgin Atlantic and partners like Delta, ANA, and Singapore Airlines. We review the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card and Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex, both offering solid value for their respective hotel and airline ecosystems. Plus, we explore...

Today we cover United's AI chatbot being tricked into authorizing a fake refund after someone claimed CEO Scott Kirby promised it, highlighting the unreliability of automated customer service. We also discuss Trivago's controversial new tip requests for hotel bookings, airline miles expiration policies across different programs, and American Airlines flying empty A321neo aircraft across the Atlant...

Emirates implements a controversial new policy banning children 8 and under from first class award bookings using Skywards miles, while cash and credit card point transfers remain unaffected. We cover exceptional IHG welcome bonuses offering up to 200,000 points and discuss how transfer bonuses are changing award travel strategy. Plus updates on airline regulation changes, the Citi credit card tri...

Today we cover the Trump administration's decision to kill Biden's proposed airline passenger cash compensation requirements, leaving travelers to rely on credit card protections. Emirates introduces a controversial new policy banning young children from first class when using miles, while Southwest finally launches free Wi-Fi for members starting October 24th. Plus, exciting lounge openings from...

Today's episode covers major changes at Delta's SkyMiles program with VP Prashant Sharma's departure and what it means for members holding points. We reveal that Sardinia crushed the competition to become Delta's next European destination, potentially offering great award availability. United is offering up to 100% bonus on purchased miles at 1.88 cents each, while Finnair Plus provides 50% bonus...

Today we explore a wild hotel elite status deal in China that gets you both Marriott Platinum and Hilton Gold for just $26, plus Phoenix Sky Harbor's impressive new 10,000 square foot lounge with mountain views. We'll also cover Capital One's 30% Virgin Atlantic transfer bonus, disappointing Alaska Airlines partnership cuts with LATAM and Singapore, and Hyatt's controversial tip requests despite r...

Today's episode covers major partnership shake-ups as Alaska Airlines ends its Singapore Airlines partnership and LATAM collaboration entirely, with redemption deadlines approaching fast. We discuss a valuable 25% Amex Membership Rewards to Hilton transfer bonus and concerning Singapore KrisFlyer program changes including higher award rates and dynamic pricing. Plus, we cover Air France's free Sta...

Lucas covers American Airlines' upcoming A321XLR launch on JFK-LAX in late 2025 and award booking strategies. He discusses a troubling Marriott Ultimate Guarantee failure and a major Hyatt scandal in China involving fake hotel nights for elite status. The episode also highlights JetBlue's poor handling of mechanical delays, Cathay Pacific achieving 100% fleet Wi-Fi coverage, and Chase's massive 20...

Lucas covers the major launch of Citi's new Strata card lineup, with Gary finding over $2,400 in value in the Elite card unboxing. We explore the valuable Alaska-Hawaiian $99 companion fare benefit and discuss concerning labor tensions at American Airlines with six unions staging an intervention. Plus, Avios transfers between British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus have been temporarily suspended,...

Today we cover Singapore Airlines adding caviar to business class service, putting them in elite company with Qatar and THAI. United finally upgrades their Polaris headphones starting September 1st, while Spirit Airlines shockingly files for Chapter 22 bankruptcy just 5 months after exiting their previous one. We discuss an incredibly easy hotel status promotion for premium card holders, review th...

Hotel guests are literally sleeping on pool chairs to reserve prime spots, highlighting why elite benefits matter for better travel experiences. Delta launches another MQD-earning promotion for hotel stays and rentals, potentially signaling a permanent feature. American Airlines announces plans for a new Flagship Lounge at Charlotte Douglas Airport, their busiest East Coast hub, along with details...

Today's episode covers major opportunities for maximizing your points and miles. Bilt cardholders can earn up to 100% transfer bonuses to Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia through their September Rent Day promotion, while Air France-KLM Flying Blue is offering purchased miles at just 1.68 cents each with a 45% discount. We also discuss strategic tips for maximizing Citi Strata card benefits in...

Today's episode covers JetBlue's exciting partnership expansion with Condor Airlines, allowing members to earn and redeem points for business class flights to Europe starting at 54,000 points. We discuss Alaska and Hawaiian's new Atmos Rewards program that's so well-designed it has American Airlines flyers considering a loyalty switch, plus Alaska's new premium Ascent Visa card launch. We also hig...

Delta confirms no new elite status hurdles for 2026, keeping current structure intact for status chasers. Southwest launches generous companion pass promotion for bookings August 25-28, offering free companion travel January-March 2026. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer implements award chart increases up to 20% starting November 1st, making premium cabin bookings more expensive. Plus updates on Citi S...

Today's episode covers exciting transfer bonuses from Citi ThankYou Rewards offering 25% bonus to Wyndham, plus the significant update allowing transfers to American Airlines from no-annual-fee cards. We discuss the launch of Walmart's OnePay CashRewards card with 5% back at Walmart and the upcoming Alaska-Hawaiian Atmos Rewards Summit premium card. Lucas also shares strategic advice on maximizing...

Gary Leff proposes credit card companies should let cardholders buy elite status and lounge access directly with points, potentially revolutionizing the industry. Alaska Airlines launches their new Atmos Rewards program with impressive 85,000-point sign-up bonuses on new credit cards. Lounge overcrowding reaches new heights with travelers facing 73-person waitlists at JFK despite premium card bene...

The American Airlines Aviator Red card from Barclays is officially disappearing forever, making this your last chance to apply. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have launched their combined Atmos Rewards loyalty program with some interesting benefits including a 10% Bank of America bonus and award flights counting toward status. Chase is offering a compelling 125,000 point bonus on the Sapphi...

Chase drops a historic 125,000-point bonus on the Sapphire Reserve card, while Citi finally adds American Airlines as a ThankYou transfer partner. We explore the new Atmos Rewards credit cards from the Alaska-Hawaiian merger and review current points purchasing opportunities from Avianca LifeMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Qatar Airways. Plus, British Airways returns to Dallas and operational upda...

Alaska Airlines makes waves with their first premium credit card offering 100,000 miles and companion awards, while unveiling the new Atmos Rewards program with Hawaiian Airlines. SWISS announces their revolutionary First Class Grand Suite with combinable private rooms debuting in 2026. Plus, Bilt Rewards offers 150% transfer bonuses, Delta lets members vote on their next European destination, and...

Time is running out to snag the Barclays American Airlines card with 70,000 miles and zero spending requirement before it disappears forever due to Citi's exclusive partnership. Southwest's new 100,000-point credit card bonus creates a perfect opportunity to earn the coveted Companion Pass valid through 2027. We also cover Marriott's 40% point sale bonus, Frontier's $69 Gold status offer, and the...

Today's episode covers urgent time-sensitive offers including United's unprecedented Quest card bonus ending at 6 PM Eastern, and Chase Sapphire Preferred's increased 75,000 point bonus. We discuss Chase dropping Emirates Skywards as a transfer partner effective October 16th, and the ongoing Air Canada flight attendant strike despite government back-to-work orders with potential jail time for unio...

Today we dive into the incredible new Citi Strata Elite card offer featuring 80,000 points plus a staggering $2,400 in first-year credits, being hailed as the best premium card first-year play available. We also cover Chase's new 100% transfer bonus to IHG One Rewards and why experts aren't excited about it. Plus, we discuss Air Canada's labor strike drama, a cautionary tale about using AI for vis...