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1) Chase has recently launched an Iberia co-branded credit card. Find details on Rapidtravelchai blog. Reportedly, the card is not subject to 5/24 rule. I’ve added this offer to my Hot Deals page.
So, who should care about this new development? Well, if you like British Airways Avios program, you are an excellent candidate for this card. For one, points transfer instantly between the two programs. Iberia has some sweet-spot redemptions on American Airlines operated flights (see this post on Frequent Miler) as long as there is sAAver availability. However, you can only book roundtrip tickets and sAAver availability on AA flights is abysmal these days. Still, there is value to be had for some.
2) An updated list of all Hilton Honors hotels at 5,000 points per night, and 10,000 points per night by LoyaltyLobby. Keep in mind that Hilton no longer publishes award charts, so the info may have changed since the time of publication. As I’ve mentioned in this post, redeeming Hilton currency on Cat.1 and 2 hotels will almost always be a good deal. Personally, I speculatively value Hilton points at around 0.3 cents, so it would be an equivalent of paying $15/$30 per night all-in.
When it comes to US, it’s slim pickings when it comes to Cat. 2 and Cat. 1 has exactly zero properties. Still, paying 10,000 points per night or 8,000 points when staying 5 nights (if you happen to have elite status via co-branded Hilton credit card) is a great deal.
3) Get $10 every month you save $20 ($60 maximum) by DoC. I don’t know much about this promo, but it seems like an easy win.
4) See an American Express business bonus you like? Call for it! by DoC. You can’t lose anything by trying, that’s for sure. Lots of data points indicating success in getting 20,000 points bonus on Amex Blue Business Plus, the best no-annual-fee card for earning Membership Rewards points.
5) What are points worth to you? by LazyTravelers. I like this post, though I’m more in the “burn them all” category. Still, the author makes some very good points. One in particular that I like is that miles and points are real money. If you are a frequent traveler, you should be picky about your redemptions. For more on this topic, see my post What are points and miles worth? (“normal people” edition)
6) A quick update to my post on low-cost carrier French Bee starting service from Paris and Tahiti to San Francisco airport. It looks like flights originating in San Francisco are now bookable!
7) I was honored to be asked to contribute a few thoughts to an article Watch out for these hidden costs of free travel by Holly Johnson. Check it out!
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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.
Approved for the Iberia Visa, can confirm 5/24 is not (or at least, *was* not) in effect.
Leana, you’re within striking distance of MIA right? I would think you’d be all over that Iberia offer given your proximity to an AA hub. Sure, the sAAver availability isn’t great these days, but there’s always some destination with availability.
@Nick Congrats on approval! I know you are Avios lover (with good reason), so this is a welcome addition.
As far as Miami goes, it’s a 4-hour drive for us one-way, assuming the traffic cooperates. So, not really within striking distance. Orlando airport can be a nightmare to get to with I-4 traffic, but it’s less than two hours. We prefer Tampa, though our non-stop options are limited there, unfortunately. If we lived closer to Miami, I would be all over this card.
That makes sense, I didn’t realize you were that far away from MIA. I drove to ATL (about 4 hours from CLT) once for a family trip to save a bunch of TYPs and to have a direct flight to MGA… I’d do it again for the right incentives but four hours of driving before and after a trip is not a lot of fun.