Avios Sweet Spots: NY to Europe for 10k Points, Flights to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada for only 7k!
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Bonjour from Paris,
Last week we started our deep dive on Avios, today we’re wrapping up our Avios coverage and sharing some other news from the past week:
Avios Domestic & International Sweet Spots
JetBlue & American Airlines Partnership Update
Staples No-Fee $200 Mastercard Gift Cards
Avios Sweet Spots
If you’re excited to take advantage of the 30% transfer bonus from Amex to Avios going on until the end of August, here are a few routes for inspiration:
Domestic US Flights
Generally speaking, the best value for redeeming Avios on domestic US travel is through short-haul flights. Here are a few examples:
Alaska Airlines Economy via British Airways
West Coast (SFO, SJC, SEA) to Alaska for 9,000 Avios (only 7k when you factor in the 30% transfer bonus)
West Coast to Hawaii for 13,000 Avios (only 10k with bonus)
Lie-flat First Class NY to West Coast via American
If you want to arrive to the West Coast in style, American can take you from JFK to SFO or LAX for 51,500 points in lie-flat first class (40k with bonus each way)
While some are drawn to this redemption for the celebrity sightings, I’m drawn to it for the ability to experience American’s recently renovated Flagship First Dining Experience at JFK, complete with waiter service and wine pairings.
International
US East Coast to Europe Economy via British, Iberia or Aer Lingus
NY, Boston, Philly or DC to Europe for 13,000 Avios off peak (10k with bonus)
Easily one of the best deals to Europe if you’re traveling off peak. While off peak may not be an option, it’s worth checking each of the 3 airlines since their calendars aren’t identical. Peak prices are 20,000 Avios (just over 15k with bonus)
The widest availability is typically on routes to Dublin via Aer Lingus
Short haul from the US to Canada Economy via American Airlines
NYC to Montreal or Toronto for 9,000 Avios (7k with bonus)
LA to Vancouver for 9,000 Avios (7k with bonus)
Short haul from US to Caribbean Economy via American Airlines
Miami to the Caribbean for 9,000 Avios (7k with bonus)
Short haul from London Economy via British Airways
For only 4,000 Avios (just over 3k with bonus), you can take a one way to any airport within 650 miles. Routes include London to Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt and many other nearby cities.
While there’s no shortage of cheap European airlines, I like this deal since you’re getting a carry on included for a total price of roughly $30 in points, the cost of luggage alone with many other carriers.
Other International Flights
While there are a few exceptions, simply think of Avios whenever you need to take a short haul flight (6 hours or less), especially when you’re staying within a continent.
There are deals all around the world, with some other options including flights within South America, Asia & Australia.
Reach out with any questions or if you need help finding a specific route!
As mentioned last week, Avios can be transferred from any major credit card portal, so the world is your oyster when it comes to choosing the right card. The three top recommendations from us would be:
JetBlue & American Airlines Partnership Update
As you may have heard, the Northeast Alliance between JetBlue and American Airlines is ending:
New codeshare flights (that's American-operated flights booked on JetBlue, or vice-versa) will not be available for purchase after 7/20/23. If you have TrueBlue joints , now
Already booked a codeshare flight? You can continue to feel confident in your existing bookings. JetBlue will reach out with refunds if they can no longer service the flight.
TrueBlue members will still earn TrueBlue points and tiles on future travel booked on American Airlines as long as your TrueBlue number is added to the booking no later than 7/20/23.
Staples No-Fee $200 Mastercard Gift Cards
As we’ve noted in prior issues, gift cards are a great way to earn 5x at office supply stores on the Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. Redeem these for cash and transfer the funds to a high yield savings account, and that’s up to 9.30% cash back total! The best time to buy gift cards is during Staples’ no-fee promotional periods which typically run once a month. The latest one launched today for no activation fees on $200 Mastercard gift cards, and the deal lasts until 7/22/23.
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