This month, there are several bonus offers for those with specific credit cards; don’t miss out! And learn how Best Western elite members are getting some extra perks for their loyalty.
Bonus JetBlue points for Citi ThankYou Rewards transfers
Move points from your Citi ThankYou Rewards account to JetBlue’s True Blue program, and you can earn a 50% bonus on points between now and April 30. Premier, Prestige and Chairman ThankYou members will receive 1.5 TrueBlue points for every 1.25 ThankYou Points transferred (they usually receive 1 TrueBlue point). Preferred and Forward members will receive 1.5 TrueBlue points for every 2 ThankYou Points transferred (compared to the usual 1 TrueBlue point).
Sign-up offer for new members of JetBlue’s loyalty program
If you have yet to join the TrueBlue frequent flier program for JetBlue, there couldn’t be a better time! The airline is offering new members a bonus of 5,000 points for signing up and taking your first flight by April 16. Pair this with the Citi ThankYou Rewards promotion and you could be on your way to a free ticket sooner than you think. Be sure to sign up here.
Chase Freedom and Freedom Unlimited cardholders can earn more cash back
During the month of March, eligible Chase cardholders can earn a total of 10% cash back on up to $2,500 in combined hotel and rental cars booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Travel must be reserved during the month of March, but can take place at any time thereafter.
Best Western elite members get more perks
Best Western is growing its portfolio of hotels, especially in the business travel category, and boosting the benefits that come with its highly popular elite membership program. Best Western is gung-ho on earning loyal business and even offers a status match program that is extremely generous in its consideration. Recent changes to the program include the ability to count redemption nights toward elite status qualification and new welcome gifts (points or food and beverage items) at most hotels in the U.S. for top tier members. This puts Best Western Rewards more in line with what other major hotel loyalty programs are offering their guests. Ten percent discounts on point redemptions are a nice bonus for many members, and Gold members and above are eligible for room type upgrades within the U.S.
American Express Platinum raises fee, but adds new benefits
The Platinum Card® from American Express is raising its fee to $550 per year effective March 30. With the hike in price comes a slew of new benefits for members including the offer to earn 5 times Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on prepaid hotel reservations booked via amextravel.com. Another new perk is the monthly $15 credit to spend on Uber rides (although those with the means to cover the cost of an annual Amex Platinum membership might not be the target customer using Uber). The new card will be made with a heavier metal material although this just means it takes up more space in your wallet. American Express is also adding to its network of Centurion lounges with new clubs coming to Hong Kong and Philadelphia.
Singapore Airlines drops fuel surcharges on most redemptions, but devalues award chart
If you are a fan of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program, there’s a silver lining in the recent devaluation of its award chart. The airline is dropping fuel surcharges on its own flights and those of its partners, which is a change expected to be complete by the end of May. This softens the blow of the higher award ticket prices and elimination of the 15% discount that used to be provided on award redemptions for Singapore flights made through its website.
World of Hyatt devalues breakfast benefit among other perks
One of the most popular features of Hyatt’s Diamond elite level was the free breakfast available in the restaurant at properties without a lounge. This was available for as many as four people per reservation, but the terms and conditions were recently downgraded to only two people and two children. Presumably, this change was instituted because some people were taking advantage of the generous perk by inviting guests from other rooms to dine for free. Other changes to the program for top-tier members include eliminating the welcome amenity and guaranteed turndown service in the evening. If the club lounge at a hotel is closed (like on the weekend), eligible guests no longer receive bonus points for the inconvenience as it was in the past
Qatar Airways backtracks on through-check baggage policy
Qatar Airways is doing away with the restrictive policy it had in place for a short period that forbade travelers from checking bags to its interline (or alliance) partners if the reservations were on separate tickets. Occasionally, there is a need to book tickets on separate reservations, and this rollback of a restrictive policy is a slim piece of good news.