If years of earning and redeeming points and miles have taught me one thing, it’s this: points create the most value when you use them regularly, not when you hoard them for one big splurge.
I’ve redeemed an estimated hundred million-plus miles and points over the years, and my family and I hold around 150 credit cards. and we don’t churn them. Yes, I realize we’re atypical. But this nerdy hobby has taken me to 130+ countries, let me take my kids everywhere when they were young, and now lets me book spontaneous weekend trips without a second thought.
How I redeem points has changed with my age, where I live, and who I travel with. The principle hasn’t.
Here’s what most people don’t realize: you don’t need 150 cards or millions of miles to make points work for you.
Just last week, I booked a last-minute round trip to the Bahamas for 9,000 miles. It wasn’t a “unicorn” redemption, just a simple, flexible trip I didn’t have to pay cash for.
For decades, points and miles were built for road warriors and corporate travelers. Everyone else saved for a once-in-a-lifetime trip or gave up trying to find flights and hotels worth their hard-earned points.
The game has changed.
A family putting $50,000–$60,000 a year on credit cards can now build a meaningful balance faster than ever. And over the past few years, airline, bank, and hotel programs have made points easier to use in plenty of everyday situations:
Dynamic pricing: Redemptions can start around 3,000 miles, and seats bookable with miles are available on almost every flight, although prices vary.
Free cancellation: Most U.S. programs let you cancel tickets booked with miles without penalty.
Online search and booking: No more calling in or guessing what’s available.
Bigger sign-up bonuses: 100,000-point (or more) offers are now common. Twenty years ago, 30,000 points was considered amazing.
Transfer bonuses: Bonuses of 15–30% come around regularly across programs.
Richer earnings: It’s easier than ever to earn 2X points on everything and 3–5X in bonus categories. That’s far beyond the 1–1.25X cards of the past.
Nassau, Bahamas. NICHOLAS KLEIN / ISTOCK
Put simply, points and miles have become a practical travel currency, not just a perk for frequent flyers or big spenders.
That’s why I stopped obsessing over cents per point. The real value is what points let you say yes to.
Yes to seeing family.
Yes to a spontaneous weekend getaway.
Yes to flexibility.
And every trip booked with points is cash that stays in your account, earning interest.
If you can find a seat bookable with miles on almost any flight today, why not fly more often?
The era of saving points for one big splurge is over. Everyday points should mean everyday travel, and it can start with something as simple as a weekend getaway booked with points.
American Express is making some big changes to its Centurion Lounge network, including a new lounge at London Heathrow, major expansions in Philadelphia and Houston, and a significantly larger lounge than originally planned at Newark.
But not all of the news is good for travelers. Newark’s lounge will now open in 2027 instead of 2026, Philadelphia’s existing lounge will close for renovations beginning October 16, and Houston will experience intermittent closures starting in December.
Here’s what’s changing at each airport and when travelers can expect the new and expanded lounges to open.
Newark Will Get the Largest Centurion Lounge
American Express has significantly expanded its plans for Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) first Centurion Lounge.
Though it was originally announced at approximately 18,000 square feet, the lounge will now span more than 30,000 square feet across two floors in Terminal A.
That will make it the largest Centurion Lounge in the network, giving Amex a presence at all three major New York City-area airports, JFK, LGA, and soon EWR.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
The lounge will feature a Blue Roast coffee and wellness bar, along with three distinct bars. One will draw inspiration from New Jersey’s diner culture, while another will feature Italian-inspired cocktails, pastries, and gelato.
The design will also incorporate elements of New Jersey’s history, including a sculptural installation celebrating the state’s “legacy of invention and discovery.”
The opening is now expected in 2027, despite Amex previously advertising a 2026 opening.
In response to a question from Points Insider, an Amex spokesperson confirmed the revised timeline but declined to attribute the change to any single factor, including the decision to expand the lounge before opening.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
Philadelphia’s Centurion Lounge Will Close October 16
Philadelphia is getting a much-needed expansion, but travelers will have to go without its existing Centurion Lounge during construction.
Amex confirmed to Points Insider that the lounge will temporarily close beginning October 16, 2026. Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
The project will double the lounge’s footprint from approximately 6,000 square feet to more than 12,000 square feet across two levels.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
The redesigned space will incorporate artwork from local artists and design elements inspired by Philadelphia’s history and craftsmanship.
That additional space should be welcome at an airport where the existing Centurion Lounge has a relatively small footprint. However, the closure means eligible cardholders will lose access to the lounge for an extended period while construction is underway.
Houston’s Centurion Lounge Will Nearly Triple in Size
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is also getting a substantial Centurion Lounge expansion.
The existing lounge will grow from approximately 8,000 square feet to more than 23,000 square feet, making it one of the largest locations in the network.
Plans include a new Blue Roast coffee and wellness bar, a dedicated dining area with rotating plated dishes, and a second full-service bar.
The expanded lounge will also feature premium shower suites and additional seating.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
Unlike Philadelphia, Houston’s lounge will experience intermittent closures beginning in December 2026, rather than a single extended shutdown.
Amex expects the renovation and expansion to be completed by 2028.
London Heathrow Is Getting a Second Centurion Lounge
Amex is also planning a second Centurion Lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
The new lounge will occupy more than 9,000 square feet in Terminal 5 and complement the existing roughly 7,000-square-foot Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
The Terminal 5 location will include dining and beverage offerings, dedicated workspaces, seating, and a VIP area.
Its design will draw inspiration from London’s history and the River Thames.
The new lounge is expected to open in 2028. And once it opens, it’ll make Amex the first credit card issuer to operate two proprietary lounges at Heathrow.
Checking In on Dallas Fort Worth
The Oct. 8 announcement follows several other Centurion Lounge projects Amex unveiled this year, including plans for a new location at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and a Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
There’s also an ongoing renovation and expansion at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
However, Amex told Points Insider that it has no new updates to share on the DFW project, beyond confirming that renovations are underway.
For travelers, the biggest near-term changes will be in Philadelphia and Houston, where construction will affect access to existing lounges well before the expanded spaces are ready.
American Airlines is offering AAdvantage members a way to earn additional miles and Loyalty Points when booking vacation packages through American Airlines Vacations.
And because earnings are calculated on the eligible value of the package, including hotels and rental cars, the promotion could be particularly useful for travelers working toward AAdvantage elite status.
How Much Can You Earn?
American’s MaximizeMiles promotion offers different earning rates depending on your AAdvantage status.
No status: 5X miles and Loyalty Points per $1
Gold: 7X miles and Loyalty Points per $1
Platinum: 8X miles and Loyalty Points per $1
Platinum Pro: 9X miles and Loyalty Points per $1
Executive Platinum: 11X miles and Loyalty Points per $1
Just note that earnings are distributed among eligible travelers on the reservation rather than going entirely to the person making the booking.
American uses the highest AAdvantage status among travelers to determine the package’s earning rate, but each traveler must have their AAdvantage number included in the reservation to receive their share.
Why This Offer Is Worth Considering
This offer is worth keeping on your radar whether you’re looking to earn more redeemable miles, Loyalty Points toward elite status, or both.
For example, a recent American Airlines Vacations booking of mine costing approximately $240 earned 2,420 AAdvantage miles and 3,025 Loyalty Points.
The booking also qualified for a statement credit through the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard, which offers a $500 American Airlines Vacations credit each calendar year, split into two $250 credits. One is available from January through June, and the other from July through December.
In this case, the statement credit covered the entire $239.55 purchase.
That’s a useful illustration of how an American Airlines Vacations booking can generate miles and Loyalty Points while also taking advantage of an eligible credit card benefit. Not to mention the 12X redeemable miles earned on the purchase itself with the card.
How to Take Advantage of the Offer
You’ll need to book an eligible package through American Airlines Vacations by December 31, 2026 and complete your travel by November 30, 2027.
There’s no minimum spend, minimum stay, or promo code required. The offer is also valid across all destinations without blackout dates.
Taxes, fees, and amounts paid using miles don’t qualify for earnings. Basic Economy fares are excluded.
Before booking, compare the package price against booking the same hotel, rental car, or flights separately. The additional miles and Loyalty Points can make a package appealing, but only if the overall price makes sense.
This month’s Global Getaways offers feature nine destinations across Hawaii, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. One-way flights start at just 11,500 Atmos Rewards points for Hawaii or 25,000 points for international destinations.
The promotion covers travel between December 1, 2026, and May 12, 2027, depending on the destination. But you’ll need to book by November 7, 2026, to take advantage of the deals.
November Atmos Rewards Global Getaways Deals
Nine destinations are included in November’s promotion, including four Hawaiian islands.
Destination
One-Way Starting Price
Travel Dates
Honolulu, Hawaii (HNL)
11,500 points
Dec. 1, 2026–Mar. 10, 2027
Maui, Hawaii (OGG)
11,500 points
Dec. 1, 2026–Mar. 10, 2027
Kona, Hawaii (KOA)
11,500 points
Dec. 1, 2026–Mar. 10, 2027
Lihue, Hawaii (LIH)
11,500 points
Dec. 1, 2026–Mar. 10, 2027
Venice, Italy (VCE)
25,000 points
Jan. 15–May 12, 2027
Mumbai, India (BOM)
30,000 points
Jan. 15–May 12, 2027
Amman, Jordan (AMM)
30,000 points
Jan. 15–May 12, 2027
Singapore (SIN)
30,000 points
Jan. 15–May 12, 2027
Catania, Italy (CTA)
30,000 points
Jan. 15–May 12, 2027
These are starting prices, so the number of points required will depend on your departure airport, travel dates, and award availability. You’ll also be responsible for applicable taxes and fees.
POINTSYEAH
Hawaii is the cheapest option this month, with flights to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, and Lihue starting at 11,500 points one-way. For international travel, Venice has the lowest advertised rate at 25,000 points, while the other four destinations start at 30,000 points.
Note that domestic and international destinations have different travel windows, though.
One lesser-known benefit of redeeming points and miles for flights is that, with some airlines, those trips can still count toward earning elite status.
Yes, it’s possible to fly using your miles and earn credit toward qualifying for elite status at the same time.
Not every airline offers this benefit, but it’s worth knowing about if you’re working toward a new status tier or trying to maintain the one you already have.
Here’s a look at five airline loyalty programs that offer elite status credit on eligible flights booked with points and miles.
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards
Atmos Rewards is particularly generous when it comes to earning elite status credit on flights booked with points.
Through the end of 2026, members earn 1 status point for every mile flown on eligible flights booked with Atmos Rewards points. That includes flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and eligible partner airlines.
For example, a 2,500-mile flight booked with points could earn 2,500 status points, regardless of how many points you redeemed for the ticket.
But things are changing in 2027.
Starting January 1, Atmos Rewards members will be able to choose how they earn points and status points. And that choice will also determine how much status credit they earn on flights booked with points.
Segments flown: 500 status points per flight segment
For example, a 2,500-mile nonstop flight booked for 20,000 Atmos Rewards points would earn 2,500 status points under the distance-based option, 1,000 under the price-based option, or 500 under the segment-based option.
Of course, the math can change depending on the routes you fly and how many points you’re redeeming. One earning method could be considerably more rewarding than another.
One important distinction is that flights booked with points earn status points only, not additional redeemable Atmos Rewards points.
The earning rate is pretty simple: members earn 1 MQD for every 100 SkyMiles redeemed.
So, a Delta flight costing 40,000 SkyMiles would earn 400 MQDs toward Medallion status. And this benefit also extends to eligible upgrades purchased with miles.
However, Delta’s Main Basic fares are excluded from earning MQDs through mileage redemptions.
Members earn 1 PQP for every 100 MileagePlus miles redeemed, along with one PQF for each eligible United or United Express flight.
For example, a nonstop United flight costing 30,000 miles would earn 300 PQP and one PQF toward Premier status.
Eligible seat upgrades purchased with miles can also earn PQP.
The benefit also applies to United-operated segments on itineraries that include partner airlines. However, flights operated by those partners won’t earn PQP or PQF from the mileage redemption.
Another useful detail is that PQP goes to the person flying, not necessarily the person who redeemed the miles.
So, if you use your MileagePlus miles to book a flight for someone else, that traveler receives the qualifying credit.
United also allows members to use PQP earned from flights booked with miles toward additional PlusPoints, not just Premier status.
Unlike Delta and United, which calculate status earnings based on the number of miles redeemed, Virgin Atlantic awards a fixed number of Tier Points depending on the cabin.
Members earn the following amounts on eligible flights booked with points.
Economy: 25 Tier Points
Premium: 50 Tier Points
Upper Class: 100 Tier Points
That means two passengers redeeming different amounts of points for the same flight and cabin could earn the same number of Tier Points.
The benefit applies to eligible Virgin Atlantic-operated flights, not partner airline redemptions.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Qantas offers a similar benefit, although there’s an additional requirement.
The number of Status Credits depends on the route and cabin. For example, an eligible business-class flight between Australia and the U.S. West Coast earns 72 Status Credits.
However, Qantas is retiring Points Club on December 8, 2026. Existing eligible members will retain their benefits through the end of their next membership year, so this benefit won’t disappear immediately for everyone.
What About Other Airlines?
The majority of major airline loyalty programs don’t offer elite status credit for flights booked with points and miles.
American Airlines AAdvantage, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Southwest Rapid Rewards are among the programs that exclude these flights from their standard flight-based elite qualification requirements.
It’s also worth distinguishing between earning elite status credit and earning additional redeemable miles. Even when a flight booked with points counts toward status, it generally won’t earn more miles for future travel.
If you’re working toward elite status, it’s worth checking whether flights booked with points count toward qualification. Depending on the airline, you could use points for your next trip without giving up progress toward your next status tier.
Japan dominated international flight searches on PointsYeah in September 2026. Routes connecting the United States and Tokyo accounted for four of the top 10 spots.
As part of our monthly series, we’re taking a look at the routes PointsYeah users searched most frequently during the previous month, along with a few interesting findings from the data.
10 Most-Searched International Routes
Here’s how the top 10 international routes ranked in September 2026.
Ranking
Route
1
Los Angeles (LAX) → Tokyo (TYO)
2
New York (NYC) → Tel Aviv (TLV)
3
New York (NYC) → Tokyo (TYO)
4
San Francisco (SFO) → Tokyo (TYO)
5
San Francisco (SFO) → Taipei (TPE)
6
Delhi (DEL) → San Francisco (SFO)
7
Mumbai (BOM) → San Francisco (SFO)
8
Hong Kong (HKG) → San Francisco (SFO)
9
Hong Kong (HKG) → Los Angeles (LAX)
10
Seattle (SEA) → Tokyo (TYO)
These rankings reflect flight searches conducted on PointsYeah during September 2026, not completed bookings. NYC and TYO represent citywide airport searches rather than individual airports.
Tokyo Leads, With San Francisco Close Behind
Los Angeles–Tokyo was the most-searched international route on PointsYeah in September. It was followed by New York–Tel Aviv and New York–Tokyo.
Tokyo appeared four times in the top 10, with routes connecting the Japanese capital to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.
San Francisco was another popular city. It appeared in five of the top 10 routes. Beyond Tokyo, users searched for flights connecting San Francisco with Taipei, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hong Kong.
New York–Tel Aviv was the only route outside Asia to make the list, ranking second overall.
Perhaps more surprising was that not a single route between the United States and Europe cracked the top 10.
Search These Routes With PointsYeah
Of course, a route being popular doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inexpensive to book with points. And searches don’t always turn into confirmed bookings.
International flights can vary considerably in price depending on the airline, loyalty program, and cabin. The same route might require substantially different amounts of points depending on which program you use, even when the flights are operated by the same airline.
You can use PointsYeah to view flights across different airline loyalty programs and see what’s available for your next trip.
New York and California dominated domestic flight searches on PointsYeah in September 2026. Routes connecting the two accounted for three of the top 10 spots.
In fact, seven of the 10 most-searched domestic routes involved the New York area, while transcontinental flights made up the majority of the list.
As part of a monthly series, we’re taking a look at the routes PointsYeah users searched most frequently during the previous month, along with a few interesting findings from the data.
10 Most-Searched Domestic Routes
Here’s how the top 10 domestic routes ranked in September 2026.
Ranking
Route
1
Newark (EWR) → San Francisco (SFO)
2
Los Angeles (LAX) → New York (NYC)
3
New York (NYC) → San Francisco (SFO)
4
Miami (MIA) → New York (NYC)
5
Honolulu (HNL) → Los Angeles (LAX)
6
Boston (BOS) → San Francisco (SFO)
7
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) → New York (NYC)
8
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) → New York (NYC)
9
New York (NYC) → Seattle (SEA)
10
Boston (BOS) → Los Angeles (LAX)
These rankings reflect flight searches conducted on PointsYeah during September 2026, not completed bookings. NYC represents a citywide airport search, while EWR refers specifically to Newark.
New York and Cross-Country Flights Lead the Way
The most-searched route was between Newark and San Francisco, followed by Los Angeles–New York and New York–San Francisco.
That pattern continued elsewhere on the list. Boston–San Francisco, New York–Seattle, and Boston–Los Angeles also made the top 10.
There were a few exceptions to the cross-country theme.
Miami and Fort Lauderdale both appeared alongside New York, while Honolulu–Los Angeles came in fifth. It’s the only route involving Hawaii to crack the top 10.
And just outside the rankings was Orlando–New York, which finished in 11th place.
Search These Routes With PointsYeah
A route being popular doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inexpensive to book with points. And searches don’t always turn into confirmed bookings.
Airlines can charge very different amounts for the same flight, particularly when booking through different loyalty programs. Depending on the route, it might also be worth checking nearby airports or adjusting travel dates to find a better option.
You can use PointsYeah to view flights across different airline loyalty programs and see what’s available for your next trip.
American Airlines is planning a massive new Admirals Club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). And once it opens, it’ll be the largest Admirals Club in the airline’s network.
The new lounge will span more than 40,000 square feet. Construction is expected to begin later this year, although American hasn’t announced an opening date.
The new Admirals Club will occupy the mezzanine level overlooking Charlotte’s central atrium.
American says the lounge will have separate areas for dining, working, and relaxing, along with bars, food service areas, and spa-style shower suites. The design will also incorporate elements inspired by Charlotte’s tree canopy and textile heritage.
Charlotte is American’s second-largest hub, where the airline operates more than 650 flights on peak days to over 180 destinations across 27 countries. Given the number of passengers connecting through the airport, the additional space should be a massive improvement and help ease crowding at American’s existing lounges.
What Happens to Charlotte’s Existing Lounges?
American currently operates Admirals Clubs in Concourses B and C/D, along with its newer Provisions by Admirals Club location near Gate A1.
All three locations will remain open during construction. However, American hasn’t said what will happen to them once the new lounge opens.
There’s also the matter of Charlotte’s first Flagship lounge, which will offer a more premium experience for eligible international premium cabin passengers and certain elite members. American hasn’t announced where that lounge will be located or when it might open.
Booking Air France or KLM flights to Europe through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club can come with some hefty taxes and fees. For example, a one-way Air France economy flight from Los Angeles to Paris currently carries more than $293 in taxes and fees on top of the points required.
But there’s an interesting exception for flights departing Minneapolis.
We’re finding nonstop flights to Paris and Amsterdam for as little as 15,000 Virgin points plus just $5.60 in taxes and fees. That’s a pretty unusual price for a transatlantic flight on either airline.
Flights From Minneapolis to Europe With Just $5.60 in Fees
Here are two examples we found when searching Virgin Atlantic Flying Club:
Minneapolis (MSP) to Amsterdam (AMS): 15,000 points plus $5.60 on KLM, departing Oct. 19, 2026.
Minneapolis (MSP) to Paris (CDG): 25,000 points plus $5.60 on Air France, departing Jul. 25, 2027.
VIRGIN ATLANTICVIRGIN ATLANTIC
For comparison, the Los Angeles-to-Paris example carries over $287 more in taxes and fees.
The low fees appear to apply specifically to nonstop economy flights departing Minneapolis. Connecting beyond Paris or Amsterdam can increase the taxes and fees, and mileage prices vary by date.
How to Find These Flights
Search for flights from Minneapolis to Paris or Amsterdam on Virgin Atlantic’s website and select the option to book with points or via PointsYeah.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is a transfer partner of several major credit card rewards programs, so there’s no need to earn the points by flying Virgin Atlantic.
Minneapolis won’t be a convenient departure point for everyone. But for anyone who can get there inexpensively, these flights are worth a look, particularly with taxes and fees this low.
It’s not exactly necessary to save your Marriott Bonvoy points for one big trip. Sometimes a particular hotel you saw on social media, an event, or an experience is reason enough to plan a weekend getaway.
That’s especially true in the fall. We went looking for Marriott properties where there’s something interesting happening this season and found four with nights bookable with points.
Some of the experiences Marriott is offering this fall cost extra or require a separate package. But Bonvoy points can take care of the room, whether the trip involves fall foliage in Shenandoah, Halloween in San Francisco, wine and live music in Tucson, or a Patriots game outside Boston.
Here are four that caught our attention.
Postcard Cabins Shenandoah, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Postcard Cabins Shenandoah puts a Bonvoy redemption just outside one of the country’s best-known places for fall foliage.
The private cabins sit near Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, with hiking trails and rivers nearby. Back at the cabin, there’s a private campfire area, and s’mores are included.
There’s still decent availability heading into late fall. When we checked on Oct. 6, November nights started at 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, although many dates were priced at 48,000 points.
Award stays are subject to an additional $40 daily destination fee.
Postcard Cabins Shenandoah, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy. MARRIOTT
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Things get considerably spookier at the historic Westin St. Francis this October.
The hotel’s seasonal Haunted Suite turns the space into a haunted manor, complete with a fireplace, tombstones, cobwebs, and other Halloween decor. The experience also draws on some of the property’s more macabre history.
The Haunted Suite requires a special paid package, so Bonvoy points won’t get you into the themed room. But regular rooms are still an option for spending Halloween at the property.
When we checked on Oct. 6, nights were available for 52,000 Bonvoy points on both Oct. 30 and Oct. 31. Other available October dates climbed as high as 81,000 points.
There’s also a $38 daily destination fee.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square. MARRIOTT
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
The Westin La Paloma in Tucson is hosting Moonlight Vines this fall, an outdoor event with live jazz, wine, and food beneath the Santa Catalina Mountains.
It’s also the cheapest of the four properties we searched. When we checked on Oct. 6, November nights started at 35,000 Bonvoy points, with many dates ranging from 35,000 to 55,000 points.
Award stays carry an additional $45 daily resort fee.
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. MARRIOTT
Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel
In New England, fall is synonymous with football.
The Renaissance Boston Patriot Place is only a short walk from Gillette Stadium. So it’s an unusually convenient place to stay for a Patriots game.
Marriott also sells a Touchdown Package that bundles a stay with two lower-level tickets to a home game, breakfast for two, and valet parking.
That package requires a paid booking. But anyone putting the trip together separately can use Bonvoy points for a regular room and buy game tickets separately.
When we searched on Oct. 6, November nights started at 67,000 Bonvoy points, with most available dates between 67,000 and 82,000 points. There’s an additional $25 daily destination fee.
Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel. MARRIOTT
Search for More Fall Trips With PointsYeah
These are only four pieces of inspiration for your fall travels, and Marriott Bonvoy pricing changes regularly.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that PointsYeah can search Marriott alongside other hotel programs. This makes it easier to see where points can cover a fall stay and view all of what’s available.
