Fly first class Emirates from 52,000 miles, a $99 Manhattan mattress run and more
Each 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.
Vote for the 2019 TPG Awards winners, earn some sweet swag for yourself
You scream, I scream, we all scream for — err, free travel goodies. Wanna attend this year's VIP black-tie gala, win $500 worth of airline credit or score a two-night hotel stay on TPG's dime? Just click here to tell us which credit cards, airlines and hotels hold your loyalty. It'll take you 27 seconds. I know this, because I voted myself.
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Alaska cuts AA redemption partnership
Alaska and AA are going to be less chummy come March. The airlines announced that the carriers will continue to partner with each other, but earning and redemption opportunities will be reduced significantly.
Delta Amex adds major benefits, tweaks a few things
American Express has been stepping up its game on the credit card benefits front of late. Delta co-branded Amex credit cards will gain some perks come Jan. 30, 2020 — but most will cost slightly more with an annual fee adjustment as well. Amex added benefits on many of its other cards a couple of weeks ago.
Does Delta plan to move in on Beijing and Miami?
It was a big week for Delta. Immediately following last week's 20% stake in Latin American airline LATAM, the Atlanta-based carrier made headlines for eyeing space in Beijing's humongous new airport, as well as in Miami to bolster its new routes through LATAM.
Meanwhile, American Airlines — which turned its back on erstwhile partner LATAM after it switched loyalties to Delta — plans to beef up capacity on its three key routes to Latin America out of Miami.
Why buying miles or using cash makes sense sometimes
Here at The Points Guy, we're all about the points and miles — for free, if we can get them. But every now and then, we do advocate using cash to purchase miles when it makes sense, or even first-class flights if one finds the deal of the century.
Interested in similar exclusive content? Check out the TPG Lounge on Facebook
Fly Emirates A380 first class for 52,000 miles
You haven't truly traveled until you shower in mid-air... right? If you're looking for an affordable way to check Emirates Airlines's A380 first class off of your bucket list, check out this last-minute deal. Bonus: You can transfer points from your choice of three major partners: Amex, Chase or Capital One.
Tired of carpe diem? How big bus tours can save the day.
Guess what: TPG Family's Summer Hull thinks big bus tours are "kinda awesome." She's right, and here's why.
This Manhattan hotel has a hidden $99 room option that you have to book at the bar
Or if you're here for the original content, this is also how — and where — you can book Manhattan's cheapest mattress run.
You've got less than a year left to get your hands on a REAL ID
Here's your official warning: If you don't already have one, you've got less than a year to get yourself a form of identification that will pass REAL ID requirements, which go into effect on Oct. 1, 2020.
Headed to Austin City Limits this week or next? Here's what you need to know.
From scooters to free shuttle buses, there are plenty of ways to avoid dealing with parking in Austin over this popular music festival.
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.