Episode 22: “Etihad Awards, New Avios Rates, Fee Free Visa and MCGC, and More of Robert’s European Vacation”

Last week we had our first ever cliffhanger episode–this week we’re back to finish the story of Robert’s European Vacation.  We also cover some great news on the redemption side, as well as options to earn miles without flying on Today’s No Annual Fee Edition of the podcast.

News

0:32 Etihad Awards Booking on AA.com (link)

• Still not seeing JFK-AUH Apartment show up even though there is space
• Have to call New Zealand for that one still (link)

3:24 British Airways Avios Partner Award Devaluation Coming (link)

• 0-650 miles: 6,000 Avios (was 4,500, unclear whether this range will become bookable on North America routes)
• 651-1,150 miles: 9,000 Avios (was 7,500)
• 1,151 miles-2,000 miles: 11,000 Avios (was 10,000)
• 2,001 miles-3,000 miles: 13,000 Avios (was 12,500)
• Goes into effect May 30th, 2019

4:06 [Targeted] Amex Membership Rewards to Virgin Atlantic 30% Transfer Bonus (link)

• Good for awards on Delta metal, ANA roundtrip…
• …and Necker Island

4:46 Fee-Free Visa GCs at Staples (link)

• 5/5/19-5/11/19
• Said to be limit one $200 VGC pp

5:11 Stop & Shop $15 Off Groceries with $100 GC Purchase (link)

• Purchase $100 3rd party GC, get $15 voucher towards future grocery purchase
• 5/3/19 to 5/23/19

7:14 $15 off two $100 MCGC & 8X Happy cards at Safeway Branded stores

• Need to add to J4U app

7:30 [Targeted] 5,000 MRs for Adding Authorized User to Amex Personal Gold

• Add up to 4 users, 5,000 MRs each
• Each AU must spend $500 to receive the bonus
• AUs are free on Personal Gold
• Received via email, subject “Earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points by adding an Additional Card Member”
  • Amex clearly listens to the show
• Link to check whether you’re eligible
• (will say “We are sorry, you are not able to apply for an Additional Card online.” if ineligible)

8:59 Part II–Family Travel to Venice and Rome. 

Be sure to listen to Episode 21 if you haven’t already. 

9:05 Rome

• Hotel dei Mellini
  • Boutique hotel just west of the Tiber
  • 10-20 minute walk from most major sites
  • Booked family room
  • Upgraded to 2 BR/2BA Suite
  • Co