May Valuations, More Drama for US Airlines, American's Making Economy an Even Tighter Squeeze and More
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:
What Are Points & Miles Worth? May 2017 Monthly Valuations
Find out what your points and miles are worth in May and see why one program got its value knocked down this month.
Family Kicked off Delta Flight for Not Giving up Child's Seat
Delta was involved in another incident with passengers this week, where it removed an entire family from a flight. But, in this case, the airline isn't entirely at fault. Read about the whole incident here.
American Airlines Is Decreasing Legroom for Some Economy Passengers
More bad news for economy flyers — American is planning on decreasing legroom on some of its upcoming 737 MAX aircraft from 31 inches of pitch to 29 inches, further degrading the in-flight experience for economy passengers.
United Grows Presence in South America With New Route and Added Frequency
United's adding a new route from its hub in Newark (EWR) to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) and upping the frequency of its existing flight between EWR and Bogotá, Colombia (BOG). The second-daily flight to BOG will operate in the summer months, and the inaugural flight to EZE will come at the end of October 2017.
Best Uses of 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage Miles
Currently, two co-branded American Airlines credit cards from Citi are offering elevated sign-up bonuses. Here are some of the best ways to redeem the 60,000 AAdvantage miles you'll earn if you sign up for either of the cards.
In other news...
Earn 3,000 Bonus TrueBlue Points When You Sign Up for Amazon Prime
If you've been thinking about joining Amazon Prime, make sure you sign up through JetBlue between now and June 8, 2017 so you can take advantage of a promo that will give you 3,000 bonus TrueBlue points just for signing up.
British Airways Introduces 'Part Payment' Option for Flights
British Airways is making it a little easier for customers to pay for flights by introducing an option to book with a combination of Avios and cash. You can use as few as 1,250 Avios to discount the cash price of your ticket by $12.
Delta Amex Cardholders Can Receive Free Premium Drinks at Sky Clubs for a Limited Time
If you're a Delta Amex cardholder, Delta's offering you two complimentary premium drinks in its US Sky Clubs between now and May 14, 2017. Simply present your eligible card to the bartender and then enjoy your two free drinks.
Get a 25% Bonus When You Transfer Amex Points to JetBlue
From now until May 31, 2017, you'll receive a 25% bonus when you transfer Membership Rewards points to JetBlue's TrueBlue program. With the bonus, you'll get a transfer ratio of 1:1.
Double TrueBlue Points on Icelandair Flights Through Early July
JetBlue and Icelandair have a new partnership — and to celebrate, JetBlue is offering TrueBlue members double points on Icelandair flights through July 7, 2017. Be sure to include your TrueBlue number when you book through Icelandair.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended 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.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees