If you thought a year’s worth of unlimited Virgin Voyages cruises in 2025 was epic, wait until you hear what the cruise line has cooked up for next year.
Virgin Voyages has amped up its Annual Pass, which allows travelers to hop on and hop off an unlimited number of sailings during a 12-month window. For 2026, the line will throw in a weeklong stay on Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private 74-acre retreat in the British Virgin Islands, complete with complimentary round-trip airfare and ferry transfers.
For reference, a weeklong Necker Island vacation for two typically starts at $43,610 ($6,230 per night for a Guest House room) — and that’s not accounting for airfare and transportation to the island.
However, that Annual Pass won’t come cheap. Cruisers (or Sailors, as the line calls them) will shell out a cool $199,000 per cabin for the unlimited cruise pass. (The cost for the 2025 pass was $120,000 per cabin.)
While $199,000 is a hefty sum, it does come with a slew of impressive perks, including a $10,000 onboard shopping spree and one privately hosted excursion each quarter (four per year), in addition to the Necker Island stay.
The cost for Annual Pass 2026 includes stays in Sea Terrace balcony cabins, which are a step up from inside and ocean-view cabins. The pass also includes a birthday upgrade to a RockStar Quarters suite (the line’s swankiest accommodations), personalized RockStar robes, and a beach, poolside or grove cabana at the line’s private beach club in Bimini (limited to 10 per year).
Expect other inclusive benefits like complimentary laundry services, premium Wi-Fi for two devices and a $100 Bar Tab credit (Virgin Voyages’ version of a beverage package) on each itinerary you sail. Also, when you book, you’ll immediately earn the line’s highest-tier loyalty status, Deep Blue Extras.
Virgin’s Annual Pass 2026 is valid for sailings on all of the line’s vessels, including Brilliant Lady, set to launch in September. It will be valid for booking through March 31, 2026. You can choose a start date of Jan. 1, Feb. 1, March 1 or April 1 for the 2026 pass, and it will be valid for 12 months from that date.
Note that taxes and port fees for each sailing aren’t included in the $199,000 price tag. You must pay those at the time of booking each voyage. Also, as mentioned above, the cost is per cabin. Therefore, solo passengers will still pay the full $199,000 (but need to pay only taxes and fees for one guest).
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Back-to-school season is here, and it’s important for you (or your kids) to have the right supplies. That back-to-school list can sometimes run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars, from laptops to pencils and everything in between.
If you are looking to earn more points and miles or hit a minimum spending bonus, back-to-school shopping can be a great way to do so. Here are some of the best cards for back-to-school supplies (with a bonus card below):
5% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and internet, cable, and phone services
American Express Gold Card
U.S. supermarket purchases
4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on up to $25,000 in purchases each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar). Terms apply
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Low-annual-fee return
6% cash back on your first $6,000 of purchases made at U.S. supermarkets*
Prime Visa
Amazon purchases
5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card/Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
General back-to-school purchases
Unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all purchases
Citi Double Cash Card
No-annual-fee return
Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay)
*Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
A closer look at each card
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Even if you don’t own your own business, you may be eligible for a business card like the Ink Business Cash.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn $350 in cash back after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Plus, earn an additional $400 in cash back after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening.
Earning: The Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers a generous 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and internet, cable and phone services. Whether you are buying simple supplies or a computer, 5% is a great amount of savings.
Annual fee: None.
Why we like it: If you’re purchasing a computer from an office supply store, consider using this card. Along with the cash back, you will also have purchase protection and extended warranty protection.
If your family has a Prime subscription, you should consider the Prime Visa card.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Receive a $100 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval.
Earnings: This card offers 5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.
Annual fee: None, but a Prime subscription is required for approval.
Why we like it: If you’re planning to make significant purchases on Amazon, consider applying for the Amazon Prime Visa. The store that sells nearly everything from A to Z is bound to have things on your back-to-school list.
Whether it’s buying groceries for your kids’ lunches or dinner from a fast food place on a busy night, the Amex Gold can help you rack up valuable points on your purchases.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of cardmembership. You may be targeted for a higher offer via CardMatch; not everyone will be targeted for the same offers and offers may change at any time.
Earnings: With the American Express Gold Card, you can earn 4 points per dollar spent when shopping at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) or eating at your favorite restaurants (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Why we like it: If you are looking for simple school supplies such as pens, pencils or paper, consider using this card to earn valuable American Express Membership Rewards at your local supermarket.
You’ll earn up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at select restaurants each calendar year (up to $10 monthly) and up to $120 in Uber Cash per calendar year (up to $10 monthly credits; card must be added in an Uber account and you must use an eligible Amex card to pay to receive your Uber Cash benefit). The card’s various perks can easily make up for the annual fee. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
Welcome offers: Both the Venture Rewards and Venture X have identical welcome offers. New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Earnings: Earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase.
Annual fee: $95 (Venture Rewards); $395 (Venture X Rewards)
THE POINTS GUY
Why we like them: Both of these cards offer at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which comes out to a 3.7-cent return on every dollar spent per TPG’s January 2025 valuations. Either card, if already in your wallet, is a great option for filling in the gaps on your back-to-school purchases.
If you prefer earning cash back instead of points, consider the Blue Cash Preferred.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Receive $250 back as a statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months of card membership.
Earnings: Earn 6% cash back on your first $6,000 of purchases made at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%).
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees)
Why we like it: This card offers a whopping 6% cash back on your first $6,000 of purchases made at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%), among other bonus categories. While you probably won’t be dropping six grand on pens and pencils this year, this card is a solid low-annual-fee alternative that’ll put cash right back into your wallet.
Sometimes, keeping it simple is best. If that’s what you want to do, the Citi Double Cash may just be for you.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on the card in the first three months of account opening.
Earnings: Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay.
Annual fee: $0
Why we like it: The Citi Double Cash is one of the best no-annual-fee cards on the market, essentially offering 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay). If you’re looking to add a card for cheap to bolster your back-to-school savings, this is the pick for you.
You’ll get an up-to-$400 annual statement credit toward eligible U.S. Dell purchases each calendar year. That’s split up as a statement credit for up to $200 on U.S. Dell purchases between January and June and another credit for up to $200 on U.S. Dell purchases between July and December. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
This benefit has a current end date of June 30, 2025, so make sure to take that into account before applying for this card.
The back-to-school season is already here. With supplies and essential expenses coming up for many people, now is the time to plan your strategy to help alleviate some of those costs.
In addition to using the best credit card, remember to maximize your rewards-earning on school supplies by taking advantage of other programs like shopping portals, Amex Offers, Chase Offers and discount codes.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, click here
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
If you’re a young professional, you might be in search of a credit card that suits your current needs. Maybe you’re settling into your first big post-grad job or are building your own business from the ground up.
Whatever the case, finding the right credit card to match your financial situation, spending habits and travel goals can help you become a pro at the points, miles and cash back card game. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for young professionals.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
American Express Gold Card
Groceries and dining are generally two of a person’s biggest spending categories each month. If that sounds like you, consider the Amex Gold Card.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of cardmembership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations.
You may be targeted for a higher offer through the CardMatch tool. Not everyone will be targeted for the same offers, and offers may change at any time.
4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants (on up to $50,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar after that) and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar after that)
3 points per dollar spent on airfare, either booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases through amextravel.com
1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
Whether you’re going out with friends or learning to cook at home, you’re probably spending a decent portion of your money on food — and this card rewards you for it. It also offers 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, either purchased directly from an airline’s website or via American Express Travel, so you’ll earn solid rewards when you book your dream vacation or go home for the holidays.
If you aren’t sure where to start redeeming all those points, we have some suggestions.
If you spend a lot on commuting and various travel expenses, consider the Amex Green.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of cardmembership. TPG’s January 2025 valuations peg these 40,000 points at $800.
Annual fee: $150
Rewards:
3 points per dollar spent on travel, including hotels, flights, transit, tours, taxis and ride-hailing services
3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
If you find yourself traveling more than you used to, this card deserves a spot in your wallet. It earns bonus points on travel, transit and dining at restaurants, so you’ll earn when you book a trip but also as you get around and explore all the great food while you’re there.
This card also makes your travel experience easier with perks like an up to $199 statement credit each calendar year to cover your Clear Plus membership and travel protections. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best mid-tier cards out there. If you’re serious about traveling with points and miles, you should strongly consider this card.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. As of January 2025, TPG values this bonus at up to $1,230.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
3 points per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services
3 points per dollar spent on online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart® and wholesale clubs)
2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
If you’ve been paying attention, you probably know someone with this card. You’ve probably also seen us tell you how much you need to get it. And for good reason — this card really lives up to the hype.
Its additional earning on travel purchases and benefits like trip cancellation insurance and no foreign transaction fees earn it a label as a travel card, but it also works hard for you in your everyday spending.
Whether you’re dining out, streaming or traveling, you can count on this card to earn you some serious rewards.
There’s a $95 annual fee, but we happily pay that for the benefits this card carries.
If you want a card that covers a multitude of common spending categories, consider the Citi Strata Premier.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. As of January 2025, TPG values this bonus at $1,350.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
3 points per dollar spent on air travel and hotels
3 points per dollar spent at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations
3 points per dollar spent at restaurants
3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets
1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
The Citi Strata Premier is another excellent choice for earning bonus points for both travel and everyday spending. Citi ThankYou Points are versatile, allowing you to redeem them by transferring them to Citi’s airline or hotel transfer partners.
Between its welcome bonus and a wide variety of earning categories, this card will have you booking your next trip with points in no time.
If you’re a Capital One fan looking for a solid mid-tier travel card, consider the Capital One Venture Rewards.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG’s January 2025 valuations peg this welcome offer at $1,388.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases
This card is great if you spend most of your paycheck on purchases that don’t generally fall under other bonus categories.
With the Venture Rewards card, you’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend, whether that’s at the grocery store or to commission a portrait of your dog to hang in your new apartment.
Committing to a credit card can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t been in the credit card game for very long. You know you have many options, but the key is to pick one that matches your travel goals and spending habits the best.
You really can’t go wrong with any one of these five cards. With everything from huge welcome bonuses to dining benefits, you’ll feel like a boss of credit in no time.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
If you’re considering applying for a credit card, you’re probably wondering whether the current sign-up bonus is worth it.
Welcome offers can change frequently, and it can be hard to know whether the current offer on a card provides the value you’re looking for. There’s no easy answer to precisely when is the best time to apply for a card, but it does help to know what a card has offered in the past when evaluating the current offer.
We’ve rounded up the offer history on Citi’s most popular cards to help you find the best time to apply for each.
Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within three months of account opening. Plus, earn 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel Portal through June 30, 2024
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,500 within the first three months of account opening
When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles
The information for the Citi Custom Cash and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Citi Strata Premier Card
The Citi Strata Premier card earns 3 points per dollar spent on gas purchases, dining, groceries, and air and hotel travel. With its simplified model and array of airline transfer partners, the Strata Premier makes earning points for travel hassle-free.
THE POINTS GUY
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
December 2024 to now
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
$1,350
April 2023 to November 2024
Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
A higher offer may be available at Citi.com
$1,260
January to April 2023
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
$1,080
July 2022 to January 2023
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
$1,440
December 2021 to July 2022
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
$1,080
October to December 2021
Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
$1,440
March to October 2021
Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
$1,080
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 70,000 points or higher.
With the Citi Custom Cash, you’ll earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, and 1% cash back after that. You’ll also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
THE POINTS GUY
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
June 2021 to now
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
$200
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is $200 cash back or higher.
The Citi Double Cash Card takes all of the stress and complication out of credit card rewards. It offers a simple (yet lucrative) 2% on every purchase, unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases and straightforward cash-back redemption options.
THE POINTS GUY
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
November 2023 to now
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
$200
November 2022 to November 2023
No welcome offer
N/A
August to November 2022
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
$200
2014 to August 2022
No welcome offer
N/A
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When there is any cash-back welcome offer.
Every purchase on the Citi Rewards+ Card rounds up to the nearest 10 points. Even a $2 coffee will earn 10 points, which can really stack up over time.
THE POINTS GUY
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
November 2024 to now
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within three months of account opening. Plus, earn 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel Portal through December 31, 2025.
$360
July 2023 to November 2024
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first three months of account opening.
$360
April to July 2023
Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in purchases within three months of account opening. Plus, earn 5 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel Portal through June 30, 2024.
$450
October 2022 to April 2023
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
$360
April to September 2022
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus 5 points per dollar on a bonus category (travel or restaurants) for $6,000 of spending in the first year.
$360
July 2021 to April 2022
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
$360
May to July 2021
Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
$270
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 20,000 points or higher.
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select‘s perks include access to preferred boarding, no foreign transaction fees and a free checked bag on domestic flights, making it an excellent choice for anyone who flies American Airlines regularly.
THE POINTS GUY
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2024 to now
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.
$825
August 2024 to October 2024
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.
$1,238
April 2024 to August 2024
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.
$825
March 2024 to April 2024
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.
$1,238
February 2024 to March 2024
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$990
May 2023 to February 2024
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.
$825
April to May 2023
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first four months of account opening.
$1,238
July 2022 to April 2023
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.
$825
June to July 2022
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $3,500 within the first four months of account opening.
$1,238
June 2019 to June 2022.
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.
$825
April to June 2019.
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$990
March to April 2019
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening.
$825
November 2018 to March 2019
Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles: Earn 40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first three months and an extra 10,000 miles after spending a total of $6,000 in the first 12 months.
$825
May to November 2018
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$990
February to May 2018
Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$495
November 2017 to February 2018
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$990
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
The information for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is the elite card in the AAdvantage lineup. Recently, the card increased its perks as well as its annual fee. Cardholders enjoy a complimentary American Airlines Admirals Club membership, a value that alone more than makes up for the card’s $595 annual fee, as well as the addition of up to $240 in annual statement credits for Lyft and Grubhub.
THE POINTS GUY
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
July 2024 to now
Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening.
$1,155
June 2024 to July 2024
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$1,650
Sept. 2023 to June 2024
Earn 70,000 miles after spending $7,000 in the first three months of account opening.
$1,155
July to Sept. 2023
Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$1,650
December 2022 to July 2023
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$825
October to December 2022
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,500 within the first three months of account opening.
$1,320
October 2021 to October 2022
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$825
August to October 2021
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 elite qualifying miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$885
July 2019 to August 2021
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$825
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is higher than 80,000 miles.
The Citi AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard is excellent for businesses with employees who frequently fly American Airlines. Its perks include a free checked bag on domestic flights, preferred boarding and the potential to earn a companion certificate.
THE POINTS GUY
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
October 2024 to now
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening.
$1,238
June to October 2024
Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening.
$1,072
April 2024 to June 2024
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first five months of account opening.
$1,238
August 2020 to April 2024
Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.
$1,072
May to August 2020
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.
$1,155
March to May 2020
Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.
$1,072
October 2019 to March 2020
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.
$1,155
July to October 2019
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.
$990
April to July 2019
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.
$1,155
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is higher than 50,000 miles.
Here’s what you need to know about this new offer.
Earn 10x AAdvantage miles on Red Cross donations
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
You can now earn 10 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on Red Cross donations when you give $25 or more through this page between now and Jan. 22. You can select where your donation goes: the California wildfires, general disaster relief, the Red Cross’ overall efforts (where it’s needed most) or local programs in your community.
Since TPG’s January 2025 valuations peg AAdvantage miles at 1.65 cents apiece, that’s an impressive 16.5% return — in addition to supporting a great cause.
Don’t forget that, in addition to earning 10 AAdvantage miles per dollar, you can earn valuable rewards on the credit card you use to make your donation. We recommend paying with one of the best cards for donations, such as:
If you’d like to cover your donation with points and miles, your points can currently go farther on charitable donations when you use Chase’s Pay Yourself Back feature. Instead of the usual 1 cent per point, you can get a value of 1.25 or 1.5 cents per point at select charities, including the American Red Cross, across many Chase cards through Mar. 31.
Bottom line
If you’re feeling helpless watching the California fires rage across news screens, donating is an easy way to help — and it’s even sweeter when you can maximize the rewards you earn. This is a great opportunity to earn more AAdvantage miles, which you can redeem for off-peak flights to Europe, luxurious business-class seats and more.
But don’t wait. This offer is only available through Jan. 22 — and the sooner you donate, the sooner those funds can start having an impact.
Azamara is out with another epic world cruise itinerary — and this one is currently one of the cruise industry’s longest.
The small-ship cruise line on Wednesday announced its longest-ever world cruise departing in 2027. Travelers on this 188-night voyage will visit a whopping 103 destinations within five continents and 37 countries.
Azamara’s penchant for longer days in port and more overnight stays dovetails nicely with a world cruise itinerary. During the sailing, cruisers will enjoy 50 late-night port calls and 15 overnight stays.
The world cruise will take place on the 702-passenger Azamara Quest and offer travelers a chance to visit destinations across the globe, including Japan, Tahiti, New Zealand, Thailand, Alaska and Sweden. The ship’s size provides an intimate experience and allows cruisers to access both major cruise ports and narrower waterways larger ships can’t access. For example, on the world cruise, Azamara Quest will transit Germany’s Kiel Canal and cruise right into the center of Shanghai.
Known for catering to affluent, well-heeled travelers, Azamara offers an intimate onboard atmosphere and itineraries that focus on immersive experiences. The 2027 World Cruise will feature 12 exclusive and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings, which allow cruisers to explore iconic landmarks and cultural performances in port.
AZAMARA
The world cruise kicks off in San Francisco on Jan. 5, 2027, with several sea days broken up by port calls in Hawaii and French Polynesia.
From there, Quest will spend the remainder of January visiting American Samoa and Tonga before kicking off February with stops in Fiji and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and others). Other February highlights include port calls in Australia (such as Melbourne, Sydney and Kangaroo Island).
Travelers will spend spring ticking a number of global experiences off their bucket lists. From March through April, guests will visit Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan and South Korea — ideal timing for optimum cherry blossom viewing.
In May, Quest will cruise along Alaska’s Inside Passage, featuring stops in Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan, before visiting Vancouver and Victoria in Canada. The ship will continue southward to Mexico and Costa Rica before crossing the Panama Canal. It will then head up North America’s East Coast in June before crossing the Atlantic to call in Ireland and France.
The last segment of the world cruise will take guests through Northern Europe (including the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Finland and Sweden) before the trip ends in Copenhagen on July 12, 2027.
If you don’t have 188 days of vacation to spare, you can book one of 12 shorter segments.
Azamara’s World Cruise is currently open for booking. Fares for the cruise start at $85,559 per person (based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin.
While Azamara fares always include room service, gratuities, select beverages, self-service laundry and the AzAmazing Evenings, guests who book the full world cruise itinerary can snag a slew of additional perks. They include $8,500 in onboard credit, unlimited Wi-Fi, a free Premium Beverage Package upgrade and precruise amenities like airfare credit, a one-night hotel stay, transfers and a $500 luggage reimbursement (all valued at over $40,000 per cabin, according to the line).
You can book directly with Azamara or through your favorite travel agent.
In a week full of airline deals, TAP Air Portugal is offering travelers a New Year’s sale, with round-trip economy flights from major U.S. cities to Europe for less than $500.
Flights are available to Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Copenhagen, London and Dublin, among other international destinations, from domestic cities like Boston, New York City, Miami and Chicago.
Deal basics
DIEGOGRANDI/GETTY IMAGES
Airline: TAP Air Portugal Routes: Across the TAP network How to book: Directly with the airline Travel dates: Jan. 15 to May 15; exact dates vary by route Book by: Jan. 19 Blackout dates: April 7 to 22
Sample routes
The following round-trip economy flights were priced as listed at the time of publication. We cannot guarantee availability when you book:
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Miami International Airport (MIA) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), from $419
BOS and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and Dublin Airport (DUB), from $429
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to MAD, BCN, CPH, DUB, Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), from $429
JFK and EWR to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) and Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), from $439
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to BCN, from $439
ORD and Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., to MAD, BCN, Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) and Oslo Airport (OSL), from $449
JFK to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), from $489
JFK to Lisbon Airport (LIS), Faro Airport (FAO), Lajes Airport (TER), Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Vienna Airport (VIE), from $499
The cheapest tickets available are within the sale economy fare, which allows travelers one personal item and one carry-on item.
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Everything else — including seat selection and checked baggage — is extra, and costs vary by flight.
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Business-class fares to various cities in Portugal are also available, starting at $2,300 round-trip.
Maximize your purchase
If you book this deal, use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:
American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
Like the British Airways sale running this month, this sale offers travelers discounted flights through Jan. 19. However, the cheapest fares will likely disappear before then, so act fast if you wish to partake.
The wildfires burning a devastating path across the greater Los Angeles area are also impacting travelers going in and out of the area. A number of flights to and from southern California have been affected by the volatile conditions, although the vast majority of those cancellations and delays involve the Hollywood Burbank Airport. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is not reporting much, if any, interference with travel operations from the wildfires.
One traveler flying to the city from Denver posted a video on X showing an overhead view of the Palisades fire burning. His flight was supposed to land at the Burbank Airport (BUR) but was instead diverted to LAX due to turbulence caused by the strong winds that have helped fan the flames.
A flight passenger traveling from Denver to Los Angeles captured footage of the Palisades Fire tearing across neighborhoods as the plane was making its descent into Los Angeles International Airport. The plane was originally going to land in Burbank, but was diverted to LAX.… pic.twitter.com/Wdtb9vhOOb
As of 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, 19% of flights taking off from Burbank Airport (BUR) had been canceled, and 13% had been delayed, according to data obtained on the website FlightAware. LA Ontario International Airport (ONT), which is about 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, is reporting about 10% flight cancellations.
Several airlines have issued region-specific travel alerts designed to give some flexibility for people who had travel plans affected by the fires. Airlines such as Delta, JetBlue,Southwest and United Airlines are allowing people who had flights booked to and from LA-area airports between January 8-10 to rebook by January 15.
American Airlines posted a similar travel waiver policy to the one it did following the New Year’s terrorist attack in New Orleans.
AA.com
As for the many attractions in Los Angeles that make it one of the popular destinations in the U.S., more and more have closed as the flames keep spreading. The Getty Villa, part of the iconic J. Paul Getty Museum, has so far escaped the damage that has claimed more than a thousand homes and buildings. That location will be closed through at least next week, while the Getty Museum in Los Angeles will remain closed through January 12.
The world-renowned Griffith Observatory, which is close to the iconic Hollywood sign, is also closed. Some residents near the location in Griffith Park remain concerned that flames could reach the area and force evacuations there. Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures both closed their popular studio tours today, citing “strong winds and fire conditions.”
Universal Studios Hollywood, located in the San Fernando Valley, has also temporarily closed its doors, as has the surrounding shopping and entertainment center Universal CityWalk.
Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed today as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions. We will continue to assess the situation and expect to open for business tomorrow. The safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority.
Disneyland, which is in Orange County about 45 minutes from Pacific Palisades, where the worst of the wildfires is located, remains open, as does Knott’s Berry Farm. That may change depending on fire conditions so if you have plans to attend either attraction, make sure to check before going.
We’ll keep this story updated as we get more information.
Delta Air Lines is jumping on the Bluetooth bandwagon. Starting in 2026, the Atlanta-based carrier will begin rolling out Bluetooth connectivity to more planes and cabins, allowing passengers on its newest aircraft to pair their Apple AirPods or other wireless listening devices to its inflight entertainment system.
Delta announced its new Bluetooth plans Tuesday in a keynote presentation at the Las Vegas Sphere, held as part of CES, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics shows – and among the largest conventions each year in Las Vegas.
Delta Air Lines takes over the Sphere in Las Vegas for a keynote at CES 2025. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
As part of the presentation, Delta executives revealed these stepped-up Bluetooth capabilities will be part of a larger inflight entertainment system boost on its new planes — which will include new, higher-quality seatback screens and a just-announced, ad-free streaming partnership with YouTube.
Plus, the airline announced a new partnership with ride-hailing service Uber which will launch later this spring, allowing customers to earn SkyMiles on rides.
Delta expands seatback Bluetooth connectivity
Today, Delta passengers can only pair their wireless Bluetooth devices to a small fraction of the carrier’s inflight seatback screens. Specifically, only in the first-class cabin of its Airbus A321neo jets.
That limited Bluetooth rollout, as TPG reported in 2022, was part of a trial as Delta considered expanding the technology to more aircraft — and more cabins. Since then, airlines — Delta among them — have doubled down on seatback screens. And Bluetooth-enabled headphones, of course, have only grown in popularity.
Bluetooth connectivity in first class on a Delta Airbus A321neo, as shown in May 2022. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Which Delta planes will get Bluetooth?
Now, one caveat: So far, Delta has not announced any plans to deploy Bluetooth across its entire fleet. The carrier on Tuesday said the technology will start appearing on select new aircraft deliveries next year.
Specifically, Delta plans to install the new technology on future Airbus A350-1000 jets, along with A321neos beginning in mid-2026, an executive said Tuesday. It’s also planned for eventual deliveries of the still-yet-to-be-certified Boeing 737 MAX 10.
Rendering of a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-1000. DELTA AIR LINES
That said, Bluetooth will be available in every cabin of those jets, so you’ll be able to pair your AirPods whether you’re flying on a Delta One ticket or a basic economy fare.
In some ways, the carrier is following in the footsteps of United Airlines, which has already announced plans to equip more than 800 of its jets with Bluetooth capabilities by 2032.
A United Airlines Airbus A321neo with Bluetooth-enabled seatback screens. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Larger tech improvements announced in Vegas
For Delta’s part, its Bluetooth announcement came as part of a larger inflight entertainment overhaul the carrier unveiled Tuesday at the Sphere in a major spectacle that saw the company’s branding adorning the world-famous Las Vegas venue.
Past years have seen Delta use CES to announce other major technological innovations. Back in 2020, CEO Ed Bastian used his keynote speech to first signal the airline’s plans to make inflight Wi-Fi free — complimentary service is now available on more than 700 Delta jets for passengers with a SkyMiles membership.
Delta Air Lines logo on a Delta Connection regional jet. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
The expanded Bluetooth connectivity that Delta flyers will start seeing in 2026 is made possible by all-new seatback entertainment systems the carrier will debut on certain new aircraft scheduled to join the fleet.
The 4K HDR QLED screens will offer what Delta’s calling a “theater-like viewing experience.”
And it’s not just hardware changes.
The carrier on Tuesday announced a new partnership with streaming giant YouTube, which will allow passengers ad-free YouTube Premium and YouTube Music access while in flight — accessible via the seatback screens or personal devices through the free Wi-Fi.
A Delta Air Lines aircraft at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Delta’s new screens will also come with a “Do Not Disturb” function, which will allow passengers to alert flight attendants when they’d rather not be woken for inflight service. The system will also offer translation services, allowing passengers to hear inflight announcements in their preferred language.
“Whether through fast, free Wi-Fi, our industry-leading seatback screens or any of the other personalized channels in Delta’s digital ecosystem, we’re committed to creating a seamless and enriching experience for our SkyMiles Members,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement ahead of the event Tuesday.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian speaks at the Sphere on Jan. 7, 2025. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
This “next-generation Delta Sync seatback experience” comes as part of a partnership Delta announced with aerospace firm Thales Avionics.
New Uber partnership
Delta also had good news Tuesday for SkyMiles members who regularly ride Uber.
Later this spring, the airline and ride-hailing service will launch a new partnership allowing SkyMiles members to link their account with Uber and earn Delta miles for eligible rides and deliveries.
Once live, SkyMiles earnings on Uber will include:
1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports
2 miles per dollar spent on premium rides
3 miles per dollar spent on Uber Reserve rides
1 mile per dollar spent on eligible restaurant and grocery orders
The companies plan to release additional details about the partnership in the coming weeks.
Mobile app gets AI ‘concierge’
Meanwhile, it wouldn’t be a major product announcement in 2025 without an innovation related to artificial intelligence.
Delta says it will infuse its Fly Delta mobile app this year with Delta Concierge, an AI tool that will offer passengers additional instructions and suggestions while traveling — or, as the company puts it, “contextualized guidance and tailored recommendations” throughout the travel journey.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
That could mean the AI “concierge” chimes in with information about passport or visa requirements, or offers packing tips based on weather forecasts at a destination.
The move comes as airlines across the U.S. have, across the board, invested significant resources in improving their mobile apps, allowing customers more ways to track bags, rebook themselves, file lost luggage claims and get notified about key announcements through features like “live activities.”
DELTA AIR LINES
For Delta specifically, these hardware and software improvements will accompany an updated interior look for its cabins expected to debut on some new jets later this year — with retrofits to existing aircraft planned for the coming years, as well.
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
The company used its CES appearance as a way to simultaneously celebrate its 100-year anniversary — helped by an exhibit inside the Sphere — and tout its vision for the future.
It’s always hard seeing most of my elite status levels reset to zero come Jan. 1. It’s a tough reminder that if you want to keep your status in the coming year, you’ll need to get back on the hamster wheel.
But for those of us who are truly addicted to top-tier status (like me), we need to start the games again.
Plus, there are some bright spots: Rollover credits, miles or free nights from credit cards courtesy of some of our favorite programs like World of Hyatt are already here. Also, several programs have new perks or new choices when it comes to benefits.
We’ve already seen rollovers and credits — including Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt stay credits — hitting our accounts.
Consider this your annual reminder to check your accounts and make a plan for status goals for 2025.
Delta SkyMiles
It’s a whole new world for Delta Air Lines’ elite members. The airline made headlines back in 2023 when it made a ton of changes to its program. While Delta has since rolled back some of the most draconian steps, what hasn’t changed is the end of Medallion Qualification Miles as a metric for elite status.
It’s now all about the Medallion Qualification Dollars, as you can see in the tracker in my SkyMiles account:
DELTA AIR LINES
Your ability to choose your Delta Choice Benefits is not available right now (at least not in my account). I have it on good authority that people (like me) who had enough MQMs last year to roll over their 2024 status won’t see choices until after Feb. 1.
However, there will be a bunch of new choices in addition to previous options like upgrade certificates and bonus SkyMiles.
Delta Choice Benefits landing page. DELTA AIR LINES
If you qualified for Platinum or Diamond Medallion status in the 2025 Medallion year (based on qualifying activity during the 2024 calendar year), you have until Jan. 31, 2026, to select your annual Delta Choice Benefits. Note that you must choose your 2024 benefits by the end of January.
According to Delta, you will soon be able to make your choices in the app instead of having to log in on a desktop computer: “Beginning February 1, 2025, enjoy a more seamless experience by selecting your Choice Benefits through the Fly Delta app.”
We expect the MQD boost from holding one of the following Delta credit cards will hit sometime in February:
For each of these cards you hold, you get 2,500 MQDs at the start of each year just for being a cardmember. These stack for travelers with multiple eligible cards. That means if you have two of those cards, for example, you’d get a head start of 5,000 MQDs for the year.
World of Hyatt 2025 qualifying nights tracker. WORLD OF HYATT
Qualifying nights courtesy of World of Hyatt have already posted in my account. In fact, I got an email about the free nights, so look for that in your email account if you haven’t yet seen those nights reflected in your tracker.
Several TPG employees, however, still haven’t received them for 2025.
Qualifying nights tracker from TPG Director of Content Operations Andrea Rotondo. WORLD OF HYATT
Don’t worry if yours haven’t yet shown up. Traditionally, they all arrive in the same week.
You get five nights every year toward World of Hyatt status just for holding the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Plus, you can earn another two nights for every $5,000 you spend on the card.
Hyatt also has the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card; sadly, you do not get any elite qualifying nights just for holding this card. But you can earn five tier qualifying night credits for every $10,000 you spend each calendar year on the card.
By leveraging one (or both) of these cards, you could conceivably spend your way to status — or combine your spending with regular stay activity to elevate your tier in 2025.
Hyatt has also rolled out several new features. You’ll now have more choices at more stops in your elite status journey. Hyatt Milestone Rewards start at 20 qualifying nights or 35,000 base points earned within a calendar year. You’ll earn Milestone Rewards on up to 150 qualifying nights per year.
World of Hyatt also ended the unlimited Guest of Honor benefit available to Globalist elite members. Instead, you can now earn Guest of Honor awards through the Hyatt Milestone Rewards program.
Among the choices you get are 2,000 World of Hyatt points for a stay at select brands, club access awards and credits for Hyatt Find experiences. There are new benefits for 2025, too. Beginning at 20 nights, you can now choose two coupons for preferred seats on American Airlines.
The World of Hyatt Milestone Rewards tracker. WORLD OF HYATTFor the first time in 2024, Hyatt deposited five Guest of Honor awards into the accounts of all Globalist members (including those with lifetime Globalist status).
Hyatt Guest of Honor Awards sitting in an account in early 2024. WORLD OF HYATT
There are another five in my account for 2025, with an expiration of Feb. 28, 2026. My new suite upgrade awards have also already hit my account with the same expiration date.World of Hyatt award options. WORLD OF HYATT
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott 2025 elite night rollovers. MARRIOTT BONVOY
Marriott Bonvoy fans are already seeing elite night credits hit their accounts. These bonus nights are courtesy of holding a Marriott credit card that automatically awards you anywhere from 15 to 25 elite night credits per year. In my case, I hold the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, which comes with automatic Platinum status and a 25-night head start for the year.
You can only get elite nights from one personal card, even if you have more than one. However, if you open a business card and a personal card, you can get up to 40 elite nights, which is nearly enough for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status (50 nights).
As of Tuesday, we’re also seeing status notifications and status rollover nights posted to Hilton Honors accounts.
If you have Hilton Honors Silver status or above, any qualifying nights beyond the number required to qualify for a given status level are counted toward your elite status qualification for the following calendar year. Those nights should now be posted or will be posted shortly.
The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
While the card has a steep annual fee of $550, there are other valuable inclusions: an up-to-$400 biannual Hilton resort credit, up to $200 in airfare credits (up to $50 each quarter), and a free night certificate when you open the account and each year on your card anniversary.
