Weekly Review: April 21, 2018

Hello from the Seychelles! Ford and I have been here for almost a week, and have had an incredible, relaxing time. I’ll have more on our stay here soon, but it has exceeded my expectations in so many ways.

On the points and travel front, this has been a huge week, as we finally learned the details of Marriott’s new loyalty program, coming in August. On top of that we’ve seen all kinds of opportunities to purchase hotel points at a discount, learned about Icelandair’s interest in acquiring Azores Airlines, Air Canada revealed their new Signature Service in business class, and much more.

With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:

Featured Stories

Who Loses With Marriott’s New Loyalty Program?

This week I shared the full details of Marriott’s new loyalty program, which is coming in August. As you could tell based on the post, the new program greatly exceeded my expectations, and was pretty close to being the best case scenario, as far as I’m concerned.

Some people disagree, which I totally respect, because obviously no program will be great for everyone. That’s simply not possible. I’m so impressed because we’re seeing the introduction of suite upgrades subject to availability, we’re seeing the introduction of confirmed suite upgrades for select members, we’re seeing breakfast added at Courtyard hotels and resorts, we’re seeing a strong points earning rate, and much more.

In this post I wanted to look at the negatives of the program. Specifically, who isn’t coming out ahead with Marriott’s new loyalty program?

Chase Ink Cash: Is It Better Than The Ink Preferred?

When you’re just getting into to miles and points, one of the first things you check when looking at a new card is the welcome bonus. I mean, who wouldn’t? If you’re going to give a new card a try, a little (or big) incentive can go a long way.

When deciding on a business card that can help earn Ultimate Rewards points, we can either get the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

Let’s be honest, I would have jumped at the opportunity to get it if weren’t for the pesky Chase 5/24 rule. That being said, I have often wondered whether the Chase Ink Cash might be a better card for those who already have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Being Financially Responsible In Meeting Your Minimum Spend

One of the best ways to earn a big chunk of miles easily and quickly is by applying for a credit card with a generous welcome bonus, which can be as high as 100,000 miles/points. When friends and family ask for my advice about how to earn points for their dream trip, this is often the first suggestion I have for them.

However there is usually a condition that you must spend a certain amount within a designated time period, in order to receive those points.

There’s plenty of different advice on creative ways to meet your minimum spend, including pre-paying for household insurance and taxes. But you have to be cognizant of your finances when doing so.

TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos

Hilton Is Offering A 100% Bonus On Purchased Points
Chase Ink Cash: Is It Better Than The Ink Preferred?
AMAZING Chase Freedom Unlimited Bonus — Up To 3x Points On All Purchases
35% Off SPG Points (Or American Miles For 1.46¢ Each)
IHG Possibly Offering One Of The Best Deals On Purchased Points Yet
Today Only: Buy Discounted Hertz Points
Continue Earning Tons Of United Miles By Renting Cars With Hertz
Hyatt Credit Card Offers: Save Money With Select Retailers
Register Now For Hilton’s Summer Double Points Promotion
Today Only: Buy 15,000 Wyndham Rewards Points For $175
Should You Buy Hilton Honors Points For 0.5 Cents Each Today?
The Ink Business Cash Card’s Impressive Car Rental Coverage
Being Financially Responsible In Meeting Your Minimum Spend

TRICKS: Redeeming Miles

30% Off KrisFlyer Awards With Singapore’s Latest “Spontaneous Escapes” Sale
Heads Up: Transfers To Korean Air No Longer Instant
INCREDIBLE Marriott Points Redemption Opportunities Coming Soon
American Is Offering A 25% Bonus When You Convert Hotel Points Into Miles
You Can Now Redeem SkyMiles For Delta Gift Cards

TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)

Putting Things Into Perspective: My Visit To A Turkish Police Station
The Points & Miles Reminders I Set In My Phone
My Bad Rental Car Luck In The Seychelles
A Series Of Unfortunate Events: My Ethiopian Stopover
How To Maximise A 24 Hour Stopover
GAH: Etihad Ruined My Flight On Air Seychelles!

REVIEWS & Trip Reports

Review: American Business Class 787-9 Sao Paulo To Los Angeles
Review: LATAM Lounge Sao Paulo Airport
Air Seychelles & Etihad A330 Business Class In 10 Pictures
Review: American Admirals Club Sao Paulo Airport

NEWS & Updates

Why Marriott’s New Loyalty Program May Make Me Less Loyal
“Filthadelphia” — American Is Unhappy With The Cleanliness Of Their PHL Hub
The Starwood Amex Personal Card Is Sticking Around, And Will Have A “Rich Welcome Bonus”
Korean Air Heiresses Accused Of Illegally Smuggling Goods Into Korea
Austrian Airlines Introduces A New Livery
Aeroflot May Stop Flying To The US
Kim Jong-un’s Old Plane May Force Trump To Meet Him In Mongolia
Is It Worth Earning Platinum Status With The New SPG Amex Luxury Card?
The Rise And Rise Of Norwegian Airlines
Icelandair May Buy A 49% Stake In Azores Airlines
Alaska Airlines Updates Policy On Emotional Support Animals
Shorthaul Flights: Full Service Indirect Vs. Low Cost Direct
Details Of The New Starwood American Express Cards
Marriott’s Puzzling Mid-Year Program Transition
Alaska Reducing Flights Between New York & Los Angeles/San Francisco
Who Loses With Marriott’s New Loyalty Program?
One Passenger Dead After Southwest Engine Failure
Yes, Marriott Is Basically Giving Away Platinum Status This Year
Ouch: Marriott Will Limit Elite Credits To One Room Per Night
Air Canada Introduces New Signature Service (Including On Some Transcon Flights)
This Is Low: Sun Country Stranded Hundreds Of People In Mexico
Full Details Of Marriott’s New Loyalty Program
“60 Minutes” Exposes Allegiant Air Safety Issues
$140 Million Scandal Emerges With Zimbabwe’s New 777s
Emirates Is Reducing Some Flights Because Of A Pilot Shortage
American Airlines Is Diverting Flights To Avoid Russian Airspace
A Centurion Lounge Is Finally Coming To LAX

I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!