 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY 01/16/2019 IN TODAY'S NEWS Bonvoy...age? We're trying to figure out how exactly Marriott's landed on this name. But as of today, it's definitely happening — the new "Bonvoy" program will make its official debut next month, marking the long-expected retirement of SPG. Stay strong, friends. Starwood had a good run. In other news you probably don't want to hear: the airport security situation only seems to be getting worse as the shutdown drags on. It's already cost Delta $25 million and there's this horrible video of the lines at Atlanta's airport. Ugh. Luckily, PreCheck queues aren't as bad — many of us even have access for free, thanks to a bunch of cards that cover the cost. -Zach Honig, Editor-at-Large Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
 You can't grow too attached to any airline, hotel or loyalty program — change is inevitable, and sometimes things we love have to come to an end. That's the deal with Starwood and our beloved SPG. They're gone. Poof. And in sails Bonvoy to save the day. Or not. We'll just have to wait and see.
 Sure, some hotels always offer a decent return on your points, but true maximizers know when it's really time to cash in: during super-high-profile sporting events, such as Super Bowl LIII. In at least one case, you could pay $800 for a room in Atlanta — those in the know would much rather redeem 8,000 points.
 Sometimes life gets in the way of you requalifying for elite status — Hilton gets that. The chain lets top-tier members extend their Diamond perks for another year — all you have to do is ask. You'll want to choose wisely, though, since you can only do it once.
 Netflix has been killing it on the original content front — the streaming giant's well aware, too, if this latest move is any indication. New members will pay higher rates when they sign up now, while current users might have some time until things catch up. Most of us will probably decide it's worth sticking through the jump.
 $250 to burn at a wellness resort? Who wouldn't want to sign up. Best yet, you don't have to — eligible card holders will automatically qualify for the credit when they spend 500 bucks. TIP OF THE DAY Street walking etiquette can vary a ton from one destination to the next. NEWS YOU CAN USE • This Cheese Plate Influencer Flies JetBlue Economy Better Than You • Airbnb Is Sending 4 People to Live in Italy • 5 Family-Friendly Destinations to Take Your Kids This Winter • Turn Limited-Time Southwest One Card Companion Pass Offer Into a Two-Year Pass • Maximizing Redemptions With American Airlines AAdvantage • Are Wow Air’s $49 Flights to Europe Just Another Nail in the Coffin? • Do You Get Elite Choice Benefits By Spending Your Way to Marriott Platinum Status? • TSA PreCheck Can Save You From the Government Shutdown’s Long Security Lines • My Uber Route Led to My Passport Being (Temporarily) Seized by Pakistani Soldiers • Another Way to Burn: Delta Adding In-App SkyMiles Seat Upgrades This Month       You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities The Points Guy © All rights reserved 2019 |