Recap: Increased Southwest Offers, Reminder to Cancel Citi Hilton Cards, IHG Category Changes Date Revealed and More

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1) I’ve already posted this info on our Facebook page, but it bears repeating.  Heads up for folks who are looking to get a Companion Pass on Southwest! Right now, you can get 50,000 points bonus on both Premier and Plus credit cards. If you also apply for business version (60,000 points bonus), you will have 110,000 points total.

That amount will put you over the threshold and will allow you to bring a companion free for close to two years (aside from taxes). It’s the best deal in family travel, hands down. Of course, if you don’t fly Southwest that often, then this news item is probably of little interest.

Be aware, the bonus on personal cards has been as high as 60,000 points in the past. It’s possible it will come back at some point. That said, right now, the points from sign-up bonus still count towards Companion Pass. No such guarantee in the future. All three cads are subject to 5/24 rule.

If you are looking to sign up for Premier version ($99 annual fee), I have a personal referral link that will give me 10,000 points. Thanks if you use it! Find direct links for other Southwest cards here
If you have any questions about Companion Pass, hit me up either in the comments or via email at milesforfamily@gmail.com

2) According to Mommy Points, the date when announced IHG category changes are set to kick in is January 16th. Make sure to book your desired property before that day. Btw, it’s completely nuts that bloggers have to hunt down executives in order to find out the date of category changes. Why can’t loyalty programs be more transparent?

3) If you haven’t yet canceled your Citi Hilton card, do so now while you still can. Otherwise, it will be converted to new Amex Hilton product very shortly. That will make you ineligible for new sign-up bonus.

4) Hyatt is offering  discounted Cash+Points rates on some of its properties via DoC. This is an unadvertised sale, so there is no landing page. There are some good deals to be had, so check it out.

5) When your airline miles will expire, and how to get them back by TravelCodex.

6) Via Frequent Miler, you can now book Kimpton properties with your IHG points or annual certificates from IHG credit card. A nice development, for sure. The point rates on most properties are astronomical, but using certs  can be very compelling.

Few interesting hotels that caught my eye:

Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa in Grand Cayman (costs 70,000 points per night, rates hover around $500, you can only book a double occupancy room with points or certs)

Kimpton Vero Beach resort and spa in my state of Florida (65,000 points per night, rates are $350-$500 per night)

Kimpton Hotel Zamora in St. Pete beach in Florida (50,000 points, rates are $250-400 per night)

There are also quite a few nice options in NYC, Washington DC, San Francisco etc.

7) 5 best educational spring break ideas for families by TravelingMom.

Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses