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.
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| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app


