Hello from Florida! I’m spending this week in Florida visiting family, before a couple of big upcoming trips, as I’ll be out of the US for most of April (more details on that soon).
On the points and travel front, this week we learned about Amex’s plans to build a Centurion Lounge in Denver, IHG had a great sale on points, Alaska eliminated snack boxes in Premium Class, Iberia revealed their first A350 routes, and more.
With that out of the way, here’s a recap of this week on the blog:
Featured Stories
How To Maximize Value At Aman Resorts
One question I’m often asked if what my favorite hotel or hotel group is. Since most of my travel is funded through miles & points, I have my favorite brands that are bookable with points (St. Regis and Park Hyatt), though those aren’t true favorite brands if you take points out of the equation. Rather, Aman Resorts are by far my favorite resorts in the world.
I’ve been fortunate enough to stay at more than a handful of their properties over the years, and in the back of my mind I’m always dreaming of my next Aman stay. They’re that special. Unfortunately Aman doesn’t have a loyalty program, so in this post I wanted to talk about how to maximize value at Aman Resorts, and more.
A Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Worth 52,000 Miles In Your Choice Of Program
Through March 28, 2018, the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express is offering an increased sign-up bonus of 35,000 Starpoints. Specifically, you can earn 35,000 Starpoints after spending $7,000 within three months. We’ve never seen a bigger sign-up bonus on this card than 35,000 Starpoints upon completing minimum spend.
Personally I value Starpoints at ~2.2 cents each, so to me the sign-up bonus is worth ~$770, which is a huge value to get from a single bonus. What makes Starpoints so valuable is how flexible they are, as you can redeem Starpoints directly for hotel stays, transfer them to Marriott at a 1:3 ratio, or convert them into airline miles.
The 5 Personal Chase Cards Not Subjected To The 5/24 Rule (2018 Edition)
In 2016 Chase expanded what’s commonly referred to as the “5/24 rule.” I’ve received quite a few requests from readers asking for an updated list of which cards aren’t subjected to this rule (especially since a new one was just introduced a couple of weeks ago), so that’s what this post is about.
With Chase’s 5/24 policy, you typically won’t be approved for a card if you’ve opened five or more new accounts in the past 24 months. This is more of a general guideline than a strict rule, though. Here’s what you should know about 5/24:
TIPS: Earning Miles & Promos
New 50,000 Point Sign-Up Bonus On Ink Business Cash Card
The 5 Personal Chase Cards Not Subjected To The 5/24 Rule (2018 Edition)
Accor’s Limited Time “Stay 3, Pay 2” Offer
Why I’m Tempted To Acquire IHG Points For 0.45 Cents Each
Limited Dates: Amazing Aeromexico Business Class Fares From New York To Mexico City
Score A Huge Discount On Tumi Luggage By Stacking Two Deals
Choice Privileges Is Offering A Free Night After Every Two Stays
American AAdvantage’s Best Price On Purchased Miles Of The Year
A Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Worth 52,000 Miles In Your Choice Of Program
Great Aeromexico Business Class Fares To Asia (Earn Tons Of Delta MQMs & MQDs)
Buy IHG Rewards Club Points With A 100% Bonus
Score Huge Discount On Saks Fifth Avenue Purchase With Amex Offers
Aeroplan Members Can Soon Earn Miles For Amazon Purchases (Canada Only)
An Update On The Starbucks Chase Pay Promotion
TRICKS: Redeeming Miles
Good Deal: Citi ThankYou Is Offering A 30% Bonus On Points Transfer To JetBlue
Can You Redeem IHG Free Night Certificate At Kimptons?
Delta Rolls Back New Award Restriction… Again
Delta Adds New Three Day Advance Purchase Requirement On Non-US/Canada Award Tickets
TRAVEL With Ben (Lucky)
Not All American Airlines Asian Vegetarian Meals Are Created Equal…
The Longest I’ve Ever Had To Wait For A Credit Card Approval
How To Maximize Value At Aman Resorts
Why Does American Airlines’ Food Have To Be So Unhealthy?
REVIEWS & Trip Reports
Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class Lounge Sydney Airport
Review: Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge Sydney Airport
Review: Air New Zealand Lounge Sydney Airport
NEWS & Updates
Amex Plans To Build A Centurion Lounge In Denver
Fly Jamaica Airways Flight Attendant Arrested For Smuggling Cocaine Into The US
Cathay Pacific’s Hilarious New Ad Encourages You To Arrive Early To Enjoy Lounges
Here Are The Wines American Serves In Flagship Lounges
Air Tahiti Nui Will Begin 787 Service In November 2018
Air China’s Funky New Houston To Panama Flight Launches April 5, 2018
Virgin Atlantic Introduces Signature Scent, “AIR”
Iberia Reveals Routes & Configuration For New A350
Finally: United Suspends Their PetSafe Program
Ryanair Is Buying A 75% Stake In Laudamotion (Formerly Niki)
Cleveland Airport Gets A Priority Pass Restaurant!
Police Report Reveals How Pathetic Silver Airways’ “Security Policies” Are
Inside A Regional Pilot Couple’s NYC Home
Alaska Airlines Is Eliminating Snack Boxes In Premium Class
Traveling Thai Airways Economy? Refresh With Fragrant Toilet Water!
Guy Strips Down On Flight… And I Don’t Actually Care That His Reasons Are BS
Buying This Marriott Timeshare Comes With Citizenship
Air France’s Unusual New Ad Campaign
Man Claims To Have Found MH370 Wreckage On Google Earth
American Has Downgraded Their Flagship Lounge Champagne, And That’s Fine
FROM Our Guest Contributors
My (Mis)Adventure With A China Eastern Award: A Cautionary Tale
How To Use American’s Special Fares To Reach Elite Status Faster
Tips to Save Money When Visiting US National Parks
5 Incredible Places To Use Points For A Luxury Spring Break Getaway
Planning An International Family Trip Using Miles & Points
Case Study: Earning Miles For Specific Trips
3 Reasons Citi ThankYou Points Are Underrated
What It’s Like To Fly When You Have A Visual Impairment
Calculating The True Cost Of Award Tickets
Why British Airways Is In No Hurry To Improve Club World
An Aeroplan Sweetspot: Hopping Around Eastern Canada
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
Ha, I love the view at sveti stefan too man, just try amanoi, superlatives can have multiple referents in my language. Plus the hiking nearby along the coast in nui chua park is amazing, little natural beaches with no one else around.
Lucky, have fun with your family.
Consider reviewing the new and first UK-Australia flight, QF LHR-PER or PER-LHR. Also consider reviewing Scoot Airlines 787 (Singapore).