Hey! Welcome to the Better Than Points Newsletter - the premier place for all things Credit Card Points News and Travel

Boy do I have some news for you. This issue is full of ups and downs and is going to hit you like some slight turbulence right after you got your complimentary drink. Let’s get started!

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

3 Headlines

One.

Global Entry fee increasing to $120 (Link)

If you’ve been dragging your feet about applying for global entry this is your sign. You’re procrastination will cost you $20 extra if you don’t apply before Oct. 1, 2024. It renews every 5 years so hopefully by the time its time to renew credit card issuers increased the global entry credit from $100 to $120.

Two.

Alaska Miles Redemption Increase (Link)

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again. Earn and burn because the next devaluation is around the corner. While the mileage programs new zones “help” the general public it’s doing the opposite by taking away those sweet spots. On a side note they were nice enough to launch their first quarter Global Getaway promotion 🫠 You might be able to snag 50% off award tickets, here’s the Link.

Three. 

Air France new route with award space (Link)

Air Frances PHX to CDG (Paris Charles de Gaulle) finally opened up the flood gates. If you’ve been eyeing France it might be time to book those business class flights starting at 40K Flying Blue miles.

2 Hacks

One.

I took an L so you don’t have to. I let my Qantas miles expire because I waited till the last minute to try and redeem them but the cutoff time was Australian time not American 🫥 Its okay, if I add 2,500 miles into my account from 2 different sources I’ll get them back. One is transferring some over and the other is using the Qantas purchasing portal to get points for my purchase. Here’s a good article incase you don’t know if certain miles expire.

Two.

If you have an iPhone and are traveling, make sure you have stolen device protection turned on. Definitely a bummer but will make sure those thieves aren’t able to steal any of your information. Here’s how to find 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

David asked me when is the best time to book a trip on points.

My first answer is if its available book it! Your best best is booking out way in advance since availability can be found almost a year out. Its not for the weak but you can also wait last minute. I’ve booked one flight and two days before the flight cancelled my original booking after securing the flight I wanted with points. But be quick because chances are you aren’t the only one looking for that availability.

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Appreciate you,

Luis 🤙🏿

More Better Than Points

• I stayed at a hotel where influencers and the rich stay and wrote a review about it. (LINK)

• How I used my credit card credits to get a free flight. (LINK)