In Episode 36 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss a first-ever Amex Canada 25% transfer bonus to Flying Blue and a WestJet sweet spot when redeeming Flying Blue miles. They review negative fuel surcharge trends, currently impacting the pricing of award seats on three popular frequent flyer programs.
Porter Airlines also becomes the flagship carrier at Montreal’s revamped downtown metro airport, with a new terminal opening in June 2026 with 12 new routes. The National Bank Lounge at YUL closes April 30 for renovations through 2027, with a temporary lounge planned.
In an interesting change, Marriott has increased free-night certificate top-ups to 25K points. YOTEL has joined the Hilton Honors program, while ITA Airways has now officially joined Star Alliance. They discuss the WestJet and Triangle Rewards partnership, plus review details of the Blue Rewards cards replacing the AIR MILES cards.
Finally, the team answers questions on business credit card implications and whether there is any way to work towards frequent flyer program elite status when flying on award redemptions.
(00:48) Amex Membership Rewards to Flying Blue Transfer Bonus
Until April 17th, American Express Membership Rewards can be transferred to Flying Blue with a bonus of 25%.
- Read More: How to Book WestJet Flights with Flying Blue Miles
- Related: Air France/KLM Flying Blue Guide & What You Need to Know About Transfer Bonuses
(04:02) Flight Award Fuel Surcharges Rising
With the turmoil in the world impacting oil prices, Porter Airlines, Air France, KLM, and Cathay Pacific have already increased fuel surcharges on award flight redemptions. We expect to see other carriers do the same if conflict continues, so it might not be a bad time to make speculative bookings with yet-to-be-impacted frequent flyer programs.
(08:31) New Porter Airlines Terminal at Downtown Montreal Metro Airport
A new Porter Airlines terminal is opening in June 2026 at the downtown Montreal Metro airport. Twelve new routes are being launched, further connecting Canadians across the country.
(10:51) National Bank Lounge Renovation at YUL
The National Bank Lounge at Montreal Trudeau International Airport is closing for an extended renovation from April 30th, 2026, and the renovations will be completed in 2027. There is a replacement lounge available, but there are also several other airport lounges in the immediate vicinity.
(12:47) Marriott Free Night Certificate Top Up Boost
Marriott Free Night Certificates can now be topped up with 25,000 Bonvoy points, compared to 15,000 points prior. But is this even a positive change?
- Read More: Guide to Marriott Free Night Awards
(17:50) YOTEL Joins The Hilton Honors Program
The YOTEL brand has joined Hilton Honors, bringing 23 properties from around the world into the portfolio.
(18:45) ITA Airways Officially Joins Star Alliance
After being announced what seems like forever ago, ITA Airways has officially joined Star Alliance as of April 1st. Award seats are now available, and passengers can expect to receive their Star Alliance benefits when flying with ITA.
(20:04) Cathay Pacific Award Flight Pricing Changes
Cathay Pacific will be pushing a few changes to their award flight pricing within the month, but the impacts are minimal, with the increases being about 3% in total mileage cost.
(22:13) WestJet & Triangle Rewards Partnership
Canadians who link their WestJet and Triangle Rewards accounts will now earn WestJet points when shopping at eligible stores and will earn Canadian Tire Money on WestJet purchases.
- Learn more and link your memberships here
(25:49) Blue Rewards Card Basics
Existing AIR MILES credit card holders have received information on the details of the new Blue Rewards credit cards, including earning rates and benefits that will be offered.
(34:44) Listener Question: Business Card Implications
Catherine asks several questions about the implications of holding a business credit card at the same time as a personal one.
(38:40) Listener Question: Working Towards Status With Award Flights
Stuart asks about working towards airline elite status through flight award bookings.
(43:58) Conclusion
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I am enjoying your podcasts. You recently had a good piece on using Flying Blue points for Westjet flights. You have outlined, in this Miles and Points podcast, how to use this booking technique and then using Westjet points to upgrade. Do you have any thoughts about whether this upgrade technique would work for flights to Europe?