Point Me To First Class

134. The New Era of Award Travel: What's Changing and How to Adapt

52 snips
Sep 22, 2025
Discover how the landscape of award travel is shifting rapidly, with tighter rules from credit card issuers and changing transfer ratios. Learn the importance of adapting to new earning and redemption strategies as airlines reclaim premium award spaces for loyal members. Uncover the four essential skills needed to navigate this new reality, from mastering transfer partners to utilizing advanced search tools. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, there are still incredible values to be unlocked!
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INSIGHT

Bonus Categories Now Have Fine Print

  • Card issuers are experimenting with tiered bonus windows and thresholds inside categories.
  • These nuanced rules change when and how much bonus you earn on everyday spend.
ADVICE

Plan Card Applications Strategically

  • Don't apply for rewards cards randomly; plan applications around eligibility rules and sequencing.
  • Learn which cards are easier to get early and how one approval affects another.
ADVICE

Build Sustainable Earning Beyond Sign-Up Bonuses

  • Move beyond relying only on welcome bonuses for sustainable points earning.
  • Build long-term earning through card usage, category optimization, and other earning avenues.
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