Award News

Hey awardtrail readers! Looking for a deal to Manila, Philippines? The Flight Deal has spotted some fares that are worth a look, especially if you're not a light packer. What makes this deal stand out is that it includes TWO checked bags, a standard carry-on, and the ability to choose your seat in advance. This is great news because often, the cheapest fares these days are "basic economy," which nickel and dime you for everything. Getting two checked bags *included* can save you a bundle, easily offsetting the price difference compared to those ultra-bare-bones tickets. If you’re planning a longer trip or need to bring gifts, this is definitely a deal worth checking out. Head over to The Flight Deal to see if it works for your travel dates!

Hey Award Trailblazers! Dreaming of Pad Thai and temples? There's a potentially sweet deal popping up for flights to Bangkok (BKK). We're seeing roundtrip fares dipping below $700 on certain dates. This is worth a look if you're flexible with your travel dates. The original article highlights April 22nd - 29th as a sample, but it's always worth digging around to see if you can find similar pricing that works for your schedule. Remember, flight deals like these can disappear fast, so if Bangkok is on your bucket list, jump on this ASAP!

Marriott and Lufthansa's Miles & More program are teaming up again, offering some sweet perks for travelers who are loyal to both brands. This partnership lets you earn Miles & More miles on your Marriott stays and, even better, unlocks a potential Marriott Bonvoy elite status boost. Basically, you can "double dip" – earning rewards in both programs simultaneously. By opting into the partnership, your Marriott stays can help you reach elite status with Miles & More. Plus, depending on your existing Marriott Bonvoy status, you might even be able to snag complimentary Marriott Bonvoy elite status! Why should you care? If you frequently fly with Lufthansa, SWISS, or other Miles & More partner airlines *and* stay at Marriott hotels, this is a no-brainer. It's free to opt-in, and it gives you a faster path to elite status with both programs, unlocking valuable perks like upgrades, bonus points, and lounge access. More status equals more comfort and savings on your travels!

Heads up, Bilt cardholders! Big changes are coming to the Bilt Rewards program in February 2026! Bilt is phasing out its Milestone Rewards program and introducing "Bilt Cash," a new way to redeem your points. This essentially turns your points into cold, hard cash (or equivalent value) within the Bilt ecosystem. Instead of waiting for specific Milestone Rewards, you'll be able to redeem your Bilt Cash for statement credits to cover your rent (a major win for renters!), premium experiences, and potentially even better rewards within the Bilt platform. This is a significant shift that offers more flexibility and control over how you use your Bilt Rewards. Why does this matter to you? Well, if you're a Bilt cardholder, this means you'll have a simpler and more versatile way to use your rewards. No more waiting for a specific milestone to unlock a reward, you will have a dollar-for-dollar value to use as you please within the Bilt ecosystem.

Heads up, award travelers! Avianca LifeMiles is having a flash sale on award tickets for specific Avianca-operated flights. You can snag flights for as low as 2,400 LifeMiles – which is seriously cheap. The catch? You need to book by January 26, 2026, and travel before May 31, 2026. Why should you care? If you've got a stash of LifeMiles sitting around, or you're planning a trip to South America where Avianca flies, this is a fantastic opportunity to stretch your points further. LifeMiles can be easily acquired through credit card transfer partners such as American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Points. So, now's the time to check if your desired route is on sale and book those flights! Don't wait, because these deals will disappear faster than you can say "frequent flyer."