In Episode 27 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss the most recent news in the world of miles and points, starting with Hilton’s new Diamond Reserve tier and its impact on loyalty members.
The team explores several opportunities to purchase points, plus Iberia Airlines’ new route to Canada and the associated redemption opportunities. They also delve into the frequent transfer bonuses that RBC Avion offers for British Airways Avios. Other news includes Marriott’s soft status landing for 2026, TD’s new personalized offers, and the new Air Canada Cafe in Vancouver.
The episode wraps up with listener questions about US credit cards, particularly focusing on address issues with Amex and the benefits of Visa Infinite Privilege cards. Tune in for the most current insights on traveling with points and miles!
(01:03) Hilton Honors Loyalty Program Changes
Hilton has added a new tier called ‘Diamond Reserve’ to their loyalty program, and it comes with some notable perks, including Confirmable Upgrade Awards and guaranteed late checkout. They’ve also lowered requirements on the existing Gold and Diamond statuses.
- Learn More: Hilton Honors Diamond Reserve
- Still The Best Path to Diamond Status: American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card (US)
(05:03) Atmos Rewards On Sale with a Mystery Bonus
Atmos Rewards are on sale, with a potential lowest price of 1.88 USD cents per point. Atmos Rewards is an incredibly valuable program with excellent redemption pricing, relatively low taxes and fees, and a super cheap cancellation policy.
- Buy Atmos Rewards Points
- Learn More: Atmos Rewards Program & How to Get a Bank of America Credit Card with ITIN
(08:19) Aeroplan Points are Also on Sale
Aeroplan points are also on sale with a mystery bonus sale, with a lowest potential price of 1.88 CAD cents per point. This sale is less compelling, as Aeroplan points are easy to earn on either side of the border.
(11:04) Iberia Airlines New Route Between Toronto & Spain
Launching in June 2026, Iberia Airlines will be offering a Toronto-Madrid route. Award availability is good, and seats on this route can be booked using Avios. The cost is 16,000 Avios per direction in economy, and 40,000 Avios per direction in business class (based on off-peak pricing).
(15:19) RBC Avion points to Avios 30% Transfer Bonus
Until December 19th, RBC Avion points can be transferred to British Airways Avios with a transfer bonus of 30%, meaning 1,000 Avion points are worth 1,300 Avios. This is one of the best recurring transfer bonuses we see in Canada, and is well worth taking advantage of.
- The Best Card to Earn Avion Points: RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
- Examples of What Can Be Booked with Avios: Japan Airlines Business Class, Qatar Airways QSuites, and Royal Air Maroc Business Class
(19:38) Marriott Bonvoy Soft Status Landings for 2026
If you didn’t requalify for Marriott Bonvoy status in 2025, you will only be dropped one status level in 2026. For example, if you were a Titanium Elite member who didn’t requalify, you would have Platinum Elite status through 2026.
(20:53) TD Personalized Offers
TD now has personalized offers in the app, similar to what is offered via Amex Offers. If you hold a TD credit card, check it out to see if you can save any money on your next purchase.
(22:17) Air Canada Cafe Vancouver Now Open
A new Air Canada Cafe is now open at Vancouver International Airport in the domestic area, which will hopefully take some guest load off the existing domestic Maple Leaf Lounge.
(24:29) Air France KLM Flying Blue Status Match
Flying Blue is offering a paid status match that can open up a path to greater award availability and the rare ability to book La Première First Class on Air France.
(28:26) Maximizing Aeroplan eStore Black Friday Deals
Ending very, very soon, the Aeroplan eStore has an excellent Black Friday promotion where you can earn up to 18x Aeroplan points through a combination of retailer promotions, using an Aeroplan credit card, and bonus points via elite status.
- Read More: Aeroplan eStore & Maximize Your Miles & Points by Double Dipping on Purchases
- Earn Aeroplan Status via the eStore: Aeroplan Everyday Status Qualification
(29:57) Chase Business Card Bonus Policy Changes
Chase is adopting a similar set-up to American Express US, wherein they have now introduced a pop-up warning users that they won’t get the bonus. As a result, the personal velocity of card approvals for this product line may decrease going forward.
- Similar: American Express (US) Pop-Up
(32:34) Listener Question: Navigating US Credit Card Applications as a Canadian
Wendy asks about applying for and getting approved for US credit cards as a Canadian who may have a US address, but doesn’t reside there.
(35:43) Listener Question: Address Verification Issues with Amex US
Robert asks about verifying his US mailing address with American Express when they are requesting a document he doesn’t have available.
(40:08) Listener Question: Understanding Visa Infinite Privilege Perks
Landon asks about some of the more niche perks that are available on the Visa Infinite Privilege cards, and if they are even worth utilizing.
(43:07) Conclusion
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I think the podcast got cut off at 33:40?
Thanks Ken. Should be resolved now on web player and the fix will propagate out to other platforms shortly.