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آگوست 1, 2022

Book cheap American Airlines flights with British Airways Avios

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Collecting travel rewards for free flights comes in all types. There are first-class flights to Asia, premium economy seats to Europe and even quick jaunts to your neighboring state. But, some of the best value you can get using your miles can be found from short-haul flights.

Saving on short-haul flights using travel rewards is especially true if you’re traveling at the last minute. With American Airlines, in particular, that’s possible by using British Airways miles, which are called Avios. Because British Airways and American Airlines are partners, you can use your Avios for nearly free American flights. Better yet, it’s incredibly easy to earn Avios, so even if you’ve never flown with British Airways before, you could still be in luck.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about booking short-haul American Airlines flights through British Airways’ Executive Club loyalty program.

While it may not seem logical — especially if you never plan to travel to the UK — US travelers should care about the British Airways Executive Club.

British Airways and American Airlines are both part of the Oneworld alliance, a global network of airlines, which also includes airlines such as Australia’s Qantas, Japan Airlines and Spain’s Iberia. An airline alliance frequently offers travelers the ability to search and book flights through each other’s frequent flyer programs, and travelers with elite status get additional benefits such as complimentary lounge access and priority check-in even when traveling with a partner airline.

So, with that in mind, in the Oneworld alliance, travelers can search for American Airlines flights directly through British Airways’ website. And yes, you can use British Airways Avios even if you aren’t flying to or from the United Kingdom. In fact, some of the best ways to use Avios are right here in the United States on American Airlines flights.

Knowing you can use British Airways Avios for free American Airlines flights is the first step. Next comes learning how many Avios you’ll need in order to take you where you need to go. In other words, it’s time to get to know British Airways’ award chart, which prices out exactly how many Avios you’ll need to spend.

British Airways uses what’s known as a distance-based award chart. That means you’ll use more Avios the farther you fly, but it also means the inverse — you’ll need fewer points for short distances. British Airways has a separate award chart for flights on partners like American Airlines, which is what we’ll focus on. Line two is particularly of note for domestic flights between one and 650 miles.

Economy

Premium Economy

Business

First

Zone 1 (1-650 miles)

6,000

9,000

12,500

24,000

Zone 1 within North America (1-650 miles)

7,500

N/A

15,000

30,000

Zone 2 (651-1,150 miles)

9,000

12,500

16,500

33,000

Zone 3 (1,151-2,000 miles)

11,000

16,500

22,000

44,000

Zone 4 (2,001-3,000 miles)

13,000

25,750

38,750

51,500

Zone 5 (3,001-4,000 miles)

20,750

41,250

62,000

82,500

Zone 6 (4,001-5,500 miles)

25,750

51,500

77,250

103,000

Zone 7 (5,501-6,500 miles)

31,000

62,000

92,750

123,750

Zone 8 (6,501-7,000 miles)

36,250

72,250

108,250

144,250

Zone 9 (7,001+ miles)

51,500

103,000

154,500

206,000

Figuring out how many miles are between airports may sound difficult, but it couldn’t be easier. You can use websites like Great Circle Map to plug in your departure and arrival airport and find out how many miles your flight will be.

With that in mind, let’s break down how many Avios you would need for short-haul flights to a few destinations around the US.

If you wanted to fly from New York’s JFK Airport to Baltimore (BWI), for example, you’d only need 7,500 Avios and $5.60 in taxes and fees for an economy flight, provided there’s award availability on your travel dates. That’s because the flight is just 155 miles in distance, far fewer than the 650-mile cap under the Zone 1 North America line of BA’s partner award chart.

British Airways

A flight between Charlotte and Miami is just over 650 miles in distance, which puts it in the Zone 2 band on BA’s partner award chart. That means you’d need 9,000 Avios plus $5.60 in taxes to book the flight in economy — provided there’s award availability. This, as opposed to paying cash for the flights that can often cost hundreds of dollars.

British Airways

As you can see, you can save plenty of money by using your points instead of cash for short-haul domestic flights on American Airlines. In fact, using British Airways Avios is even cheaper than using American AAdvantage miles in many circumstances because one-way short-haul flights greater than 500 miles start at 12,500 miles in economy if booking directly with AA.

British Airways

Once you’re ready to see how you can use Avios for American flights, you can search for award availability via British Airways’ website. You’ll need to create a free Executive Club account in order to search and find if there are any award seats available on your dates of travel.

Even if you’ve never flown with British Airways before, earning Avios is easy to do. In fact, British Airways Avios are some of the easiest points to earn. You can earn Avios by opening a British Airways-branded credit card, by transferring points from other credit cards or by flying with a partner airline and crediting your flight to BA. Let’s take a look at the two easiest ways to earn Avios quickly.

Getting the British Airways Visa Signature® Card is arguably the easiest way to earn a massive haul of Avios for short-haul flights. The card has an impressive sign-up bonus wherein you can earn up to 100,000 Avios. You’ll get 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening and an additional 25,000 Avios after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months of account opening. You’ll also earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, along with its partners Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Level.

You’ll also earn 2 Avios per dollar spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. Finally, you’ll earn 1 Avios per dollar spent on all other purchases. What’s unique about this card is while it does have a sizable sign-up bonus, the card has a modest $95 annual fee, which is perfect for travelers who don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars per year to keep a travel rewards credit card open.

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If you’ve got a travel rewards credit card that earns points in a transferable currency, you could also be in good shape. That’s because British Airways is a transfer partner of several of the programs. For example, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to British Aiways at a one-to-one ratio, which means you’ll get 1 Avios for every Chase point you transfer.

It’s the same for American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One Miles, where 1 Membership Rewards point and one Capital One mile equals 1 Avios. Finally, if you’ve got a load of Marriott Bonvoy points in your account, they can also transfer to British Airways — though at a less-than-favorable three-to-one ratio.

Most of these partners transfer to British Airways instantly, so you should see your miles in your Avios account shortly after initiating the transfer.

Ultimately, having the option to save money on flights is a terrific thing to have. Better yet, you can save on flights within the US using a mileage currency that’s often overlooked by the way of British Airways’ Avios. Next time you see exorbitant airfare, consider putting your travel rewards to use.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards of 2022.

می 24, 2022

19 adult-friendly resorts perfect for honeymoons you can book free with points

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A honeymoon should be the trip of a lifetime, but cost can often be a deterrent when planning that dream vacation. If you’re looking for a stunningly beautiful adults-only resort or adult-friendly hotel for that perfect honeymoon, it may come with a hefty price tag. But, some spots allow you to book a stay for free using your stash of travel rewards.

Yes, a free honeymoon may seem too good to be true, but that’s hardly the case. By saving up those travel rewards, you can get that perfect all-inclusive beach experience or relaxing intimate honeymoon hideaway, all while saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on this once-in-a-lifetime romantic trip.

From all-inclusive Caribbean resorts to sophisticated elegance on Italy’s Amalfi coast to sustainable hotels in Bali, here are the best adults-only or adult-friendly honeymoon resorts you can book with travel rewards.

Book one of Hyatt’s newest all-inclusive resorts for free, the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana. This adults-only Caribbean haven features floating, swim-up suites with stocked mini-bars (yes, they’re free, too!) and inviting king beds. With 25 different restaurants and bars, you won’t get tired of eating the same buffet food at this all-inclusive hotel. Honeymooners can indulge in optional extras like moonlit beach dinners, private pool cabanas and beachside couples spa treatments.

The Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is a member of World of Hyatt, and standard nightly rates cost 25,000 Hyatt points (21,000 points per night on off-peak dates or 29,000 points per night on peak dates). If you need more Hyatt points, consider signing up for the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Currently, you can earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months, plus up to an additional 30,000 points by earning 2 points for every dollar you spend on everything you purchase with the card that normally earns 1 point per dollar, up to $15,000 in spend. If you maximize the sign-up bonus, you can earn up to 60,000 bonus points plus extra for each dollar you spend. For 63,000 points, you can redeem for a three-night stay at the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana on off-peak dates.

This Marriot Autograph Collection property is an adults-only boutique luxury hotel located on Greece’s largest island, Crete. Spend long, indulgently lazy days as newlyweds in this hotel’s one-of-a-kind, zen-inspired pool made from special Creten material Mylopetra. Its porous texture feels like sand and it soaks up the Cretan sunlight, making you feel part of the island’s natural elements. Some of the rooms feature private plunge pools or heated jacuzzis, too.

The hotel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, and nightly rates tend to hover around 73,000 points per night during the shoulder season, though they vary, depending on the nightly cash rate. Traveling to Greece in the shoulder season (May or October) generally offers better rates on accommodation, whether you’re using travel rewards or cash to pay for your stay — and you’ll still get sunshine and warm temperatures.

Get those blissed-out California vibes during your honeymoon at the iconic Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Enjoy the best of Beverly Hills’ shopping and dining, coming back to this adults-centric tranquil abode to rejuvenate. Between the Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed rooms and suites to the luxe rooftop pool and the La Prairie Spa (which has its own designated couples suite, perfect for honeymooners), you’ll never want to leave this hotel.

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is part of the Hilton Honors program. Nightly rates at the property vary but are loosely based on the cash rate per night. Generally, you can expect rates to start at about 95,000 Hilton points per night. The good news is that Hilton points can be earned quickly thanks to a number of Hilton credit cards. For example, with the Hilton Honors American Express Card, you can earn 100,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Plus, you can earn up to $100 in statement credits on eligible purchases made on the card at any Hilton hotel in the first 12 months of card membership. Best of all, there is no annual fee on this card (see rates and fees).

Kimpton has a number of Key West properties, but the serene, adult-friendly Ridley House features just 23 rooms, perfect for an intimate honeymoon exploring Florida’s most southern tropical paradise. This quiet retreat inspires quiet bonding moments with your significant other, like relaxing in rocking chairs on the 19th-Century building’s front porch or sprawling out in cozy hammocks for a nap.

Kimpton hotels are part of the IHG One Rewards program, and rates start at around 66,000 IHG points per night, though that varies based on the cash rate per night. Even if you’re redeeming points, be sure to budget for the hotel’s resort fee, which is around $40 per night. IHG One Rewards points can be earned quickly via the program’s IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card, which comes with a sign-up bonus of 140,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months — that’s at least two nights at this idyllic Key West property.

For a desert-inspired honeymoon escape, head to Al Maha, a Marriott Luxury Collection Resort located in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Although the resort is adult-friendly and not adults-only, you don’t really have to see kids — or really, anyone — if you don’t want to. The all-suite hotel features 24-hour all-inclusive room service for those who want to “dine in.” And each private Bedouin Suite is decked out with Arabian furnishings and its own private plunge pool complete with views of the serene desert sands, the perfect setup for couples.

As a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program, you can redeem points for a free stay. Rates start at around 100,000 Marriott points per night, though that varies based on the nightly cash rate on any given set of dates. Although this hotel feels decidedly far-flung, it’s only 45 minutes from central Dubai. So, you can pair an exotic escape to Al Maha with a few days exploring Dubai’s urban paradise for the perfect honeymoon.

For any couple looking for a sunny honeymoon during the winter months a bit closer to home, the adults-only Miraval Arizona offers year-round sunshine and different wellness packages that will renew and restore you together as a couple. From bonding rituals like spiritual drumming classes to refreshing spa treatments with views of the mountains to private horseback rides and couples cooking classes, you’ll have an intimate escape and feel anew after a visit here.

Miraval resorts are part of the World of Hyatt program, meaning you can redeem points for a free all-inclusive and mindful honeymoon. Room rates for two start at 65,000 Hyatt points per night on standard dates. Unfortunately, you can’t book this stay online — you’ll have to call Hyatt at (800) 492-8805 to book using points. But considering that nightly rates at this property often exceed $1,000, redeeming points is a terrific option. If you’re running low on Hyatt points, remember that Chase Ultimate Rewards — earned from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve® — transfer at a one-to-one rate to Hyatt. Having flexible points like Ultimate Rewards gives you the option to redeem for free stays at Hyatt properties or free travel with any of Chase’s other 13 airline and hotel partners.

The two-in-one, adults-only Thompson Playa del Carmen gives honeymooners the chance to choose the getaway that’s the right fit for them. For couples who want a little more action and excitement, the Main House is where all the fun happens, ideal for active and adventurous travelers looking to enjoy craft cocktails alongside DJ beats, a lively rooftop scene, and of course, a little alone time in private luxury pool cabanas. For something a little quieter and more intimate, the Beach House, home to just 27 rooms and suites, is where more traditional honeymooners can go to experience a private, more tranquil beachfront getaway.

Both the Main House and the Beach House are members of the World of Hyatt program, and rates can be had for as few as 12,000 Hyatt points per night or 20,000 points per night, respectively, on standard dates. Remember, too, that World of Hyatt members — even those without elite status — get resort fees waived on free night award redemptions. With a single sign-up bonus of 80,000 points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can redeem for a free six-night stay on standard dates at the Main House. That’s nearly a week-long honeymoon vacation for free, all thanks to a single credit card bonus.

This Relais & Châteaux, adults-only, all-suite hotel on the island of Maui is set on a Hawaiian hilltop overlooking the ocean. From partner aerial yoga classes to dining in a private treehouse to couples spa treatments for two in your very own suite, the hotel’s amenities and experiences are tailored toward honeymooners looking for a romantic escape.

While this hotel doesn’t have its own points program, it is part of American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts program and can be booked using American Express Membership Rewards points via Amex Travel using the “Pay with Points” option. By booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts, card holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express get additional perks, such as daily breakfast for two, a $100 food and beverage credit, late checkout, early check-in, a complimentary room upgrade when available and complimentary Wi-Fi.

This all-inclusive, adults-only Marriott resort offers adult-oriented perks, like jet-lag massages, afternoon tea and Champagne breakfast. The spa is geared toward couples, too, with gorgeous outdoor spa suites complete with ocean views. The all-inclusive rates include activities like yoga classes and motorized water sports, perfect bonding honeymoon activities to do with your partner — or, of course, you can just lounge beachfront.

As part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, rates for two people start at 73,000 points per night, though that varies based on the nightly cash rate. Keep in mind, too, that all Marriott resorts, including all-inclusive properties, are eligible for the fifth-night free benefit, meaning if you book four nights using points, you get the fifth night free.

Bali is at the top of many couples’ honeymoon bucket lists, and the adult-friendly resort Alila Villas, complete with cliff-edge suites featuring private plunge pools, makes for the ideal intimate Indonesian retreat. Sustainable honeymooners will love the stylish retreat’s dedication to its natural environment, complete with its own chili garden, local lava rocks to absorb heat, its commitment to using less air conditioning, biodegradable amenities and upcycling.

The property is a member of the World of Hyatt program, and rates start at 30,000 points per night for a one-bedroom pool villa on standard dates (25,000 points per night on off-peak dates or 35,000 points per night on peak dates). After earning 80,000 points from the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s current sign-up bonus, you could have enough points to redeem for a free three-night stay on off-peak dates — and nearly enough points for a stay on standard dates.

This all-inclusive, all-suite, adults-only property offers 14 different restaurants and bars so honeymooners will never get bored when dining or drinking. Each of the recently renovated suites offers jetted tubs, balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows — and honeymooners ready to splurge can opt for swim-up suites or butler service. Activities range from tequila tastings to volleyball and even couples’ rituals and treatments at the property’s Innan Spa.

The property is a part of the Hilton Honors program, and nightly rates start at 57,000 points but vary depending on the time of year and nightly cash rates. Hilton guests paying with points won’t have to pay resort fees when booking the Hilton Playa del Carmen — or at any other Hilton property.

One of the most opulent adult-friendly resorts in the Maldives is the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, located on its own private island in the Indian Ocean. Take your pick of jungle garden villas, beach villas or coveted overwater villas. As each of the villas comes with its own private plunge pool, it’s easy to feel secluded in your own private jungle, beach or ocean. And, the property’s decadent overwater 1,850-square-meter Iridium Spa offers couples rituals that include things like massages, private overwater jacuzzis, Champagne and chocolates.

Rates vary based on a number of factors, including the nightly cash price, but tend to hover around the 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night mark. Keep in mind that even if you do book your room rate using points, you’ll still need to save up for a round-trip seaplane transfer to the hotel’s private island, which costs $745 per person.

This adult-centric sanctuary on the Cayman Islands is all about a blend of idyllic indoor-outdoor living, meshing inside and outside spaces together for a relaxing island experience. Honeymooners should opt for one of the more private beach bungalows, which are intimate hideaways that feature a private outdoor space and additional perks like in-room crafted nightcaps and in-room fitness experiences.

A stay at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is one of our favorite uses of IHG Rewards points. Room rates start at about 70,000 IHG points per night, though that number can vary. You’ll still have to pay an $80 amenity fee each night for rooms booked using IHG points. However, considering that cash rates at this property hover around the $600 to $700 mark, paying the $80 per night doesn’t feel as bad when you’re getting the rest of your stay for free. With 140,000 points earned from the IHG Premier Card, you can get two nights for free at this island escape, perfect for a romantic honeymoon getaway.

This adult-centric hotel is all about romance. From jaw-dropping views of the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to the hotel’s Neopolitan-inspired decor and ambiance, honeymooners at the Belmond will feel bathed in luxurious relaxation from the moment they step through the arched doorways or into the evocative cliffside infinity pool. From 18th-Century frescoes to magnificent sea views to private boat tours, guests will feel like they’ve entered Italian paradise.

Unfortunately, this hotel doesn’t have its own points program, but it is part of Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and can be booked using American Express Membership Rewards points via the Amex Travel Portal. Amex Platinum card holders get additional perks at this — and other — Fine Hotels + Resorts properties, such as daily breakfast for two, a $100 food and beverage credit, late checkout, early check-in, a room upgrade when available and complimentary Wi-Fi. Keep in mind, too, that the Amex Platinum offers card holders up to a $200 statement credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts booked through Amex Travel, giving you $200 off your honeymoon stay if you elect to pay cash instead.

Considered to be one of the most romantic hotels in Thailand, this adult-centric Thai sanctuary is nestled among verdant jungle foliage overlooking the sparkling Andaman Sea. All pavilions offer private verandas without outdoor lounge beds. Villas boast a private butler service — some with jacuzzis, others with private plunge pools — but all feature peaceful Thai decor and an intimate feel.

Room rates start at 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. However, considering that cash rates hover around the $600 mark, you’d be saving money on a truly magnificent honeymoon stay. If you’re short on Marriott Bonvoy points, remember, too, that you can transfer both Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards points to Marriott.

Experience the luxurious, private side of Ibiza at this adult-friendly Destination by Hyatt hotel, perched on a cliff in a tranquil cove of pine trees. 7Pines’ whitewashed buildings are separated into different sections of the property geared toward various types of travelers. Honeymooners should select suites in the Ibiceno Village section, which offer suites complete with private plunge pools. Whether it’s soaking up the sun in your private infinity pool cabana while admiring the Mediterranean Sea or taking a private couples’ meditation or yoga class, 7Pines will completely change your image of Ibiza from party to romance.

As a member of the World of Hyatt program, rates start at 30,000 Hyatt points per night on standard dates (25,000 points per night on off-peak dates or 35,000 points per night on peak dates). Need more Hyatt points? Consider getting the World of Hyatt card. With the up to 60,000 points you can earn from the sign-up bonus, you can afford up to two nights on standard dates at this property for free.

Designed with privacy in mind, this adults-only, all-inclusive Caribbean hideaway is an all-suite property. While each suite has a private balcony and a stocked mini-bar, honeymooners should opt for a premium swim-out suite for added luxury. With activities specifically catered to adults like couples spa treatments at the 21,000-square-foot spa, merengue lessons and sea kayaking, honeymooners can even set up special Hilton wedding registries so friends and family can gift activities to enjoy while there.

Nightly rates using Hilton Honors points start at 60,000, though that number can range depending on the time of year and nightly cash rate. Remember, too, that Hilton Honors members receive the fifth night free when booking stays of five nights or longer.

The Hideaway at Royalton Negril, An Autograph Collection property, is a special, adults-only hotel geared toward couples, part of the larger Royalton Negril Hotel where visitors of all ages are welcome. The Marriott property features a private, white sand beach, 11 restaurants and 13 different bars. Each guestroom has a handcrafted, ultra-comfortable bed and a jacuzzi soak tub. For an extra splurge, upgrade to Diamond Club, which offers perks like butler service, turndown service, complimentary hydrotherapy each day, lounge access and premium liquor.

As part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, nightly rates start at 61,000 Marriott points for a room at the Royalton Negril. Then, you’ll want to upgrade to the Hideaway for a more exclusive and adults-only feel.

This sophisticated, adult-centric resort is located in Rodney Bay on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. The hotel has 115 rooms, and honeymooners have their choice between mountain or harbor views and either swim-up rooms or private balconies. With four different pools, five different restaurants and a spa featuring Caribbean-inspired spa treatments (think coconut body wraps and detox algae treatments), adults can set themselves apart from families and children for a more private escape.

This Curio Collection property is part of the Hilton Honors program, and rates start at 49,000 points per night. With 100,000 Honors points in your account after earning the welcome bonus on the Hilton Amex card, you’ll be able to pay for two for free nights at this resort.

Find out which credit cards CNN Underscored chose as its best travel credit cards of 2022.

می 7, 2022

How to access some of the world’s best airport lounges

The feelings often associated with flying tend to be dreary. Between time spent waiting in line to check in and get through security, dodging other passengers in narrow corridors and waiting in a gate area that never seems to have enough seats, there’s plenty that makes the flying experience less than ideal.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are places in the airport you can go to escape the manic nature of the terminal. They’re called airport lounges. Airport lounges are some of the most idyllic places to spend time before your flight. They often offer free food and drinks, ample seating, free Wi-Fi and additional amenities like showers and nap pods, and some even offer spas, barbershops and workout equipment.

Accessing these lounges can be easy too, as they’re often not just reserved for the most frequent flyers. Indeed, even if you only travel a couple of times per year, you can gain access to lounges all across the globe without paying a fortune.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways you can access airport lounges across the world.

Credit cards with VIP perks

By far the easiest way to ensure you can access an airport lounge is with a credit card. There are a number of credit cards that offer lounge access as a perk of simply having the card. The best example of this is The Platinum Card® from American Express, which is often considered one of the best overall credit cards for frequent travelers.

With the Amex Platinum Card, card members are allowed to access any of American Express’s own network of Centurion Lounges. Centurion Lounges are some of the nicest and most desirable airport lounges in the United States, given their comfy environments, business-related services and curated menus that offer free food and drinks for travelers.

Currently, there are 24 Centurion Lounges around the world at these domestic and international airports, with the most recent opening being London Heathrow.

Domestic: Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/JFK, New York/LGA, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle
International: Buenos Aires, Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Mexico City, Monterrey, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Stockholm, Sydney

Additionally, American Express has announced plans to open new locations in Atlanta and Washington, DC.

With the Amex Platinum card, members also have access to Delta Air Lines’s network of Sky Club lounges, so long as you’re flying on a Delta-operated flight on the same day.

It’s not just Amex that has its own set of lounges. In November, Capital One opened its first-ever airport lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The first lounge in the Capital One network has quickly become one of the best domestic lounges thanks to its premium food offerings, multiple relaxation areas, two Peloton bikes and bar with custom cocktails.

Emily McNutt

Capital One is also planning to open more lounges in the future, with Denver International Airport (DEN) and Washington, DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) set to open later in 2022. Access to Capital One Lounges is reserved for card holders of the new Capital One Venture X. Additionally, Venture and Spark Miles card holders get two free visits per year and then a fee of $45 per visit each time thereafter.

Chase is also planning to get in on the issuer-branded airport lounge trend. With its lounge network, called Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, the issuer is planning to open locations at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York LaGuardia (LGA), San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

It’s unclear at this point who will be welcomed to visit the Chase lounges. However, it’s likely that Chase Sapphire Reserve® card holders will be permitted access.

A number of cards — including the Amex Platinum — also offer a Priority Pass membership as a benefit of having the card (enrollment required). Priority Pass is a network of more than 1,300 lounges available around the world, entitling members to a relaxing space and food and drink before their flight. Some Priority Pass benefits even extend beyond lounges to restaurants within the airport terminal, allowing members to save money on meals.

Personal credit cards that offer a Priority Pass membership with unlimited access to lounges include the Amex Platinum, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.

Some other credit cards, such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, offer some Priority Pass visits each year, but not unlimited access. Also, some cards allow card holders to take guests into Priority Pass lounges for free, while other memberships charge for guest access.

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has been collected independently by CNN. The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is not currently available through CNN.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines all also have their own respective lounge networks as well, dubbed Admirals Clubs, Sky Clubs and United Clubs, respectively. Each airline typically allows select elite members, international premium-cabin flyers and people with the airline’s top-tier credit card to access their lounges.

For example, with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, card members receive an Admirals Club membership, including access for up to two guests, while the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card provides access to Delta Sky Clubs when you’re traveling Delta on a same-day ticket.

Membership service

If you don’t think you’ll get enough use out of a credit card to justify its annual fee, you can consider purchasing a lounge membership all on its own. Priority Pass, which offers a network of lounges across the globe, allows travelers to purchase a membership outright.

Priority Pass offers three levels of membership, which vary in price depending how much you plan to use the service:

Standard — $99 per year, which allows you to access lounges for $32 per visit. You can also pay $32 for each guest traveling with you to enter the lounge.
Standard Plus — $299 per year, which grants you 10 free visits each year and then costs $32 for each visit thereafter. Additionally, each guest costs $32, even for the first 10 visits.
Prestige — $429 per year, which grants you unlimited free visits each year. Each guest will cost $32.

Keep in mind that if you think you may use the service several times a year and plan to bring guests with you when you travel, you may get better value with one of the credit cards we mentioned above, since the annual fee on one of those cards may be less than what you’d pay for a membership plus guest passes.

If you live near a city that’s home to an airline — think Atlanta with Delta, Chicago with United or Dallas with American — you could consider purchasing a lounge membership to that airline’s lounge network. For example, you can pay $650 per year for a membership to gain access to American Airlines’ Admirals Club lounges, as well as those with Alaska Airlines and Qantas.

However, paying directly for a lounge membership typically doesn’t give you the best value — getting lounge access with a credit card can be both cheaper and come with additional perks when flying that airline.

Flying internationally in a premium cabin

Historically, the easiest way to guarantee access to an airport lounge comes via your boarding pass. Airlines around the world have spent large sums of money to create bespoke airport lounges for their premium flyers to enjoy before a flight.

Most legacy airlines — including Delta, American and United — have dedicated lounge spaces where business- and first-class flyers can relax. If you want access to these spaces, book yourself an eligible business-class ticket that grants you lounge access.

Now, it’s important to note that if you’re flying domestically, you typically won’t get access to an airline’s lounge just for having a business-class ticket. There are some exceptions, mainly centered around transcontinental flights, but to get lounge access with your boarding pass, you usually need to be traveling to an international destination.

Some airlines — especially in Europe, Asia and the Middle East — also have separate, dedicated spaces for their most premium first-class flyers. These spaces, which are the most exclusive in any airport, are often reserved entirely for customers flying in first class with an airline.

For example, Air France has a dedicated lounge for its first-class passengers, dubbed La Première. Tickets in La Première often cost in the thousands of dollars. So unless you’re willing to shell over the cash, don’t expect to get access to this exclusive space.

Airline elite status

Airlines reward their most loyal customers with elite status, and the benefits you get with elite status vary by airline and what level of status you attain. For example, if you fly enough with a single airline to earn its lowest level of elite status, you may be entitled to perks such as complimentary checked baggage, priority check-in and boarding and the ability to earn additional frequent flyer miles for each flight you take.

But if you fly enough with a single airline to earn its highest level of elite status, you might be entitled to additional, more lucrative benefits — including some lounge access.

For example, with United Airlines’ MileagePlus loyalty program, Gold, Platinum and 1K members — the top three levels of United elite status — are entitled to access United lounges with a same-day international United boarding pass, even if they’re flying on an economy ticket. Unfortunately, you still won’t get lounge access if you’re only flying domestically, even with elite status.

But because United is a member of the Star Alliance, which includes 25 other global airlines, Gold, Platinum and 1K members can also access Star Alliance partner lounges outside of the US, so long as they have a same-day Star Alliance boarding pass, even in economy.

Elite status benefits vary widely depending on the airline, so be sure to check the perks of the airline with which you have status to see if you’re entitled to lounge access.

Purchasing one-time access

Perhaps the easiest way to guarantee you have lounge access on any given day is to purchase it outright with a day pass or one-time-use pass. By buying your way into a lounge, you’re guaranteed access without having to worry about any extras. If you only travel once or twice a year but want lounge access, this could be the best way to go.

LoungeBuddy is a great service that allows you to preview which lounges in any given airport around the world offer travelers the ability to purchase one-time access. If you find a lounge that looks appealing, you can purchase your one-time access directly through LoungeBuddy’s app.

The service charges varying fees for access, depending on the lounge. But if you have the American Express® Green Card, you’ll get up to $100 in LoungeBuddy credits each year to spend on single-use lounge passes.

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by CNN. The American Express® Green Card is not currently available through CNN.

Alternatively, LoungeBuddy can be useful for determining if you have complimentary lounge access via airline elite status, credit cards or your fare class. It’s otherwise free to use as long as you’re not buying access to a lounge.

American Airlines also recently began offering flyers the option to purchase one-time access to its Flagship Lounges, which are typically reserved for Flagship First and Flagship Business passengers only. Travelers flying on an American- or Oneworld-operated flight can purchase a single-visit pass for $150 — and you can be traveling in any cabin to take advantage.

As of February 2022, travelers can purchase one-time access to the Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Since November 2021, travelers could purchase access to the Star Alliance Lounge at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), and the alliance plans to roll the option out to more of its global network. You must pre-book your visit, and once you do so, you’ll receive a QR code to show on entry. Access costs $65 per person.

Free access as a member of the military

A few lounge providers allow active duty members of the military to access their lounges for free. In particular, United Airlines provides lounge access to active duty military members with a valid military ID and their families, so long as they have a boarding pass for travel within 24 hours on a United-operated flight. American Airlines also allows US military personnel traveling in uniform to access its Admirals Clubs if they’re traveling on a same-day flight operated by American.

Keep in mind, too, that active duty members of the military are also eligible to have their annual fees waived on the Amex Platinum card (see rates and fees) and Chase Sapphire Reserve. This could be a great option for military members, as not only will they be able to access the cards’ slew of benefits, but they’ll also get complimentary lounge access via the cards’ lounge access perks.

Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Platinum card.

Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards of 2022.

آوریل 28, 2022

Capital One announces new Venture X travel credit card

CNN Underscored reviews financial products such as credit cards and bank accounts based on their overall value. We may receive a commission if you apply and are approved for a card, but our reporting is always independent and objective.

In the last few years, Capital One has made massive strides in making its travel credit cards more competitive with other major players such as Chase and American Express. On Thursday, the issuer took another huge step by announcing its first-ever premium credit card, the Capital One Venture X.

The Venture X, which has an annual fee of $395, opened for applications starting Nov. 9. Its perks include $300 in annual statement credits for bookings made through the newly relaunched Capital One Travel portal, 10,000 bonus miles each year starting with the second year you have the card, up to $100 in credits for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, complimentary cell phone insurance and, perhaps most importantly, a Priority Pass Select membership and complimentary access to the issuer’s new airport lounge network, which opens its first location today at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport.

The Capital One Venture X features fewer perks than other popular premium travel credit cards, but also a lower annual fee. “Many people don’t want to pay $500 to $600 for a credit card,” says Lauren Liss, managing vice president of premium products, rewards and partnerships at Capital One. “Many don’t want to take the time to keep track of all the benefits. So we felt this was the right time to launch a new credit card.”

Like its sister card, the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card, the Venture X earns 2 miles for every dollar you spend on everything you buy, along with a total of 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.

And new Capital One Venture X card holders can currently earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account.

Redeeming Capital One Venture X miles

Miles earned with the Capital One Venture X can be redeemed at a rate of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase made with the card using Capital One’s “Purchase Eraser” tool. At that rate, the 75,000 bonus miles from the Venture X are worth an impressive $750 toward travel.

Card holders can also use the miles to book flights and hotels at Capital One Travel at the same redemption rate. Capital One Travel offers additional features such as price protection and price prediction technology, powered by Hopper’s prediction algorithm.

But Venture X miles can also be transferred to any of the issuer’s 16 airline and hotel transfer partners for potentially even greater value. Most of these partners transfer at a 1-to-1 ratio, meaning for every 1,000 miles you transfer from the Venture X, you’ll get 1,000 points or miles in the corresponding airline or hotel loyalty program.

It takes extra time and flexibility to book travel this way, but it can result in significantly better redemption rates, especially for first- or business-class flights. That’s why frequent flyer website The Points Guy values Capital One miles at 1.85 cents apiece, which would make the 75,000-mile bonus worth a whopping $1,350.

Capital One Venture X credit card perks

Without a doubt, the two best perks on the new Capital One Venture X card are the $300 annual credit for bookings made via Capital One Travel and complimentary access to Capital One’s new airport lounges.

If you can use the entire $300 credit on travel bookings each year — which shouldn’t be difficult given that Capital One Travel provides access to most flights and hotel rooms — it effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost for the card to an extremely reasonable $95, an excellent value if you can utilize even a few of the card’s additional perks.

But there’s also the 10,000 bonus miles that all card holders receive starting at the beginning of the second year you have the Capital One Venture X, and every year thereafter. Those 10,000 bonus miles are worth $100 when redeemed through Capital One Travel or by using the card’s “Purchase Eraser,” which effectively covers the remainder of the $395 annual fee.

As far as the issuer’s new lounge network, CNN Underscored got a sneak peek of the first new lounge in Dallas last month, and came away extremely impressed with its excellent natural light, ingenious use of space, delicious cocktails and acute attention to detail. It’s a major step up from the competing Amex Centurion Lounge, also located in DFW’s Terminal D.

Capital One Venture X card holders will have unlimited access to Capital One lounges starting three hours before their flight’s scheduled departure time. They can also bring in two guests per visit at no charge, while additional guests will cost $45 each. Children under 2 can enter for free.

While the Dallas location is the only new lounge open so far, additional Capital One lounges are currently being built in Denver and Washington, DC’s Dulles airports, with more locations undoubtedly to follow. In the meantime, the Venture X’s complimentary Priority Pass Select membership provides free access for you and two guests to over 1,300 airport lounges and restaurants around the world.

Also of interest is the Venture X’s complimentary cell phone insurance. When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your Venture X card and your cell phone is stolen or damaged, you’re eligible to be reimbursed for its repair or replacement, up to $800 per claim with a maximum of two claims per 12-month period. There is a $50 deductible per claim.

One other neat feature of the Capital One Venture X is that, if you have family or friends that you’d like to add to your account, primary card holders can add authorized users at no cost, and those authorized users will also get unlimited access to all Capital One lounges, along with a Priority Pass membership and cell phone insurance when they pay their monthly cell phone bill with the card.

Should you get the new Capital One Venture X credit card?

With cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express regularly adding new features while increasing their annual fees, it’s somewhat refreshing that Capital One has chosen to create a premium card with a relatively low price point and basic easy-to-use elite perks that many travelers truly want. While $395 may seem like a lot of money for a credit card, it’s much cheaper than the $550 annual fee of the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the $695 annual fee of the Amex Platinum, and it’s easy to essentially offset the Venture X’s entire annual cost with its $300 annual travel credit and the 10,000 anniversary bonus miles that start with the second year you have the card.

Our first impression of the Capital One Venture X is certainly positive, and when accompanied by the impressive new Capital One Lounge in Dallas, we’re very much looking forward to the launch of this new credit card on Nov. 9, along with the opening of additional airport lounges in the Capital One network in the near future.

Looking for a new credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as its best travel credit cards currently available.

Get all the latest personal finance deals, news and advice at CNN Underscored Money.

آوریل 5, 2022

You can now earn and redeem Hyatt points at select AMR Collection all-inclusives

For travelers who love staying at all-inclusive resorts, Hyatt is one of the better brands out there thanks to its good properties and deals to be had. Specifically, the luxurious Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara brands already fall within the World of Hyatt portfolio. And starting Monday, April 4, members now have even more properties to consider when using World of Hyatt points for an all-inclusive stay.

In 2021, Hyatt announced the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group, which includes more than 100 all-inclusive luxury properties across Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe through its AMR Collection. This collection consists of a number of resorts where you’ll experience beach-front settings, world-class spas, gourmet food, unlimited premium beverages, 24-hour room service and many activities right at your fingertips.

For those looking to travel with their family, there are family-friendly resorts in the portfolio, such as Dreams Resorts & Spa, Now Resorts & Spa and Sunscape Resorts & Spa. However, if you’re looking for a quieter, adults-only getaway, there are Secrets Resorts & Spa and Breathless Resorts & Spa. The Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts are catered toward adults but allow children to join. In Europe, there are also Alua Hotels & Resorts, which offer both family-friendly and adults-only options, depending on the location.

Monday, April 4 marks the start of the integration between Hyatt and the AMR Collection properties wherein you can now earn and redeem World of Hyatt points at six AMR Collection properties in Cancun. While this is just a handful of properties out of the entire AMR Collection, on May 9, 2022, Hyatt will welcome more than 50 additional properties within the Americas. The rest of the resorts will be integrated at a future date.

Here’s what you can expect from Hyatt’s latest updates.

With the integration of the AMR Collection, Hyatt is implementing a new award chart for all of its all-inclusive properties. Yes, even the existing six Hyatt Ziva and three Hyatt Zilara resorts within the Hyatt portfolio will now fall under this new award chart.

The new all-inclusive award chart exists separately from Hyatt’s traditional award chart and follows an A through F category structure. All-inclusive properties on the new award chart cost between 15,000 points and 50,000 points per night for a standard night with double occupancy. Similar to the rest of the World of Hyatt properties, the award chart will also include peak and off-peak pricing.

Off-peak

Standard

Peak

12,000

15,000

18,000

17,000

20,000

23,000

21,000

25,000

29,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

42,000

50,000

58,000

The number of points required per night is valid for up to two guests in the room. After that, each guest costs an additional number of points, which is determined based on the category level and whether you’re staying on standard, peak or off-peak dates.

It’s worth noting that members will also be able to redeem their free night award certificates at all-inclusive properties. For members who have a Category 1-7 free night award certificate, they can be redeemed at an all-inclusive property that falls within Category A-D.

When it comes to hotel and airline loyalty program changes, that typically means bad news for travelers. But, in our opinion, this is actually a favorable new award chart for consumers to take advantage of. Although the categories haven’t been announced for all of the properties in the World of Hyatt and AMR Collection portfolios, from the ones we’ve seen thus far, we’re quite pleased.

As previously mentioned, Hyatt is starting with six AMR Collection properties in Cancun for the start of its integration. As of April 4, you can now earn and redeem Hyatt points for stays at these six Cancun properties at the following rates.