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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!)

Aloha from the Better Than Points crew!

We hope everyone had a firecracker of a 4th of July and returned home safe and sound (fingers and toes included ). Get ready to ditch the sparklers, dive into this week's news, and explore the hottest deals and insider tips to fuel your bottle rockets.

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

3 Headlines

One.

British Airways Rate increases on Alaska & American Awards (LINK)

In a surprising move, British Airways has once again increased prices on award flights. This serves as a reminder that points hoarding isn't always the best strategy. The good news? You can still snag deals on some of those same flights by booking with Qantas! Here’s how, along with more details, right here.

Two.

More than 400 SLH properties are live on Hilton (LINK)

The integration of Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) into the Hilton program is nearly complete, allowing you to book these unique properties using your points. Keep in mind Hilton's dynamic pricing system, which means redemption rates can vary significantly (from 90,000 to over 500,000 points per night) compared to Hyatt's fixed award rates (like 40,000 points). Here is a cool way to take advantage of all the SLH properties going live.

Three. 

[Deal Alert] USA to Japan (LINK)

Japan Airlines just released a treasure trove of award space for flights from the USA to Tokyo in January and February of 2025. Looking to maximize your points? Consider flying from Honolulu (HNL) as these routes often require fewer miles.

Bonus.

It’s Air Canada’s 40th birthday and they are giving away 40 prizes of one million Aeroplan points! All you have to do is register with your Aeroplan number! Here is the link. The contest ends on July 17th.

2 Hacks

One.

Pro tip for multi-night hotel stays! Leaving a cash tip for the housekeeping staff after your first night can be a great way to show your appreciation. This can make them feel more valued and might encourage them to go the extra mile for you during your stay. They might even be more likely to remember your preferences or be helpful with any requests you have.

Two.

Feeling adventurous but stuck on a destination? Here's a secret weapon: Many travel blogs and websites offer detailed itineraries for various locations. These resources can be a goldmine for inspiration! Browse through them to discover hidden gems, unique experiences, and must-see attractions. Here’s a good breakdown.

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

Kendall asked what the cheapest way was to get to Europe on point in business.

There's a fantastic sweet spot with Avianca LifeMiles. You can score a one-way flight from JFK to Lisbon for only 35,000 points! While the return journey might cost a bit more, this is still an incredible business-class deal. Bonus: Many major credit card programs transfer over to LifeMiles, so you might be able to transfer points to cover your trip.

P.S. February and March of 2025 seem to have some of these award seats available, so be sure to check during those months if this deal interests you.