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🤙🏿 Welcome back to the Better Than Points Newsletter - the premier place for all things Credit Card Points News and Travel

My name’s Luis and I’m the one writing this (hit me up here!)

It's a busy weekend on the roads and airports, so we hope you all reached your destinations safely, whether it’s a family reunion or a quick getaway. A special shout-out to our furry friends who might not be fireworks fans tonight! Let's make sure to give them some extra love and cuddles.

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Here are 3 headlines, 2 hacks, and 1 question answered this week…

3 Headlines

One.

Virgin Destroys Delta One Awards to Europe (LINK)

Virgin Atlantic's recent increase in redemption values for Delta One awards is a real gut punch this week. While redeeming these awards wasn't always easy, requiring some flexibility, the jump from 50,000 points + $6 to over 77,000 points + $1,000 in fees feels like a real kick to the groined. What's most concerning is the lack of warning. Virgin's silence about these award changes and their sudden implementation is a little worrisome. Because what stopping them from doing it to even more popular routes.

Two.

ITA Airways to join Lufthansa Group (LINK)

The EU has given the green light for ITA Airways to join the Lufthansa Group, alongside airlines like SWISS, Lufthansa, Austrian, and Brussels. While this might not seem like a major development at first glance, it likely paves the way for ITA Airways to join the Star Alliance. This, in turn, could give us more options for redeeming points and miles for flights to Italy!

Three. 

Delta Business Class Upgrades only $299 (LINK)

Here's some good news to round things out from Delta! If you've booked any long-haul economy flights with Delta, be sure to check your upgrade options. It seems they've significantly lowered the price to snag a business class upgrade! We're talking crazy deals – some lie-flat transatlantic trips, like Dallas to Seoul, are going for as little as $300 to upgrade. Major win! This is a fantastic option if you booked your ticket on a sale and want to experience some luxury for not much more.

Bonus 

 Here’s a cool luxury hotel off the coast of Nicaragua on a private island with only 5 rooms that I’ve been looking at.

2 Hacks

One.

Heads up, Lyft users! Connect your Delta SkyMiles account to your Lyft app. That way, you can earn miles on your everyday Lyft rides – it's like a double win! Not only are you getting where you need to go, but you're also racking up Delta miles for future travel adventures. Bonus tip: Remember, using a credit card that rewards points for travel expenses on your Lyft rides can maximize your earning potential!

Two.

Traveling internationally soon? Download the Mobile Passport app. It's not the same as Global Entry, but it's a free and convenient way to potentially speed up your customs line. Think of it as a great backup option – even if the Global Entry line is closed, Mobile Passport could still help you breeze through customs a bit faster. Here’s a great video on it.

1 Question From You

Every week I answer one question from the community. Reply to this email with yours because you’re probably not the only one that has it.

Question

This week’s question is asked by Michelle. They asked what’s the best way to fly to Australia or Hawaii from the east coast.

For Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is a fantastic choice! They offer flights from both JFK and BOS, making island hopping convenient. Sign up for their email alerts to catch deals on economy tickets. Pro tip: If you have HawaiianMiles, consider upgrading to Business Class with lie-flat seats for just 25,000 points – it's a great way to experience luxury travel without breaking the bank!

As for Australia. You can easily connect through California, Texas, or Hawaii, where many airlines offer onward flights to Australia.

P.S. Want 25+ more ways to Hawaii on points? Refer a friend to unlock my Better Than Points Digest!