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Tag: award travel

  • PointsYeah’s FHR Filter: The Easiest Way to Search Amex FHR Properties and Use Your Platinum $600 Credit

    PointsYeah’s FHR Filter: The Easiest Way to Search Amex FHR Properties and Use Your Platinum $600 Credit

    The Platinum Hotel Credit Just Got Easier to Use

    If you hold the either American Express® Platinum Card, you already know it’s packed with travel perks. One of the best and most overlooked is the $600 Hotel Credit, split into two $300 statement credits each year. It applies to prepaid stays booked through Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) or The Hotel Collection via Amex Travel.

    It’s a great perk in theory, but in practice,finding the right hotels that fit your budget, destination, and travel style can be time-consuming, especially when most searches show ultra-luxury properties far above your $300 credit.

    That’s why we built the PointsYeah FHR Filter. It’s a new way to explore the entire Amex FHR network, now searchable, filterable, and viewable in both map and list formats. Whether you’re trying to find a one-night stay fully covered by your credit or a luxury resort that’s worth a little extra, the FHR Filter makes it easy to plan smarter.

    🔍 Explore FHR Hotels on PointsYeah →

    What Are Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection?

    Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) and The Hotel Collection (THC) are Amex’s two premium hotel programs for Platinum and Centurion Card Members. Together, they include more than 2,000 top-tier properties worldwide that provide exclusive perks automatically applied when you book prepaid stays through Amex Travel.

    Every FHR booking includes:

    • Daily breakfast for two
    • Guaranteed 4pm late checkout
    • Noon check-in when available
    • Room upgrades upon arrival (when available)
    • A $100 property experience credit, typically for dining or spa services
    • Earn hotel points and elite credit

    The Hotel Collection bookings include:

    • Up to a $100 property credit per stay (varies by hotel)
    • Room upgrades upon arrival when available
    • A minimum two-night stay requirement

    For many travelers, these perks can easily add $200–$400 of value to a single night, but only if you can find the right property to use them at. That’s where PointsYeah’s FHR Filter comes in. It gives you visibility across the full network, making it easy to see where your credit stretches the farthest.

    Why PointsYeah Built the FHR Filter?

    We created the FHR Filter because the Platinum Card’s best perks were often going unused. Travelers told us the same things over and over:

    “I never know which hotels qualify.”

    “I can’t tell which FHR stays are under $300.”

    “I just want to use my credit without overspending.”

    The FHR Filter solves all of that. It is a free tool that lets you see the entire FHR ecosystem at once, not just in a list buried inside Amex Travel. You can now explore globally, compare prices, and find hotels that align with your credit and comfort zone.

    It’s for every kind of traveler:

    • Weekend explorers who want one-night getaways covered entirely by the $300 credit.
    • Luxury seekers looking for aspirational stays worth a modest top-up.
    • Frequent flyers who want to plan multi-city trips around their credits.

    Before, planning around your hotel credit required patience. Now it’s simply a filter away.

    How the PointsYeah FHR Filter Works

    Using the FHR Filter is simple but powerful. Here’s how it works:

    1. Search any destination in the PointsYeah Hotel Collection.
    2. Turn on the “Fine Hotels + Resorts®” filter.
      • Instantly see verified Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection properties across that city or region.
    3. Choose your view:
      • Map View: Browse visually to see where hotels are located and explore surrounding attractions.
      • List View: Quickly compare prices, amenities, and brand details.
    4. Refine your results by adjusting dates, price range, or destination preferences.
    5. Use live pricing to find stays that make the most sense for your $300 semiannual credit.

    What makes this different is flexibility. You are no longer limited to a static portal. You can visualize, compare, and plan your trip all in one seamless interface.

    ✨ Try the FHR Filter Now →

    Finding Stays That Fit Your Credit and Your Budget

    Luxury doesn’t have to mean overspending. For many Platinum Card Members, the ideal stay is one that fits within the $300 semiannual hotel credit or just slightly above it, whether you’re booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection.

    Here’s how travelers are using it:

    • Fully covered stays: Filter for FHR properties under $300 per night. These are perfect for single-night getaways fully paid by your credit.
    • Sweet spot stays: Look in the $350–$450 range. Paying a small amount out of pocket can unlock much higher-end hotels.
    • Luxury upgrades: Combine both $300 credits for an extended stay or premium destination without blowing your budget.

    To put it in perspective, here are a few examples of high-value FHR stays often found near or below the $300 mark:

    • The Ritz-Carlton, Bali – from $290/night
    • InterContinental Lisbon – from $190/night
    • The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm – from $232/night
    • InterContinental New York Times Square – from $234/night

    Each property still includes the signature FHR perks such as breakfast, upgrades, and late checkout. Even a one-night stay feels like a complete getaway.

    The best part is that you don’t need to guess. The filter helps you spot these hidden gems instantly, saving time while helping you get more from your Platinum benefits.

    Why This Feature Matters for Platinum Card Members

    Before this, using the FHR benefit felt complicated, not because the program lacked value but because it lacked accessibility. The Amex Travel interface wasn’t designed for discovery. It worked if you already knew where you wanted to go, but not if you were trying to decide how to use your credit wisely.

    The PointsYeah FHR Filter changes that completely. It gives you the freedom to explore, experiment, and plan without committing to a booking. You can see the full picture first, then decide how to use your credit.

    Here’s why it matters:

    • Transparency: You can see what’s available, what it costs, and how far your credit goes.
    • Flexibility: Map or list view means you can browse in whatever way feels most natural.
    • Efficiency: Save hours of searching by focusing only on eligible hotels.
    • Inspiration: Discover destinations and FHR stays you may have never considered.

    This feature isn’t about promoting luxury. It’s about making it practical and usable for everyone who holds a Platinum Card.

    Explore the FHR Filter on PointsYeah →

    Final Thoughts

    The $600 Hotel Credit from the Amex Platinum Card is one of the most generous travel benefits available, but only if you actually use it.

    With PointsYeah’s FHR Filter, that becomes effortless. You can find properties that fit your plans and budget, visualize your options on a map, and make smart choices about where to redeem your credits.

    It’s not just a new search filter. It’s the missing link between knowing your benefits and actually using them.

    Whether you are planning a one-night getaway, a spontaneous weekend trip, or a bucket-list vacation, the FHR Filter helps you see what’s possible, instantly.

    Start Searching Fine Hotels + Resorts® on PointsYeah →

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Fine Hotels + Resorts® program from Amex?

    Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) is Amex’s luxury hotel network for Platinum and Centurion Card Members. It includes premium properties worldwide that offer benefits like daily breakfast, late checkout, room upgrades, and on-property credits when booked through Amex Travel.

    How can I find Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties online?

    You can explore all Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties using PointsYeah’s FHR Filter. It allows you to view verified FHR hotels in both map and list view, compare prices, and plan how to use your Platinum Card credits.

    Can I use PointsYeah to see which hotels fit my Amex Platinum credit?

    Yes. The FHR Filter shows real pricing for each property, so you can easily find hotels that fit within your $300 semiannual credit or your total $600 annual limit.

    What’s the best way to use the Amex Platinum hotel credit?

    Use your Platinum Card’s $600 hotel credit strategically by finding FHR stays under $300 per night. Many travelers use PointsYeah to find one-night getaways fully covered by the credit or short luxury stays that cost only a little more.

    Can I find Fine Hotels + Resorts® stays under $300 per night?

    Yes. Many FHR properties around the world are available for under $300 per night. The PointsYeah FHR Filter makes it easy to find and compare these options instantly.

    Do I need to log in or link my Amex account to use PointsYeah?

    No. Anyone can browse FHR properties on PointsYeah. Platinum and Centurion Card Members simply need to book through Amex Travel to receive the benefits and statement credits.

    Are the Fine Hotels + Resorts® listings on PointsYeah updated regularly?

    Yes. FHR properties are verified and refreshed often to ensure the listings and pricing reflect the latest availability.

    Does the PointsYeah filter include The Hotel Collection too?

    Yes. The filter includes both Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection properties. You can view them together in map or list view when you toggle on the “FHR” filter.

    Can I book Fine Hotels + Resorts® stays directly through PointsYeah?

    No. PointsYeah helps you research and compare properties quickly. You’ll still book through Amex Travel to receive the official Platinum benefits and credits.

  • Why More Travelers Are Booking Premium Economy with Points and Why You Should Too

    Why More Travelers Are Booking Premium Economy with Points and Why You Should Too

    When it comes to long-haul travel, most flyers think there are only two options: spend fewer points and squeeze into economy, or spend big for a lie-flat seat in business class. But there’s a middle ground that too many travelers overlook: premium economy.

    Premium economy sits perfectly between comfort and value. It offers just enough extra space and service to make a long flight restful, yet it typically costs 30–50% fewer points than business class. For many travelers, especially families, it’s the ideal balance between comfort, cost, and practicality.

    What Is Premium Economy?

    Premium economy is a distinct cabin class found on most major international airlines, positioned between economy and business class. It usually features:

    • Wider seats with 5 to 7 inches more legroom than economy
    • Deeper recline and leg or foot rests for better rest on long flights
    • Enhanced dining, often served with real glassware and upgraded meal options
    • Priority check-in and boarding, making airport navigation smoother
    • Extra baggage allowance and dedicated overhead bin space

    Airlines like ANA, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa are known for exceptional premium economy products, while American, Delta, and United have invested heavily in improving their cabins for long-haul travelers.

    The Real Advantage: Sleep and Comfort Without Overspending

    Long flights can be exhausting, especially overnight routes from the U.S. to Europe or Asia. Premium economy provides just enough space and recline to actually sleep on the plane, which can make or break how you feel when you land.

    You won’t get a lie-flat seat, but the comfort upgrade is significant enough that many travelers now choose premium economy intentionally, not as a downgrade from business class but as a smart, points-efficient choice.

    Save Points While Flying in Comfort

    From an award travel perspective, premium economy is one of the best values in the sky. Many routes cost 30–50% fewer miles than business class redemptions, yet the experience is far better than standard economy.

    For example:

    • New York to London in Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy can often be found for under 14K points, but with higher fees than economy. Even with the added surcharges, it remains a great value for a comfortable transatlantic flight.
    • Fly from major cities in the U.S. to Tokyo in Japan Airlines Premium Economy can be booked for 50,000 Alaska Atmos Reward points plus $18 in taxes.

    These savings matter even more for families booking multiple tickets or travelers who want to conserve points for hotels or future trips.

    Added Airport Perks That Simplify Your Journey

    Beyond what you get onboard, premium economy passengers often receive priority airport services that make the journey smoother from start to finish:

    • Priority check-in counters to skip long lines
    • Faster boarding and deplaning, so you spend less time waiting
    • Priority baggage handling, meaning your bags usually arrive first

    These conveniences can make flying with kids or connecting through busy airports much less stressful.

    Premium Economy vs. Business Class: The Real Comparison

    FeaturePremium EconomyBusiness Class
    Seat TypeRecliner with extra legroomLie-flat bed or pod
    Points Required (avg.)30–50% less than BusinessHigh, premium pricing
    MealsUpgraded economy-styleMulti-course dining
    Ideal ForBudget-minded comfort seekers, familiesFrequent travelers and luxury seekers

    f you value sleep, space, and smart redemptions, premium economy delivers 70 to 80% of the comfort for nearly half the points. For most travelers, that’s a deal worth booking.

    Why Premium Economy Is Perfect for Families

    Families love premium economy for good reason. The extra seat width and legroom make it easier for kids and adults to relax without breaking the points bank. Parents appreciate early boarding, dedicated cabin service, and the ability to sit together in a smaller, quieter cabin.

    For long flights to destinations like Europe, Japan, or Australia, premium economy can save thousands of points per trip while keeping everyone comfortable.

    How to Book Premium Economy Using PointsYeah

    Finding premium economy award space isn’t always easy since these cabins have limited seats. That’s where PointsYeah helps.

    With PointsYeah’s lightning-fast award search, you can:

    • Compare award space across 200+ airlines instantly
    • Filter by cabin class, including premium economy
    • Set alerts so you’re notified when award seats open up
    • Track points prices and book when value improves

    It’s the simplest way to see whether premium economy seats are worth the points, and often, they are.

    When Premium Economy Is the Smarter Move

    Premium economy makes the most sense when:

    • You’re flying overnight or long-haul (8+ hours)
    • You want to save points but still sleep comfortably
    • You’re traveling with family or a partner
    • Business class redemptions are scarce or overpriced
    • A transfer bonus makes premium economy redemptions especially strong

    Booking premium economy can also help you extend the lifespan of your points, freeing up more value for future business or first-class deals when they truly count.

    Final Thoughts: The Smart Traveler’s Sweet Spot

    Premium economy hits the perfect balance: comfort, practicality, and value. You’ll save a meaningful number of points while still enjoying a much better flight experience that lets you arrive rested, not wrecked.

    If you’ve been sleeping on premium economy, now’s the time to give it a closer look. Use PointsYeah to find, compare, and track the best premium economy award flights worldwide. You might just find it’s the class you never knew you needed.

    🔍 Start searching premium economy award flights now on PointsYeah.com

  • Introducing Travel Radar: Your 365-Day Award Travel Calendar

    Introducing Travel Radar: Your 365-Day Award Travel Calendar

    Award space changes fast. Seats open, disappear, and shift every single day. For years, travelers had to re-run the same searches or juggle multiple alerts to avoid missing out.

    That changes today.

    Travel Radar is here. A Premium-exclusive feature that monitors your most important routes 365 days a year, refreshes results daily, and shows you the best opportunities in a simple calendar view.

    No guesswork. No endless refreshing. Just clarity.

    A Better Way to View Award Space

    Award space is always moving. Some days the lowest prices appear far in advance, while on other routes the best seats open closer to departure. Flexibility is key, and the real advantage comes from being able to see the bigger picture.

    Many PointsYeah members already monitor the same route with multiple alerts or repeat searches throughout the year. That insight inspired us to build a tool that puts everything into one clear, year-long view.

    Travel Radar gives you that perspective. Whether you want the lowest points price, newly released premium seats, or peace of mind for family travel, it brings all the opportunities together in a single calendar refreshed daily.

    What Travel Radar Does

    Travel Radar gives you the year-long view that was missing. Instead of tracking a handful of days, it monitors your chosen routes for a full 365 days. Results refresh daily and highlight the opportunities that matter most.

    Think of it as your personal award travel command center.

    • Track up to 4 routes for a full year
    • Daily refreshes keep availability and pricing current
    • Clean calendar view highlights the lowest points days
    • Smart filters narrow results by cabin, stops, airlines, and more
    • At-a-glance insights show new availability and recent price drops

    👉 The result: A year’s worth of award data delivered in one place, updated every day.

    How Travel Radar Works

    Setting up a Radar is simple. The real power comes after.

    1. Choose your route

    Select your origin and destination, passenger count, preferred cabin, and max points per passenger. Want to skip basic economy? Exclude it with one click.

    1. Fine-tune with filters

    Dial in the details with advanced options:

    • Focus on specific airline or bank transfer programs
    • Require a minimum percentage of premium cabin space
    • Limit connections or exclude airlines you do not want to fly

    Once saved, your Radar begins scanning right away.

    1. Watch your calendar fill in

    Travel Radar builds a full-year view that refreshes daily. Soon, you will see:

    • Lowest points days across the year
    • Newly added award space since the last refresh
    • Price drops worth your attention

    Browse month by month or jump directly to the season you care about most. If you selected multiple cabins when creating your Radar, you can filter the calendar view to focus on the exact cabin you want.

    1. Dive into details

    Click on any day to view flight options, transfer partners, and pricing breakdowns. Found something that works? Launch a Real Time Search to confirm live availability before booking.

    Travel Radar vs. Points Price Alerts

    Both tools are powerful. Together, they are unbeatable.

    • Points Price Alerts: Best for precision. Each alert monitors a specific window of up to 8 days and notifies you when availability or pricing changes. Free users can set 4 alerts. Premium members can set 32.
    • Travel Radar: Best for the big picture. Tracks entire routes for a year, refreshing daily and showing you availability in a single calendar view. Premium exclusive.

    When Travel Radar Makes the Difference

    Some trips are too important to leave to chance. Travel Radar was built for them:

    • Milestone journeys
      • Monitor honeymoons, anniversaries, or bucket-list adventures without missing newly released space.
    • Holiday travel home
      • Avoid the stress of last-minute searches. Track your route all year and secure award seats before peak demand wipes them out.
    • Annual vacations
      • Whether it is summer in Europe or a winter beach escape, let Travel Radar reveal the weeks when flights cost fewer points.
    • Frequent business routes
      • Keep your city pairs covered every single day, so you can plan trips with confidence.

    Premium vs. Free: What You Get

    Not sure if Premium is worth it? Here is how it compares.

    FeatureFreePremium
    Travel Radar❌Track 4 routes for 365 days (Premium exclusive)
    Points Price AlertsUp to 4Up to 32
    Hotel AlertsUp to 4Up to 15
    Number of search days (one-way)Up to 4Up to 8
    Multi-Airport Search❌✅
    United Airlines upgrade alerts❌✅
    Custom value per point❌✅

    👉 With Premium, you are not just unlocking Travel Radar. You are getting the most complete toolkit in award travel.

    Start Using Travel Radar

    Travel Radar is live today, included with Premium. Set up your first Radar in under a minute and get a complete year’s view of your most important routes.

    👉 Upgrade to Premium and unlock Travel Radar now

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many Radars can I create?

    Up to 4 at a time with Premium.

    Do they refresh automatically?

    Yes. Each Radar refreshes daily, so you are always seeing the latest availability.

    Do Points Price Alerts expire?

    No. Alerts run until you turn them off. They cover up to 8 days, while Travel Radar covers a full 365.

    Can I adjust my filters later?

    Absolutely. Edit your Radar anytime, and your results update on the next refresh.

    Can I delete a Radar and create a new one?

    Yes. You can remove an old Radar and replace it with a new route whenever you like.

    What if I want to track a trip more than a year away?

    Travel Radar covers 365 days from the day you create it. For future trips beyond that, simply set a new Radar when your window opens.

    How do Travel Radar and Real Time Search work together?

    Travel Radar shows you the big picture. When you find a day that looks right, Real Time Search confirms live availability so you can book with confidence.