How I Used Points and Miles to Save Over $5,000 on Last-Minute Travel to SXSW
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Late each winter, Austin, Texas is taken over by the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals. The 10-day event has become a pop culture phenomenon, attracting sitting presidents, former vice presidents, top celebrities, emerging businesses and even The Points Guy. I'm speaking at SXSW this weekend but didn't confirm until recently, meaning already sky-high airline and hotel prices had by that time become simply unfathomable. Luckily, I was able to utilize various points and miles programs and a bit of luck to get $5,400 in airfare and a hotel stay for just $5.60. I'll break down my strategy as well as options still available if you're thinking about last-second travel to Austin.
Airfare
My Route from Washington (IAD) to Austin (AUS):
| Airline | Route | Revenue Fare | Miles Used |
|---|---|---|---|
American | IAD-DFW-AUS | $547.80 | 36,520 Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards |
United | AUS-IAD | $607.00 | 25,000 United miles +$5.60 |
I earned Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards with the Wells Fargo Visa Signature Card. They can be redeemed for airfare at a flat rate of 1.5 cents per point (or 1.75 cents per point after $50,000 in annual spend on the card). The great news is that the airline treats these fares as paid, so I'll earn both elite-qualifying and redeemable miles as well as elite-qualifying dollars. I'm an AAdvantage Executive Platinum member, and my upgrade has already cleared for the three-hour IAD-DFW leg, so I'll be flying in first class for free! Believe it or not, this was the best itinerary to choose from when I looked at a combination of cost and routing efficiency.
For my return flight to D.C., I was running out of luck as every mileage program and strategy I tried for award tickets yielded nothing but horrible value. Domestic programs wanted 50,000-plus miles for the one-way return. On my first search of United's award engine, I forgot to log in to my account and saw no convenient award flight options, even at the standard award price of 25,000 miles one-way. I then remembered the extra award space that's available to holders of the United MileagePlus Explorer Card and other co-branded United cards. After logging in to my account and searching again, YN fare code space was available on the nonstop AUS-IAD flight. Although it was at the standard 25,000-mile price, I was happy to pay that for a $600 flight, giving me a 2.4 cent-per-mile redemption value and a convenient nonstop flight home.
Options Still Available:
I searched award flight possibilities from Chicago, Los Angeles and New York with American, Delta and United over the course of SXSW. Below are a few of the good results and travel dates I found:
New York: LaGuardia-Atlanta-Austin, Austin-Atlanta-Newark, March 13-16 — 30,000 Delta SkyMiles
Chicago: Midway-Atlanta-Austin round-trip March 13-16 — 30,000 Delta SkyMiles
Los Angeles: Los Angeles-Houston-Austin, Austin-Los Angeles, March 12-17 — 25,000 United miles
New York: Newark-Houston-Austin, Austin-Houston-Newark, March 11-17 — 25,000 United miles
Los Angeles: Los Angeles-Austin, Austin-Phoenix-Los Angeles, March 13-17 — 32,500 AAdvantage miles
Not surprising is the lack of American Airlines award space at a reasonable price. Lately I've found it next to impossible to use AA miles to fly domestically unless I want to complete a one-stop, Wednesday mid-day itinerary.
If you have the Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN, it's another fantastic option thanks to the 50% points rebate on paid airfare booked through Amex Travel. For economy fares, you'll only receive 50% back if you book with your annually selected airline, but you'll receive 50% back on any paid business or first-class fare. This gives you 2 cents per point toward free airfare to get to Austin.
You can also look at flying into San Antonio (SAT) or Houston (IAH, HOU) and making the drive over to Austin. However, expect higher than usual rates for rental cars and parking during SXSW.
Hotel
My Room: King room at the Hyatt Regency Austin with Globalist benefits
Upon my initial search for hotel space on points, the only property I could find was the Hyatt Place Austin-North Central at a rate of 8,000 points per night — a great value compared to the $249 nightly revenue rate. I booked it to ensure I at least had a room and was happy with the redemption, even though the property is a bit out of the action.
A week later I halfheartedly searched for properties near downtown and was shocked when I saw the Hyatt Regency asking $904 per night! Imagine my further surprise when I found points availability for four consecutive nights over the opening days of SXSW. I booked four nights at 15,000 points apiece for a total of 60,000 points. The same room would have cost me $4,215.99 if I paid out of pocket.
Options Still Available:
The following hotels are in the general vicinity of downtown Austin, where most of the SXSW action occurs. The below chart lists the property and dates still available for award nights.
| Property | Dates | Points Required Per Night |
|---|---|---|
Hyatt Regency Austin | March 10-11, 16-19 | 15,000 |
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown | March 10-11 | 15,000 |
Residence Inn Austin-University Area | March 10-15 | 25,000 |
The Westin Austin Downtown | March 14-19 | 12,000 |
Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin | March 14-18 | 50,000 |
Holiday Inn & Suites Austin Downtown-University | March 14-19 | 30,000 |
I didn't find any Hilton properties available for less than 90,000 points per night; perhaps a result of the new way Hilton Honors award nights work.
Bottom Line
I hope that beginning my presentation in Austin by showing my air and hotel costs for the long weekend gets people's attention. Traveling during peak times is another great example of why it pays to diversify your rewards portfolio and have a working knowledge of several different airline, hotel and revenue-based rewards programs.
Are you traveling to Austin for SXSW using points and miles?
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.