Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What's Next - Travel Tools

Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What's Next

Ben Schlappig — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:49:32 +0000

I’ve been obsessed with miles & points for over 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 done this in the past, but I think it’s time for an updated look, as it feels like some very clear trends are…

Continue reading: Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What’s Next

Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.

RE: Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What's Next

Kevin — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:12:01 +0000

The old game was: * Find loophole * Exploit loophole * Get ridiculous value * Fly Lufthansa First for $200 in taxes. The new game is: * Earn 300,000 points from Amex Biz Plat * Spend hours figuring out credits * Debate whether the points are worth more as travel or cash * Feel vaguely guilty whichever option you choose That’s not nearly as fun.

Kevin — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:12:01 +0000

RE: Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What's Next

Chris — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:06:29 +0000

It's also the only thing keeping the US Based airlines in business.

Chris — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:06:29 +0000

It's also the only thing keeping the US Based airlines in business.

RE: Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What's Next

Bossman — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:46:50 +0000

I don't know what the future holds, but for the moment miles and points remain a valuable tool for my family and I and we feel blessed and grateful to be able to experience a level of travel that goes well beyond our cash budget and well beyond what I experienced when I was growing up. I will admit to being very fortunate that a combination of my wife's small business spending and my own corporate travel has granted us points earning opportunities that not everyone has, but I also know many people with more points than I have that don't make much effort to understand their options and as a result get far less value. As a 1K I've even gotten what I consider to be quite a few good United redemptions in recent years -- for example, 2 tickets at 115K/ticket LAX-LHR earlier this year in Polaris, which I was pretty happy with, or even short trips like AUS - LAX in Y for 12.5K for an upcoming trip. Other recent examples include -- 4 Mint seats East Coast to LAX w/ Eithad (50K/ticket), short hops on AA from SoCal to PHX for 6K Eithad points + nominal taxes/fees, often available last minute for flights priced at $200-250 in Y (at those prices I will take the cancellation risk). 4 J seats LAX - NRT RT for next spring on SQ and JL (this one hurt a bit, bc it cost ~ 1M Capital One points RT but we got 4 seats in peak cherry blossom season). So while I agree there were clearly better arbitrage opportunities "back in the day" (I'm a bit older than you Ben, but not much -- although I sure wish I had had your expertise when I was in my 20s!) I'm a glass half full guy. One day (redemption) at a time :-)

Bossman — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 18:46:50 +0000

RE: Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What's Next

Throwawayname — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:32:38 +0000

Even $150 doesn't really move the needle on a redemption in the multiple tens of thousands (maybe even 100k+) of miles. Most European airlines charge €50-100, it's not quite the end of the w...

Throwawayname — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:32:38 +0000

Even $150 doesn't really move the needle on a redemption in the multiple tens of thousands (maybe even 100k+) of miles. Most European airlines charge €50-100, it's not quite the end of the w...

RE: Miles & Points: The Best Of Times, The Worst Of Times, And What's Next

Throwawayname — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:01:10 +0000

I'm sure that Icelandair are perfectly capable of serving champagne and lobster!