American Express has launched two valuable cashback offers for Marriott Bonvoy properties, saving you up to £100 on your next stay. In this episode, we break down the offers, including a £75 statement credit for spending £200 or more and a £100 statement credit for spending £500 or more. We also discuss the terms and conditions, participating hotel…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore the exciting new partnership between Garuda Indonesia and Avios through Qatar Airways. This development opens up new opportunities for UK travellers to reach popular destinations in Southeast Asia, including Bali, Jakarta, and more. We dive into the benefits of this partnership, including affordable …

Discover an incredible deal alert for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class award seats between London and New York, starting at just 29,000 Virgin Points plus taxes. Learn how to find and book these deals using Award Travel Finder's new 'available points' slider feature. This episode breaks down the redemption value, the exceptional Upper Class experience, …

Air France has unveiled its highly anticipated new La Première first class cabin, featuring spacious suites with industry-exclusive five-window configurations. We dive into the details of this luxurious product, including its unique design philosophy, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional service. We also compare it to other luxury options in th…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Singapore Airlines' unprecedented 40% off Spontaneous Escapes promotion, offering UK points collectors a unique opportunity to experience world-class premium cabins at significantly discounted rates. We explore the standout deals, key restrictions, and strategies for maximizing your chances of secu…

Virgin Atlantic has announced a significant change to their Flying Club Tier Points structure for holiday bookings, allowing all Flying Club members to earn double Tier Points on packages of three nights or more that include a Virgin Atlantic-operated flight. This permanent offer creates compelling opportunities for anyone pursuing Virgin Atlantic …

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into a limited-time offer from Emirates Skywards that could save you 25% on your next redemption. From now until March 31st, 2025, Emirates is offering a discount on redemptions with their airline partners and through Emirates Skywards Hotels. We break down the details of the offer, including eligible a…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Etihad Guest's paid status match program, offering eligible travelers a shortcut to premium travel experiences. We explore the benefits, costs, and strategic value of this opportunity, including lounge access, priority check-in, and network benefits. We also discuss how to maximize the benefits, el…

Discover the smartest strategies for UK residents to earn air miles and travel more for less. In this episode, we dive into the most effective methods for accumulating miles, including credit cards, shopping portals, flying, and hotel stays. Learn how to choose the right credit cards, maximize your earning potential, and put it all together to fund…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into an exciting promotion from Barclays that could see you winning 1 million Avios, enough for premium travel experiences. We break down the requirements, considerations, and potential uses of the prize, as well as discuss whether this promotion is worth considering for both existing and non-existing B…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Capital On Tap's new 4.00% AER instant access savings account, designed for UK business owners. This account offers competitive returns, instant access, and zero fees, making it an attractive option for small business owners seeking flexibility and returns. However, it's exclusive to existing Capital…

American Express has launched massive welcome bonuses for their business cards in the UK market, including retention bonuses for keeping your card into the second year. In this episode, we dive into the details of these enhanced offers, including the American Express Business Gold Card and Business Platinum Card, and provide tips on how to make the…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore an exciting status match opportunity for British Airways and Iberia members to join Lufthansa's Miles & More programme. For a one-time fee of 99 euros, members can secure equivalent status and enjoy Star Alliance benefits until February 2026. We weigh the pros and cons of this offer, discussing loung…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore the best American Express card options for newcomers to the points-collecting hobby in the UK market. We dive into the benefits and features of the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card, the American Express Platinum Card, and the British Airways American Express cards. Our host shares …

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Singapore Airlines' Spontaneous Escapes promotion for March 2025, offering 30% off usual award rates on select flights. We break down the best deals by region, including discounted rates from Europe to Asia, Southeast Asia, North Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. We also highlight the swee…

Join host Jack as he reviews his experience flying Gulf Air's Falcon Gold Business Class from London to Dubai via Bahrain. Booked using 45,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points, Jack shares the highlights of his journey, including the spacious lounge, modern Apex Suite, and exceptional dining experience. He also provides pro tips for replicating this jour…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Iberia's new loyalty program overhaul and how it could offer UK travelers an easier path to oneworld status. We break down the status requirements, discuss the key advantages of Club Iberia Plus over British Airways Club, and explore how generous cabin bonuses and partner earning opportunities can …

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Hilton's refreshed status match program, offering a generous route to Diamond status until March 2027. We dive into the details of the program, including how to qualify with mid-tier status from another program, the benefits of Hilton Diamond status, and key considerations for strategically planning …

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore the free version of Point.me, a powerful tool for American Express US cardmembers that simplifies the process of finding and booking award flights. With features like real-time searches across 150 airlines and step-by-step booking instructions, Point.me can save you hours of manual searching and help…

In this episode of Smart With Points, host Jack shares his latest project: a simple iOS app designed to track award flight redemptions and calculate value per point. Frustrated with manual spreadsheets, Jack aims to create a user-friendly tool that helps points enthusiasts optimize their award travel strategy. He shares his vision for the app, incl…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Manchester Airport's new private terminal, aether, which offers a premium travel experience starting from £110. We dive into its unique location, luxurious design, and high-end food offering, as well as its three-tier pricing structure and private security channel. Whether you're a frequent flyer or …

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Hilton's latest points sale, offering a 100% bonus on purchases. We break down the costs, benefits, and potential value of buying points, especially when combined with the fifth night free benefit for elite members. We also discuss the importance of having a specific redemption in mind and provide …

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into the latest developments in British Airways' loyalty programme. After announcing major changes, BA has softened their stance, reintroducing flight-based qualification and extending bonus tier points. We break down what this means for frequent flyers, business travellers, and those chasing Silver sta…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into the new IHG One Rewards welcome bonus offering 5,000 points for new members who complete their first stay within 21 days of registering. We break down the qualifying criteria, the value of the points, and whether it's worth going out of your way for this offer. We also discuss how to maximise your …

Discover a savvy path to SkyTeam Elite Plus status with Vietnam Airlines' status match program. For a fee, UK travellers can match their existing airline status to Vietnam Airlines' Lotusmiles program, unlocking valuable benefits across all SkyTeam airlines, including lounge access, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowance. Learn how to take …

Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer has returned as an American Express UK transfer partner after a brief disappearance. In this episode, we discuss what happened, the current transfer terms, and why KrisFlyer still matters for your points strategy. We also highlight some fantastic sweet spots, particularly for intra-Asia travel, and remind listeners to …

Royal Jordanian has relaunched their popular status match programme, offering a game-changing opportunity for points enthusiasts to secure oneworld Sapphire status, equivalent to BA Silver. For a fee of $199, eligible hotel status holders can enjoy business class lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and free seat selection. In this episode, we d…

American Express UK has removed Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer from their list of airline transfer partners, significantly impacting UK cardholders who redeem points for premium cabin travel to Asia and Australia. In this episode, we discuss the implications of this change and explore alternative options for UK points collectors, including transfers …

Qatar Airways has made history with the world's first live press conference at cruising altitude, thanks to their new Starlink Wi-Fi system. This game-changing innovation has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about time spent in the air, offering seamless connectivity for work, entertainment, and more. We explore the implications for …

Discover a clever way to triple-dip your rewards when booking UK train tickets through Uber's rail booking feature. Learn how to earn 10% back in Uber credit, Avios points, and cashback rewards using a combination of Curve and Avios-earning credit cards. This episode shares a step-by-step guide to setting up this rewards strategy, which can lead to…

British Airways is transforming its Executive Club program into The British Airways Club, introducing a revenue-based earning system from April 1st, 2025. This change significantly impacts leisure travellers and small business owners, while corporate travellers on flexible business class tickets will benefit. We break down the new status thresholds…

In this episode of Smart With Points, host Jack explores the benefits of using eSIM cards while travelling. Discover how eSIMs can save you money and hassle, and learn how to set them up and use them effectively. Jack shares his personal experience with eSIM provider Airalo and provides pro tips for getting the most out of this game-changing techno…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into IHG's promotion allowing members to purchase elite qualifying points, effectively buying elite status. We break down the cost structure, benefits, and considerations to help you decide if it's worth the investment. From complimentary breakfast to room upgrades, we weigh the pros and cons of IHG Dia…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Bilt Rewards' latest promotion, offering a status match to Accor elite status for Bilt Mastercard holders. We break down the details of the promotion, including the requirements and benefits for each Bilt tier, as well as the simplified requalification path for 2026. We also discuss the earning poten…

Discover how to turn your existing hotel and airline loyalty status into top-tier Radisson benefits until 2025. Learn about the two-step status match process and the valuable benefits that come with Radisson VIP status, including free breakfast, room upgrades, and discounts. Find out if you already qualify and how to make the most of this opportuni…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we delve into the Emirates Status Challenge, discussing its requirements, benefits, and whether it's worth considering, especially for UK travellers. We explore the generous 12-month window to complete the challenge, the upgrade path, and valuable benefits such as lounge access and bonus Skywards miles earning.…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore how to earn Avios points from necessary HMRC payments by combining Curve's Fronted feature with an Avios-earning credit card. We discuss the benefits and limitations of this strategy, including the potential to earn up to 54,000 Avios points per year, equivalent to £540-£648 in value. We also provide…

In this episode of Smart With Points, learn how to turn your Amex Platinum Business Dell credit into significant value by strategically timing and stacking offers. Discover how to combine the credit with Amex Offers, Avios earning opportunities, and Membership Rewards points to get incredible value on purchases like software and electronics. The ho…

Exciting news for Avios collectors in the UK: Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways are partnering to offer direct flights from major Australian cities to Doha, significantly increasing award inventory to Australia. These flights will feature Qatar Airways' renowned Qsuites, providing a luxurious business class experience. Learn how this partnership w…

Discover the unique world of Japan Airlines' domestic First Class routes, offering premium service and amenities on select routes within Japan. Learn how to book these exclusive seats using Avios, and get expert tips on maximizing your travel experience. From dedicated check-in counters to enhanced catering, explore what sets Japan Airlines' domest…

In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore the exciting updates to the British Airways business lounge at London Gatwick, featuring a fully staffed bar with a comprehensive drink selection. We dive into the details of the lounge's new amenities, including its beautifully designed bar area and special seasonal menu. This upgrade adds genuine v…

Discover a money-saving hack to transfer Avios points without the hefty British Airways fee. Learn how to use Finnair Plus to move your Avios for just ten euros, and find out how to set up your account to take advantage of this clever trick. This episode is perfect for travellers looking to maximise their Avios earning and share points with friends…

In this episode, we dive into Qatar Airways' new Starlink Wi-Fi service, a game-changer for staying productive during long flights. With speeds of up to 190 Mbps and low latency, this service is faster than many home broadband connections. We share our hands-on experience with the service, discuss how it works through SpaceX's low Earth orbit satel…

In this episode, we dive into the world of hotel loyalty programme point expiration policies and provide a comprehensive guide on how to keep your points alive. From Best Western Rewards' no-expiration policy to the 12-24 month inactivity policies of other major hotel chains, we cover it all. Learn how to maintain activity, prevent expiration, and …

Aer Lingus and British Airways have announced a two-way status recognition, allowing members to enjoy status-based benefits across both airlines. In this episode, we break down what this means for your travels, including priority check-in, lounge access, and additional baggage allowances. We also explore the implications for status chasers and how …

British Airways has unveiled its brand-new First Class product, featuring ultra-wide seats, massive 4K TV screens, and personal luggage storage space. We dive into the exciting new features, the focus on British craftsmanship, and when you can expect to experience it. However, with a mid-2026 rollout, will BA's new offering be enough to keep up wit…

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