I’ve been obsessed with miles & points for around 20 years. I can’t help but take a moment to reflect on just how much this hobby has changed over that time.
I’ve gotta be perfectly honest, this hobby isn’t as fun as it used to be, and in some ways, getting amazing value is harder than before. But it’s not all bad news, and that negative perspective largely overlooks the ways in which this hobby has become much more lucrative than in the past. So let’s talk about that in a bit more detail — what has actually changed, both for better and for worse?
In this post:
The miles & points hobby has gone mainstream
I got obsessed with miles & points in 2004-2005. Or put differently, I got obsessed with miles & points back when Delta SkyMiles could be redeemed for Air France first class and Singapore Airlines first class (yes, really… ugh, I miss the 747 #megatop!).
I don’t want to say that miles & points were some hobby that no one had ever heard of, but they were definitely a lot more niche than they are today. Yes, frequent flyer programs had existed for decades, and many people were members of them.
But miles & points and maximizing credit cards wasn’t a part of our society in the same way that it is today. I mean, just look at the revenue that US airlines are now generating through loyalty programs, and I think that will largely show you how mainstream things have gone.
What has contributed to these changes?
- The way we share information has changed — it used to be that miles & points and premium airline topics were discussed on internet bulletin boards, while now there’s endless short-form content on TikTok, Instagram, etc., making this available to a much larger audience
- What we value as a society has changed — younger generations place a heavy emphasis on travel and experiences, and are more willing to splurge on peak experiences
- The credit card landscape has become a lot more lucrative for consumers, making it easy for the average person to rack up valuable rewards, get airport lounge access, etc.
- Premium airline products have become a lot more flashy, which also increases their appeal; whether it’s an onboard shower or double bed, those features certainly make a lot more people interested
- Airlines have honestly just become much smarter businesses, and they’re better at monetizing their loyalty programs and other products, so opportunities that present outsized value often get shut down
Miles & points aren’t nearly as fun as they used to be…
Perhaps the clearest example of how much less fun miles & points have become is a look at my post with 10 amazing award redemptions from back in the day. If you haven’t been around the miles & points world for long, I don’t think you understand just got good the deals were 15 years ago.
For example, Aeroplan would allow US to Asia first class awards via Europe with two stopovers enroute for 120,000 miles roundtrip. Of course that’s an amazing price, but what was even better was the amount of award availability.
Lufthansa first class awards? They were super available, whether booking in advance or close to departure. And we’re not just talking one or two seats, but often six or seven seats. Even SWISS first class (which is now restricted to Senator level Miles & More members) could be booked with partner miles, and was super available.
There was just unlimited potential in terms of how far points could get you. Of course that’s quite a contrast to how things are nowadays, where even finding Lufthansa first class award availability within days of departure is incredibly challenging.
The hotel industry was equally attractive, particularly with Hyatt Gold Passport’s Faster Free Nights promotion.
Then there was the world of mileage running, back when the concept of revenue based status qualification or mileage earning was basically unheard of. American Executive Platinum status for $3,000, while earning hundreds of thousands of miles, plus eight systemwide upgrades? Super easy!
But of course loyalty programs have gotten smarter. There are fewer opportunities to get outsized value, and there’s a lot less gamification. Loyalty programs have also changed their approach to how they open up award availability, including to partner frequent flyer programs.
When I talk to a newcomer about miles & points, it can honestly be kind of hard to get them interested. Recently, a non-miles & points friend mentioned how he wanted to take his wife to the Maldives, and asked if there’s any “deal” with points
I thought, “well, Hilton Honors often sells points for 0.5 cents each, and you can book the Waldorf Astoria Maldives for 150,000 points, so it’s like paying $750 per night, all-in, and that’s before the fifth night free.” He texted me later that night (I’m impressed he was so interested), and saw that not a single night in the next year had points availability at that price. Yeah, that’s not ideal, eh?
…but it’s not all bad news for miles & points
The miles & points hobby definitely isn’t as fun as it used to be, for those of us who get a thrill out of the chase. That being said, in many ways I’d say it’s more lucrative than ever before.
You know what we didn’t have in 2010? Well, all these amazing credit cards with massive welcome bonuses, bonus categories that can earn you 3-5x points per dollar spent, etc. Us savvy folks were using the Starwood Preferred Guest Amex for most of our spending, which had a modest welcome bonus, and earned one Starpoint per dollar spent (which could then be turned into one mile, with a 25% bonus for every 20,000 points transfered). That was as good as it got. And transferable points currencies? Well, they weren’t nearly a robust or flexible as they are now.
Speaking of premium cabin travel, one of the reasons that miles & points were so important back in the day is because airlines just had absolutely outrageous pricing for their premium cabins. Nowadays airlines will sell you upgrades to first class for tens of dollars. So yes, status may be harder and less fun to earn, but don’t even bother, because there’s not that much value to actually having it.
Oh, and the caliber of airline products and airline lounges we see nowadays? It’s on a completely different level than we saw when I started. Back in the day, it was exciting when an airline had angled seats in business class. Nowadays, many of us will barely settle for a product unless it has a door and dine on demand. 😉
The way I view it, the strategy for maximizing travel, and in particular miles & points, has changed:
- Airline elite status isn’t as important as it used to be, given how status has become much harder to earn, while offering significantly less value
- Credit cards with big bonuses and multipliers largely let people redeem points as cash toward the cost of travel, potentially offering good value
- Loyalty programs often sell points directly at a reasonable cost, which can be a way to score a deal on a premium cabin ticket or luxury hotel stay, with some effort
- There are still lots of amazing premium experiences to be had, though the key is to be ready to plan travel at any moment
I think that last point is worth emphasizing. For example, take a redemption at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. It’s absolutely possible to book with points and get an amazing deal, even if there might not be availability for the entire calendar right now. Often availability opens up in spurts, and that’s the time to lock in a stay.
Similarly, people with Alaska Mileage Plan miles might be frustrated by the lack of Fiji Airways and Starlux business class award availability, yet every so often we see the floodgates of availability opened, and you can lock in some great itineraries. You just have to be ready to plan at a moment’s notice.
Bottom line
The miles & points world is constantly evolving. This hobby was very different in 2005 than it is in 2025, as you’d expect (I mean, what hasn’t changed in the past 20 years?).
There are definitely a lot of things that I miss, including the opportunities for gamification, plus how available premium cabin award space was at the time. However, a lot has also improved over the years — points are much easier to earn, in many cases premium cabins are just priced reasonably, and the caliber of airline and hotel products is on a different level than it was back then.
What’s your take on the evolution of the miles & points world?
...and yet somehow, despite all of this, the major bloggers and award tools never seem to update their points valuations.
The main things that have changed is:
Every blog, vlog, video, etc. is trying to monetize it with weak affiliate marketing.
AI will soon ruin it further.
Airlines and hotels have greatly devalued the rewards.
THIS IS WHAT'S HAPPENING TO HOBBY SITES. In 2023, Google modified its search algorithm in a way that pushes traffic to high-volume sites (e.g., Forbes, CNN, etc.) that happen to have a hobby-related page as opposed to the subject-matter-expert blogs (which are obviously of lower-volume). *** Even TPG has been affected. *** The high-volume sites will (as you suggest) use AI to generate hobby-related content, which will often be inaccurate and have no context and...
THIS IS WHAT'S HAPPENING TO HOBBY SITES. In 2023, Google modified its search algorithm in a way that pushes traffic to high-volume sites (e.g., Forbes, CNN, etc.) that happen to have a hobby-related page as opposed to the subject-matter-expert blogs (which are obviously of lower-volume). *** Even TPG has been affected. *** The high-volume sites will (as you suggest) use AI to generate hobby-related content, which will often be inaccurate and have no context and will sadly be *the* source for newbies. Industry data also suggests that younger consumers prefer short video articles over written articles. True hobbyists will need to turn to private forums to find the gravy.
PS - While I am disappointed with certain content that Ben has posted, I also understand that he is trying to adapt to the ground shifting under his feet. While Ben will always have followers, given what Google has done, I sense that the high-water mark of travel hobby blogging might be behind us. But, they will be the gateway for true hobbyists to the private forums.
Its was a BIG day for OMAAT yesterday!!! Our Lucky has looked at the Miles and Points landscape for 2025 and thought he has to make a change to keep the people interested: Allegris has finally dropped, but 777X Inaugural flights won't happen for another 18 months. He's tried Gossip Girl, but the Regulars don't like it. El Al flight updates just cause fights. So what else is there....?? I know !! Cruising !!!
So...
Its was a BIG day for OMAAT yesterday!!! Our Lucky has looked at the Miles and Points landscape for 2025 and thought he has to make a change to keep the people interested: Allegris has finally dropped, but 777X Inaugural flights won't happen for another 18 months. He's tried Gossip Girl, but the Regulars don't like it. El Al flight updates just cause fights. So what else is there....?? I know !! Cruising !!!
So he picks a high-end line for his first post - that also takes points - and puts a thread out there. Hey presto! A bunch of OMAAT readers we never hear from, start posting about their cruise experiences! Lucky's got them on the hook now too. We'll start getting questions about the best points hotel at Cape Canaveral in February. :)
I won't be reading any of the cruise threads (I'd rather fly Spirit to Auckland than go on another one), but I respect his need to broaden his market. Hopefully the flights, hotels and lounge info keeps flowing too, Ben.
I think there are two huge changes in the "miles & points" industry. The first is that this is no longer about loyalty. Getting status is no longer a way of hotels/airlines to thank you for spending a lot of time with them. It gradually changed into a way of convincing you to spend more money with them. Status linked directly to $ spent, devaluating miles, creating more levels so you're always close to one...
I think there are two huge changes in the "miles & points" industry. The first is that this is no longer about loyalty. Getting status is no longer a way of hotels/airlines to thank you for spending a lot of time with them. It gradually changed into a way of convincing you to spend more money with them. Status linked directly to $ spent, devaluating miles, creating more levels so you're always close to one level up, if you just spend a little bit more. The second change, as a consequence of the first one, is that it became a "game for the masses". You don't need to be loyal, you can buy status through credit cards or buy points directly with the hotel chain. If everyone is an elite, no one is an elite, and everyone loses out. Except for the airline. It's no longer an exclusive club - though many people here would still want it to be. It's an expensive card that give you a better gamble in getting an upgrade/free flight/...
A blogger on another site noted that the upgrade is *the* tier status benefit most people are after. The airlines have short-stopped tier-status-based upgrades via discounted paid upgrades. Now, Hilton and Hyatt are doing the same with hotel rooms. That is, given award/upgrade inventory controls, sell upgrades for cash at a discount and count them against award/upgrade inventory. Sorry, no tier status upgrades left. Marriott will follow.
"Loyalty" was always about a business getting you to spend more money with them. That hasn't changed - just the way they go about it. Credit card points are also about loyalty. Most people don't constantly rotate through accounts to harvest sign-up bonuses. They just put all their spend on one card, or suite of cards, because the bank offers them something in return - whether that is cash back or points-for-travel or transfers to airlines or hotels.
Back in the day, when I was single and had more schedule flexibility, and when award availability was more of a thing, I redeemed a ton of miles to fly in first frequently on Swiss, ANA, Lufthansa, Qantas, and others and in J on many, many more. Some last-minute trips and some planned far in advance. Now with less schedule flexibility, less time to devote to the hunt, and fewer realistic air travel awards, it’s...
Back in the day, when I was single and had more schedule flexibility, and when award availability was more of a thing, I redeemed a ton of miles to fly in first frequently on Swiss, ANA, Lufthansa, Qantas, and others and in J on many, many more. Some last-minute trips and some planned far in advance. Now with less schedule flexibility, less time to devote to the hunt, and fewer realistic air travel awards, it’s just not rational to burn a ton of time to find little that works. With the fun factor long gone, I’m more likely to pay for what I want.
I don't disagree with anything you wrote, but as an accountant, I think all these mileage/loyalty programs have just become a giant smoke and mirrors exercise to lure in scrupulous investors. They are a place to park fake profits and hide other costs. Every program that has spun off has faltered. The programs know they are only as good as their underlying product which are increasingly getting worse with a few exceptions and at a...
I don't disagree with anything you wrote, but as an accountant, I think all these mileage/loyalty programs have just become a giant smoke and mirrors exercise to lure in scrupulous investors. They are a place to park fake profits and hide other costs. Every program that has spun off has faltered. The programs know they are only as good as their underlying product which are increasingly getting worse with a few exceptions and at a certain point the public will lose interest and the gig will be up.
Exactly
Also with younger generations loving to travel... due to increasing inequality, pretty soon there will be two types of young people. Those so poor they can't afford a $100 mistake fare in the Etihad Residence. And those so rich they won't be thinking of points at all.
Young people today have an almost binary choice in careers. Go into law, tech, or high finance and make $10 million a year and you don't have...
Exactly
Also with younger generations loving to travel... due to increasing inequality, pretty soon there will be two types of young people. Those so poor they can't afford a $100 mistake fare in the Etihad Residence. And those so rich they won't be thinking of points at all.
Young people today have an almost binary choice in careers. Go into law, tech, or high finance and make $10 million a year and you don't have to worry about points. Go into almost anything else and make $100,000 which to even 1 generation older, sounds like a comfortable amount, but the way inflation hit, it's an extreme poverty wage. Based on the conventional rule for home affordability, max rent on that wage is $2,500. The cheapest studio in my apartment building is $4,300.
Again, this is a very US-centric view. The #1 nationality for the SAS millionaire challenge was South Korean, even as little as twenty years ago that would've been unthinkable- not only because it would have been a lot harder for the airline to reach out to them, but because there wasn't enough of a middle class to have sufficient time, money, and interest in pursuing something like that.
Anyone remember the old Diner's Club card in the 90's? Great card and amazing transfers. Good Dining value as well.
Unfortunately, it was sold off to a Canadian bank and most of the benefits and perks were gutted. I guess you could say that it "went North".
As for 1990's First Class - yes, there were no pods or doors. But flying in a Recliner on TWA to Europe was nothing short of amazing. Caviar, smoked salmon, and Beef carved in the aisle.
20 years ago, international business class seats were angled flat. That means your head was higher than your feet. Basically like domestic first class except could recline back more.
Congress needs to regulate the "bait & switch" aspect of using points for flights. The airlines SELL these points to credit card companies. Delta makes more $$ off of selling their points than their entire domestic air schedule! But of course the cost of these points is passed on to consumers using the credit cards. So the fact that the airlines make so few flights available at the times that people wish to fly or...
Congress needs to regulate the "bait & switch" aspect of using points for flights. The airlines SELL these points to credit card companies. Delta makes more $$ off of selling their points than their entire domestic air schedule! But of course the cost of these points is passed on to consumers using the credit cards. So the fact that the airlines make so few flights available at the times that people wish to fly or in the cabin they wish to fly in (ie business) is a SCAM. One has PAID for these miles, usually in the form of both credit card fees AND $1/point.
Lucky I think you failed to mention your great years flying United as a 1k which ended sadly. I used your advice for many years and greatly appreciated.
Ah, the good old days. In 2012 my wife and I flew from St Croix to Bali and return -- in business class on AA / CX -- for 150,000 mi each (plus $15 each). In 2008, I flew Orlando-Warsaw and return on DL for 70,000 mi. I've got so many points / miles now, but it seems they're never enough for two to travel together comfortably.
Ben- you've been instrumental in educating me on how to extract maximum value from the points/miles game over the past 15 years. Maybe it isn't as easy or fun as it once was, but at least some of that perception is due to how our lives change with families, kids, etc (including yours!). Scooping up last minute C or F fares with minimal redemptions is for the younger folks (with no kids) now. And hopefully...
Ben- you've been instrumental in educating me on how to extract maximum value from the points/miles game over the past 15 years. Maybe it isn't as easy or fun as it once was, but at least some of that perception is due to how our lives change with families, kids, etc (including yours!). Scooping up last minute C or F fares with minimal redemptions is for the younger folks (with no kids) now. And hopefully the older we get, the more able we are to actually buy the flights we want. Regardless, a huge thanks to you!
What changed ? OG av geeks like Ben wracked havoc on the system abusing frequent flier programs and churning credit cards. The airlines smartened up.
Anywho , this is where we are , that’s where we were , and where we are headed. Towards a downward trajectory of devaluations. I’m trying to rack up 80K AA miles and fly JAL F asap.
@D3kingg 'What changed ? OG av geeks like Ben wracked havoc on the system abusing frequent flier programs and churning credit cards. The airlines smartened up.'
Translation: Rational people engaged with the opportunities the airlines and credit cards offered, and the airlines loved it. Then 'out of nowhere' they realised that not everyone was a 'new' customer and they moved the goal posts.
hope they devalue before you get to it :)
I always find it hilarious that people "blame the bloggers" for every change in the airline industry. If bloggers didn't disseminate information, it would be disseminated in some other way. 20 years ago, blogs were barely a thing. Yet people gamed the points system as much then as they do now, and also complained about the system being different from the good ol' days of 10 or 20 years ago just as much as they...
I always find it hilarious that people "blame the bloggers" for every change in the airline industry. If bloggers didn't disseminate information, it would be disseminated in some other way. 20 years ago, blogs were barely a thing. Yet people gamed the points system as much then as they do now, and also complained about the system being different from the good ol' days of 10 or 20 years ago just as much as they do now. The difference is that 20 years ago, the information flow was mostly via FlyerTalk because the blogosphere was still in its infancy.
I have been traveling on business for almost 40 years. The early FF programs were great but I never book flights based on loyalty anymore as air miles are just not valuable anymore. I have a slight bias for international travel to Star Alliance due to million miler status with United but Delta’s NYC airports are more convenient than Newark.
The culprit is the ease of getting points via credit card application bonuses. It...
I have been traveling on business for almost 40 years. The early FF programs were great but I never book flights based on loyalty anymore as air miles are just not valuable anymore. I have a slight bias for international travel to Star Alliance due to million miler status with United but Delta’s NYC airports are more convenient than Newark.
The culprit is the ease of getting points via credit card application bonuses. It has contributed to a huge devaluation in points. Outside the World of Hyatt program, where Globalist status is still worth pursuing, I find it harder and harder to use miles without a lot of effort and long-term planning.
Been in this game for a while as well, but didn't ramp it up until the latter half of the 2010s because of personal financial situation.
And I do want to thank you for giving me as much information as you have for being able to carve out my own space in the hobby. There are a few high-end redemptions that I haven't been able to snag yet but nonetheless I have gone from "what...
Been in this game for a while as well, but didn't ramp it up until the latter half of the 2010s because of personal financial situation.
And I do want to thank you for giving me as much information as you have for being able to carve out my own space in the hobby. There are a few high-end redemptions that I haven't been able to snag yet but nonetheless I have gone from "what do you mean it is normal to have currency in more than one hotel/airline loyalty program" to what I am now.
How have things changed for me? It has always been for "I need to get from A to B. Find the best redemption based on the currencies you have. Before this, accrue currencies that will give you the most "good" options." I've seen loyalty programs and airlines go through phases of improvement to phases of decline. (There was a period of time when Delta was adding in a lot of partners on its website. There was a period of time when I would refuse to fly United since I had deemed it as a lousy experience. There was a time when American was trying to compete with quality business and first class. There was a period of time before married segment logic.) The options changed, the product quality of different airlines changed, the availability changed, the redemption rates changed, the rules changed. The strategy remains the same. Get from Point A to B the best way possible with what you have.
I say your "it's less fun" stems from length of time in the hobby. When you've done everything and the "newness" and opportunities run thin and it's less "thrilling."
"Gee, it was all so different before everything changed..."
Virtually nothing in 2025 is the same as it was in 2000, let alone 1975. This is true in the World of Travel, as it is in everything else. Points have become worth less, while airline tickets and hotel rooms cost more -- even if only by inflation. (I used to fly between LAX and SFO for $12.50 -- sometimes even $10. Today, it's -- well,...
"Gee, it was all so different before everything changed..."
Virtually nothing in 2025 is the same as it was in 2000, let alone 1975. This is true in the World of Travel, as it is in everything else. Points have become worth less, while airline tickets and hotel rooms cost more -- even if only by inflation. (I used to fly between LAX and SFO for $12.50 -- sometimes even $10. Today, it's -- well, let's just say it's commonly in three digits when the airline is not having a sale.)
Are there still deals to be had? Of course there are. Are they as good as they were in "the good ol' days"? Does that even matter? No. It doesn't. Because we are here, at this time and in this place. We are not living in the past. (That said, I still use my AMEX Starwood card, just not very often.)
I remember those AirCal prices, watching Willie Mays play for the Giants, and using 25-cent Christopher Milk tickets to watch the 49ers play at Kezar Stadium. While I am firmly in the present and don't long for the good old days, I nonetheless fondly remember them. I feel sorry for you.
Is it not fun to watch A Christmas Story and reminisce?
I see airline tickets getting cheaper and cheaper in inflation-adjusted terms. You can fly from Europe to China and back for €1200 in business class, and just over a third of that if you can endure Y.
Indeed. In 1981, I paid $600 for US to Europe round-trip in Y. Adjusted for inflation, that's almost $2100 today. "Real" prices are far cheaper today.
Actually, one this hasn't change, and that's the cash price of tickets. I still remember in the 1980s my parents bought us tickets to Europe for $800 each. You can still easily buy tickets at that price. Yes, the price fluctuates; some years it's hard to get a ticket for less than $1500 in summer, but it's remarkable how, through 40 years of inflation, airfares haven't been even close to keeping up.
If you're traveling as a family, I think we've reached virtually zero marginal value for points/miles relative to a cash back card unless you're neuro atypical and really indexing on the flight over the destination or enjoying the challenge.
For airfare yes, hotels no. Hyatt for me is still the absolute best use of my chase points.
Fair, still some decent values there if it matches up with your destination
That's not quite true. Maybe I'm neuro atypical, but it really doesn't take much attention to where the deals are to figure out how to get your family on business class TPAC and TATL flights. The tricks are planning way in advance, being flexible with travel dates, and paying some attention to when airlines release award seats. It's not as easy as it used to be, but it's incorrect to say there is "zero marginal...
That's not quite true. Maybe I'm neuro atypical, but it really doesn't take much attention to where the deals are to figure out how to get your family on business class TPAC and TATL flights. The tricks are planning way in advance, being flexible with travel dates, and paying some attention to when airlines release award seats. It's not as easy as it used to be, but it's incorrect to say there is "zero marginal value" to points for families. (Although admittedly, my family is just 3 people...)
What also changed is the competition and the service, here is the US specifically. 20 years ago we had twice the number of major airlines. Service, as a result was much better, even in economy. AA had more room throughout coach (32-34 inches), airlines served food in economy, cabin staff were a lot more friendly and relaxed. The point is that it was decent and pleasurable to fly in coach so there wasn't the need...
What also changed is the competition and the service, here is the US specifically. 20 years ago we had twice the number of major airlines. Service, as a result was much better, even in economy. AA had more room throughout coach (32-34 inches), airlines served food in economy, cabin staff were a lot more friendly and relaxed. The point is that it was decent and pleasurable to fly in coach so there wasn't the need for miles to upgrade. Now you absolutely need to go business for any resemblance of service and the FAs are terribly rude and unhappy no matter the class, especially post covid.
You also had airlines constantly going bankrupt, also fares today are cheaper adjusted for inflation. I’ll take the stability.
Agree the world has changed since I started gathering miles and points in the mid 80s. However there are still great deals especially if you are flexible, can use transferable points and don’t mind taking positioning flights. In late December I booked 2 business class flights BOS-LHR for 35,000 miles each which was even better w the Amex 40% bonus so 25,000 MR points each). Return is from Paris so found Air France J CDG-IAD...
Agree the world has changed since I started gathering miles and points in the mid 80s. However there are still great deals especially if you are flexible, can use transferable points and don’t mind taking positioning flights. In late December I booked 2 business class flights BOS-LHR for 35,000 miles each which was even better w the Amex 40% bonus so 25,000 MR points each). Return is from Paris so found Air France J CDG-IAD for 50,000 miles each. Had recently gotten Air France credit card so for $95 had almost 75,000 miles. Transferred other miles from Chase (w 20% bonus so around 22,000 Chase points was real cost).
Opportunities are there but have to look, be flexible and jump on them as soon as you see them
As this is your job and career, how does things look in terms of that aspect? Are you afraid you won’t be able to make a living of this blog and points travel at some point in the future?
I mean, here is what I have booked/flown the last two years alone:
2025: 4 seats VIE-FRA-EWR in OS/LH J for 63k Lifemiles per person
2025: 4 seats EWR-ATH in EK J for 87k Skywards per person
2025: 4 seats IAD-CCG-TUN in AF J for 50k Flying Blue per person
2024: 1 seat HND-JFK in JL F for 144k Avios
2024: 4 seats TPE-SFO in CI J for 86k Flying Blue...
I mean, here is what I have booked/flown the last two years alone:
2025: 4 seats VIE-FRA-EWR in OS/LH J for 63k Lifemiles per person
2025: 4 seats EWR-ATH in EK J for 87k Skywards per person
2025: 4 seats IAD-CCG-TUN in AF J for 50k Flying Blue per person
2024: 1 seat HND-JFK in JL F for 144k Avios
2024: 4 seats TPE-SFO in CI J for 86k Flying Blue per person
2024: 4 seats EWR-SIN in SQ J for 87.5k Aeroplan per person
The game changes, and the game gets harder, but I'm still winning the game
Great stuff! I presume you haven't got all those points from flying - did you mostly buy them outright or generate them through credit cards?
Correct. I buy very few miles because I'd rather generate them from credit cards. Lot of signup bonuses and maximization
I am also fortunate enough that I have a small travel consultancy/award booking service and I get to book some of my clients' travel for them. That's an extra 300k points a year or so
Agreed. You have to work harder, but the deals can still be found. I don't redeem as many points as you do. Nonetheless, here are my recent examples:
2025: 2 tickets HNL-KIX / KIX-HNL in J on JAL. 60k AS miles pp each way but earning 4k+ miles. Net cost: 55,887 miles (11.8¢/point).
2024: 2 tickets JFK-CDG one way in J on AF, 120k Flying Blue points pp (5.7¢/point).
2024: 2 tickets FCO-JFK one...
Agreed. You have to work harder, but the deals can still be found. I don't redeem as many points as you do. Nonetheless, here are my recent examples:
2025: 2 tickets HNL-KIX / KIX-HNL in J on JAL. 60k AS miles pp each way but earning 4k+ miles. Net cost: 55,887 miles (11.8¢/point).
2024: 2 tickets JFK-CDG one way in J on AF, 120k Flying Blue points pp (5.7¢/point).
2024: 2 tickets FCO-JFK one way in J on AA, 62k AAdvantage miles pp (8.1¢/point).
2022: 2 tickets JFK-MAD one way in J on IB, 34k Avios pp (15.3¢/point).
2022: 2 tickets FCO-LHR-JFK one way in J on BA, 60k AS miles pp (8.5¢/point).
Great stuff Jason! Let’s keep searching and flying!
Ben,
It may not be as "fun" for you as it once was. But I want to personally thank you. I am late to the game, and just started the credit card point "thing" in 2021. then I hopped on the business credit card bandwagon (Chase, AMEX, Barclay's (AA), Citi (AA) and B of A (AS). Since that time I have cashed on Business (and First) travel to Morocco, Italy, France (for the Olympics) and...
Ben,
It may not be as "fun" for you as it once was. But I want to personally thank you. I am late to the game, and just started the credit card point "thing" in 2021. then I hopped on the business credit card bandwagon (Chase, AMEX, Barclay's (AA), Citi (AA) and B of A (AS). Since that time I have cashed on Business (and First) travel to Morocco, Italy, France (for the Olympics) and five trips to South Africa (including a return in March) on various airlines. All this thanks to you. Keeping fingers crossed this all lasts a bit longer.
Thank you again,
Rene
I will echo this, and add that OMAAT is the only travel blog out of what used to be a robust rotation that still remains a daily read for me (usually more than daily!), as several others have ensh*ttified themselves out of relevance. Yet OMAAT keeps chugging along, doing the Lord's work. It is much appreciated!
I would really value posts about good strategies for points redemptions for families. What routes/programs regularly release 4+ business class seats (versus 1 or 2) and when? Obviously families tend to be less flexible (school schedules are what they are). While I have redeemed some miles for business class family travel, those opportunities seem even fewer and more far between.
For 4 pax, book 2 with points and then the other 2 with cash.
I think for me for whom it has always been a side hobby, I probably will pack it in at some point. It's become too hard and complicated - I feel like rather than it being a reward, that gives you joy, this sense that you really something has been ruined and it increasingly feels like a chore. It's the behaviour of the likes of BA recently that really hit home that the game can...
I think for me for whom it has always been a side hobby, I probably will pack it in at some point. It's become too hard and complicated - I feel like rather than it being a reward, that gives you joy, this sense that you really something has been ruined and it increasingly feels like a chore. It's the behaviour of the likes of BA recently that really hit home that the game can be so easily upended. I guess it's different here in the UK - the US there's more room left still given the crazy card bonuses, but increasingly elsewhere it's not feeling worthwhile.
You may want to edit this: "I don’t think you understand just got good the deals were 15 years ago."
Post COVID, Brex, AmEx NLL offers, Platinum this and that including business (still going strong), AmEx business checking + bonus + card, Amex referrals (some still available), AmEx AU bonuses, Chase Inks + referrals, Simply Miles/AA offer and so on. Yeah, a lot has changed in just a year or so. A lot has dried-up. Most of you probably are like me, carded out. Thankfully retired and a few more years and rocking chair memories of a helluva run. Thanks
As someone also in the hobby for over 20 years, the game has completely changed. The amount of people chasing awards and the evolution of ever larger credit card sign-up bonuses have turned loyalty programs into credit card spending. The bonuses and perks used to be reserved for people who used the actual product, now it's about paying the AF for a fancy credit card.
The biggest change for me, and the reason why I...
As someone also in the hobby for over 20 years, the game has completely changed. The amount of people chasing awards and the evolution of ever larger credit card sign-up bonuses have turned loyalty programs into credit card spending. The bonuses and perks used to be reserved for people who used the actual product, now it's about paying the AF for a fancy credit card.
The biggest change for me, and the reason why I stopped chasing anything more than mid-level status, is the rise in transferrable miles from banks. That is the biggest game changer in the industry and gave rise to flexibility and dis-loyalty. The ability to use points to pay for flights and hotels when the points math doesn't work or awards are not available opens up a new world for the average customer and puts a floor on the value of points.
Two more IMO
Seats.areo and Point.me have also made things much more difficult, because “normies” can now easily find awards without knowing the game.
Airlines aren’t opening up availability to partners like they used to.
- I don't see status as less useful than before, I certainly value the ability to avoid queues and use decent lounges at major airports. Hotel status isn't that important, I usually don't need the best room in the building, and on the rare occasion that I do want something memorable I can pay for it.
- The 'upgrades for tens of dollars' thing hasn't been my experience. When was the last time you purchased...
- I don't see status as less useful than before, I certainly value the ability to avoid queues and use decent lounges at major airports. Hotel status isn't that important, I usually don't need the best room in the building, and on the rare occasion that I do want something memorable I can pay for it.
- The 'upgrades for tens of dollars' thing hasn't been my experience. When was the last time you purchased an upgrade on a flight within Africa or South America (KLM might sell you something on their EZE-SCL segment if you're lucky, good luck with basically anything else).
- Lucrative credit cards are really only a thing within the USA. The UK must be easily among the top 5 credit card markets in the world, and the biggest global airline alliance doesn't even have one co-branded card here. Another example: this blog keeps mentioning LifeMiles. The sign-up bonus for the LifeMiles Visa card in its home market of Colombia is just 7500 miles- probably can't even go as far as PTY on that.
-Outsize value is still pretty easy to obtain, but you won't get anywhere near it if you've got a couple of children and/or a need to travel on fixed dates.
You're obviously giving an account from the perspective of your personal experiences with miles and points, and those experiences are valid and indeed interesting to discuss, but it seems rather naive to assume that your own experience is representative of people who are into this hobby.
It's true that LM credit card bonuses and overall LM generation in Colombia is way more modest compared to the US, but LM still offers value for its local members. For example, I have found basic economy tickets from YYZ-LIM via BOG for ~5500 LM plus taxes (yes, five thousand five hundred approximately), one way. I've also bought 50 USD business class upgrades for relatives flying BOG-PTY with CM (which is much cheaper than paying...
It's true that LM credit card bonuses and overall LM generation in Colombia is way more modest compared to the US, but LM still offers value for its local members. For example, I have found basic economy tickets from YYZ-LIM via BOG for ~5500 LM plus taxes (yes, five thousand five hundred approximately), one way. I've also bought 50 USD business class upgrades for relatives flying BOG-PTY with CM (which is much cheaper than paying for a seat assignment and a checked bag).
Hey Lucky - I didn’t think you were that much of a drinker?
You’re missing an “o” below…
Perhaps the clearest example of how much less fun miles & pints have become is a look at my post with 10 amazing award redemptions from back in the day.
There are more ways to earn redeemable miles but one will needs to be flexible to get the most of these miles. Status can now be earned with credit card spending but status will offer less benefits often from a practical standpoint. There's been good things and negative things but the days of getting top elite status for under $5K and getting almost automatic domestic upgrades for top elite status are never coming back.
Trump can put an end to this madness with 2 EOs:
-Credit card interchange fees capped at 0.15%.
-Miles and points are taxable income.
You must be trolling. The first one would outright kill the cash back/points and miles system, and thus widespread credit card use. And as Ben is fond of telling us, US airlines wouldn't survive without their lucrative loyalty programs fueled primarily by credit cards.
Who is truly a participant in the hobby and makes such a comment?
Absolutely. Miles and points earned while flying for work (or any OPM) should be taxable income.
When you see obscene amounts of points given out for "spend" on an OPM ticket, it inflates prices for everyone else.
Time to tax those who don't pay for their tickets!
In 1989, two first class round-trip tickets on Pan Am from SFO to CDG . . . sitting next to Bette Davis. 100k points. Those were the days.
1989 "first class" was like 2025 Premium Economy.
Not the soft product. Endless champagne , chateau briand , and Beluga caviar was like tap water. Today the good caviar is gone everything is farm raised. And there were many many 747s.
Did you ever fly on Pan Am? In first class? By your comment, I doubt it. Pan Am was a whole different animal.
I no longer travel for work these days, so the incoming stream of points and miles has gone down quite a bit. And I made the mistake of trying to save onto some of them for something big. Now when I want to book something nice I find it's just not there. I'm looking at doing a trip to Peru and I can't make anything work with business or first class. But I can just...
I no longer travel for work these days, so the incoming stream of points and miles has gone down quite a bit. And I made the mistake of trying to save onto some of them for something big. Now when I want to book something nice I find it's just not there. I'm looking at doing a trip to Peru and I can't make anything work with business or first class. But I can just book it outright on LATAM for $2k RT and so I'll probably just go that way. If the landscape on credit cards fees change, then I think even the card market will somewhat dry up. One of the reasons why I'm thinking of scaling back certain cards when their fee hits (amex plat is at the top of that list).
I remember the days when FF awards booked into full F and Y buckets, and you almost always could score an upgrade as AAdvantage Gold. The flip side was that all mileage was earned “butt in seat” or at the rate of 1 mile per dollar spent on a credit card. You had to buy the stickers for domestic upgrades and they weren’t cheap.
A big difference for me in the last 5-7 years is a lot more buying of points. Lifemiles. Alaska (via Hawaiian last time), aeroplan etc.
Great post Ben, personally I never chased the possible dream of finding a great route or hotel to maximise my points, for me at the beginning it was the chase of status and the perks associated with it, the reward flights were very boring for me with mostly the same holiday destinations but being able to have paid leave from work and utilise points paid for by my employer to book flights and hotels is...
Great post Ben, personally I never chased the possible dream of finding a great route or hotel to maximise my points, for me at the beginning it was the chase of status and the perks associated with it, the reward flights were very boring for me with mostly the same holiday destinations but being able to have paid leave from work and utilise points paid for by my employer to book flights and hotels is great. But the last 12 years I’ve achieved life status in BA and Hilton so the need to obsess with staying loyal is diminished and my tastes have changed, I gravitate to boutique hotels and prefer small independents rather than corporate establishments for my holidays. Of course I still fly for work, I am gutted about the changes BA made as 2 years shy of GGL for life is now out of reach so gold will have to do, I am working on VS g4L but 4 years shy so might be able, but again I really don’t know why I switched, I suppose it’s the thrill of reaching a tier but there is little motivation and a lot of sacrifices in doing so. Let’s see how things change when more airlines move to revenue based tier collection and dynamic pricing takes hold within the hospitality industry as a whole.
What drew me to the hobby was definitely the more aspirational awards, and that is still what I prefer. But they can still provide immense value. A relative of an in law passed unexpectedly this weekend, and I had to get 2 people from a smallish town in Louisiana to Chicago at the very last minute. $1,200 was perhaps the cheapest cash fair available for 2. It was a rough itinerary, with stops in Dallas...
What drew me to the hobby was definitely the more aspirational awards, and that is still what I prefer. But they can still provide immense value. A relative of an in law passed unexpectedly this weekend, and I had to get 2 people from a smallish town in Louisiana to Chicago at the very last minute. $1,200 was perhaps the cheapest cash fair available for 2. It was a rough itinerary, with stops in Dallas and Houston, and I had to book the legs separately, but I got it done. Through a combo of Amex points, to Hawaiian, to Alaskan for an American Airlines flight. To then using Amex to Air Canada for booking a United flight, it cost me 29,000 Amex points and maybe $100. I was just so happy to be able to help and grateful for the airlines and card companies that made it possible. It’s just a good feeling to get the most value out of the miles and makes all the reading of sites like this feel worth the time! As an aside, I feel old, but I did a quick check for bereavement fares, and I didn’t realize, but neither American or United seem to offer them anymore.
Let's see... "It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times!?" You stupid monkey!
@Connor; you are simply a jerk.
the GOAT simpsons episode
But there still are deals to be made. Nowadays people are just a bit more savvy, and more importantly, quite a few deals don't make it to the bulletins anymore - mainly thanks to all the blogs that largely just copy and paste from FT & co.
I did a mileage run from zero to United 1K in 2023. Total cost were some measly 1700USD, and only four segments on United.
Thats pretty cool! Some basic details?
I just scored the Red Sea suite at the Jeddah Edition for 2 nights using 68,000 points and 2 NUAs.
One of the most repeated tropes on the Marriott subreddit is how great BONVOY is outside the US. So yes, hotel-wise it’s very dependent on which part of the world you’re in.
While Marriott hotels and Bonvoy benefits are indeed generally much better outside of the US, it is also much harder for non-US consumers to earn points due to the lack of co-branded credit cards.
These super easy to earn points from the US are unfortunately ruining the program for others.
For example, I stayed around 110 nights at Marriott in 2024 and ‘only earned barely over 200.000 points. Points earned through US credit...
While Marriott hotels and Bonvoy benefits are indeed generally much better outside of the US, it is also much harder for non-US consumers to earn points due to the lack of co-branded credit cards.
These super easy to earn points from the US are unfortunately ruining the program for others.
For example, I stayed around 110 nights at Marriott in 2024 and ‘only earned barely over 200.000 points. Points earned through US credit cards should IMO only be redeemed for crappy US properties.