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Travel smarter, fly for less.
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.
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Points & Miles
Buy Points With a Bonus? The 2026 Math on When It Actually Works
Most "buy points" promotions are bad value at retail. But periodically, a 100% bonus or 50% discount changes the math. Here is when buying points makes sense in 2026.
Pointify Research Team6 min read
Travel Tips
Expedia vs Direct vs Points 2026: When each booking strategy actually wins
Three booking paths: third-party OTAs (Expedia, Booking.com), direct on the airline/hotel, or with points. Each wins on different terrain. Here is the 2026 framework for which to pick.
Pointify Research Team6 min read
Destinations
Fly to Sapporo with Points 2026: ANA, JAL, and the Hokkaido onward
Sapporo (CTS) sees seasonal direct service from Singapore and connecting routes via Tokyo and Osaka. Here is the cheapest 2026 path for points travelers, plus hotels in Sapporo and Niseko.
Pointify Research Team6 min read
Destinations
Fly to Tahiti with Points 2026: Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, and the Bora Bora flow
Tahiti (PPT) sees direct service from LAX and SFO on Air France and Air Tahiti Nui. The cheapest path is Flying Blue. Here is the practical 2026 picture for getting to Bora Bora on points.
Pointify Research Team6 min read
Destinations
Fly to Cusco with Points 2026: The LATAM domestic from Lima and the Machu Picchu flow
Cusco (CUZ) is the gateway to Machu Picchu. There are no direct international flights — every traveler routes via Lima first. Here is the cheapest 2026 path including the internal LATAM connection.
Pointify Research Team6 min read
Destinations
Fly to Havana with Points 2026: American, JetBlue, and the post-2024 US-Cuba rules
US-Havana flights returned in 2024 after rule changes. American and JetBlue run direct service. The cheapest award is AAdvantage off-peak. Here is the practical 2026 picture and the legal travel categories.
Pointify Research Team6 min read
Destinations
Fly to Tulum with Points 2026: The new TQO airport and Cancun alternative
Tulum opened a new airport (TQO) in December 2023, eliminating the 2-hour drive from Cancun. Direct US service is expanding rapidly. Here are the 2026 award routings and which airport to choose.
Pointify Research Team6 min read
Destinations
Fly to Casablanca with Points 2026: Royal Air Maroc, Delta, and the Marrakech onward
Casablanca (CMN) is Morocco's gateway. Royal Air Maroc joined Oneworld in 2020. Delta runs direct from JFK. Here are the 2026 award routings plus the Marrakech and Fez onward by train.
Pointify Research Team6 min read
Credit Cards
Amex Gold Card Review 2026: Is the $325 Fee Still Worth It for 4x Dining?
Amex Gold sits at $325/year in 2026. The 4x dining + groceries earn rate is still class-leading, but the credit menu has gotten more complex. Is it still the strongest dining/grocery card?
Pointify Research Team7 min read
Credit Cards
Hilton Aspire Card 2026: $550 fee, $1,000+ in credits, auto-Diamond status — still the best deal?
Amex Hilton Aspire is the only credit card that auto-grants Diamond status. With $550 fee + $400 resort + $200 airline + $200 flight + $100 property + $189 CLEAR credits, the card pays for itself for most travelers.
Pointify Research Team7 min read
Credit Cards
IHG Premier Card 2026: $99 fee + 4th night free + Platinum status
Chase IHG One Rewards Premier at $99/year delivers a 4th-night-free benefit on award stays plus Platinum Elite status. For mid-tier hotel travelers, this is one of the highest-leverage cards under $100.
Pointify Research Team6 min read
Travel Tips
Lounge Day Pass vs Priority Pass 2026: When to pay $50 vs hold a $700 credit card
Priority Pass via Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum gives lounge access for the price of an annual fee. Lounge day passes run $40-$75. When does each path make sense for the typical traveler?
Pointify Research Team6 min read
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