Alright award travel enthusiasts, let's dive into today's happenings! Buckle up, because we've got a whirlwind of deals, deadlines, and devaluations (sort of) to unpack. From bonus Avios to free Delta money (maybe!), it's a day of opportunities... if you know where to look. So, grab your favorite beverage and let's get started.
First up, the airlines are feeling generous... or at least, they're pretending to! Both British Airways and Hawaiian Airlines are offering bonuses on purchased miles/Avios. BA's dangling a 40% bonus on Avios, while Hawaiian is offering up to 50% extra HawaiianMiles. Now, the real story here is that HawaiianMiles transfer instantly to Alaska Airlines. So, you can effectively buy Alaska miles at a discount, which is pretty sweet, considering how valuable Alaska miles are for premium cabin redemptions. Just remember my golden rule: have a specific redemption in mind before you buy. Don't get caught hoarding miles that might lose value!
Speaking of British Airways, they're also offering up to 40% off award flights in Club World (business class). Sounds amazing, right? Well, hold your horses. British Airways is notorious for fuel surcharges, and according to some sources, these surcharges might be even higher during the sale. Always, always, always compare the total cost (including those pesky fees) to other options before you commit. Don't let the lure of a percentage discount blind you to the bottom line. Is it a deal, or are they playing you?
On the credit card front, United is tempting small business owners with a hefty 100,000-mile bonus and 2,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) on their business card. Those PQPs are the key here, as they'll give you a serious head start on earning elite status. Plus, Delta Amex cardholders, check your accounts! Some of you lucky ducks are being targeted for up to $200 in statement credits after taking a few Delta flights. Remember to check the eligibility criteria! It's always worth a shot. Don't forget to load up your Kroger cards either to get 4x fuel points on gift cards!
Finally, a couple of housekeeping items. Bank of America is sunsetting its current Bill Pay system, so you'll need to update your automatic payments. Nobody wants a missed payment, so mark your calendars! And Bask Bank is back with a bigger bonus for new checking accounts. $300 sounds tempting, but make sure you can realistically meet those spending requirements before you jump in. Remember folks, it's about optimizing, not overspending!
So, what's the takeaway today? A mix of genuine opportunities and potential pitfalls. As always, do your research, crunch the numbers, and don't let those flashy headlines fool you. A little bit of planning can go a long way in the world of award travel. Happy travels!