✈ Top Stories of the Week, Visit 2 Cities For the Price of One & More From TPG ✈ - The Points Guy

THE POINTS GUY

January 18, 2026

Top stories of the week

by Colin Hogan, Newsletter editor

Happy Sunday!

Maybe even the happiest of Sundays because, boy, has it been a week for points and miles geeks.

In case you missed anything, here’s your weekly recap:

Major breakthrough: You can now start earning the most valuable points on the market on your mortgage payment with these new credit cards!

This major U.S. airline is hinting at plans for “basic” business- and first-class fares.

And this other U.S. airline just made the big leap to twin-aisle planes for its exciting new international routes.

If you’re an American Airlines AAdvantage member, you may want to see which status perks are changing beginning March 1.

Here’s how artificial intelligence falsely pinned $2,200 of rental car damage on one couple.

This is your last chance to get the biggest miles bonus Capital One has ever offered on a card. Remarkable, right?

Well, guess what? It’s also your last chance to get the biggest points bonus Chase has ever offered on a card!

Phew, what a week.

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Today’s top stories

Airline stopover flights: A complete guide to maximizing your flight itinerary

Take advantage of airline stopover programs — some of which offer free hotel stays and tours.

The best adults-only cruises to try if you can’t stand being around kids on vacation

Here are four brands that are catering specifically to a grown-up crowd.

Boutique air carrier JSX knows where it wants to fly its spiffy turboprop planes next

JSX is planing new routes and destinations with its new fleet of premium ATR turboprops.

Atmos Ascent vs. Atmos Summit: Which is best for Alaska and Hawaiian flyers?

Which card is better for Alaska and Hawaiian flyers to collect Atmos Rewards points and receive benefits?

Monthly checklist: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using in February

There are numerous monthly perks and credits you should be using on your credit cards in January 2026.

The latest

1.	Citi Strata vs. Citi Strata Premier: Which earning rates come out on top?

2.	Swimming with Mount Fuji in the distance: A tranquil stay at Tokyo’s first JW Marriott hotel

3.	Azamara Cruises announces fleetwide renovation: Luxe suites, local cuisine and more

4.	Bilt introduces new simplified tiers for earning fee-free points on rent or mortgages, increases rate up to 1.25x

5.	Remember to select Marriott Annual Choice Benefits by Feb. 1: Here’s what to pick

6.	The US is back in the world’s 10 most powerful passports ranking

7.	Windstar Cruises debuts new yacht in Miami: Meet Star Seeker

8.	A very stylish stay in Soho: 5 things I loved about The Manner, bookable with Hyatt points

9.	Where to go in 2026: The 17 best places to travel

10.	Maine, Nova Scotia and the Rockies: United dials up summer travel in 14-route expansion

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