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Create Free AccountThe Pointify Journal
Points strategies, fare-deal breakdowns, and the stories behind the sweet spots — written by the team that watches award space all day. Updated every week.
All 604 postsPage 23 of 50

Most utility companies charge a 2-3% convenience fee for credit card payments. Some cards waive this via category bonuses. Chase Ink Business Preferred earns 3x on internet/cable/phone with no fee.

Cathay Asia Miles is the home program for Cathay Pacific. The program runs a fixed published award chart (rare in 2026), with Cathay First Class US-Hong Kong at ~110,000 miles + ~$150 each way.

Global Entry is valid for 5 years. Renewal applications can be submitted up to 12 months before expiration. Most premium credit cards reimburse the renewal fee. Here is the 2026 renewal guide.

For Amex Platinum + Delta-flying travelers, both Delta SkyClub and Amex Centurion are accessible. Each offers different food, atmosphere, and access rules. Here is the 2026 picture.

For trips $5k-$10k, premium credit cards offer trip cancellation insurance via Sapphire Reserve. For trips $15k+, standalone insurance is necessary. Here is the 2026 framework for choosing.

Both BA and Southwest offer "companion" benefits. BA Travel Together Companion saves 145k Avios on a 2-passenger long-haul redemption. Southwest Companion Pass gives unlimited free companion travel for 18-24 months. Which is more valuable?

Lisbon (LIS) is Portugal's capital and one of the best-priced direct-flight destinations from the US. TAP Air Portugal runs daily service from EWR, BOS, IAD, JFK, MIA, and YYZ. The cheapest path is Avianca LifeMiles via TAP at 63,000 miles + ~$25.

Dublin (DUB) sees direct US service from EWR, BOS, JFK, ORD, and IAD on Aer Lingus. As a Oneworld partner via the Avios family, Dublin is one of the cheapest European business class redemptions on Avios.

Marrakech (RAK) sees direct US service from JFK on Royal Air Maroc. As a Oneworld partner since 2020, Marrakech is bookable on AAdvantage at 70,000 miles + ~$80 each way business class.

Qatar QSuite on the 777-300ER is widely regarded as the best business class flying. The double-bed feature, sliding doors, and AAdvantage 70k mile award rate make it one of points travel's strongest premium-cabin redemptions.

First Class typically costs 2-3x the miles of business class on the same route. The actual experience differential varies. For aspirational redemptions, First makes sense; for routine business travel, business class is usually the right call.

Most points coverage focuses on business class. But for short-haul flights and tight-budget travelers, economy redemptions can produce comparable cents-per-point value at a fraction of the mile cost.
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