Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points

Smart With Points

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162 episodes
Updated February 14

Episodes162

Newest first

Oct 10, 2025 · 5 min
✈️ Virgin Points Hit Rock Bottom Pricing - Plus BA's Shocking Premium Economy Reveal
Virgin Points are offering their most generous bonus ever at just 0.88p per point, but the 70% bonus offer ends this Sunday. British Airways has surprised everyone by unveiling a completely redesigned World Traveller Plus cabin as part of their £7 billion transformation plan. Qatar Airways launches a new sale with up to 20% off for Privilege Club members, while several other airlines announce major route changes. Don't miss these time-sensitive deals that could save you hundreds on your next premium cabin flight. 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 8, 2025 · 5 min
✈️ Massive Status Match Alert: Free Star Alliance Access Until 2027 (ITA Airways Holders Only)
Jack reveals an incredible opportunity for ITA Airways status holders to unlock free Lufthansa status with Star Alliance-wide lounge access through February 2027. Learn about the crucial application detail that could make or break your match request, plus updates on Emirates' London expansion, British Airways Wine Flyer bonus points offer, and Air Canada's enhanced economy experience. Don't miss current buy points promotions from JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and Wyndham that could boost your account balance. 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 5, 2025 · 6 min
💳 This Hidden UK Business Card Just Shocked Me - Priority Pass + Restaurant Credits for £299
Jack reveals how the Capital on Tap Pro business card became an unexpected permanent fixture in his wallet after discovering its unique combination of unlimited Priority Pass access with £18 restaurant credits. This UK-only card earns 1.25x Avios when preloading funds and includes Radisson VIP status, making the £299 annual fee surprisingly valuable. Perfect for limited companies looking to maximize Avios earnings where Amex isn't accepted. Plus, why the math on this card's benefits adds up to over £1,000 in annual value. 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 2, 2025 · 6 min
✈️ BA's Dubai Lounge Finally Opens - But There's a Surprising Detail They Got Wrong
After six months of delays, British Airways has unveiled their brand-new Dubai lounge as part of their £7 billion transformation programme. We take you inside the completely reimagined space in Concourse D, exploring the dramatic design changes, improved facilities, and dedicated Concorde Dining Room. While the lounge addresses many pain points of the old space, early visitors have spotted an amusing oversight that's already become a talking point on FlyerTalk. Is this new lounge worth the wait, or does it fall short of Dubai's premium lounge standards? 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 1, 2025 · 6 min
✈️ BA Just Made First Class 20K Avios Cheaper - Here's the Route You Need to Know
British Airways has announced a major frequency increase to a Middle Eastern destination that could revolutionize First Class redemptions for Avios collectors. We break down the exact numbers showing how you can save 17,000-20,000 Avios compared to other popular routes, plus why the new daily service should dramatically improve award availability. Learn how to use the BA Companion Voucher to get two people in First Class for just 136,000 Avios return, and discover why this route offers the full BA First Class experience at one of the lowest redemption rates in their network. 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
Sep 30, 2025 · 6 min
✈️ Hilton's Autumn Promo Just Dropped + BA's Middle East Expansion Creates Thousands of New Award Seats
Jack breaks down Hilton's new autumn promotion offering 1,500 bonus points per stay through December, plus analyzes whether the £5 value per stay is worth your time. He covers British Airways' major Middle East network expansion to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, and Jeddah, creating thousands of new Avios award opportunities. The episode also includes urgent updates on PLAY Airlines ceasing operations, flash sales from IHG and Kimpton, and current buy points offers from JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and Hyatt. Essential listening for anyone planning autumn travel or looking to maximize their points 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
Sep 29, 2025 · 4 min
✈️ Emirates Just Launched Their Biggest Miles Bonus Ever - Plus Multiple Buy Points Deals Ending Soon
Emirates is celebrating their loyalty programme's 25th anniversary with a massive 50% bonus on all miles earned through October 20th - one of their most generous promotions yet. We'll also cover IHG's targeted 20% discount on Points and Cash bookings, Lufthansa's new Allegris cabins expanding to Frankfurt routes, and a roundup of current buy points offers including Avianca LifeMiles at just 1.29p per point. Plus, Virgin Atlantic adds new point conversion options and Emirates offers 5,000 bonus miles for hotel bookings. 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
Sep 28, 2025 · 5 min
💳 MASSIVE Amex UK Business Bonus Just Dropped - 60,000 Points + Waived Fee
American Express has just launched their biggest UK business card bonus ever - 60,000 Membership Rewards points with the annual fee completely waived for the first year. Jack breaks down exactly who qualifies (hint: you don't need a huge business) and why this could be a game-changer for your travel plans. Plus, we cover Accor's new 30% hotel discount offer and some strategic buy points deals that are worth your attention. Don't miss the details on Lufthansa's massive €70 million investment in their premium cabins ahead of their 100th anniversary. 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
Sep 27, 2025 · 4 min
✈️ British Airways LOSES Over 4,000 Elite Members to Rival Airline - What This Means for Travelers
A massive defection of British Airways' most valuable customers is sending shockwaves through the aviation industry, with over 4,000 elite frequent flyers switching to Air France KLM. We dive into what went wrong with BA's elite program overhaul and why these premium cabin regulars are taking their business elsewhere. Plus, we explore BA's mysterious new upgrade bidding system that few passengers have actually seen, and Ryanair's major boarding pass policy change coming in 2025. We also cover the latest points sales and bonus offers worth your 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
Sep 25, 2025 · 3 min
✈️ Massive Amex Gold Bonus Doubled + ESTA Fee Increase Alert
American Express has just doubled their Gold Credit Card sign-up bonus to 40,000 Membership Rewards points with the first year's fee waived - a fantastic opportunity to boost your points balance. We also discuss Gatwick Airport's approval for a second runway which could mean better award availability for UK travellers. Plus, there's urgent news about the US ESTA fee nearly doubling to $40 from September 30th, so act fast if you're planning American trips. Finally, we cover the uncertain future of Curve's sale to Lloyds Banking Group and what it might mean for points enthusiasts. 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
Sep 22, 2025 · 3 min
✈️ Virgin Points Game-Changer: SkyTeam Access + Accor's Surprising Transfer Bonus
Virgin Points has just expanded to include Air France, KLM, Delta, and other SkyTeam partners, dramatically increasing the value and flexibility of your points overnight. We explore how this expansion gives UK travellers access to a much wider network and better award availability through one convenient programme. Plus, we cover Accor's rare 50% transfer bonus to Club Eurostar that's actually worth considering for regular Eurostar users. Jack also shares a seasonal tip about earning 3,000 bonus Avios through The Wine Flyer's promotion, perfect for festive champagne purchases. This episode breaks down how these developments could transform your points strategy and travel options. 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
Sep 20, 2025 · 3 min
✈️ 2,500 Avios Flash Deal + Emirates Premium Economy Redemptions
Jack reveals a brilliant Rocketmiles promotion that could net you over 2,500 Avios from a single hotel stay, plus Virgin Atlantic's double points flash deal on package holidays. We explore Emirates' game-changing new Premium Economy redemption option that offers the perfect sweet spot between Economy and Business Class. Plus, updates on Qantas' stunning new First Class lounge in Singapore and why these deals represent some of the best value opportunities for points enthusiasts right now. 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
Sep 15, 2025 · 4 min
✈️ Virgin Atlantic Award Charts Decoded: Maximizing Your Virgin Points & Free Hotel Status for Vodafone Customers
Jack breaks down Virgin Atlantic's updated award charts and reveals how to extract maximum value from Virgin Points across short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul premium redemptions. Learn why Virgin Points excel on Upper Class flights to destinations like New York and Hong Kong, and discover the flexibility of their distance-based system. Plus, exciting news for Vodafone customers who can now claim free Club O2 status with Small Luxury Hotels, unlocking room upgrades, late checkout, and exclusive member rates at over 400 luxury properties worldwide. Don't miss the discussion on time-sensitive miles and points offers currently available. 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
Sep 14, 2025 · 3 min
💳 Historic 120k Amex Business Bonus + Marriott Nectar Partnership
American Express has launched their largest-ever UK business card welcome bonus, offering an incredible 120,000 Membership Rewards points on the Business Platinum Card. We also cover Marriott Bonvoy's new partnership with Nectar as their first 'everyday earn' partner in the UK, allowing members to earn Nectar points on hotel stays. Plus, great news for Club Avolta duty-free promotion participants as Radisson VIP status gets extended through 2027. We'll also discuss some recent issues Marriott Amex cardholders are experiencing with welcome bonuses and what to do if you're affected. 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
Sep 12, 2025 · 4 min
💳 Record UK Amex Business Bonus & Hilton's Third Devaluation This Year
American Express launches their biggest-ever UK business card bonus with 120,000 points for new Business Platinum cardholders. Hilton pushes through another painful devaluation, with top-tier properties now costing up to 250,000 points per night - their third such change in just 12 months. Time is running out for Oktoberfest planning with just two weeks left to secure Munich accommodation using points. Plus updates on Heathrow's reopened Plaza Premium arrivals lounge and Flying Blue's 200,000 mile photo competition prize. 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
Sep 10, 2025 · 4 min
💳 MASSIVE 120,000 Point AmEx Bonus + Hotel Earning Tips
Jack breaks down American Express's largest-ever UK business card bonus - 120,000 Membership Rewards points with no complicated restrictions. He explores the incredible travel value these points can unlock through airline transfers compared to cash redemptions. The episode also covers World of Hyatt's generous double points promotion for autumn stays across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, plus JetBlue's enhanced free Wi-Fi partnership with Amazon. A bonus tip for pet owners rounds out this points-packed episode. 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
Sep 9, 2025 · 8 min
💳 Amex to Marriott 30% Transfer Bonus: Worth Your Points?
American Express has launched a compelling 30% transfer bonus from Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy points, improving the ratio to an impressive 1:1.95. Host Jack breaks down the mathematics, timing considerations (bonus points take up to 8 weeks), and strategic use cases for this promotion. He compares hotel transfers versus airline redemptions, shares personal transfer strategies, and provides practical tips for maximising value. Perfect for points collectors considering whether to convert their flexible Amex points into Marriott's ecosystem. 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
Sep 9, 2025 · 3 min
✈️ Iberia Business Class Hack + Virgin's Massive 70% Points Bonus
Discover a little-known trick to use your British Airways Amex companion voucher on Iberia flights for massive savings on business class to New York. We'll also cover Virgin Atlantic's biggest-ever 70% bonus when buying points and explore exciting new partnerships including The Wolseley Group joining GHA DISCOVERY. Plus, find out how you can now earn and spend hotel loyalty points at London's most celebrated restaurants. Don't miss these game-changing opportunities to maximize your points and unlock premium travel experiences for less. 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
Sep 7, 2025 · 3 min
✈️ Massive Amex Business Gold Bonus + Austrian Airlines' Bold Dubai Experiment
Jack breaks down an exceptional American Express Business Gold Card offer featuring 60,000 Membership Rewards points with no annual fee in year one, plus simplified qualification rules that guarantee the bonus if approved. The episode also covers Austrian Airlines' surprising experiment using short-haul aircraft on Dubai routes, which could mean lower fares but reduced comfort. Additionally, we discuss British Airways' controversial policy of not refunding seat reservation fees when flights are cancelled, and how to navigate this when booking. Don't miss these important updates that could impact your travel planning and points 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
Sep 4, 2025 · 3 min
✈️ Air France Wi-Fi Upgrades & Singapore Airlines First Class Returns to Amsterdam
This episode covers exciting developments for frequent flyers, including Air France's newly refurbished Embraer E190 aircraft with complimentary Wi-Fi for all Flying Blue members on European routes. We also discuss Singapore Airlines' announcement to bring back First Class service on the Amsterdam to Singapore route starting July 2026, replacing their A350-900 with a Boeing 777-300ER. Host Jack provides strategic insights on how to leverage these updates for better travel experiences and award redemption opportunities. Perfect for travelers looking to maximize their points and miles while staying connected or planning luxury long-haul 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