Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points

British Airways' Black Friday 2025 sale is here, but it's different from years past. The standout offer is a 50% bonus on Avios earned through their shopping portal until December 28th, with rates reaching up to 21 Avios per pound at select retailers. Cash fares to North America start from £403 return, and European city breaks begin at £159, but notably absent are the major Avios redemption discounts we've seen in previous years. Jack breaks down exactly which deals are worth your attention, how to stack your earnings, and whether you should book cash fares or save your points for better redemptions.

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British Airways has finally reopened its exclusive First Wing at London Heathrow Terminal 5 after months of renovations. We break down exactly what changed (and what didn't), who can access this premium facility, and whether the burgundy makeover was worth the wait. Learn about the new non-alcoholic bar, the quirks of bringing guests through security, and how this fits into BA's massive seven billion pound transformation programme. Plus, we share whether the First Wing's real value lies in its aesthetics or its ability to save you up to 45 minutes on busy travel days.

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British Airways has just opened bookings for two unexpected Heathrow destinations launching in 2026: seasonal flights to Montenegro's coastal gem Tivat, and daily year-round service to Guernsey. We break down the surprisingly decent Avios redemption rates for both routes, with Montenegro potentially costing just 40,000-45,000 Avios return in business class. Plus, we explore why these routes are more strategic than they first appear, the connection opportunities they unlock, and whether they're worth your points or cash. Both routes are bookable now for spring and summer 2026 travel.

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IAG Loyalty and American Express have just announced a multi-year partnership extension that directly impacts UK Avios collectors. This renewal secures the future of British Airways Amex co-brand cards, Membership Rewards transfers to Avios, and Amex acceptance across all IAG airlines. With 2026 marking the 25th anniversary of the BA Amex partnership, we break down what this stability means for your points strategy and what special opportunities might be on the horizon. If you collect Avios through Amex cards or transfers, this is essential news for your earning strategy.

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easyJet is celebrating 30 years with 30% off over 300,000 seats from the UK, but you only have until 3pm today to book. Flights start from just £14.99 to destinations including Barcelona, Tenerife, the Canary Islands, and more, covering travel from November 2025 through March 2026. Jack breaks down the best deals, explains why paying cash sometimes beats using points, and shares strategies for maximizing value including regional airport options and credit card earning potential. Plus, package holiday deals with code SAVE30 available until November 20th.

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Iberia has confirmed free Starlink WiFi is coming to their entire fleet, offering speeds up to 450 Mbps for all passengers regardless of cabin class. This marks a dramatic shift from their current expensive and limited WiFi service, with implementation beginning in 2026. The announcement positions Iberia alongside British Airways as IAG airlines commit to high-speed connectivity even on short-haul routes. For Avios collectors, this makes Iberia redemptions significantly more attractive, especially on long-haul routes to Latin America.

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British Airways has officially confirmed Starlink Wi-Fi is coming to their entire fleet starting in 2026 - and it's completely free for all passengers from economy to First Class. We break down what makes Starlink different from traditional inflight Wi-Fi, how BA compares to competitors like Virgin Atlantic and Qatar Airways, and why this is genuinely one of the airline's most significant service improvements in years. If you fly BA or collect Avios, this episode explains exactly what this game-changing announcement means for your future flights.

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Qatar Airways has quietly introduced seat selection fees for business class award bookings starting November 3rd, 2025. Passengers redeeming Avios or Q credits now face approximately £85 per flight segment to select seats in advance, unless they hold oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status. This change affects all partner programs including British Airways, Iberia, and Alaska Airlines. Combined with recent fuel surcharge increases, these fees are significantly eroding the value of Qatar award redemptions, making it crucial for points collectors to diversify their strategies and consider building elite status protection.

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Aer Lingus and Tesco Ireland have launched a partnership that's turning heads across the travel rewards community, offering an unprecedented Avios earning rate of just 0.37 pence per point through Clubcard voucher conversions. We break down exactly how this works, why the mathematics are so compelling compared to traditional Avios earning methods, and how just £17.50 in vouchers could get you a flight to Paris. While currently exclusive to Tesco Ireland, this represents one of the strongest Avios opportunities available anywhere, with redemption options extending across British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and beyond. If you have any connection to Ireland, this episode e...

After 24 years of helping travelers choose seats, SeatGuru officially closed on October 31, 2025, leaving many frequent flyers wondering how to avoid bad seats. The site had been showing outdated aircraft configurations since 2020, making it more misleading than helpful. In this episode, we reveal superior modern alternatives that offer real-time seat availability and more accurate aircraft layouts than SeatGuru ever provided. Learn which tools to use for your next booking and why this change is actually better for award travelers trying to maximize their points and miles.

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British Airways has massively expanded their Avios Shop from just Apple products to over 300 items across 17 premium brands including Antler suitcases, luxury leather goods, and travel accessories. You can now slash cash prices by up to 25% using Avios while still earning points on your remaining spend. We break down the value proposition compared to traditional flight redemptions and reveal the strategic scenarios where this actually makes sense. Plus, we establish the clear hierarchy for maximizing your Avios value and explain why this should be your backup plan, not your primary strategy.

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Marriott Bonvoy has launched their 'Celebrate 2025' promotion offering up to 2,025 bonus points per stay, with enhanced bonuses for outdoor properties. The promotion has a three-stay cap and runs from late October through January, but there are some important restrictions on qualifying stays. Host Jack breaks down whether this promotion is actually worth your time and shares strategies to maximize your earnings if you already have Marriott bookings planned. He also discusses how the hotel loyalty landscape has shifted and why we're seeing fewer generous promotions than in previous years.

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Virgin Money has finally entered the referral game with their new Virgin Atlantic credit card programme, offering up to 50,000 Virgin Points annually for successful referrals. Jack breaks down how this long-awaited programme compares to American Express offerings and whether the 5,000 points per referral makes it worthwhile. We explore the mechanics, caps, and realistic earning potential for UK cardholders. Plus, discover which Virgin Atlantic credit card offers the best value for your friends and why the annual companion vouchers could justify the fees.

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Jack reveals a newly discovered Qatar Airways promo code from Capital on Tap that delivers 10% off flights plus bonus Avios earnings. He breaks down exactly how this discount works across five UK airports, demonstrates real savings on Business Class fares, and explains the optimal strategy to maximize both the discount and points earnings. The episode also covers Capital on Tap's recent changes, including their dropped annual fees, making this deal even more valuable for UK business travelers.

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Jack breaks down the shocking overnight changes to Iberia's On Business programme that completely eliminated points-based redemptions in favor of cash rewards. Learn why this could signal similar changes coming to British Airways and what corporate travelers should do immediately to protect their points value. Plus, discover the positive updates coming to Cathay Pacific's frequent flyer programme that will make status easier to maintain. Essential listening for anyone with business travel rewards or corporate points accounts.

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American Express has launched their most aggressive welcome bonus campaign ever seen in the UK market, with offers ending at midnight tonight, October 14th, 2025. Personal cards are offering double or triple their usual bonuses, while business cards have hit unprecedented levels with the Business Platinum reaching 130,000 Membership Rewards points. We break down exactly which cards offer the best value, the eligibility requirements you need to know, and why business card holders have a massive advantage with zero restrictions. If you've been considering an Amex application, this could be your best opportunity in years.

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Capital on Tap has quietly expanded its redemption options by adding Qatar Airways Avios as a transfer partner for UK business cardholders. While both BA and Qatar use Avios, Qatar's award chart often offers better value for Middle Eastern and Asian destinations, plus superior award availability on their premium Qsuite product. We explore the strategic differences between BA and Qatar Avios, when to choose each programme, and how this added flexibility improves the Capital on Tap value proposition. Plus, there's a potential double-dip opportunity with Qatar's 10% discount on UK flights that savvy points collectors should know about.

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Thai Airways has made a shocking decision that's sending ripples through the aviation industry - they've taken Virgin Atlantic's business class seats and rebranded them as 'Premium Economy Plus.' The same seats Virgin charges over £2,000 for on London-New York routes are apparently 'not good enough' for Thai's business class standards. This unprecedented move reveals a massive gap in regional premium travel expectations and could create incredible opportunities for points collectors. We break down what this means for award redemptions, pricing strategies, and the future of airline cabin classifications.

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Uber has quietly entered the flight booking market with a generous 10% cashback offer for Uber One members, running through December 2025. Jack breaks down the new service's price drop protection feature, how to stack rewards with frequent flyer programs, and whether the 60-day credit expiry makes this worthwhile. He shares his strategy for when to use Uber versus traditional booking sites and runs the numbers on a sample Premium Economy booking to New York. Plus, discover how to maximize the offer by combining flight bookings with Uber Reserve for additional credits.

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Virgin Points are offering their most generous bonus ever at just 0.88p per point, but the 70% bonus offer ends this Sunday. British Airways has surprised everyone by unveiling a completely redesigned World Traveller Plus cabin as part of their £7 billion transformation plan. Qatar Airways launches a new sale with up to 20% off for Privilege Club members, while several other airlines announce major route changes. Don't miss these time-sensitive deals that could save you hundreds on your next premium cabin flight.

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Jack reveals an incredible opportunity for ITA Airways status holders to unlock free Lufthansa status with Star Alliance-wide lounge access through February 2027. Learn about the crucial application detail that could make or break your match request, plus updates on Emirates' London expansion, British Airways Wine Flyer bonus points offer, and Air Canada's enhanced economy experience. Don't miss current buy points promotions from JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and Wyndham that could boost your account balance.

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Jack reveals how the Capital on Tap Pro business card became an unexpected permanent fixture in his wallet after discovering its unique combination of unlimited Priority Pass access with £18 restaurant credits. This UK-only card earns 1.25x Avios when preloading funds and includes Radisson VIP status, making the £299 annual fee surprisingly valuable. Perfect for limited companies looking to maximize Avios earnings where Amex isn't accepted. Plus, why the math on this card's benefits adds up to over £1,000 in annual value.

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After six months of delays, British Airways has unveiled their brand-new Dubai lounge as part of their £7 billion transformation programme. We take you inside the completely reimagined space in Concourse D, exploring the dramatic design changes, improved facilities, and dedicated Concorde Dining Room. While the lounge addresses many pain points of the old space, early visitors have spotted an amusing oversight that's already become a talking point on FlyerTalk. Is this new lounge worth the wait, or does it fall short of Dubai's premium lounge standards?

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British Airways has announced a major frequency increase to a Middle Eastern destination that could revolutionize First Class redemptions for Avios collectors. We break down the exact numbers showing how you can save 17,000-20,000 Avios compared to other popular routes, plus why the new daily service should dramatically improve award availability. Learn how to use the BA Companion Voucher to get two people in First Class for just 136,000 Avios return, and discover why this route offers the full BA First Class experience at one of the lowest redemption rates in their network.

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Jack breaks down Hilton's new autumn promotion offering 1,500 bonus points per stay through December, plus analyzes whether the £5 value per stay is worth your time. He covers British Airways' major Middle East network expansion to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, and Jeddah, creating thousands of new Avios award opportunities. The episode also includes urgent updates on PLAY Airlines ceasing operations, flash sales from IHG and Kimpton, and current buy points offers from JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic, and Hyatt. Essential listening for anyone planning autumn travel or looking to maximize their points strategy.

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Emirates is celebrating their loyalty programme's 25th anniversary with a massive 50% bonus on all miles earned through October 20th - one of their most generous promotions yet. We'll also cover IHG's targeted 20% discount on Points and Cash bookings, Lufthansa's new Allegris cabins expanding to Frankfurt routes, and a roundup of current buy points offers including Avianca LifeMiles at just 1.29p per point. Plus, Virgin Atlantic adds new point conversion options and Emirates offers 5,000 bonus miles for hotel bookings.

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American Express has just launched their biggest UK business card bonus ever - 60,000 Membership Rewards points with the annual fee completely waived for the first year. Jack breaks down exactly who qualifies (hint: you don't need a huge business) and why this could be a game-changer for your travel plans. Plus, we cover Accor's new 30% hotel discount offer and some strategic buy points deals that are worth your attention. Don't miss the details on Lufthansa's massive €70 million investment in their premium cabins ahead of their 100th anniversary.

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A massive defection of British Airways' most valuable customers is sending shockwaves through the aviation industry, with over 4,000 elite frequent flyers switching to Air France KLM. We dive into what went wrong with BA's elite program overhaul and why these premium cabin regulars are taking their business elsewhere. Plus, we explore BA's mysterious new upgrade bidding system that few passengers have actually seen, and Ryanair's major boarding pass policy change coming in 2025. We also cover the latest points sales and bonus offers worth your attention.

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American Express has just doubled their Gold Credit Card sign-up bonus to 40,000 Membership Rewards points with the first year's fee waived - a fantastic opportunity to boost your points balance. We also discuss Gatwick Airport's approval for a second runway which could mean better award availability for UK travellers. Plus, there's urgent news about the US ESTA fee nearly doubling to $40 from September 30th, so act fast if you're planning American trips. Finally, we cover the uncertain future of Curve's sale to Lloyds Banking Group and what it might mean for points enthusiasts.

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Virgin Points has just expanded to include Air France, KLM, Delta, and other SkyTeam partners, dramatically increasing the value and flexibility of your points overnight. We explore how this expansion gives UK travellers access to a much wider network and better award availability through one convenient programme. Plus, we cover Accor's rare 50% transfer bonus to Club Eurostar that's actually worth considering for regular Eurostar users. Jack also shares a seasonal tip about earning 3,000 bonus Avios through The Wine Flyer's promotion, perfect for festive champagne purchases. This episode breaks down how these developments could transform your points strategy and travel options.<...

Jack reveals a brilliant Rocketmiles promotion that could net you over 2,500 Avios from a single hotel stay, plus Virgin Atlantic's double points flash deal on package holidays. We explore Emirates' game-changing new Premium Economy redemption option that offers the perfect sweet spot between Economy and Business Class. Plus, updates on Qantas' stunning new First Class lounge in Singapore and why these deals represent some of the best value opportunities for points enthusiasts right now.

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Jack breaks down Virgin Atlantic's updated award charts and reveals how to extract maximum value from Virgin Points across short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul premium redemptions. Learn why Virgin Points excel on Upper Class flights to destinations like New York and Hong Kong, and discover the flexibility of their distance-based system. Plus, exciting news for Vodafone customers who can now claim free Club O2 status with Small Luxury Hotels, unlocking room upgrades, late checkout, and exclusive member rates at over 400 luxury properties worldwide. Don't miss the discussion on time-sensitive miles and points offers currently available.

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American Express has launched their largest-ever UK business card welcome bonus, offering an incredible 120,000 Membership Rewards points on the Business Platinum Card. We also cover Marriott Bonvoy's new partnership with Nectar as their first 'everyday earn' partner in the UK, allowing members to earn Nectar points on hotel stays. Plus, great news for Club Avolta duty-free promotion participants as Radisson VIP status gets extended through 2027. We'll also discuss some recent issues Marriott Amex cardholders are experiencing with welcome bonuses and what to do if you're affected.

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American Express launches their biggest-ever UK business card bonus with 120,000 points for new Business Platinum cardholders. Hilton pushes through another painful devaluation, with top-tier properties now costing up to 250,000 points per night - their third such change in just 12 months. Time is running out for Oktoberfest planning with just two weeks left to secure Munich accommodation using points. Plus updates on Heathrow's reopened Plaza Premium arrivals lounge and Flying Blue's 200,000 mile photo competition prize.

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Jack breaks down American Express's largest-ever UK business card bonus - 120,000 Membership Rewards points with no complicated restrictions. He explores the incredible travel value these points can unlock through airline transfers compared to cash redemptions. The episode also covers World of Hyatt's generous double points promotion for autumn stays across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, plus JetBlue's enhanced free Wi-Fi partnership with Amazon. A bonus tip for pet owners rounds out this points-packed episode.

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American Express has launched a compelling 30% transfer bonus from Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy points, improving the ratio to an impressive 1:1.95. Host Jack breaks down the mathematics, timing considerations (bonus points take up to 8 weeks), and strategic use cases for this promotion. He compares hotel transfers versus airline redemptions, shares personal transfer strategies, and provides practical tips for maximising value. Perfect for points collectors considering whether to convert their flexible Amex points into Marriott's ecosystem.

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Discover a little-known trick to use your British Airways Amex companion voucher on Iberia flights for massive savings on business class to New York. We'll also cover Virgin Atlantic's biggest-ever 70% bonus when buying points and explore exciting new partnerships including The Wolseley Group joining GHA DISCOVERY. Plus, find out how you can now earn and spend hotel loyalty points at London's most celebrated restaurants. Don't miss these game-changing opportunities to maximize your points and unlock premium travel experiences for less.

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Jack breaks down an exceptional American Express Business Gold Card offer featuring 60,000 Membership Rewards points with no annual fee in year one, plus simplified qualification rules that guarantee the bonus if approved. The episode also covers Austrian Airlines' surprising experiment using short-haul aircraft on Dubai routes, which could mean lower fares but reduced comfort. Additionally, we discuss British Airways' controversial policy of not refunding seat reservation fees when flights are cancelled, and how to navigate this when booking. Don't miss these important updates that could impact your travel planning and points strategy.

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This episode covers exciting developments for frequent flyers, including Air France's newly refurbished Embraer E190 aircraft with complimentary Wi-Fi for all Flying Blue members on European routes. We also discuss Singapore Airlines' announcement to bring back First Class service on the Amsterdam to Singapore route starting July 2026, replacing their A350-900 with a Boeing 777-300ER. Host Jack provides strategic insights on how to leverage these updates for better travel experiences and award redemption opportunities. Perfect for travelers looking to maximize their points and miles while staying connected or planning luxury long-haul flights.

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American Express UK has just launched incredible welcome bonus increases across four premium cards - and with our exclusive referral links, you can earn even more points than the public offers! Jack breaks down the enhanced bonuses: 45K points on Personal Gold, 100K on Personal Platinum, 65K on Business Gold, and a record-breaking 130K on Business Platinum. Learn about eligibility requirements, strategic card combinations, and why these limited-time offers (ending October 14th, 2025) could be some of the best Amex UK deals we've seen. Whether you're new to points or looking to maximize your earning potential, this episode covers everything you...