During the financial crisis when airlines weren't doing well, they introduced additional
fees on award redemptions called fuel surcharges.
I prefer my own account because I'm the one with elite status, so any benefits that carry over
on award redemptions help everyone.
That could make it easier to reach higher tiers and even waive some
fees on award redemptions, which don't normally earn miles themselves.
In a short promotion running through to 6 October, Qantas are offering, in a limited way, Status Credits
on award redemptions made by that date.
Keep in mind that if you have the IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card you get a 10 %
refund on award redemptions, up to 100,000 points back per year.
Velocity Frequent Flyer is again offering a 15 % bonus on transfers from credit cards, and a 15 % discount
on award redemption seats.
Purchasing enough miles for a USA — Europe — USA Business Class trip, for example, will cost you $ 2,162 (57,500 x 2 x $ 0.0188) and you'll have to pay some
taxes on your award redemption.
American have continued their
assault on award redemptions to Hawaii by implementing a 40 % increase in the number of miles needed for a Business Class ticket but, in the case of partner awards, this doesn't make much difference as most people would be flying to Hawaii on American Airlines and not a partner airline anyway.
Cathay Pacific is running a promotion offering a 20 % discount
on Award redemptions in Premium Economy and Business.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members enjoy generous
availability on award redemptions, one - way travel awards and no minimum spend requirement to reach elite status.
Starwood gives you the «5th night free»
on all award redemptions of Category 3 and above and they also have a great offering called «Nights and Flights» which add even more value to your point redemptions.
However, by booking with your Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard you'll earn a 10 %
return on award redemptions (up to 10,000 miles annually), bringing the total down to just 36,000 miles.
ANA usually imposes fuel surcharges
on award redemptions equal to what the carrier charges, though Etihad doesn't impose fuel surcharges... so neither does ANA!
The only thing I can think of, is that VA runs promotion 1 - 2x / year by offering 15 % discounts
on award redemptions on VA metals.
Oddly, there isn't much happening in March, other than a decent credit card sign - up bonus, a looming devaluation, and a few opportunities to earn and save
points on award redemptions.
Also keep in mind that if you have the IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card you get a 10 %
refund on award redemptions, up to 100,000 points back each year.
The Barclays Arrival Plus card has no foreign transaction fees, free monthly credit score update, chip technology, and a 5 %
rebate on all award redemptions.
Scotia's redeeming structure makes it much more flexible as you can redeem your points for a statement credit against any charge coming from an airline, including taxes and
fees on an award redemption, or a bus ticket, for example.
Plus, cardholders get a 5K
discount on award redemptions, and US Airways is well known for having discounted tickets to Europe during off - peak seasons.
All AA purchases earn double miles, you get a 10 % rebate (up to 10,000 miles)
on award redemptions each calendar year, and you'll earn a $ 100 travel credit when you spend $ 30,000 by each anniversary.
The Barclaycard Arrival Plus card has no foreign transaction fees, free monthly credit score update, chip technology, and a 5 % rebate
on all award redemptions.
Cardmembers can register to receive a 20 % rebate
on award redemptions.
Also keep in mind that SPG, Hilton, and Marriott offer a «5th night free»
on award redemptions.
For instance, foreign airlines routinely add «fuel surcharges»
on award redemptions that more than cover the additional cost of higher fuel prices.
A combination of a competitive Business Class product and competitive pricing make Aer Lingus an airline that can be very useful for transatlantic travel and, as long as the airline stays away from horrendous surcharges
on award redemptions, Economy Class awards can offer a good way to save cash.
British Midland does impose fuel surcharges
on award redemptions, so if you booked for travel on United or Continental, you'll pay around $ 350 in fuel surcharges.
Some of the partners Alaska has added lately, like Hainan and Icelandair, have come with carrier imposed surcharges
on award redemptions.
The IHG Rewards Club Select credit card comes with Platinum status, which comes with a 10 % discount
on award redemptions and late checkout when available.
Also don't forget IHG credit cardholders get a 10 % discount
on award redemptions.
That card has a higher $ 95 annual fee and while it does offer a 10 % rebate
on award redemptions (up to 10,000 miles per year), the annual fee is higher — just by $ 6 but in my world that's a latte with an extra shot of espresso to give me a jolt during early morning flights.
It's also worth noting that they impose fuel surcharges
on award redemptions, though they're quite reasonable compared to what you'd pay going to Europe.