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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146 Episodes
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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
Emirates is doing something unprecedented: auctioning off seven Platinum memberships that could last up to 20 years, with no qualification flights required. This charity auction features unique membership numbers and offers incredible perks including First Class lounge access, 100% bonus miles, and chauffeur service – but the winning bids are expected to reach eye-watering levels. We break down what Skywards Platinum status actually includes, how to participate in the auction running through January 17th, 2026, and whether this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is worth the investment for serious Emirates flyers.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
Finnair just announced their first Australian route from Helsinki to Melbourne via Bangkok, launching October 2026. But there's a catch – they appear to have priced Melbourne at the same Avios rate as Bangkok, despite an additional 9 hours of flying. We break down the numbers showing business class for potentially 62,500 Avios one-way, compared to British Airways' typical 170,000+ Avios to Australia. Learn how to book this potential pricing error through Finnair Plus or British Airways Executive Club before it gets corrected. We cover availability guarantees, aircraft details, connection options from London, and whether you should book now or wait.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 has announced a devastating devaluation to Emirates Skywards transfers, dropping from 4:3 to 2:1 in February 2026—a 33% reduction that makes Emirates Business Class awards cost double what they did in 2024. We break down the timeline of Emirates devaluations, calculate real-world impacts on award pricing, and explain why transferring speculatively might backfire due to Skywards' strict 3-year expiration policy. Plus, we reveal which Membership Rewards transfer partners still offer 1:1 rates and better value than Emirates for UK travellers.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
Foxtons has become the UK's first estate agent to offer Avios rewards, launching an exclusive partnership with IAG Loyalty just days after British Airways' recent devaluation. London-based landlords and property sellers can now earn up to 30,000 Avios through lettings and sales transactions in select areas. We break down the three earning methods, geographical limitations, and the crucial account-linking steps you must complete before instructing Foxtons. Plus, we discuss whether this signals a broader expansion of the Avios ecosystem into everyday life and whether these rewards should influence your choice of estate agent.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 shares his experience with Honest Mobile's Smart SIM, a backup eSIM that's transforming how UK travelers stay connected abroad. Learn how this single setup provides unlimited data access to 500+ essential travel apps across 180+ countries, eliminates roaming fees, and even improves UK signal coverage by connecting to all four major networks. At just £3.75/month on the annual plan, Jack explains why this has become his essential travel companion and how it compares to traditional travel eSIM providers like Airalo. Plus, find out which apps are included and whether this solution is right for your travel style.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
PizzaExpress has become the first UK restaurant where you can earn and spend Avios, launching on December 1st, 2025. Earn an impressive 3 Avios per pound spent when you register your payment card - double what you'd get from the Barclaycard Avios Plus card. We break down exactly how to set up this partnership, which cards stack best for maximum earning (up to 4.5 Avios per pound), and the important exclusions like digital wallets and airport locations. While the earning opportunity is excellent, we also examine whether redeeming Avios for pizza vouchers at 0.5p per point makes financial sense compared to saving them for flights.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
Rakuten UK has launched their Cyber Week promotion with cashback rates reaching up to 70% at selected retailers. New members can stack an additional 10% cashback (up to £40 back) on top of advertised rates when making a qualifying purchase within seven days of signing up. These elevated cashback rates work perfectly alongside your credit card rewards, creating a genuine double-dip opportunity. Learn how to set up Rakuten's browser extension and turn your Christmas shopping into real cash that gets deposited directly to your PayPal or bank account.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
Korean Air has finally joined the Starlink revolution, announcing high-speed satellite WiFi across its entire fleet along with Asiana Airlines and other Hanjin Group carriers. We break down the installation timeline starting in 2026, which aircraft get priority (great news for London-Heathrow flyers), and what this means for streaming, video calls, and productivity at 35,000 feet. Plus, we cover how UK points collectors can book Korean Air flights using transferable points and why this upgrade makes their Prestige Class business cabin even more compelling.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 just announced three brand new European destinations for summer 2026, all operated by BA Cityflyer with business class cabins on every flight. We're covering the exciting new routes to Toulon Saint-Tropez from London City (BA's first-ever service to this French Riviera gem), expanded Sardinia service from Stansted, and a new Glasgow to San Sebastián connection for Scottish foodies. Jack breaks down the flight schedules, pricing starting from £113 each way, and whether using Avios makes sense for these short-haul leisure routes. All three services are bookable now for summer 2026 travel.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
Air France has just announced twice-daily service between London Gatwick and Paris Charles de Gaulle starting March 29, 2026, marking their return after nearly two decades. This new route opens up Flying Blue earning and redemption opportunities for UK-based points collectors, with excellent connection times to Air France's 170+ destinations across SkyTeam. Learn why this matters for your miles strategy, how to maximize American Express Membership Rewards transfers, and what benefits Flying Blue status holders can expect. Plus, details on complimentary Wi-Fi, premium cabin investments, and why this makes Gatwick increasingly competitive for South East England travelers.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 just announced a 10% Avios price increase taking effect December 15th, 2025, affecting both the points requirement and cash portion across all BA flights and partner airlines. In this episode, Jack breaks down specific examples of how prices are changing for short-haul and long-haul routes, from London-Geneva to transatlantic business class. He provides strategic advice on what you should do before the deadline, including booking tips, alternative redemption options through partners like Qatar Airways and Iberia, and how to maximize your Avios earning to offset the devaluation. Learn how to navigate this change and still get excellent value from your Avios points.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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