Claim OwnershipSmart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points
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Join us in learning how to use miles & points to travel & save money!
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155 Episodes
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British Airways has launched two new Avios-Only routes from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon Saint-Tropez, marking their 50th service since 2023. We break down the pricing for both destinations, compare them to standard award rates, and analyze whether they're actually good value or just conveniently available. Learn about the key advantage of these flights: guaranteed availability during peak travel periods when standard award space is impossible to find. Plus, discover why the Companion Voucher makes these routes particularly attractive for couples.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Marriott Bonvoy has launched their first global promotion of 2026, and it's a complete departure from the beloved double elite nights offer that ran for five years. The new SH26 promotion awards 2,500 bonus points per stay (not per night) and one bonus elite night per brand instead of per night. We break down who wins and loses with this major shift, share strategies to maximize the new structure, and explain what this means for your path to elite status in 2026.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Loganair is running an unprecedented flash sale with 50% off all routes when booking with Avios - but it ends at midnight tonight. We break down exactly how to book these 3,250 Avios one-way flights (normally 6,500), which routes offer the best value, and the specific steps to transfer Avios and complete your booking. Plus, Iberia launches game-changing family Avios pooling that works better than BA's system, and Virgin Atlantic expands Manchester service as Aer Lingus pulls out. If you've been wanting to explore Scotland's islands or connect across the UK, this is your moment.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Loganair has launched a limited-time flash sale cutting their Loyalty Reward Flight redemptions from 6,500 Avios to just 3,250 Avios one-way—but you only have one week to book. We break down the booking window (February 3-10), travel dates (from March 7 onwards), and which routes offer the best value, including Scottish islands like Barra and Islay that larger carriers don't serve. Jack explains why this represents exceptional value at 1.8-3.7 pence per Avios and shares tips on linking your Loganair Loyalty account with British Airways Executive Club to maximize your points. If you've been sitting on Avios wondering how to use them for UK regional travel, this could be your moment.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
British Airways has announced their largest ever points bonus at 500%, but is it actually worth it? We break down the mega offer, plus Air France KLM's paid status match for BA elites, an easy 5,000 Virgin Points from Tesco, and why Vueling just made earning Avios much harder. Jack walks through the real value calculations and strategic moves you should actually consider this week. If you're sitting on Avios or collecting points through UK supermarkets, this episode covers the essential updates you need to know.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
IAG Loyalty has just announced their most generous Avios Balance Boost promotion to date, offering up to 500% bonus Avios on eligible transactions from the entire 2025 calendar year. While this unprecedented offer sounds tempting, the value equation depends heavily on your specific situation and redemption goals. In this episode, we break down exactly who should consider this promotion, calculate the real cost per Avios, and explain why 'best offer ever' doesn't always mean 'good value.' Plus, we share alternative ways to earn the Avios you need without opening your wallet.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Flying Blue is targeting British Airways elite members with a dedicated status match—but unlike most matches, this one requires payment ranging from £79 to £249. We break down the matching tiers, what benefits you actually receive across the SkyTeam alliance, and whether paying to switch from oneworld to SkyTeam makes financial sense. With BA's controversial move to spend-based status qualification looming in 2026, over 4,000 BA members have already made the jump. We analyze the value proposition for each tier and help you decide if this status match is right for your travel plans.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Virgin Red has relaunched a generous offer for Tesco Clubcard members that awards 5,000 bonus Virgin Points just for signing up to auto-exchange for the first time. That's equivalent to £2,500 in Tesco spending, handed to you for simply flipping a switch. The offer runs until May 10th, 2026, and requires just £250 in Tesco purchases to qualify. We'll walk you through exactly how to set up auto-exchange, explain why Virgin Points are worth collecting (they never expire!), and show you how your weekly grocery shop could fund transatlantic flights to New York.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Vueling has just announced a significant overhaul to their Avios earning structure that will impact casual flyers across Europe. We break down the new tier requirements, analyze whether this signals a broader industry shift for IAG airlines like British Airways and Iberia, and explore what this means for your future flight bookings. Plus, we cover Iberia's limited-time Avios redemption sale, a rare Wine Flyer points discount, and the end of Heathrow's liquids restrictions. We also highlight current buy points bonuses worth considering for maximizing your travel rewards.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Jack explores WeatherPromise, a revolutionary insurance product that automatically pays you when it rains on your holiday. Learn how this prediction market for sunshine works, costs just 3-8% of your trip value, and has already partnered with major brands like Marriott and JetBlue. Discover real-world examples of pricing, automatic payouts within 48 hours, and whether this hedge against disappointment makes sense for your next beach holiday or outdoor adventure. Plus, important details about UK availability and strategic considerations for when weather insurance is worth it.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
American Express has launched enhanced sign-up bonuses across all three British Airways credit cards, offering up to 50,000 Avios—but there's a catch in how you access them. We break down each card's offer, spending requirements, and eligibility restrictions to help you determine which bonus is worth pursuing. Plus, we cover Wizz Air's new premium seating experiment, IHG's 100% points purchase bonus, and quick hits on status matching opportunities and Lufthansa's free Starlink Wi-Fi rollout. If you've been waiting for the right time to grab a BA Amex card, this episode explains why now might be your window.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Lufthansa Group has announced the largest European airline Starlink rollout to date, bringing free high-speed WiFi to over 850 aircraft across all eight of its airlines by 2029. The service will be complimentary for Travel ID users (which is free to register) across all cabin classes, starting in late 2026. This comprehensive rollout includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, ITA Airways, Air Dolomiti, and Edelweiss. Jack breaks down why this matters for UK travelers, how it compares to other airlines' WiFi offerings, and what you need to do to access the service.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
American Express UK's most generous welcome bonuses in years disappear at midnight on January 13th, 2026. The Platinum Card is currently offering 85,000 Membership Rewards points plus £250 in travel credit (dropping to just 50,000 points after tonight), while the Gold Card offers 45,000 points with zero first-year fee (falling to 20,000 points tomorrow). Jack breaks down exactly who qualifies for these bonuses, how the 24-month eligibility rules work, and whether the £650 Platinum annual fee actually delivers value when you factor in lounge access, dining credits, and hotel status. This is your final chance to secure these enhanced offers before they reset to standard levels.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
American Express's enhanced welcome bonuses for UK cardholders are ending tonight at midnight, with dramatic reductions taking effect tomorrow. The Platinum Card bonus drops from 85,000 points plus a £250 credit to just 50,000 points with no credit, while the Gold Card offer falls from 45,000 points with first year free to 20,000 points. Jack explains exactly who's eligible for these bonuses, what happens after the deadline, and how to apply before time runs out. If you've been considering either card, this is your final opportunity to capture significantly higher welcome offers.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
The enhanced American Express Platinum welcome bonus of 75,000 Membership Rewards points plus £250 travel credit ends on January 13th, 2026. In this episode, we dive deep into one of the card's most underrated benefits: the £400 annual dining credit split between UK and international restaurants. Jack shares real-world examples of maximizing this perk, from Sunday roasts at The Ivy to wagyu tasting menus in Tokyo, and explains how it helps justify the £650 annual fee. Plus, essential tips on registering for the benefit, planning around your travels, and avoiding common mistakes that leave value on the table.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
American Express UK is ending enhanced welcome bonuses on January 13th, 2026, and the difference is massive. The Amex Platinum referral offer drops from 85,000 points plus £250 travel credit down to just 50,000 points, while the Gold Card offer plummets from 45,000 points to 20,000. We break down exactly what's available, who's eligible (including important 24-month rules and loopholes), and whether these cards are worth the annual fees. Plus, there's another deadline you need to know about: the enhanced Barclaycard Avios Plus offer ends January 15th.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has officially joined Virgin Red, giving UK-based points collectors a new five-star redemption option in Scotland's capital. Starting at 60,000 Virgin Points per night for off-peak Chamber rooms, this could be a solid use of your balance if you're planning a staycation. We break down the value proposition, compare it to Virgin Atlantic flight redemptions, and explore whether this redemption makes sense for your points strategy. Plus, practical booking tips for navigating peak season availability in one of the UK's most popular city break destinations.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Hawaiian Airlines officially joins oneworld in Spring 2026, opening up exciting new redemption possibilities for UK-based Avios collectors. This episode covers how you'll be able to earn and redeem Avios on Hawaiian's extensive Pacific network, including routes to Hawaii, Japan, Australia, and beyond. We also discuss Alaska Airlines' new daily Boeing 787 service from London Heathrow to Seattle starting May 2026, creating seamless oneworld connections to Hawaii. Plus, learn how your BA status will be recognized on Hawaiian flights and why the end of Virgin Atlantic's partnership makes this alliance move even more significant for points enthusiasts.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Join Jack as he unveils the year's most significant developments in the travel rewards world that changed everything for points collectors. From record-breaking 100,000-point credit card bonuses to airlines finally rolling out free high-speed Starlink WiFi across entire fleets, 2025 delivered game-changing opportunities. Learn about major acquisitions like Lloyds taking over Curve, British Airways' premium experience upgrades, and new oneworld partnerships that expanded your redemption options. Plus, get a preview of what's coming in 2026 and how to maximize your points strategy for the year ahead.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Flighty's first-ever Global Passport Report for 2025 has just dropped, revealing which airlines are most likely to delay your departure—and Ryanair tops the global list. We break down the delay statistics for major carriers, including US airlines like Frontier (28%), JetBlue (25%), and American Airlines (24%). Plus, discover the brand new 'Get Me Off This Plane' metric that measures how long you're actually stuck waiting after landing. Learn why this data matters for your award bookings, tight connections, and status runs.Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches.Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode!Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
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