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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!)

Hello and welcome back to another edition of "Where is Luis today?"

I actually left the house this time! Still trying to escape the heat, I ended up in Oregon. Too bad the week I decided to come up here, it's going to be in the 90s. I just can't win.

With that being said, let's get this show on the road!

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🗞️ Travel News

Bilt and Walgreens partner up (LINK)

Bilt has added a new feature! You can now use your debit card to pay for eligible HSA/FSA items and earn Bilt points. This is a great way to earn more points on your everyday spend. Now I might actually be motivated to refill my inhaler prescription knowing I’ll earn 100 points each time. Don’t forget to link your card to your Bilt account before you start spending to earn those points.

SAS Status Match for All! (LINK)

Last week, SAS Airlines announced a status match, but it wasn’t worth covering since it was originally intended for European residents only. However… it looks like they aren't even checking. Now, I'll leave it up to your moral compass whether or not to apply for the status match. But if they want to be lazy and not actually do the work, then why not take advantage? Don't sit on your hands as this might not last long.

[Deal Alert] Fly to Taipei (TPE) (LINK)

I've had Statlux on my fly list but unfortunately have no Alaska miles to make this trip work for me. However, Delta did release a good amount of availability to Taipei from Seattle nonstop for 98,000 Delta SkyMiles or 120,000 from other US cities. Note that American Express is the only transfer partner for Delta Skymiles. Here’s an article with more dates. P.P.S. The low rates are only showing for US to TPE but if you book a roundtrip instead of a one way, the lower rates show up for TPE back to US.

🤓 Hacks

• If you're on a tight budget but need to fly somewhere, consider using Skiplagged. This website can help you find cheaper flight options by booking a ticket with a layover at your intended destination and then skipping the remaining flight. "Hidden city ticketing," is against airline policies and you could be banned or loss of your frequent flyer miles so proceed at your own risk. Here’s a video on how to get not get caught.

• If you've been considering going to Hong Kong, consider checking out Cathay Pacific. Check for award availability through the Qantas website. Once you find the award availability, head over to Finnair's website to book since they have a sweet spot heading out to Hong Kong and redemption miles will be far less. You'll either have to call or use the Finnair chat to book.

🧑🏿‍💻 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

Luke asked what airport lounges can he get into since he has the American Express Platinum Card.

First thing I would tell Luke to do is to make sure that he activates his Priority Pass through the Amex card and download the Priority Pass app. From there, you'll be able to see all the Priority Pass lounges you're able to visit. In order to search for the American Express-specific ones (Escape Lounge, Centurion, etc.), you'll have to open your Amex app, click on Membership > Airport Lounge Access, then search for the airport or city to find those lounges.

👀 My Favorite Finds

This section includes some of the best links videos and articles of the week around the points and travel community

• My favorite hidden onsen while in Japan (LINK)

• Free Delta Miles for Seattle Residents (LINK)

• Iconic “I love you so much” hotel/coffee shop is getting bought by Hyatt (LINK)

• Here are 3 tricks to view Flying Blue awards by month instead of clicking through every day (LINK)

🏨 Hotel Of The Week

• Apparently the Obamas like staying at this secluded Island resort.