Tag: PointsYeah

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.
November 12, 2025

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

Feature	Premium Economy	Business Class
Seat Type	Recliner with extra legroom	Lie-flat bed or pod
Points Required (avg.)	30–50% less than Business	High, premium pricing
Meals	Upgraded economy-style	Multi-course dining
Ideal For	Budget-minded comfort seekers, families	Frequent 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

October 14, 2025

How Repositioning Flights Can Unlock More Award Travel
By Manny Estrada | Published on July 23rd, 2025

You’ve run the search. You picked your home airport, adjusted the filters, checked a few dates, and the results are disappointing. Maybe nothing matches your travel window. Maybe the flights that do show up cost way more points than expected. You refresh, tweak the inputs, try again… and still come up short.

At this point, most travelers assume they’re out of luck. They either settle for something mediocre or give up entirely.

But experienced points travelers know there is another move to make. It doesn’t require changing your destination, switching programs, or altering your travel dates. It starts with one question:

What if the problem isn’t the destination… but where you’re starting from?

This is where repositioning flights come into play. By flying from a different departure city, often just a short domestic hop away, you can unlock far more award space, better itineraries, and lower points pricing. With PointsYeah, spotting these opportunities is easier than ever.

Why Your Home Airport Isn’t Always the Best Starting Point

Award availability is affected by dozens of factors, including partner networks, route demand, time of year, and airline-specific patterns. Even at major hubs like Los Angeles, Dallas–Fort Worth, Chicago, or New york, the flight you want might not show up in your search or it may cost significantly more points.

Meanwhile, another major city like Seattle or Washington D.C. might offer the exact same flight, on the same airline, at a far better redemption rate.

This is what makes repositioning so powerful. Instead of waiting for the perfect award to appear from your home airport, you take a proactive step to fly out of a city with better availability. It only takes a bit of flexibility and the right search tools.

How to Find These Opportunities with PointsYeah

PointsYeah makes this strategy easy with a tool called Daydream Explorer.

Instead of running one airport at a time, you can search by entire departure regions like United States West, United States Northeast, or United States Midwest, all in a single click. It is the fastest way to scan dozens of departure points without opening dozens of tabs or repeating the same search over and over.

Let’s say you’re based in Los Angeles. You run a standard search from LAX and find limited options. But when you search using the United States West region, you suddenly see better availability from cities like San Francisco or Seattle. You add a quick positioning flight, and now the award trip becomes possible.

This approach works across all types of travel. Whether you are flying internationally, booking domestic redemptions, or trying to match a partner program’s sweet spot, starting in the right region can make all the difference.

Washington D.C. to Madrid, Repositioning to New York

Let’s say you’re based in the Washington D.C. area and planning a Thanksgiving trip to Europe. You’re hoping to find a lie-flat business class seat using points, but every flight from D.C. is pricing well above 60,000 points each way. Nothing lines up with your dates, and none of the results feel like a good deal.

So you open Daydream Explorer and switch your departure region to United States Northeast.

That’s when it appears:

New York (JFK) to Madrid (MAD) – 43,000 points + $33

This matches your ideal departure window, and the price is better than anything you saw from D.C.

All it takes to make this trip happen is a short repositioning flight from DCA to JFK. That flight costs just $65 one-way, as shown in Google Flights, and gets you to New York in under 90 minutes.

By adjusting your starting region and adding a quick hop, you’ve gone from overpriced or unavailable options to a perfectly timed, lie-flat seat to Europe, right in time for the holidays.

San Francisco to Tokyo, Repositioning to Seattle

A traveler in San Francisco is planning a trip to Japan in early August. They want to fly in comfort, ideally in business class, but searches from SFO are either too expensive or unavailable on the dates they need.

So they open Daydream Explorer, switch the departure region to United States West, and the picture changes completely.

There it is:

Seattle (SEA) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) – 60,000 points + $18

Not only does the pricing beat anything found from San Francisco, but it’s on Japan Airlines, known for its exceptional business class experience, with lie-flat seating, elegant service, and a refined in-flight meal program.

To catch the flight, all they need is a quick positioning hop from San Francisco to Seattle. That flight costs just $69, takes just over two hours, and runs frequently.

With one small change to their departure city, they’ve gone from stuck to soaring, landing a high-end seat to Tokyo at a fraction of the points.

How to Use This Strategy the Smart Way
- Use Daydream Explorer’s region filters
  Don’t waste time guessing which airport might have better pricing. Use the regional filters to scan a wide range of departure cities at once. You can search any of the following:
  - United States West
  - United States Northeast
  - United States Midwest
  - United States Southeast
  - United States South
- Set alerts for multiple cities
  You can set up to four free alerts with PointsYeah, and even more if you’re a Premium member. These will notify you when award prices drop or new seats open up, even if it’s not from your home airport.
- Keep positioning simple
  Focus on nonstop or single-hop routes when booking your domestic flight. Use cash or miles, and leave enough time between flights to protect yourself from delays.
- Be flexible on direction
  Sometimes it makes sense to reposition only on the outbound or return leg. You might fly out of Seattle and return directly to your home city, or vice versa.
The Takeaway

Repositioning flights are one of the easiest ways to stretch your points and find better availability. All it takes is a shift in strategy.

Instead of asking, “Where can I go from here?”

Ask, “Where else could I start this trip?”

With tools like Daydream Explorer and flight alerts, PointsYeah makes this kind of flexible searching faster and smarter. You don’t need to live near the perfect airport. You just need to be willing to take one extra step, and the rewards can be huge.

Start exploring more departure regions today on PointsYeah.

A better award flight could be just one airport away.
July 22, 2025