Ramsey Qubein 
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July 2, 2020 
Act fast to redeem Virgin Atlantic miles before the upcoming devaluation, and Citi ThankYou points transfers to Virgin Atlantic might get you to that award even faster thanks to a new bonus offer.
Citi transfers to Virgin Atlantic earn bonus
If you are looking to redeem miles for a Virgin Atlantic award ticket, now could be a good time. Citi cardholders can transfer ThankYou points to Virgin Atlantic and earn a 25% bonus. The offer is valid between now and March 2. Keep in mind that the airline is raising the prices on many awards effective January 15, so it makes sense to transfer and redeem immediately.
Southwest recants on its companion pass change
With no notice to customers, Southwest changed the way points can be earned and redeemed for its companion pass (arguably one of the best perks for frequent fliers at the moment). Effective January 1, the airline was no longer allowing people to transfer miles or points from other partners into the program to count for the companion pass. While that seems like a fair change, the lack of notice caught many customers off guard. Luckily, Southwest has taken notice and is now giving fliers until April 1 to transfer points to be eligible for the companion pass.
American bonus for purchased miles
If you’re in the market for additional AAdvantage miles, American has a bonus offer for extra miles if you buy between now and the end of January. Purchasing miles is not typically the smartest way to score frequent flier miles, but some travelers in a rush to make a redemption may have no other option. At least this bonus helps a little.
American changes Gold and Platinum elite status match requirements
It’s not all bad news for those looking to match their status from another airline at American. In addition to flying a minimum number of miles during the qualification period, there is a co-pay required. The $200 option only gives fliers status once they meet the requirements, but travelers can pay $400-500 more to immediately enjoy the perks of status while working to complete the challenge. That could be a very valuable benefit for some fliers. Unfortunately, there is also a new revenue requirement where fliers must earn $2,000 worth of Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) to complete the Platinum requirement ($1,000 of EQDs for the Gold challenge).
Earn triple Avios points with British Airways
During the first quarter of 2017, your flights with British Airways could be much more rewarding. The promotion offers triple points on your first eight flights. This could be particularly beneficial if traveling in a premium cabin where more Avios points are normally earned anyway. Even for economy class passengers, this is a good deal. Since British Airways has slashed earning rates on many lower fare classes, this promotion restores some of the point earnings during the travel period. Be sure to register before travel, and many codeshare partners are eligible as long as the flight number has the BA code.
Activate American Express Business Platinum Gogo passes
If you have the American Express Business Centurion or Business Platinum credit card, one of the perks is that you get 10 Gogo wireless Internet passes to use during the year. But to take advantage of the offer, you have to activate them in your account each year. This is just a friendly reminder if you want to be connected inflight!
Convert hotel points to Asia Miles for bonus
If you are looking to make a Cathay Pacific award redemption, now is a great time. The airline is running a promotion that offers a 30% bonus for transferring hotel points to Asia Miles between now and February 28.
Best Western gift card for each stay
Best Western is running a winter promotion that offers a $10 gift card for each eligible stay at a Best Western property. Travelers can earn an unlimited number of gift cards, but be sure to register before your first stay. The promotion runs from now through January 29.
Earn two weeks of free WiFi in Japan
If you travel to Japan on a Japan Airlines flight (even on a reward ticket), the airline is offering two weeks’ worth of free wireless Internet during your visit. Register for the offer before travel to take advantage and stay connected while there.
EVA introduces passenger service robots
If traveling on Taiwanese airline EVA Air, you will find a new customer service friend there to help you. His name is Pepper and he works at Taipei’s two major airports to provide flight assistance and information on duty-free promotions among other things. To activate Pepper, travelers simply scan their boarding pass.
