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.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.