Discover an incredible deal alert for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class award seats between London and New York, starting at just 29,000 Virgin Points plus taxes. Learn how to find and book these deals using Award Travel Finder's new 'available points' slider feature. This episode breaks down the redemption value, the exceptional Upper Class experience, and how to earn Virgin Points in the UK. Tune in for expert tips on upgrading your transatlantic journey and maximizing your award redemptions. Subscr...
Mar 20, 2025•3 min•Ep. 48
Air France has unveiled its highly anticipated new La Première first class cabin, featuring spacious suites with industry-exclusive five-window configurations. We dive into the details of this luxurious product, including its unique design philosophy, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional service. We also compare it to other luxury options in the skies and discuss its value for those who can afford it. Whether you're a points enthusiast or a luxury traveler, this episode is a must-listen for ...
Mar 18, 2025•6 min•Ep. 47
In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Singapore Airlines' unprecedented 40% off Spontaneous Escapes promotion, offering UK points collectors a unique opportunity to experience world-class premium cabins at significantly discounted rates. We explore the standout deals, key restrictions, and strategies for maximizing your chances of securing these discounted awards. With exceptional value on offer, this promotion is not to be missed for those planning travel in April 2025. Tune in to ...
Mar 14, 2025•5 min•Ep. 46
Virgin Atlantic has announced a significant change to their Flying Club Tier Points structure for holiday bookings, allowing all Flying Club members to earn double Tier Points on packages of three nights or more that include a Virgin Atlantic-operated flight. This permanent offer creates compelling opportunities for anyone pursuing Virgin Atlantic status, with the potential to earn Silver status with a single Upper Class return flight or Gold status with just two and a half Upper Class return fl...
Mar 13, 2025•5 min•Ep. 45
In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into a limited-time offer from Emirates Skywards that could save you 25% on your next redemption. From now until March 31st, 2025, Emirates is offering a discount on redemptions with their airline partners and through Emirates Skywards Hotels. We break down the details of the offer, including eligible airlines, booking process, and travel period. We also provide tips on how to maximize the offer and secure the best availability. Tune in to learn how ...
Mar 11, 2025•3 min•Ep. 44
In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Etihad Guest's paid status match program, offering eligible travelers a shortcut to premium travel experiences. We explore the benefits, costs, and strategic value of this opportunity, including lounge access, priority check-in, and network benefits. We also discuss how to maximize the benefits, eligibility requirements, and alternative status match opportunities. Tune in to learn how to elevate your travel experience without committing to exten...
Mar 04, 2025•6 min•Ep. 43
Discover the smartest strategies for UK residents to earn air miles and travel more for less. In this episode, we dive into the most effective methods for accumulating miles, including credit cards, shopping portals, flying, and hotel stays. Learn how to choose the right credit cards, maximize your earning potential, and put it all together to fund business class flights around the world. Whether you're a casual miles collector or a dedicated enthusiast, this episode will show you how to make ea...
Mar 03, 2025•5 min•Ep. 42
In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into an exciting promotion from Barclays that could see you winning 1 million Avios, enough for premium travel experiences. We break down the requirements, considerations, and potential uses of the prize, as well as discuss whether this promotion is worth considering for both existing and non-existing Barclays Premier customers. Tune in to learn more about this opportunity and how to make the most of your miles and points. Subscribe to Smart With Poi...
Mar 01, 2025•4 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Capital On Tap's new 4.00% AER instant access savings account, designed for UK business owners. This account offers competitive returns, instant access, and zero fees, making it an attractive option for small business owners seeking flexibility and returns. However, it's exclusive to existing Capital On Tap Business Credit Card customers. We dive into the details, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this new savings account and how it can help bu...
Feb 28, 2025•4 min•Ep. 40
American Express has launched massive welcome bonuses for their business cards in the UK market, including retention bonuses for keeping your card into the second year. In this episode, we dive into the details of these enhanced offers, including the American Express Business Gold Card and Business Platinum Card, and provide tips on how to make the most of these offers. We also discuss the benefits of each card and how business owners can maximise their rewards. With these offers ending on April...
Feb 27, 2025•5 min•Ep. 39
In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore an exciting status match opportunity for British Airways and Iberia members to join Lufthansa's Miles & More programme. For a one-time fee of 99 euros, members can secure equivalent status and enjoy Star Alliance benefits until February 2026. We weigh the pros and cons of this offer, discussing lounge access, priority check-in, and additional baggage allowance. Tune in to learn if this offer is worth the investment for your travel needs. Subsc...
Feb 26, 2025•5 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore the best American Express card options for newcomers to the points-collecting hobby in the UK market. We dive into the benefits and features of the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card, the American Express Platinum Card, and the British Airways American Express cards. Our host shares expert advice on how to choose the right card based on spending habits, travel goals, and tolerance for annual fees. Tune in to learn how to maximize ...
Feb 26, 2025•5 min•Ep. 37
In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Singapore Airlines' Spontaneous Escapes promotion for March 2025, offering 30% off usual award rates on select flights. We break down the best deals by region, including discounted rates from Europe to Asia, Southeast Asia, North Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. We also highlight the sweet spots in this month's offers, including exceptional value for business class flights to Perth and great deals on Southeast Asia connections from Sin...
Feb 14, 2025•4 min•Ep. 36
Join host Jack as he reviews his experience flying Gulf Air's Falcon Gold Business Class from London to Dubai via Bahrain. Booked using 45,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points, Jack shares the highlights of his journey, including the spacious lounge, modern Apex Suite, and exceptional dining experience. He also provides pro tips for replicating this journey and maximizing your points redemption. Tune in for an insider's look at one of the best ways to reach Dubai in style. Subscribe to Smart With Poin...
Feb 13, 2025•3 min•Ep. 35
In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Iberia's new loyalty program overhaul and how it could offer UK travelers an easier path to oneworld status. We break down the status requirements, discuss the key advantages of Club Iberia Plus over British Airways Club, and explore how generous cabin bonuses and partner earning opportunities can make it an attractive option for premium cabin travelers. Tune in to learn more about this savvy alternative and how to maximize your miles and points...
Feb 12, 2025•4 min•Ep. 34
In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Hilton's refreshed status match program, offering a generous route to Diamond status until March 2027. We dive into the details of the program, including how to qualify with mid-tier status from another program, the benefits of Hilton Diamond status, and key considerations for strategically planning your match. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or just starting to explore the world of miles and points, this episode provides valuable insights to ...
Feb 12, 2025•3 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore the free version of Point.me, a powerful tool for American Express US cardmembers that simplifies the process of finding and booking award flights. With features like real-time searches across 150 airlines and step-by-step booking instructions, Point.me can save you hours of manual searching and help you make the most of your Membership Rewards points. We discuss the tool's key features, its limitations compared to the paid version, and how it can...
Feb 10, 2025•4 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of Smart With Points, host Jack shares his latest project: a simple iOS app designed to track award flight redemptions and calculate value per point. Frustrated with manual spreadsheets, Jack aims to create a user-friendly tool that helps points enthusiasts optimize their award travel strategy. He shares his vision for the app, including features like multiple loyalty programme support and redemption history analysis. Jack invites listeners to share their thoughts and suggestions...
Feb 10, 2025•3 min•Ep. 31
In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore Manchester Airport's new private terminal, aether, which offers a premium travel experience starting from £110. We dive into its unique location, luxurious design, and high-end food offering, as well as its three-tier pricing structure and private security channel. Whether you're a frequent flyer or just looking to splurge for a special occasion, we weigh the pros and cons of using aether for your next flight through Manchester. Subscribe to Smart...
Feb 08, 2025•4 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into Hilton's latest points sale, offering a 100% bonus on purchases. We break down the costs, benefits, and potential value of buying points, especially when combined with the fifth night free benefit for elite members. We also discuss the importance of having a specific redemption in mind and provide tips for maximizing your points and miles. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to hotel points, this episode will help you decide if this sale i...
Feb 07, 2025•4 min•Ep. 29
In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into the latest developments in British Airways' loyalty programme. After announcing major changes, BA has softened their stance, reintroducing flight-based qualification and extending bonus tier points. We break down what this means for frequent flyers, business travellers, and those chasing Silver status. We also discuss how to take advantage of the bonus tier point offer and explore the potential benefits of BA package holidays. Tune in for expert...
Feb 05, 2025•4 min•Ep. 28
In this episode of Smart With Points, we dive into the new IHG One Rewards welcome bonus offering 5,000 points for new members who complete their first stay within 21 days of registering. We break down the qualifying criteria, the value of the points, and whether it's worth going out of your way for this offer. We also discuss how to maximise your hotel points earning in the UK and provide tips for redeeming your points smartly. Tune in to learn more about this offer and how to make the most of ...
Feb 05, 2025•3 min•Ep. 27
Discover a savvy path to SkyTeam Elite Plus status with Vietnam Airlines' status match program. For a fee, UK travellers can match their existing airline status to Vietnam Airlines' Lotusmiles program, unlocking valuable benefits across all SkyTeam airlines, including lounge access, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowance. Learn how to take advantage of this opportunity, the benefits of SkyTeam Elite Plus status, and whether the cost is worth it for your travel patterns. Plus, find out ho...
Feb 04, 2025•4 min•Ep. 26
Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer has returned as an American Express UK transfer partner after a brief disappearance. In this episode, we discuss what happened, the current transfer terms, and why KrisFlyer still matters for your points strategy. We also highlight some fantastic sweet spots, particularly for intra-Asia travel, and remind listeners to stay informed about changes in the points and miles world. Tune in for the latest news and expert insights to help you make the most of your miles and...
Jan 09, 2025•3 min•Ep. 25
Royal Jordanian has relaunched their popular status match programme, offering a game-changing opportunity for points enthusiasts to secure oneworld Sapphire status, equivalent to BA Silver. For a fee of $199, eligible hotel status holders can enjoy business class lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and free seat selection. In this episode, we dive into the details of the match, including participating hotel programmes, benefits, and the application process. We also discuss the value proposit...
Jan 08, 2025•4 min•Ep. 24
American Express UK has removed Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer from their list of airline transfer partners, significantly impacting UK cardholders who redeem points for premium cabin travel to Asia and Australia. In this episode, we discuss the implications of this change and explore alternative options for UK points collectors, including transfers to British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. We also emphasize the importance of diversifying your points strategy and staying ...
Jan 03, 2025•4 min•Ep. 22
Qatar Airways has made history with the world's first live press conference at cruising altitude, thanks to their new Starlink Wi-Fi system. This game-changing innovation has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about time spent in the air, offering seamless connectivity for work, entertainment, and more. We explore the implications for points collectors and discuss how this technology might change the future of in-flight experiences. Tune in to learn more about Qatar Airways' cutting...
Jan 02, 2025•4 min•Ep. 21
Discover a clever way to triple-dip your rewards when booking UK train tickets through Uber's rail booking feature. Learn how to earn 10% back in Uber credit, Avios points, and cashback rewards using a combination of Curve and Avios-earning credit cards. This episode shares a step-by-step guide to setting up this rewards strategy, which can lead to hundreds of pounds in value annually for regular rail travellers. Tune in to find out how small changes to your routine can result in meaningful trav...
Dec 31, 2024•3 min•Ep. 20
British Airways is transforming its Executive Club program into The British Airways Club, introducing a revenue-based earning system from April 1st, 2025. This change significantly impacts leisure travellers and small business owners, while corporate travellers on flexible business class tickets will benefit. We break down the new status thresholds, earning opportunities, and strategic moves to consider. Tune in to learn how this change affects you and explore potential alternatives for achievin...
Dec 30, 2024•4 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of Smart With Points, host Jack explores the benefits of using eSIM cards while travelling. Discover how eSIMs can save you money and hassle, and learn how to set them up and use them effectively. Jack shares his personal experience with eSIM provider Airalo and provides pro tips for getting the most out of this game-changing technology. Whether you're a frequent flyer or just planning your annual holiday, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay connected on the ...
Dec 29, 2024•5 min•Ep. 18
