Points for the next generation | Frequent miler on the Air Ep306 | 5-16-25
May 16, 2025
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Discover how to still book Emirates first-class awards and navigate the changes with Spirit Airlines going premium. Learn about the advantages of early enrollment in frequent flyer programs for kids, ensuring they succeed in managing points and miles. The discussion covers maximizing credit card rewards for tuition payments and building financial foundations for future generations. Tune in for strategies on tracking accounts and the benefits of American Express customer service. Plus, find out about exciting new partnerships like Japan Airlines with Bilt!
Booking Emirates First Class remains feasible by transferring points from partners like Qantas despite recent elite restrictions.
Chase's new Instacart benefits provide significant grocery savings through monthly credits for select cards, improving the shopping experience.
Purchasing Marriott points at competitive rates can yield benefits for travelers, especially when planning high-end hotel stays or utilizing offers.
Introducing children to points and miles early sets them on a path to travel rewards, emphasizing the importance of earning miles from a young age.
Deep dives
Booking Emirates First Class with Points
It is possible to book Emirates First Class using points, despite recent restrictions. While elite status is typically required for booking with Emirates miles, transferring points from other loyalty programs, such as Qantas, can provide access to this luxury. For instance, award tickets can be booked from locations like Newark to Athens for approximately 129,000 points or JFK to Milan for about 108,000 points plus taxes. Therefore, using transfer partnerships effectively allows eager travelers to experience Emirates' high-end offerings.
Chase's New Instacart Benefits
Chase has introduced new Instacart benefits across various cards, providing monthly credits after signing up for Instacart Plus. Users can receive a $20 monthly credit for select Chase cards, and while the offer typically lasts for three months, it can be stacked with multiple cards in one household. This initiative can significantly reduce grocery costs, making it appealing for frequent Instacart users. However, the credit is contingent on selecting the qualifying card at checkout.
Buying Marriott Points at a Discount
Currently, buyers have the opportunity to purchase Marriott points for as low as 0.83 cents per point, depending on promotional bonuses. However, given that the reasonable redemption value for Marriott points is about 0.76 cents per point, purchasing them at a higher rate might not yield a beneficial return. Yet, in some cases, like booking high-end properties or utilizing the fifth-night free benefit on stays, acquiring points can result in significant savings. Hence, it is vital for buyers to assess their specific travel plans to determine if purchasing points is advantageous.
Spirit Airlines' Transition to Premium Offerings
Spirit Airlines is introducing extra legroom seating and eliminating the blocked middle seats in their Go Comfy section. While this transition is aimed at enhancing customer comfort, it requires the removal of standard seating, prompting concerns about overall seating availability. The airline is also introducing a debit card that allows for point pooling, potentially benefiting families traveling together. These changes could signify a shift in Spirit's reputation, aiming to compete with traditional carriers by providing more desirable seating options and rewards opportunities.
Preparing Children for the Points Game
Introducing children to the points and miles ecosystem can set them on a path to travel benefits. Parents can open frequent flyer accounts on behalf of their kids to ensure they start earning miles early, even from paid flights. Furthermore, utilizing shopping portals can amplify earning opportunities while spending on necessary purchases. This proactive approach empowers children to grasp the value of points and adequately prepare them for future traveling experiences.
Strategies for Building Credit History for Kids
Adding children as authorized users on credit cards can kickstart their credit history, often resulting in higher credit scores by the time they turn 18. This practice enables parents to monitor spending habits and ensure responsible credit use from an early age. While some issuers impose age restrictions on authorized users, others do not, providing flexibility in this strategy. Ultimately, establishing a credit history through responsible practices can significantly ease the transition into adulthood when applying for credit cards.
College Savings with Gift of College Cards
Using Gift of College gift cards enables parents to contribute to their children's 529 plans while potentially earning rewards in the process. By purchasing these gift cards at a discount, parents can put away funds for college while enjoying points for travel or other rewards. Additionally, paying college tuition with credit cards provides double benefits, as parents can withdraw funds from the 529 to cover expenses and earn points simultaneously. With strategies that leverage both savings and earning potential, college preparation becomes more practical and rewarding.
In today's episode we'll talk about how you can still book Emirate first class awards, we'll discuss Spirit Airlines is going premium, and we'll look at how you can prepare your kids for points and miles.
(01:29) - Does anyone else feel like American Express' customer service is above and beyond the rest?
(09:33) - Chase Instacart benefits on many cards
(17:07) - Buy Marriott Points for as low as 0.89 cents each (or maybe lower)
(1:39:08) - Why isn't anyone talking about the Accor Signature Annual Membership given their airline transfer partners (many with a 1:1 ratio)?
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