A year ago, we saw signs award travel was on the upswing. In 2026, we’re not so sure.
Airlines’ constant tweaks to their mileage programs – not just for the rates they charge, but who can even book – have us posing the question: Is the points party ending? Are we on a sinking ship? Not to get too negative, but it’s time for a reality check. So Kyle and Gunnar break down the new trends shaping award travel while offering some hope and guidance for travelers worried about their rewards.
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Show Notes
- 00:00 – What deals are on our “Endangered Redemptions” list?
- 03:05 – Kyle from a mountaintop & Gunnar’s roast review challenge
- 04:15 – The road ahead in points and miles: This is more than “Pointsflation”
- 07:20 – Are partner redemptions on their way out?
- 12:30 – What is United doing with their credit cards?
- 17:45 – Are U.S. travelers getting boxed out?
- 24:00 – (Annoying) transfer ratios are shifting, too
- 27:45 – A word from us: Stay on top of your points & miles with The Extra Mile Newsletter
- 28:15 – What’s driving the shift in award travel?
- 33:00 – Are we being too negative?
- 36:30 – The great (& new) redemption opportunities out there
- 42:00 – How to fight back against the changing award travel landscape
- 44:28 – Real talk: Is the points party over?
- 46:40 – Listener Question: How many points should you hoard?
- 50:40 – On the Spot: The redemption that got away
Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot