There’s a fairly remarkable deal right now to fly on Delta Air Lines for as little as 50,000 points one-way in business class, including during the busy summer travel months.
You’ll need to act fast, however, as we don’t expect this deal to last long. The ‘trick’ to this deal is that you’ll need to use Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points to book these tickets to fly on Virgin’s partner Delta Air Lines or on a Virgin Atlantic-operated flight.
Many options from the U.S. are available, including flights to Barcelona, Dublin, Munich, Paris and more, as first seen on View From the Wing.
After about an hour, those 50,000 miles became available in my Virgin Atlantic account, and I was able to book a one-way flight during the peak summer season for just 50,000 Virgin Atlantic miles.
Deal basics
Airlines: Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines. Routes: Boston, Cincinnati, Minneapolis and New York City to Munich, Paris, Rome, Lisbon, Frankfurt and more. How to book: Book directly with Virgin Atlantic. Travel dates: Now through the end of the schedule. Book by: ASAP
Delta One. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY
Sample flights
New York to Paris
I found, for example, a flight between New York-JFK and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) for as little as 100,000 points round trip.
Flexible calendar showing award availability. VIRGIN ATLANTIC
In this example, I could fly from New York to Paris on a Delta-operated flight with just $149 in taxes and fees.
Virgin Atlantic booking with just $149 in taxes and fees. VIRGIN ATLANTIC
Germany in the summer
I was also able to find flights to Germany in business class for as little as 50,000 miles each way, plus (higher) taxes and fees.
Virgin Atlantic has a flexible booking window for flights to Munich. VIRGIN ATLANTIC
How about Germany in the spring? We found flights as low as 100,000 miles round trip in April with only $126 in taxes and fees.
Munich in the summer
Award flight options from Munich to New York. VIRGIN ATLANTIC
This evening after an hour or so, the American Express Membership Rewards points I transferred became available for use and I was able to book a one-way flight from Munich to New York for just 50,000 Virgin Atlantic miles. Unfortunately, the taxes and fees are higher on one-way redemptions, so I also had to pay about $283 in addition to the miles.
Still, this is an amazing deal, especially since I was planning to use Flying Blue miles to get home from a previously booked open-jaw ticket I had on American Airlines for this summer. That would have cost me 133,000 Flying Blue miles plus $383 in taxes and fees.
Maximize your purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns bonus points on the taxes and fees portion of your trip.
American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly through the airline or American Express Travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly through the airline or American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
Finding business-class flights for just 50,000 points each way to Europe on various routes and during busy travel months is increasingly unusual, especially on Delta Air Lines-operated flights. If you are sitting on a stash of Virgin Atlantic points, now is the time to use them.
It lasted long enough for my American Express Membership Rewards transfer to fully process, so that may work for you, too. I doubt this availability will last very long, so act quickly if you want to book.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
After lengthy delays, Venice, Italy’s daytripper tourist tax will finally come into force April 25.
This tourism tax has been in talks for several years. It will be followed by a cap of 25 people for tour groups in the summer.
Here’s what you need to know about each regulation.
5-euro daily tourism tax
On April 25, Venice will begin a pilot run of its daytripper tourism tax after it was previously delayed by the city council.
Initially, the “entry fee” is due to only be in place on certain days between April 25 and July 14 and will cost 5 euros (about $5.45). The tax can be paid prior to entry by visiting the online booking platform.
Currently, the Venice tourism tax won’t apply to hotel guests or the city’s many workers, commuters and students. Visitors traveling to Venice’s lagoon islands — including Murano and Burano — will also be exempt. However, if you’re arriving at these locations via vaporetto ferries from the city center, you will still be required to pay the fee.
Children under 14 will also not be required to pay the tax, nor will those visiting residents of the “Old City” historic center of Venice.
Those transiting through the Piazzale Roma bus terminal, Tronchetto or Stazione Marittima dock will also be exempt if they’re not passing into the Old City.
Additionally, visitors with certified disabilities (along with any caregivers) or those traveling to the city for a sporting event or medical treatment will also be exempt.
Eligible visitors will need to register for exemption on the same website linked above.
Looking up at the Rialto Bridge in Venice. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
What dates will the Venice tourist tax be in force?
In 2024, visitors will be required to pay the fee on the following dates between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.:
April 25-30
May 1-5
May 11-12
May 18-19
May 25-26
June 8-9
June 15-16
June 22-23
June 29-30
July 6-7
July 13-14
How to prepay the daytripper tourist tax if you’re visiting Venice
Once you’re on the site, you need to click “Pay the Access Fee,” which will take you to a site signposted by Venezia Unica. This is the official tourism site for Venice, and you should not pay this fee anywhere else.
CDA.VENEZIAUNICA.IT
Once you’ve accessed this area of the website, you’ll be able to select your travel dates and the number of people you are traveling with, including children — though, as noted above, kids younger than 14 won’t be charged.
You’ll then be asked to enter the names of any travelers who are not exempt before paying the fee. Once paid, you’ll receive an email with your booking details and also a QR code to show authorities should you be asked during your visit.
In “exceptional” circumstances, you will also be able to pay on arrival at the Piazzale Roma bus terminal or the Venezia Santa Lucia train station. However, you’re advised to pay prior to your visit.
Should you need to cancel your visit, you can do so up to 11:59 p.m. the day before you’re due to arrive.
How to register for exemption from the Venice daytripper tourist tax
Those staying overnight in Venice, as opposed to visiting as part of a daytrip, will not have to pay the entry fee provided they have a confirmed reservation. They will instead pay an overnight tax as part of their hotel or rental costs.
If successful, you will receive a QR code to show to authorities if asked during your visit.
25-person tour group cap
The aforementioned tax for daytrippers is just one of several fees and other measures the city plans to implement to curb the effects of immense tourism.
A new municipal resolution will cap tour groups at 25 people (i.e., half the passengers on a tourist bus). It’ll also ban loudspeakers “that may cause confusion and disturbance.” Both rules are effective June 1. This measure will also apply to groups in Murano, Burano and Torcello.
“It is a provision that is part of a broader framework of interventions aimed at improving and better managing tourism in Venice,” tourism councilor Simone Venturini said in a statement Dec. 30, 2023. “A limit was therefore introduced on the number of participants in tourist groups and the use of amplifiers and parking in narrow streets, bridges or places of passage was prohibited. The number of 25 people was also decided to give homogeneity to what already happens for visits to the city’s civic museums.”
Bottom line
Venice in March 2023. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Venice is the latest popular tourist destination to add or bolster tourism-related fees in recent years. From Europe to New Zealand, leaders have grappled with the dual effects of immense tourism spending and tourists’ toll on the environment and infrastructure. These impacts have been particularly potent as travel surged leading up to the pandemic and in the most recent couple of years.
Last summer, UNESCO recommended putting Venice on its list of endangered heritage sites, citing — among other factors — the impacts of tourism, severe weather and climate change.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Historically, you could only redeem Capital One miles at a fixed value. But in 2018, Capital One added transfer partners as an additional redemption option for some of its cards. Capital One has since added new transfer partners at mostly a 1:1 transfer ratio.
Capital One currently has more than 15 airline and hotel transfer partners. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to earn Capital One miles and then walk through each Capital One transfer partner so you can decide which ones to learn more about.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases. Plus, you can earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening; $395 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases. Plus, you can earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening; $95 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on other purchases. Plus, you can earn 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening; $0 annual fee (see rates and fees).
If you’re looking for a business card, here are some options that earn Capital One miles:
Capital One Venture X Business: Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases. Plus, you can earn 150,000 bonus miles when you spend $30,000 in the first three months; $395 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on other purchases. Plus, you can earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening; $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 after (see rates and fees).
Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business: Earn 1.5 miles per dollar on purchases. Plus, you can earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening; $0 annual fee.
The information for the Capital One Spark Miles Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
As mentioned above, Capital One has more than 15 transfer partners. Here’s each of the Capital One transfer partners and the ratio at which you can transfer Capital One miles to each partner:
Aeromexico Rewards: 1:1 transfer ratio
Air Canada Aeroplan: 1:1 transfer ratio
Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 1:1 transfer ratio
Accor Live Limitless: 2:1 transfer ratio
Avianca LifeMiles: 1:1 transfer ratio
British Airways Executive Club: 1:1 transfer ratio
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: 1:1 transfer ratio
Choice Privileges (only U.S.-based accounts): 1:1 transfer ratio
Emirates Skywards: 1:1 transfer ratio
Etihad Airways Guest: 1:1 transfer ratio
EVA Airways Infinity MileageLands: 4:3 transfer ratio
Finnair Plus: 1:1 transfer ratio
Qantas Frequent Flyer: 1:1 transfer ratio
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: 1:1 transfer ratio
TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go: 1:1 transfer ratio
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: 1:1 transfer ratio
Virgin Red: 1:1 transfer ratio
Wyndham Rewards: 1:1 transfer ratio
Not all of these transfers will occur immediately. So, check out our guide to Capital One transfer times to see how long transfers to each partner usually take.
TPG’s valuations peg the value of Capital One miles at 1.85 cents each. But the value you’ll get from your Capital One miles depends on how you redeem them. So, to help you get a high value from your miles, we’ll discuss some of the best Capital One transfer partners in this section.
Aeroplan doesn’t pass on carrier-imposed surcharges, meaning you can use the program to book Star Alliance award tickets with relatively low taxes and fees. And based on the Aeroplan stopover policy, you can book a stopover on a one-way award for just 5,000 points. But you’ll need to pay a partner booking fee of 39 Canadian dollars (about $29) per ticket for awards with partner-operated segments.
Aeroplan’s partner award chart can provide excellent value on short-haul awards to Canada and international premium-cabin awards. For example, partner-operated flights of less than 500 miles within North America cost 6,000 points each way in economy.
AIRCANADA.COM
And, if you can find award space, most transcontinental business-class flights operated by United Airlines are 25,000 points each way.
AIRCANADA.COM
When traveling from the continental U.S. to Europe on one of Air Canada’s partners (excluding Emirates, for which award prices follow the Aeroplan award chart for Emirates and Flydubai flights), you’ll typically pay 35,000 or 40,000 points for economy, 60,000 or 70,000 points for business and 90,000 or 100,000 points for first class. This is because most transatlantic flights from the U.S. fall into the under-4,000-miles distance band or the 4,001-to-6,000-miles distance band.
Avianca LifeMiles is known for offering cheap redemption rates on Star Alliance partner flights and not passing on fuel surcharges on partner awards.
LifeMiles raised award costs to Asia in late 2022, but there are still many things to love about the program. For example, you can redeem 87,000 LifeMiles for Lufthansa first class between Chicago and Frankfurt with $26.70 in taxes and fees.
LIFEMILES.COM
Thanks to a generous pricing structure for mixed-cabin awards, you might be able to drop that price even further. If you’re flying in long-haul first class and connecting to another destination, it’s almost guaranteed that your connection will be in a lower class of service. Avianca refunds you the difference, meaning adding a connection can make your flight cheaper. For example, here’s an award with the same flight from Chicago to Frankfurt in Lufthansa first class and a short economy flight that would cost you 83,820 LifeMiles plus $39.61.
There are many reasons why you should care about British Airways Avios. For example, even after the recent British Airways devaluation, you can still get significant value when you book short-haul American Airlines and Alaska Airlines award flights through British Airways.
You can also transfer British Airways Avios to Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Iberia Plus, Vueling Club and Aer Lingus AerClub, most of which have sweet spots you can enjoy.
Fuel surcharges can be problematic if you want to fly select Star Alliance carriers. But you won’t be charged fuel surcharges on United-operated flights, and fuel surcharges are somewhat reasonable on Turkish-operated flights. You can sometimes get good value when redeeming for Turkish-operated promotional award flights.
Virgin Red is the loyalty program for the Virgin family of brands. Among other things, you can use Virgin points to book flights through the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club program and cruises with Virgin Voyages.
Several of Capital One’s transfer partners fall into what we’ll call the mid-tier group. These programs can offer solid value in the right context, but it’s by no means a guarantee. Run the numbers for your bookings before transferring Capital One miles to these programs.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France, KLM, Transavia, Aircalin, Kenya Airways and TAROM, uses dynamic award pricing. This dynamic pricing makes it difficult to discuss specific award pricing as prices fluctuate greatly.
Hotel chain Accor uses a fixed-value redemption scheme in its Accor Live Limitless program. So, transferring miles from Capital One will always represent a solid — though by no means aspirational — value. Accor Live Limitless allows you to redeem 2,000 points for 40 euros (about $44) off of a stay.
Given the 2:1 transfer ratio, you’d need to transfer 4,000 Capital One miles to get $44 off your stay. Meanwhile, you could get $40 from the same 4,000 Capital One miles if you redeemed your miles for recent travel purchases using Capital One’s fixed-rate redemption option. While it’s only a $4 difference, you’ll get a slightly better value by transferring your miles to Accor if you want to stay at an Accor property.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Because Cathay Pacific Asia Miles uses distance-based award charts, this program can be expensive if you want to fly Cathay Pacific to or from the U.S. However, although the Asia Miles changes in late 2023 caused many premium-cabin award rates to increase for Cathay Pacific flights, economy rates dropped in some cases. For example, you can now fly one-way in economy from Los Angeles to Hong Kong for 27,000 Asia Miles plus 1,177 Hong Kong dollars (about $150) in taxes and fees.
CATHAYPACIFIC.COM
Booking British Airways flights with Asia Miles may let you pay lower carrier-imposed surcharges. The Asia Miles program can also be useful if you want to try out Cathay Pacific first class, as Asia Miles sometimes has access to more Cathay Pacific award space than partner programs. However, Cathay Pacific first-class award space between the U.S. and Hong Kong is extremely difficult to find right now.
Emirates Skywards
Emirates Skywards can be useful if you want to book one of the carrier’s premium cabins. The award rates aren’t cheap, especially after several devaluations. But Emirates Skywards is the best way to book Emirates first class.
EMIRATES.COM
Emirates Skywards also partners with several other airlines, meaning you can also redeem Emirates miles for flights on select partner airlines.
Qantas Frequent Flyer uses distance-based charts, meaning long-haul flights from the U.S. to Australia are usually prohibitively expensive. However, you can travel from the East Coast to Europe for about 20,300 points. One example is a nonstop American Airlines flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) for under 21,000 points.
QANTAS.COM
Wyndham Rewards
TPG’s valuations only peg Wyndham Rewards points at 1.1 cents each. But it’s certainly possible to get more value when redeeming Wyndham points. For example, you can redeem Wyndham points for home rentals at a flat 15,000 points per bedroom per night.
Using the three-tier Wyndham Rewards award chart for expensive nights can also offer high value. One example is the BeHome by LuxUrban, a Travelodge by Wyndham on Eighth Avenue in New York City, where you can book various room types for 15,000 points per night.
WYNDHAMHOTELS.COM
If you had paid cash for the above night, the rate would have been $324.80 per night, including taxes and fees. So, you’d get a redemption rate of 2.16 cents per point if you booked an award stay on this night.
Between expensive award charts, bad transfer ratios, hidden fees and programs that are difficult to navigate, you’ll likely want to avoid some of the Capital One transfer partners. However, just because we don’t usually recommend transferring Capital One miles to these programs doesn’t mean they don’t have any redeeming qualities.
Aeromexico Rewards
Aeromexico Rewards uses dynamic pricing for most award flights, and the rates are often high. For example, this one-way award flight from Mexico City to Atlanta carries a massive 2,285 Mexican pesos (about $135) in taxes and fees.
AEROMEXICOREWARDS.COM
However, the program does have at least one bright spot: an around-the-world award ticket that lets you stop in up to 15 destinations. You have to call to book, but the ticket costs 224,000 points in economy class and 352,000 in business class.
Choice Privileges
There’s a lot of value to be found in the Choice Privileges program. For example, you can book nights for 8,000 points in Tokyo.
Despite not being a member of any major alliances, Etihad Guest has many partners, including American Airlines and Air Canada.
However, Etihad Guest removed its ample sweet spots in March 2023 when it introduced a new standardized award chart. Unfortunately, Etihad and partner airline redemptions now often require many more miles than the amount listed on the new award chart. To this point, a note for the award chart states, “The miles displayed are indicative values.” As such, although you may still want to price out award flights through Etihad Guest, you likely won’t like what you see enough to transfer Capital One miles to Etihad Guest.
Capital One already partners with two of the best Star Alliance programs for booking awards — Avianca LifeMiles and Air Canada Aeroplan — so there’s rarely a reason to bother with EVA. EVA’s award chart is usually more expensive, and the program is often difficult to navigate.
Finnair Plus
Finnair’s award rates are usually reason enough to avoid the program. For example, one-way Finnair-operated awards between Europe and Asia, North America, Doha or Dubai cost 45,000 points in economy, 65,000 points in premium economy and 95,000 points in business class. But you can sometimes get good value when you use Finnair points to upgrade your flight.
Finnair will replace Plus points with Avios as its loyalty currency March 9. Finnair Plus points will convert to Avios at a 3:2 ratio, but award rates will also be recalculated with the same 3:2 ratio. As such, the program’s value likely won’t change significantly.
TAP Miles&Go has award charts. For example, here’s the chart for one-way TAP-operated awards from North America in economy:
FLYTAP.COM
But in practice, you’ll see other (often higher) rates when you do an award search. For example, here’s the lowest fare for a one-way economy award flight from New York to Lisbon on a randomly selected date:
FLYTAP.COM
During sales, you can also occasionally buy TAP miles for under 1 cent per mile. So, even if you want to book an award flight using TAP miles, transferring Capital One miles likely won’t be your best option for earning TAP miles.
Some excellent Capital One transfer partners can almost single-handedly carry the value of Capital One miles.
However, not every transfer partner will provide outsize value, so remember to compare the cash price of your ticket or hotel stay before transferring Capital One miles. Sometimes, buying a paid ticket (or stay) and then redeeming Capital One miles at a fixed value to cover your recent travel purchase will yield more value.
One of the questions people often ask us is, “How much is a point or mile worth?”
The true answer varies from point to point and person to person. It also depends on your travel goals and how well you can maximize a particular loyalty currency. Still, some rewards credit cards are clearly worth more than others, and our goal is to give you a sense of how they stack up.
Historically, TPG has valued points and miles based on a combination of the price at which we would purchase the miles, award costs in the program (factoring in availability and fees) and our own expertise in the inner workings of the programs.
However, we now use extensive data for the top six U.S. airline loyalty programs to better estimate the value you should aim to get from your rewards (you can read our full breakdown of this methodology in our explainer post).
For another month, our model again shows consistency with these numbers — though we’ll be sure to update in future months when they do change.
Looking for a convenient way to see all of your points and miles in one place? Download the free TPG app!
Note: These valuations are not provided by card issuers.
Air Canada announced transborder expansion, including new destinations in Tulum, Mexico, and Charleston, South Carolina.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
1.4*
Alaska removed elite-qualifying segments as a way to earn MVP status. You can also now earn status from credit card spending. The carrier announced an interline agreement with Canadian-based Porter Airlines as well.
Frontier boosted flights from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
0.9
JetBlue TrueBlue
1.4*
The airline is planning to retrofit 9-year-old Mint business-class cabins. Additionally, it announced flights to Tulum’s new airport. CEO Robin Hayes also announced his retirement, with Joanna Geraghty to be the first female CEO of a major U.S. carrier.
The biggest mover of the last few weeks has been Marriott Bonvoy. First, it implemented changes to the perk formerly known as Suite Upgrade Awards (now Nightly Upgrade Awards). These can be selected as part of the Choice Benefits program for Platinum Elite and Titanium Elite members. While they can now be used at five additional brands — including The Ritz-Carlton and Edition — they’ll now only be confirmed within three days of arrival (previously five).
Additionally, Marriott announced more details about its forthcoming partnership with MGM, and while we don’t yet have a date, it will bring some solid status match opportunities for MGM Rewards members along with value-added perks for Marriott elite members when visiting an MGM property.
Of course, the new year is a good time to consider your elite status goals and whether your current loyalty program suits your needs in this ever-changing industry, and we’ve seen some news in recent weeks along these lines.
Several major airline loyalty programs have already announced significant changes to how you earn status in 2024. Delta was the first, with increases to Medallion Qualification Dollar requirements for 2025 status. These angered so many SkyMiles members that they were quickly (though only partially) rolled back. However, the revised metrics are now in effect.
American Airlines announced 10 changes to the AAdvantage program, which were well received by TPG staffer (and AAdvantage Executive Platinum status holder) Clint Henderson, in part due to a lack of increases to earning requirements for top-tier status. Some of the latest changes include a handful of additional perks for those with status.
This trend highlights a shift toward earning status primarily through spending versus miles flown. You can potentially earn elite status in some airline programs without ever stepping onto a plane, a far cry from the days when road warriors earned status solely through weekly commutes.
The change can be viewed as positive for those spending big on cobranded credit cards or purchasing expensive tickets, particularly in premium cabins. For those who have earned status through creative routings and sale fares, it may now be much more difficult to earn elite status in some airline programs.
For anyone holding existing elite status, January could be a time to make a “New Year, New Loyalty Program” resolution. Instead of sacrificing those elite benefits to start from scratch in a competing program, consider a status match. You might be surprised at how eager another airline is to win your business. Most matches currently being offered are only granted for a short period (usually three or four months) but can be extended to 12 months or longer when you reach a set number of miles flown or points earned.
Travel credit card offers
JOSH GRIBBEN/THE POINTS GUY
Beyond these developments, there is no shortage of great welcome bonuses on many popular cards. Here are a few of our favorites this month.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Right now, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Per TPG’s valuation, that’s worth $1,230 when you leverage transfer partners or $750 if you redeem through the Chase travel portal at 1.25 cents per point.
The card comes with a manageable $95 annual fee, along with a variety of travel protections and additional perks — like a $50 annual hotel credit for reservations made through the Chase travel portal and a 10% anniversary points bonus based on your previous year’s spending.
Of course, you may want to spring for the Chase Sapphire Reserve instead. While the card has a hefty $550 annual fee, it includes perks like Priority Pass lounge access, an annual $300 travel credit and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, among other benefits. Plus, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining expenses, so you can quickly rack up rewards for your next big trip.
On the higher end of the spectrum is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, one of the most exciting travel credit cards on the market, thanks to great earning rates and included perks.
The card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth $1,388, according to our valuations, thanks to Capital One’s excellent airline and hotel transfer partners.
The standard Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is currently offering the same welcome bonus as the Venture X. You can earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Like the Venture X, the Venture card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on everything you purchase.
With the current welcome offer on the Amex Platinum, you’ll earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership — though you may be targeted for a higher offer through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).
Of course, the card is jam-packed with benefits like airport lounge access and hotel elite status. These benefits can make your travel experience smoother and more luxurious than ever before — especially with the most recent additions. The card has a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required for select benefits.
One of the most popular cards with TPG staffers, the Amex Gold offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 based on our valuations — but be sure to check the CardMatch tool to see if you’re targeted for an even higher offer (offer subject to change at any time).
The card is great for many everyday purchases. You’ll earn 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).
The Business Platinum Card offers 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card in the first three months of card membership. Per our valuations, this welcome offer is worth at least $2,400, but you can get even more value when redeeming for high-end airfare.
The Capital One Venture X Business card launched in September, and new applicants can earn a massive welcome bonus of 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening. While that’s obviously a huge spending requirement, those rewards can go a long way toward your next trip.
The Venture X Business features nearly identical perks to the personal version of the card — including a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, extensive airport lounge access and 10,000 bonus miles on your cardholder anniversary.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
This is The Points Guy’s permanent page for the most up-to-date valuations, so you can bookmark it and check back each month for updates.
Though Chase’s newest airport lounge is a show-stopper in and of itself, the issuer kept one exciting surprise under wraps until the grand opening.
That’s the introduction of the Reserve Suites, a new lounge-within-a-lounge concept debuting at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Inside the Sapphire Lounge by The Club, you’ll find three of these over-the-top suites, each decked out with gorgeous design, luxe bathrooms and much more.
While I’ve already touched on the Reserve Suites in my comprehensive lounge review, here are all the details you need to know if you’re looking to splurge for what’s arguably the best airport lounge experience you’ll find in New York.
Booking the Reserve Suites
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. Chase’s Reserve Suites aren’t included with entry to the lounge, and they cost a pretty penny.
The two larger suites run $3,000 each for three hours, and the smaller suite costs $2,200 for three hours. Note that these prices cover the primary cardmember and all of their guests.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can book a suite in the “Benefits & Travel” section of the Chase mobile app.
Note that reservations must be made at least three days before your flight.
3 private suites
Chase offers three Reserve Suites at its LaGuardia lounge. They’re all located behind a small reception desk on the upper level of the space.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
To offer the utmost privacy for travelers splurging for these suites, you’ll be escorted directly from the lounge entrance to your suite via a private elevator.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
The suites are numbered one through three, and the first two are quite similar. They each accommodate eight guests with a sofa, some chairs and a four-top dining table.
Of course, the suite doors close, providing complete privacy from anyone else in the lounge.
Chase didn’t share the square footage of each suite, but they’re certainly large enough for a family or group of friends traveling together.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
In addition to the varied seating options, these two suites boast a luxurious design that almost feels like you’ve entered a cross between a Park Avenue boardroom and a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
You can even control the lighting options to suit your mood. (It’s just too bad there isn’t any natural light in the Chase lounge.)
The third suite features a slightly different layout; it’s smaller and can accommodate only up to four travelers. The design is otherwise similar to the other two suites.
All three suites feature TVs with hundreds of stations, on-demand movies and even PlayStation consoles.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
And if you’re really looking to splurge, the wall between the first two suites can be removed to create a double suite that fits 16 guests.
Bathrooms from a 5-star hotel
While the suites themselves are stunning, some might say that the bathrooms are the real highlight.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
From the marble-clad walls to the gold-trimmed finishes to the plush bathrobes and towels, these are hands-down the nicest bathrooms in LaGuardia.
They’re stocked with Oribe bath products, Dyson hair dryers and every essential that you might’ve forgotten or checked in your bags.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Each bathroom features a rainfall shower, a toilet and a single vanity.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Having visited many of the country’s best airport lounges, I can confidently say that these Reserve Suites offer the nicest bathrooms you’ll find in an airport lounge.
Unlimited food and drinks
No matter how hungry or thirsty you are, you’ll leave the Reserve Suites feeling satisfied.
Chase curated a special a la carte menu for travelers relaxing in these suites, and the options aren’t “just” slightly better than what you’d find in the lounge.
To start, you’ll enjoy a welcome Osetra caviar service with all the fixings. During my tour, I saw the caviar setup, and it left me wondering if this is the only lounge in the country with multiple sets of mother-of-pearl spoons.
Other specially curated all-day dining options include a seafood tower (designed by the chefs at NYC’s Jeffrey’s Grocery), lobster rolls, grain salads, wild rice risotto and mezze platters.
In addition to the special menu, you can also order anything from the regular lounge menu, and it’ll be delivered directly to your suite.
Just like the food options, there’s a special wine list curated by Parcelle for guests in the Reserve Suites. I’m not an oenophile, but a quick peek at the list prices for these wines shows that they hover around $100 a bottle.
Of course, the bar will also whip up your favorite cocktail or refreshment — all you need to do is ask.
Aside from the prepared food and drinks, each suite is stocked with a minifridge and a snack shelf with a large assortment of popular nosh.
Feel free to take as much as you wish — everything is included with your stay in the suite.
Personalized service
Throughout the duration of your stay, you’ll be taken care of by a dedicated Reserve Suites host.
They’ll be available to accommodate every request, and they’ll monitor your flight status for you. You can place your food and drink orders with the host, or via a QR code in the suite itself.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
There’s a “call host” button in each suite, so you won’t be disturbed by the attendant when you’re trying to relax.
The host will also offer you a parting gift when it’s time to board your flight. You’ll have a pick between a Drowsy Sleep eye mask and a Larq water bottle.
Bottom line
Chase’s Reserve Suites elevate the airport experience with a new lounge-within-a-lounge concept.
Starting at $2,200 for three hours, they’re pricey and likely won’t make sense for most travelers.
That said, this is New York, and if there’s one market (aside from Los Angeles) where this concept might work, it would be the Big Apple. (It’ll be interesting to see if Chase expands this concept to other upcoming lounges.)
In a way, the Reserve Suites remind me of the Private Suites (PS) experience in Los Angeles, only that they’re located in the terminal instead of an off-site location.
But at LaGuardia, this is as good as it gets. All in all, I’d consider the Reserve Suites to be the Emirates first class of airport lounge experiences.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
When maximizing points and miles for your family, there’s no reason to leave the furriest family members out of the fun.
Whether you have a points pup or a first-class feline, there are plenty of ways to turn those monthly orders for food, toys, pet supplies and more into your next vacation (we’re just not responsible for what your pets may do when they see your suitcase come out — again).
THE POINTS GUY
Maximize miles on pet food
One of the best shopping revolutions of the 21st century is having 40-pound bags of pet food delivered right to our doors thanks to online shopping (and strong delivery people). Luckily, when you order pet food and other supplies online, you can easily rack up the rewards just as you do with most other online purchases.
Shop through an online portal
The quickest way to spot how many miles per dollar you can earn for your online pet food order is to head to cashbackmonitor.com and look for the online shopping portal awarding the most points, miles or cash back per dollar where you want to shop. These rates can and do vary, so check each time, but a few current examples include:
Petco: 1 mile per dollar spent via American AAdvantage and United MileagePlus
Walmart: Up to 4 miles per dollar spent with American AAdvantage
Chewy: 1 mile per dollar spent on United MileagePlus, Alaska Mileage Plan, Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage and Southwest Rapid Rewards
Daisy Hernandez, TPG’s credit cards editor, makes monthly purchases for her two pups, Sonny, a Shiba-cattle dog mix, and Heidi, a Chihuahua mix. She also has a Chewy subscription that delivers food, flea and tick meds and treats to her door every six or so weeks. Since she has two fur babies, she often buys doubles of certain items, which can add up quickly.
On top of this, she also buys through Rakuten, a cash back shopping portal that offers solid reward rates. Over Christmas 2023, Rakuten featured a whopping 20% cash back on all purchases made with PetSmart. Therefore, she bought $80 worth of goodies for her pups and earned $16 in cash back.
Unfortunately, emergencies can happen with your pets, and if you don’t have pet insurance, these can create massive vet bills. However, credit cards can play an important role here, as many offer introductory 0% APR on purchases for a period of time after opening.
Nick Ewen, TPG’s director of content, recently utilized this exact strategy with his dog, Winston, who underwent emergency surgery to remove a mass on his spleen.
“Winston is a part of our family, so there was no question that we would do everything we could to help him. However, rather than dipping into our savings to cover the expense of the procedure and his recovery (which is expected to be close to $5,000), I utilized my new Chase Freedom Unlimited®, which offers 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months (then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24% applies). This allows me to fit a manageable monthly payment into my budget, and I’ll still earn valuable rewards in the process.”
Check the United MileagePlus X app
You can earn United miles by purchasing immediate electronic gift cards within the United MileagePlus X app. For example, if you are shopping at Petco and your total is $85.84, you can open up your app and immediately purchase a Petco gift card for that exact amount and earn bonus miles by paying at the register with your new gift card. This also works when paying for an order online.
In addition to Petco, you will often find bonus mile opportunities at pet-friendly shopping destinations such as Walmart, Sam’s Club and more within the app. Those with a United Airlines credit card, such as the United Explorer Card, get a 25% bonus on miles earned via the app.
THE POINTS GUY
Stack and save on Amazon
If you order your pet supplies via Amazon, there are lots of ways to stack earnings and save money. First, set your orders on an Amazon subscribe-and-save subscription for discounts on items like dog or cat food, treats and more.
Next, you’ll want to stock up on Amazon gift cards to truly maximize your earnings. You can buy Amazon gift cards at a U.S. supermarket with an American Express® Gold Card to earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on those purchases (up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar thereafter).
Alternatively, you could use the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card to purchase Amazon gift cards at an office supply store to earn 5% cash back (on the first $25,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year). The Prime Visa card is also an option that offers 5% back on Amazon purchases.
In addition to earning miles or points, your rewards credit cards can help you save money on pet costs. Two main ways to save money thanks to your cards are via Amex Offers and Chase Offers. To check what offers are available on your cards, log in to your account and search the offers sections. To note, some offers are targeted.
Once you have added an offer to your card, you can then use your cards to automatically save money or earn bonus points. The exact pet-related offers come and go, but a current Amex offer includes getting a $45 statement credit when you spend $150 or more at Dr. Marty Pets. Previous offers TPG staffers have seen include:
Bark Box: 10% cash back (through Chase Offers)
Kriser’s Natural Pet: 10% cash back (through Chase Offers)
Best credit cards for pet costs
The average cost of owning a pet each year can easily cost you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, from vet visits and boarding to supplies and medication. It pays to use the right credit cards for pet costs. For charges like vet check-ups and grooming appointments that fall outside routine credit card bonus categories, a solid everyday credit card is probably your best choice for pet expenses. A few of our suggestions include:
Citi® Double Cash: 2% cash back on everything (broken down as 1% back when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay it off)
For online purchases, a great choice might be the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, which awards 3% back on your choice of rotating categories, one of which is online shopping (up to $2,500 per quarter; then 1%).
Bottom line
The TPG Points Pups (or, at least, their “pawrents”) stack many of these opportunities to turn dog treats into beach retreats. Once your pups help earn all these points and miles, it’s only fair to explore how to take them along on your next vacation.
Points Pup on vacation. DANIELLE VITO/THE POINTS GUY
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
If you’re considering applying for a credit card, you’re probably wondering whether the current sign-up bonus is a good one.
While any bonus is nice to get, there is a special kind of heartbreak in pulling the trigger for a card — only to see it offer a lucrative bonus the following month.
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 to help determine how good the current offer is.
We’ve rounded up the offer history on the most popular cards from Capital One and determined our criteria for the best time to apply for each card.
Best Capital One credit card sign-up bonuses
Card
Best welcome offer we’ve seen
When to apply
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
100,000 bonus miles when you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
When the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening
When the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher
Capital One Venture X Business Rewards Credit Card
300,000 bonus miles: 150,000 after spending $30,000 in the first three months of account opening and another 150,000 after spending $500,000 in the first six months of account opening
When the bonus offer is 150,000 miles or higher
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
When the bonus offer is 20,000 miles or higher
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
$300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening
When the bonus offer is $300 or higher
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
$200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
When the bonus offer is $200 or higher
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
$200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening
When the bonus offer is $200 or higher
Capital One Spark Miles for Business Credit Card
Up to 200,000 bonus miles: 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and another 150,000 bonus miles after spending $50,000 in the first six months
When the bonus is higher than 50,000 miles
Capital One Spark Cash Plus Credit Card
Up to $3,000: $500 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and $2,500 after spending $50,000 in the first six months
When the bonus is higher than $1,000
The information for the Capital One Savor 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.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
The card’s modest annual fee, simple earning structure and solid return on everyday spending make it a keeper once you’re approved for it.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
June 2023 to now
80,000-100,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months (targeted offer available through QR codes at select airports)
Current offer: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening (public offer)
$1,480-$1,850 (targeted offer)
$1,388 (public offer)
September 2021 to June 2023
75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months
$1,388
May to August 2021
60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months
$1,110
September 2020 to April 2021
50,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, or 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening
$925 or $1,850
November 2019 to August 2020
50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months
$925
March to October 2019
60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months
$1,110
December 2014 to February 2019
40,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months
$740
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher.
With plentiful perks that are easy to understand, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is nearly a no-brainer for all travelers, ranging from luxury seekers to the more budget-minded. It launched in November 2021 with a 100,000-mile offer; however, we don’t see that coming back.
THE POINTS GUY
Though the card carries a $395 annual fee (see rates and fees), it offers a $300 annual credit toward bookings made through Capital One Travel, and also rewards cardholders with 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary (for even more free travel), plus extensive airport lounge access, excellent travel protections and rental car privileges.
It offers unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on every other purchase.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
March 2022 to now
75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
$1,388
November 2021 to March 2022
100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening
$1,850
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 75,000 miles or higher.
The Venture X Business launched in early 2023 with an incredible welcome bonus and a matching sky-high spending requirement. At first only available through a Capital One Relationship Manager, the card became publicly available a few months later with a lower — but still impressive— welcome offer.
THE POINTS GUY
The Business Venture X carries the same $395 annual fee (see rates and fees) as the personal version and comes with the same major perks, including a $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel and access to Capital One, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges.
It also carries the same earning rates of 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights purchased through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
Sept. 2023 to now
150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening
$2,775
May to Sept. 2023
Up to 300,000 miles: 150,000 after spending $30,000 in the first three months of account opening and another 150,000 after spending $500,000 in the first six months of account opening.
$5,550
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 150,000 miles or higher.
While it comes with fewer perks, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers the same great redemption options as its sister cards, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, with no annual fee.
WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
You’ll earn a flat 1.25 miles per dollar on everyday purchases, which equates to a solid 2.31% return using TPG’s valuations.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
September 2021 to now
20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
$370
December 2014 to August 2021
20,000 miles after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
$370
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is 20,000 miles or higher.
The biggest downsides to cash-back cards are low earning rates and a lack of bonus categories, but that’s definitely not true of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
THE POINTS GUY
For an annual fee of $95, the Savor offers strong cash-back earning rates on popular and often overlooked categories, including 4% back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
November 2017 to now
$200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
$200
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is $200 or higher.
The SavorOne launched in 2018 as a version of the Savor card with no annual fee. While it earns slightly less than the Savor, this card still earns 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber and Uber Eats, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
May 2023 to now
$200 cash bonus after spending $50 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
$200
November 2020 to May 2023
$200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
$200
August 2018 to November 2020
$150 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening
$150
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is $200 or higher.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is another great card with no annual fee (see rates and fees). It earns a reliable 1.5% back on all purchases, making it a perfect go-to card for the odd purchase that doesn’t fit in any bonus categories.
THE POINTS GUY
While many other cards offer higher earning potential in specific spending categories, this card offers the safety of knowing you’ll earn a solid 1.5% back no matter what you buy.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
September 2019 to now
$200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening
$200
September 2017 to September 2019
$150 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening
$150
June 2013 to Sept. 2017
$100 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening
$100
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus offer is $200 or higher.
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business earns 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, making it an excellent choice for small-business owners who want to earn travel rewards on all their expenses.
THE POINTS GUY
This card is especially beneficial for small-business owners who want to earn flexible miles on all their purchases. It earns a consistent 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and has a $95 annual fee waived for the first year of card ownership (see rates and fees).
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
January 2020 to now
50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account opening
$925
October 2019 to January 2020
Earn up to 200,000 bonus miles: 50,000 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and another 150,000 bonus miles after spending $50,000 in the first six months.
Up to $3,700
January to October 2019
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account opening.
$925
November 2018 to January 2019
Earn up to 200,000 bonus miles: 50,000 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and another 150,000 bonus miles after spending $50,000 in the first six months.
Up to $3,700
May 2017 to November 2018
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account opening.
$925
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus is higher than 50,000 miles.
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus earns 2% cash back on all purchases and is ideal for business owners who want to earn reliable cash-back rewards on all their expenses.
THE POINTS GUY
This card offers one of the highest consistent cash-back earning rates of any card and is excellent for small-business owners who want to earn cash back on all purchases. It is worth noting that this is a charge card, meaning cardholders must pay off their balances in full each month.
Approximate date
Offer
Value*
June 2023 to now
Earn $1,200 cash back after spending $30,000 in the first three months from account opening
$1,200
April 2022 to June 2023
Earn up to $1,000: $500 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and $500 after spending $50,000 in the first six months
Up to $1,000
August 2021 to April 2022
Earn up to $3,000: $500 after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening and $2,500 after spending $50,000 in the first six months
Up to $3,000
*Bonus offer value is based on TPG’s valuations and not provided by the credit card issuer.
When to apply for this card: When the bonus is higher than $1,000.
There’s one thing that can make or break a cruise ship experience, and it’s not dining, entertainment or cabins.
It’s flow.
I’m talking about passenger flow, the ability of guests to move through a cruise ship unimpeded by crowded bottlenecks or dead ends. And when you’re building Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, set to carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy (up to 7,600 at maximum capacity), you need to pay extra attention to where people will congregate and how they will move from point A to point B throughout a 20-deck-high ship.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
Luckily, Royal Caribbean’s ship-designing team are pros when it comes to flow.
The internet has been freaking out about the size of the ship, and the assumption of many people who have never sailed on a giant cruise ship is that thousands of people stuck together on a floating megaresort will lead to the feeling of people everywhere. They imagine a vacation that is dominated by queues, claustrophobic spaces packed with people and the inability to find a quiet spot to yourself.
While certain parts of the ship will be busy (the pool deck on a sea day is never quiet on big, mass-market ships), Icon of the Seas passengers will not feel like they’re fighting for seats, tables and clear pathways every minute of the day. The ship is designed to move passengers easily through the decks, connecting key public areas and removing dead ends.
“We had to go to great lengths to make it feel like there was not too much, or that when you put 7,000 guests on there that it was going to feel overwhelming,” Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s chief product innovation officer, told TPG during an interview aboard Icon of the Seas. “And that took us to some really specific decisions.”
Here’s what he told us about what his team did to create a humongous cruise ship that won’t feel as crowded as you fear.
Guest flow
Surfside. ERICA SILVERSTEIN/THE POINTS GUY
Schneider and his team make a point to study other cruise ships, both Royal Caribbean and its competitors. “Where I think ships often feel stuffy, tight, closed is guest flow,” he said.
“Cruise ships continue to find dead ends for people that they can’t get around, and we really focused on not doing that [on Icon of the Seas]. You can get from Deck 2 to Deck 8 at the heart of the ship without having to touch an elevator if you don’t want to.”
I experienced that easy flow on board Icon of the Seas during a sneak peek at the ship this week in advance of its first sailings (though it only had hundreds, not thousands, of people on board). When you’re in Surfside, the ship’s family area, it’s simple to go up the stairs to Central Park, an outdoor park-line zone of the ship, or down to the indoor, mall-like Royal Promenade. You don’t feel lost because the neighborhoods are distinct, and you can easily move between them.
To assist with guest flow, Icon of the Seas offers multiple options to move between decks in key neighborhoods. Multiple stairways in the Royal Promenade let you switch decks at multiple places, not just at either end. In two places on the ship — going down into Surfside from Deck 8 and between two levels of the Chill Island pool deck — you can slide between decks.
Icon of the Seas also sports a new elevator system, where instead of getting into any available elevator and selecting a floor once inside, you use a touchpad to select your floor and then are directed to one of 12 elevators in the lobby. The amount of research that went into this plan is mind-boggling.
Schneider sent team members to observe people using this new elevator technology in high-rise office buildings and on other cruise ships that employed it. Then, they ran their own tests.
“We built out a replica of the lift lobby on Symphony of the Seas,” Schneider said. “We ran live guests through two different simulations. One sailing we adjusted and then came back months later with a new one. We got a couple hundred guests to run through because the elevators play a key role in that flow. That was where technology comes in to help make that purposeful for us.”
The team saw that though the technology was not intuitive to many guests, it made a huge difference. Ultimately, “we went with it because the flow is so important.”
But, again, the line is being smart about how to make getting around the ship seamless. “We’re going to have greeters on Deck 5, 6 and the Windjammer” on the first day of the cruise, Schneider explained. “We’re going to have somebody explain to you on day one what it is because we learned in our testing that after day one, everybody’s got it and we didn’t want to put that cognitive overhead [to figure out the new system] on the guest.”
As a side note, one of the obstacles to smooth flow on cruise ships is often teens congregating in the stairwell. We spoke to members of Royal Caribbean’s product team who told us how they held many focus groups with teens to figure out the best way to provide hangouts and activities that they would be more likely to attend to get them into specific areas of the ship and out of the elevator stairwell.
The upshot is that more teen activities will take place around the ship instead of in the teen lounge, with takeovers of adult-only spaces like the Hideaway or a teen teppanyaki dinner in Izumi.
The Royal Promenade is the main thoroughfare of the public areas through many of Royal Caribbean’s larger ships. The indoor area often feels like a mall, with storefronts and restaurants lining an artificially lit corridor with no windows. Your first step onto the ship is often into this buzzy yet chaotic space, and the effect can be overwhelming. On Oasis-class ships with two-deck-high Promenades, the upper deck dead-ends before it reaches the opposite side of the ship.
On Icon, Royal Caribbean set out to open up the Royal Promenade to make it lighter and more spacious and improve the feeling and flow. Schneider said there were three main factors that led to the success of the space.
The first is the Pearl, a spherical structure in the center of the Promenade with a staircase inside. It looks like an art installation, but actually, it’s the structural support of the ship. It replaces the steel skeleton that holds up most ships in that area and takes the burden, so the center of the ship on both sides can be lined with windows looking out to the sea. The effect brings more light into the space to eliminate that dark mall feeling.
The second was the removal of cabins from above the Royal Promenade. “You don’t find for the first time on any Royal Promenade any staterooms,” said Schneider. “And that’s how we get a full 360 mezzanine and that’s also how we created a more spacious feeling.”
Without interior-facing cabins looking down on the Promenade, Royal Caribbean could repurpose that space to make the upper level extend fully from the front to the stern of the ship. The result is that a person standing in the promenade doesn’t feel so hemmed in by all the cabins looking down, and the passenger flow through the space is assisted because people can go across on two levels, with multiple stairways, as well as the elevator banks on either end, to move between levels.
The last change is that “all of the facades — minus retail that have to be closed — are open.” The Point and Feather pub does not have a wall on its Promenade side but is open to traffic. Giovanni’s, the Italian restaurant, is a fully open space you can walk through on the upper level. Again, that leads to a feeling of openness and lets people move freely between walkways and venues without creating bottlenecks at doorways.
Schneider didn’t mention Icon’s neighborhood concept in relation to guest flow, but Linken d’Souza, Royal Caribbean’s vice president of food and beverage, gave us some insight into how Icon of the Seas was designed with ease and convenience in mind.
“With all of the neighborhoods, we thought about how do you make it convenient,” he told us. That means that in the major neighborhoods of the ship, guests will find food options, so they don’t have to leave and descend on the Windjammer Marketplace buffet with everyone else. They can find options where they are.
For example, at Surfside, the neighborhood geared to young families, you’ll find three restaurants: the Surfside Eatery buffet, Surfside Bites for grab-and-go kid fare and Pier 7, a casual specialty restaurant where kids eat free, but parents can enjoy elevated lunch and dinner offerings. No one has to trek across the ship when hunger strikes.
The Thrill Island neighborhood that houses all the adrenaline-spiking offerings (a water park, a ropes course, a rock-climbing wall) has Basecamp serving comfort food like burgers and chicken sandwiches, and the AquaDome has the AquaDome Market, a five-venue food hall, and the Hooked Seafood specialty restaurant.
By giving guests reasons to linger in one place, you have fewer people constantly traversing the ships and crowding elevators and corridors.
He also spoke about new dining reservation technology that Royal Caribbean is working on to make it easier to get into the restaurants you want when you’re fighting for space with 7,000 shipmates. Of course, multiple dining venues, including additional complimentary ones (based on guest feedback) will hopefully reduce the pressure on specific popular venues.
Additionally, Icon of the Seas will offer five set-seating dining times, as well as My Time Dining, so half the ship won’t descend on the dining room at the same time. It also means passengers will have more choices so they can find the dining time that works best for their family.
Programming will also help to spread people around the ship. The Overlook within the AquaDome is meant to be the quiet spot for reading or hanging out on a sea day when there isn’t an AquaTheater show going on. To create this, the ship won’t schedule popular activities within that area during the day to keep the crowds and noise elsewhere.
Bottom line
When you vacation on the world’s largest cruise ship, you have to be ready for queues and a packed pool deck. But by employing several smart design and programming strategies, Royal Caribbean is striving to eliminate as much of the unnecessary crowding as it can on Icon of the Seas.
I experienced this on Wonder of the Seas (now the second-largest cruise ship in the world); it indeed felt less crowded in places where I encountered bottlenecks or hoards of people on smaller but less-well-designed ships from other lines.
So, don’t be scared of a ship carrying 7,000 people. You’ll be surprised how much your shipmates won’t get in the way of your perfect vacation.
The leading lobbying group for the U.S. travel industry this week claimed inefficient policies like long tourist visa wait times and friction points like lagging security screening technology are causing the United States to lose its competitive edge when it comes to attracting international visitors — not high prices on airfare and hotel rates.
A study out this week from the U.S. Travel Association and Euromonitor International claims the U.S. is at risk of losing 39 million visitors with a combined $150 billion in spending power over the next decade due to “excessive” visitor visa wait times. The study also ranked the U.S. 17th out of 18 top travel destinations like the U.K. (ranked first), France (ranked second) and Turkey (ranked third) in terms of overall global tourism competitiveness. China was the only country to rank lower than the U.S. in the top 18.
“The competition is outperforming us,” said U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Geoff Freeman in a press conference Thursday. “The economic cost of these failures is in the billions of dollars.”
Why the lagging competitiveness?
The U.S. Travel Association commissioned the report to better understand the slow return of international travel to the U.S. following the end of pandemic-related restrictions. According to the study, the U.S. in 2023 was estimated to only be at 84% of its international tourism levels.
While the U.S. remains the most-desired destination for global travelers, it ranks third (behind Spain and France, respectively) in terms of actual international visitor count. Spain, France, Turkey, Mexico, the U.K., Greece and the United Arab Emirates all had international visitor totals last year that exceeded prepandemic levels.
In what areas is the U.S. as a brand scoring low, per the report? Government leadership on travel-related issues, national travel strategy, safety and security, visa wait times and visa waivers. The U.S. only grants 42 countries visa-free travel privileges compared to the U.K., which designates 102 countries with visa-free travel designation. The U.S. also scores in the middle in terms of biometric security screening capabilities, which can make air travel more efficient when used to its maximum potential.
The study does not say either of the main U.S. political parties is a problem, but it notes that most major markets have a minister of tourism. The U.S. does have an assistant secretary of commerce for travel and tourism position, but that job has not been filled or funded by Congress.
The U.S. does get high marks for its destination marketing, air connectivity and Trusted Traveler Programs.
The costly elephant in the room
Curiously, the high cost of hotels and airfare in the U.S. wasn’t mentioned as a potential deterrent for driving international visitors away from the U.S.
While a press release from the U.S. Travel Association indicated the report was commissioned to study why international visitors were slow to return following the end of pandemic-related restrictions, Freeman noted the organization was looking at factors that were “decades in the making.”
“We’ve seen these issues rear their ugly head for many, many years and be a deterrent for travelers. We’ve had other points in time where our market share has slipped, although not in the sustaining way that it is right now,” Freeman said. “So when you look at the period of time of 2023, I’m sure costs played a role for some; although, as we look at inflation around the world, the U.S. is actually quite moderate compared to the inflationary pressures that people are feeling in countries all around the world.”
Freeman later said that the market will naturally take care of pricing issues for consumers. But it is the role of the government to smooth out some of these longer-term factors driving visitors away.
“We will continue to look at the roadblocks we put in place that can be addressed, and those are, by and large, the roadblocks that are created and perpetuated by government,” Freeman said.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
It has become easier to earn Hilton Honors points over the years. The hotel chain partners with American Express to offer cobranded Hilton credit cards and periodically runs lucrative hotel promotions.
With so many ways to earn these points, it can be hard to remember all your options. We’ll highlight some of the best ways to earn Hilton Honors points as you work toward planning your next award trip.
Earn Hilton points through hotel stays
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Hilton Honors is a hotel loyalty program. So, as you’d expect, you can earn Hilton Honors points when you stay at Hilton properties worldwide. Your earning rate depends on several factors, including:
At most Hilton properties, you’ll earn 10 points per dollar spent on room rates and other eligible charges (excluding taxes and fees). However, you’ll only earn 5 points per dollar spent at Home2 Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton.
Hilton Honors elite members also earn a points bonus on each stay. The higher your status tier, the more points you’ll earn:
Silver: 20% bonus
Gold: 80% bonus
Diamond: 100% bonus
Hilton Honors MyWay benefits
Gold and Diamond members can also earn additional bonuses at certain brands with the program’s MyWay benefits. The MyWay benefit varies by brand, and mid- and upper-level elite members must choose between earning extra points and other welcome amenities when staying with some brands.
The potential bonus earnings are minor for some brands. For example, as a Diamond member, you can choose 100 bonus points per stay or one bottle of water and one snack item when staying at Home2 Suites.
However, the earnings are more significant for other brands. For example, a Diamond member would earn 1,000 bonus points per stay at brands like DoubleTree, Curio Collection and Conrad. At these brands, the bonus points are on top of other MyWay perks like room upgrades and daily food and beverage credits at U.S. hotels or continental breakfast at non-U.S. hotels.
If you are a Gold or Diamond member, you can see (and select) your MyWay benefits on Hilton’s website.
Like most hotel programs, Hilton frequently runs promotions that award bonus points to its Hilton Honors members. These offers make it even easier to earn Honors points on paid stays.
For example, Hilton members could earn 5,000 bonus Hilton Honors points per stay at select newly opened properties for three or more nights, thanks to a 2024 promotion.
Keep an eye on Hilton’s promotions page for an up-to-date list of offers. You can also visit your promotion page on Hilton’s website to see any targeted offers, verify your registration and track your progress. We recommend enrolling in all of them — after all, you never know when you may need a last-minute stay at a Hilton property.
American Express currently offers several cobranded Hilton Honors credit cards: three personal cards and one business card. These cards can be an excellent way to earn Hilton Honors points on travel and everyday purchases.
New cardmembers may be eligible to earn a welcome bonus. Here’s a closer look at the current offers:
The information for the Hilton 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.
Transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards
The Hilton Playa del Carmen. BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY
You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio. In other words, you can turn 1,000 Membership Rewards points into 2,000 Hilton Honors points. But we don’t necessarily recommend transferring your hard-earned Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors unless you have a particular high-value redemption in mind.
Our reasoning is simple: TPG currently values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, while Hilton Honors points are worth just 0.6 cents each. This means that you’re effectively losing 0.8 cents per point in value, not to mention missing out on some terrific sweet spots with the Membership Rewards program.
Similar to buying points, you might want to take advantage of a Membership Rewards transfer bonus if you plan on booking an expensive hotel with Hilton Honors points.
Hilton Honors allows you to freely share points with up to 10 people. This is useful if you combine points for a family vacation and want the balance in one place.
Your spouse might have enough points for a two-night award stay, while you may only have enough for a night. Combining balances to book stays under a single reservation is very useful.
Hilton Honors Dining
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With Hilton Honors Dining, you can earn extra points at participating restaurants.
Sign up for a Hilton Honors Dining account and link your favorite credit cards for restaurant purchases to earn points. Then, when you swipe one of those cards at a participating restaurant, you’ll automatically earn extra Hilton Honors points. These points are in addition to regular points or miles you’d earn with your credit card, so make sure you link a card that earns bonuses on dining purchases for the highest points earned on eating out.
After signing up for Hilton Honors Dining, opt in for email notifications. Doing so will give you “select member” status and let you earn 5 Hilton points per dollar spent at participating restaurants. If you opt out of receiving emails, your earning rate will drop to 2 points per dollar spent. While your privacy is important, giving your email address is a small price for earning an extra 3 points per dollar spent — especially if you dine out a lot.
Hilton Honors Dining also lets you order online and earn bonus points for takeout or delivery.
Finally, if you dine with Hilton Honors Dining 11 times a year, you’ll be upgraded to the service’s VIP status tier. This boosts your earning rate to 8 points per dollar spent at participating restaurants. You can keep VIP status indefinitely by dining with the program 11 or more times yearly.
Like most loyalty programs, Hilton Honors has a suite of partners that you can use to earn even more points. You can use these partners to boost your Hilton account balance on everyday activities. Here’s a look at some additional ways to earn Hilton points.
Earn Hilton points with Hilton Events
Planning a wedding, corporate function or other event at a Hilton hotel? Add your Hilton Honors number to your event, and you’ll earn 1 Hilton point per dollar spent on events, on up to $100,000.
This may not sound like much, but it can give you huge returns if you plan an expensive multiday corporate event.
Earn bonus points with Lyft
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You can earn bonus Hilton points whenever you hail a Lyft at the following rates:
You can also earn Hilton Honors points when renting a car through Alamo, Enterprise or National. When you book your rental through the Hilton portal, you’ll receive 500 Hilton Honors points daily, up to 5,000 points — not bad if you’re already renting a car.
You may not earn car rental rewards when booking through the Hilton Honors portal. Further, you can’t use corporate codes when renting cars through Hilton. So shop around to ensure you find the best deal.
Transfer Virgin Atlantic points to Hilton
You can transfer Virgin Atlantic points to Hilton Honors at a 2:3 ratio by contacting Flying Club. You can only transfer in increments of 10,000 Virgin Atlantic points.
This means you can convert 10,000 Virgin Atlantic points into 15,000 Hilton points.
While this may seem like an attractive ratio on paper, we advise against this transfer because you’ll usually lose value. TPG values Virgin points at 1.5 cents per point, meaning you’d lose 0.6 cents per point in value when transferring your points to Hilton.
The Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World. BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY
Another way to boost your Hilton Honors balance is by purchasing points. Generally speaking, buying points or miles is a poor value proposition, as you usually need to pay an excessive amount. However, it could make sense with certain programs and circumstances.
For example, Hilton has previously run a 100% points purchase promotion that lowered the price to 0.5 cents apiece, slightly below TPG’s valuations. At this rate, it may make sense to purchase the points outright for a specific redemption, especially if the cash rate is sky-high.
Hilton Honors points are some of the easiest hotel points to earn. Not only can you rack up a nice stash of points from hotel stays and promotions, but the extensive suite of cobranded credit cards provides valuable earning opportunities.
Use a combination of the methods above to rack up points for your next hotel stay at any of over 7,000 worldwide properties across all Hilton brands.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, click here. For rates and fees of the The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
