Whether you’re looking to find a fare war or invest in big wins by purchasing the points to travel comfortably, this week we brought you strategies to get what you want and where you want to go. Here’s our weekly recap of all the news that’s fit to print here at Frequent Miler:
How to find great business class fares with Google Flights
Whether you’re looking to fly in business or economy, this is a must-read for anyone interested in finding the best deals on flights. A full guide with visuals and explanations, it is likely to introduce even a seasoned traveler to a some powerful features of Google flights that they might have overlooked.
Business Class to Europe + 7 hotel nights for $2225: Investing in Marriott Travel Packages
If you’re not finding cheap business class fares, it’s not necessarily your fault — it can be expensive to sit in the front of the plane, despite the fact that both ends arrive at the same time. But there can be ways to make your own fare sale even if your home city doesn’t have the cheapest prices. Here at Frequent Miler, we usually talk about earning miles and points without flying. But sometimes the chance to buy points cheaply enough can be an easy way to enjoy a comfortable vacation at a significant savings. Here, we explore buying Starpoints to redeem for a Marriott Travel Package that will provide the points for the title package — or a number of other destinations in different parts of the world.
Bring your favorite passenger: Last chance to buy a Southwest Companion Pass
If you’re more interested in traveling domestically with a partner, how would you like to bring that partner with you for free on every flight you take? The Southwest Companion Pass has long been one of the best values in domestic travel. In less than two weeks, transfers from hotel programs will no longer count towards the 110,000 points needed to earn it. But for just a couple more days, there is an opportunity to buy the points necessary for the pass — and come out well ahead of your investment.
Super credit card duos. What’s in your wallet?
Batman & Robin. Peanut butter & jelly. Ben & Jerry. Some things are better together than the sum of their parts. Greg explores the best credit card duos based on earnings and benefits. If you want to travel in comfort and luxury while paying a budget price, it helps to have a strategic plan for your day-to-day spend.
New Plastiq promotion open to all – double fee-free dollars
I don’t typically include quick deals in the week in review, but between the debacle that became of the previous promotion and the upcoming season of writing checks to our dear Uncle Sam, I thought that many readers might be happy to know that Plastiq is offering the opportunity for everyone to earn fee-free payment dollars through a new referral promotion. If you’ve got a spend to meet, this is an easy time of year to do it with a service like Plastiq — and those with credit cards that bonus either the amount or type of spend may be able to earn a pile of points at the same time.
Stacking for 39.55% off on All-Clad at Bloomingdale’s
I initially overstated this one when I missed a key exclusion in portal terms, but at 39.55% off, it still turned out to be a nice coupon and promotion stack this week at Bloomingdale’s. There have been opportunities for good deals on a variety of name-brand products. Just like getting a 5-star hotel for a 3-star price, it’s nice to feel like you’ve gotten more than you’ve paid for.
Success gifting Hyatt Explorist status to myself!
Whether determining which points to collect, which awards to book, or when to jump on a sign up bonus, a little bit of strategy can go a long way. Here, Greg shows how his strategy for keeping club-lounge access for at least four more stays with Hyatt this year has paid off. If you had previously matched your Hyatt status to MGM, you may be able to do the same.
Is Amex increasing exceptions to their Once Per Lifetime Rule?
The once-per-lifetime limitation on Amex signup bonuses has meant that there is not only little incentive — but no incentive at all for many former customers to consider going back to a product that they have had before. Amex seems to be softening its stance by sending out more mail offers that do not include the once-per-lifetime exclusion language. While Amex has made no secret of its intention to reduce the effect of churners “gamers” on its bottom line, I think an adjustment in strategy here is long-overdue. And not just because I’d like to see another 150k Business Platinum offer. Though that wouldn’t hurt, Amex. Just sayin’ :-).
Investing in change: Marriott / SPG / Ritz new program opportunities
Many people fear change, but this week Greg brings us hope and excitement to be found in the opportunities that could await as these three hotel programs slowly consolidate. We have already seen some great opportunities to move points and make high-value redemptions, but could there be strategies for the future in terms of which credit cards to hold and what packages to book now? Find out how to position yourself to reap the maximum in rewards from a combined program that will boast not only the world’s largest footprint, but a vast number of aspirational properties at which you’ll want to use those rewards.
That’s it for this week at Frequent Miler. Keep your eye out for our review of some of the most interesting stories around the web and this week’s last chance deals to follow. Have a great weekend!
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The “Super Credit Card Duo” link sends me to the “Plastique” post.
Thank you! Fixed that.