Devaluation after devaluation, 8 TPG staffers share their favorite award redemptions that are still around
While we've seen regular credit card transfer bonuses and increased sign-up bonuses in 2023, this year has also had widespread award devaluations. Within the last couple of months, Etihad Airways slashed all partner sweet spots, Virgin Atlantic spiked award rates on some premium-cabin ANA awards and Alaska Airlines increased Japan Airlines awards by up to 100%, to name a few.
So, after so many devaluations, eight TPG staffers weigh in with their favorite award redemptions that are still around.
Here are some of our favorite, reliable uses of points and miles.
Flying Blue promos and upgrades
Every month, Air France-KLM Flying Blue releases Promo Rewards. Brian Kelly, The Points Guy founder, booked four business-class awards from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for 41,250 miles each. And as he points out, there are routine transfer bonuses to Flying Blue.
The current one-way economy-class Promo Rewards start at 11,250 miles on routes like Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Prague Airport (PRG). When you factor in the current 25% Flying Blue transfer bonus from American Express Membership Rewards (transfer bonus ends May 22) and Chase Ultimate Rewards (transfer bonus ends May 15), you can transfer just 9,000 points to book these awards — that's a bargain for a transatlantic flight.
Flying Blue also recently added free stopovers to its award tickets. I booked a one-way KLM business-class ticket from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for 95,000 miles. Thanks to the stopover, which requires calling Flying Blue to book, I'll spend a couple of days in Amsterdam to get over jet lag before continuing to India — or, put differently, the Flying Blue stopover lets you visit two cities for the price of one.
Related: Quick Points: Use Flying Blue's hidden calendar search tool to find better award tickets
Using airline miles for domestic flights
Scott Mayerowitz, our executive editor, has gone back to the basics of using domestic airline programs to book simple domestic economy tickets for his family. After all, most domestic awards allow you to change or cancel flights without any fees.
While he acknowledges this isn't always the best way to stretch airline miles, he puts a high price on flexibility these days. It's even a great way to book some backup flight options.
Clint Henderson, our managing editor for news, also has been using his airline miles for domestic flights. On a recent trip to Alabama, Clint had the choice of booking an economy-class ticket for $500 or 42,000 Delta Air Lines SkyMiles. Instead, he booked first class for 49,000 SkyMiles.
Related: How Delta SkyMiles fit into my points and miles strategy
Using miles to upgrade
Scott booked five one-way economy-class tickets from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) via Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) on Hawaiian Airlines for $424.41 each. He then applied 50,000 HawaiianMiles to each ticket to confirm lie-flat business-class upgrades to Honolulu and first class for the short hop to Maui. Better yet, Scott transferred his American Express Membership Rewards points to HawaiianMiles during a 20% transfer bonus promotion in September.
It's highly unlikely he would have ever found five award tickets (or even one) in a premium cabin on another airline (he tried).
And Scott isn't alone. Clint observes that buying economy or premium economy on Air France or KLM can be a great value, while using 30,000 Flying Blue miles can be a great way to upgrade to business class with no taxes or fees.
Related: Here's how to use airline miles for a first-class upgrade
Short-haul redemptions
Short flights can be a superb way to redeem travel rewards, too.
As senior writer Ben Smithson suggests, you can still use 4,750 British Airways Avios plus 17.50 British pounds (around $22) for British Airways short-haul flights up to 600 miles in distance (i.e., flights from London to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Paris, etc.). As Ben says, "It's still one of the best redemption deals in the industry."
In addition, before booking your next United Airlines domestic flight, check award availability on Avianca LifeMiles and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles. If award space is available, these programs tend to charge fewer miles than United MileagePlus — and they also partner with a number of transferable credit card currencies.
Related: Your ultimate guide to searching award availability for the major airlines
Transatlantic Iberia business class
Iberia has some appealing award rates for its business-class routes to Europe.
Director of content Nick Ewen booked a round-trip Iberia business-class flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) via Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) for 103,000 Iberia Plus Avios plus around $400 in taxes and fees. Had he ended his travels in Madrid, the flight would've been just 85,000 Avios for the round trip.
Brian is also a big fan of Iberia's low award rates to Europe. In March, he used around 42,000 Avios plus $40 per person to book six one-way business-class Iberia awards from JFK to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto, Portugal, via Madrid.
Off-peak East Coast flights to Madrid (between 3,001 and 4,000 miles) cost just 34,000 Iberia Plus Avios and around $120.
Related: One of the best award flight sweet spots is now easier to book
Dodging resort fees at Hyatt properties
Zach Griff, one of our senior reporters, points out that the World of Hyatt program continues to provide lots of value. Even though Hyatt increased award prices at over 200 hotels earlier this year, you don't pay resort or destination fees on most Hyatt award stays. At some properties, this can save you $50 (or more) per night.
Additionally, top-tier Globalist members are exempt from parking charges on most award stays. Hyatt's award stays start at just 3,500 points per night for off-peak Category 1 redemptions.
Related: 5 easy ways to maximize Hyatt award redemptions
High-end Oneworld redemptions
Senior credit cards editor Matt Moffitt is a big fan of Qantas' lie-flat seat, delicious food and comfy pajamas. When saver award space is available, you can book Qantas business class from the U.S. to Australia for 55,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles or 80,000 American AAdvantage miles. You can add domestic connections on each side with award space for no extra miles.
Matt also likes the fantastic dine-on-demand food options and professional customer service offered in Qatar's private Qsuite. You can book the Qsuite to Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, for 70,000 British Airways Avios or 70,000 AAdvantage miles when business saver space is available.
Moreover, when you book a connecting flight in business class to a Gulf country, the short-haul flight is marketed as first class, so you can enjoy the ultra-exclusive Al Safwa first-class lounge during your connection in Doha.
There's one final luxury Oneworld redemption that Brian recommends: For 80,000 AAdvantage miles, you can book Japan Airlines first class from the U.S. to Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND).
Related: 9 amazing first-class seats you can still book with points and miles
Bottom line
With increases in award pricing and sweet spots going to the chopping block, it's easy to feel discouraged. That's why we recommend routinely redeeming the points and miles you earn, since travel rewards are depreciating assets.
While some might try and save enough points for a long-haul premium-cabin flight, a short-haul skip can also prove to be a solid way to save on airfare.
Either way, you can use this article for inspiration as you begin to map out your next trip.
TPG featured card
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.