Inside Cathay's New A350, a 60K Citi AAdvantage Offer, Monthly Valuations, and More
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here – Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, United MileagePlus Explorer Card
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 60K Miles with the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
If you like flying on American Airlines and are looking for a way to boost your AAdvantage account balance, check out this increased sign-up offer from the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard. You can earn 60,000 miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.
What Are Points & Miles Worth? June Monthly Valuations
Learn all about what your points and miles are worth in TPG's valuations for June 2016. Several programs announced significant positive changes, which shook up some things, but didn't mean much in terms of this month's results.
Inside Cathay Pacific's Brand New Airbus A350
Cathay Pacific just took delivery of its first A350 this week, and while it'll only be flying in Asia for now, the airline has released a slew of photos for us to feast on. Check out the economy and premium economy cabins in one of the world's most exciting new aircraft.
Maximizing Stopovers and Open Jaws on Award Tickets in 2016
Knowing all the details of a carrier's frequent flyer program rules can be extremely beneficial to you as a traveler. Here's how to take advantage of stopovers and open jaws on award tickets so you can visit additional destinations at no extra cost.
Earn Up to 70,000 Bonus United Miles with This Targeted Offer
This week we saw not one, but two increased sign-up bonuses from the United MileagePlus Explorer Card. There's a public offer which awards you 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months after account opening, as well as a targeted 70,000-mile offer (the same spending requirement applies). Here's what you need to know about both offers.
In Other News...
Starwood Clarifies Rules for Transferring Points
Starwood outlined two new restrictions for transferring Starpoints this week, the first being that you can only transfer Starpoints in increments of 1,000 points — a fairly minor change, but it could still be inconvenient for anyone with a smaller number of points left over after a redemption. SPG also clarified something a bit more consequential — you can't transfer Starpoints to another account as a way of getting around the maximum of 30,000 Starpoints points that you can purchase per year.
KLM Will Phase Out Its Fleet of 747s
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will join the ranks of carriers retiring their Boeing 747s, a move that will surely disappoint aviation enthusiasts. No specific details as to the timeline of the retirement have been released yet, so we'll probably be seeing these aircraft in the skies for at least a little while longer.
Etihad's New First Class Lounge Opens in Abu Dhabi
This week, Etihad Airways shared details and photos of its new First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi, sure to be one of the most opulent in the world, boasting a cigar lounge, fitness room, Six Senses Spa and many other luxurious amenities.
Save up to 40% with Silvercar's Latest Promo
Silvercar recently released a new promotion offering 30% off for existing users and 40% off for new users when you book your next rental by June 15.
Save on Business-Class Awards to Europe with FlyingBlue
Air France and KLM's FlyingBlue program is offering 25% off business-class award flights from Boston (BOS) and Montreal (YUL) to Europe.
Transatlantic Flights on Virgin Atlantic Will No Longer Earn KrisFlyer Elite Miles
Singapore Airlines notified customers this week of a change in elite-qualifying earning on Virgin Atlantic flights. You'll no longer be able to earn KrisFlyer Elite Miles for flights between Europe and the Americas operated by Virgin Atlantic, however you can still earn KrisFlyer Elite Miles on all other flights in the Virgin Atlantic network.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.