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Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here – Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard, CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
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:
Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles with These Citi AAdvantage Cards
There are just a couple more days to earn an elevated sign-up bonus on both the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard and the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard. For both cards, you’ll get 50,000 American AAdvantage miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
Top 8 Ways to Fly to Asia in Business Class with Miles
Flights to Asia are some of the longest in the world, so it really pays to be in a premium seat. These eight business-class products should definitely be at the top of your list for your next trip to Asia.
What is Airline Elite Status Worth in 2016?
Elite status on an airline gets you more than just a nice luggage tag to show off. An immensely valuable perk for frequent flyers, the full range of elite status benefits can be worth more than $8,000.
AA’s Reduced Mileage Award for April-May 2016
American Airlines and Citi are currently offering reduced mileage awards at more than 50 airports around the US and Canada. Translation: You’ll be able to visit a variety of destinations ranging from Key West to Calgary for fewer miles.
Earning a Ton of AA Miles with a Premium Cabin Milage Run
American Airlines status can be quite valuable, but if you’re not a business traveler or otherwise flying weekly, it can be tough to earn. Luckily, there are a few ways to boost your earnings. Business and First Class tickets often earn multipliers on what you’d normally get — so if you find a cheap flight, you could easily secure status for the year.
In Other News…
Spirit Airlines Waives Baggage Fees for Active-Duty Military Members
Spirit is notoriously stingy, known for charging for every little thing from food and beverages to printing your boarding pass at the airline counter. Recently though, the airline began waiving baggage fees on up to two checked bags and a free carry-on for active-duty military personnel.
Lufthansa to Operate A350 to the US
Lufthansa’s A350 will begin operating flights between Boston and Munich starting in January 2017. The airline will have 25 aircraft and the first 10 will service flights in Munich.
Fly Hainan Airlines With Alaska Airlines Miles
Alaska Airlines has been expanding its Mileage Plan program with new partners like Icelandair and now Hainan Airlines. Beginning on March 30, Mileage Plan members will be able to book award travel on Hainan flights by using their Alaska Airlines miles. The carrier operates flights from cities including Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles to China.
Get a 50% Bonus When You Transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Virgin America
Amex and Virgin America are offering up to 50% extra points when you transfer 5,000 or more to Virgin America’s Elevate rewards program from Amex Membership Rewards. If you transfer 1,500-4,000 points, you’ll only get a 25% bonus. Keep in mind that Virgin America’s awards are based on revenue ticket prices, so the amounts awarded may vary. This offer may be targeted.
Earn a Status Match With Air Europa
SkyTeam member Air Europa recently launched its own rewards program for frequent flyers. The airline is matching status for Flying Blue members.
The Points Guy Assessment:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great pick for the beginner and the frequent traveler. The CSP has superb travel benefits, double points on certain purchases, and a 50,000 point sign up bonus. The $95 annual fee is waived the first year so this puts it as one of the less expensive cards, while still allowing you to earn one of the most valuable point currencies.
- 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 a 'Best Travel Credit Card' by MONEY® Magazine, 2016-2017
- 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.
