Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points

Smart With Points

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162 episodes
Updated February 14

Episodes162

Newest first

Nov 28, 2025 · 11 min
✈️ Massive Avios Sale Just Dropped: Up To 60% Off (But There's A Catch)
Iberia has launched one of their most generous promotions ever, offering up to 60% off Avios award flights through December 2nd. We break down the best redemption opportunities for UK travellers, from 4,550 Avios London to Madrid flights to just 6,400 Avios transatlantic economy seats. However, there's an important change to Basic economy fares you need to know about before booking. Jack explains exactly how to maximize this limited-time sale, which routes offer the best value, and the potential pitfalls to avoid when redeeming your hard-earned points. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 27, 2025 · 9 min
✈️ British Airways Just Dropped Their 2025 Black Friday Sale—But There's a Catch
British Airways' Black Friday 2025 sale is here, but it's different from years past. The standout offer is a 50% bonus on Avios earned through their shopping portal until December 28th, with rates reaching up to 21 Avios per pound at select retailers. Cash fares to North America start from £403 return, and European city breaks begin at £159, but notably absent are the major Avios redemption discounts we've seen in previous years. Jack breaks down exactly which deals are worth your attention, how to stack your earnings, and whether you should book cash fares or save your points for better redemptions. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 26, 2025 · 7 min
✈️ British Airways Just Revealed What They've Been Hiding at Heathrow
British Airways has finally reopened its exclusive First Wing at London Heathrow Terminal 5 after months of renovations. We break down exactly what changed (and what didn't), who can access this premium facility, and whether the burgundy makeover was worth the wait. Learn about the new non-alcoholic bar, the quirks of bringing guests through security, and how this fits into BA's massive seven billion pound transformation programme. Plus, we share whether the First Wing's real value lies in its aesthetics or its ability to save you up to 45 minutes on busy travel days. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 22, 2025 · 11 min
✈️ British Airways Just Announced Two Surprising 2026 Routes
British Airways has just opened bookings for two unexpected Heathrow destinations launching in 2026: seasonal flights to Montenegro's coastal gem Tivat, and daily year-round service to Guernsey. We break down the surprisingly decent Avios redemption rates for both routes, with Montenegro potentially costing just 40,000-45,000 Avios return in business class. Plus, we explore why these routes are more strategic than they first appear, the connection opportunities they unlock, and whether they're worth your points or cash. Both routes are bookable now for spring and summer 2026 travel. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 12, 2025 · 9 min
✈️ Major Avios Partnership Secured: What UK Collectors Need to Know Right Now
IAG Loyalty and American Express have just announced a multi-year partnership extension that directly impacts UK Avios collectors. This renewal secures the future of British Airways Amex co-brand cards, Membership Rewards transfers to Avios, and Amex acceptance across all IAG airlines. With 2026 marking the 25th anniversary of the BA Amex partnership, we break down what this stability means for your points strategy and what special opportunities might be on the horizon. If you collect Avios through Amex cards or transfers, this is essential news for your earning strategy. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 11, 2025 · 9 min
✈️ easyJet's 30% Flash Sale Ends TODAY at 3pm - Act Fast!
easyJet is celebrating 30 years with 30% off over 300,000 seats from the UK, but you only have until 3pm today to book. Flights start from just £14.99 to destinations including Barcelona, Tenerife, the Canary Islands, and more, covering travel from November 2025 through March 2026. Jack breaks down the best deals, explains why paying cash sometimes beats using points, and shares strategies for maximizing value including regional airport options and credit card earning potential. Plus, package holiday deals with code SAVE30 available until November 20th. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 9, 2025 · 9 min
✈️ Iberia Just Made a MAJOR WiFi Announcement That Changes Everything
Iberia has confirmed free Starlink WiFi is coming to their entire fleet, offering speeds up to 450 Mbps for all passengers regardless of cabin class. This marks a dramatic shift from their current expensive and limited WiFi service, with implementation beginning in 2026. The announcement positions Iberia alongside British Airways as IAG airlines commit to high-speed connectivity even on short-haul routes. For Avios collectors, this makes Iberia redemptions significantly more attractive, especially on long-haul routes to Latin America. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 6, 2025 · 9 min
✈️ BA Just Announced Something Actually Exciting (Finally)
British Airways has officially confirmed Starlink Wi-Fi is coming to their entire fleet starting in 2026 - and it's completely free for all passengers from economy to First Class. We break down what makes Starlink different from traditional inflight Wi-Fi, how BA compares to competitors like Virgin Atlantic and Qatar Airways, and why this is genuinely one of the airline's most significant service improvements in years. If you fly BA or collect Avios, this episode explains exactly what this game-changing announcement means for your future flights. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 6, 2025 · 9 min
✈️ Qatar Airways Just Started Charging for THIS on Award Bookings
Qatar Airways has quietly introduced seat selection fees for business class award bookings starting November 3rd, 2025. Passengers redeeming Avios or Q credits now face approximately £85 per flight segment to select seats in advance, unless they hold oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status. This change affects all partner programs including British Airways, Iberia, and Alaska Airlines. Combined with recent fuel surcharge increases, these fees are significantly eroding the value of Qatar award redemptions, making it crucial for points collectors to diversify their strategies and consider building elite status protection. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 5, 2025 · 8 min
✈️ This Tesco Partnership Just Changed Everything for Avios Earners
Aer Lingus and Tesco Ireland have launched a partnership that's turning heads across the travel rewards community, offering an unprecedented Avios earning rate of just 0.37 pence per point through Clubcard voucher conversions. We break down exactly how this works, why the mathematics are so compelling compared to traditional Avios earning methods, and how just £17.50 in vouchers could get you a flight to Paris. While currently exclusive to Tesco Ireland, this represents one of the strongest Avios opportunities available anywhere, with redemption options extending across British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and beyond. If you have any connection to Ireland, this episode explains exactly why you should be paying attention. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Nov 1, 2025 · 8 min
✈️ SeatGuru Just Shut Down After 24 Years (Here's What to Use Instead)
After 24 years of helping travelers choose seats, SeatGuru officially closed on October 31, 2025, leaving many frequent flyers wondering how to avoid bad seats. The site had been showing outdated aircraft configurations since 2020, making it more misleading than helpful. In this episode, we reveal superior modern alternatives that offer real-time seat availability and more accurate aircraft layouts than SeatGuru ever provided. Learn which tools to use for your next booking and why this change is actually better for award travelers trying to maximize their points and miles. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Oct 29, 2025 · 4 min
✈️ British Airways Just Launched 300+ New Ways to Use Your Avios (But Should You?)
British Airways has massively expanded their Avios Shop from just Apple products to over 300 items across 17 premium brands including Antler suitcases, luxury leather goods, and travel accessories. You can now slash cash prices by up to 25% using Avios while still earning points on your remaining spend. We break down the value proposition compared to traditional flight redemptions and reveal the strategic scenarios where this actually makes sense. Plus, we establish the clear hierarchy for maximizing your Avios value and explain why this should be your backup plan, not your primary strategy. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Oct 28, 2025 · 7 min
🏨 Marriott Just Dropped Their Final 2025 Promotion - But There's a Catch You Need to Know
Marriott Bonvoy has launched their 'Celebrate 2025' promotion offering up to 2,025 bonus points per stay, with enhanced bonuses for outdoor properties. The promotion has a three-stay cap and runs from late October through January, but there are some important restrictions on qualifying stays. Host Jack breaks down whether this promotion is actually worth your time and shares strategies to maximize your earnings if you already have Marriott bookings planned. He also discusses how the hotel loyalty landscape has shifted and why we're seeing fewer generous promotions than in previous years. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Oct 28, 2025 · 10 min
💳 Virgin Money Quietly Launches First-Ever Credit Card Referral Programme - But There's a Catch
Virgin Money has finally entered the referral game with their new Virgin Atlantic credit card programme, offering up to 50,000 Virgin Points annually for successful referrals. Jack breaks down how this long-awaited programme compares to American Express offerings and whether the 5,000 points per referral makes it worthwhile. We explore the mechanics, caps, and realistic earning potential for UK cardholders. Plus, discover which Virgin Atlantic credit card offers the best value for your friends and why the annual companion vouchers could justify the fees. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Oct 25, 2025 · 7 min
✈️ URGENT: New Qatar Airways 10% Discount Code Just Dropped - Plus Massive Avios Bonus!
Jack reveals a newly discovered Qatar Airways promo code from Capital on Tap that delivers 10% off flights plus bonus Avios earnings. He breaks down exactly how this discount works across five UK airports, demonstrates real savings on Business Class fares, and explains the optimal strategy to maximize both the discount and points earnings. The episode also covers Capital on Tap's recent changes, including their dropped annual fees, making this deal even more valuable for UK business travelers. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Oct 20, 2025 · 6 min
✈️ Major Loyalty Programme Shake-Up Just Hit: What You Need to Know Before It's Too Late
Jack breaks down the shocking overnight changes to Iberia's On Business programme that completely eliminated points-based redemptions in favor of cash rewards. Learn why this could signal similar changes coming to British Airways and what corporate travelers should do immediately to protect their points value. Plus, discover the positive updates coming to Cathay Pacific's frequent flyer programme that will make status easier to maintain. Essential listening for anyone with business travel rewards or corporate points accounts. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Oct 14, 2025 · 8 min
🚨 American Express Record-Breaking Bonuses End At Midnight Tonight - Your Final Hours
American Express has launched their most aggressive welcome bonus campaign ever seen in the UK market, with offers ending at midnight tonight, October 14th, 2025. Personal cards are offering double or triple their usual bonuses, while business cards have hit unprecedented levels with the Business Platinum reaching 130,000 Membership Rewards points. We break down exactly which cards offer the best value, the eligibility requirements you need to know, and why business card holders have a massive advantage with zero restrictions. If you've been considering an Amex application, this could be your best opportunity in years. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Oct 14, 2025 · 7 min
💳 Capital on Tap Just Added Qatar Airways Avios - Here's Why It Actually Matters
Capital on Tap has quietly expanded its redemption options by adding Qatar Airways Avios as a transfer partner for UK business cardholders. While both BA and Qatar use Avios, Qatar's award chart often offers better value for Middle Eastern and Asian destinations, plus superior award availability on their premium Qsuite product. We explore the strategic differences between BA and Qatar Avios, when to choose each programme, and how this added flexibility improves the Capital on Tap value proposition. Plus, there's a potential double-dip opportunity with Qatar's 10% discount on UK flights that savvy points collectors should know about. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Oct 12, 2025 · 6 min
✈️ EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Atlantic Seats Just Got DEMOTED - What This Means for Your Next Flight
Thai Airways has made a shocking decision that's sending ripples through the aviation industry - they've taken Virgin Atlantic's business class seats and rebranded them as 'Premium Economy Plus.' The same seats Virgin charges over £2,000 for on London-New York routes are apparently 'not good enough' for Thai's business class standards. This unprecedented move reveals a massive gap in regional premium travel expectations and could create incredible opportunities for points collectors. We break down what this means for award redemptions, pricing strategies, and the future of airline cabin classifications. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap
Oct 11, 2025 · 8 min
✈️ Uber Just Launched Flight Bookings With 10% Cashback - But There's a Catch
Uber has quietly entered the flight booking market with a generous 10% cashback offer for Uber One members, running through December 2025. Jack breaks down the new service's price drop protection feature, how to stack rewards with frequent flyer programs, and whether the 60-day credit expiry makes this worthwhile. He shares his strategy for when to use Uber versus traditional booking sites and runs the numbers on a sample Premium Economy booking to New York. Plus, discover how to maximize the offer by combining flight bookings with Uber Reserve for additional credits. Subscribe to Smart With Points 👉🏼 https://smartwithpoints.com/. Check out our sponsor Award Travel Finder to help with your award flight searches. Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - American ExpressAmerican Express BusinessCapital on Tap