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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:
This Week Marks 20 Years in Points and Miles!
It’s been 20 years since TPG started redeeming points and miles for travel. What began as a hobby — and a family trip to Grand Cayman he planned as a teenager — has since evolved into TPG.com and brought Brian Kelly to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Maximizing Ultimate Rewards with Chase Freedom, Sapphire and Ink Plus
The Chase Trifecta — comprised of the Chase Freedom, Sapphire and Ink Plus cards — is one of the best credit card combos out there for maximizing spending on purchases ranging from travel and dining to your phone bill each month.
GoPro Review: Cathay Pacific 777-300ER First Class — Ho Chi Minh City to JFK
Check out TPG’s first-ever GoPro Review for a look at the Cathay Pacific first-class experience on his latest flight to New York from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The 19-hour journey came with sweet perks like in-flight Champagne and caviar service.
Exciting New Airline Routes for January 2016 and Beyond
January was a great month for flyers with new flights from Los Angeles, seasonal service to New England and the introduction of new aircraft like the A380 and A350 on existing flights to the US. Check out the full list to see where you can travel in 2016.
TPGtv Launches Monday, February 1!
TPGtv is almost here: Starting Monday, February 1, you’ll be able to follow The Points Guy as he explores the jungles of Rwanda, sails through Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, and travels the world using points and miles as part of his new weekly program. Never miss an episode: Click here to subscribe to TPG on YouTube.
In Other News…
Airlines are Offering Refunds on Travel to Destinations Affected by the Zika Virus
The Zika virus outbreak in Latin and South America has recently become a public health issue, and the CDC has expanded its alerts for American travelers visiting the region. In response to the news and continued spread, American, Delta, United and other carriers have begun issuing refunds for travelers scheduled to visit the impacted areas. Each carrier is managing policies differently, so check with your airline to see if you’re eligible.
Alaska Airlines Announces Rebranding in 2016
Alaska Airlines will begin revamping its brand throughout 2016 with new visual updates on the plane’s liveries, as well as on the ground at airports and online. For a hint of what’s to come, visit the airline’s website, which is already sporting the new design.
American Airlines Brings Its 777-300ER to a New Route
American Airlines will begin flying its flagship aircraft to Buenos Aires starting in April, pulling the plane from its current home of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The three-class cabin is typically reserved for the airline’s flagship routes, like flights to London or Hong Kong from the US.
JetBlue Offers New TrueBlue Members Bonus Points for Signing Up
Not yet a member of JetBlue’s frequent flyer program, TrueBlue? Now’s the perfect time to sign up — if you enroll in the program through this page and fly by March 14, 2016, you’ll earn 3,500 bonus points.
Win a Free Flight to Abu Dhabi on Etihad’s A380
Etihad recently launched its flagship A380 flight to New York, sporting luxury features like The Residence. Now the airline is offering a chance to win a free flight from the Big Apple. Visit Etihad’s Facebook page for details on how to enter.
With great travel benefits, 2x points on travel & dining and a 50,000 point sign up bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great card for those looking to get into the points and miles game. Here are the top 5 reasons it should be in your wallet, or read our definitive review for more details.
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred named "Best Credit Card for Flexible Travel Redemption" - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, June 2018
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $625 toward travel
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
