TPG readers' best award flight redemptions of 2019
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
It's that time of year again (can you believe it's mid-December already?!) We recently asked our TPG Lounge readers to share their best award flight redemptions of 2019. Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity).
Great trips around the U.S. and to Europe
From well-planned trips to the Hawaiian Islands to across-the-pond pilgrimages for NHL hockey games in Sweden, our TPG Lounge members certainly know how to cash in those hard-earned miles for a memorable trip.
"Zero out-of-pocket costs for a Delta premium economy ticket from Columbus (CMH) to Atlanta (ATL) to Los Angeles (LAX), with a pending upgrade to a Delta One Suite on ATL-LAX leg. [Scored a] $100 gift card from The Points Guy for submitting a story and put the rest on The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee. See rates & fees), so it was reimbursed with some of the annual $200 travel waiver. In my book, not too bad. Thanks TPG!" — Steph S.
"I used around 120,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points along with the Companion Pass to fly my wife and I from Denver (DEN) to Honolulu (HNL), HNL to Maui (OGG), OGG to Kona (KOA) and back to DEN this July. Worthwhile redemption for sure." — Kyle G. N.
"Booked four tickets round-trip from Seattle to London for 28,000 Delta SkyMiles per person in coach for May 2020. I don’t mind sitting in coach if it allows me to travel with my family. I have three adult children in their twenties and they still want to travel with us, so that’s a big score in my book." — Jackie F.S.
"70,000 Delta SkyMiles, plus $23 via Delta Vacations for two of us to fly round-trip from Boston to Paris in economy and spend five nights at the Maison Astor Paris (Curio Collection by Hilton). That double value promo plus incredibly low airfares this winter made this Paris trip one of my best budget redemptions ever." — Jon F.
"My boyfriend and I went to Sweden for the NHL Global Series. Two round-trip tickets from New York (JFK) to Amsterdam (AMS) to Stockholm (ARN) for 60,000 SkyMiles!" — MacKintosh B.
Adventures in Africa, Asia and the Middle East
Our TPG Lounge readers never fail to impress us when it comes to redeeming miles to fly long-haul in the best business and first-class products in the skies. Here's how some of them were able to fly in QSuites, Emirates first class, Etihad's Apartment, Singapore Suites, ANA first class and Cathay Pacific business class — all on points and miles.
"200,000 Alaska miles to fly Emirates first class from New York (JFK) to Dubai (DXB) to Nairobi (NBO)." — Jason L.
"118,000 miles per person transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards to fly one-way in first class on Singapore Airlines from Los Angeles to Tokyo to Singapore to see the cherry blossoms and taste some awesome food. On top of that, we got to sit next to James Corden. Totally worth the miles for almost 19 hours in flight altogether." — David O.
"70,000 AAdvantage miles to fly from San Francisco to Hong Kong to Singapore in business class on Cathay Pacific." — Danielle P.
"120[k] Chase Ultimate Rewards points on Singapore Airlines [to fly] from Phuket (HKT) to New York (JFK). HKT to Singapore (SIN) was in business class and from SIN to JFK was in Singapore Suites!" — Catherine S.
"Our first lie-flat and transfer/redemption experience for our Egypt trip. After 10 months of planning, I still can't believe it's already over. Every future flight will now be compared to the Qatar QSuites and found to be lacking. We transferred 70,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United and 55,000 American Express Membership Rewards points to Aeroplan to fly in Swiss Air business class to get to Europe. Then, used 70,000 AAdvantage miles per person to fly from Cairo (CAI) to Amman (AMM) in Royal Jordanian business class — loved the 787 Dreamliner — and flew in QSuites from Doha (DOH) to Boston (BOS) to get home." — Loren G.M.
"I used 218,000 miles per person for round-trip tickets in Singapore Airlines business class — transferred from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou points and Marriott Bonvoy points for a trip to the Maldives." — Shana G.
"140,000 AAdvantage miles to take my daughter from New York to Hong Kong to Beijing in business class on Cathay Pacific and 140,000 Alaska miles to fly Japan Airlines from Tokyo back to New York." — Paul L.
"100,000 AAdvantage miles to fly from Seoul (ICN) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) and back to ICN in Etihad Airways First Class, a.k.a., The Apartment. I had seat 2H on the way out and seat 1H on the return trip. The service was excellent and the lounge in AUH was the best I've seen." — Juan V.
"220,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points for two round-trip first-class tickets from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (NRT) to see the cherry blossoms. A long-time bucket list item checked off and we really enjoyed our first time in international first class. It was ANA booked using Virgin Atlantic miles. We had to book 11 months out, as soon as the seats were released." — Anthony I.
Epic flights to Oceania and beyond
Some of our intrepid TPG Lounge members mentioned how they were able to use award redemptions to fly to Melbourne or home from Perth, Australia, while another described his epic round-the-world points-and-miles adventure.
"70,000 Alaska miles for two people to fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL) in Qantas first class, so 15.7CPP [cents per point]." — Paul L.
"60,000 Alaska miles to fly from Perth (PER) to Los Angeles (LAX) in business class on Cathay Pacific. That is a long flight, even with a one-day layover in Hong Kong for that small amount of miles. And even though the CX 777s are getting a bit old, they are still comfy." — Sally W.S.
"An around-the-world trip, transferring 200,000 American Express Membership Rewards points to ANA: Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Taipei (TPE) to Shanghai (PVG) to Seoul (ICN) to Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (IST) to Buenos Aires (EZE) to Panama City (PTY) to Los Angeles (LAX). Carriers included EVA Air, Asiana, China Air, Singapore, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and (ugh) Copa — all were in business class or with lie-flat seats except Copa — the Copa seats were in business all right, but not all that! I scheduled three nights in each city, and maybe four nights in one or two, so I also used this trip to get myself elite status with Marriott Bonvoy." — Peter H.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Platinum Card, please click here.
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.