Award News

Hey awardtrail readers, Bilt Rewards is stepping up its game! They've just launched a new feature that lets you search for flights directly within the Bilt app or website and see the cost in both cash *and* Bilt points needed for a flight. Think of it as a mini-search engine just for your Bilt points. Right now, it only works for British Airways and Iberia, but they plan to add more transfer partners down the line. Why should you care? Well, finding award flights (flights booked with points instead of cash) can be a real pain. This new tool *could* make it easier to see if your Bilt points can get you where you want to go on BA or Iberia, potentially saving you a ton of time. The article author isn't sure if it is perfect yet, but it's a step in the right direction. This isn't a *complete* solution since it only includes Bilt's partners, but it's definitely a feature to keep an eye on as it develops!

BCU Credit Union is offering a sweet $150 bonus for new checking accounts, and it's nationwide. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to pad your travel fund, this might be it! All you have to do is open a new checking account using the promo code "STACK" and set up direct deposits totaling at least $1,000 within 60 days of opening the account. Think of it as getting paid to manage your money! The fine print: You need to be a new member, a US resident over 18, and meet BCU's membership criteria. The bonus will be deposited into your savings account by March 15, 2026. Also, remember the bonus is considered income, so you'll need to pay taxes on it. The Go Checking account has no monthly fees, and there's no early account termination fee, so it's a pretty risk-free way to grab some extra cash. This offer is valid until the end of the year (December 31, 2025). Don't wait, because these deals can disappear quickly!

Heads up, deal hunters! Amazon's running a promo where you can snag $5 off a $20 or more order when you choose to pick it up instead of having it delivered. Sounds sweet, right? The catch? It's super YMMV ("your mileage may vary," meaning it's not available to everyone). The terms originally said it was only for the first 2,000 people, but reports suggest it might still be working even after that limit. The discount, if you're eligible, applies instantly, so it's easy to check. Why does this matter to you? Well, $5 is $5! If you're already planning an Amazon purchase and see this offer, opting for pickup is a no-brainer for some quick savings. Just don't get your hopes *too* high, since eligibility seems pretty random. Happy hunting!

Heads up, deal hunters! If you're near a Micro Center, you might be able to snag a brand-new Apple Mac Mini (the M4 chip version with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD) for just $399.99! That's a seriously sweet price for a powerful little machine. This is an *in-store only* deal, so you can't order it online. Plus, stock seems to be limited, which means not every Micro Center location will have it. If you're thinking about it, it's worth checking your local store's inventory online or calling ahead to avoid a wasted trip. Why should you care? Well, if you've been eyeing a Mac Mini for home media, a small server, or just a compact desktop, this is a fantastic opportunity to save some serious cash. Just remember to check availability before rushing out the door!

Heads up, West Coast wanderers! There's a sweet deal popping up on flights to California, clocking in at around $325. This is for a basic economy ticket, so pack light and be prepared to potentially pay extra for things like checked bags and seat selection. The key to snagging this deal is using the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software. This is a handy tool that lets you find the cheapest flights by searching across multiple airlines and dates. Once you've found your dates on Matrix, head over to the airline's website to book. Why should you care? Well, California doesn't have to break the bank! Whether you're craving sunshine, beaches, or a taste of Hollywood glam, this deal opens up the Golden State to budget travelers. Just remember to factor in those potential extra fees with basic economy and get ready to explore!

Heads up, budget travelers! The Flight Deal is highlighting a sweet fare to Amsterdam for just $589 roundtrip. What makes this deal extra special? Unlike some super-basic fares, this one *includes* advance seat assignment, a normal-sized carry-on bag, *and* a checked bag. That's a big win, saving you from those pesky extra fees that can really add up. This matters because Amsterdam is a popular destination, and finding deals that include luggage can be tough. If you've been eyeing a trip to see the canals, tulips, or maybe just enjoy some delicious Dutch treats, this could be your chance to snag a relatively cheap flight with some built-in conveniences. Plus, JetBlue also has the deal according to the source, so you may be able to leverage those TrueBlue points.

Heads up, sun-seekers! There's a fantastic fare deal popping up for flights to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. We're talking round-trip tickets for as low as $289! That's a steal for a Caribbean getaway. Why does this matter to you? Well, think crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and duty-free shopping, all without breaking the bank. Plus, the article confirms this is a "regular economy fare," meaning you don't have to worry about stingy baggage restrictions – you can still bring your normal sized carry-on bag. Deals like these don't last forever, so if you've been dreaming of escaping to the Caribbean, now's the time to jump on it! Start searching for flights on your favorite booking sites and get ready to trade those winter blues for some island sunshine.

Hey awardtrail fam! Dreaming of Mai Tais and volcanic sunsets? Listen up, because there's a sweet deal happening right now that could get you to Kona, Hawaii for under $600 roundtrip! The Flight Deal spotted fares as low as $597 for regular economy tickets. To snag this deal, you'll want to use the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to find available dates. Once you've got your dates locked in, head over to your favorite booking site and punch those dates in! Keep in mind that airfare deals can disappear quickly, so it's best to book ASAP if you're serious about a Hawaiian getaway without breaking the bank. Why does this matter? Well, Hawaii isn't exactly known for being budget-friendly, so finding flights this cheap is a big win. Saving money on airfare means more money for shave ice, surfing lessons, or upgrading to an oceanfront luau! So, if Kona has been on your bucket list, now might be the perfect time to make that dream a reality.

Okay, awardtrail family, listen up! There's a fantastic deal popping up for nonstop flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and you don't want to miss it. We're seeing fares as low as $239 roundtrip from various cities. Why should you care? Well, San Juan is awesome! Think beautiful beaches, delicious food, rich history, and vibrant culture, all without needing a passport if you're coming from the US. Plus, this isn't some bare-bones basic economy fare. This is regular economy, meaning you can bring a normal-sized carry-on without extra fees, earn miles, and probably even select your seat in advance. Finding good flight deals to the Caribbean can be tricky, especially nonstop flights. This kind of price point makes a tropical getaway way more accessible. It's time to trade in those winter blues for some sunshine and piña coladas! Start searching from your city and get ready to book your trip!

Heads up, deal hunters! If Hawaii's been on your mind, now might be the time to book. The Flight Deal has spotted roundtrip flights to Honolulu (HNL) for as low as $479. This is for regular economy tickets, which means you'll likely have to pay extra for things like checked bags if you don't have airline status or a credit card perk. So, how do you snag this deal? The Flight Deal recommends using the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to find available dates at the discounted price. This tool can be a little tricky for newbies, but don't worry – it's basically a powerful search engine that helps you find the best fares. Once you find the dates you want on Matrix, head over to your favorite online travel agency (like Expedia or Priceline) or directly to the airline's website to book. Why should you care? Well, Hawaii isn't exactly known for being cheap, so finding flights under $500 is a pretty sweet deal. If you've been stockpiling points and miles, this could be a great way to save cash on the flight and splurge on that beachfront mai tai! Remember to check the specific fare rules before booking, as these cheaper fares often come with restrictions. Happy travels!