Tag: Travel Planner

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

If you’re familiar with TPG’s valuations, you’ll notice transferable rewards currencies such as American Express Membership Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards points consistently rank as some of the most valuable rewards.

You can earn these rewards with some of the best travel credit cards. But what makes these rewards particularly valuable is the ability to transfer them to various airline and hotel programs — hence why we refer to them as transferable rewards.

If you look at TPG’s valuations, you’ll notice you almost always “lose” value when transferring these rewards. For example, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, but because our October 2024 valuations value Chase points at 2.05 cents each and Hyatt points at 1.7 cents each, you’d “lose” 0.35 cents per point with this transfer.

You might wonder why we value transferable rewards more than airline miles and hotel points. In this story, I’ll discuss what makes transferable points valuable and why you should earn transferable points.

Diversify your exposure

With so many devaluations, it’s no secret that points and miles are a poor long-term investment. That’s why we don’t recommend hoarding points and miles. But if you want to build a stash of rewards for an upcoming trip, one of the best ways to protect yourself against devaluations is by earning transferable rewards.

If you have a chunk of your points and miles in a single loyalty program, you will lose significantly if a devaluation occurs. But with transferable rewards, you can transfer to the program with the most appealing award rates once you’re ready to book.

Related: Credit card transfer partners: Guide to transferring points and miles to airlines and hotels

Access to many hotel and airline programs

Transferable rewards also give you more flexibility than any single airline or hotel loyalty program.

For instance, if you’ve been accruing Delta SkyMiles on the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you’re limited to redeeming your miles within the SkyMiles program. If you need to fly from New York City to London on a specific date and the flight is 100,000 Delta miles, that’s your only redemption option.

On the other hand, if you’ve been earning Ultimate Rewards points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you could transfer your points to various programs — including Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Executive Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club — if you find a better award option. Likewise, if you found a one-way flight for $450, you could redeem 36,000 Chase points to book this flight through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

TPG’s valuations give transferable rewards higher valuations than the currencies of the airline and hotel programs you could transfer to since transferable points allow for more flexibility.

Related: The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles

Transfer bonuses

The major credit card rewards currencies routinely offer transfer bonuses. You can transfer your rewards at a better ratio with a transfer bonus. Normally, these range between 15% and 40%.

Depending on what’s available when you’re ready to book, a favorable transfer bonus may boost the value you can get from your transferable rewards. You might even get enough points or miles for premium economy seats if you transfer the rewards you’d typically need for economy seats during a transfer bonus.

Related: A complete list of transfer bonuses over the past decade — which issuer is the most generous?

Transferable points and miles

Now you know why transferable rewards are more valuable than airline miles and hotel points. Here’s some information to consider about each of the major transferable rewards programs.

American Express Membership Rewards

• The complete guide to American Express Membership Rewards
  
• How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards for maximum value
• American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners: Maximize your points

Top cards to consider:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Gold Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Capital One miles

• Capital One miles: How to earn, redeem and transfer rewards
  
• Cashing in Capital One miles? How to get the maximum value when redeeming miles
• Ultimate guide to Capital One airline and hotel transfer partners: How to maximize your miles

Top cards to consider:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Business
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Chase Ultimate Rewards

• The complete guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards
  
• How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value
• Who are the Chase transfer partners? Everything to know

Top cards to consider:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Citi ThankYou Rewards

• Citi ThankYou Rewards: The ultimate guide
  
• Best ways to redeem Citi ThankYou points
• Citi transfer partners: Maximize your ThankYou points with these loyalty programs

Top card to consider:

• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees)

Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses this month

Bottom line

With transferable credit card rewards, you can convert your hard-earned rewards into points and miles with various hotel and airline loyalty programs. By doing so, you can avoid losing value when one hotel or airline program devalues its rewards. Plus, you can explore a vast network of partners and choose the one that offers the most value and benefits for each redemption instead of being limited to a single airline or hotel program.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Citi is a TPG advertising partner.

Citi closed applications for its premium ThankYou Rewards card, the Citi Prestige® Card, in July 2021. However, some cardmembers, myself included, have kept the card and continued paying its $495 annual fee because of its valuable benefits.

Our Citi Prestige Card review explains all the benefits and why you should consider keeping the card if you already have it. But in this guide, I’ll discuss just one of the card’s unique perks: its complimentary fourth-night hotel benefit. This benefit, more commonly known as the Citi Prestige fourth-night free, gives you a fourth night free on up to two stays per calendar year. Here’s what you need to know.

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

What is the Citi Prestige fourth-night free benefit?

The complimentary fourth-night hotel benefit is a perk available to Citi Prestige cardmembers. This perk gives you a fourth night free on up to two hotel stays each calendar year.

To enjoy a complimentary fourth night, you must:

1. Book a minimum of a four-consecutive-night hotel stay through the Citi Travel site or by calling 1-833-737-1288.
2. Pay for your stay with your Citi Prestige Card, Citi ThankYou points or a combination of ThankYou points and your Citi Prestige Card.

Citi bases the fourth night benefit on your stay’s average nightly rate, excluding taxes and fees. The price you pay during booking includes the fourth-night benefit savings. Additionally, the fourth-night benefit has the following restrictions and requirements:

• Bookings can only be made in the primary cardmember’s or authorized user‘s name.
• Only one complimentary night is possible per stay. Citi considers back-to-back stays to be one stay, so you can’t use two fourth-night benefits on back-to-back reservations at the same property.
• For group reservations or other reservations consisting of multiple rooms, only one room will qualify for a complimentary night.
• Reservations made through any party or channel other than the Citi Travel site or 1-833-737-1288 are not eligible for the fourth-night benefit.
• Discount rates such as corporate codes, loyalty program member rates, government rates and AAA rates can’t be used. You can only book rates that are available through the Citi Travel website.

Finally, the fourth-night benefit doesn’t apply to some stay types. For example, it excludes yachts, riverboats, cruises, campgrounds, castles, safaris, villas, apartments and any properties not bookable through the Citi Travel website.

Related: What you need to know about direct versus third-party travel bookings

How to book a complimentary fourth-night stay

You can book a complimentary fourth-night stay in two ways: online through the Citi Travel site or by calling 1-833-737-1288. Since Citi removed the ability to book hotels that didn’t appear on the Citi Travel website over the phone on Oct. 1, 2021, now there’s no benefit to booking over the phone. So, here’s the process for booking a fourth-night stay online through the Citi Travel site.

Enter dates and destination

After you log in to your Citi account and navigate to the Citi Travel portal, select “Hotels” and enter your destination, dates and the number of guests before clicking “Search.”

Select a hotel

The next page should return a list of available properties near your destination. You can filter the results by property type, collection type, star rating, neighborhood, room offers, payment options, property facilities, guest rating and more.

Choose your room and rate

Once you select a hotel, you’ll usually see multiple room types available for booking.

Pay for your stay

On the next page, you can decide whether to use your complimentary fourth-night hotel benefit. For this stay, doing so would drop the four-night cost from $1,847 to $1,531.

Once you confirm your guest details, click “Continue to payment.” On this page, you can choose how many points (if any) you’d like to redeem.

You can apply points to hotel bookings at a rate of one cent per point. But this is far below TPG’s October 2024 valuation of Citi ThankYou points at 1.8 cents each. So I don’t recommend redeeming Citi ThankYou points for hotel bookings through Citi Travel.

Related: Citi’s Hotel Collection and Luxury Collection: Get free breakfast and premium perks

Elite earnings and benefits

Unfortunately, stays booked through Citi Travel usually won’t be eligible for points earning and elite benefits through hotel loyalty programs. The frequently asked questions section of the Citi Prestige card benefits notes, “Frequent traveler accounts cannot be used when booking via ThankYou.com or when calling the ThankYou travel center.”

This being said, you can always ask the hotel to add your loyalty number at check-in. Most hotels won’t offer elite benefits and earnings when you book through an online travel agency such as the Citi Travel portal. But even if you don’t earn points and stay credit, the individual property could decide to offer you some on-site elite benefits.

Related: Citi Prestige vs. Citi Strata Premier: Should you keep the Prestige or downgrade to the Strata Premier?

Are Citi Travel portal rates competitive?

The lowest rates available through the Citi Travel website are often higher than the member rates available when booking directly with the hotel loyalty program. Plus, you usually won’t get elite benefits and earnings when booking through Citi Travel.

However, in some cases, you’ll find that Citi Travel offers rates similar to booking directly. For instance, booking the example stay discussed above directly with Atlantis would actually cost me a few cents more than booking through Citi Travel without the fourth-night benefit (and $317 more than booking through Citi Travel with the fourth-night benefit).

Likewise, booking a flexible member rate at The Coral through Marriott Bonvoy would cost $1,808 — $39 less than through Citi Travel without a fourth night free but $277 more than through Citi Travel with a fourth night free. However, I’d get Marriott Bonvoy earnings on my room rate if I booked my stay through Marriott.

In general, you’ll get better value from the complimentary fourth-night benefit when you use it at luxury hotels and hotels that don’t participate in major loyalty programs. However, I recommend considering the net cost — the out-of-pocket cost minus elite earnings and credit card earnings — of each of your favorite booking methods when deciding how to book a stay.

Related: Incognito mode and third-party apps: Do travel booking hacks actually work?

Bottom line

Longtime cardholders will lament how the Citi Prestige fourth-night-free benefit is not nearly as valuable as it once was. Indeed, this perk was once one of the best Citi Prestige benefits, whereas now I don’t even use it once most years since I value getting hotel elite status benefits and earnings on my stays. However, the perk can still provide value, especially if you carefully consider when and how to use your two free-night benefits each year.

If you’re interested in other ways to get a free night on an upcoming hotel stay, remember Marriott provides a fifth night free on all award stays, Hilton provides a fifth night free to elite members on award stays and IHG offers a complimentary fourth night on award stays to select IHG cardholders. Additionally, some Fine Hotels + Resorts properties offer a third or fourth night free.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the lastest information. 

Despite being smaller than the Big Three legacy carriers, Alaska Airlines has gained popularity among American travelers thanks to its loyalty program, Mileage Plan.

As a member of Oneworld, the program offers numerous high-value partnerships with airlines like American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific. Additionally, it has nonalliance partnerships with airlines such as Icelandair, Singapore Airlines and LATAM, providing a wide range of options for earning and using miles.

Moreover, Alaska Airlines acquired Hawaiian Airlines in a joint merger, and the carrier is planning a major overhaul of its Mileage Plan program in 2025. While some details have been unveiled, including new milestone perks and status-earning options, more program details will be announced within the next six to nine months.

This guide will discuss the ins and outs of how you can currently redeem Alaska miles, details on its elite status program and more.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan overview

Mileage Plan is Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer program. You earn Alaska miles by flying with Alaska or its partner airlines. The program also offers additional earning partners, such as a shopping portal, dining program and cobranded credit cards. Once you accumulate miles, you can redeem them for travel on Alaska or its partners.

Mileage Plan includes an elite status program with four tiers: MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K. Each tier includes upgrades, preferred seating and bonus mileage earned on Alaska flights. Elite members also enjoy limited benefits on Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines and other Oneworld partners.

Related: 6 great benefits I received as an American Airlines elite flying Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines partners

Alaska Airlines is known for its huge suite of airline partners, which includes airlines in Oneworld and other alliances.

Oneworld alliance partners

Alaska joined Oneworld in late March 2021. This means that the airline is now a partner with these airlines:

• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Fiji Airways (Oneworld Connect)
• Finnair
• Iberia
• Japan Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Air Maroc
• Royal Jordanian Airlines
• SriLankan Airlines

Nonalliance airline partners

Alaska has partnered with airlines outside Oneworld for years now. We’re hopeful these nonalliance partnerships will remain long-term now that Alaska is a Oneworld airline, but only time will tell. Here’s the full list of Alaska’s other airline partners to earn and redeem miles with:

• Aer Lingus
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Condor
• Hainan Airlines
• Icelandair
• Korean Air
• LATAM
• Oman Air
• Porter Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• Starlux Airlines

Related: Alaska-Hawaiian merger will protect frequent flyer miles as part of major DOT agreement

Alaska Airlines elite status

Alaska Airlines has four elite status tiers. In 2024, Alaska changed the way customers earn elite status and no longer requires members to fly a minimum number of Alaska flights. To qualify, you need to earn a set number of elite qualifying miles.

Status tier	Required number of EQMs
MVP	20,000
MVP Gold	40,000
MVP Gold 75K	75,000
MVP Gold 100K	100,000

With Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ merger, the carriers are also offering an elite status match at this time.

If you have:	You’ll be matched to:
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP status	HawaiianMiles Pualani Gold status
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K or MVP Gold 100K status	HawaiianMiles Pualani Platinum status
HawaiianMiles Pualani Gold status	Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP status
HawaiianMiles Pualani Platinum status	Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold status

Plus, if you’re close to qualifying for elite status, the airlines are offering members the opportunity to combine their elite qualifying miles to achieve status.

Combined EQM balance:	Status you’ll get with Mileage Plan:	Status you’ll get with HawaiianMiles:
20,000 EQMs	MVP	Pualani Gold
40,000 EQMs	MVP Gold	Pualani Platinum
75,000 EQMs	MVP Gold 75K	Pualani Platinum
100,000 EQMs	MVP Gold 100K	Pualani Platinum

Though Alaska and Hawaiian plan to unite under one loyalty program in 2025, no details have been released at this time on the upcoming elite status tiers, qualification requirements and/or benefits.

Read more about all the benefits of Alaska Airlines elite status.

How to earn Alaska miles

Though earning Alaska miles used to be more challenging since the airline is not directly associated with major credit card programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, the carrier announced a partnership with Bilt Rewards in March.

Plus, since merging with Hawaiian Airlines, Amex members can now transfer their Membership Rewards points to HawaiianMiles and then transfer those miles to Mileage Plan at a 1:1 rate. However, in an interview with TPG, Brett Catlin, Alaska’s vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales, hinted that this transfer option may not be around in the foreseeable future.

“Our intent is not to have a transferable currency where guests can earn across competitor cards, to be totally honest,” he noted.

Additionally, you can still earn miles by flying with various airline partners. Alaska Airlines also offers two cobranded credit cards, a shopping portal and a dining rewards program to help you accumulate more miles.

Earn miles when flying with Alaska Airlines

Mileage Plan is an airline loyalty program, so naturally, you can earn when you fly with Alaska Airlines.

Unlike other major U.S. airlines, Alaska continues to award miles based on the actual length of a flight. You’ll earn 1 mile per 1 physical mile flown in standard economy. Saver tickets earn 30% of the miles flown. A one-way flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) earns 2,586 miles in standard economy, as that’s how long the flight is.

First-class tickets receive a minimum 50% mileage bonus, resulting in higher mileage earnings. For example, a flight from SFO to JFK would earn 3,879 redeemable miles. Note that this bonus applies only to paid first-class tickets, not upgrades. Elite members also earn bonus miles on all Alaska flights. For instance, an MVP Gold 75K member flying from SFO to JFK in first class would earn 5,818 miles with their 125% bonus.

Bonus miles can accumulate quickly for frequent travelers. Additionally, higher-fare economy classes offer bonus miles, although they may be more expensive than standard economy tickets. You can refer to Alaska’s website for more information about earning Alaska miles on Alaska flights.

Related: The airline miles that are hardest to earn — and why you want them anyway

Credit partner flights to Mileage Plan

You can credit partner flights to Mileage Plan, allowing you to earn both redeemable and elite qualifying miles. The miles earned depend on the airline, flight length and fare class. To determine the earning levels, visit Alaska’s partner page and locate the earning chart for the specific partner and fare class. Multiply your flight’s distance by the percentage in the “Miles earned (total)” column.

For flights operated by partner airlines with Alaska “AS” flight numbers, all flights follow the earning structure below:

However, starting in 2025, Alaska is offering members who book international first- and business-class tickets on partners the opportunity to earn more miles when booking through Alaskaair.com. But starting in 2025, if you book tickets through a partner website, you will earn less Alaska miles.

Check out the 2025 earning charts here.

Spend on an Alaska Airlines credit card

Alaska Airlines has two cobranded credit cards with Bank of America: a personal card and a business card.

These let you earn Alaska miles on your everyday spending and offer solid welcome bonuses. The cards include other inflight benefits, including an annual Companion Fare that helps offset their annual fees.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card: The Alaska Airlines Visa credit card is Alaska’s personal credit card. New cardholders can buy one Alaska Airlines ticket and get one for just the taxes and fees starting from $23 ($0 fare), plus 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. This card earns 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible Alaska purchases; 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases; and 1 mile per dollar spent everywhere else. You also get a free checked bag on all Alaska flights and 20% back on inflight purchases.

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card: The Alaska Airlines Visa Business card is simply the business version of the personal Alaska card. Get 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska’s Companion Fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after making $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. The card earns 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2 miles per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping and local transit (including ride share) purchases; and 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Plus, for cardholders of the business or personal Alaska credit card, starting Jan. 1, 2025, you will earn 1 elite qualifying mile for every $3 spent (up to 30,000 EQMs each year).

Related: Alaska Airlines Visa Business card review: Good for frequent Alaska business travelers

Transfer Bilt Points

Bilt Rewards members can now transfer points to Alaska Mileage Plan at a 1:1 ratio. This is huge news for award travelers, as Marriott Bonvoy points are the only other major transferable currency that transfers to Alaska Mileage Plan.

Alaska Airlines cardholders can earn 3 miles per dollar spent (on up to $50,000 annually) when using their Alaska Airlines Visa credit card to pay rent through Bilt.

Transfer HawaiianMiles to Alaska Mileage Plan

Following the merger of the two carriers, HawaiianMiles can be transferred to Alaska Mileage Plan at a 1:1 rate. Since Alaska is part of Oneworld alliance, this opens up a slew of redemption partners, such as American Airlines.

Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines is currently a transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards; Amex points can be transferred to HawaiianMiles at a 1:1 rate. However, as mentioned earlier, it’s safe to say that the Amex transfer option will eventually become obsolete.

If you already have the Alaska credit cards in your wallet, you may want to consider opening a Hawaiian Airlines cobranded credit card. If you’re looking to secure a large sum of Hawaiian and/or Alaska miles, these Hawaiian Airlines cards are currently offering the following welcome bonuses.

• Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 70,000 bonus HawaiianMiles after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.
• Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 bonus HawaiianMiles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.

The information for the Hawaiian Mastercard and Hawaiian Business 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.

Other ways to earn Alaska miles

You can earn miles using the Mileage Plan Shopping portal when shopping online and the Mileage Plan Dining program when dining out.

On the shopping side, Mileage Plan Shopping awards bonus miles whenever you click through the Alaska portal before making an online purchase. It offers bonus miles with hundreds of different merchants, including Apple and Saks Fifth Avenue. Each merchant awards a different number of miles per dollar spent, and rates can fluctuate frequently.

Watch out for shopping portal deals offered by Mileage Plan Shopping. It occasionally runs limited-time bonuses where you can earn extra miles by spending a specific amount of money.

Mileage Plan Dining is another opportunity to earn bonus miles. Create an account on the Mileage Plan Dining website and link your credit cards. You’ll earn Alaska points and miles from your credit card by dining at participating restaurants. Use a card that offers bonus points on dining for maximum benefits.

The miles you earn depend on your Mileage Plan Dining membership tier. These include:

• Basic members: 1 mile per 2 dollars spent
• Select members: 3 miles per dollar spent, earned after you enroll in email communications from Mileage Plan Dining
• VIP members: 5 miles per dollar spent, earned after you enroll in email communications and dine at participating restaurants 11 times in a calendar year

You can earn 500 bonus Alaska miles after your first purchase. To qualify, spend $30 at a participating restaurant and review it on the Mileage Plan Dining website.

There are other ways to earn Alaska miles, such as booking rental cars and hotel stays with Alaska partners. You can learn more about these earning opportunities in our full guide to earning Alaska miles.

How to redeem Alaska miles

You can use your Alaska miles for flights on Alaska Airlines and its partner airlines. The best value is often found when redeeming on partner airlines, especially for international first- or business-class flights.

Awards offered by Alaska Airlines are dynamically priced. Your price for a specific award ticket varies by route and day.

You’ll generally find the lowest-priced awards on short flights — think Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Portland International Airport (PDX) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to SFO.

On the airline’s website, you’ll see award pricing for all of Alaska’s partners, depending on the region you are traveling to.

All partner awards are now dynamically priced. For instance, American Airlines award flights in the U.S. and Canada now only have starting prices and then “vary depending on demand.”

You can add stopovers to one-way award tickets

One of the great advantages of booking partner tickets with Alaska Airlines is the ability to add stopovers to one-way award tickets. Booking a ticket with a stopover costs the same as a nonstop flight to your final destination.

You can have a stopover operated by Alaska Airlines or a single partner in its hub city.

For example, you can book a ticket from JFK to London on British Airways, spend a few days in London, and then continue to Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) on British Airways. This should cost the same number of miles as a flight from JFK to FCO, provided the itinerary does not fall into the next-highest band.

Related: How to book free stopovers with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

How to book Alaska Airlines award tickets

You can book most award tickets on alaskaair.com. Log in to your account and enter your search criteria on the home page, ensuring you select the “Use miles” option for award flights. Click “Find flights” to search and view available options in the center of the screen. If you find a suitable ticket, select it and click “Add to cart” to proceed with booking.

For booking stopovers, click the “All search options” link on the homepage and select “multicity” under the “Flight type” header. Enter your flights and search for connecting tickets. All available options will be displayed in the center of the screen. If you find a desirable itinerary, book your ticket as usual.

Plus, Alaska announced this month that Mileage Plan members will begin earning elite qualifying miles on award flights starting Jan. 1, 2025.

Mileage Plan redemption sweet spots

Now that you know about Mileage Plan, let’s explore some top ways to use your Alaska miles.

• Business class to Fiji and Australia/New Zealand: One-way business-class seats on Fiji Airways now start at 75,000 Alaska Airlines miles. You could fly to New Zealand and Australia, with a stopover in Fiji for just 10,000 miles more.
• Domestic flights within Australia: Alaska’s Oneworld partner Qantas operates many wide-body services on the “golden triangle” routes between Sydney Airport (SYD), Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Brisbane Airport (BNE). These flights can be booked in economy class starting at 7,500 Alaska miles each way for journeys of 1,500 miles or less.
• Business class to the United Kingdom: While many flight routes from North America to Europe will fall within the 3,501-5,000-mile range, such as a flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) costing 55,000 miles in business class, there are several routes from the East Coast to the United Kingdom that will only cost 45,000 Mileage Plan miles in business class as they are under 3,500 miles, such as the New York-to-London route.
• Book South America flights on LATAM: Despite having left the Oneworld alliance, LATAM maintains a partnership with Alaska Airlines. By taking advantage of the free stopover, you can book flights like Miami to Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) to Santiago International Airport (SCL), allowing you to experience two vibrant South American cities in one trip from just 25,000 miles for economy and 50,000 miles for business class each way.

Related: Best Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan sweet spot redemptions you can book

Bottom line

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is a top airline loyalty program, thanks to its wide range of partners and reliable award charts. Additionally, with its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and updated program announcements, there are many notable benefits to the Mileage Plan loyalty program.

However, it remains to be seen how the impending joint loyalty program between the two carriers will follow Alaska’s current Mileage Plan program. For us, we hope it’s not a total devaluation of a valuable airline program.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.

United Airlines has launched a new round of Mile Play promotions, which award bonus miles to targeted members after they complete specific tasks. Now’s a good time to check your eligibility and register — even if you’re unsure about your upcoming travel plans.

To see if you’re eligible and to register, visit United’s Mile Play page. Enter your MileagePlus number, check the box stating you aren’t a robot and click “Start Mile Play.”

As is normal with these promotions, offers vary widely from one member to another. United may not have targeted some members for Mile Play, while others will see different rewards and requirements to earn them. We checked around the TPG team and found varying offers.

Examples of United’s Mile Play offers

TPG Senior Director of Content Summer Hull received an offer for 5,000 bonus miles if she takes three trips of $300 or more by Dec. 13.

TPG’s managing cruise editor, Erica Silverstein, has Premier Silver status. She received an offer to book and take a trip three times to get 5,000 bonus miles; each fare must be $175 or more.

Senior Travel Editor Lyndsey Matthews, who does not hold MileagePlus status, received an offer to book and take a trip three times to earn 7,000 bonus miles; each fare must be more than $100.

Associate Credit Cards Writer Chris Nelson, who has Premier Silver status, received an offer to earn 6,800 bonus miles by booking and taking two trips; each fare must be $250 or more.

Other TPG staffers and their loved ones received the following offers:

• Earn 3,100 bonus miles after you book and take two trips, each with a fare of $175 or more.
• Earn 7,500 bonus miles after you book and take five trips, each with a fare of $100 or more.

Keep in mind that to count toward these promotions, trips generally must be booked and flown after you register and before the promotion’s end date (Dec. 13). So if you already have a trip planned during the Mile Play window, it won’t qualify (though you might consider canceling and rebooking it). And unless otherwise noted in your offer’s terms, only paid flights marketed and operated by United and United Express will count toward Mile Play offers.

Best cards to use for United flights

Whether or not you’re targeted for this promotion, you can earn lots of bonus United miles by opening a cobranded credit card. Here’s a look at the current welcome bonuses on select United cards:

• United℠ Explorer Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• United Quest℠ Card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• United Club℠ Infinite Card: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• United Gateway℠ Card: Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• United℠ Business Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

Although cobranded credit cards can help you earn United miles, you may earn more rewards when you book with one of the best cards for airfare purchases. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express earns 5 points per dollar spent on airfare 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).

Bottom line

Even if you don’t have any upcoming travel plans with United, it’s worth registering and considering whether it’s time to plan a trip. If you have any flights booked that are fully refundable — with United or other airlines — you should consider whether your Mile Play offer is compelling enough for you to cancel and rebook with United.

Related reading:

• The ultimate guide to United Club access
• Best credit cards for airport lounge access
• The best credit cards to reach elite status

Five new long-distance domestic flights are coming to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

After months of public and behind-the-scenes jockeying among airlines and lawmakers, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced tentative approval for the airlines — and cities — awarded these highly-coveted flight rights.

A DOT spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed to TPG the new routes airlines that are tentatively approved to soon launch.

Those include:

• American Airlines, with nonstop service from DCA to San Antonio International Airport (SAT).
• Alaska Airlines, with nonstop service from DCA to San Diego International Airport (SAN).
• Delta Air Lines, with nonstop service from DCA to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
• Southwest Airlines, with nonstop service from DCA to Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
• United Airlines, with a second daily nonstop flight from DCA to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Tightly-restricted space

Airlines badly wanted these new routes. Reagan is easily the closest and most convenient airport to downtown Washington, just a short Metro or car ride away from the city center and key landmarks.

However, for decades, the U.S. Department of Transportation has closely guarded DCA’s limited space.

DOT rules technically prohibit airlines from flying routes from Reagan to destinations beyond 1,250 statute miles.

However, over the years, Congress has authorized dozens of exceptions to these rules in the form of so-called “beyond perimeter exemptions.”

Each exception allows an airline to fly a specific DOT-approved route by way of a “slot pair” handed down by the agency. One “slot pair” includes one takeoff and one landing — in other words, a single round trip beyond the 1,250-mile perimeter.

Through the years, exemptions to the DCA perimeter rules have allowed a handful of airlines to establish transcontinental routes from Reagan to the West Coast by way of cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Denver — among others.

In May, Congress directed the DOT to hand out five additional slot pairs, in a controversial decision that came “over the strong opposition” of the airport’s governing body.

Along with lawmakers in the region, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has criticized Congressional decisions to add flights to already congested airspace at Reagan — and pointed to the comparably larger Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) as better suited for growth.

The total number of seats on domestic flights out of Reagan is set to rise nearly 19% in 2024 versus 2014, a decade ago, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Domestic seats out of Dulles were set to rise by just over 10%.

Read more: What are airport slots, and how do they affect your flights?

Another round of slots

Nonetheless, the move sent airlines clamoring for potential new routes from Reagan to cities beyond the perimeter.

The DOT outlined highly specific criteria in late June that governed which airlines and routes might be eligible, with promises to base decisions on promoting competition and serving the public with the best connectivity to underserved routes.

These rules, no doubt, influenced which carriers even bothered applying.

Which airlines lost out?

Seven airlines applied for the five routes, with two ultimately left out.

Left out carriers include Spirit Airlines, which applied for a DCA nonstop to Norman Mineta International Airport (SJC) in San Jose, California, and JetBlue, which had proposed a second daily nonstop to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The airlines getting DCA’s new long-distance flights

Here’s a closer look at the routes that did win DOT approval:

Airline	Route	Notes
American Airlines	DCA-SAT	Expands the carrier’s hub operations at DCA.   American already operates four “long-distance” DCA routes to Austin, Las Veags, Los Angeles and Phoenix.
Alaska Airlines	DCA-SAN	Connects the Seattle-based to its only largest West Coast hub without a DCA nonstop, along with LAX, San Francisco, Porland and Seattle.
Delta Air Lines	DCA-SEA	Adds competition to the DCA-SEA route currently served exclusively by Alaska.   Gives Delta a second beyond-perimeter DCA route, on top of existing Salt Lake City service.
Southwest	DCA-LAS	Gives the carrier a second beyond-perimeter destination, along with Austin.   Also adds competition to DCA-LAS route currently served exclusively by American.
United	DCA-SFO	The new route marks United’s second daily DCA nonstop to SFO, which it will now serve from all three major D.C. region airports.   United also flies a beyond-perimeter route from Reagan to Denver.   United plans to fly the route with a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

While the DOT’s announcement Wednesday is technically just tentative,  airlines and cities awarded the routes already began celebrating the news.

“Today marks a significant milestone for San Antonio as we get one step closer to securing a nonstop flight between SAT and DCA,”  San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement. “This connectivity between San Antonio and our nation’s capital is long overdue.”

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations

A few times a year, Airbnb releases a series of updates that change how we interact with the home-sharing app.

Sometimes, those changes are huge, such as the introduction of categories that made finding the kind of place you want to book easier than ever (hello, castles!). Other times, the modifications are geared toward Airbnb hosts on the back end and affect travelers indirectly, like by requiring clearer checkout instructions or integrating smart locks into the app.

This year’s winter Airbnb release includes a mix of updates for both travelers and hosts, providing 50 new upgrades that’ll make the experience more personalized than ever. There are now ways for hosts to get help from experts to both list and manage their properties, and Airbnb will now provide tips on where people should book stays.

“We’re really trying to make the app much more personal,” Tara Bunch, Airbnb’s global head of operations, told TPG ahead of the winter release. She added that the company has a serious amount of data from users’ past stays and searches and wants to use that information to make finding the perfect Airbnb easier than ever.

Alongside the updates, Airbnb is also celebrating the platform’s 2 billionth stay (yes, billionth … with a b). And while that’s a huge accomplishment for the brand, it’s also a reminder of just how big the platform is, how many people use it and just how many listings there are for guests to comb through when planning a trip. For Bunch, this update peels back some of the layers of Airbnb and helps people get to the good part — the stay itself — more efficiently.

“The site has gotten big, you know, we’ve got an enormous amount of listings now, and it can be overwhelming,” she said. “So, we really want to make it less around planning the trip and more about enjoying the trip, and we want to make it easier.”

Here’s how Airbnb is doing exactly that.

The Airbnb app gets more personal

Airbnb frequently changes the ways people interact with the platform, from making it easier to search its millions of listings to ensuring you only see properties that fit your specific needs. In its most current update, it’s zooming in on ways to make the app more personalized to you, your preferences and the places you travel.

“The idea is to get much more personal, sort of create some shortcuts for you because we know a lot about you,” Bunch explained. “While you might want to do something you’ve never done before, most people kind of tend to have some patterns that they tend to repeat.”

Here are the highlights, according to Airbnb:

• Welcome tour: If you’re a first-time guest, Airbnb will help you get started with a guided tour of the app.
• Suggested destinations: When you tap the search bar, Airbnb will recommend locations based on your search and booking history. It will also offer shortcuts to your past searches and your recently viewed listings.
• Search tips: Throughout your search, Airbnb will offer relevant tips to help you find last-minute stays, discounts from hosts and more. For example, if you search for a six-day trip, it will suggest extending your trip by one day to take advantage of a weekly discount.
• Recommended filters: Airbnb has redesigned search filters with recommendations based on your past bookings and current searches. It’s also made it easier to view, add and remove filters.
• Personalized listing highlights: When you view a listing, Airbnb will highlight details that are relevant to your search — like a property’s playroom or backyard if you’re traveling with kids.
• All-new checkout: If you’re a returning guest, Airbnb has simplified the booking process with a redesigned checkout page that is shorter and includes key details at a glance.
• Local payments: You’ll soon have access to more than two dozen ways to pay around the world, including Vipps in Norway, MobilePay in Denmark and MoMo in Vietnam.

The new co-host network

For folks who host on Airbnb or have been looking to, Airbnb is introducing a new network of more than 10,000 vetted co-hosts with expert ratings who can help manage bookings, offer insight into how to make homes and stays better for guests, set up new listings, and everything between.

This might not be the most interesting update for those of us who aren’t Airbnb hosts ourselves, but having more people working on a property (at least on the back end) allows for quicker and easier communication, more personalization and convenience, and — just maybe — a person on the ground closer to the home in case they’re ever needed.

“Oftentimes, the host doesn’t live near the property because it’s a vacation home for them, and this is a way for us to really improve that experience in these locations,” Bunch, who hosts an Airbnb about three hours away from her primary home, explained. “It’s not an easy place for me to just run up there if they, you know, need an extra set of sheets or some towels or something’s not working.” That’s when the co-host steps in.

Other updates and new features for hosts include new price suggestions based on similar listings that can be applied with a simple tap, presaved “quick replies” that can be automatically sent to guests and an improved earnings dashboard with custom reporting features.

Winter travel trends from Airbnb

With over 2 billion guest stays under its belt, Airbnb has its finger on the pulse of where people are traveling this fall and winter.

Here in the U.S., sports and concerts are a major driving force of travel, likely due to the return of Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” to the U.S. and Canada, plus football and basketball season. Americans are also heading abroad for cultural celebrations like Dia de los Muertos in Guatemala City or to Zermatt, Switzerland, for Christmas markets.

Using Airbnb’s robust categories systems is a great way to dive deeper into the types of trips people want to take. This winter, the five most popular categories are Golfing, Amazing Pools, National Parks, Beach and Top Cities. Among those top-level searches, people are further narrowing down their searches by looking for listings that also include extra bells and whistles like pools, Wi-Fi, Jacuzzis, free parking and kitchens.

And for families and groups consisting of an average of four guests, Airbnb is sharing some popular destinations across the globe to inspire your next family vacation (preferably one with a Jacuzzi!).

Trending family domestic destinations among US guests

• Fort Myers, Florida
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
• Sevierville, Tennessee
• Columbus, Ohio
• Broken Bow, Oklahoma
• Sarasota, Florida
• Aspen, Colorado
• Stowe, Vermont
• Davenport, Florida

Trending family destinations worldwide among US guests

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Vancouver, British Columbia
• Guadalajara, Mexico
• Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
• Rio de Janeiro
• Rome
• Sydney
• Tamarindo, Costa Rica
• Paris
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

Related reading: 

• 10 ways to use points to book vacation home rentals
• Quick Points: Earn airline miles on your Airbnb and Vrbo stays
• A guide to the best credit cards for Airbnb stays

Delta Air Lines is giving its cabins a new look.

The Atlanta-based carrier Tuesday announced plans for a cabin facelift for its planes, featuring updated seat coverings, new mood lighting, and an overall refresh for the airline’s cabin aesthetic across the fleet.

Now, don’t board your next Delta plane expecting to see the updated look; it’ll be a bit of a methodical rollout.

By the end of this year, Delta plans to retrofit one of its Boeing 757 jets serving domestic and short-haul international routes with the new appearance. The new aesthetic will make its way onto a brand-new Delta Airbus A350 serving long-haul routes in early 2025.

However, the carrier eventually hopes to give its entire fleet a new — and uniform— look, Delta said Tuesday.

“This refreshed cabin interior infused utility with beauty to create an atmosphere that feels fresh, elevated, and timeless while reflecting our customers’ evolving tastes and expectations,” Delta vice president of customer experience design Mauricio Parise said in a statement announcing the news.

Delta’s cabin refresh

The changes will be evident as soon as you climb on board a Delta aircraft in the future. The airline’s royal blue seat coverings will be replaced by a much darker color palette, trimmed in bright red striping.

Read more: Delta’s futuristic first-class recliners are coming to the Boeing 737

New Delta branding and motifs will be evident around the cabin, too. Delta’s shooting for an interior that “feels fresh, elevated and timeless,” as the company’s statement put it.

To be clear, Delta’s not getting all-new seats, so don’t expect a major hard product overhaul. This is more of a cosmetic update.

The seats will get a new trim and finish, plus new cushions on its 757s.

On jets with the Delta One cabin, the carrier says its new leather seat covers — atop memory foam — are better for temperature regulation.

And, Premium Select and domestic-style First Class seats will also get memory foam cushions, adorned in leather seat coverings.

Plus, it wouldn’t be a cabin refresh without improved ambient lighting. Delta will offer a variety of mood lighting settings based on the stage of the flight, including a “warm and inviting” setting for boarding, with separate sunset and sunrise tones for overnight flights — not to mention a “candlelight” setting for dinner service.

The cabin itself will get a new trim and look, too, including new dividers featuring a “celestial sky pattern” and additional Delta branding.

New cabin timeline

Again, you won’t see these changes right away. By late 2025, new jets delivered to Delta will have the updated look, a spokesperson told TPG.

Delta has dozens of wide-body aircraft slated for delivery in the coming years, including an order of 20 A350-1000s announced in January. That’s on top of hundreds of additional narrow-body jets from Airbus slated for the fleet in the coming years.

The airline is also planning to retrofit its existing fleet with the new look. However, there’s no timeline, yet, for when those refits might take place:

“Additional aircraft will receive the new cabin design as Delta’s schedule and operation allows over the next few years,” the carrier said.

Delta’s premium push

These aesthetic improvements come as Delta aims to position itself as the top premium airline in the U.S. — a mantle on which it’s gotten increased competition in recent years from United Airlines, itself in the midst of an ambitious cabin overhaul and fleet growth.

Just last week, Delta cut the ribbon on its 10,000-square-foot all-business Delta One Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and has more swanky outposts slated for opening in the coming months.

Executives regularly tout the high-dollar spending charged by its loyal SkyMiles members to its suite of cobranded American Express credit cards. Delta made $1.8 billion from its Amex partnership during the third quarter of this year, the company reported last week.

Now, it seems, the carrier hopes a touch-up for its cabins will give its planes a fresh look in the years to come.

Related reading:

• Your complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles program
• Best Delta credit cards
• What is Delta Air Lines elite status worth?
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status in 2023
• How to survive basic economy on Delta Air Lines

Earlier this year, American Airlines promised that it would enable online redemptions for systemwide upgrade certificates.

Well, 2024 is (nearly) coming to a close, and the Fort Worth-based carrier is finally making good on its promise — at least in a limited way.

Beginning on Monday, American has started a limited-time beta test of online redemptions for systemwide upgrades. Select AAdvantage members with unused systemwide upgrades in their accounts were notified on Monday via email that they were part of a beta test.

The test, which will run for two to three weeks, will determine whether American needs to make any changes to the online upgrade portal before rolling it out more broadly, a company spokesperson told TPG.

“This feature is something our members have requested for some time, so we’re eager for the results of this test to inform how we can continue to make engaging with the AAdvantage program easy for our members,” said a company spokesperson.

Unfortunately, the carrier didn’t mention when it would roll out the feature globally despite initially promising to have the functionality available by the end of the year to all AAdvantage members.

In the meantime, at least the carrier seems to be progressing towards its goal.

If you’re one of the lucky AAdvantage members who received an email from American, the online redemption process is pretty simple.

You need to navigate to the linked website and then input your last name and confirmation number. You’ll then be asked which flight you want to prioritize for an upgrade. American recommends that you select the longest flight in your itinerary to maximize your comfort in the pointy end of the plane.

If the flight is available for immediate confirmation — here’s how to check — your itinerary should be upgraded instantly. If it’s not, American will place the flight on the waitlist. The airline said it will also attempt to confirm or waitlist any upgrades on shorter connecting flights after your preferred segment is upgraded.

It wasn’t immediately clear if you could select which systemwide upgrade would be pulled if your upgrade is confirmed. (Presumably it’s the one that expires soonest.)

While this functionality might seem pretty basic, it’s actually quite powerful for elite members who have spent hours on the phone over the years with the AAdvantage service desk applying upgrades to upcoming reservations.

Even if you received the beta invitation, I’d still recommend calling American if you have any complicated upgrade requests.

Still, this is a long-awaited technical improvement, and I, for one, can’t wait to use it on an upcoming flight.

It’s interesting to note that American’s upgrade tech still pales compared to what Delta and United offer. United has long been the leader in this space with a fantastic web and mobile interface for using and redeeming PlusPoints.

Delta debuted the ability to redeem upgrade certificates online at the end of 2022, and that functionality is now live for any eligible elite traveler.

Related reading:

• Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
• Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
• What is American Airlines elite status worth?
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Everything you need to know about flying basic economy on American Airlines

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Kimpton Karma Rewards folded into the IHG loyalty program in early 2018. But, to the delight of Kimpton loyalists, Kimpton Inner Circle status still exists within the IHG One Rewards program.

Kimpton Inner Circle is an invite-only status that offers perks at Kimpton hotels and restaurants. Unlike other IHG elite status tiers, there aren’t published qualification requirements for Kimpton Inner Circle. And, unlike InterContinental Ambassador membership, you can’t buy Kimpton Inner Circle status.

Here’s what you should know about Kimpton Inner Circle membership, including how to get an invite.

How to get Kimpton Inner Circle

You must satisfy two requirements to receive an invite to Kimpton’s Inner Circle. First, you must be an IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite member. Second, you must show loyalty to Kimpton by meeting unpublished criteria.

Now, let’s look at these two Kimpton Inner Circle requirements.

IHG Diamond Elite status

To earn IHG Diamond Elite status, you’ll usually need to complete 70 elite-qualifying nights or earn 120,000 elite-qualifying points during the calendar year. Once you earn Diamond Elite status, you’ll keep it through the end of the following calendar year.

Cardmembers of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card get automatic Platinum Elite status for as long as they remain cardmembers. However, these cardmembers can secure Diamond Elite status through the end of the following calendar year if they make purchases totaling $40,000 or more with one of these IHG Premier cards during a calendar year.

Loyalty to Kimpton

IHG doesn’t publish specific loyalty criteria for Kimpton Inner Circle. However, I assume qualification is based on how frequently you stay with Kimpton properties and how much you spend at Kimpton properties.

Related: The top Kimpton Hotels across the world, according to IHG Diamond members

Kimpton Inner Circle benefits

You must hold IHG Diamond Elite status to become eligible for an invite to Kimpton’s Inner Circle. So, you’ll get Diamond Elite benefits at all IHG brands, and you’ll get Diamond Elite and Inner Circle perks when staying at Kimpton properties.

Specifically, Kimpton Inner Circle members can expect the following extra perks at Kimpton hotels.

Inner Circle amenity

During each stay, Kimpton will provide a favorite snack and drink as an in-room amenity. You can set your preferences in your online profile or by calling the Inner Circle VIP line.

Each hotel will do its best to provide a snack and beverage that meets your preferences, but you may not get exactly what you request during every stay.

Chef’s taste

When you eat dinner at participating Kimpton restaurants, you can enjoy a complimentary chef’s taste. The chef’s taste is usually a small appetizer or dessert.

You don’t need to stay with Kimpton to enjoy a chef’s taste while having dinner, but you do need to let the restaurant staff know you’re an Inner Circle member.

Kimpton Inner Circle free night

Inner Circle members get one new hotel free night certificate each calendar year if they’ve stayed at three or more different Kimpton properties in the previous 12 months. Members can use the new free night at select new Kimpton properties in North America based on availability and at the property’s discretion. However, although the new hotel free night covers the cost of the room, you’ll still need to pay for incidental charges, taxes and fees.

Guaranteed 1-category room upgrade

Kimpton Inner Circle members are guaranteed a one-category upgrade above the room type booked when checking in to Kimpton hotels. When staying at Kimpton properties that price all room types the same, you’ll get a room in a better location.

This benefit doesn’t include upgrades to presidential suites, specialty suites or suites with two or more bedrooms. Additionally, if you use a suite upgrade earned through the IHG Milestone Rewards program, you won’t be eligible for an additional room upgrade at check-in due to your Inner Circle status.

Related: How to earn and redeem IHG food and beverage rewards

Guaranteed early check-in and late checkout

You can check in beginning at 10 a.m. on your arrival day. If your room isn’t available early, you can use another room until yours is ready. You can also keep your room as late as 4 p.m. on your departure day.

Waived amenity fees

When staying at Kimpton properties, you won’t need to pay guest amenity or destination fees, but you’ll still need to pay resort fees and surcharges.

This might seem like a convenient loophole, but when I looked at several popular Kimpton hotels, each property advertised guest amenity fees instead of resort fees.

Premium internet

When staying at Kimpton hotels, you’ll get complimentary internet at the property’s highest speed.

VIP phone line

You’ll also get access to a VIP phone line connecting you with Inner Circle agents. These agents can assist with IHG reservations and answer questions about Diamond Elite and Inner Circle benefits. Even if you don’t call IHG frequently, these agents can make the process better when you need to do so.

Related: Best IHG beach hotels, ranging from family-friendly resorts to luxury stays

Bottom line

Kimpton Inner Circle membership only provides perks at Kimpton properties. But, unlike InterContinental Ambassador (another brand-specific status in the IHG program), you can’t purchase Kimpton Inner Circle. Instead, you must earn Diamond Elite status and hit unpublished loyalty thresholds with Kimpton to get an invite. However, with all the perks and benefits offered, loyalty to IHG (and Kimpton, in particular) could be worthwhile.

Related reading:

• Terrific location but an unkempt room: A review of the Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City
• Perfectly fine but nothing special: My stay at the Kimpton Gray in Chicago
• 5 things you’ll love (and 2 you might not) about the Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
• Dramatic views and even a pool in the heart of Paris: A review of Kimpton St Honore Paris
• Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix review: When can I check in again?

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information

Each year, as cool nights and changing leaves descend upon the northern hemisphere, skiers and riders head straight for their gear rooms, dusting off their skis or boards in anticipation of the impending ski season. Dreams of bottomless, untouched powder become the nightly norm while obsessively checking the long-range winter forecast and ski area opening dates fill the work day.

While forecasts can help narrow down your choices on where to go this winter, opting for destinations with flexible hotel bookings and airfare or waiting until the last minute (if that’s in the budget) will increase the odds of ending up in a snow globe rather than having to pick your way between mud patches on the slopes.

Forecasters are predicting a La Nina weather pattern ahead of the 2024-25 ski season, which tends to favor western resorts. During the last La Nina, during the 2022-23 ski season, ski areas across California and Utah smashed snowfall records. But that doesn’t necessarily mean destinations in the Northeast and Colorado should be written off just yet.

Knowing your priorities is important when considering the best ski resort. For some, the “best” ski resort is one where deep powder and steep slopes take center stage, even if the only nearby lodging option is the back of your car in the parking lot. Others might prioritize ski resorts with high-end hotels despite crowded lift lines that make it nearly impossible to get more than a handful of runs in during the day.

Regardless of where on this spectrum you fall, the United States has seemingly endless ski resorts to choose from. Below is a guide to some of the most popular and why each might be the best for you.

Aspen Snowmass Resort

From the expert runs of Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands to the expansive and family-friendly terrain of far larger Snowmass, this 5,500-acre complex encompasses four skiing and snowboarding areas. It lives up to its reputation as the definitive all-in-one ski destination and one of the best Colorado ski resorts. And thanks to the 2023 addition of a high-speed quad and a significant terrain expansion on Aspen Mountain, there will be plenty to explore this winter.

Despite its upscale image, there’s plenty of fun here. Go tubing and snow biking under the stars at Elk Camp or ice-karting around a frozen lake in nearby Roaring Fork Valley.

What to know

Each of the four Aspen Snowmass ski resorts has its own personality. Aspen Mountain is known for its challenging terrain and easy access to town and nightlife, while Aspen Highlands is famed for its expert runs. Families and beginners can’t do better than the gentle slopes of Buttermilk, especially the tot-friendly Panda Peak and the teenager favorite X Park.

Snowmass offers equally easy access while still pleasing thrill-seekers with its 4,400-foot rise. Speaking of thrills, no other resort offers an experience like the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, which whizzes through the forest on an elevated track.

Where to eat

Hit Aspen Public House for burgers and truffle potatoes or Spring Cafe for soups, salads and creative breakfast scrambles. Try the French bistro cuisine at Betula or the dry-aged prime rib at Catch Steak for something more celebratory.

Where to stay

Where you stay depends on your budget and the mountain resort you want to ski. There are plenty of choices; luckily, Aspen has some of the best ski hotels in the U.S.

The Mollie Aspen is a great option for those looking for a quieter, simple boutique hotel in the center of town. The St. Regis Aspen Resort is ideal if you’re hoping for a dose of luxury just a few steps from the lifts at Aspen Mountain.

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Rates start around $2,000 or 130,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night during ski season on select midweek dates, although weekends can exceed $3,000 per night. Depending on the number of nights booked and specific dates, nights can be as low as 90,000  points early season.

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Rates start around $1,150 on select nights during ski season or from 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, all plus a $65-per-night resort fee.

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Rates start at $2,000 per night during ski season.

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Rates start at $550 per night during ski season, or 80,000 points per night during ski season, plus a $50 daily resort fee.

Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort

With the 2014 addition of the Canyons ski resort increasing its size to 7,300 acres, Park City arguably became the largest ski resort in the United States. It’s second only to Whistler Blackcomb in North America. And thanks to major snowmaking upgrades on some of Park City’s popular trails, they anticipate an earlier-than-usual opening date this season.

Deer Valley Resort, just 3 miles away, offers skiers a premium experience with high-touch service; snowboarders are still banned from the impeccably maintained slopes.

In 2023, Deer Valley’s parent company, Alterra Mountain Company, announced a historic expansion incorporating the Mayflower Mountain Resort into Deer Valley. This will double the skiable terrain and add 16 new lifts and a 10-passenger gondola to the slopes. Deer Valley will also debut 300 new skiable acres for the 2024-25 ski season.

What to know

A new eight-person gondola now connects Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons from peak to peak, making access easy. Snowboarders are out of luck at Deer Valley, one of the three last American resorts open only to skiers. Luckily, Park City and Canyons are snowboarders’ favorites.

Where to eat

As one of the best ski towns in the U.S., Park City has no shortage of terrific dining options. You’ll find plenty of chef-driven culinary haunts along Main Street, including Riverhorse on Main, Grappa and Chimayo. Though you’ll pay handsomely for the scenery and prime location, a younger crowd flocks to places like High West Saloon and No Name Saloon. Locals tend to frequent places off the tourist trail, such as Five5eeds, fresh, healthy fare purveyors, or Sammy’s Bistro, a local institution.

The Swiss Alps come to Utah at Deer Valley Resort’s Fireside Dining, where you can feast on warm raclette cheese and classic fondue after arriving by horse-drawn sleigh.

Where to stay

Plenty of fabulous lodges allow you to park your skis at the end of the day on the slopes. The big decision is whether to stay closer to Deer Valley or Park City. The decision is easy for snowboarders or families with snowboarders since they aren’t welcome at Deer Valley.

But for skiers, the decision is less straightforward. Regardless of where you’re skiing, staying close to Park City Mountain Resort or Canyons is an option. They are quite literally side by side and connected by the Quicksilver gondola once you are on the mountain.

Staying at Deer Valley is a better option for those looking for a more luxurious, secluded, high-end vibe, while Park City lends itself to a more laid-back, casual experience. If you want to walk from bar to bar or explore different restaurants on foot, staying closer to Park City is a better bet.

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Winter rates at the St. Regis Deer Valley start at just under $1,200 or 122,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

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Winter rates at the Montage Deer Valley start at around $1,550 per night.

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Rates start at $430 per night in low season, around $1,100 in high season or 110,000 Hilton Honors points.

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Rates start at around $600 per night or 29,000 World of Hyatt points during ski season and around $300 per night during the offseason. There is also a $40 daily resort fee.

Related: Brian Head — the affordable Utah ski resort where lift tickets start at $29

Breckenridge, Colorado

A Western-chic vibe still pervades this historic 19th-century mining town. The resort’s Five Peaks frame a bustling main street lined with gingerbread-bedecked clapboard buildings.

An all-season destination known for mountain biking and hiking almost as much as it is for skiing, “Breck” hosts a year-round roster of festivals and events. This includes the International Snow Sculpture Championships, which turn the town into a magical fantasyland of ice during the last week of January every year.

The fun vibe continues in town which you can reach via the free BreckConnect gondola. From the top of the Imperial SuperChair — the highest chairlift in North America, which sits 12,840 feet above sea level — you can take the trails directly from the slopes into town.

What to know

At 9,600 feet above sea level, Breck is among the highest-altitude towns in the U.S. As such, it has become known for early fall color, snowfall and late snowmelt, with good snow conditions typical into late spring. And with such a wide variety of lodging around town, it’s no surprise that Breck has some of the best ski lodges in the U.S.

Where to eat

Dine on elk and buffalo while listening to jazz and blues at Blue River Bistro, known for its three-hour happy hour. Or, class it up at Legends Steak & Seafood, where the butcher’s cut of the day is reliably excellent. The restaurant at Breckenridge Distillery is almost as beloved for its celebratory atmosphere and eclectic menu of small plates as it is for its world-class whiskey.

Tip: Take a tour of the Breckenridge Distillery if you have time.

Where to stay

More casual than some of Colorado’s glitzy ski destinations, Breckenridge still has some wonderful places to stay. Hotels like the Residence Inn are perfect for enjoying the town; its location on Main Street makes it the perfect place to enjoy the nightlife after a long day of skiing or riding. And with the number of restaurants, shops and bars in Breck, it’s worth leaving the slopes and wandering around town.

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Rates from around $360 per night during ski season, or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

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Rates from $389 per night during ski season.

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Rates start at $471 per night during ski season or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (though they can be difficult to find).

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Jackson Hole is a bucket list destination for expert skiers looking to prove themselves on its craggy slopes and famously steep chutes like the infamous Corbet’s Couloir. Beginning and intermediate skiers will also find some gentler trails and recently expanded intermediate terrain.

What to know

It’s only a 15-minute ride up the mountain on the aerial tram affectionately dubbed Big Red, but get there early during peak times to avoid lines. Families and beginners will love the recently opened Solitude Station ski school and learning hub that offers lessons, rentals and fire pits to make waiting more pleasant.

Where to eat

There’s no lunch spot like Piste Mountain Bistro at the top of the Bridger gondola, where a glass wall showcases mountaintop views. Gather, a local favorite, serves up modern American comfort fare in an unusual round dining room surrounded by a spacious patio. The top-of-the-world waffles at Corbet’s Cabin are a must.

Where to stay

Rustic-chic is the name of the game when it comes to luxurious lodges in this former frontier town. Many lodging options, like the Caldera House and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Teton Village, are higher-end properties that focus on the amenities and a luxurious off-slope experience. There are also more affordable options, like the Snake River Lodge and Spa, a luxury mountain resort slightly less high-end than other properties.

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Rates start at just over $500 per night during ski season.

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Rates start at around $1,360 per night in high season, plus a 10% occupancy fee.

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Rates start at around $3,000 per night in high season.

Palisades Tahoe

As you’d expect from a resort that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and trained 1998 gold medalist, Jonny Moseley, Palisades Tahoe is the resort of choice for expert skiers drawn to extra-steep runs, including several newly designated double black diamonds. But it might come as a surprise to learn that the terrain at today’s resort is almost evenly divided among beginner, intermediate and expert.

Palisades Tahoe has recently undergone several major improvements, including a multimillion-dollar Gold Coast midmountain lodge renovation.

What to know

Two base areas, the Village and Alpine (the former Alpine Meadows, now part of Palisades), are linked by a brand-new base-to-base gondola, making it possible to ski both in one day. Unlike most resorts, Palisades has beginner areas at the top of the mountain at the 8,200-foot High Camp, accessible by an aerial tram.

Related: From hidden gems to big names: Here are 11 of California’s best ski resorts

Where to eat

Take a lunch break with 8,200-foot views at High Camp’s Granite Bistro, which overlooks the pool and hot tub, or savor kebabs and other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare at Mogrog Cafe in the Alpine base camp. Off-resort on the banks of the Truckee River, the River Ranch Lodge serves elk ribs, bison chops, scallops, calamari and ahi poke alongside more conventional pub-style fare.

Where to stay

More casual and laid-back than other ski resorts, Palisades Tahoe has plenty of accommodation options for travelers of various inclinations.

Unlike destinations like Aspen — where luxurious rooms and top-notch spa treatments are just as (if not more) important than the skiing itself — the Tahoe area has accommodations perfect for winding down between long days of skiing. That’s not to say there aren’t some nice places to stay (like North Tahoe’s PlumpJack Inn), but they’re just a bit more casual than the hotels frequently found in some of the higher-end destinations.

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Rates start at $250 per night for a studio midweek during ski season.

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Rates start at around $400 per night during ski season.

Sun Valley Resort

Ernest Hemingway finished “For Whom the Bell Tolls” there; Tom Hanks, Ashton Kutcher and Jamie Lee Curtis own homes there; and so many Hollywood celebrities vacation there that it’s known as New Hollywood North. Yet Sun Valley, Idaho, has plenty to offer the rest of us, from the beginner terrain on Dollar Mountain to the pristine and well-groomed trails on Bald Mountain. It also gets more than 250 days of sunshine a year.

What to know

Dollar Mountain lures beginners with easy-to-navigate trails while experts head for Bald Mountain, or “Baldy,” for black diamond runs. Sunrise, a 380-acre terrain park that opened in 2020, expands the resort’s skiable acres by 20%. And in December of 2023, Sun Valley improved the Warm Springs part of the resort with several new lift installations and an additional 54 acres of gladed terrain.

Related: Sleigh rides and snowball fights: Top 8 ski resorts for people who don’t like to ski

Where to eat

Pub-style food and a convivial atmosphere make Warfield Distillery & Brewery a good place to chat with locals and catch the occasional live band.

Where to stay

While Sun Valley is no secret, it gets much less recognition than other major ski destinations throughout North America. Naturally, the accommodations will be much more laid-back and affordable than the higher-end inns and lodges at places like Breckenridge and Jackson Hole.

That said, Limelight does have a location in nearby Ketchum, which emulates its successful property in Aspen. And just because it gets less recognition (although that seems to be changing recently) doesn’t mean the skiing or lodging experiences are any less noteworthy.

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Rates start at around $600 per night.

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Rates start at around $559 per night during ski season.

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Rates start at $211 or from 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Steamboat, Colorado

In Colorado’s Yampa Valley, the town now known as Steamboat Springs served as an important hunting ground for the Ute tribe; the area’s natural springs were also culturally significant for the Yampatika Ute and Arapaho tribes. When a railroad was built in the early 20th century, the region became important for ranching, but it wouldn’t be long before skiing followed.

Today, the ski area pays tribute to its past with events like the Cowboy Downhill race, which is exactly what it sounds like: a rowdy time with professional rodeo cowboys competing in a race that includes slalom, a jump, lassos and horses.

What to know

The resort completed a $220 million, three-year development project for the 2023-24 ski season — the largest in resort history.

The project’s final phase adds 655 acres of skiable expert terrain, bumping Steamboat up to the second-largest resort in the state. The recently installed upper section of the Wild Blue gondola makes it the fastest and longest 10-person gondola in North America. Steamboat is approximately a four-hour drive from Denver, but there is nonstop flight service to nearby Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) from 16 major cities nationwide.

Where to eat

There are plenty of options for food around Steamboat. There are casual spots like TBar — set in an old ski patrol building and offers empanadas and sandwiches like a pork belly BLT — and higher-end culinary experiences like Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails, specializing in smoked and cured foods.

Where to stay

Steamboat has plenty of lodging options. Gravity Haus has a ski-in, ski-out location for those who don’t want to waste time before getting to the slopes in the morning. Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas is also an on-mountain hotel with great access to and views of the slopes.

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Rates start at around $350 per night during ski season, and Bonvoy points bookings are typically unavailable during high-demand times, like ski season. Rooms tend to get booked far in advance, so planning will help you lock in cheaper rates.

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Rates start at $350 per night during ski season.

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Rates start at around $330 per night during ski season.

Big Sky Resort

Halfway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone in Montana’s Madison Range, Big Sky is the out-of-the-way destination every skier dreams of.

The resort became another contender for one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. with the 2013 addition of Moonlight Basin, bringing the total skiable acres to 5,850. There are even lifts and runs connecting Big Sky to the privately owned 2,200-acre Yellowstone Club, open only to those owning property or staying there.

Big Sky is also nearing the end of a 10-year upgrade project, which includes a new network of lifts, new food and beverage options, and a new Lone Peak tram with an all-glass viewing platform at the offload point (and glass floors in the tram itself).

What to know

Four connected mountains and seven terrain parks give Big Sky various runs and conditions. It also boasts the second-longest vertical drop in the U.S., an adrenaline-surging 4,350 feet from the top of Lone Peak.

Where to eat

Fuel up for the day at Blue Moon Bakery, serving a mean pizza. Celebrate a special occasion — or a successful day on the slopes — at Alpenglow, the Montage’s swanky brasserie.

Where to stay

Thanks to cozy town hotels and new over-the-top luxury lodges, Big Sky is quickly becoming one of the country’s premier ski resorts to visit. Despite Big Sky being less crowded and popular than some of North America’s megaresorts, there are still plenty of lodging options. Options range from high-end resorts like Montage Big Sky to the Summit Hotel, which has a bit more of a “standard” hotel feel.

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Rates start at around $1,300 per night.

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Rates start at around $560 per night.

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Rates start at $348 or 57,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night during ski season.

Killington Resort

Living up to its nickname of the Beast of the East, Killington boasts the most trails and terrain parks of any resort in New England. The 3,000-acre resort in the Green Mountains also prides itself on being the first to open and last to close, often keeping the snow on at least one trail as late as June.

What to know

The Snowshed base area is the perfect starting point for beginners, while Ramshead is Killington’s playground, making it one of the best family ski resorts. Serious skiers head for Killington Peak, known as K-1, which has the resort’s most challenging terrain, including the second-largest vertical drop on the Eastern Seaboard.

Where to eat

Pizza and calzones from Domenic’s will fill up the family, while The Foundry is the local hot spot for a festive meal. Lookout Tavern is a lively spot for beer and the family basics, including a large, well-priced kids menu.

Where to stay

Even in a little ski destination like this, your hotel points could be handy at places like the Killington Mountain Lodge, a Hilton property. Killington is known for its lively nightlife (check out the Wobbly Barn for an iconic apres-ski scene), but since the town is relatively small, it’s pretty quick and easy to get around regardless of where you stay.

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Rates start at $400 per night during ski season.

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Rates start at around $200 per night during ski season, or 60,000 Hilton Honors Points.

Stowe Resort

Despite its location in northern Vermont, where the “big” ski destinations pale compared to the resorts out west, Stowe has diverse terrain, plenty of snow and an overall vibe comparable to any quintessential ski destination in the country.

At Stowe, skiers and riders are treated to 485 acres of mellow, groomed runs, exhilarating meadows and plenty of steep, natural terrain.

The resort is also located just minutes from Stowe’s downtown area, which is about as “New England” as it gets. Iconic white steeple churches sit in the foreground of Vermont’s rolling Green Mountains, and the streets are lined with cafes, restaurants and breweries, perfect for exploring after a day on the slopes.

What to know

Vail Resorts purchased Stowe in 2017, making it their first East Coast resort. Buying an Epic Pass provides huge cost savings when visiting Stowe, Breckenridge and any of Vail’s other resorts. Stowe also tends to get busy by East Coast standards, so visiting mid-week and avoiding vacation weeks is for the best. The resort is split between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, giving it the feel of two resorts in one. The Mansfield side is larger, with more expert terrain, but the Spruce Peak side still has its share of challenging runs.

Where to eat

Rural New England isn’t necessarily known for its culinary scene, but Stowe stands out against the rest of the region. Not only is it home to one of the best breweries around — The Alchemist (creator of Heady Topper, the first New England-style IPA) — but it has endless high-quality restaurants to choose from. Check out Doc Ponds, just up the road from the resort, with standard bar fare, like chicken sandwiches and burgers. For the beer lover in the family, their selection of local craft beers from famed breweries like Hill Farmstead is top-notch. Idyltime Brewing Company is another worthy option, with a rotating menu often featuring half-roasted chicken and Vermont mac and cheese.

Where to stay

You won’t find many big-name hotel brands around Stowe, which is part of the charm. Instead of luxury Marriott properties, the town has plenty of family-owned bed and breakfasts and lodges. But there are a few options for those looking to utilize and earn those points.

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Rates start at $400 per night plus a $45 nightly room fee or 45,000 World of Hyatt points during ski season.

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Rates start at around $200 per night during ski season.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can’t travel without