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- ✈︎ Important: Upcoming Devaluations & Changes in Points Programs
✈︎ Important: Upcoming Devaluations & Changes in Points Programs
+ 🔥Southwest Companion Pass deal alert!
This has been an incredibly difficult week in travel with more than one aircraft tragedy. While there aren’t words that I can find that make sense, I will say, for everyone traveling in the aftermath, please give extra grace to each other, especially airline workers, pilots and flight attendants. A little kindness can be immeasurable.
And for everyone who is nervous, remember, air travel is still vastly safer than any other form of travel. Also, check out dialapilot.com to chat live 1:1 with an airline pilot to help conquer that fear. (not sponsored)
Good morning ☀️ from Booked It On Points: A curated collection of travel tips and personal stories by me, Allie→ because you’re meant to experience meaningful travel no matter life’s constraints 👊🏽
Let’s dive in.
Here’s what’s on today—
🌎 World: The largest gathering on the planet
✈️ Flight: Let’s enjoy some time in Istanbul
💸 Points: Upcoming Devaluations & Changes in Points Programs, saddness
👩🏽✈️ News: Mid air collision and travel projections
✈︎ Today’s World
Triveni Sangam
The largest gathering of humans on the planet
It happens once every 12 years, and it brings in an estimate of 400 million people 🤯 It’s a pilgrimage and it’s like nothing else out there. Deep breath, my anxiety is kicking in from here.
✈︎ Flight Deal
Top of my list destination 😍

📉 Türkiye has been top of my list for as long as I can remember. This long haul, direct flight in lie-flat business class is just the way I’d love to start that adventure. For some, business class may not be how they want to spend all the points. This same flight is 40k in economy and while that’s how we’d fly it as a family of 4 most likely, a girl can still dream, right?!
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✈︎ Points + Miles
TOP STORY: Upcoming Devaluations & Changes in Points Programs
If you’ve been using points + miles to book travel, you know that loyalty programs are constantly evolving. In fact, you may have heard of the latest in some of the most popular loyalty programs.
Unfortunately, not all changes are positive. Many airlines and hotel chains adjust their redemption rates over time, making it more expensive to book award flights and hotel stays.
Staying informed about upcoming devaluations can help you maximize your points before they lose value. It’s also why we say Earn ‘em and burn ‘em. Points are meant to be used, don’t hoard them, you never know when a big ‘ol devaluation will pop up.
Here’s what you need to know about recent and upcoming changes in points programs.
Why Do Programs Devalue Points?
Loyalty programs adjust redemption rates for several reasons, including inflation, program sustainability, and increased travel demand. When airlines and hotels see higher occupancy or rising costs, they often compensate by increasing the number of points required for redemptions. While frustrating for travelers, these changes are common.
Recent & Upcoming Devaluations
1. Delta SkyMiles
Delta has long been known for its unpredictable award pricing, but recent changes have made premium cabin redemptions significantly more expensive. Business class flights to Europe, which used to cost around 80,000 miles, are now often priced at 120,000 or more. Additionally, Delta continues to move toward a fully dynamic pricing model, making it harder to predict award costs.
2. Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott’s move to dynamic pricing has led to higher redemption rates for many properties, particularly luxury hotels. While some lower-category hotels remain affordable, aspirational stays at St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, and other high-end brands now cost significantly more points.
3. United MileagePlus
United recently removed its award chart, fully embracing dynamic pricing. This has led to unpredictable and often higher redemption rates for popular routes. Transatlantic flights in business class, which once cost 60,000 miles, now regularly exceed 80,000 miles.
4. Hilton Honors
Hilton has been gradually increasing points requirements for its top-tier properties. While they don’t publish an official award chart, redemptions at high-end resorts like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives have increased dramatically.
How to Protect Your Points’ Value
While devaluations are inevitable, there are strategies to ensure you get the most value out of your rewards:
Book Early: If you have an upcoming trip, lock in award bookings as soon as possible before rates increase.
**Diversify Your Points: Instead of relying on one program, spread your earnings across multiple transferable currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Membership Rewards like these, or Capital One Miles like these.
Use Points for High-Value Redemptions: Avoid redeeming points for low-value options like gift cards or statement credits.
Stay Informed: Follow loyalty program updates to anticipate changes and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Devaluations are frustrating but unavoidable in the world of points and miles. The key to staying ahead is being proactive—earning and redeeming strategically, diversifying your rewards, and keeping an eye on program updates. If you have points sitting in an account, consider using them sooner rather than later to avoid getting caught in the next wave of devaluations!
✈︎ Travel News
Quick Hits
Southwest’s latest deal to earn a Companion Pass with just one card!
My latest top card recommendations - remember, diversify!
This devaluation of points has at least been announced early so we can prepare, still it’s not good
Horrific mid air collision that has us all devastated
Tripadvisor’s first ever travel trends forecast
With the railway completed, this destination has surged to the top
Don’t have the points yet? Let me know, I can help!
Got your stash and ready to use them? I can help you find an epic redemption!

Simply hit reply, let’s travel on points!
✈︎ Poll
It's been a devestating week in air travel. While flying is still the safest mode of transportation, do you feel like you'll opt to drive or train over flying for your next trip? |
*Remember, dial a pilot is a great resource to help understand avaiation and get your questions answered with an actual airline pilot. (not sponsored, just helpful)
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Wishing you an uplifting week ahead.
Allie