Revolutionizing Your Journey: Travel With Points & Miles Quick Hits: Hyatt Adds The Standard Hotels, Emirates First Class Lockdown, Rakuten Promo Alert & More!
Planning your summer 2025 travel? Now might be the perfect time to book.
In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares key updates from his recent trip to Roatan and fresh news in the points and miles world. He covers limited-time transfer bonuses, how to spot travel savings on previously booked trips, and why Rakuten’s 7,500 Amex point promo is worth jumping on. You’ll also hear why Newark Airport might be best avoided for now, how Hyatt integrates The Standard hotels, and what Hyatt’s new gifting rules mean for loyal travelers.
Finally, DeAndre breaks down Emirates’ move to restrict first-class redemptions and how to still unlock the experience through strategic credit card plays.
Key takeaways:
- Roatan reflections: A surprisingly incredible stay at the Grand Kimpton Roatan, made better with points and Amex FHR perks.
- Summer 2025 alert: Now is the sweet spot for booking cheap domestic flights before prices spike.
- Travel disruptions: Newark Airport is seeing significant delays and cancellations—consider alternative routes.
- Booking tip: Already booked a summer trip? Check current pricing—DeAndre saved $300 and 70k Hyatt points on a rebook.
- Rakuten promo: New users can get 7,500 Amex points with just $25 in spending through Rakuten.
- Hyatt & The Standard: The Standard hotels officially join World of Hyatt with elite perks intact.
- Award gifting limits: Hyatt will limit members to 10 award gifts received per year starting June 7.
- Emirates first-class restrictions: As of May 12, only Skywards elite members can redeem for first class.
- Credit card workaround: Get Emirates Silver or Gold elite status through co-branded Skywards cards to retain access.
Resources:
- Rakuten Promo: Get a 7,500 point bonus after you spend $25
- Shopping Portals Explained (Ep. 49)
- Blog: How to Use Shopping Portals to Boost Your Points and Miles
- Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
- Sign up for our newsletter!
- This month’s best current card offers
- LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
- Use coupon code “BOLDYGO” for a 50% discount!
- BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group
- Truicity Wealth Management
- Thrifty Traveler Premium
- Daily Drop Newsletter
- This month’s best current card offers
- BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group
Interested in Financial Planning?
Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:
Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links
- Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
- Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
- Travel Freely
- Point.me
- FlightConnections.com
- Thrifty Traveler Premium
- LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
- Use coupon code “BOLDYGO” for a 50% discount!
Connect with DeAndre Coke:
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast!
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below: