Curated articles on loyalty programs, redemption strategies, and travel rewards. Updated weekly.
Hyatt sent surveys to select members about potential changes to Milestone Rewards and elite benefits starting 2027 — including possible removal of free parking and resort fee waivers for Globalist. The survey also hints at a possible new tier above Globalist, similar to Marriott Ambassador and Hilton Diamond Reserve.
A comprehensive review of every major airline loyalty devaluation in 2025 — including Lufthansa Miles & More moving to dynamic pricing, Emirates gating First Class awards behind elite status, and Capital One reducing transfer ratios to Emirates. Includes a practical 2026 strategy for protecting points value.
Current bonus earning opportunities across major programs — Marriott offering 20,000 bonus points on Homes & Villas stays of $1,500+, IHG's Pick Your Points summer promotion, Flying Blue releasing Promo Rewards with up to 25% off select European routes, and Lufthansa Miles & More celebrating ITA Airways joining with bonus miles.
Chase's Points Boost feature, which launched in June 2025 offering 2 cents per point on curated hotel bookings, has seen its value erode. Only 27% of 150 tracked Edit hotels still offer the full 2 cents per point rate, down from 100% at launch — a cautionary tale about relying on fixed-value redemption promises.
NerdWallet's annual review of the top loyalty programs. Atmos Rewards (Alaska/Hawaiian) leads airlines for distance-based earning and strong award availability. World of Hyatt earns high marks for advance notice of changes and no resort fees on award stays — a differentiator as other programs quietly devalue.
A candid assessment of Hyatt Globalist benefits in 2026 — including the suite upgrade policy, resort fee waivers (worth $25–60/night), Guest of Honor changes, and where the status consistently delivers versus where it falls short. Concludes that Globalist remains the only widely available status that combines suite upgrades, breakfast, and fee waivers.
A data-driven review of how major hotel loyalty programs evolved in 2025–2026 — loyalty membership surged (Marriott +43M to 271M members, Hilton +33M to 243M) while average member activity fell, forcing brands to rethink how they monetize loyalty beyond room nights.
Ben Schlappig's comprehensive case for Hyatt Globalist as the best hotel elite status — focusing on the consistency of suite upgrades, Guest of Honor awards (now earned through Milestone Rewards rather than automatic), and free breakfast delivery. Notes World of Hyatt as his all-around favorite program with lifetime Globalist status.
Fully updated guide covering Hyatt's award chart, elite tier requirements, the Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt transfer partnerships, and how to maximize the program. Notes that Hyatt's Mr & Mrs Smith acquisition has been disappointing for elite members compared to the previous Small Luxury Hotels partnership.
Eight key shifts reshaping loyalty programs heading into 2026 — from accelerating devaluations and dynamic award pricing becoming the norm to premium credit card annual fees hitting record highs ($895 for Amex Platinum, $795 for Chase Sapphire Reserve) and a new tier of mid-range premium cards emerging.
U.S. News & World Report's 2025–2026 rankings place Alaska Mileage Plan first among airlines for the 11th consecutive year and Choice Privileges first among hotels for its expanded network following the Radisson acquisition. World of Hyatt, Wyndham, and Marriott Bonvoy round out the top hotel programs.