What's on Tap? A Look Ahead at the Holiday Week
On Saturdays we take a look back at the stories of the past week, but Sundays are about the future! With so much going on in the world of travel, it's not easy keeping track of everything. So here's a quick glance at some important events and deadlines coming up this week...
Monday, December 19, 2016
With the Alaska/Virgin America merger now official, starting on Monday you'll be able to book Virgin America tickets on Alaska's website. You'll also earn Alaska miles on Virgin flights and vice versa, so if you have any upcoming travel on either airline, it'll be a good day to review your reservations and update your frequent flyer mileage numbers. You can read more questions and answers about the merger here.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
If you're still shopping for holiday gifts, Tuesday is the last day to earn up to 1,500 bonus miles through the American, United, and Alaska shopping portals. Since last-minute holiday shopping is on many folks' to-do lists, this is a great chance to pick up some extra miles for purchases you're already planning to make. Our guide to maximizing holiday purchases with shopping portals explains how.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
By Wednesday people will start wrapping up their workweek early to head home for the holidays, and airlines and highways will fill up quickly. Read our "Five Tips For Surviving Holiday Travel" for ways to handle the stress if you find yourself flying on the Crying Baby Express.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Thursday is the last day to take advantage of the lucrative $10 Visa Checkout Starbucks offer. If you're java-obsessed and haven't already gotten your free $10 Starbucks eGift card, make sure you do it before this great offer expires.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Finally, if your travel plans include a trip to China in the near future, you can get a $50 discount off the processing fee for a 10-year Chinese visa with Allied Passport, but your application has to be submitted by Friday. Don't forget to write "The Points Guy" in the Allied referral box to receive the $50 off.
Happy holidays and safe travels this week!
Featured image courtesy of Cookies III via Wikimedia Commons.
TPG featured card
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| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
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- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees