Coronavirus cases skyrocket on stranded cruise ships; DOT says airlines cannot deny cash refunds, and more
Every Saturday, we round up the top miles, points and travel news that you might have missed on TPG this week. Here's what you need to know:
Sign up for the TPG newsletter for more tips, insights and travel news
Coronavirus cases skyrocket on board stranded cruise ships

As of Thursday, 189 people from the Holland America Zaandam had exhibited flu-like symptoms. The Zaandam, along with numerous other cruise ships, has been stranded at sea for weeks as multiple ports have refused her entry, citing concerns over the sick passengers on board.
The ship, along with Holland America's Rotterdam, was allowed to dock in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday. Chartered flights will ferry healthy passengers home.
Related: See all of TPG's coronavirus coverage here
Department of Transportation: Airlines cannot refuse cash refunds for canceled flights

There's been a lot of debate on this topic, but the DOT has always been clear: Passengers whose flights are canceled can demand their money back.
Related: Why you should wait until the last minute to ask for a refund
No, Southwest didn't devalue its rewards program overnight

It has to do with the tax waiver that was issued to help bail out struggling airlines.
Chase Sapphire Reserve issues $100 annual credit fee for existing customers

This will help offset that increase in the annual fee this year.
Related: Here's why I'm keeping my Chase Sapphire Reserve
What happens to credit cards when a cardholder dies?
Credit card debt doesn't disappear when a cardholder dies, so here are some precautions everyone should take to leave their loved ones in good hands.
Should I downgrade my premium credit cards?

We have your pros-and-cons list.
5 ways coronavirus will change travel

Not all is doom and gloom: As a silver lining, a number of destinations are healing from overtourism.
The easiest 7,500 points I will earn all year

Groceries are the secret weapon. And here's your definitive guide to online grocery services.
Alaska and American Airlines announce full reciprocal mileage earning

Royal Air Maroc also joined the Oneworld family.
Airline change and cancellation policies — a complete list

Here's what you are and aren't entitled to claim.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.


