In Episode 23 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss recent news in the world of miles and points, in addition to answering listeners’ questions.
The most recent news includes the refreshed Amex Platinum & Business Platinum Cards in the United States, notable upcoming changes to the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, and another Hilton Honors devaluation. The team also covers a notable upcoming annual fee increase, the addition of Condor flights bookable with JetBlue miles, and more.
They wrap up the episode by answering listener questions about flight award redemptions and award search tools.
(00:41) American Express Platinum Card (US) Refresh
Not wanting to be outdone by the recently refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, American Express (US) recently launched a refresh of its Platinum Card. While the fee increased by $200 USD, valuable credits, including Lululemon, Resy, and Fine Hotels & Resorts, were added to significantly offset this new cost.
- Learn More: American Express Platinum Card (US)
- Learn More: American Express (US) Family Language Rules
(08:53) American Express Business Platinum Card (US) Refresh
The American Express Business Platinum Card (US) also received a refresh with a $200 annual fee increase, but with fewer additional credits than what was added to the consumer Platinum card.
- Learn More: American Express Business Platinum Card (US)
(14:20) American Express Hilton Credit No Longer Eligible for Online Giftcard Purchases
Three American Express (US) cards offer a $50 or $60 quarterly Hilton credit, which many individuals use to purchase Hilton gift cards online for later use. New terms and conditions from American Express highlight that online gift card purchases will no longer be eligible for using these credits. Good news, there are still other easy ways to get the most out of these credits.
- Learn More: How to Maximize Benefits & Credits on the Amex Hilton Honors Cards
- Credits Available On: American Express Business Platinum Card (US), American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Card (US), & American Express Hilton Honors Business Card (US)
(16:51) WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard Changes
Several changes are happening to the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard on November 5th; some for the better, and some for the worse.
- Read More: WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
- Read More: Big Changes Coming to the WestJet RBC Mastercards
(26:53) Hilton Honors Aspirational Redemption Devaluations
Many aspirational properties in the Hilton Honors program have seen another redemption devaluation, increasing points redemption rates once again after multiple increases in the last year.
- Learn More: Hilton Honors Points & Hilton Honors Free Night Certificates
(29:35) American Express Cobalt Monthly Fee Increase
Effective November 5th, the American Express Cobalt Card monthly fee will increase from $12.99/month to $15.99/month. Is it still worth keeping this card?
- Learn More: American Express Cobalt Card
- Learn More: The Great Canadian 5x Credit Card Rewards Faceoff
(31:57) Condor Now Bookable with JetBlue Miles
Condor, a German airline, is now bookable with JetBlue Miles. There is excellent value to be had if traveling from the East Coast in business class, with slightly less value when traveling from the West Coast.
(35:28) Amex Canada “Add a Card” Bonus Event
American Express Canada is back with a new promotion, in which existing cardholders can receive bonus points when adding a new authorized user and meeting a minimum spending requirement. While this promotion was available over the summer, it is now also available for several business cards.
(37:10) American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card Free Night Offer
Daniel received an offer to apply for the American Express Marriott Bonvoy card that offered 3 free night certificates worth 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points each. While we aren’t sure if this is a targeted offer (as it differs from the public offer), the team discusses whether it is worth it.
- Learn More: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card
- Learn More: Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificates
(42:33) Air Canada’s New Airbus A321XLR
Air Canada has a new airplane, the Airbus A321XLR, which will offer a new business class. The initial available route, Montreal (YUL) to Palma Mallorca (PMI), is heavily dynamically priced, making it not a great redemption in its current state.
(44:16) Listener Question: Flight Award Tickets
Qumail asks if there is anything that can be done if you feel like you were overcharged for a flight award ticket.
(45:47) Listener Question: Award Search Tools
Susan asks about an award search tool by Scott Kennedy that we mentioned in our recent Aeroplan 3.0 episode.
(47:51) Conclusion
If you have any episode-specific questions, leave a comment below. If you have any questions you would like us to answer on Miles Ahead, submit them here.
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Join us for the next episode, where the Frugal Flyer team shares everything you need to know about closing credit cards, including how this process can impact credit scores.
Listen to Miles Ahead: Episode 24 – Close Your Credit Cards Like a Pro.