TPG Talks episode eight: Advanced redemption tactics
In some cases, redeeming points and miles can be simple, but in many instances, it's quite complex. How do you find availability for premium-class flights? What's the best program to use to book those awards? And what are some advanced strategies for maximizing your loyalty rewards?
We attempted to answer these questions (and more) on this week's TPG Talks webinar, when Loyalty and Engagement Editor Richard Kerr joined me to discuss advanced redemption tactics. We shared some of our favorite strategies for making the most of your points and miles, then did a rapid-fire overview of key transfer partners from Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards.
If you're looking to learn more about maximizing your credit card rewards, check out the recording of this week's talk:
Show notes
- 2:00 - Fast Facts about What's Going on in Points and Miles
- 5:10 - The Power of Transfering Points
- 8:01 - Stopovers and Open Jaws
- 10:27 - Multiple Award Seats on the Same Flight
- 12:30 - Singapore KrisFlyer
- 16:00 - United MileagePlus
- 21:18 - Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 26:00 - Etihad Guest
- 30:50 - Air Canada Aeroplan
- 34:43 - Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- 39:06 - Iberia Avios
- 42:00 - All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- 46:42 - How Far in Advance Should You Search for Award Availability?
- 47:17 - Clarity Around Transfering Miles
- 48:11 - Turkish Miles and Smiles
- 51:55 - Avianca LifeMiles
- 55:09 - Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
- 58:35 - What is the Process for Booking an Award?
- 1:02:10 - Booking One Way vs. Roundtrip Flights
- 1:04:46 - How to Research What Non-Stop Flights are Available?
- 1:06:55 - Singapore KrisFlyer Fifth Freedom Routes
- 1:08:10 - Websites for Finding Availability By Airline Alliance
Follow-on reading and important links
- A guide to earning transferable points and why they're so valuable
- Maximizing stopovers and open jaws on award tickets
- How to beat limited award availability once and for all
- How to travel more for fewer miles with the United Excursionist Perk
- The ultimate guide to Etihad partners
- Turkish Miles & Smiles: Why you should care about the hottest frequent flyer program of 2020
- How to book cheap Delta awards with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- The best ways to maximize Air Canada's Aeroplan program
Bottom line
TPG Talks is a series of live webinars hosted by team members from The Points Guy, covering various aspects of the travel, credit card and loyalty industries. Join from anywhere in the world on any device to learn tips and tricks that'll get you closer to your next dream vacation.
For a list of previous sessions, visit our TPG Talks hub page, or click on any of the links below for individual recaps:
- TPG Talks #1: Online shopping portals
- TPG Talks #2: Under-the-radar loyalty programs
- TPG Talks #3: Future of cruising
- TPG Talks #4: Beginner's guide
- TPG Talks #5: Travel changes and cancellations
- TPG Talks #6: New era of flight deals
- TPG Talks #7: Credit card strategy
And if you haven't already be sure to sign up for our daily newsletter where we have lots of tips on award booking.
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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 |
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- 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
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 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
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