Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points

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

Capital on Tap has quietly added Virgin Points as their third airline transfer partner, joining British Airways and Qatar Airways Avios. We break down the transfer rates for both Pro and Free cardholders, explain when Virgin Points might be a better choice than Avios for your business spending rewards, and explore the unique redemption opportunities this opens up—from Virgin Atlantic Upper Class flights to Virgin Voyages cruises and even Necker Island stays. If you're a UK business owner collecting points, this partnership adds surprising new flexibility to your earning strategy.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 quietly partnered with Plusgrade to launch a bidding system for upgrades on select routes, but the details are complicated and full of surprising restrictions. We break down exactly how the system works, reveal the actual bid ranges travelers are seeing (hint: £500-£1,500 for various cabin jumps), and share strategic tips for successful bidding based on data from other airlines. Plus, we uncover the frustrating catches—like unchanged baggage allowances and no bonus Avios—that BA hopes you won't notice. If you're planning a BA flight soon, this could save you hundreds of pounds or help you avoid a costly mistake.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

Royal Air Maroc has launched a paid status match that could get you all the way to Oneworld Emerald status, but there's a hefty £600 price tag and serious limitations to consider. We break down who's eligible (spoiler: US airline members no longer qualify), what each tier costs, and whether it's actually worth it compared to cheaper alternatives like Royal Jordanian. Plus, we reveal the critical requalification requirements that make this essentially a one-year deal for most travelers. Find out if this controversial offer makes sense for your travel plans or if you should save your money.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

Qatar Airways has launched their annual Black Friday sale for UK travellers with up to 20% off flights, but is it actually worth booking? We break down what's genuinely on offer, including which booking classes qualify, the extensive Economy blackout dates, and bonus Avios opportunities for new Privilege Club members. Plus, we reveal why this 'sale' might not be as exclusive as it sounds and what you should compare prices against before booking. If you're planning travel to Asia, Australia, or the Middle East in 2026, here's everything you need to know before the sale ends December 2nd.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

Iberia has launched one of their most generous promotions ever, offering up to 60% off Avios award flights through December 2nd. We break down the best redemption opportunities for UK travellers, from 4,550 Avios London to Madrid flights to just 6,400 Avios transatlantic economy seats. However, there's an important change to Basic economy fares you need to know about before booking. Jack explains exactly how to maximize this limited-time sale, which routes offer the best value, and the potential pitfalls to avoid when redeeming your hard-earned 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

British Airways' Black Friday 2025 sale is here, but it's different from years past. The standout offer is a 50% bonus on Avios earned through their shopping portal until December 28th, with rates reaching up to 21 Avios per pound at select retailers. Cash fares to North America start from £403 return, and European city breaks begin at £159, but notably absent are the major Avios redemption discounts we've seen in previous years. Jack breaks down exactly which deals are worth your attention, how to stack your earnings, and whether you should book cash fares or save your points for better redemptions.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 finally reopened its exclusive First Wing at London Heathrow Terminal 5 after months of renovations. We break down exactly what changed (and what didn't), who can access this premium facility, and whether the burgundy makeover was worth the wait. Learn about the new non-alcoholic bar, the quirks of bringing guests through security, and how this fits into BA's massive seven billion pound transformation programme. Plus, we share whether the First Wing's real value lies in its aesthetics or its ability to save you up to 45 minutes on busy travel days.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 opened bookings for two unexpected Heathrow destinations launching in 2026: seasonal flights to Montenegro's coastal gem Tivat, and daily year-round service to Guernsey. We break down the surprisingly decent Avios redemption rates for both routes, with Montenegro potentially costing just 40,000-45,000 Avios return in business class. Plus, we explore why these routes are more strategic than they first appear, the connection opportunities they unlock, and whether they're worth your points or cash. Both routes are bookable now for spring and 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

IAG Loyalty and American Express have just announced a multi-year partnership extension that directly impacts UK Avios collectors. This renewal secures the future of British Airways Amex co-brand cards, Membership Rewards transfers to Avios, and Amex acceptance across all IAG airlines. With 2026 marking the 25th anniversary of the BA Amex partnership, we break down what this stability means for your points strategy and what special opportunities might be on the horizon. If you collect Avios through Amex cards or transfers, this is essential news for your earning strategy.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

easyJet is celebrating 30 years with 30% off over 300,000 seats from the UK, but you only have until 3pm today to book. Flights start from just £14.99 to destinations including Barcelona, Tenerife, the Canary Islands, and more, covering travel from November 2025 through March 2026. Jack breaks down the best deals, explains why paying cash sometimes beats using points, and shares strategies for maximizing value including regional airport options and credit card earning potential. Plus, package holiday deals with code SAVE30 available until November 20th.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

Iberia has confirmed free Starlink WiFi is coming to their entire fleet, offering speeds up to 450 Mbps for all passengers regardless of cabin class. This marks a dramatic shift from their current expensive and limited WiFi service, with implementation beginning in 2026. The announcement positions Iberia alongside British Airways as IAG airlines commit to high-speed connectivity even on short-haul routes. For Avios collectors, this makes Iberia redemptions significantly more attractive, especially on long-haul routes to Latin America.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 officially confirmed Starlink Wi-Fi is coming to their entire fleet starting in 2026 - and it's completely free for all passengers from economy to First Class. We break down what makes Starlink different from traditional inflight Wi-Fi, how BA compares to competitors like Virgin Atlantic and Qatar Airways, and why this is genuinely one of the airline's most significant service improvements in years. If you fly BA or collect Avios, this episode explains exactly what this game-changing announcement means for your future 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

Qatar Airways has quietly introduced seat selection fees for business class award bookings starting November 3rd, 2025. Passengers redeeming Avios or Q credits now face approximately £85 per flight segment to select seats in advance, unless they hold oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status. This change affects all partner programs including British Airways, Iberia, and Alaska Airlines. Combined with recent fuel surcharge increases, these fees are significantly eroding the value of Qatar award redemptions, making it crucial for points collectors to diversify their strategies and consider building elite status protection.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

Aer Lingus and Tesco Ireland have launched a partnership that's turning heads across the travel rewards community, offering an unprecedented Avios earning rate of just 0.37 pence per point through Clubcard voucher conversions. We break down exactly how this works, why the mathematics are so compelling compared to traditional Avios earning methods, and how just £17.50 in vouchers could get you a flight to Paris. While currently exclusive to Tesco Ireland, this represents one of the strongest Avios opportunities available anywhere, with redemption options extending across British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and beyond. If you have any connection to Ireland, this episode explains exactly why you should be paying attention.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