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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
News
Top Travel Rewards Cards, American Introduces Premium Economy Cabin & More
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December 12, 2015 • 7 min read
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Quick summary
This weekly roundup highlights notable travel rewards news, including updates on top travel rewards cards, loyalty program valuations and new airline cabin offerings.
American Airlines is introducing a premium economy cabin on international flights, debuting with the 787-900 Dreamliner in late 2016.
Several limited-time promotions are available, such as discounted award redemptions with Iberia and bonus points for JetBlue and Delta loyalty program members.
Other updates include Air France's final 747 tribute flight, new business-class seats on United's 777-300ER and the ability to set Star Alliance award alerts via ExpertFlyer.
What to consider
Some offers and promotions mentioned may no longer be available, as noted in the article update.
Discounted award flights with Iberia are valid through December 31, 2015, and JetBlue's Emirates promotion requires booking and travel by specific dates.
Alaska elite status buy-up offers are targeted and may require contacting the airline if not received directly.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of current loyalty program point and mile valuations, plus specific tips for maximizing travel rewards and elite status opportunities.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Each Saturday, we round up news stories that you may have missed from the week before, including several that already appeared on The Points Guy, and some more that we haven’t covered yet. If you’re an avid TPG reader, scroll down for the new stuff. Here’s the top miles, points and travel news you may have missed this week:
In order to make the most of sign-up bonuses with travel rewards cards, you have to keep up with their ever-changing offers. To help you keep track, I share my top picks each month. The following cards earned a spot on my list for December. For more benefits and info on each, click here.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred 2. Ink Plus Business Card from Chase 3. Chase Freedom (No longer open to new applicants) 4. British Airways Visa Signature Card 5. Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express and the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express 6. The Blue for Business Credit Card from American Express 7. Citi Prestige
8. Platinum Card® from American Express 9. Citi Premier® Card 10. Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve
I'm often asked how much a point or mile is worth, and the truth is that this varies from loyalty program to loyalty program. I post my valuations each month to reflect what I think each airline and hotel currency is worth. This December, I lowered my valuation for Aeroplan, and while Ultimate Rewards is losing a transfer partner this month, I left it unchanged for the moment. Read the full post here for more details.
AA will be the first US-based carrier to offer a dedicated cabin for premium economy.
AA will soon be the first US-based carrier to offer a dedicated premium-economy cabin on international flights. This new cabin will debut in late 2016, when AA takes delivery of its first 787-900 Dreamliner. In addition to more legroom, the premium-economy cabin perks will include more spacious seats, enhanced dining, noise-reducing headphones, amenity kits and more.
If you have a lower-than-ideal Uber rating, you run the risk of being declined for rides, or even being booted from the service completely. TPG Contributor (and former Uber driver) JT Genter shares some tips for improving your rating. To get started, click here.
Pick up one of these great gifts for that special traveler in your life. Big-ticket items include our favorite noise-canceling headphones and a great camera from Sony, while we also recommend plenty of stocking stuffers, such as luggage tags and in-flight skin savers. For the full guide, click here.
In Other News…
See Paris landmarks from above on the Air France 747 tribute flight. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Fly on Air France's Last 747 Flight
Air France will soon be retiring its 747 aircraft, and it's hosting a tribute flight to celebrate the 747's 45-year run. Passengers will enjoy a scenic flight leaving from Paris CDG over France’s landmarks, plus a business-class lunch and champagne for all passengers. Tickets cost 220 euros ($241) for the entire cabin.
Get emailed when Star Alliance flights have award or upgrade availability.
ExpertFlyer Now Offers Email Alerts for Star Alliance Award Availability
You can now set email flight alerts for ExpertFlyer to find out when award space or upgrades are available on Star Alliance flights. This service is already available on ExpertFlyer for many airlines, and it's extremely useful to have this information emailed directly to you. You can get a 5-day free trial of ExpertFlyer here.
You may be able to buy up to the next tier of Alaska's MVP elite status. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Buy Up to Alaska's MVP Status
Alaska is reportedly offering select members the chance to buy up to the next tier of elite status. If you haven't received an offer with prices, you can try calling the airline in January 2016 if you're worried you might not make the cut. Some elite members have reported that if they're short by 500 miles or less, they've been bumped up to the next tier. However, it seems that you'll need to pay if you're short by 500 to 5,000 EQMs. Rates vary depending on your status and how many EQMs you need.
United's new generation of business-class seats will debut on its upcoming Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in late 2016.
United To Debut Next-Generation Business Class on New Boeing 777-300ER
United's new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is coming at the end of 2016, and with it will come a new generation of business-class seats. There will be no first class on these planes; United seems to think that its BusinessFirst cabin is the future. While there aren't immediate plans to retire first class, the airline will be reducing the number of long-haul first-class flights, and it will not be adding first-class cabins to new deliveries. Hey, at least United is considering offering pajamas in its new business class.
Get 25% off select Avios redemptions on Iberia.
25% Off Avios Redemptions with Select Iberia Flights.
Through December 31, 2015, you can get 25% off select Iberia award flights when you redeem with Avios. Most of the available flights are to or from Madrid, with additional destinations in Europe, Central America and South America.
Save on Emirates and earn TrueBlue points.
Get JetBlue TrueBlue Bonus Points Plus Discount When Flying Emirates
TrueBlue members who register and book select round-trip Emirates flights by February 2, 2016 and fly before April 30, 2016 can get a discount and earn up to triple JetBlue TrueBlue points. The bonus amounts and discounts are as follows:
$1,000 off first-class fares and earn triple TrueBlue points
$500 off business-class fares and earn double TrueBlue points
$50 off economy-class fares and earn double TrueBlue points
You must book you flight using the promo code USJET16 and make sure to choose TrueBlue as your loyalty program of choice when booking.
Earn bonus miles for using non-airline Delta partners.
Get 1,000 Bonus SkyMiles
You can earn a one-time bonus of 1,000 Delta SkyMiles by using the services of two or more participating non-airline partners by February 29, 2015. Eligible partners include:
Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards from American Express in the U.S.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
