✈ Top Stories of the Week, How to Beat Devaluations & More From TPG ✈ - The Points Guy

THE POINTS GUY

May 3, 2026

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Top stories of the week

by Colin Hogan, Newsletter editor

Happy Sunday!

From a potential airline shutdown to the biggest-ever offer on one of our favorite premium cards, travel news was a whirlwind this past week. Here’s what you might have missed.

Huge news! Chase has dropped the biggest Chase Sapphire Reserve® bonus we’ve ever seen. For a limited time, new cardholders can earn a staggering 150,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That bonus is a whopping 25,000 points more than it was previously, and is worth a whopping $3,075 in travel based on TPG’s April 2026 valuations.

Meanwhile, another popular travel rewards card has refreshed its benefits. Here’s what has changed.

Spirit Airlines shut down operations after bailout plans unraveled. Major airlines are offering rescue fares to stranded passengers.

The longest partial government shutdown in history has finally ended, and TSA operations are business as usual.

But what’s even better news is that the agency has expanded the time-saving TSA PreCheck Touchless ID option to more than 60 airports!

“Basic” fares aren’t just spreading across airlines – they’re spreading across cabins too. Before you book one, here’s what you should know.

Historic moment! This U.S. airline just completed its inaugural flight to Europe (while flexing its new premium experience, to boot).

This palace in Budapest is now a luxury points hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy program – and it’s positively stunning!

Oh, and this new luxury points hotel in Greece has two private beaches and its own Greek patisserie.

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Earn 150,000 bonus points

Your dream destination awaits. For a limited time, new Chase Sapphire Reserve® applicants can earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening. Plus, receive valuable travel credits like a $300 annual travel credit and $500 annually toward The Edit stays.

Learn more

Today’s top stories

Devaluations are coming thick and fast right now — here’s what you need to know about how to protect yourself

Award prices are rising fast right now. Here's what a devaluation means for your points and miles and how to protect yourself.

How (and when) to dispute a credit card charge

What is a chargeback, and how can you utilize your credit card issuer protections to help in the case of unresolved merchant errors?

The best credit card welcome bonuses of May 2026

Make sure these elevated and limited-time credit card offers are on your radar this month, or you could end up missing out.

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

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

American Express Gold Card review: Best card for foodies

The Amex Gold Card is one of the best options for those who frequently spend on dining out and at U.S. supermarkets.

The latest

1.	Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Sapphire Reserve: Which is better for you?

2.	29 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night

3.	New program allows Lufthansa passengers to turn a Munich layover into a mini-vacation

4.	JetBlue moves quickly to fill Spirit’s gap, adds 11 routes from Fort Lauderdale

5.	Have the Chase Sapphire Preferred? You’re likely eligible for the Sapphire Reserve. Here’s how

6.	Spirit Airlines shuts down: What to know about refunds and consumer protections

7.	Major airlines offer rescue fares, backup options to stranded Spirit customers, employees

8.	Spirit Airlines has gone out of business, canceling all flights and shuttering operations

9.	Spirit’s bright yellow planes are grounded for good — a sad ending for the storied budget carrier

10.	Will your credit card reimburse you for Spirit Airlines tickets?

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The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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