This is the increased sign up bonus I mentioned about 2 or so weeks ago. Looks like Amex held off on releasing it so that it wouldn't come out the same week as their new Air Miles Reserve Card. Now it is here and the offer matches that of the Reserve Card which I find a little surprising they make it the same as outside of some the extra benefits that the Reserve Card offers this card is cheaper yet earns the same amount Air Miles Rewards Miles (Sign up bonus and earn rate). I still have to confirm this, but apparently this level of sign up bonus for the Platinum Card will remain as standard from this point forward.
Here are the full details on this offer and the card:
Earn up to 1,000 Bonus AIR MILES® reward miles! Receive 500 Bonus reward miles upon first use of an approved Card, plus earn 500 Bonus reward miles after you spend $500 in your first three months of Card membership
• $65 annual fee waived for the first year
• Earn 1 reward mile for every $10 in Card purchases at AIR MILES®* Sponsors
• Earn 1 reward mile for every $10 in Card purchases at other eligible stand-alone grocery stores, gas stations, and drugstores in Canada
• Earn 1 reward mile for every $15 in Card purchases everywhere else
• More than 1000 rewards to choose from! Redeem for a wide range of rewards - everything from movie tickets to electronics, travel and more
• Shop at participating AIR MILES Sponsors across Canada with your American Express® AIR MILES®* Platinum Credit Card and show your AIR MILES®* Collector Card, and you can earn reward miles twice
Apply Now
* Canadian Residents Only
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website For full details and current product information click the Apply Now link.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Feb 20 Update: Wyndham Rewards award changes, vote in the Freddie Awards and up to 25% bonus on buying Avios
Busy day here at the FFB Group!
News, Tips & Tricks
The big news over the past 24 hours comes to us from three hotel reward programs in terms of award night changes, Hilton HHonors (see my post from earlier today), Starwood Preferred Guest (see my other post from earlier today) and Wyndham Rewards (see below). The majority of the changes are not good!
If you check your email regularily you'll see that voting has opened for the 25th annual Freddie Awards, The Frequent Flyer industry's largest and best know awards celebrating airline and hotel programs, promotions and more. Most of the program that have been nominated have been sending out emails for everyone to go vote for them, so please go vote for your favourites at freddieawards.com
On March 14 Wyndham Rewards is releasing a new award chart for free nights at their properties. The chart shows a new lowest category level of 5,500 points (getting rid of the 6,000 point level) which is the good news, they have also done away with the short lived highest category 35,000 and 45,000 point level redemptions but have kept the rest of the levels just recently introduced that were over the old high end 16,000 points. You can expect to see many hotels that were capped at 16K to move up. There is also a new level being introduced at 8,000 points. More details can be found here
KLM is changing their luggage rules for flights in Economy Class within Europe as they will start charging for any checked bags as of April 22. The charge for checking a bag is EUR15 if you select it in advance at time of booking or EUR30 if you do it at the airport. You can avoid this fee by simply joining the Air France KLM Flying Blue program for free (see this promo for Canadians) or their Blue Biz corporate program or fly on a fully flexible economy class ticket (Y or B). Intercontinental flights remain free (this is the most important for those of here in Canada) and flights within Europe that go to Georgia, Italy, Turkey, the Ukraine, Russia or Belarus. More details can be found here.
I posted another special feature here on the blog portion of Rewards Canada yesterday, covering Credit Card Medical Insurance Coverage. If you didn't read it you can do so here.
Travel Deals
Delta Hotels has another sale offering up to 35% off stays at their locations across Canada. Stays must be booked by Feb 23 for stays until Apr 30. Book here
Bonus Offers
Air Tran A+ Rewards (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double A+ Credits on all Air Tran flights Systemwide. More... Until May 15, 13
airberlin topbonus
- Double topbonus Miles on every stay at Choice Hotels locations Worldwide. More... Until Apr 30, 13
British Airways Executive Club
- Earn up to 25% Bonus Avios when you purchase Avios online. Purchase between 5,000 and 23,000 Avios to get a 15% bonus or your full yearly allowance of 24,000 to get a 25% bonus. More... Until Mar 28, 13
Delta SkyMiles
- Double SkyMiles on every Delta flight between the U.S. and Asia. More... Until Dec 31, 13 Targeted offer - May Not Work for everyone
Emirates Skywards
- Triple Skywards Miles when you stay at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai. More... Book by May 31 for stays until Dec 20, 13
- Triple Skywards Miles when you stay for five nights at the Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living London. More... Until Mar 31, 13
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Loyalty Club
- Triple Loyalty Points when you book the The Iditarod Package at Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage. More... Until Mar 11, 13
- Double Loyalty Points on qualified stays at the Millennium Hotel Durham. More... Mar 1 - Apr 4, 13
United Mileage Plus
- Double Mileage Plus Miles on qualifying Affordable Rate rentals of five or more days at participating locations in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, and New Zealand. More... Until Jun 30, 13
US Airways Dividend Miles
- Double Dividend Miles on qualifying Affordable Rate rentals of five or more days at participating locations in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, and New Zealand. More... Until Jun 30, 13
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Double Flying Club Miles on qualifying Affordable Rate rentals of five or more days at participating locations in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, and New Zealand. More... Until Jun 30, 13
Remember to follow Rewards Canada on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to our Newsletter and RSS feed
News, Tips & Tricks
The big news over the past 24 hours comes to us from three hotel reward programs in terms of award night changes, Hilton HHonors (see my post from earlier today), Starwood Preferred Guest (see my other post from earlier today) and Wyndham Rewards (see below). The majority of the changes are not good!
If you check your email regularily you'll see that voting has opened for the 25th annual Freddie Awards, The Frequent Flyer industry's largest and best know awards celebrating airline and hotel programs, promotions and more. Most of the program that have been nominated have been sending out emails for everyone to go vote for them, so please go vote for your favourites at freddieawards.com
On March 14 Wyndham Rewards is releasing a new award chart for free nights at their properties. The chart shows a new lowest category level of 5,500 points (getting rid of the 6,000 point level) which is the good news, they have also done away with the short lived highest category 35,000 and 45,000 point level redemptions but have kept the rest of the levels just recently introduced that were over the old high end 16,000 points. You can expect to see many hotels that were capped at 16K to move up. There is also a new level being introduced at 8,000 points. More details can be found here
 |
| Wyndham Rewards point redemption levels |
KLM is changing their luggage rules for flights in Economy Class within Europe as they will start charging for any checked bags as of April 22. The charge for checking a bag is EUR15 if you select it in advance at time of booking or EUR30 if you do it at the airport. You can avoid this fee by simply joining the Air France KLM Flying Blue program for free (see this promo for Canadians) or their Blue Biz corporate program or fly on a fully flexible economy class ticket (Y or B). Intercontinental flights remain free (this is the most important for those of here in Canada) and flights within Europe that go to Georgia, Italy, Turkey, the Ukraine, Russia or Belarus. More details can be found here.
I posted another special feature here on the blog portion of Rewards Canada yesterday, covering Credit Card Medical Insurance Coverage. If you didn't read it you can do so here.
Travel Deals
Delta Hotels has another sale offering up to 35% off stays at their locations across Canada. Stays must be booked by Feb 23 for stays until Apr 30. Book here
Bonus Offers
Air Tran A+ Rewards (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double A+ Credits on all Air Tran flights Systemwide. More... Until May 15, 13
airberlin topbonus
- Double topbonus Miles on every stay at Choice Hotels locations Worldwide. More... Until Apr 30, 13
British Airways Executive Club
- Earn up to 25% Bonus Avios when you purchase Avios online. Purchase between 5,000 and 23,000 Avios to get a 15% bonus or your full yearly allowance of 24,000 to get a 25% bonus. More... Until Mar 28, 13
Delta SkyMiles
- Double SkyMiles on every Delta flight between the U.S. and Asia. More... Until Dec 31, 13 Targeted offer - May Not Work for everyone
Emirates Skywards
- Triple Skywards Miles when you stay at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai. More... Book by May 31 for stays until Dec 20, 13
- Triple Skywards Miles when you stay for five nights at the Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living London. More... Until Mar 31, 13
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Loyalty Club
- Triple Loyalty Points when you book the The Iditarod Package at Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage. More... Until Mar 11, 13
- Double Loyalty Points on qualified stays at the Millennium Hotel Durham. More... Mar 1 - Apr 4, 13
United Mileage Plus
- Double Mileage Plus Miles on qualifying Affordable Rate rentals of five or more days at participating locations in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, and New Zealand. More... Until Jun 30, 13
US Airways Dividend Miles
- Double Dividend Miles on qualifying Affordable Rate rentals of five or more days at participating locations in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, and New Zealand. More... Until Jun 30, 13
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Double Flying Club Miles on qualifying Affordable Rate rentals of five or more days at participating locations in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, and New Zealand. More... Until Jun 30, 13
Remember to follow Rewards Canada on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to our Newsletter and RSS feed
Starwood Preferred Guest 2013 Category Adjustments
Hot on the heels of the big Hilton news comes an announcement from Starwood Preferred Guest on their annual hotel award category adjustments. Perhaps SPG is hoping their announcement will be drowned out by the HHonors devaluation. Unlike Marriott, Hilton, or Priority Club, SPG is not introducing new categories but the announcement on Milepoint.com tells us about the individual hotel movements in point requirements coming on March 5th. Overall 47 properties will move down a category while at least 20% of all of Starwood's hotels will be moving up in categories including one of my perennial favourites, the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas.
Overall SPG's changes aren't as drastic as the other main hotel reward programs but with over 200 hotels going up it still isn't good news for SPG members.
Luckily enough, SPG has provided a list of the hotel changes which you can download here (PDF). If you have any planned redemptions coming up you can consult this list to see if you should redeem your Starpoints before March 5 or wait until after.
 |
| SPG Award Night Starpoint Requirements |
Overall SPG's changes aren't as drastic as the other main hotel reward programs but with over 200 hotels going up it still isn't good news for SPG members.
Luckily enough, SPG has provided a list of the hotel changes which you can download here (PDF). If you have any planned redemptions coming up you can consult this list to see if you should redeem your Starpoints before March 5 or wait until after.
Major Devaluation to the Hilton HHonors program coming in March
At the start of each year we normally see some of the big hotel chains making changes to their loyalty programs. 2013 has been no different, in fact I would have to say there have been more changes than more and as is almost always the case the changes aren't good. Starwood Preferred Guest, IHG Priority Club, and Marriott Rewards have all released 'bad news' changes to their programs and now with an email yesterday came news of Hilton's turn. Out of all the programs that have announced changes, Hilton HHonors have got to be some of the most significant and not in a good way.
All of these changes are slated to take place on March 28th and are as follows:
Hilton HHonors will be moving to 10 award categories from 7. The new categories are 8, 9 and 10 and primarily affect current Category 7 hotels which maxed out at 50,000 points for an award night. Now with the new categories some these hotels will cost as much as 95,000 points per night! Overall this is a huge devaluation for many of the 'dream' hotels that members aspire to redeem at and even for the not so 'dreamy' hotels that are in the middle of the award chart.
Here is the current award chart
and here is what the new one looks like
You'll notice that for categories 4 through 10 there are various point ranges for the award nights, this is taking into account HHonors' new Seasonal Hotel Reward Pricing. In basic terms, hotels in these categories will have variable rates depending on the season (High/Low)
One thing I didn't notice on many of the other Frequent Flyer and Loyalty Blogs is that the Category 1-3 hotels have actually gone down in the amount of points required but the reasons it is not mentioned is that there are a little over 500 properties in these categories out of Hilton's 3,900+ hotels inventory, so they make up a small portion of the pot and most people, like myself, save up points to redeem for aspirational awards, like stays at the 5 star on the beach locations, which never fall into the low categories. Also going down is the lowest rate possible for categories 5-7, obviously for stays during the lowest of low seasons.
The final change is 5th Night Free, where members with Silver, Gold or Diamond elite status will get a free night when they book a Standard Room Reward stay of five or more consecutive nights. This 'new' enhancement will actually remove the current VIP Awards from HHonors which provided 20% off standard award rates for stay of 5 nights (so the equivalent of 5th night free) but also provided 15% off for 4 nights or even better 25% off of 6 nights. So the loss of the VIP Awards and the introduction of the 5th Night Free for elite members can also be considered a devaluation of the HHonors program.
As always, for some good analysis please visit Ric Garrido's Loyalty Traveler blog where he puts up some sample reward bookings under the current HHonors program and the program after March 28th. It doesn't look good.
 |
| Screen shot from Ric Garrido's post on the HHonors changes |
Are you a big time user of the Hilton HHonors program? I'm not so much so I'd love to hear comments from those of you who are going to be majorily affected by these changes!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Travel Reward Credit Card Medical Insurance Coverage
 | |
| Make sure you enjoy that golf course in Palm Springs knowing that you are properly covered by your Credit Card travel insurance |
With the emergence of Credit Card Emergency Travel Medical Insurance coverage over the past few years, I have been receiving more and more requests from some of Rewards Canada 'seasoned' readers about coverage once they hit 65 years old. I did look into this a few years back and just personally responded via email to those who asked. But somehow when 2013 hit, I have already received numerous emails asking about which credit cards provide Emergency Travel Medical Insurance coverage for people over the age of 65. So I figured it was best to summarize all the information into one post.
I have gone through all of the major Travel Rewards credit cards in Canada that provide this insurance benefit and summarized their age coverage in the chart below.
I do want to stress however that if you are picking a card primarily for the Travel Medical Insurance coverage be sure to read the policy before you get the card to see what is and what isn't covered, coverage periods and more as each card has their own 'exclusions' and such. Here are some of the things that stood out for me:
- Most of the plans will only cover you for pre-existing conditions (known or unknown in some cases) when those conditions are/were considered stable prior to traveling. Now the difference comes in in the time period that you have to be stable, I found most cards require 90 days prior to travel but some were as high as 180 days. Now a pre-existing condition can be different than a Medical or chronic condition which is controlled but once again during that 90 or 180 day period there usually can't be any changes or other treatment for the condition. Some will not cover routine care for a chronic condition
- If you are traveling 9 weeks prior to or after giving birth many of the cards will not cover you if any medical issues arise that are related to the pregnancy
- If you are young (or young at heart) and go party in Cancun during Spring Break, many of the cards will not cover you for medical emergencies that happen while you are intoxicated.
- Certain dangerous or professional sports are not covered, even Scuba Diving is an exclusion unless you hold a basic designation from a certified school or licencing body.
"No benefits will be payable for surgery or invasive procedures (such as cardiac catheterization) without prior approval by Scotia Assist, except in extreme circumstances where a request for prior approval would delay surgery needed in a life threatening medical crisis."So please, before you choose a card based solely on the medical insurance please read the policies of those that you are considering before making your decision.
Emergency Travel Medical Insurance Coverage Periods by Age
Bolding represents the best offer for the age category
| Card / Age Group | 54 or under | 55-59 | 60 - 64 | 65 - 75 | 76+ |
| American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum Card | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | No Coverage | No Coverage |
| American Express Gold Rewards Card | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | No Coverage | No Coverage |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | No Coverage | No Coverage |
| BMO World Elite MasterCard | 21 Days | 21 Days | 21 Days | No Coverage | No Coverage |
| CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days |
| CIBC Aventura Visa Infinte | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | No Coverage | No Coverage |
| CIBC Aventura World MasterCard | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | No Coverage | No Coverage |
| CUETS Platinum Class MasterCard | 31 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | No Coverage |
| CUETS Gold MasterCard | 31 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | No Coverage |
| Delta SkyMiles® World MasterCard® from Capital One® | See Application | ||||
| Desjardins Odyssey GOLD | 48 Days | 48 Days | 23 Days | 15 Days | Please Contact them |
| Desjardins Module GOLD | 3 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days |
| Desjardins Elegance GOLD | 3 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days |
| HSBC Premier MasterCard | 17 Days | 17 Days | 17 Days | Unknown | Unknown |
| National Bank of Canada Platinum MasterCard | 60 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | 15 Days (to 74) | No Coverage |
| Priority Club® World MasterCard® from Capital One® | See Application | ||||
| RBC British Airways Visa Infinite | 31 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | 7 Days | 7 Days |
| RBC Cathay Pacific Visa Platinum | 31 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | 7 Days | 7 Days |
| RBC Rewards Visa Preferred | 31 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | 7 Days | 7 Days |
| RBC Visa Infinite Avion | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days |
| Scotiabank American Express Card | 8 Days | 8 Days | 8 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | 25 Days | 25 Days | 25 Days | 10 Days | 10 Days |
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card | 31 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | 10 Days | 10 Days |
| Scotiagold Passport Visa | 31 Days | 31 Days | 31 Days | No Coverage | No Coverage |
| TD First Class Visa Infinite Card | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | 4 Days | 4 Days |
| WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard | 15 Days | 15 Days | 15 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days |
Feb 19 Update: Jet Airways bonus between Toronto and India, US Airways bonus for Budget rentals
I hope everyone had a great Family Day long weekend! Sorry to those provinces
not celebrating this holiday. A quiet start to week with only bonus offers added
to RC today however watch for another Special Feature post to come later today.
News, Tips & Tricks
The only news to pass on comes from the bonus offer section, if you are planning a trip(s) to India and Jet Airways is in your considerations, they have bonused up flights to Mumbai and Delhi in the premium classes. See more details via the link below.
Bonus Offers
China Eastern Eastern Miles
- 400 Bonus Eastern Miles Points for stays at Jinling Hotels & Resort properties participating in Jinling Elite Program in China. More... Until Mar 31, 13
Frontier Airlines Early Returns (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double EarlyReturns Miles for every trip you take on Frontier Airlines between Denver and Eugene. More... May 16 - Jun 17, 13
- Double EarlyReturns Miles for every trip you take on Frontier Airlines between Denver and Fresno. More... May 17 - Jun 17, 13
Jet Airways JetPrivilege
- Triple JetPrivilege Miles when you fly in the Première cabin (C, J, Z, I, P classes) between Delhi and Brussels, Toronto or Newark; Mumbai and Newark or Toronto. More... Until May 7, 13
Marriott Rewards
- 5,000 Bonus Points when you stay five consecutive nights or longer at the Residence Inn Jacksonville Airport. More... Mar 1 - May 18, 13
- 1,000 Bonus Points when you stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville West/Chaffee Point. More... Mar 3 - May 22, 13
- 1,000 Bonus Points when you stay two consecutive nights Sunday-Thursday at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Lake City. More... Mar 31 - Jun 13, 13
- 2,500 Bonus Points per stay when you stay any night Thursday - Sunday at the JW Marriott Chicago Hotel. More... Mar 19 - May 27, 13
- 1,000 Bonus Points when you stay two consecutive nights Thursday - Sunday at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood. More... Mar 1 - May 19, 13
TAP Portugal Victoria
- 50% Victoria Miles Discount for TAP Victoria award flights from Lisbon/Porto to New York/Miami or vice versa. More... Book by Mar 1 for travel until Dec 14, 13
US Airways Dividend Miles
- Triple Dividend Miles on a qualifying rental of 3 or more consecutive days at participating Budget airport locations in the U.S. and Canada. More... Until Dec 31, 13
News, Tips & Tricks
The only news to pass on comes from the bonus offer section, if you are planning a trip(s) to India and Jet Airways is in your considerations, they have bonused up flights to Mumbai and Delhi in the premium classes. See more details via the link below.
Bonus Offers
China Eastern Eastern Miles
- 400 Bonus Eastern Miles Points for stays at Jinling Hotels & Resort properties participating in Jinling Elite Program in China. More... Until Mar 31, 13
Frontier Airlines Early Returns (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double EarlyReturns Miles for every trip you take on Frontier Airlines between Denver and Eugene. More... May 16 - Jun 17, 13
- Double EarlyReturns Miles for every trip you take on Frontier Airlines between Denver and Fresno. More... May 17 - Jun 17, 13
Jet Airways JetPrivilege
- Triple JetPrivilege Miles when you fly in the Première cabin (C, J, Z, I, P classes) between Delhi and Brussels, Toronto or Newark; Mumbai and Newark or Toronto. More... Until May 7, 13
Marriott Rewards
- 5,000 Bonus Points when you stay five consecutive nights or longer at the Residence Inn Jacksonville Airport. More... Mar 1 - May 18, 13
- 1,000 Bonus Points when you stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Jacksonville West/Chaffee Point. More... Mar 3 - May 22, 13
- 1,000 Bonus Points when you stay two consecutive nights Sunday-Thursday at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Lake City. More... Mar 31 - Jun 13, 13
- 2,500 Bonus Points per stay when you stay any night Thursday - Sunday at the JW Marriott Chicago Hotel. More... Mar 19 - May 27, 13
- 1,000 Bonus Points when you stay two consecutive nights Thursday - Sunday at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood. More... Mar 1 - May 19, 13
TAP Portugal Victoria
- 50% Victoria Miles Discount for TAP Victoria award flights from Lisbon/Porto to New York/Miami or vice versa. More... Book by Mar 1 for travel until Dec 14, 13
US Airways Dividend Miles
- Triple Dividend Miles on a qualifying rental of 3 or more consecutive days at participating Budget airport locations in the U.S. and Canada. More... Until Dec 31, 13
Friday, February 15, 2013
Feb 15 Update: Hyatt Promo open for registration, United Premium Class Luggage Allowance reduction
A quiet end to what turned out to be a pretty busy week!
News, Tips & Tricks
Alaska Airlines and Icelandair are ending their partnership effective June 1, 2013. Not sure if it has something to do with the buy Saga Club points to get First Class tickets on Alaska between US/Canada and Hawaii for $330 last fall as some people are speculating but overall not huge news for those of us here in Canada. Source: Icelandair
Lucky from the One Mile at a Time blog lets us know about United reducing the first and business class luggage allowance. Basically the allowance is moving from three bags to two bags (at 70lbs max each) for First and Business domestic flights and Business class for international. First Class international will retain a 3 bag limit. More details
Hyatt's systemwide promo for 3,000 bonus points every 3 nights is now open for registration, see RC's Hyatt page for more details
Bonus Offers
JetBlue TrueBlue (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double TrueBlue Points on weekend rentals of 2 or more days, or rentals of 5 or more days, at a participating Hertz airport or off airport location in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada. More... Until Jul 31, 13
Middle East Airlines Cedar Miles
- Double Cedar Miles on all Sixt rentals worldwide. More... Until Apr 6, 13
Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- Double QMiles for Hertz rentals of 3 or more days in Europe, the US, Australia or Doha. More... Until May 31, 13
Shangri-La Golden Circle
- Double GC Award Points for stays in a Horizon Club room or a suite at the Shangri-La Hotel, Shenzhen. More... Mar 1 - May 31, 13
- Earn up to Triple GC Award Points for stays at the Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai. More... Mar 1 - May 31, 13
- Double GC Award Points for stays in a suite at the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris More... Mar 1 - Apr 15, 13
- Double GC Award Points for stays in a Deluxe room at the Traders Hotel, Manila. More... Mar 1 - May 31, 13
Southwest Rapid Rewards (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Rapid Rewards Points on any car type picked up Sunday through Wednesday for two days or longer at all Dollar locations worldwide. More... Until May 22, 13
News, Tips & Tricks
Alaska Airlines and Icelandair are ending their partnership effective June 1, 2013. Not sure if it has something to do with the buy Saga Club points to get First Class tickets on Alaska between US/Canada and Hawaii for $330 last fall as some people are speculating but overall not huge news for those of us here in Canada. Source: Icelandair
Lucky from the One Mile at a Time blog lets us know about United reducing the first and business class luggage allowance. Basically the allowance is moving from three bags to two bags (at 70lbs max each) for First and Business domestic flights and Business class for international. First Class international will retain a 3 bag limit. More details
Hyatt's systemwide promo for 3,000 bonus points every 3 nights is now open for registration, see RC's Hyatt page for more details
Bonus Offers
JetBlue TrueBlue (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double TrueBlue Points on weekend rentals of 2 or more days, or rentals of 5 or more days, at a participating Hertz airport or off airport location in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada. More... Until Jul 31, 13
Middle East Airlines Cedar Miles
- Double Cedar Miles on all Sixt rentals worldwide. More... Until Apr 6, 13
Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- Double QMiles for Hertz rentals of 3 or more days in Europe, the US, Australia or Doha. More... Until May 31, 13
Shangri-La Golden Circle
- Double GC Award Points for stays in a Horizon Club room or a suite at the Shangri-La Hotel, Shenzhen. More... Mar 1 - May 31, 13
- Earn up to Triple GC Award Points for stays at the Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai. More... Mar 1 - May 31, 13
- Double GC Award Points for stays in a suite at the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris More... Mar 1 - Apr 15, 13
- Double GC Award Points for stays in a Deluxe room at the Traders Hotel, Manila. More... Mar 1 - May 31, 13
Southwest Rapid Rewards (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Rapid Rewards Points on any car type picked up Sunday through Wednesday for two days or longer at all Dollar locations worldwide. More... Until May 22, 13
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Feb 14 Update: American-US Airways Merger, Flying Blue Promo Award out of YYZ, Aeroplan bonus on flights to 10 US Cities
News, Tips & Tricks
Of course the huge news in the industry is the announcement of the merger of American Airlines and US Airways last night. Although it is subject to government approval, if the merger goes through it would create the world's largest airline. The airline will be call American Airlines and we are guessing that much like the United-Continental and Delta-NWA mergers of the past that it will take18-24 months for full integration into one.. However for the time being the airlines are being run separately and so are the frequent flyer programs. But based on the past mergers of other airlines, members should see the AAdvantage and Dividend Miles program slowly tie into each other, once that happens you can expect to see benefits right like being able to transfer miles between accounts held in the same name in both airlines and elite status recognition from both airlines. For more information you can visit each airline's dedicated page to the merger American | US Airways
What does this mean for Canadians? Once the merger is complete, Star Alliance will lose US Airways which means Aeroplan, the biggest frequent flyer program in Canada will lose them and this will mean less seat availability on certain routes when trying to book Star Alliance award tickets. On the otherhand, Canadians who are oneworld alliance flyers like British Airways Executive Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles could see more availability on flights out of Canada depending on what routes the new airline will keep. I assume routes like YYZ-PHL will be kept but some like YYC-PHX may go the way of the dodo bird. Ultimately only time will tell what happens but I don't think it is a huge loss to Aeroplan members, especially for those of us out West here where US Airways doesn't have a big presence. What could be a much bigger loss is the disappearance of the US Airways 100% bonus on buying Dividend Miles which I have talked about numerous times here on RC. It is (was) always a good way to get business class flights to Asia or Europe on Star Alliance for a relatively low cost (~$1800). American AAdvantage has been running lots of buy miles promos lately and those will most likely continue but they aren't as lucrative as the Dividend Miles promo.
Air Canada has expanded their current systemwide flight bonus for higher fare class tickets to include an additional bonus of 500 Aeroplan miles when you fly to or from select U.S. cities. See the link in the bonus offers below for more details.
In case you missed my post last night, American Express and Air Miles introduced a new premium credit card call the American Express Air Miles Reserve Credit Card.
Travel Deals
Air France KLM have released their latest 50% off Flying Blue Promo Awards. This time around Toronto is being discounted in business class which means you can get flights between Toronto and Europe 1/2/3 for only 50,000 Flying Blue Miles. This offer is good for flights between March1 and April 30. More info can be found here
Bonus Offers
Aegean Miles&Bonus (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Miles&Bonus Miles for stays at Yes! Hotels in Greece. More... Book by Feb 28 for stays until Dec 31, 13
Air Canada Aeroplan
- 500 Bonus Aeroplan Miles on Air Canada flights that are booked with a Flex, Latitude, or Executive Class fare to or from Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kansas City, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Richmond or Syracuse. More... Until Mar 24, 13
Emirates Skywards
- 1,000 Bonus Skywards Miles for stays at the at the Renaissance Tlemcen Hotel. More... Mar 1 - May 18, 13
- Quadruple Skywards Miles on rentals of 3 or more days of a Group C or higher car at Avis locations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. More... Until Mar 31, 13
- Triple Skywards Miles on all Sixt rentals worldwide. More... Until Mar 31, 13
Frontier EarlyReturns (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double EarlyReturns Miles on weekend rentals of 2 or more days, or rentals of 5 or more days, at a participating Hertz airport or off airport location in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada. More... Until Jul 31, 13
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double HawaiianMiles on weekend rentals of 2 or more days, or rentals of 5 or more days, at a participating Hertz airport or off airport location in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Canada. More... Until Jul 31, 13
Jumeirah Sirius
- Double Sirius Points for stays at the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai. More... Until Feb 28, 13
- Double Sirius Points for stays of 4 or more nights at the Jumeirah Port Soller Resort & Spa. More... Mar 7 - Apr 30, 13
- Double Sirius Points for stays at Mina A’ Salam, Al Qasr or Dar Al Masyaf Madinat. More... Mar 1 - 15, 13
- 2,000 Bonus Sirius Points when you book the “Live the Suite Life” package online for stays at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower or Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London. More... Until Dec 31, 13
Marriott Rewards
- Earn up to 8,000 Bonus Points when you stay on Thursday-Sunday nights (Friday or Saturday required) at St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel. More... Until Apr 21, 13
- 2,500 Bonus Points when you stay two consecutive nights Sunday-Thursday at the Courtyard Riverside Downtown/UCR Area. More... Until Apr 29, 13
- 2,500 Bonus Points per stay at the Courtyard Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom. More... Until Apr 29, 13
- 1,000 Bonus Points per stay at the Fairfield Inn Lafayette. More... Until Apr 14, 13
United Mileage Plus
- Earn up to 100% Mileage Plus Miles when you fly nonstop between San Francisco and Paris. More... Apr 11 - May 31, 13
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Introducing the American Express AIR MILES Reserve Credit Card
The card will be officially released tomorrow (Feb 14) but I have been provided with an early preview of what the card will be like.
The American Express AIR MILES Reserve Credit Card will offer 1,000 Air Miles Reward Miles as the standard sign up bonus although like almost every other card out on the market today we could expect to see even higher sign up bonuses in the future. The sign up or welcome bonus as Amex refers to it is awarded after spending $3,000 in the first three months of cardmembership.
Once you get the card you will be awarded with an annual short haul companion ticket (up to 1,450 Reward Miles) that can be used when booking another Air Miles reward ticket.
On regular spending you can expect to earn:
- -One Air Miles Reward Mile per $10 spent at Air Miles sponsors
- One Air Miles Reward Mile per $10 spent at all other Gas, Grocery and Drug Store locations
- One Air Miles Reward Mile per $15 spent on all other eligible spending
The redemption and benefits side is where some of the big changes and enhancements come in when compared to other Air Miles credit cards and pulls ideas from The Platinum Card from American Express.
Cardmembers will continue to redeem Air Miles at the set Air Miles Reward Chart rates for tickets that fall into that category but where this card jumps ahead of the others is as follows:
- the administration/booking fee charged by Air Miles is waived
- you’ll be able to use your Reward Miles to pay for the taxes and fees
- the introduction of Air Miles FlexFly which lets you book any seat on any flight at a rate of 770 Air Miles for every $100 of travel booked when you cannot get a flight via the reward chart. This is similar to the booking options allowed to all Air Miles members where you can book any flight but it will cost you more miles depending on the cost of the flight but the rate this card has should be better.
- and the big one….. cardmembers will be able to redeem for Business Class flights! While Air Miles has occasionally run promotions for Business Class redemptions, this will be available all the time for Air Miles Reserve cardmembers. Apparently Air Miles will be able to book business class seats instead of economy from their existing inventory provided to them from their airline partners and if there is no availability then once again cardmembers can take advantage of the Air Miles FlexFly option of redeeming 770 points for every $100 spent on flights.
The benefits side will see some great options that are only seen on Amex Platinum cards, insurances similar to most premium cards and lounge access like some of the higher end travel cards:
- Priority Pass Membership with 4 annual lounge passes (all other lounge access will be at the standard Priority Pass rate of US$27 per visit once passes are used up)
- Access to the Toronto Pearson Priority Security lanes in Terminal and Terminal 3
- Access to Priority Limo and Taxi Lanes at Toronto Pearson
- Access to an exclusive AIR MILES concierge service, which will have a dedicated phone number, which for anyone who has called the main AIR MILES line to redeem can attest to being a great advantage.
- American Express Front of the Line Access to concerts and events
- Insurances include Emergency Medical, Flight delay, car rental, lost baggage, hotel burglary and more
So what will this cost you to get all these benefits and enhancements? The primary card is $299 per year with supplementary cards coming in at $50. When I first heard $299 I can admit I was a little shocked, not because I haven’t seen prices like that (the Platinum Card from Amex is $699) but when I associate anything with Air Miles, I see people wanting to get a good deal at a good value . But then again this card is not targeting the general Air Miles populous, its targeting avid collectors who do redeem most of their Air Miles for travel and those wanting enhanced travel benefits. One can look at the companion fare as almost being covered by the $299 but I still feel this is high. The WestJet World Elite MasterCard has a $99 companion fare which can take you farther and that card only costs $99. Granted it has less travel benefits attached but it’s not too far off. The BMO World Elite which offers similar Priority Pass benefits is only $150, the American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum is $200 more with a companion fare, a better insurance package and very good lounge access plus it also has the Toronto Pearson benefits and comes out stronger for business class tickets. In my mind this card should have come in with a $199 annual fee to make it more attractive and competitive with cards that offer similar benefits.
Ultimately I think this card is a great step for the American Express Air Miles partnership. The majority of Air Miles credit cards have lacked on the benefits side and this card steps up to the plate to fill that void. While I won’t be getting the card since I am not a big Air Miles collector anymore, I know of many who will and those people will be the ones who do use their Air Miles primarily for travel. When you take into account the benefits, the earn ratio and even the small things like waiving the booking fee, this card is the best Air Miles Reward Miles card to date and you should jump on it if you fall into that category. If you don’t travel much and/or don’t use your Air Miles Reward Miles for travel you are probably better off saving the money spent on the larger annual fee by going with one of the other American Express or BMO Air Miles credit cards.
Be sure to keep an eye out in the near future here on Rewards Canada as I give the card the standard unbiased “Rewards Canada Review”, the addition of the card to my famous credit card comparison charts and to see where it ranks in Rewards Canada’s 5th Annual Top Travel Rewards Credit Card feature later this year!
As always I would love to hear your thoughts, comments etc. Just leave a comment below!
Feb 13 Update: Wyndham Aeroplan Contest, Air Canada Low Price Guarantee, discount on buying EuroBonus points
The middle of the week brings us the following:
News, Tips & Tricks
Wyndham Hotels and Aeroplan have teamed up for a contest. The contest is open to Canadian residents who are Wyndham Rewards members (free to join via the contest if you are not a member) and the prize is 1 Million Aeroplan Miles. The good side of me is sharing this with you as the devil on my other shoulder is telling me don't tell anyone as more people will enter the contest and your odds of winning go down! Glad I don't listen to that side! You have until April 30 to enter and you can enter the contest here.
Air Canada has introduced a Lowest Price Guarantee for booking on AirCanada.com
that guarantees if you find a lower Air Canada price (at least $5 lower) on any
other online travel retail site within 24 hours, they’ll match it and offer
you a $50 credit. The guarantee only applies to Air Canada , Air Canada Express
(operated by Jazz Aviation LP, Sky Regional Airlines Inc., Exploits Valley Air
Services Ltd or Air Georgian) or Air Canada rouge flights from Canada with codeshares
being excluded. You can find all the details here.
My wording may have been a bit vague yesterday about the new card being launched. The information will be posted here on the Rewards Canada blog at 5:30PM EST tonight. This launch also makes me think it is the reason why we haven't seen the increased sign up bonus that I was advised of for another card.
Bonus Offers
American AAdvantage
- 500 AAdvantage Miles when you update your AAdvantage account information. This offer may be targeted so it may not work for everyone. More... Until Feb 28, 13
Malaysia Airlines Enrich (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Enrich Miles for stays of 2+ nights on the “Bed and Breakfast” package rate or “Best Available Rate” at participating Mandarin Oriental Hotels Worldwide. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for stays at the PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for stays of 3+ nights at a Shangri-La Resort, or 2+ nights at a Traders Hotel Worldwide. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Earn up to Triple Enrich Miles for Avis rentals of 3 or more days at participating locations in Asia, US, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Africa. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for Avis rentals of 4 or more days at participating locations in Australia. More... Until Mar 28, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for Avis rentals of 4 or more days at participating locations in New Zealand. More... Feb 23 - Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for Hertz rentals in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia or New Zealand. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles when you purchase a Regus work solution and receive free trial access to any of 1,200 non-airport business lounges worldwide. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles when you choose any two 90-minute spa treatments at the Spa Village Kuala Lumpur. More... Until Apr 30, 13
Philippine Airlines Mabuhay
- Earn up to Triple Mabuhay Miles when renting with Avis for 3+ days in USA, Canada, Europe, Middle-East, Africa and Asia. More... Until Mar 31, 13
Scandinavian EuroBonus
- 40% Discount when you buy EuroBonus Points online until Mar 15, 13. More... Until Mar 15, 13
US Airways Dividend Miles
- 1,000 Bonus Dividend Miles after you spend $40 dining in your first 30 days of joining with the 2013 New Member Bonus. More... Until Dec 31, 13
News, Tips & Tricks
Wyndham Hotels and Aeroplan have teamed up for a contest. The contest is open to Canadian residents who are Wyndham Rewards members (free to join via the contest if you are not a member) and the prize is 1 Million Aeroplan Miles. The good side of me is sharing this with you as the devil on my other shoulder is telling me don't tell anyone as more people will enter the contest and your odds of winning go down! Glad I don't listen to that side! You have until April 30 to enter and you can enter the contest here.
My wording may have been a bit vague yesterday about the new card being launched. The information will be posted here on the Rewards Canada blog at 5:30PM EST tonight. This launch also makes me think it is the reason why we haven't seen the increased sign up bonus that I was advised of for another card.
Bonus Offers
American AAdvantage
- 500 AAdvantage Miles when you update your AAdvantage account information. This offer may be targeted so it may not work for everyone. More... Until Feb 28, 13
Malaysia Airlines Enrich (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Double Enrich Miles for stays of 2+ nights on the “Bed and Breakfast” package rate or “Best Available Rate” at participating Mandarin Oriental Hotels Worldwide. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for stays at the PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for stays of 3+ nights at a Shangri-La Resort, or 2+ nights at a Traders Hotel Worldwide. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Earn up to Triple Enrich Miles for Avis rentals of 3 or more days at participating locations in Asia, US, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Africa. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for Avis rentals of 4 or more days at participating locations in Australia. More... Until Mar 28, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for Avis rentals of 4 or more days at participating locations in New Zealand. More... Feb 23 - Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles for Hertz rentals in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia or New Zealand. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles when you purchase a Regus work solution and receive free trial access to any of 1,200 non-airport business lounges worldwide. More... Until Apr 30, 13
- Double Enrich Miles when you choose any two 90-minute spa treatments at the Spa Village Kuala Lumpur. More... Until Apr 30, 13
Philippine Airlines Mabuhay
- Earn up to Triple Mabuhay Miles when renting with Avis for 3+ days in USA, Canada, Europe, Middle-East, Africa and Asia. More... Until Mar 31, 13
Scandinavian EuroBonus
- 40% Discount when you buy EuroBonus Points online until Mar 15, 13. More... Until Mar 15, 13
US Airways Dividend Miles
- 1,000 Bonus Dividend Miles after you spend $40 dining in your first 30 days of joining with the 2013 New Member Bonus. More... Until Dec 31, 13