✈ The Best Places Points and Miles Took Me This Year, FAA Removes Flight Restrictions & More From TPG ✈

Also: Hilton confirms new Diamond Reserve tier and Confirmable Upgrade Rewards for 2026

November 18, 2025 View in browser         Presented by     Presented by

My 2025 redemption wins by Augusta Stone, Credit cards writer 2025 has been a great year for burning my points and miles. Thanks to credit card rewards and perks, I stayed in excellent hotels, traveled across the country for concerts and visited loved ones often — all without breaking the bank. Here's how I defeated redemption analysis paralysis and worked through my rewards stash. No. 1: Two economy seats to London for 12,000 Virgin points  Virgin Atlantic's 6,000-point Saver award is an excellent way to get to Europe, and my partner and I flew in two economy seats at this rate in May. Here's a secret: I actually broke a points and miles rule when I booked, and still got fantastic value. No. 2: Two nights in the heart of London for 130,000 Hilton points This was all about simplicity. I booked a fabulous two-night stay in central London using a single welcome bonus. No. 3: Two one-way Delta seats to a wedding for 15,000 Flying Blue miles  Sometimes, the best redemptions are practical. My partner and I saved $600 on flights to a wedding by booking two Delta Air Lines economy tickets for 7,500 Flying Blue miles each. Flying Blue partners with every major credit card currency, so it's a program worth checking out if you're flying with SkyTeam. No. 4: Flying round-trip to New York City for 9,000 Atmos Rewards points  I love using points and miles for impromptu trips. Instead of spending $400 on a round-trip ticket to visit my best friend next month, I booked a flight with American Airlines using Atmos Rewards points. We often caution that points and miles are a poor long-term investment, as they're almost guaranteed to lose value over time. Start daydreaming about your next redemption now, so your rewards aren't subject to devaluation. Here are some tips to get the redemption ideas rolling: These 12 apps and websites make award redemptions easier to find Redeem your points and miles: How to search flight award availability 10 mistakes to avoid when redeeming airline points and miles 7 of the best airline sweet spots to redeem your points and miles Learning moment: Don't intentionally hoard your points and miles Happy planning! Augusta Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Photo Credit: MSTUDIOIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES.

Presented by $1,000 in travel The new Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is offering new applicants 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of account opening. These points can be redeemed for $1,000 on flights or airfare through the Citi Travel® portal. Learn more

Who will make it to Fiji first? Eastbound vs. westbound In TPG's longest race ever, Nicky Kelvin and Liam Spencer fly around the world from London to Fiji — in opposite directions. Nicky flies east via Cathay Pacific, while Liam heads west via American Airlines to see which route wins on comfort, speed and style. Watch now

Today's top stories A normal Thanksgiving? Mass flight cancellations end as holiday rush nears On Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration ended cancellation requirements at 40 hubs. Read more Hilton confirms new Diamond Reserve tier and Confirmable Upgrade Rewards for 2026 Hilton has officially confirmed the introduction of its newest elite tier for January 2026 — along with several other changes. Read more Allegiant adds 30 routes, 4 cities in major 2026 expansion Budget airline Allegiant Air has announced plans to launch 30 new routes in 2026, along with service to 4 new cities. Read more IHG's exclusive app cyber sale: Get 25% off stays through March Get up to 25% off IHG properties around the world and even bigger savings on beachy escapes. Read more Last-minute strategies for earning World of Hyatt status Want to earn Hyatt elite status? Here are some strategies you can jump on now to get to the next tier before the end of the year. Read more

Handpicked for you Dive into your daily list of stories, curated based on your interests and past reads. Apple launches Digital ID using your passport Read more Credit card transfer bonuses (November): 40% bonus to Virgin Atlantic, 70% bonus to Marriott Bonvoy and more Read more 7 of the best airline sweet spots to redeem your points and miles Read more The best credit cards to reach elite status Read more The best credit card welcome bonuses of November 2025 Read more

The latest 1. Highest offer in 4 years: Just how good is the Capital One Venture X's 100,000‑mile bonus? 2. 6 once-in-a-lifetime Alaska shore excursions worth the splurge 3. Delta cuts 2 domestic routes, 1 from Atlanta and another from Salt Lake City 4. Pittsburgh's sleek $1.7B new terminal directs flyers with futuristic new signage 5. How my Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a workhorse when it comes to cash back 6. United elite status vs. United cardholder perks: What gets you more? 7. Capital One returning to Miami Art Week to host exclusive cardholder events 8. Away's 'biggest' sale of the year: Get 25% off everything 9. The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching 10. Who are the Chase Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel transfer partners?

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