A popular adage among fans of frequent fliers, points, and miles is “earn it and burn it.” This philosophy centers around the fact that these currencies rarely appreciate in value as much as traditional investments. Rather, the value of the award almost always decreases as the airline loyalty program increases the price of the award over time. Therefore, it is better to use it immediately.
Recent news from the U.S. Senate has some travelers upset about the impact of Durbin Marshall's credit card bill (not literally a credit card bill, but a bill about credit cards). The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the bill on April 9, with the CEOs of Visa, Mastercard, United Airlines, and American Airlines invited to testify.
If passed, this bill could jeopardize your ability to earn credit card benefits the same way you currently do. This could affect more than three-quarters of Americans who own and use credit card benefits, according to recent survey data from the American Tourism Economic Alliance. While experts see the bill as a fairly long-term prospect (airlines and hotels rely heavily on credit card partnerships to boost profits), it still scares some travelers. So, sooner or later you'll want to use what you've earned in points and miles. Hey, that's as good a reason as any to stop waiting and book that trip you've been thinking about.
To get you started, here's what you need to know about the latest points and miles sale for April 2024 and how to top up (or replenish) your balance along the way.
Bonus opportunities for points and miles
IHG One Rewards wants to enhance your account with extra points this spring. From now until the end of April, members will earn 2,000 bonus points for every two qualifying nights they stay at an IHG property. There is no limit to the number of points you can earn with this campaign, but be sure to register. If you want to check out the brand's latest openings, like the InterContinental Dominica Cavitz Resort & Spa in the Caribbean or the new Kimpton Isla Mallorca in Spain, extra points can come in very handy.
And now that IHG has opened its third Atwell Suites property, IHG's loyalty program has another perk for visiting travelers. For stays between now and May 31st, you can register to earn 3x his points at EVEN Hotels (avid hotels) or Garner (IHG hotels) properties, as well as Atwell Suites.
Hilton Honors fans should keep an eye out for the brand's many new hotel openings currently underway. That's because a member can earn 1,000 bonus points per night on some accommodations, or at least 5,000 bonus points on a 3-night stay. Use this search tool to see new hotels available in your destination.
Need more Virgin Points? Capital One is offering a 30% transfer bonus when you transfer miles from their program to Virgin Red between now and the end of April. If you need Flying Blue Miles for future award redemptions, Chase Ultimate Rewards is offering a 25% bonus for transferring points to a frequent flyer program.
Changes in credit card benefits (good and bad)
Unfortunately, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders will see their Priority Pass benefits reduced by the end of June. If you have a Priority Pass with this credit card, airport restaurant credits are no longer included as a benefit. However, access to approximately 1,300 traditional airport lounges will still be included.
