Point Me To First Class

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

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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

Award Travel Has Entered A New Era

  • The award travel landscape is undergoing a significant shift and is no longer 'business as usual.'
  • Recent trends mean old strategies may no longer produce the same results for points earners and redeemers.
ANECDOTE

From Wild West To Tighter Rules

  • Devon recounts how points earning used to be simple and permissive many years ago with repeatable bonuses and manufactured spend.
  • He contrasts that with rising issuer restrictions that began around 2014 and intensified through 2016–2022.
INSIGHT

Issuers Add Conditional Earning Requirements

  • Issuers now add specific conditions beyond simple spending to earn bonus points.
  • New cards require transaction minimums or behavioral conditions to unlock rewards.
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