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Note to readers: our posting schedule will be light next week. The kids will be home, plus Nancy will be traveling. Thank you for your understanding!
1) Avianca LifeMiles has been added as a transfer partner of Citi Thank You program. On a related note, Iberia and Aer Lingus now partner with Chase Ultimate Rewards. The first news item is more significant because you can redeem Avianca miles on United flights. Some routes start at only 7,500 miles. See Nancy’s post for more on this topic.
The big question is whether the transfer is instant. If you know the answer, please comment. Be aware, dealing with Avianca LifeMiles can be the type of stuff nightmares are made of. But if you can make the website work for you, it can be a great deal.
UR program already partners with BA Avios, and you can transfer that currency to Iberia program at no cost (with some caveats). I recommend you read this excellent post on Lazy Travelers blog that highlights sweet spots in Aer Lingus and Iberia programs
All in all, these are positive developments. More transfer partners=more options. (hat tip OMAAT)
2) An interesting opportunity to get great value out of Best Western credit card, but you will have to hurry. Not for everyone and personally, I’m sitting this one out. Still, a good deal if you can arrange your hotel stays through January 31st, 2018.
3) Jet Blue schedule is loaded through Labor day. Thanks to our reader Natasha for the reminder! As I’ve mentioned last week, there is currently a non-affiliate link for Jet Blue credit card with a bonus of 60k points, highest ever. This is a spectacular offer, especially if you’ve been thinking about applying anyway. You can find the link in our Hot Deals page.
4) Some changes are coming to Singapore award chart when booking on Star Alliance partners (including United). I don’t see any significant changes in economy, so that’s good. The awards on United will now be bookable online, which is great news. Their main “sweet spot” is route to Hawaii, which goes for 17.5k miles one-way. Keep in mind, low-level award on United.com (22.5k miles) has to be available in order for you to book it via Singapore program.
5) Forgot to mention this last week, but apparently, there is now a link for business version of Aviator credit card. You get 40,000 miles after spending just $1 and paying $95 annual fee. That’s a pretty good deal, especially if you need AA miles. Direct link I can’t remember who broke the news, but I’m pretty sure it was Doctorofcredit
6) You can now refer friends if you have Chase Hyatt Visa and get 10k points per approval. Access your link here Keep in mind that if you do a dummy booking on Hyatt.com, there is an offer there that comes with $50 credit. Obviously, it’s important to make folks aware of it! 🙂
Personally, I think it makes sense to give something to your friend after approval, so everybody wins. I have a link for Hyatt card and if you get approved, I’ll send you $60 once I get the points. Just let me know when you’ve applied so I can keep track of it. Here is my personal referral link
7) A two-day itinerary to Orlando, Florida: more than a theme park I’m going to bookmark this post because we are planning to spend 4 days in Orlando area with my parents. Oh, and did I mention that we are not taking them to any amusement parks? Gasp! Sorry, mom, I’m spending most of our savings on a trip to Tahiti.
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
I’m looking forward to my first JetBlue flight. I love southwest so it should be good.
I mean since JetBlue and SW are similar I should have a good experience.
@Natasha I’ve heard they are similar as well. In fact, some folks actually prefer Jet Blue because the planes have more leg room. Let me know how you like your first flight!
I might try to get approved for that business Aviator card. 🙂 Good article about Orlando. I just love Florida, even without Disney! I’d be tempted to ride that big ferris wheel on I-Drive next time we’re there.
@Nancy I would love to get approved for business Aviator card, but doubt it will happen. Barclay rejected two of my apps in the last six months. I’m obviously on their “naughty” list.
As far as visiting Orlando, I don’t know what to plan. There is so much to do in the area, it’s overwhelming. I still keep debating on taking my parents to Epcot, but know it’s too much money for six people. If we didn’t have our trip next year coming up, I would.