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This week's Quick Hits comes straight from Maui, where DeAndre and Taryn are celebrating their first wedding anniversary at the Andaz Maui at Wailea. Between diving, enjoying their ocean view suite, and preparing for the next stops in Kauai and Oahu, DeAndre catches up on some major developments in the points and miles world. First up is an exciting update to Creddy, the credit card benefits tracking app that the BoldlyGo community helped beta test. Creddy now offers optional Plaid integration that can automatically connect credit cards and track eligible benefits, potentially eliminating much of the manual work involved in managing multiple cards. DeAndre also highlights several October transfer bonuses, including Rove bonuses to Japan Airlines, Flying Blue, and Qatar Airways Avios, along with new American Express transfer promotions.
The biggest news is a major change to Bilt Rewards. Starting January 1, Bilt's transfer ratio to World of Hyatt will drop from 1:1 to 4:3, meaning a 60,000 point Hyatt redemption will require 80,000 Bilt points instead of 60,000. DeAndre explains why this is particularly frustrating alongside Hyatt's recent award pricing increases and why Chase may become an even more important source of Hyatt points. On the positive side, Hyatt has returned to Capital One Shopping and Capital One Offers, creating opportunities to earn additional rewards on eligible direct bookings.
There is also great news for families using Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, with a new program offering 20% of points back on eligible award tickets booked for children ages 12 and under. DeAndre wraps up with American Airlines introducing Cash & Miles bookings and two luxury Hilton properties in Mexico transitioning to all-inclusive resorts, potentially creating exciting opportunities for Hilton free night certificate holders.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro: Celebrating Our Anniversary at Andaz Maui
(01:38) Hawaii Trip Plans and Points Travel Festival Chicago
(02:12) Creddy Adds Automatic Credit Card Benefits Tracking With Plaid
(04:14) October Transfer Bonuses From Rove and American Express
(05:20) Bilt's Major World of Hyatt Transfer Devaluation
(07:10) Hyatt Returns to Capital One Shopping and Offers
(07:57) Alaska Atmos Rewards Introduces 20% Back on Kids' Award Flights
(08:54) American Airlines Launches Cash & Miles Bookings
(09:35) Waldorf Astoria and Conrad in Mexico Go All-Inclusive
(10:20) Hawaii Updates and BoldlyGo's Chicago Conference Crew
Key takeaways:
- Creddy Adds Automatic Tracking: Creddy now offers optional Plaid integration to connect credit card accounts and automatically track benefits and credits. BoldlyGo community members can still receive 50% off annual and lifetime plans.
- Rove Transfer Bonuses: Rove is offering 50% bonus transfers to Japan Airlines, 40% to Air France KLM Flying Blue, and 35% to Qatar Airways Avios through the end of October.
- Amex Transfer Bonuses: American Express has a 25% transfer bonus to Flying Blue through October 30 and a 20% bonus to Aeromexico through October 31.
- Bilt Devalues Hyatt Transfers: Starting January 1, Bilt Rewards transfers to World of Hyatt will change from 1:1 to 4:3, reducing the value of Bilt points for Hyatt redemptions.
- No Exception for Premium Bilt Cards: Unlike Chase's approach, Bilt's new Hyatt transfer ratio will apply even to premium Palladium cardholders.
- Hyatt Returns to Capital One Shopping: Hyatt bookings are once again available through Capital One Shopping and Capital One Offers, allowing eligible travelers to earn additional rewards while booking directly with Hyatt.
- Alaska Atmos Rewards Family Benefit: Members of the Families on the Go community can receive 20% of points back on eligible award tickets for children ages 12 and under, including qualifying partner airline redemptions.
- American Airlines Cash & Miles: American Airlines is introducing flexible Cash & Miles bookings, although DeAndre cautions that these redemptions may not provide the best value.
- Hilton Goes All-Inclusive in Mexico: Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya transitioned to all-inclusive resorts on October 1, creating potentially valuable opportunities for Hilton Honors members.
- BoldlyGo in Hawaii: DeAndre shares a preview of their anniversary stay at Andaz Maui before continuing to Grand Hyatt Kauai, Ritz-Carlton Waikiki, and Points Travel Festival Chicago.
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