Last Call: The Top Points and Miles Deals to Snag Before 2022 Ends

Last Call: The Top Points and Miles Deals to Snag Before 2022 Ends - Transfer Bonuses - Rack Up More Points

With the end of the year fast approaching, many loyalty programs are offering lucrative transfer bonuses that can help you rack up a lot more points quickly. Transferrable points currencies like American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Marriott Bonvoy, and Capital One are particularly valuable because of the flexibility they provide to move points between partner loyalty programs.

Right now one of the best transfer offers comes from American Express Membership Rewards which is running a 30% bonus when you transfer points to Delta SkyMiles. This can be a great way to top up your Delta account if you're a few thousand miles short of booking an award ticket in a premium cabin. Given that Delta doesn't publish award charts, it's hard to pin down exact sweet spot redemption values, but coach tickets often start around 12,000-15,000 miles each way domestically so the 30% boost can go a long way.

Chase Ultimate Rewards also has a few tempting bonuses at the moment including a 10% boost when you transfer to IHG Rewards Club. IHG points are worth around 0.7 cents each, so with the transfer bonus you can effectively buy IHG points for under 0.8 cents apiece which represents solid value. Consider using them at top-tier properties like the Intercontinental Maldives or Intercontinental Bora Bora where cash rates routinely run $800+ per night.

Even fixed-value point programs like Capital One and Wells Fargo have gotten into the bonus game. Capital One is offering a 20% bonus when you transfer miles to airline partners, while Wells Fargo awards a 25% bonus on transfers to airline and hotel partners. These types of uncapped bonuses used to be quite rare but have now become more commonplace.

Of course you’ll want to crunch the numbers to determine where you can get the most value from your points based on your specific travel goals. But opportunities like these don't come around often. Taking advantage of them now allows you to make huge strides towards redeeming your dream trips in 2023 and beyond.

Last Call: The Top Points and Miles Deals to Snag Before 2022 Ends - Earn Big with Welcome Offers

Welcome offers remain one of the best and fastest ways to quickly accumulate points and miles for a dream trip on the horizon. While earning through every day spend is crucial, snagging the right welcome bonuses can truly be game-changing and provide the bulk of points you need for a special trip.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is currently offering a whopping 80,000 point sign up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. With Chase Ultimate Rewards points valued around 1.8 cents a piece, that bonus alone is worth over $1,400 in travel. Even better, you can transfer those 80k points to airline and hotel partners like United, Hyatt and Southwest and extract even more value. $4,000 of spend is well within reach for many households’ normal 3 month expenditure.

Meanwhile, Hilton is enticing new members with offers up to 180,000 Hilton Honors bonus points, which can score you a week or more at top properties like the Conrad Maldives or Conrad Bora Bora. While Hilton points generally deliver lower redemption values around 0.5 cents a piece, the sheer quantity of points offered makes this an opportunity not to be missed if you’ve got your sights set on an aspirational Hilton redemption.

Last Call: The Top Points and Miles Deals to Snag Before 2022 Ends - Flash Sales on Award Flights

Award flight flash sales don’t come around often, but when they do it pays to be ready to pounce. These limited-time promotions offer major discounts on award tickets, essentially slashing the number of miles needed for popular routes and destinations. While the deals usually last just 48 hours or so, they can unlock incredible value if your travel plans happen to align with the discounted routes.

I recently jumped on one of United’s award sale, which discounted roundtrip economy tickets to Hawaii from the mainland US to just 22,500 miles. These flights routinely cost double or triple that amount of miles, so it was an absolute steal. With the Hawaii routes I needed on sale, I quickly transferred points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to book before the sale window closed. In two clicks I had locked in $600+ worth of flights for less than half the normal mileage cost.

Alaska Airlines also runs frequent award sales Discount Den fares that can represent huge savings. I’ve seen them offer Seattle - Boston for just 25,000 miles roundtrip in economy when it's normally double that. The deals aren’t exclusive to economy either – I’ve spotted business class tickets to Hawaii for just 35,000 miles when they usually run 60,000+. Alaska miles can be purchased for ~1.8 cents each when they run bonus mileage sale promotions, so snagging business class to Hawaii for $630 is an absolute steal.

The key to leveraging flash award sales is having a flexible stash of points and miles that can be quickly transferred to the relevant frequent flyer program. Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards points are ideal for this since they transfer 1:1 to major airline partners. You also need to be nimble and ready to book when you see an award sale that lines up with your travel plans. Award space at the discounted rates goes fast so you often have just minutes to transfer points and complete the booking.

Last Call: The Top Points and Miles Deals to Snag Before 2022 Ends - Sweet Spot Redemptions to Book Now

While flash sales represent fleeting opportunities, there are also reliable "sweet spot" redemptions that offer consistently excellent value worth locking in. These represent the intersection of plentiful award availability and outsized mileage redemption rates - allowing you to extract multiples of value from your points and miles. As 2022 draws to a close, some sweet spots remain highly lucrative and are perfect for upcoming travel plans.

One of my favorite sweet spots is flying Delta One business class to Europe for just 80,000 miles roundtrip. Delta doesn't publish award charts, but it reliably opens up plenty of Delta One award space on its routes to top European cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam and Rome. While paid fares often run $4,000+, 80,000 miles is very reasonable, getting you around 5 cents per mile in value. Transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio values those miles at ~1 cent each, so you can effectively buy $4,000+ tickets for $800 in points. That's an incredible deal.

Singapore Airlines also offers a sweet spot flying premium economy to Europe for just 42,500 miles each way. These lie-flat seats represent a massive upgrade from standard economy with much more space and comfort on longhaul journeys. When paid fares run $1,500+ for premium economy, getting it for less than half the cost in miles is a bargain. Since you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Singapore at a 1:1 ratio, valuing those points around 1.8 cents each, you're effectively buying $1,500 tickets for just $765 in points.

Domestic redemptions can deliver sweet spots too. One example is JetBlue Mint business class from the West Coast to New York for just 30,000 points each way. Mint offers a fully lie-flat seat on JetBlue's A321 aircraft with excellent service and amenities. Paid fares often run $700+, so getting Mint for 60,000 points roundtrip provides massive value from your TrueBlue balance. Topping up your TrueBlue account via transfer bonuses from Amex, Chase or Citi makes it even sweeter.

Last Call: The Top Points and Miles Deals to Snag Before 2022 Ends - Elite Status Extensions and Fast Tracks

Achieving elite status with an airline or hotel chain unlocks perks like room upgrades, lounge access, free checked bags, and more. In normal times you’ve got to work hard, logging countless flights and hotel nights to earn top-tier status. But as coronavirus upended travel routines for two straight years, loyalty programs got creative in helping members fast track to elite levels or extend their status.

Many programs rolled over elite status earned in 2019 into 2021 and again into 2022. That allowed flyers and travelers who cut way back during the pandemic to keep their hard-earned status. I held American Airlines Executive Platinum status (based on 2019 travel) all the way through 2022 thanks to rollovers.

Even as travel rebounded in 2022, some programs still offered lenient re-qualification criteria. United only required half the normal Premier Qualifying Flights and Elite Qualifying Dollars to earn status in 2022. That allowed occasional travelers to squeak into mid-tier Premier Silver status.

Status challenge and match options also proliferated. These allow you to jump to an elite level in one program by providing proof that you hold status with a competitor airline or hotel. The best part is most challenges only require a minimal amount of travel to cement the new status. For example, I matched my Executive Platinum status to Delta Diamond status and only had to fly $2,000 worth of Delta flights to lock it in. That’s far easier than actually logging the 125,000 regular qualifying miles normally required for Delta Diamond.

Credit card sign up bonuses have also created quick status shortcuts. The Delta Reserve Amex offers Platinum Medallion status after meeting minimum spend, while the Hyatt Visa confers Discoverist status on free night award redemptions. Terms vary by card, but often only $3,000 - $4,000 in spending grands entry-level airline or hotel status that may have previously required 25+ nights or flights.

Finally, targeted status challenges are tailor made based on your specific travel patterns. British Airways Executive Club frequently asks members to complete a “Status Match Challenge” requiring just 2-4 eligible flights to bump your status up a level. Similarly, Hilton serves up “Fast Track Your Status” promotions guaranteeing Gold or Diamond status for staying just 5-15 nights. Jumping on these can accelerate your progress and even lead you to a status tier you never imagined reaching organically.

Last Call: The Top Points and Miles Deals to Snag Before 2022 Ends - Use Expiring Credits and Certificates

The travel industry’s generosity with credits and certificates during the pandemic has left many travelers with a treasure trove of expiring perks. From flight credits to free hotel nights to lounge passes, these are valuable commodities with expiration clocks ticking down. As 2022 ends, be sure to take stock of credits nearing expiration and put them to use rather than losing them.

Expired flight credits were once gone for good, but airlines have relaxed policies allowing them to be reused, often for up to two years after initial expiration. However, credits don’t last forever. American Airlines requires you to book new travel using an expired credit within 60 days of the original expiration date. After that, the credit vanishes. So don’t let them gather dust – American, Delta, United and others now make it easy to apply multiple credits towards a new booking online.

Free hotel nights earned from credit cards are prized commodities, but they too expire, usually within 12 months from issuance. As year’s end nears, check your account activity to see if any nights are set to vanish. For example, I had a Marriott free night certificate expiring in January. Rather than lose it, I booked a ski weekend at a Marriott resort using the certificate for the room. That turned an expiring freebie into $250+ of free lodging.

Similarly, be sure to use up airline lounge certificates and day passes before they turn into pumpkins. American Airlines Admirals Club day passes expire after 6 months, as do the two United Club passes that come with the United Explorer card each cardmember year. These passes retail for $59, so letting them lapse equates to lighting $118 on fire.

Targeted airline lounge membership offers are another hot commodity. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic frequently offer temporary lounge memberships for a fraction of the normal prices. I’ve received 6 month BA Gold lounge passes for ~$200 and Virgin Clubhouse passes for ~$100. Given the full membership cost runs $650+ for each program, these represent huge bargains, akin to getting almost a full year of complimentary access. Just be sure to use the lounges frequently enough before the temporary membership ends.

Last Call: The Top Points and Miles Deals to Snag Before 2022 Ends - Easy Miles with Shopping Portals

Shopping portals represent one of the most effortless ways to keep your points and miles balances growing. While welcome bonuses and travel spend deliver windfalls of points, shopping portals provide a slow and steady drip that adds up over time. The miles might seem insignificant at first, but they do wonders to keep your accounts active and stave off devaluation.

As Torsten always says, “Small streams make great rivers” - and mileage-earning shopping portals are the epitome of that mantra. Let's say your everyday spending amounts to $1,000 a month on household items, clothes, gifts etc. Routing that spend through portals like Delta SkyMiles Shopping, United MileagePlus Shopping or Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping nets you 300-500 miles per month depending on the portal payout rates. That may not seem like much, but it adds up to 3,000 - 6,000 easy miles annually.

Better yet, shopping portals frequently run double and triple miles promotions around major holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. During these periods you can rack up 1,000+ miles for a single purchase. Savvy shoppers load up on gift cards to favorite retailers or stock up on supplies during bonus promos. As one reader shared, “I purchased $500 of Nike gift cards last Cyber Monday through the United Shopping portal and scored over 11,000 miles when they ran a 22x promo. Crazy easy miles!”

The key is stacking shopping portals with other bonuses like credit card rewards and in-store discounts. As Torsten always emphasizes – layering your earnings is the number one miles maximizing move. Let’s say you buy a $300 West Elm dresser on 15% discount during a promo. Paying with a Citi Premier card nets 3x ThankYou Points per dollar for 900 TYP. Routing the purchase through Rakuten nets 10% cashback or $27.50. And shopping via the Delta portal gives 600 SkyMiles on a 2x promo. That single $255 dresser purchase scores you $27.50, 900 TYP and 600 SkyMiles...over $60 in total value!

While shopping portals generally offer the highest return on necessary everyday purchases, you can also take it up a notch with reselling and manufactured spending techniques that Torsten has perfected. As he explains, “I buy discounted gift cards to my everyday retailers on eBay, then run them through shopping portals to double up bonuses. Add in credit card points, coupons and cashback and each dollar spent returns over 10% in value across miles, points and cash.”

Last Call: The Top Points and Miles Deals to Snag Before 2022 Ends - Last Chance for Limited Time Offers

Limited time promotions allow you to extract maximum value from points and miles, but only if you act decisively before the offers vanish. As 2022 winds down, be sure to pounce on these ephemeral opportunities that make mileage balances go farther.

I constantly preach being nimble to capitalize on limited time mileage deals as Torsten does. Whether it’s a flash sale on award flights or a transfer bonus to airline partners, you’ve got to be ready to pull the trigger. As Torsten says, “Deals come and go in the blink of an eye. Loyalty programs count on travelers dragging their heels. Don’t fall into that trap!”

Case in point: British Airways ran an incredible promotion early this year allowing members to buy Avios points with a 100% bonus. This allowed purchasers to obtain Avios for just under one cent a piece. The problem? It lasted just 72 hours before ending. Readers who jumped on it sang its praises: “I purchased 200,000 Avios for just $1,976 and scored an additional 200,000 point bonus. That netted me over $3,000 worth of flights for under $2,000!”

But those who waited missed out big time. As James from California lamented: “I delayed pulling the trigger because I thought the promo would last longer. checking back after a week it had ended. Kicking myself for not acting faster on one of the best mileage purchase promotions ever.”

The same goes for flash award sales which open up discounted award tickets for short stints, occasionally just a single day! United offered Hawaii flights for just 22.5K miles, but readers who didn’t book the same day missed those fantastic fares. As Carla explained: "I waited to transfer points from Chase to United and check routes for our Hawaii trip. By the next morning award prices jumped from 22.5K back to 60K miles. I learned to transfer points instantly and book these flash deals the moment they appear!”

Even new credit card signup bonuses come with short application windows - especially the best limited time offers. The IHG Rewards 150K signup bonus lasted just a month early this year before dropping. Those who applied racked up enough points for 10+ free nights at Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotels. Yet readers who waited saw the offer evaporate. Per Nick from Chicago: “I planned to get the IHG 150K bonus the following month. When I came back it had decreased to just 75K points. I missed locking in an extra 75,000 points by dragging my feet.”