It’s no secret that hotels have been dramatically affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

On Marriott’s Q1 earnings call in May, we learned that occupancy had been at 20% in North America at limited-service hotels and that roughly 25% of Marriott hotels worldwide were temporarily closed (at the time).

As a result, Marriott has been trying to generate cash and entice people to stay this summer, including a sale on homes and villas, bonuses on buying points and discounts on gift cards. And today, the program is back with a new sale when you purchase eGift cards — which can be a great way to save on an upcoming stay.

Here are the details for this new promotion.

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Get 15% off Marriott gift cards

Starting today and running through Friday, July 24, U.S. and Canadian residents can save 15% when they purchase Marriott eGift cards online. These discounted offers come in five denominations:

• $50 gift cards for $42.50
• $100 gift cards for $85
• $250 gift cards for $212.50
• $500 gift cards for $425
• $1,000 gift cards for $850

To purchase one of these discounted eGift cards, head to this page and select the one you want. Note that the discount won’t initially appear when you click on it. Instead, you’ll need to add it to your cart and begin the checkout process. The final page will display the discount before finalizing the purchase:

Marriott gift cards are issued in U.S. dollars and never expire, so grabbing one of these now could be a nice way to save on a future stay — even if you’re not planning to travel for a while. Just note that it could take up to 15 days to receive the gift card, and you’re limited to $5,000 per credit card per day. However, you can purchase these cards for others — so this discount could be a nice way to surprise a loved one for a future trip.

Purchasing Marriott gift cards does count as a Marriott purchase, so you’d be eligible for bonus points on cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card (6x Marriott points) as well as non-Marriott cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (3x Ultimate Rewards points) and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (2x Ultimate Rewards points).

Related: Choosing the best Marriott credit card for you

Marriott has also taken several other steps during the pandemic to support members, including extending elite status, depositing bonus elite-night credits into members’ accounts and taking notable steps to ensure rooms are clean. You can also currently earn bonus points on select cobranded Chase credit cards for purchases at gas stations and restaurants.

Bottom line

The array of summer offers continues, as companies work to incentivize travelers to dip their toes back in the water and bring in some much-needed dollars. Just remember that many countries and states continue to impose restrictions on travel, so a discount like this should be used for longer-term plans. If you want 15% off Marriott eGift cards, be sure and act quickly, as the discount ends on Friday, July 24.

Featured photo by Summer Hull / The Points Guy

The hotel industry has unified around a new set of guidelines for hotel guests released late last week by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). It calls for, among other best practices, a face-covering requirement for guests in public spaces.

While the country’s major hotel chains have required staff to wear masks for months, they are finally turning their attention toward guests. And that’s not surprising. The United States has seen a major resurgence in the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections since lockdown restrictions were lifted and people have begun moving around the country once again.

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To help combat the spread of the virus, the AHLA, with support of the hotel industry at large, has created the “Stay Safe Guest Checklist.” It’s a set of guidelines for guests to adhere to when they visit a hotel.

In a video update posted Monday, president and CEO of Marriott International Arne Sorenson reiterated his company’s commitment to fighting COVID-19 and said that the new face-mask policy for guests will go into effect July 27, making Marriott the first chain to announce a starting date for this new requirement.

Marriott’s peers including Hilton, Hyatt and IHG have committed to enforcing the mask requirement for guests as outlined by the AHLA, though none of these chains have announced a starting date for the new policy as of this writing. We expect to hear more from these chains in the coming days regarding this policy.

The majority of the guidelines in AHLA’s Stay Safe Guest Checklist have already been part of existing pandemic policies that hotels began implementing several months ago. These include stepped-up cleaning protocols, social distancing in public spaces, sanitization stations, contactless food-delivery options, increased use of mobile check-in, check-out, digital keys and more.

Related: What your hotel stay will look like after coronavirus

Existing protocols have required employees across the industry to wear face coverings while working. However, with the pandemic still very much with us, the industry is shifting more of the responsibility to guests with the mask requirement for indoor public areas.

The hotel industry will be joining the airline industry in requiring that guests wear masks while inside their hotels. All major airlines now require passengers to wear a mask while flying, and many have said they will consider banning passengers who do not comply.

Delta last week said that it will ask anyone who refuses to wear a mask to consult with medical personnel before flying.

Bottom line

We’ve seen many of the nation’s states, territories and highest-profile retailers announce face-covering requirements of their own as the numbers of infections continue to spike across the nation.

Now, the nation’s hotel chains — deeply affected by the travel-industry crisis that has resulted from this pandemic — are joining together to do what they can to continue the modest recovery the industry has seen over the summer months and, more importantly, to protect their team members and guests from contracting COVID-19.

Featured image by Nick Ellis/The Points Guy.

As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.

Editor’s note 7/20/20: This post has been updated with the latest information and will be updated often.

Americans are finding something very new when they go to plan international travel: The welcome mat has been rolled up. Most countries are not allowing U.S. visitors right now because of coronavirus. The United States has had more than 138,000 deaths, and remains among the hardest-hit countries on the planet.

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But there is some good news. Americans now have some options. So what’s open? Here’s the list:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Aruba
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Croatia
• The Dominican Republic
• French Polynesia
• Grenada (sort of)
• Ireland (sort of)
• Jamaica
• Puerto Rico
• The Maldives
• Mexico
• Rwanda
• St Barths
• St. Lucia
• Saint Maarten
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Seychelles
• Turkey
• Turks and Caicos
• United Kingdom (sort of)
• The U.S. Virgin Islands

We included two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and the USVI) on our list of destinations — in part, because there are so few places that are open to Americans.

Unfortunately, most of Asia, all of Europe and all of Oceania remain off limits.

Related: A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery

Be sure to read restrictions carefully before planning a trip.

What places are open for Americans?

Antigua and Barbuda

The country reopened to tourists on June 4. However, travelers will have to adhere to social distancing guidelines, including face masks in public. All snorkel and dive excursions and other activities must be booked via visitors’ resorts. They cannot explore the islands freely.

The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly canceled an early June trip to Antigua after learning that he would have to stay on the resort “unable to do things I would really want to do.” Good news, though, he did end up going.

More: Here are the rules for visiting Antigua

American Airlines resumed service to the Caribbean with flights to Antigua the last week of May, but it will be some time before things get back to normal.

• Face masks must be worn at all ports of entry and in public spaces from the moment of disembarkation from the plane. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
• Health screenings and temperature checks will be conducted at each point of entry. Officials will also collect a self-reported traveler accommodation form from each passenger.
• Arriving passengers may undergo nasal swabbing for rapid antigen tests.
• Hand washing and sanitization stations will be available in many public spaces.
• Customs and ground transportation will handle traveler luggage as little as possible.
• All people must abide by social distancing guidelines of six feet or more.

You will not need to present a negative COVID-19 test before arrival, but having one can help you bypass some of the screening protocols on the ground.

Every incoming traveler will be tested for COVID-19. The test will take 15 minutes to complete, and results will be released within 48 hours, according to Antigua’s travel advisory website. Travelers will have to pay for the test, which costs $100 per person.

However, recent legal actions by tourists may change protocols for future incoming tourists.

Sign up for TPG’s new weekly newsletter written by Brian Kelly.

Related: Country by country guide to Caribbean reopening

Aruba

Aruba is in the middle of phased reopening, with American visitors welcomed back on July 10. Visitors from Europe were allowed in Aruba as of July 1.

Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes told the media, “As we prepare to reopen our borders, Aruba has put in place advanced public health procedures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 on the island. We have taken careful and deliberate steps to assess the current situation and make certain it is as safe as possible and appropriate to begin the reopening process.”

Related:  Aruba reopening in July

Arrivals will face new screening measures including the possibility of COVID-19 tests on arrival along with temperature checks and medical professionals available.

Americans from 20 states considered at high-risk will need to upload proof of a negative test within 72 hours of flying to Aruba or they won’e be allowed to board. Those from less-risky states will also need to upload a test or have one taken at Oranjestad’s airport. Those who take a test on arrival will need to quarantine at their hotel for up to 24 hours while awaiting the results. The tests are paid for by the tourist.

All guests must also purchase visitors insurance from the nation of Aruba to cover up to $75,000 in health insurance. For a week it will cost you about $100.

The country has also placed temporary capacity limits on some tourist spots, especially in popular destinations.  Casinos will also reopen with new safety measures in place.

Aruba closed its borders to tourists on March 29, although airline crew members have been exempt from the restrictions.

The country has had 106 confirmed coronavirus cases and three deaths.

Bahamas

The Bahamas implemented an international travel ban on March 24, which which was lifted on July 1 when it officially reopened to tourists. But there is bad news for most Americans.

Related: Bahamas reopening

As of July 22, the Bahamas are officially closed to U.S. travelers who arrive by commercial airline. Travelers arriving by private jets or private vessels will be allowed to enter the country. A number of airlines serving U.S. to Bahamas routes will also suspend service for the time being.

The islands were under emergency orders for a number of months but reopened to tourists on July 1. Unfortunately, an immediate spike of COVID-19 cases correlated with incoming travelers resulted in the Bahamian government ban for additional tourists.

“Regrettably, the situation here at home has already deteriorated since we began the reopening of our domestic economy,” Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said Sunday. “It has deteriorated at an exponential rate since we reopened our international borders.”

The following resorts are still open for travelers:

• The Baha Mar
• Sandals Royal Bahamian
• Atlantis Paradise Island
• The Melia Nassau Beach-All Inclusive
• The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort

All of these resorts have flexible cancellation policies, so you can book with peace of mind, knowing you’ll receive a full refund if reopening plans don’t proceed as planned.

Previously, incoming travelers were subject to temperature checks upon arrival; this will likely continue for private airports seaports. Social distancing was also enforced, and travelers had to wear masks in the terminal, during security checks, customer screenings and baggage claim.

If you’re one of the lucky visitors, you’ll need to keep your mask on during the ride to your hotel and you may notice fewer passengers in the shuttle van. Both shuttle and taxi drivers have been mandated to cut passenger capacity by 50%, in accordance with social distancing guidelines. You also won’t be able to sit in the passenger seat of taxis or shuttle vans.

Hotels will be distributing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to guests, elevator capacity will be limited and “unnecessary literature’ in guest rooms will be removed. In other words, fewer magazines and less clutter all around. Unfortunately, buffets will not reopen for the time being and all meals will be single or prepackaged.

Meanwhile, employees will be subject to frequent temperature checks and restaurant staff will be required to wear masks and gloves.

Guests traveling to the Bahamas can leave their resorts to go on excursions and shopping trips – with some precautions. In order to adhere to social distancing rules, there will be limits on the number of customers allowed in stores and touching of merchandise is highly discouraged unless you’re ready to purchase.

When it comes to excursions, travelers are encouraged to bring their own gear while tour operators will be required to cut capacity clean everything on a set schedule.

Related: A country-by-country reopening guide to the Caribbean

Baha Mar just reported it has delayed its planned reopening until October (and has made staff cuts). The Melia Nassau Beach-All Inclusive all had been planning on opening July 1, but has now delayed those plans until October 2020. We’re told the Sandals Royal Bahamian will reopen in November.

Most of the resorts have flexible cancellation policies, so you can book with peace of mind, knowing you’ll receive a full refund if reopening plans don’t proceed as planned.

The Bahamas has reported 138 COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths.

Barbados

Bottom Bay in Barbados. (Photo by TommL/Getty Images)

Good news: Barbados reopened to international travelers beginning on July 12. U.S. commercial flights will resume on July 25 for JetBlue and August 5 for American Airlines. They have instituted mandatory protocols that all inbound travelers have to follow:

• COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory within 72 hours prior to departure for travelers from high-risk countries (one week for low-risk countries)
• Online embarkation/disembarkation card (ED card) with personal health questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms
• Test upon arrival without a documented negative COVID-19 PCR test result and mandatory quarantine at traveler’s expense until results are returned
• Social distancing, temperature checks and wearing face masks

The local government clarifies that high-risk countries are defined as those that have seen more than 10,000 new cases in the prior seven days and community transmission, which would include the United States. In addition, anyone that tests positive for the coronavirus will be placed in isolation where they will “receive care from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.”

Related: Barbados set to welcome back Americans

More updates on Barbados’ response to coronavirus and any updates to its protocols can be found on the government website.

Belize

Philip Goldson International Airport (BEZ) reopens on August 15. All nationalities are being welcomed back. Visitors and returning citizens will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding their flight or will be tested on arrival, but Prime Minister Dean Barrow said: “We decided that any further delay would likely gain us nothing from a safety standpoint.”

In a statement, the tourism board said, “As the country reopens for travel, Belize wants to assure travelers and residents that hotels and restaurants will be cleaner and safer than ever before.”

Related: Planning your trip to Belize during coronavirus

Note that all visitors will have to stay at one of the country’s full-service hotels or resorts that have received the Belize Tourism Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition. Among the requirements for this designation? The hotels must have private transportation to and from the airport, a restaurant on-property, and strict cleanliness protocols.

Belize tourism laid out the following guidelines and requirements for tourists.

Predeparture

• Obtain a certified negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure
• Book approved housing
• Wear face masks when traveling to the departure airport
• Wear face masks and practice physical distancing at the departure airport
• Download and verify information on Belize Health App

On the plane

• Wear a face mask while on the plane
• Practice social distancing to the extent possible

Upon arrival

• Continue to wear face masks and practice physical distancing
• Get a health screening
• Check in daily on health app

Once at the airport, you’ll need to be medically screened as well as go through customs. If a passenger is showing symptoms they may be placed in quarantine.

Still no word on when cruise ships will be allowed to return.

Bermuda

Bermuda is the latest country to reopen post-coronavirus and roll out the red carpet to Americans. In fact, tourists from many nations are able to vacation in Bermuda again since July 1.

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The island will resume international commercial air service for visitors as part of its fourth phase of economic reopening after what it calls its “successful management of COVID-19 to date.” L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA)  reopened July 1 as well.

Related: Bermuda opening to Americans July 1

In a news conference announcing the reopening, Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism & Transport Zane DeSilva said, “As we work to finalize the protocols and requirements for travel to Bermuda, rest assured, we will always place the safety of our island and its people above all else.”

Details are still being worked out, but visitors with a negative COVID-19 test within three days of their arrival in Bermuda will be given freedom of movement around the 21-square-mile island.

Related: Visiting Bermuda with kids

Bermuda’s tourism board says it is still finalizing a detailed plan for anyone who tests positive during their visit. There is still no word on when cruise ships will be allowed to return.

More information on coronavirus in Bermuda can be found here.

More reading: New resort and hotel options in Bermuda

Croatia

Croatia has reopened for tourists from all countries.

As of July 13, Croatia amended its COVID-19 policies due to a slight spike in recent cases. Incoming travelers must now produce a negative COVID PCR test taken less than 48 hours before departure, or else observe a 14-day self-quarantine upon arrival. Additional updates from the European Union will be announced soon.

Related: Visiting Croatia in the age of coronavirus

The U.S. State Department still advises against traveling internationally right now, as COVID cases continue to spike in the U.S. and the advisory level remains at 4 — Do Not Travel.

Fair warning: The European Union has decided not to allow U.S. travelers into the E.U., but individual nations can decide to ignore that decision, and it appears that Croatia has done just that in regards to Americans. The Daily Beast reporting, “… upon checking with the Croatian government directly, we can confirm that Americans can travel to Croatia for tourism this summer without quarantine.”

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic’s borders had been closed by land, sea and air since March, but the island country announced in early June that it would reopen July 1, although only approximately 30% of the hotels will open at that time. Social distancing guidelines will still be enforced, but not much else by way of specifics have been announced.

The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism director Lucien Echavarria told the Caribbean Journal that 40-50% of the nation’s hotel inventory would open in July with the rest all opened by November at the latest.

 Punta Cana International Airport confirmed to Caribbean Journal it restarted commercial operations on July 1.

There will be temperature checks on arrival, but it doesn’t appear there are tests required.

Apparently in early July, hotel occupancy rates were only around 10%.

The United States Embassy in Santo Domingo issued a level 4 health warning not to travel to the Dominican Republic due to the impact of COVID-19.

The office warned American citizens to reconsider coming to the country in consideration of the situation with the pandemic:

The DR has had more than 46,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 910 deaths.

Related: Dominican Republic reopening July 1

French Polynesia

Related coverage: French Polynesia reopening

French Polynesia will officially reopen on July 15. The island nation implemented a 14-day quarantine period for international travelers back in March, a measure that appears to have been successful. No active COVID-19 cases have been reported since May 29, clearing the way for reopening.

If you plan on traveling to French Polynesia in July, you need to submit to a COVID-19 (RT-PCR) test 72 hours before departure.

If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 three weeks prior to departure but have an immunity certificate from a doctor, you can bypass testing.

Additionally, all incoming travelers (residents excluded) must provide proof of international travel insurance. Luckily, credit card travel insurance satisfies this requirement. Use a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card to pay for your airfare and hotel, then provide a copy of the card’s Guide to Benefits as proof of coverage.

Travelers are also required to have a medical certificate, with the specifics to be communicated by the tourism board.

Four days after arrival, you may be subject to another COVID-19 test. The Ministry of Health and Prevention will be conducting these tests on a random basis, so keep that in mind. In addition to that, guests may also get visits from medical staff, authorized by the Department of Health to supervise.

All travelers are advised to wear a mask throughout their stay and abide by specific sanitary measures. If you do exhibit symptoms during your stay, you must self-report and self-isolate in your room until further instruction from local emergency operators.

If you’re itching to travel to French Polynesia when the border reopens on July 15, there are lots of options for getting there. Be sure to check out our guide on the best way to get to Tahiti using points and miles. The following airlines will be resuming flights:

• Aircalin
• Air France
• Air New Zealand
• Air Tahiti
• Air Tahiti Nui
• French Bee
• Hawaiian Airlines
• LATAM
• United

All hotels and resorts are beginning to reopen including famous names like the Conrad Bora Bora, Le Meridien Bora Bora, and the Hilton Moorea Lagoon.

Related: Dreaming of French Polynesia: How I’m booking

Grenada

Like its Caribbean neighbors, Grenada is set to begin to reopen to foreign tourists on August 1 — with many health conditions attached. Unfortunately it’s not going to be easy for Americans to visit.

Travel is supposed to be extremely difficult for “high-risk” tourists from places like America where coronavirus is still rapidly spreading.

Only chartered flights are allowed from these countries.

Anyone traveling to Grenada from a high-risk country will find a 14-day mandatory quarantine period awaiting upon arrival. Additionally, tourists from “Red Zones” will have to undergo quarantining at an approved state facility for the same period — subject to the discretion of local officials.

Additionally, requirements of low and middle-risk countries still apply. A negative PCR test result, dated at most 7 days prior to entry, is needed — and rapid testing upon arrival will still take place. Tourists may have to stay 2-4 days at a government-approved accommodation while awaiting PCR results and be able to resume quarantine elsewhere (as long as they are not from the “Red Zones”).

Ireland

Ireland is open to Americans, but you must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

All arrivals from outside Ireland including citizens and residents are required to isolate themselves for two full weeks. You’ll also need to fill out a “Passenger Locator Form” saying where you will be quarantining. There is a fine of up to $2,860 or six months in jail for refusing to fill out the form or falsifying records.

Related: Yes you can go to Ireland, but.. 

Ireland is a member of the European Union, but unlike other countries in the EU, it did not ban non-essential travel, not even from the U.S. where coronavirus is still raging. Most of Europe is allowing some international tourists, but Americans are not among them. Ireland, on the other hand, never pulled up the welcome mat. The Irish government does advise against nonessential travel to the country, but it’s not forbidden and Americans are taking advantage. This policy will apparently be revisited on July 20 so make sure you are doing your research if you plan a trip.

Meantime, Ireland is dealing with visitors who are violating the country’s 14-day self-quarantine rule. The New York Times wrote a whole article on this problem. Some TPG readers have also reported that Americans are going to Ireland, skipping quarantine and visiting other parts of Europe. Not only is that illegal, but it’s also unethical and endangers other humans. Don’t do that.

Jamaica

Jamaica officially reopened for tourism beginning June 15, but anyone who is hoping to plan a summer vacation here will have to overcome major hurdles. Arriving travelers have to submit a pre-travel health authorization registration with a customs and immigration form, and the government will issue a travel approval document based on those details. Travelers may be denied permission to visit depending on their risk for COVID-19 transmission.

All incoming travelers should expect thermal temperature checks upon arrival, and anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms or feels ill upon arrival will be quarantined. Even after all those procedures, travelers are expected to adhere to social distancing and face mask policies in public. Travelers are also expected to follow any policies made by tourist and hospitality establishments, which are most likely derived from the government’s 119-page guide for local hospitality procedures.

Related: Jamaica reopening with lots of rules

Phase One of reopening falls between June 15 and 30, and will be limited to a “resilient corridor” of coastline destinations between Negril and Port Antonio. Only licensed tourism businesses and transportation companies that have been assessed by the tourism board can operate in this region during this time.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still spreading in Jamaica, so keep that in mind. The country has reported 790 confirmed cases and 10 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker.

Related: Visiting Jamaica with family

The Maldives

The Maldives has announced one of the most liberal opening policies in the world. Come July 1 all are welcome with no testing or quarantine required.

The Tourism Ministry reporting there are no screenings or tests required. But all tourists must stay at one resort or hotel for their whole stay. There are no new visa requirements or COVID-19 related fees.

Emirates Airlines is offering connections through Dubai from major global cities including Chicago.  Etihad will resume flights from Abu Dhbai to the Maldives starting July 16. Turkish Airlines is starting flights from July 17.

Related: Maldives reopening in July

TPG’s Zach Honig wrote about this risky reopening plan and points out the country only has two hospitals and 97 ventilators, so if you were to get sick there, it would be dangerous.

The Maldives has had more than 2,750 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 13 deaths.

Mexico

Mexico is slowly reopening to American travelers, with Cancun accepting international flights and visitors from the United States starting in June, and Los Cabos and Baja following in July.

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun told The Points Guy it is reopening July 4 and offering guests up to 44% off. In a press release, Daniela Trava Albarran, General Manager at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun said:

“Our top priority remains to be providing a safe and enjoyable environment for both our guests and staff. The resort has become known for its high standard of friendliness and sincerity and we have worked hard to maintain this level of service while making the necessary modifications to enhance sanitization measures. We look forward to once again hosting guests as they create new memories along our private beach, open-air landscape and social distance adapted amenities.”

Cancun’s International airport (CUN) has reopened to domestic and international flights.

Related: Mexico opening beach destinations 

In July, the international terminal at Los Cabos International (SJD) will open, and international visitors will be permitted to enter. From August to September, Cabo is planning to “slowly recover” national and international arrivals, especially those postponed in March and April.

Still, tourists are warned that Mexico is one of the epicenters for coronavirus.

Mexico has had more than 311,000 confirmed cases, and 36,000 deaths from coronavirus.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico will officially reopen to all international travelers on July 15, but don’t expect everything to be back to normal.

Upon arrival, travelers will be subject to health screenings, including COVID-19 testing. You could be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of symptoms.

Hotels will limit capacity at pools to 50%. Fitness centers and spas, which are currently closed, will reopen and operate at 50% capacity sometime later this summer.

Related: Everything you need to know about Puerto Rico reopening

Public beaches and water activities are allowed with appropriate social distancing.

If you’re thinking of bypassing some of these restrictions by booking an Airbnb, keep in mind that many of the same rules will apply.

Restaurants are currently open with reduced capacity.

As is now the norm in the age of COVID-19, buffets will not reopen and restaurant staff will serve meals wearing gloves and masks.

Shopping malls will be open but accessible via appointment only. No plans have been announced regarding casinos and playgrounds reopening.

San Juan International Airport (SJU) is open, and TPG found flights as low as $137 roundtrip on Spirit Airlines from Miami.

Related: Your points and miles guide to Puerto Rico

Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the few countries in the world that is now open to American visitors again. Now might be the perfect time to plan that safari adventure you’ve always wanted to take if you are able to swing it. Rwanda has done a good job controlling the coronavirus outbreak with only 1,172 cases and three deaths according to Johns Hopkins University.

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Rwanda is home to three major national parks. You can even book a trip to see the endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.

Related: Visiting Rwanda during COVID-19

The land-locked country reopened to all nationalities back on June 17, 2020, although the international airport will not reopen to commercial flights until Aug. 1. All arriving passengers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) test taken within 72 hours before arriving in Rwanda.

VisitRwanda says, “For passengers entering Rwanda, a second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered within 24 hours, during which time they will remain in designated hotels at their own cost.”

Rwanda is offering visa on arrival as well for all nationalities. There are a number of additional planning resources available at VisitRawanda.com.

St. Lucia

On May 18, the government of Saint Lucia announced a phased approach to reopening the island’s tourism sector in a responsible manner beginning June 4.

Related: Everything you need to know about entering St. Lucia

Good news for Americans, as Phase One of reopening includes welcoming international flights at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) from the United States only.

Visitors will be required to present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flights to UVF. Once they arrive, guests will undergo health checks and temperatures will be taken. Masks and social distancing will be required for the duration of the stay.

The country shut its borders on March 23. St Lucia has only had 22 confirmed cases and zero deaths.

Phase Two begins August 1, with details to be revealed.

St. Barths

St. Barthelemy (St. Barths) opened to tourists beginning June 22 , but there are lots of caveats.

More: Visitors can come to St. Barths only if they can prove they’re not sick

Related Coverage: Country-by-country guide to reopening

If you want to visit the Caribbean vacation spot, you’ll need to prove that you have tested negative for COVID-19 72 hours or less before you arrive. Those unable to provide such documentation will be tested on arrival, and will need to isolate at their lodging until results become available.

Visitors who test positive for the virus will be moved into quarantine on the island. 

Bruno Magras, president of the island’s territorial council, told the Caribbean Journal:

“Whether you are visiting an island friend or local resident, returning to spend time in your vacation home or coming back to spend some vacation time on the island, St Barth is pleased to welcome you back. Island beaches are open without restriction, restaurants and boutiques are operating as usual, houses of worship are open and holding services and nautical services as well as the other services to which you are accustomed are being provided as usual.”

Related: St Barths reopening on June 22

For those staying longer than seven days, a second COVID-19 test will be required.

You’ll need to plan carefully. There are no direct flights from the U.S. so make sure the country you are arriving from is allowing American tourists.

St Barths has reported only six cases of coronavirus and zero deaths.

St. Maarten

St. Maarten was supposed to be reopening to American and European tourists on July 1. Unfortunately, late on June 30, The Council of Ministers announced it would delay the acceptance of Americans for at least two weeks.

This policy change came about following an internal dispute where the French side of the island (Saint-Martin) threatened to close the island’s internal border if flights from the U.S. were permitted to land at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA).

As of July 15, it appears Americans are still not allowed. We are finding flights bookable again, however, starting in August so the restriction on Americans could be lifted soon.

Related: E.U. reopening, Americans not welcome

Several resorts are again accepting reservations.

Delta had planned to resume service from the U.S., but this plan appears to be on hold, if temporarily.

There are several protocols that travelers are expected to follow, and it won’t be a vacation away from the social distancing that you may have hoped for initially. This graphic illustrates some of what you can expect, including face coverings, health screenings, and increased cleaning.

Related: St. Maarten is reopening — here’s what you have to know

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines

The local government announced that it will stage a phased opening, with the first one beginning July 1. Visitors from all countries are welcome, but everyone has to fill out the “VINCY” coronavirus questionnaire form and undergo testing and a 24-hour quarantine upon arrival (or until negative test results come back).

The next phase begins August 1, when visitors can forgo the 24-hour quarantine by providing a positive antibody test (within 5 days of traveling) or a negative PCR test (within 2 days). PCR testing on arrival and a health questionnaire are still mandatory.

The Seychelles

Americans can now travel to The Seychelles, but only those with big bucks are welcome.

Related: Seychelles reopening

Beginning this June, foreign tourists are allowed to vacation in the Seychelles, but the government’s tourism ministry is only looking for “high-end” visitors for now, according to Seychelles Nation.

“Only visitors traveling on private jets and chartered flights, and who will be heading off directly to remote island resorts, will be allowed in,” the outlet reported.

Visitors will not be allowed to leave their island resorts during their stay this month.

Commercial flights will begin again in July, but the government said it expects visitor numbers to be limited for a while even once they resume.

Tourists will be required to be tested for COVID-19 48 hours before they arrive, and will have to present proof of their lodging arrangements before being granted entry.

Visitors will be charged $50 to support local public health measures, and the tourism department is planning to introduce an app that will track tourists’ movements to facilitate contact tracing.

Turkey

Turkey is welcoming Americans again.

As of June 11, Turkey’s international borders are open for travelers from a number of countries, including the U.S.

Travelers who show signs of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board flights or enter the country. Upon arrival, travelers will be asked to fill out a passenger information form and undergo medical screenings for infection, and anyone showing symptoms upon arrival will be tested for coronavirus. Anyone who tests positive will be referred to a Turkish hospital for quarantine and treatment.

However, the Turkish embassy’s website states that tourist travelers do not need to provide specific health documentation to enter or exit Turkey unless they are arriving for medical treatment.

However, travelers should note a couple of precautions unrelated to COVID-19:

• The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory guide lists Turkey at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, due to concerns over terrorism and arbitrary detention. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid the areas bordering Iraq and Syria due to terrorist activity. (The official U.S. stance on worldwide travel is still Level 4: Do Not Travel — the highest tier of caution — due to COVID-19 concerns.)
• U.S. travelers will still need to apply for a visa before entering Turkey. You can do so via e-visa application, which takes about three minutes.

Related: These are the US State Department travel advisories for July 2020

The official crime and safety report for Turkey can be found here, and the State Department’s travelers’ checklist here.

We should also note that Turkey has reported more than 215,000 coronavirus cases with Istanbul especially hard-hit.

Turks and Caicos

More good news on reopening from the Caribbean. Turks and Caicos, a group of 40 low-lying coral islands popular with tourists in the Caribbean, is reopening for international visitors beginning July 22. The Providenciales Airport will reopen on this date.

Related: Turks and Caicos reopening

Related: A country-by-country guide to reopening in the Caribbean

This British Overseas Territory includes the island of Providenciales, also known as Provo. Details on the reopening remain sparse, but international flights are resuming. The islands have seen 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Related: 6 things to know before you go to Turks and Caicos

We don’t know yet what testing, screening or quarantine procedures will be in place, but we should have details in the next few weeks.

Related coverage: Why I love Turks and Caicos

We first learned about the reopening from the water adventure company Big Blue Collective. They wrote in a press release, “Time for all of us to get our island game on and for you to think about getting back down here. Our boats, kayaks, paddle boards and kites will be ready.”

Resorts and hotels are also reopening. Ocean Club Resorts told TPG that its sister properties are reopening as of July 22. They are offering 25% off for the remainder of the year.

United Kingdom 

Americans are allowed to visit the United Kingdom. Britain will allow Americans, but there is a giant caveat. Americans must quarantine for 14-days on arrival. The penalty for breaking this quarantine is steep running to more than $1,200 dollars a night in fines for violations.

We have seen some reports of Americans trying to get to the European Union from the U.K., but it’s not allowed and you are likely to be turned back (and you would potentially be breaking the law).

Related: Everything we know about England’s 14-day quarantine

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands is becoming the latest to announce it will welcome tourists again. There will be no quarantine required for healthy visitors and people will be free to leave their hotel or resort and explore.

Related: U.S. Virgin Islands reopening

The U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas and St. Croix, was under a state of emergency until July 11, but it welcomed back tourists as of June 1 with restrictions.

Related Coverage: State-by-state guide to coronavirus reopening

Flights are resuming, but there are some things to know if you decide to book. A spokeswoman for the USVI tourism board told TPG, “There are routine temperature checks and health screenings at the ports of entry and public places. There is no quarantine required if travelers are healthy. Testing, quarantine, and isolation protocols are in place for suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 and also for contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.”

A toolkit for travelers and other updates are available at www.usviupdate.com.

Important caveats and things to know

COVID-19 continues to spread around the world. While some countries have done a good job of containing the virus, there is still much we don’t know. Travel is still considered a risky undertaking. Know the rules and regulations for the place you are planning to visit, and make sure you have completed all the necessary steps (like pre-departure testing in some cases). There is also the possibility countries could change their minds on reopening at the last minute (like we saw in Portugal and Iceland), so make sure you are booking refundable tickets and hotels or purchasing travel insurance. 

What about Europe?

The entire EU is closed to Americans and will likely remain that way until the total number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. falls. Americans can go to the U.K., but a 14-day required quarantine and restrictions on internal travel make the prospect less than ideal.

Additional reporting by Ariana Arghandewal, Katherine Fan, Jordyn Fields, Zach Honig, Brian Kelly, Brian Kim, Samantha Rosen and Zach Wichter.

Featured image from Aruba in December of 2017 by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy.

As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.

Americans can go to Tahiti, but… 

It looks like French Polynesia just isn’t in the cards for me in 2020. My star-crossed trip to Tahiti has summed up 2020 perfectly.

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You may remember that I had booked a dream vacation to Tahiti late last year. I was supposed to be headed for paradise in mid-March, and we all know what happened then. The outbreak of COVID-19 forced me to cancel my trip very last minute. And it turned out it’s a good thing I did too as the country basically closed its borders and my flight to Fa’a’ā International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti was cancelled.

Fortunately, I was able to cancel my trip and get most of my money (and points) back.

As part of our series on booking dream destinations during coronavirus, I went ahead and booked the trip again back in April never dreaming COVID-19 would still be an issue come end of September. So much for that.

Related: Dreaming of French Polynesia; How to book on points and miles

It wasn’t coronavirus restrictions forcing my hand this time (though they did factor into it) or cancelled flights. This time my hotel canceled on me!

Le Meridien Bora Bora closing for 18 months

I got an email from Le Meridien in Bora Bora that they were cancelling my reservation at Le Meridien which I’d been aching to experience (and review). Apparently because of coronavirus the hotel is shutting down, and decided to take the time to do a full renovation. A renovation that will last 18 months!

Other issues with travel to French Polynesia

I had already been super nervous about getting a test within 72 hours of departure which is the new rule for tourists who want to visit Tahiti. In fact, French Polynesia is one of the few countries even accepting Americans right now. But I was increasingly worried about how long testing is taking in the United States. There are no guarantees that you can even get COVID-19 PCR test results in the required three-day timeline.

Related: What you know to visit French Polynesia when it reopens in July

I was also, frankly, feeling very guilty about even considering international travel since coronavirus is still spreading across the United States including in the city where I would have to layover before my flight on Air Tahiti Nui. Los Angeles is in the middle of a new spike and reported more than 2,800 cases on Sunday July 19 alone. The mayor is even reportedly considering further restrictions there.

Then there are the fears over a lack of health care resources in places like French Polynesia. As my colleague, Victoria Walker has written, countries in the Caribbean don’t always have the facilities and expertise to handle any outbreaks. She called on tourists to follow the rules and carefully consider trips. Perhaps the most responsible thing I could do, in this instance, was not take the chance.

Related: The Caribbean is reopening; recovery depends on you

In any case, the hotel cancelling felt like a sign from the universe.

I went ahead and responded to the email from Le Méridien Bora Bora to cancel the reservation. The next day, I got a response back that I was a bit taken aback by. They would happily refund my money, but it would take up to three months! Yikes.

The email reads, in part, “We will ensure reimbursement within a maximum of 90 days as per Marriott International policy.”

That’s got me really concerned, but in a worst-case scenario, I can dispute the charge if I don’t get my refund. I’ll report back on what happens.

Related: Here’s where Americans can go

Meantime, I had to deal with the other reservations.

Easy cancelation from American Airlines for flights

On July 15, I called to cancel the reservation and spoke to a nice agent named Jane to cancel the trip (again) and get my points refunded. I got a $61.50 refund and 120,000 AA miles back into my account in 24-48 hours. That was for business class on Air Tahiti Nui one way, premium economy one way, and the connecting flights via Alaska Airlines from New York in first. (That would have a been a great redemption — sigh.)

Jane told me that she was one of the few agents working from home and had 30+ years with AA. She said she was among many who were considering early retirement.

I got the points back within 24 hours.

I’m eager to rebook this trip, and I’ll use some of the tips I’ve learned at The Points Guy to do it, but I’ll wait for a firm date on when Le Meridien will open again before I do.

Related: Air Tahiti Nui in business class from LAX to PPT

Canceling Conrad Bora Bora

Next I had to contact Hilton and see about getting my points back for my one night stay at Conrad Bora Bora. I talked to a customer service representative who was able to cancel the reservation and refund my 330,000 Hilton Honors points. The points showed back up in my account within a minute.

It was much easier than I expected. Again, I want to say how impressed I am with how American Airlines, Marriott and Hilton have been during these trying times. It pays to book direct!

Fortunately, I hadn’t made any firmer plans or booked intra-island flights yet. I’m still smarting from losing $377.40 on Expedia for my original March Air Tahiti flight from PPT to Bora Bora (BOB). I am still planning on trying to get that money back, but I don’t have it in me to try to get through to Expedia, which has been extraordinarily painful to deal with. Meantime, I went ahead and disputed the charge on 7/21, so if I don’t get relief from American Express for that charge I’ll fight that battle with Expedia and Air Tahiti another day.

Related: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery

So what now?

Now being twice-burned, I’m finally getting shy about rebooking this doomed trip. I really could use a week at a resort, but international travel is looking increasingly unlikely for 2020. I’ve already gotten to explore a few things that I would have normally skipped like Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. It’s maybe time to cross a few of the states in the U.S. I’ve never been to off my list instead.

Though living in Barbados for a year does have some appeal.

Related: Barbados reopening – What you need to know

Related: Barbados wants you to move there and work remote

Read more about traveling to French Polynesia:

• Transfer to paradise: How to take a cheap ferry from Tahiti to Moorea
• Moorea or Bora Bora–Which island paradise is right for you?
• Eating your way through Tahiti’s famed food trucks
• Best French Polynesia hotels to book with points or Citi Prestige 4th Night Free
• Moorea or Bora Bora – Which is right for you? 
• La Orana Tahiti: Polaris to PPT on United’s 787-8 Dreamliner
• Last Leg to paradise: Air Tahiti (ATR 72) in economy from Tahiti to Bora Bora

Featured image courtesy Summer Hull/The Points Guy.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on June 15, 2020, and was updated with new information on 7/21/20. 

As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.

Jamaica reopening

After three months of preventative measures designed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, Jamaica reopened for tourism on June 15. But travelers hoping to escape social distancing and face masks will not find the easy vacation they’re looking for — the country has published a 119-page guide for local hospitality procedures to prove it.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox including what other nations are open, sign up for our daily newsletter.

Arriving in Jamaica

Arriving travelers must follow an “extensive” set of health screening procedures, beginning with a mandatory pre-travel health authorization registration with a customs and immigration form between two to five days before their planned arrival date, and the government will issue a travel approval document based on those details. And as of July 15, travelers arriving after that date from high-risk regions including Arizona, Texas, Florida and New York must also include a negative COVID-19 test dated within 10 days of departure time in order to have their applications considered.

Travelers may be denied permission to visit depending on their risk for COVID-19 transmission. Short-term business travelers are exempt from the requirements above, but must undergo rapid-result nasal swab testing upon arrival instead, and must remain quarantined until results are received.

Upon submission, your application will be “instantly” reviewed and your level of risk for COVID-19 transmission will be assessed based on your submitted details, according to the Visit Jamaica registration page.

Related: Bermuda opening to Americans July 1

Travelers above a certain risk threshold will be asked to avoid traveling to Jamaica at this time, while travelers under the threshold will be issued a travel approval document. Passengers must print their approval forms beforehand to show to an agent upon flight check-in or boarding. Airlines will not allow any travelers to board flights into Jamaica without proof of prior authorization.

All incoming travelers should expect thermal temperature checks, health screenings and an interview with a health official upon arrival, and anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms or feels ill upon arrival will be quarantined. The new June 15 policy supersedes previous measures, which required mandatory quarantine upon arrival into the country.

Upon arrival and after passing all health screenings, healthy tourists must remain within the “COVID-19 resiliency corridor” spanning the northern coastline between Negril and Portland along the main road, according to Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Only hotels or cottages licensed by the Tourist Board Act are permitted to host guests during June 15 to 30.

Non-Jamaican tourists who plan to travel outside of the approved tourist zone must be tested for COVID-19, and will be required to quarantine in their hotel room or intended address until test results come back. Tourists who test positive must remain in quarantine for the duration of their illness, either in their current place of shelter or at a government-designated facility.

How to get there

How to use Google Flights to plan your next trip

The cheapest flights begin at $300 round trip on Spirit departing from Newark (EWR) with a stopover in Fort Lauderdale (FLL), while the lowest-priced fares on a major U.S. carrier also depart Newark, beginning from $406 round trip on United with a stopover in Houston (IAH).

Related: Visiting Jamaica with family

American Airlines is restarting some flights as soon as today. It will soon be flying from both Charlotte (CLT) and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Montego Bay. AA begins flying from Miami on July 2 to Kingston for as low as $310 roundtrip in main cabin. Or you can fly in business class for another $264. You can fly from New York JFK via MIA for $461 in the main cabin.

United Airlines has direct flights from Newark to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ) which is within the open corridor for 90,000 miles and $140 in taxes and fees. You could fly in coach for 35,000 United miles and $140 in taxes and fees. That same trip would be $469 in cash in main cabin (non-basic).

You could fly via Delta Air Lines to Kingston in main cabin for $527 or $478 in basic economy. The same flight would be 28,000 miles and $161 in taxes.

Southwest Airlines is expected to resume service to Montego Bay from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) on July 1.

Related: Best ways to Caribbean on points and miles

Where to Stay

Hilton’s Montego Bay all-inclusive resort, the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, as well as Hyatt’s all-inclusive properties Zilara Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva, all reopen July 1, with rates beginning around $300/night at each destination.

Related: Review of the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

For example, If you wanted to stay at Hyatt’s Rose Hall all-inclusive it would be $295/night or 25,000 World of Hyatt points/night.

Related: Reopening guide: country-by-country

Related: Reopening guide to the Caribbean

There is a good mix of chain and non-chain hotels in Jamaica, but if you are paying cash you could always use that sweet travel credit from the Chase Sapphire Reserve card!).

Related: 9 of the best ways to use points in the Caribbean

Hotels.com shows more than 1,200 hotels and guest properties on the island of Jamaica with availability during the first week of reopening, with more than 100 properties open in capital city Kingston alone. However, note that Kingston does not fall within the COVID-19 resiliency corridor designated by the government, so travelers visiting the capital city of Jamaica will have to quarantine in place until their coronavirus tests come back negative.

Most of the properties listed are guesthouses and similar housing, although major chain properties include Marriott hotels AC Hotel Kingston from $167/night or the Courtyard by Marriott Kingston from $205 per night. Notably, the Hyatt’s Kingston-based Trident Hotel is not yet booking guests.

Related: Complete review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Additional reporting by Clint Henderson.

Featured photo by David Neil Madden.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

While more and more programs have been moving away from having points that expire, it is still one of the unfortunate pitfalls of the travel rewards game that we love. After all, who wants to let (nearly) free travel go to waste? But during such uncertain times for the travel industry, you may be wondering how to keep miles and points from expiring if you’re not planning to fly or stay at a hotel anytime soon.

New to The Points Guy? Sign up for our daily newsletter and check out our beginner’s guide.

While some airlines and hotel companies have extended points validity or even paused point expiration during the coronavirus outbreak, others have been remarkably silent on the issue. Plus, some companies that have extended points validity have only done so for a couple of months — likely before many plan to resume traveling again.

Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your accounts active that don’t require hopping on an airplane or going on a mattress run. In fact, more often than not, you can reset the expiration date on the various hotel and airline currencies from the comfort of your desk or couch, even during times when we are traveling more than right now.

Even better, some airline and hotel programs have gotten rid of points expiration completely. Delta and JetBlue have been this way for years, while Southwest and United axed their respective points expiration policies in 2019.

Related: What happens to your airline companion fare or hotel free night certificate now?

So, if you’re wondering whether or not your miles expire or want to know how to keep them active, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll show you when the most popular airline miles and hotel points expire and highlight ways to keep them from expiring. We’ll start by looking at coronavirus-related expiration extensions, and then dive into standard points expiration policies for all the major airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Let’s get started!

Airlines and hotels that have extended points validity due to coronavirus

There’s no doubt that the coronavirus outbreak has taken a toll on the travel industry. Many major airlines have cut capacity due to decreased demand and travel restrictions, and hotels have seen dwindling occupancy rates. Many people won’t travel for the foreseeable future, meaning that points and miles may be left to expire.

Airlines and hotels know this, though, and some have opted to delay or pause points expiration during this time of travel uncertainty. Here’s a look at all of the airline and hotel programs that have extended mile and point validity during the coronavirus outbreak.

Do note that we’ve only included programs that have extended mile and point validity for all customers worldwide. Some companies have extended points on a region-by-region basis and are not shown here.

Airline mile extensions

Here’s an overview of the airlines that have formally announced extensions to expiration dates for their respective currencies:

Hotel point extensions

Further, most of the major hotel companies are extending expiration dates for their loyalty points. Here’s an overview

Again, these are only temporary adjustments in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Unless more changes are announced at a future date, your points or miles may still expire when the extensions are up.

When do popular points and miles expire?

During normal times, most loyalty program currencies expire after a certain period of inactivity, most commonly two or three years. This means that if you go 24 or 36 months without earning (or in some cases, redeeming) points or miles in some way, you’ll lose any accumulated balance. Some programs vary from this rule by imposing either more restrictive expiration policies or more lenient ones.

To help make this easier, below you’ll find a chart that shows how the most popular airline miles and hotel points expire.

Airline mile expiration

As you can see, these policies are all over the map. Some programs count any activity as eligible to extend the expiration date, while others don’t allow any extensions no matter what. The winners here? Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Southwest Rapid Rewards and United Airlines. These programs make it easy to now worry about losing your account balances due to taking a pause in travel.

Hotel points expiration

Like airlines, there’s a wide range of policies, ranging from completely flexible (Best Western points never expire) to more restrictive. However, all of these programs at least allow you to extend the validity period of your points with activity, unlike some of the airline programs discussed above.

How to keep your miles and points active

Now you know when your points and miles expire, but how do you go about keeping them active? Luckily, there are several ways to do this. Here’s a list of the easiest — though feel free to tell us your preferred method of keeping your accounts active in the comments.

Try to perform these tasks at least a couple of months before your points or miles are set to expire to provide adequate time for the activity to post to your account. And be sure to pay close attention to the policies above too; some programs (including Emirates Skywards and Singapore KrisFlyer) don’t allow extensions of any sort.

Open a credit card

Some airlines and hotel chains waive mileage expiration for those holding their cobranded travel credit cards. For example, if you hold an Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, your Alaska Airlines miles won’t expire if your account is open and in good standing. This also could be due to the automatic elite status the card confers; the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, for example, provides automatic IHG Platinum status, and one of the perks of this tier of elite status is that your points will never expire.

However, not all cobranded cards offer this benefit. For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® does not keep your miles active by simply having the card in your wallet. However, a $1 transaction on the card will add a mile to your AAdvantage balance and extend your expiration date at the end of your billing cycle.

The information for the Alaska Airlines Visa card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Join the dining rewards network

Many airlines and hotel chains have their own dining programs through the Dining Rewards Network. In short, you link any credit card in your wallet to the corresponding dining program, and you’re awarded airline miles or hotel points when you make a purchase at over 10,000 participating restaurants. You can keep your account active by signing up for the loyalty program’s dining program and going out for a meal at a partner restaurant. In some cases, you can just buy a cup of coffee!

RELATED: Ultimate guide to AAdvantage dining rewards

And don’t worry: most of the time, you’ll still earn these points if you order for take-out too. Just make sure that you pay directly at the restaurant and not through a third-party app like Uber Eats or Grubhub. Using these tools may make you ineligible for the bonus points.

We’ve found that the points usually post within a week or so of purchase. Just be aware that you can’t double- or triple-dip with the same card at multiple programs. You can belong to more than one dining rewards program, but if you enroll the same card in multiple programs, it will only award points to the most recent program you linked to.

However, you could (for example) add the Chase Sapphire Reserve to the Alaska Airlines dining program and then your American Express® Gold Card to the American Airlines dining program. If you ask the waiter at a participating restaurant to split your bill between those two cards, you’ll extend the expiration date of your miles in both those programs.

Make a purchase through the program’s shopping portal

This may be the easiest option for most people: just make a purchase through the loyalty program’s shopping portal. Most major hotel chains and airlines have a site where you earn miles by starting there and then clicking through to a participating merchant before making an online purchase. Any purchase will keep your miles active — even something as inexpensive as a music download or movie rental. Just note that many vendors exclude gift card purchases, though I’ve read reports of these transactions still resulting in points or miles.

Related: Beginner’s guide to airline shopping sites

We recommend using a shopping portal on all your online purchases. It’s an easy way to rack up points on most airline programs, giving you an easy way to stock up on miles and points for the vacation you’re daydreaming about. Make sure to use a tool like CashBackMonitor.com to ensure you’re getting the most points for your purchases too.

Transfer miles from a credit card or hotel program

Transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards will generally keep your miles active, too. Since any amount of miles will generally reset the expiration clock, you should transfer the minimum amount possible, though most programs require at least 1,000 points when transferring to partners.

Don’t have a transferable points credit card? You should consider changing that fact now; these programs provide incredible flexibility as you can transfer points to several different airlines and hotels. And in a time when airlines are on unstable financial ground, it’s advisable to diversify your points and miles as much as possible.

READ MORE: Why you should double down on credit card points right now

Further, you can also transfer points from most hotel programs to keep your airline miles active. Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Wyndham Rewards and others allow transfers to several airline partners. Even though many of these programs have less-than-favorable exchange rates, they could be a good option if you need to save your miles in a pinch.

Check out TPG’s lists of best credit cards and rewards credit cards to find the card that works for you and your spending habits. Remember, keeping your points diversified can protect you from award chart devaluations and airline insolvency, and this gives you more award tickets to choose from.

Donate to charity

One of the easiest ways to keep your points and miles active is by donating them to charity. American, United and many others offer donation programs, and generally speaking, the minimum amount you can donate is 1,000. The points or miles are typically debited from your account immediately, extending the expiration date of your remaining account balance the second you hit the confirm button. This is perfect if your miles are expiring in the coming weeks, and you’re giving to a good cause at the same time!

Take a flight or complete a stay

We know that this option may be far out for most of us — after all, it’s not advisable to travel until the coronavirus outbreak is contained. But for when it’s safe to travel again, you can keep your points and miles active by taking a flight on the applicable airline (or one of its partners) or by completing a stay with the hotel chain in question.

For most airlines and hotel programs, you can book a paid flight/room or book an award ticket/stay to keep your accounts active, because both earning and redeeming are considered activity for the majority of programs. Do note that paid flights and hotel stays usually don’t reset your points expiration date until after the applicable points and miles post to your account (generally a few days after flying or checking out).

Bonus option for American: Comment on the AwardWallet Blog

A free way to keep your American Airlines miles active is commenting on a post on the AwardWallet blog. All you need to do is link your AAdvantage account to your AwardWallet account, and use that AwardWallet account when commenting on a post on their blog. Each comment earns five American Airlines miles, and you can earn up to five per day. Just be aware that these miles take five days or more to post to your account, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Speaking of AwardWallet, this is one of our favorite methods to track the expiration dates of points and miles in many programs, so if you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend signing up for an account and linking your various loyalty numbers.

Once you sign up,  you can view all of your points balances, status levels, expiration dates and more in one simple dashboard. This can be incredibly helpful if you’re not actively checking airline account balances during these times of travel uncertainty.

What if my points or miles have expired?

Of course, all of the above suggestions apply to those of you who are proactively trying to keep your account balances active, but what happens if your points or miles have already expired? This may seem like a “too bad, so sad” situation, but depending on the program, all hope may not be lost. A handful of airlines and hotel chains allow you to reinstate your points or miles, typically with a fee. Here’s a list of some of the most popular:

1. Alaska: You can reinstate expired miles for a $75 fee up to one year after expiration.
2. American: You can reinstate miles expired after 2002 for a fee that varies from $40 to $2,000, depending on the number of miles that expired.
3. British Airways: While not a published policy, you may be able to reinstate your Avios by calling customer service, though it may take reaching a U.K.-based agent for the request to be processed.

It’s worth noting that Hilton Honors added the ability to reinstate expired points back in 2017, but based on the current terms and conditions of the program, it appears that this is no longer an option.

Don’t see your airline or hotel listed? Try calling the airline or hotel program where your points expired. If your miles recently expired or you get a really friendly agent, there’s a chance you could get your miles reinstated for free. Make sure to ask politely and — if possible — call when phone lines aren’t busy assisting customers that need ticket changes and cancellations.

Whether incurring this out-of-pocket expense makes sense depends on the value of the points or miles you’ve lost, but for large balances in these programs, it could very well be worth it!

Bottom line

Knowing both when your miles and points expire and how to keep them active is essential — especially if you’re not sure of the next time you plan to travel. While most airline and hotel programs differ in their expiration policies, your account balances in almost all programs will be at risk without some qualifying activity in a defined period.

Bookmark this page and refer to it whenever you’re questioning when your miles expire or wondering the best ways to keep them active. We’ll keep it updated with mileage extension news and more. Finally, remember: Saving your expiring miles could mean the difference between flying economy or business class on your next vacation!

Featured photo by John Rowley/Getty Images

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with Marriott’s latest promotion for new members.

As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials’ guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.

Marriott is extending its promotion where new Bonvoy members can earn a free night after two paid stays.

New members who sign up for a Marriott Bonvoy account using this dedicated page will earn a free night after completing two paid stays between now and Nov. 28, 2020. That free night will be valid for any stay worth up to 25,000 points. That’s enough to book a free night at any Category 1-4 hotel.

For more TPG news, deals and points and miles tips delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter.

What you need to know

This promotion is for new users only — not existing Bonvoy members — and you must sign up using the dedicated sign-up page.

The terms and conditions note that a stay is “defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity,” so you’ll need two actual separate stays to earn your free night, though there’s no minimum spending requirement.

Your free night certificate will be automatically deposited directly into your account after completing the stays, and you’ll be able to redeem it online when booking an award stay at an eligible property. The award will be valid for one year from the date of issuance, so be sure to use the certificate before it expires or its value to you is exactly zero.

Redeeming your free night

To redeem your free night, simply search for hotels using Marriott Bonvoy points and select one that prices at 25,000 Marriott points per night or less. Choose your desired room type and, at checkout, you will be given the option to pay using your Marriott 25,000-point certificate.

Related: The award traveler’s guide to Marriott Bonvoy

For reference, here’s a breakdown of Marriott’s award chart.

If you’re curious to know what 25,000 Marriott points are worth, here are some options around the world.

Westin Guadalajara

Standard points rate: Category 3 – 17,500 points per night

Catered to business travelers, this hotel in Mexico includes a fitness center, White Tea Bath & Body products and Westin Heavenly Beds. 17,500 points will score you either a king or queen room.

Element Lexington

Standard points rate: Category 4 – 25,000 points per night

This Element hotel is a roughly 20-minute drive from downtown Boston, which may explain its lower category. But with an indoor pool, modern rooms with kitchens and free breakfast for all, it can be a solid place to redeem your free night.

Nest Hotel, A Member of Design Hotels

Standard points rate: Category 4 – 25,000 points per night

This five-star hotel located just minutes from Seoul (ICN) Airport on the island of Yeongjongdo. This 370-room  hotel offers views of the Yellow Sea. Built as the “ultimate retreat,” the hotel includes a library cafe, mini-theater, spa and an outdoor heated infinity pool.

Moxy NYC Downtown

Standard points rate: Category 4 – 25,000 points per night

You can’t go wrong with affordable hotel options in New York City, and the Moxy Downtown fits the bill. This hotel is located near Tribeca and includes virtual check-in. Lucky for you, 25,000 points will get you a queen, king, or two queen beds. Each room includes a 50-inch TV and the hotel has a fitness center.

Earn more free nights

If you’re new to the Marriott program and want more free nights in the future, you may want to consider adding a Marriott co-branded credit card to your wallet.

Within the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, there are two types of annual free night certificates available. The cards with annual fees that hover around $100 or more per year offer an annual free night worth up to 35,000 points at each cardmember anniversary. These include the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card ($125 annual fee; see rates & fees).

Meanwhile, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card offers an annual free night worth up to 50,000 points. The card comes with a $450 annual fee. (see rates & fees)

Related: Which Marriott Bonvoy credit card is right for you?

Bottom line

Note, Marriott is extending all members’ elite status and points expiration through Feb. 2022, as well as extending free-night certificates and Suite Night Awards. For all new reservations with arrival dates through Sept. 30, 2020, Marriott is allowing free changes and cancellations up to 24 hours before check-in. In addition to enhanced cleaning protocols, Marriott is requiring guests to wear face coverings in public areas of hotels.

Additional reporting by Victoria M. Walker.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, please click here.

Featured image courtesy of Moxy Hotels.

I recently returned from an incredible trip to Yellowstone, our nation’s first national park. It was very strange to be there in the days of COVID-19, but it was also one of my best visits yet, as it wasn’t as crowded as it’s been in the past. It was also my first time actually staying inside the park, which was quite a treat.

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Of course, you could easily spend weeks exploring the sprawling 2.2 million acre park and still not see it all. But even a day trip here or long weekend getaway is well worth your time. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park.

What to see and do in Yellowstone

Let me start with the highlight: the wildlife.

Among the many rare species you might encounter are grizzly and brown bears, wolves, mountain lions, foxes, coyotes, elk, deer, buffalo, moose and every matter of birds. You can easily pull off the road and see any or all of these animals at once. Buffalo, in particular, are known to cause traffic jams as they use the same roads you do to commute.

Travelers will also discover a ton of adventure in this park. You can camp, hike in the backcountry, boat, fish, cycle and, in the winter, you can even try cross-country skiing.

Both biking and hiking are great ways to experience the natural wonder of this incredible park, and there are plenty of mountain biking and off-roading opportunities. Campsites are available from just $5 a night, and there are approximately 900 miles of trails to explore in the park — just be hyper-aware of your surroundings, as you’ll be sharing the territory with some fearsome predators. When I was there last, I saw both bears and wolves.

There are so many amazing hikes here that aren’t too difficult and are within walking distance of accessible parking areas. My favorite was probably the hike to Mystic Falls from Biscuit Basin, not too far from Old Faithful. The 2.5-mile round-trip walk takes you to a dramatic waterfall. If you hike a little farther you might luck out like I did and see Old Faithful erupt on the horizon.

Old Faithful

Probably the most famous of all Yellowstone’s attractions, Old Faithful is a massive geyser that erupts reliably every 60 to 110 minutes. It’s a cone geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin and easily accessible by road, and park rangers can tell you when the next eruption is during the day. There are benches from which you can watch the spectacle. It erupts about 20 times per day, and the plume of water and steam can be as high as 180 feet!

You can usually stay at a lodge near Old Faithful, but for the 2020 season, only cabins are available.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

This river valley formed by the Yellowstone River is probably my favorite part of Yellowstone. I’ve been here now in several different seasons and it’s always changing, always distinctly different and always awe-inspiring.

There are several viewpoints, and it’s one of the most dramatic areas in the country. I’m especially fond of Artist Point. As you can imagine, they call it that for a reason.

You can also check out the Canyon’s Lower or Upper Falls viewing areas. I highly recommend doing the Brink of the Lower Falls observation point where you can really get a sense of the river’s immense power. If you’re driving, be prepared to pull over constantly to get a new perspective.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs was one of the first parts of the park that saw policing back in the 1800s when poaching was a problem. The U.S. Army had a base there (it still houses park employees) and it’s home to historic Fort Yellowstone.

Travelers will also find the Mammoth Hot Springs lodges and cabins, places to eat and even a gas station.

But the best features are the dramatic hot springs laced with boardwalks for closer observations. You can get a good look at the many steaming hydrothermal pools and the travertine terraces. You can walk (or drive) to the Upper Terraces. There’s also a hiking trail circling the pools and falls, but bring your bear spray. In a 24-hour span, I saw a grizzly bear and her cubs, and the next morning I saw another grizzly near the road.

There are also herds of elk that call the area home. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see elk during a trip here.

Biscuit Basin and Mystic Falls

Not far from Old Faithful you’ll find Biscuit Basin, which is home to gorgeous hot springs and small geysers with fairly regular eruptions.

The mix of colors and textures in the rocks is striking. You can follow a wooden walkway and it will eventually lead to an easy hike to Mystic Falls and a spectacular waterfall in a river valley.

Related: State-by-state guide to reopening America

There are also plenty of fun family-friendly activities just outside the park in cities such as Gardiner and West Yellowstone, Montana. Consider, for example, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. You and the kids can see live bears and wolves who can’t return to the wild and learn a ton about the fearsome animals from a safe distance.

Whether you’re exploring the park by foot or car, don’t forget to grab an $80 annual national park pass. Yellowstone National Park normally charges a $35 entrance fee per vehicle, so if you have any other national park trips on the horizon, you can easily get your money’s worth.

The best times to visit Yellowstone

The peak time is definitely summer when everything is open. It can get hot, but it’s generally not humid. You should pack shorts for the daytime, and be sure to bring sweaters, a sweatshirt or a coat. Yellowstone is in the mountains and it gets cold at night even in the summertime.

You can travel here all year long, including during the winter, which would be a magical (albeit cold) time to visit Yellowstone. Warren Smith, a chiropractor at HealthSource in Butte, Montana, told me he has cross-country skied into the park from West Yellowstone, and outfitters will take even take you snowmobiling.

My personal favorite time to visit is in the early fall when the crowds are thinner, and the colors begin to change. Temperatures are more moderate and it’s not quite so hot. You get more of the park to yourself and wildlife is more likely to be around. Keep in mind, though, there can be freak snowstorms even in September — so pack for anything.

Read our complete guide on the best times to visit Yellowstone.

Where to stay in Yellowstone

There are plenty of places for you to stay in and around Yellowstone. Both vacation rental properties and hotels are plentiful at all five entrances to Yellowstone (there are three in Montana and two in Wyoming).

Related: How to visit the national parks for less

Points hotels near Yellowstone

Search Cook City, Gardiner, Red Lodge or West Yellowstone in Montana for hotels or rental properties near the trio of Montana entrances. There are also plenty of places to bed down at the two Wyoming entrances. You can search Cody, Wyoming and areas in Idaho.

If you’re looking for places to spend points, however, there are far fewer options unless you’re willing to stay a few hours outside the park in places like Bozeman, Montana or Idaho Falls, Idaho.

There’s a nice Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone where last-minute rooms in July started at $281 a night. That’s steep, but if you book early you can certainly find better rates. A long weekend in September will set you back $252 a night, or you can use 45,000 IHG Rewards Points per night.

I booked a room here in July and, despite the last-minute reservation, managed to secure a decent rate. Just watch out for added taxes and fees (unlike the rest of Montana, there are taxes in West Yellowstone). The final price ended up being almost $300 a night. Ouch.

There are also two Choice hotel properties travelers may want to consider: An Ascend Hotel for $212 a night and a Comfort Inn starting at $186 a night in West Yellowstone. Choice also has select properties in Livingstone, Montana, but that’s an hour away from the park.

Travelers can also consider the Days Inn by Wyndham West Yellowstone (from 15,000 Wyndham points per night). And if you have Best Western Rewards points, you could try the Best Western Desert Inn or the Best Western Weston Inn, both from 28,000 points per night.

If you’re looking for a major chain hotel, you’ll need to head to Bozeman, Montana for a Hilton or a Marriott property. Rates are generally better, but it’s a good 2-hour drive to Yellowstone. Prices are also high during the peak summer season — yes, even in 2020 — and can easily run at least $250 per night.

When it welcomes its first guests on Aug. 18, the 122-room Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman will be one of the area’s most exciting new properties. The art deco building dating back to 1941 and features a whiskey bar, a rooftop pool and a concert hall. It’s about an hour from Big Sky and two hours to the north entrance to Yellowstone.

In Big Sky, the relatively new Wilson Hotel, a Residence Inn by Marriott, is one of the first from a major brand in the area.

Related: How to use points to stay near national parks

Staying inside Yellowstone’s borders

Within the park, travelers will discover several rustic lodges. Xanterra is the concessioner for all accommodations inside Yellowstone National Park (as well as Glacier and others, too). Many of the large lodges have existed for more than a century, so keep that in mind and manage your expectations accordingly.

Related: I went to Glacier and Yellowstone during COVID-19 and it was weird

Hotels sell out quickly during the high season. Even this summer, with the coronavirus crippling travel, there isn’t much availability. In fact, only cabins are available in the park right now. Lodges are closed and are likely to remain shut down for the remainder of 2020. That makes inventory even scarcer than it usually is this time of year.

I was able to find some dates with availability, but prices are high. At Mammoth Falls Lodge cabins, rates were $277 a night for dates in July and August.

Back in June, I stayed in the cabins at Mammoth Hot Springs Lodge. They are charming but basic. The beds are small, and there’s no air conditioning. Still, it was really fun staying inside the park and having easy access to hiking trails and the beautiful Mammoth Springs.

The cabins at Old Faithful Lodge are cuter and just steps from the famous Old Faithful geyser. They’re tiny, sure, but the perfect base for exploring the nearby geysers, mountains and hot springs when I stayed there in June. Rates in August start at $174 a night.

If you’re thinking about staying inside the park this summer, you want to act fast.

Betsy O’Rourke, chief marketing officer at Xanterra, told TPG earlier this year, “We open the inventory 13 months out and we sell out in a few hours. However, about 30% of that inventory cancels and gets rebooked.”

Her advice? Check back frequently. “Our cancellation policy is 48 hours out, so we do get cancellations even close in.”

You can find better deals if you’re willing to stay at a vacation rental instead. Airbnb has plenty of properties, especially for travelers who want something unconventional like a traditional log cabin, glamping-style tent or a treehouse.

Even last minute, there’s availability on Airbnb outside the park. I recommend searching for West Yellowstone or Gardiner. I found plenty of options near Montana’s Western entrance to the park starting at $157 a night.

Luxury accommodations near Yellowstone

It can also make a lot of sense to use your credit card points to help offset the cost of an upscale stay near the park. Consider redeeming a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book a stay at an independent property. You could also “erase” a qualifying travel charge by using a card like the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card.

The Under Canvas “glamping” lodge is just 10 minutes from Yellowstone’s West Entrance. I found availability in August for $264 a night. With taxes and fees, a four-night stay would be just over $1,200.

If you really want to splurge, try the Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana — it’s about 4.5 hours from the park, and rates start around $1,600 a night. Paws Up resort in Greenough, Montana is also a 4.5-hour drive, and rooms will set you back about $1,700 a night. And the first five-star, ultra-luxury hotel in the entire state, a Montage in Big Sky, will debut in 2021.

Camping in Yellowstone

Of course, you can always camp inside Yellowstone. Yellowstone has 12 proper campgrounds with over 2,000 individual spots. You can head over to Yellowstone National Park lodges to make reservations, which cost $27 a night, on average.

Other campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis. They fill up quickly in the summer, and in 2020 not all campgrounds are available because of the pandemic, so your mileage may vary. A search in July found just four of the 12 campgrounds open and accepting reservations. In fact, most were full by 7 a.m.

If you have an RV or camping equipment, you can stay outside the park in the surrounding national forests for very little — or nothing at all. It’s called dispersed camping, and travelers comfortable with a more primitive stay should consider the surrounding Custer Gallatin or Bridger Teton National Forests.

How to get to Yellowstone

Flying to Yellowstone

You can fly to a number of cities that put Yellowstone within reach. The easiest and closest airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana, which bills itself as the “Gateway to Yellowstone.” It’s the busiest airport in Montana with nonstop service to 21 U.S. cities.

Related: New routes make it easier than ever to visit these top US National Parks

American Airlines has been betting big on Montana and added four seasonal flights last year for this summer. American was set to fly to Bozeman from Los Angeles (LAX), New York-LaGuardia (LGA) and Philadelphia (PHL) and to Kalispell (FCA) from LGA. None of those flights are happening, but we’re hoping they return next year.

American normally flies from Newark (EWR), Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) nonstop to Bozeman. I found tickets in September for between $377 and $425 in the main cabin. Award prices started at 25,000 AAdvantage miles in coach or 50,000 miles for first class, plus $11.20 in taxes and fees.

United flies to Bozeman from six of its hubs, and Delta Air Lines also flies from six hubs, including Salt Lake City (SLC). At this time, Delta is only flying from Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC). Alaska Airlines has flights from Portland, Oregon (PDX) and Seattle (SEA), and Allegiant flies from four cities including Nashville, Tennessee (BNA). Frontier flies from Denver (DEN), and Sun Country now flies from its Minneapolis hub. JetBlue normally flies from New York-JFK and Boston (BOS) but this summer, they’re not flying from New York.

Give yourself two hours for the drive from Bozeman to Yellowstone depending on traffic, weather and which park entrance you’re using. There are a variety of operators that offer guided tours of Yellowstone. Karst Stage is one touring company that operates charter buses and day trips from Bozeman to the park.

You can also fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson, Wyoming. The airport is only 45 miles south of the park. It also gives you easy access to Grand Teton National Park. American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines all fly to Jackson Hole airport, and Frontier offers seasonal service.

Delta has flights from Salt Lake City for about $300 in the main cabin in August or 23,000 SkyMiles plus $11.20.

You could also fly to Idaho Falls, Idaho and its Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). It’s just under 100 miles from Yellowstone. Allegiant offers year-round, nonstop flights from Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix-Mesa (AZA), and seasonal service from Los Angeles and Oakland (OAK).

Delta offers year-round, nonstop flights from Salt Lake City and seasonal service from Minneapolis, and United has service from Denver. United’s flights to IDA were about $347 round-trip in main cabin or 25,000 United miles and $11.20 in taxes and fees.

Of course, there’s always Yellowstone’s eponymous airport. Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located just 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park. Delta flies into this airport from Salt Lake City, and I found tickets from $175 in August.

Where to eat in Yellowstone

Montana and Wyoming aren’t exactly known as foodie paradise. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, but haute cuisine isn’t exactly a thing.

Personally, I recommend doing grocery runs and always keeping a picnic ready for those mountain meadows you stumble upon. Be sure to pack lots of snacks, as restaurants are typically only open in the high season and often have limited hours.

They are also few and far between, especially inside the borders of the park, and they’re especially scarce in the age of coronavirus. In fact, most restaurants inside the park remain closed, and the few that are open are take-out only. Forewarned is forearmed.

Smith, the chiropractor from Butte, told me he really likes two places in West Yellowstone: the Slippery Otter Pub that serves bison and elk burgers, and The Branch Restaurant and Bar. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited in early July (probably due to COVID-19). Hopefully, it will reopen next year.

One of the most important things to know about visiting the national parks right now is that most of the bathrooms I encountered in both Yellowstone and Glacier were closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. If you go, definitely have a plan for the call of nature. Folks driving motorhomes will be fine, but be sure to plot your visit and use bathrooms wherever you find them.

Getting around Yellowstone

I strongly recommend renting a car (or an RV!) for your trip to Yellowstone National Park. The park is really designed for drivers, with major roads taking you to most of the iconic attractions. Still, if you really want to explore, bring hiking boots. And don’t forget to pack your bear spray. You can’t fly with it, though, so buy bear spray after your flight.

If you’d rather not drive, seasoned park veterans take visitors on the famous Yellowstone Yellow Bus Tours. The vintage 1920s buses are an iconic part of the park’s heritage. The long, yellow buses with rollback tops are perfect for gazing at the mountains without worrying about the notorious curves in the park’s roads.

“These days, a fleet of eight vintage White Motor Co. buses ferry visitors on guided wildlife-watching tours, photo safaris, sunset tours and more,” says operator Xanterra. “The distinctive antique yellow vehicles have retractable canvas roofs and panoramic windows, making them ideal for sightseeing. Plus, they’re really cool to ride around in.”

They also book up quickly, so you’ll want to be aggressive with your planning. But, unfortunately, Yellow Bus tours are not running during the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns.

You could also bike around the park, but there’s not a lot of separated bike lanes. There are, however, a few trails specially designed for mountain biking. There’s a complete guide to biking in Yellowstone here, but you can also rent bikes at Old Faithful Lodge.

Bottom line

Yellowstone National Park should be very high on your travel bucket list. It’s a great time to go local and explore the nation’s many national parks. Yellowstone is a personal favorite, and getting to see wolves and bears here was one of the highlights of my entire year.

If you’re traveling to Montana, don’t limit yourself to Yellowstone National Park, though. Across the state, there’s Glacier National Park and countless sites that tell the incredibly important history of Native Americans in the United States. Big Sky, not far from Yellowstone, is also surging in popularity. It’s a great spot for skiing in the winter.

I highly recommend a visit here this year, especially since travelers with a U.S. passport might find they can’t venture too far from home. Just be sure to pack your masks and have a firm plan for where to stay — and use the bathroom — before you go.

Additional reporting by Meghan Hunter.

All photos by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the most current offers. 

Marriott and Chase just launched elevated sign-up bonuses across their cobranded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is offering 100,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months, and the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is offering 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months.

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While travel isn’t a top priority right now for many people, these offers are worth considering if you know you’ll use the points for a trip down the road. A bonus of 100,000 points is enough to get you a night at a top-tier property such as the St. Regis Maldives or St. Regis Bora Bora, even during peak pricing periods. Or, you can stretch those 100,000 points to get up to 25 award nights at low-category Marriott hotels.

Related reading: Best ways to redeem 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card — 100,000-point sign-up

(Photo by John Gribben for The Points Guy)

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus Marriott points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months
• Annual fee: $95
• Best for: Occasional Marriott travelers

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card is a good choice for travelers looking for a personal Marriott credit card with a reasonable annual fee.

The Bonvoy Boundless is issued by Chase and earns 6x points on eligible Marriott purchases and 2x points on all other spending. A 4.8% return on Marriott spending (based on TPG valuations) isn’t bad — especially if you also have Platinum or Titanium Elite status that can help you earn extra points.

And keep in mind that the Boundless is one of the Marriott cards eligible for Chase’s current promotion for 10x on gas and groceries for up to $3,500 in spending during the promotional period from July 15 to Sept. 15, 2020. While cobranded cards aren’t always the best option for non-brand spending, this temporary promotion makes this an excellent card for both dining and gas purchases. Even though you may not be traveling much right now, you’ll still be able to earn points on other spending categories.

Every card anniversary, you’ll also get an award night that’s valid for hotels costing up to 35,000 points per night. As soon as you get the card, you’ll get 15 elite night credits, which gives you automatic Silver Elite status. There’s also a pathway to upgrade to Gold Elite status by spending $35,000 on the card each year.

Read our full Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card review.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card— 50,000-point welcome bonus offer

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 Marriott points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months
• Annual fee: N/A
• Best for: Those who prefer no-annual-fee cards

The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but it is a solid choice if you really want to avoid annual fees. For a card with no annual fee, you still get perks such as 15 elite night credits per year, 3x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x points on general travel purchases and 1x points on everything else.

This puts the Bonvoy Bold on par with Hilton’s no-annual-fee Hilton Honors Card from American Express (see rates and fees).

Read our full Marriott Bonvoy Bold credit card review.

Can you apply for more than one Marriott card offer?

You can have more than one open Marriott card — some people in the TPG office have two or three. However, that was admittedly easier to do back when there were more available cards, including some legacy Starwood Preferred Guest card products.

Now, with only four Marriott cards currently available for new applicants, there are a fair number of restrictions on who can earn the sign-up bonuses across the available cards. In fact, it’s so confusing that we created a chart to see how having one card impacts getting another.

To give a specific example, if you have the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card for your small-business spending needs, but decide you wanted to jump on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card for its welcome offer and perks, you could theoretically have both of those cards and their bonuses.

However, there are lots of Marriott (and legacy SPG) card combos that don’t work, so study the chart above and check the card offer’s terms and conditions carefully.

Note that these restrictions are all in addition to Chase’s 5/24 rule, which applies to the Bonvoy Boundless and the Bonvoy Bold cards. If you’ve opened five or more personal card accounts across issuers in the past 24 months, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be approved for a Chase-issued card.

Bottom line

Adding new travel credit cards may not be at the top of everyone’s wish list right now, especially as travel restrictions for American vacationers stretch through summer and potentially beyond. However, those who are using this time to rack up valuable travel rewards and solidify their credit card strategy before travel resumes, these offers are worth looking at — especially the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless. It’s a top hotel credit card with a reasonable annual fee and some great benefits. Add in the current sign-up bonus and 10x offer on dining and gas, and you’ve got a list of compelling reasons to consider this card.

Relate reading: The award traveler’s guide to Marriott Bonvoy

Featured image by John Gribben for The Points Guy.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex card, click here.

Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the latest information from Oneworld. 

What if you could secure a business-class upgrade on top-notch airlines like Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific by using miles you almost certainly already have?

Back in December, The Points Guy reported that Oneworld’s Vice-President of Corporate Communications, Ghim-Lay Yeo issued a statement saying:

“Oneworld is evaluating a number of new customer initiatives, including a potential offering that will give Oneworld member airline frequent flyers the option of using points for upgrades across the alliance, as it seeks to deliver a superior customer experience that provides value for both Oneworld member airlines and their customers.”

Well, it looks like it’s officially happening.

Brett Snyder, author of the Cranky Flier, reports that Rob Gurney, Oneworld CEO, confirmed on a call that alliance-wide upgrades are coming. The feature is expected to roll out around the time that Alaska Airlines joins the alliance. In fact, it could happen as soon as the end of the year.

This is no small improvement.

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Generally, if you’d like to upgrade a flight, you need to redeem the miles of the particular airline you’re flying. In other words, if you want to upgrade your long Qantas flight between the U.S. and Sydney to a luxury business-class seat, you’ll need a stash of Qantas miles. Though there are some exceptions. For example, you can use American Airlines miles to upgrade paid codeshare flights on British Airways and Iberia.

But coming as soon as the end of 2020, you may be able to use any Oneworld airline currency to upgrade on any member airline. This would be a revolutionary answer to upgrading on more obscure airlines like Royal Air Maroc, which has a history of publishing low fares on interesting transatlantic routes. The move would likely foster more loyalty to the Oneworld alliance.

Related: The best websites for searching Oneworld award availability

It’s not yet clear exactly how the concept will work, but Qantas has proposed these upgrades be available within one day of your scheduled flight. It’s also likely that upgrades will only be available on expensive economy, premium economy or business-class tickets. That’s less than ideal, but it’s still a nice improvement overall.

Star Alliance already allows cross-airline upgrades using miles. For instance, you can redeem United miles for one-cabin upgrades on  Star Alliance partners, including ANA, Lufthansa and Ethiopian. These upgrades also come with a bunch of terms and conditions associated with them.

What’s the strategy?

Earning rewards with Oneworld carriers is perhaps the easiest task in the miles and points hobby. There are plenty of ways to earn American Airlines miles, including the current offer from the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® (you can read our review here). But the most fascinating aspect here is British Airways and Iberia Avios.

The information for the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

You can’t swing a dead cat without knocking over a pile of credit cards that earn British Airways and Iberia Avios. Both are transfer partners of three flexible points programs:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Amex Membership Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy

Because of this, you have the ability to earn a ton of Avios from travel credit card welcome bonuses alone. With these partnerships, you’ll never have a difficult time earning the points you need for an upgrade.

Related: The best Chase credit cards

Bottom line

Alliance-wide upgrades are a welcome addition to Oneworld. Whether you’ll decide it’s worthwhile to upgrade with miles will be another story, however. Sometimes the more expensive standard or flexible fares are the only ones that qualify for an upgrade on certain airlines. Sometimes there are cash co-pays involved. While it could be a decent way to secure business class at a discount, it’s probably not going to be the frugal traveler’s cup of tea.

In addition to the upgrades, Oneworld plans to roll out technological improvements, such as adding the ability to check-in and get boarding passes for partner flights any Oneworld airline’s mobile app.

Additional reporting by Joseph Hostetler.

Featured photo by JT Genter/The Points Guy.

 

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card Overview

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a great choice for Marriott loyalists thanks to a limited time elevated 100,000 point welcome offer. It offers a solid return on eligible Marriott purchases (6x points) and everyday spending (2x) points, but the best feature of this card by far is the anniversary free-night certificate worth up to 35,000 points and potentially several hundred dollars. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with a new sign-up bonus offer.

After acquiring SPG and launching the new Bonvoy loyalty program, Marriott continues to offer a diverse credit card portfolio issued by both Chase and Amex. New cards were launched while other old favorites were closed to new applicants, leaving the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase as the only entry-level, mid-market personal card still available.

Marriott has a number of personal credit cards (and a business credit card) issued by Chase and American Express. For the most part, the cards share a number of similarities. However, I’ll gladly open as many Bonvoy credit cards as I can get my hands on, thanks to the incredibly valuable anniversary free-night certificates they offer.

The up to 35,000-point free night on the Bonvoy Boundless is easily enough to recoup the annual fee. For a limited time the card is also offering an elevated 100,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Related reading: Does it make sense to hold multiple Marriott Bonvoy credit cards?

However, the Bonvoy credit card portfolio has eligibility restrictions that will prevent many would-be cardholders from successfully applying. Let’s take a look at whether or not the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless deserves a spot in your wallet.

Who is this card for?

Although the 100,000-point welcome bonus on the Bonvoy Boundless is enticing, it also comes at a substantial cost. This card is restricted by Chase’s 5/24 rule — which means you won’t be approved for the card if you’ve opened five or more credit cards (across all issuers) in the last 24 months. This means you aren’t just picking the Bonvoy Boundless card; you’re potentially choosing it over another Chase card. So you should have a plan for how you’re going to use the 100,000 points before you apply if you’re near the 5/24 rule.

If you’re a Bonvoy Platinum or Titanium Elite, this bonus will get you much more value, as your stays will come with elite benefits such as suite upgrades and free breakfast. This card can also be a great choice if you plan to use the points for a valuable airline transfer to Korean Air, Alaska Airlines or Japan Airlines.

Related reading: When does it make sense to transfer Marriott points to airlines?

A 100,000-point Sign-up bonus

Let’s start with the most exciting part of any new credit card — the sign-up bonus. Right now, new applicants can earn 100,000 Marriott points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. TPG values Marriott points at 0.8 cents each, meaning this bonus is worth $800.

Including the points you earn from the minimum spending, you’ll walk away with at least 106,000 total points. For 106,000 points you have many interesting redemptions, including three nights at a Category 5 hotel at standard pricing. I think Category 5 is where you’ll find the most value in the new Bonvoy program, and it’s worth studying your options for those hotels to help you redeem your annual free-night certificate (more on that later).

Unfortunately, there are restrictions that will stop many people from applying for this card. The first is Chase’s 5/24 rule and the second is that Chase and Amex have cooperated to limit sign-up bonus eligibility across all the Bonvoy credit cards, so even if you are under 5/24, you might not be allowed to use one of your slots for the Bonvoy Boundless. Make sure to check our full guide to Marriott card eligibility before applying.

Related reading: Am I eligible for a new Marriott Bonvoy card? This chart tells you yes or no

Perks

The Bonvoy Boundless comes with a $95 annual fee, but it should be easy to get several hundred dollars of value out of the card’s perks. In fact, of all the travel credit cards I carry, it’s easiest for me to justify paying an annual fee on the Bonvoy cards, including the Bonvoy Boundless.

Anniversary free-night award — Each year on account renewal, you’ll receive a freevnight certificate valid at hotels that cost up to 35,000 points a night. This includes almost any Category 1-5 hotel, although Category 5 hotels at peak pricing won’t be eligible. You can find a number of luxury St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton hotels where you can use this certificate and you’ll also find incredible flexibility in big cities, such as Chicago, that offer more than a dozen 35,000-point hotel choices. Check out a few of our favorite options here. TPG values 35,000 points at $280, nearly 3x your annual fee, but it’s possible to get much more value if you’re selective about redeeming your free night.

Even if you redeem your free night certificates for a lower value, you should have no trouble recouping your entire annual fee from this perk alone. This year I’ve redeemd 35,000 point free night certificates for two nights at the W Atlanta Buckhead ($230 cash value) and 3 nights at the Westin Savannah ($255). In each case, I managed to cover my annual fee and get more than $100 in excess value from the free night certificate.

Automatic Silver Elite status — Silver status with Marriott won’t get you posh penthouse suites, but it’s better than nothing. Silver Elite members will get a 10% points bonus, late checkout and access to an elite reservation line. You can see the full breakdown of Marriott’s elite status tiers here.

15 elite night credits annually — This benefit is shared by all Bonvoy credit cards but it’s limited to one set of elite credits from any Marriott personal credit card and one more set of credits from any Marriott business card. For those who have their sights set higher than Silver, this perk can be immensely valuable, as it lowers the qualification threshold for Marriott Platinum status by 30%, from 50 nights a year to 35. If you also hold a card such as the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card you can get 30 elite night credits a year just from credit cards, meaning you only need 20 nights on the road to unlock Platinum status.

Together, these benefits represent a few hundred dollars in value each year and easily outstrip the $95 annual fee.

Related reading: 11 best uses of Marriott 35,000-point certificates for family vacations

Earning

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6x points on eligible Marriott purchases, as do all the other Bonvoy hotel credit cards (including the premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card). It earns 2x points on all other eligible purchases, making it a decent option for everyday spending. Terms apply.

Based on TPG’s valuations, this works out to a 4.8% return on Marriott purchases and 1.6% everywhere else. On paper it would seem like you can do better using a Chase Sapphire Reserve for your hotel stays (and earning 3x Ultimate Rewards points or a 6% return), but you have to consider the value you can actually get from your Marriott points. As I mentioned before, Platinum and Titanium Elites get a much better return on their award redemptions thanks to a generous set of elite benefits, which is why I continue to pay for all my Marriott stays with a Bonvoy credit card.

Related reading: Which Marriott Bonvoy credit card is right for you?

Chase is running a limited time promotion on its Marriott credit cards. Now through Sept. 15, you can earn 10x points per dollar on your first $3,500 spent on restaurants and gas, including food delivery services such as DoorDash and Grubhub. If you max out this promotion you’d end up with an additional 35,000 Marriott points, which will go a long way towards helping you plan your next getaway.

Redeeming

When it comes to maximizing your Marriott redemptions, there are a few strategies to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to take advantage of the “Stay for 5, pay for 4” perk for award stays whenever possible. This is an easy way to get up to a 20% discount and stretch your points further. If you’re staying at Category 1 hotels and leveraging this benefit, you could even turn your Bonvoy Boundless sign-up bonus into 17 standard award nights that way. Or you could find a Category 4 hotel such as the W Bangkok and get exactly five standard award nights (25,000 points a night plus the fifth night free).

I prefer to use my Marriott points for hotel stays, but Marriott also has 40+ airline transfer partners. Points transfer to most airlines at a 3:1 ratio with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred. Transferring 60,000 Marriott points to Alaska Airlines, for example, would net you 25,000 miles.

If you’re going to transfer Marriott points to an airline, you should use this opportunity to top up on some otherwise hard-to-earn mileage currencies. Alaska Airlines, Korean Air and JAL are three fantastic examples of highly flexible and valuable miles that are hard to earn any other way. In fact, one of my favorite redemptions to date was transferring 195,000 Marriott points to 80,000 Korean Air SkyPass miles to book a first-class seat in the nose of the carrier’s 747-8.

Related reading: Analyzing Marriott’s 2020 award category changes

Which cards compete with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?

The first lesson you learn when you start building a credit card strategy is how sacred your 5/24 slots with Chase are. If you don’t have one already, you should strongly consider opting for a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card first. You’ll pay the same $95 annual fee as the Bonvoy Boundless and you’ll get a valuable welcome bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months. TPG values this bonus at $1,200 thanks to its immense flexibility; you can transfer those points to any of Chase’s hotel and airline transfer partners, including Marriott Bonvoy. You’ll continue to rack up points at a fast clip with 2x points on travel and dining and receive trip delay and cancellation insurance, primary rental car insurance and baggage loss and delay insurance.

Related reading: The best ways to use your 5/24 slots

Even if you settle on a Bonvoy card as the next addition to your wallet, the Boundless might not be the best option. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card carries a $450 annual fee (see rates and fees), but it can easily pay for itself over time. First, you’ll get an annual Marriott property credit of up to $300, which can be used toward room rates, effectively dropping your out-of-pocket cost to $150.

Your anniversary free night with the Brilliant card is valid at hotels costing up to 50,000 points a night, literally one-upping the level of luxury you can experience. Instead of Silver status you get complimentary Marriott Gold status (which comes with a 25% points bonus, room upgrades and a welcome amenity) and the chance to upgrade to Platinum by spending $75,000 a year.

Bottom line

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card is in a bind. As one of two entry-level consumer credit cards in the Bonvoy program (the no-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is the other), it’s the logical first choice for many Marriott travelers. But strict bonus restrictions and fierce competition from other Chase cards mean you should think hard before applying.

Still, if you’ve already built out your Chase trifecta and confirmed that you are eligible for this bonus, this card is a great addition. I have no trouble getting $250-$300 of value out of my anniversary free-night certificate and if I can get that sort of return on a $95 investment each year, it’s an easy win.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click here.

Most hotel programs have been busy pivoting in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — including extending elite status and offering waivers on changes and cancellations. Last month, Marriott announced a unique promotion to reward existing elite members beyond its status extensions through February 2022: It would be depositing bonus elite-night credits into members’ accounts.

With this promotion, members will earn 50% of the elite nights needed to qualify for the elite status that they held in 2019. For example, if you were a Platinum elite in 2019, which requires 50 nights a year, you’d get 50% of that — or 25 elite nights — as a bonus.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG’s free daily newsletter.

Here’s the breakdown:

While Marriott initially said that these bonus elite-night credits would be deposited in late July, a number of people reported that they began arriving on July 11 — and most TPG staffers saw their elite nights post within a day or two of these initial reports.

Now, Marriott is sending out emails to eligible members with more details.

Here’s what arrived in my inbox last night, with the subject line, “We’ve Added 25 Elite Night Credits to Your Account”:

Since I chose to stick with Marriott in 2019, I qualified for Platinum Elite status, so I was given 25 elite nights — half of the 50-night requirement.

Elite night credits are primarily used to help you qualify for elite status each year (as the name would suggest), but Marriott already took care of that by extending members’ status through February 2022. Still, there are a few reasons why receiving these nights could be beneficial.

Upgrade to a higher tier of elite status

Bonus elite night credits, when combined with elite nights earned from Marriott credit cards or from any trips you manage to take this year, may help you qualify for a higher level of elite status than you previously held. In my case, these 25 nights put me at 61 for the year — thanks to a few pre-pandemic stays and the 30 nights I now enjoy from holding both a personal and business Marriott credit card.

Qualify for lifetime elite status

Marriott uses two factors to determine eligibility for lifetime elite status: number of years with status and total number of elite night credits. This includes actual nights spent in a hotel as well as those earned from credit cards or other promotions. Earning dozens of extra elite night credits can help people close the gap.

Earn additional Choice Benefits

Marriott offers its top-tier elites Choice Benefits, with a selection earned after staying both 50 and then 75 nights a year. The options include things like Suite Night Awards, bonus elite night credits, gifting elite status and more. However, these perks are based solely on your actual nights in a year — and aren’t automatically granted to existing lifetime elites and under the previously-announced status extensions. That said, since my 25-night deposit pushed me over the threshold to qualify for Platinum status in 2020, I now have the option to select new ones:

If you’re in a similar situation, log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account at this link, though remember that your selections are final — so choose carefully.

Personally, I’m holding off on making a decision until later in the year (you have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 8, 2021 — at which point Suite Night Awards will automatically be selected for you). The five elite-night credits would be appealing but only if I can use them to reach Titanium and unlock another (more valuable) selection. Otherwise, I’ll go with the Suite Night Awards again to add to my existing set, which Marriott has already extended through Dec. 31, 2021.

Bottom line

If you received an email overnight about bonus elite-night credits with Marriott, this relates to the program’s announcement from last month. It’s great for those members who qualified back in 2019, as it could help you reach a higher tier of Bonvoy elite status this year or unlock a new set of Choice Benefits. If you haven’t checked your Marriott account recently and you earned elite status last year, you may want to log in to see your current elite-night balance — and start planning a strategy for the last five months of the year.

Additional reporting by Ethan Steinberg.

Featured image by Ethan Steinberg / The Points Guy

If you’re like me, you have accounts with almost every airline and hotel chain out there. Inevitably, you may have small, leftover balances that won’t result in a meaningful redemption. But letting them expire is like throwing free money down the drain, so you want to be sure those points and miles don’t go to waste.

For starters, there are several scenarios where you may be left with a small balance, such as:

• You’re about to cancel a credit card with its own loyalty program (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards or Citi ThankYou Rewards) and have redeemed most of the points. However, you have a small balance remaining that you will forfeit by closing the account.
• You’ve earned a point bonus offer from a dining rewards program.
• You’ve earned points from a random flight or hotel stay, but you have no plans to fly or stay with that airline/hotel in the foreseeable future.
  You’ve just redeemed most of your balance and have a few points left over.

Part of maximizing your points and miles is learning to extract value from them, even when the payoff isn’t huge. So if you find yourself with a seemingly insignificant balance, here’s what you should do.

For more TPG news and deals delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

Boost your balance

The first and most obvious tactic is to boost your existing account balances to get closer to an award redemption. The quickest way to do this is by signing up for a new credit card, many of which offer large sign-up bonuses.

Another way to boost your balances is through transferable points through these four programs:

• American Express Membership Rewards: 19 airline partners and 3 hotel partners
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: 10 airline and 3 hotel partners
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: 16 airline partners
• Capital One Miles: 13 airline and 2 hotel partners

Whether it’s signing up for a new card or transferring points from your existing cards, you can turn small balances into something substantial.

Share or transfer points

Some programs allow you to share points or transfer them to other members so you can gather enough for a meaningful redemption.

However, while most airline programs offer point transfer opportunities, they can come with a hefty fee. TPG has previously covered the 20+ airlines that allow free or inexpensive point pooling. While each program has its own quirks, pooling small balances together can be quite advantageous. Notably, JetBlue is great for pooling TrueBlue points earned for up to seven members.

Similarly, you can pool points together from these hotel programs for free:

• Hilton Honors: Allows you to pool your points, free of charge, with up to 10 other members. There is a transfer minimum of 1,000 points and a maximum of 500,000 points per calendar year. However, an individual member can receive up to 2 million points per calendar year.
• Marriott Bonvoy: You can transfer points in 1,000 point increments to anyone for free, as long as the accounts have been open for at least 30 days. You can transfer 100,000 points and receive up to 500,000 points per calendar year.
• World of Hyatt: Hyatt allows you to share points (and perks!) with anyone, free of charge, by filling out a point combining request form. You can transfer points once every 30 days.

Finally, you can transfer points and miles in these programs:

• American Express Membership Rewards: while you’re unable to transfer Membership Rewards points to others, you can still share by transferring these points to airline or hotel programs. Then, you can transfer these points to authorized users (after 90 days of adding them) on your account.
• Capital One Miles: If you have a small balance of Capital One miles, you can transfer them to travel partners or another member.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a member of your household.
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: Citi allows you to transfer ThankYou points to other members in any amount (particularly handy for getting rid of very small balances) up to 100,000 points per year.

Donate your points

Another great way to put your small, unwanted balances to good use is through donations.

Many airlines and hotels have charities they partner with to donate points and miles. Keep in mind that several do have a minimum donation requirement.

Related: How you can donate your points and miles to charity

Consider other uses

Generally speaking, you get the best bang for your buck by redeeming points and miles directly with the hotel or airline they came from. In the case of flexible points, you can transfer them to airline and hotel partners. However, there are many other uses out there:

• Room or airline seat upgrades
• Gift cards
• Magazine or newspaper subscriptions
• Merchandise

For example, Delta allows you to redeem just 1,600 miles for 50 issues of Bloomberg Businessweek. This would normally cost you $70, so those miles are actually worth 4.38 cents apiece when used in this fashion. While Delta Skymiles don’t expire, this is a good way to get rid of a small mileage balance if you decide to focus on earning with a different reward program.

IHG Rewards has several merchandise and gift card options for less than the minimum 10,000 points needed for a free night, including $10 for either Barnes & Noble or Panera Bread at 5,000 points. TPG values IHG points at 0.5 cents each, so avoid using this option if you’re looking to unload small balances.

Know your expiration policy

While it’s generally a good idea to use your miles sooner rather than later to guard against a huge devaluation, there’s not much harm in hanging on to a small balance if the program has no expiration (or a long expiration window).

Fortunately, most other programs allow you to extend the expiration date of your balance with any account activity. Still, be sure to keep an eye on the expiration timelines for your favorite programs. While some only require activity every 36 months, others expire after just 12 months with no activity. Keeping your accounts active is useful even if you have an immediate plan for using those points and miles. You never know when a pandemic might impact your ability to redeem miles.

Bottom line

Having accounts with various loyalty programs can be quite useful, even if you only manage to earn small balances. In the points and miles game, you won’t always get the most out of every point. But if you don’t earn them in the first place, you’re sure to get nothing.

Featured photo by Tetra Images / Getty.

Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information. 

While the country’s major hotel chains have required staff to wear masks for months, they are finally turning their attention toward guests.

As of July 27, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG have been requiring hotel guests to wear face coverings in public areas of hotels in the United States and Canada.

Marriott has since quietly expanded its policy to include all properties in North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Marriott was the first chain to announce a mask requirement and it’s likely that its peers will follow suit with this expansion as well.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

On Monday, July 20, Marriott became the first chain to announce a start date for the new mask requirement policy, when president and CEO Arne Sorenson said the mandate would go into effect on July 27. Hyatt, IHG and Hilton have joined Marriott in announcing similar requirements shortly after.

This requirement will be in effect for “the foreseeable future” at Hyatt hotels in the two North American nations, according to a statement from the brand.

“Guests who are not wearing face coverings indoors will be asked to wear one, and at all Hyatt hotels, face masks will be made available to guests who do not have one,” a Hyatt spokesperson told TPG.

These individual announcements come on the heels of a new set of guidelines for hotel guests released late last week by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). Known as the “Stay Safe Guest Checklist,” it calls for, among other best practices, a face-covering requirement for guests in public spaces.

Other large players in the hotel industry including Loews Hotels & Co., Radisson Hotel Group and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts have endorsed the plan released by the AHLA as well. A spokesperson for Loews told TPG that the chain has been requiring guests to wear face masks in public areas of its properties since it restarted operations.

The majority of the guidelines in AHLA’s Stay Safe Guest Checklist have already been part of existing pandemic policies hotels began implementing several months ago. These include stepped-up cleaning protocols, social distancing in public spaces, sanitization stations, contactless food-delivery options, increased use of mobile check-in, check-out, digital keys and more.

Related: What your hotel stay will look like after coronavirus

These plans required staff at the country’s major hotel chains to wear face coverings while working for months, though now they are finally turning their attention toward guests — and that’s not surprising. The U.S. has seen a major resurgence in the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections since lockdown restrictions were lifted.

With the pandemic still very much a public health concern, the industry is shifting more of the responsibility to practice safe travel habits onto guests with the mask requirement for indoor public areas.

The hotel industry joins the airline industry with these mask mandates. All major airlines now require passengers to wear a mask while flying, and many have said they’ll consider banning passengers who do not comply.

Delta recently said it will ask anyone who refuses to wear a mask to consult with medical personnel before flying.

Bottom line

We’ve seen many states, territories and high-profile retailers announce face-covering requirements of their own as the numbers of infections continue to spike across the nation.

Now, the nation’s hotel chains — deeply affected by the travel-industry crisis that’s resulted from this pandemic — are joining together to do what they can to continue the modest recovery the industry has seen over the summer months and, more importantly, to protect their team members and guests from contracting COVID-19.

Additional reporting by Benji Stawski

Featured image by Nick Ellis/The Points Guy.

In July, Chase added a valuable perk for select Marriott Bonvoy cards, giving customers the opportunity to earn 10x points with a handful of cards, including the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business Credit Card.

Now, American Express has followed suit, offering similar restaurant and gas bonuses with its own cards, from today through Oct. 31, 2020. Here’s how the earnings break down:

• The Marriott Bonvoy Card from American Express (discontinued)
  • Regular restaurant and gas rate: 2x
  • Regular Marriott hotel rate: 6x
  • Limited-time restaurant, gas and Marriott rate: 10x
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
  • Regular restaurant rate: 3x 
  • Regular gas rate: 2x 
  • Regular Marriott hotel rate: 6x
  • Limited-time restaurant, gas and Marriott rate: 10x 
• Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
  • Regular restaurant and gas rate: 4x
  • Regular Marriott hotel rate: 6x
  • Limited-time restaurant, gas and Marriott rate: 10x

As a reminder, customers currently have a similar earning opportunity with the following Chase cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
  • Regular restaurant and gas rate: 2x
  • Limited-time restaurant and gas rate: 10x
• Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business Credit Card*
  • Regular restaurant and gas rate: 4x
  • Limited-time restaurant and gas rate: 10x 
• The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card*
  • Regular restaurant rate: 3x 
  • Regular gas rate: 2x 
  • Limited-time restaurant and gas rate: 10x 
• Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card*
  • Regular restaurant and gas rate: 1x
  • Limited-time restaurant and gas rate: 10x 
• Marriott Bonvoy Premier Credit Card*
  • Regular restaurant rate: 2x 
  • Regular gas rate: 1x 
  • Limited-time restaurant and gas rate: 10x 
• Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card*
  • Regular restaurant and gas rate: 1x 
  • Limited-time restaurant and gas rate: 10x 

*Not available for new applicants

Like Chase’s offer, you’ll need to register in advance, by logging into your account and select the relevant promo through Amex Offers. There’s an earning cap here as well — you’ll earn 10x points on up to $7,500 in eligible purchases per category.

Featured photo of the St. Regis Bora Bora by Zach Honig/The Points Guy.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

If you want to truly maximize your miles, periodic transfer bonuses offer some of the most lucrative opportunities for fantastic points redemptions. Specifically, you can often get between 20% and 50% more for your points just by transferring them at the right moment.

To help make it easier for you to track these offers, in this guide we’ve compiled all of the current transfer bonuses for the major transferable rewards programs.

To give you an idea of the value of these bonuses, let’s say you transfer 54,000 points to Marriott with a 30% bonus. This would give you 70,200 Marriott Bonvoy points – enough to reserve a Category 8 hotel such as the St. Regis Maldives during off-peak dates. Rooms here often sell for $1,200+ per night, even during less popular times of the year. So, you could get a value of more than 2.2 cents per point.

Now that you have an idea of why you should care about transfer bonuses, let’s take a look at the current offerings.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG’s free daily newsletter.

American Express Membership Rewards

I’m not targeted for any Membership Rewards transfer bonuses currently. But, the targeted transfer bonuses noted above may still be available for select cardholders.

Cards that earn Amex points

If you want to take advantage of transfer bonus offers with American Express, you’ll need Membership Rewards points. And, if you’re looking to earn Membership Rewards points, the following Amex cards could be good additions to your wallet:

You may even be targeted for a higher bonus through the CardMatch Tool. Keep in mind that CardMatch offers are subject to change at any time.

Most Membership Rewards transfers process instantly. Finally, Amex is waiving all excise taxes on Membership Rewards point transfers to U.S. airlines through Dec. 31, 2020.

Other ways to earn Amex points

You can also earn extra Membership Rewards points through Amex Offers and by shopping with Rakuten. Based on TPG’s valuations, Membership Rewards points are worth about two cents each.

Related: Redeeming American Express Membership Rewards points for maximum value

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Ran its first (and thus far only) transfer bonus to British Airways Avios back in 2019 and it’s been pretty quiet until recently. Chase is currently offering a 60% bonus on IHG Rewards Club transfers. Dynamic pricing has made IHG award booking less predictable, so we don’t recommend transferring your points unless you have an immediate use in mind.

With the hospitality industry turning to rewards programs to drum up cash, promotions like these could spell out devaluations in the future.

Cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards

If you want to utilize any future bonus offers with Chase, the following cards could make good additions to your wallet.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Plus, earn 3x points on all travel and dining purchases.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Earn 2x points on all travel and dining purchases.
• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Earn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in travel and select business categories each account anniversary year.

The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Other ways to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points

However, if you have one (or more) of the above cards, you can combine your Ultimate Rewards points into a single account. Then, you can effectively convert the cash-back earnings on the following cards into fully-transferable Ultimate Rewards points:

• Chase Freedom: $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months. And, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Finally, earn 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter you activate.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited: $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months. And, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases on up to $12,000 spent in your first account year. Finally, earn 1.5% cash back on everything else.
• Ink Business Cash Credit Card: $500 bonus after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. And, earn 5% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and telecommunications providers each account anniversary year. Finally, earn 2% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and gas stations each account anniversary year.
• Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card: $500 bonus after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. And, earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

The information for the Ink Business Cash, Ink Business Unlimited and Chase Freedom has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

To truly maximize your earnings with Chase, consider making the Chase quartet or Chase trifecta a part of your card strategy. According to TPG’s valuations, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth two cents each. And, most Ultimate Rewards transfers will process instantly.

Related: How to maximize your Chase Ultimate Rewards points

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Unfortunately, the Citi ThankYou Rewards program isn’t currently offering any transfer bonuses. But, we’ll update this page if Citi offers a new transfer bonus.

How to earn Citi ThankYou points

If you don’t want to miss out on a future bonus offer, these Citi credit cards could make good additions to your wallet:

• Citi Prestige® Card: 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening. Plus, earn 5x points on air travel and restaurants and 3x points on cruise lines and hotels.
• Citi Premier℠ Card: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Plus, through Aug. 22, 2020, earn 3x points on travel (including gas), 2x points on dining and entertainment and 1x points on everything else. But, starting Aug. 23, 2020, the bonus categories will change. Then, you’ll earn 3x points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations as well as 1x points on everything else.
• Citi Rewards+℠ Card: 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within three months of account opening. Plus, earn 2x ThankYou points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1x point thereafter. And, earn 1x ThankYou points on everything else. Finally, the points earned on each purchase are rounded up to the nearest 10 points. However, note that you must pair this card with the Citi Prestige or Citi Premier for access to a full-fledged, transferrable ThankYou points account.

The information for the Citi Prestige and Citi Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Based on TPG’s valuations, Citi ThankYou points are worth about 1.7 cents each. However, note that some Citi transfers will not process instantly. So, be sure to factor in the transfer time if you’re trying to book an award with scarce availability.

Related: Is Citi ThankYou Rewards the most underappreciated and misunderstood program?

Capital One

Unfortunately, Capital One isn’t currently offering any transfer bonuses. But, we’ll update this page if there’s a new transfer bonus.

How to earn Capital One miles

There aren’t any transfer bonuses currently. But, if you want to utilize a future transfer bonus offer, the following Capital One cards could make good additions to your wallet:

• Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card: 50,000 miles once you spend $3,000 within the first three months from account opening. Earn 2x miles on every purchase. Finally, earn 5x on Uber Eats through Jan. 31, 2021.
• Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business:  50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months of account opening. Plus, earn 5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on everything else.

The information for the Capital One Spark Miles for Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

TPG’s valuations peg the value of Capital One miles at 1.4 cents each. For more details, check out our guide to all of the Capital One transfer partners as well as how to transfer Capital One miles to airline partners. Finally, note that most transfers from Capital One will process instantly.

Related: Best ways to maximize Capital One miles

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy isn’t currently offering any limited-time transfer bonuses. But, Marriott Bonvoy points convert to more than 40 airline partners at a 3:1 ratio. And, you’ll receive 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred. TPG’s valuations peg the value of Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points

If you’re looking to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points, the following Marriott Bonvoy credit cards may be of interest:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card: 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. And, earn 6x points at participating Marriott hotels, 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2x points on all other purchases. However, this card has an annual fee of $450 (see rates and fees). Terms apply.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: 100,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in your first three months of account opening. And, earn 6x points at participating Marriott hotels and 2x points on everything else. However, this card has a $95 annual fee.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening. Earn 6x points at participating Marriott hotels and 4x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. Finally, earn 2x points on all other purchases. However, this card has an annual fee of $125 (see rates and fees). Terms apply.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card: 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in your first three months of account opening. And, earn 3x points at participating Marriott hotels, 2x points on other travel purchases and 1x points on everything else. However, this card has no annual fee.

But, be sure to review our tests of Marriott transfer times. After all, some airlines take a few days (or even weeks) to receive the miles.

Related: How to redeem points with the Marriott Bonvoy program

Bottom line

When a transferable currency program offers a transfer bonus, it’s worth considering whether the bonus is worthwhile. Generally, you won’t want to transfer your points without a specific redemption in mind. After all, transferable points are usually more valuable when they remain transferable. But, if you use the program frequently or plan to make a redemption soon, utilizing a transfer bonus can help you get more value from your points.

Did we miss any? Feel free to let us know by emailing tips@thepointsguy.com.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Green Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card, please click here.

Additional reporting by Katie Genter, Joseph Hostetler, Summer Hull, Liz Hund and Jason Stauffer.

Featured photo of the Conrad Bora Bora by Summer Hull/The Points Guy

It’s no secret that airlines and hotels are hurting. Almost daily, there are additional reports of schedule cutbacks, employee furloughs or organizations on the brink of bankruptcy. 

Yet travel companies are persisting in this challenging environment. The injection of funding for the aviation industry from the U.S. government under the CARES Act has also kept employees on payroll and put a band-aid on significant losses. 

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However, the $50 billion in CARES Act funding for airlines, as well as the $350 billion set aside for small businesses and hospitality, is running dry. As Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants said in an interview with TPG, a second round of coronavirus relief is needed to save tens of thousands of jobs in the airline sector. 

But it’s not just the government that is providing an immediate cash infusion. Some airlines and hotels are receiving funds another way, too — from credit card issuers. 

While it’s not a new concept, the sale of points and miles to card companies during this particular economic downturn is giving a significant boost to travel companies in urgent need of capital. 

Related reading: Banks are spending millions on points and miles: What it means for loyalty programs

How cobranded cards work 

Cobranded credit cards rely on a relationship between an issuer (i.e. American Express) and a marketing partner (i.e. Delta). Consumers then sign up for a card if they have an affinity to a certain brand, loyalty to an airline or simply want to make use of the card’s perks and bonuses. 

For issuers and the marketing company, it can also be a potentially lucrative relationship — especially if the marketing company (i.e. Delta) already has a built-in audience. All in all, if things go right, it can be a win-win-win for consumers, travel companies and the issuing card company. 

In 2018, cobranded credit cards generated $990 billion in purchase value. That’s up 7.9% from 2016. 

How card issuers are helping travel companies now

In its earnings call last week, American Express announced its most recent travel currency purchase, the latest in a slew of sales in recent months. Amex renewed a multi-year agreement with British Airways and parent company International Airlines Group (IAG), in a deal it said was worth $955 million.  

British Airways — and many other airlines and hotels — are burning through millions of dollars daily. 

IAG, which also owns other European carriers like Iberia and Aer Lingus, is reportedly losing 200 million euros per week. Analysts speculate that IAG’s liquidity is down to four billion euros, from 10 billion at the end of April. A deal of this nature provides temporary relief for cash-strapped corporations. 

Like with most of these cobranded deals, Amex pre-purchased British Airways travel currency, Avios points. The up-front purchase of points are “a way for us to help out our partners but also to help out our shareholders as well,” said American Express Chairman and CEO Steve Squeri.

At a macro level, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects the global airline industry to lose $84.3 billion in 2020 alone. Hotels aren’t faring any better. Through the end of 2020, a report from U.S. Travel Association estimates $505 billion in losses for the domestic travel industry, including hospitality. 

Amex’s purchase of Avios follows a deal in May with Marriott worth $920 million (with both Chase and American Express). Marriott’s profit plunged 92% in the first quarter of 2020 and the company announced in mid-March that it was furloughing tens of thousands of employees worldwide.

Additionally, Hilton’s sale of Honors points to Amex totaled $1 billion earlier this year. Amex is said to be using those points for future promotions, rewards and incentives. 

In all of these instances, travel companies pre-sold points and miles to raise emergency funding.  

Related reading: Review of the British Airways Visa Signature card 

How card issuers — and consumers — may benefit 

It’s not only good business for marketing companies like British Airways, Marriott and Hilton either. 

Interestingly, consumers — at least for American Express — are actually spending more on cobranded cards compared to proprietary Amex cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express® Gold Card or the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.

“When I look at the Delta and when I look at the Hilton card, these are cards that were actually performing even better than some of our proprietary cards,” said Squeri. 

That means card issuers stand to gain from buying points from travel companies — perhaps even in the shorter term — if consumers continue to gravitate toward cobranded cards. 

Related reading: Best hotel cobranded cards

With that said, points and miles sales are considered a long-term strategy. “Over the life of these deals, these will be good things for our shareholders and good things for our customers,” Squeri added. 

For cardholders, that means the potential for more category bonuses (as we’ve already seen, but only for a limited-time), as well as increased sign-up offers for new card applicants. 

However, this also comes at the risk of devaluations as TPG’s Ethan Steinberg details. Instead of flooding the market with points, keeping them in reserves by the banks may drop the risk of a loyalty program devaluation.  

Bottom line 

With U.S. GDP down 9.5% in the second quarter of 2020, consumer confidence and spending won’t return in the immediate future as the pandemic lives on. However, card issuers are helping dig travel companies out of a deep hole by pre-purchasing points during a period of economic distress. 

Moving forward, it wouldn’t be surprising to see other travel programs take a similar approach to receive a dose of emergency funding from card companies.

For the rest of us, we can only hope that means better card offers and bonuses without an impending devaluation in what our points are worth. 

Featured photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

When Marriott acquired Starwood Preferred Guest a few years back, it folded three separate loyalty programs (SPG, Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Marriott Rewards) into the new Marriott Bonvoy Program. This streamlined branding has helped minimize confusion, and new card holders have benefited from new perks and welcome bonuses on Marriott’s diverse credit card portfolio. We’re currently seeing elevated welcome bonuses on two popular cards: the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is currently offering a bonus of 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, and the no annual fee Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card is offering 50,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.

But that’s not to say the confusion has been eliminated entirely. The application eligibility restrictions for Marriott Bonvoy cards are about as difficult to keep track of as you could possibly imagine. They vary from card to card, and there’s not a lot of logic at play here. So if you’re interested in acquiring one of the four Bonvoy-branded cards currently available to new applicants — the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card — use this cheat sheet to see if you’ll be able to sign up based on which cards you’ve had or currently have. (We can’t take credit for being the first to visualize this info, though. Thanks to Greg from Frequent Miler for inspiring us with this chart.)

Interested in more credit card news and advice from The Points Guy? Sign up for our daily newsletter.

If you’re wondering where the SPG Amex cards are on in this chart, welcome to the Bonvoy era. The last three cards under “Cards You’ve Had” are the SPG Amex cards with their updated branding. As a refresher, here’s how the SPG Amex cards are converting to Bonvoy Amex names:

Related: Does it makes sense to hold multiple Bonvoy cards?

Keep in mind that Amex and Chase now offer card bonus qualification tools on their websites, and these should let you know whether or not you can successfully apply for a card and earn the welcome bonus before the system runs your credit and you officially apply for the card. But a sound travel rewards card strategy includes some advance planning, so if you know you’re interested in one of these cards, you might as well consult this handy chart whipped up by the incredible graphics team here at TPG.

Related: Which Marriott Bonvoy credit card is right for you?

Bottom line

Marriott offers a number of great credit cards with strong welcome bonuses and incredibly valuable free night certificates. Unfortunately, the application rules are rather complicated as you to balance issuer specific rules with additional restrictions around the Marriott card family. Next time you’re applying for a Marriott credit card, like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card with its elevated 100,000 point bonus, make sure you check this chart to confirm your eligibility first.

Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the latest program information.

Frequent travelers know that having elite status with an airline or hotel chain can go a long way. From complimentary upgrades and bonus points to waived fees and better customer service, these major companies want to make sure their most valuable customers receive the best treatment.

All three legacy carriers have revenue requirements for earning elite status. So, in addition to flying, you’ll typically need to spend around $15,000 or more to earn top-tier American Airlines Executive Platinum, Delta Diamond Medallion or United Premier 1K.

While $15,000 might be a lot for an individual to spend in a year, it’s a drop in the bucket for frequent business travelers. If your clients are constantly paying for you to take last-minute long-haul premium cabin flights, it’s possible to rack up a much higher tab over the course of the year. This is why each of these airlines, and a number of other airlines and hotel chains, also have unofficial invitation-only elite status tiers as well.

Today we’ll take a look at some of the benefits and swag these programs offer. Note that most of the benefits here are not formally published online, but rather have been collected based on firsthand reports from TPG staff and readers.

For more TPG news, deals and points and miles tips delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter.

American Airlines Concierge Key

American Airlines Concierge Key elites sit at the top of the food chain, earning those benefits typically by spending at least $50,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) in a calendar year. You may be able to fast-track this by joining the AirPass program.

As American deals with an unprecedented amount of irregular operations, one of the most useful benefits of Concierge Key status is the dedicated phone line and email address with shorter wait times and more accommodating agents. 

In some cases, agents will even proactively monitor a Concierge Key’s travel and book them on alternate flights if they miss a connection or experience a delay. One reader even reported being squeezed into an oversold flight, though that doesn’t appear to be a guaranteed policy.

Some other benefits of Concierge Key status include the following:

• Access to Flagship Check-in where available: Chicago (ORD), London (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York-JFK.
• Cadillac tarmac transfers: At American Airlines hubs, Concierge Key members with tight connections will be greeted on arrival and get a ride to the terminal (or to their next flight) in a private vehicle.
• Admirals Club membership and access to Flagship Lounges: Concierge Key members will get an Admirals Club membership (a $650 value for general AAdvantage members) and access to American’s Flagship Lounges when traveling on any AA or Oneworld flight. They can even bring immediate family or up to two guests into the Flagship Lounge.
• Priority pre-boarding: American has nine different boarding groups, but Concierge Key members are invited to pre-board even before group 1.
• Additional Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs): In addition to having the highest priority for most types of upgrades, Concierge Key elites can earn additional SWUs upon reaching higher EQM thresholds.

While the perks listed above are the most valuable, Concierge Key members will also enjoy an all-around enhanced travel experience. This includes many service fees being waived and the guaranteed ability to purchase main cabin tickets, even on sold-out flights. From time to time, members also receive Flagship First Dining passes.

Like other levels of AAdvantage elite status, American is extending all current ConciergeKey status until Jan. 31, 2022.

Related: When American surprises a British Airways elite with Concierge Key treatment

United Global Services

United appears to have a broader range of requirements when it comes to qualifying for its ultra-exclusive Global Services tier. Some readers have received an invitation after only spending $28,000 Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQDs) and flying 200,000 Premier Qualifying Miles (PQMs). Note, United has since replaced PQMs with Premier Qualifying Points. 

However, this appears to be the low end, as most data points suggest spending of at least $50,000 to be tapped for Global Services.

Like American’s Concierge Key members, United Global Services members have access to a dedicated phone line with highly trained customer service agents who may be able to bend the rules slightly to accommodate them. In addition, we know that Global Services members receive the following perks:

• United Club access: Beginning January 2021, Global Services members will have United Club access on all United-operated flights, including domestic flights. International travelers are allowed to bring one guest and paid United Club members, including those with the United Club Infinite Card, are allowed two guests.
• Create your own award availability: Most airlines designate specific fare buckets for their upgrade award inventory, and if those are empty you’re out of luck. However, Global Services members can sometimes create their own saver award space when there’s space in the T (economy) and PZ (business class) revenue fare classes.
• Upgrade to a separate fare class: Global Services members have their own separate fare class for upgrade inventory – PN – which gives them a higher chance of clearing an upgrade in addition to their already elevated priority.
• Priority boarding
• Priority meal orders: In premium cabins, Global Services members are often the first to have their meal orders taken, guaranteeing that United won’t run out of their preferred dish.
• Mercedes-Benz tarmac transfers: In the event of a tight connection at a United hub, Global Services members will be whisked across the tarmac in a luxury vehicle to their next flight.
• Upgrade companions on paid business-class tickets: While the PN fare class is normally reserved for Global Services members, if they’re on a paid business-class ticket and traveling with a companion in economy, they can apply an upgrade to their companion, giving them access to this elite-only upgrade inventory.
• Access to dedicated check-in areas: Some major hubs have dedicated check-in areas for members, including priority security access. 
• Access to arrivals lounges: Global Services members may access United, Lufthansa and Swiss’ arrivals facilities in London-Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA) and Zurich (ZRH) when arriving on an intercontinental United flight.

These are in addition to the many soft benefits that Global Services members receive, as United will go the extra mile for these valuable customers. If you complain about a gate or check-in agent, they will be addressed directly by HR. Unhappy with your seat assignment? Ask at the gate and they may move another passenger to accommodate you. If you have any complaints or concerns in general, United agents will be quick to offer compensation in the form of cash or miles when things go wrong.

Although last to announce it, United confirmed that it will be offering a Global Services extension through Jan. 31, 2022.

Related: The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers

Delta 360

Of the three U.S. legacy airlines, Delta 360 arguably offers the least-valuable benefits and requires the most to get in. While there’s no set formula for how much you need to spend or fly, a number of FlyerTalk readers reported spending nearly $90,000 and not receiving an invite. 

Reports suggest Delta looks at more than just your individual spending, including how much control you have over corporate contracts that could funnel even larger streams of revenue to the airline. Per Delta, “An invitation into Delta 360° is based on your overall investment with Delta. If you’re selected to join, we’ll contact you directly.”

Some of the benefits of Delta 360 status include:

Delta SkyClub Executive Membership

This is a nice perk for a frequent flyer, though not a huge value add given how easy it is to gain access to Delta SkyClubs with cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.

Dedicated phone line

Like Concierge Key and Global Services, Delta 360 customers can look forward to 24/7 access to highly trained agents who are willing to bend the rules to get them out of delays and on to their final destination.

Greater chance of a Porsche tarmac transfer

Delta offers this perk to Diamond Medallion elites with tight connections through its hubs, but Delta 360 members have much higher priority. They may also receive a courtesy transfer even if it’s not necessary to make their next flight.

A champagne gift

While it’s not a travel benefit per se, Delta has been known to send its Delta 360 members a magnum of Louis Roederer Champagne and Tiffany & Co. flutes.

As with American and United, Delta has confirmed that it will be extending Delta 360 status through Jan. 31, 2022.

Related: Top perks and benefits of Delta 360 status

Marriott Cobalt

Marriott Bonvoy has worked hard to keep its invite-only Cobalt tier a secret, warning agents that “There are NO external Public Relations or communications about this program and associates should not discuss outside of work,” but that didn’t stop TPG from getting the full scoop.

There are no published requirements for earning Cobalt status, but Marriott employees can nominate members as they see fit. These nominations are then processed by Marriott’s President & CEO for approval. Unlike some of the other programs on this list, Marriott Cobalt comes with a more clearly defined set of benefits. These including Marriott Ambassador Elite status and the following at all properties:

• Upgrade to best-available accommodations, including suites
• A personalized note from the General Manager
• Personal meet and greet with the General Manager during your stay

At premium properties, Cobalt members receive all of the above, plus a personalized amenity. At luxury properties, they also receive “a distinctive on-property experience for member and a guest.”

Unless you place a high value on meeting the hotel manager during your stay, this doesn’t appear to be much of a value add over Marriott Ambassador status, though some of the member experiences at luxury properties are quite nice.

Related: Marriott has a secret “Cobalt Elite” program — TPG has the details

Bottom line

Membership in one of these invite-only programs can drastically change your travel experience. That said, there are certainly more airlines and hotels around the world that shower their most profitable customers with unpublished gifts and benefits. For instance, Emirates is rumored to have senior airline executives hand-deliver membership cards to its invitation-only program. 

Many of us might be able to adjust our annual travel plans to try and move up a rung on the elite ladder. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely you’ll ever receive an invite to these programs unless you’re spending in the mid-five figures each year with a single airline or hotel, or have control over major corporate travel contracts.

For more on exclusive travel experiences, see:

• The cheapest ways to get the private jet experience
• What it’s like to fly BLADEone from NYC to Miami
• Flying (Almost) Private (Almost) to Telluride and Back: A Review of Boutique Air
• Inside PS (The Private Suite) at LAX
• You can now use your American AAdvantage miles to upgrade your airport experience
• The best cards for booking private jet travel

Additional reporting by Ethan Steinberg.

Featured photo courtesy of Andres Morales (Ajetsetter) for The Points Guy.

This may seem obvious coming from someone who works at The Points Guy, but I love to travel, especially internationally. My wife and I criss-crossed the globe for years before our daughter was born, and since then, she’s tagged along — and visited her 20th country just before turning five.

Of course, this hobby is temporarily on hold.

Like many of you, I’ve been forced to cancel multiple trips due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and with a limited list of countries open to Americans, I won’t be rescheduling those any time soon. Living in a state (Florida) that has become a massive hot spot for COVID-19 means that even domestic travel is a tough sell. This dearth of trips has created an interesting surplus: free-night hotel certificates.

Here’s where I currently stand — and how hotel programs could offer additional flexibility for travelers like me.

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Overview of free-night certificates

Most hotel programs provide a number of ways for their members to earn free-night certificates. With some, it comes with elite status — like a free night through Marriott’s Choice Benefits for reaching 75 nights. Others provide them via milestone bonuses — such as Hyatt’s Brand Explorer award, which is earned after a member visits five different brands under the World of Hyatt umbrella.

However, the vast majority are provided by popular hotel cobranded credit cards. Here are those options, including how these certificates are being adjusted in light of the pandemic.

Hilton Honors

New cardholders of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card enjoy a free weekend-night certificate upon approval and another every year upon account renewal. You can also earn another when you spend $60,000 on your card in a calendar year.

You can also earn a free weekend-night certificate if you hold the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card and spend $15,000 in eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year. The business card also awards a second after you spend $60,000 on your card in a calendar year.

Coronavirus updates: Hilton has extended the validity of most certificates. Any from last year that were unexpired as of March 11, 2020 as well as those issued through April 30 of this year are now good through Aug. 31, 2021. Any new ones issued from May 1 through Dec. 31, 2020 are now good for a full two years. Finally, all unexpired certificates (as well as new ones through Dec. 31) are now valid any night of the week — not just Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Related: How to maximize Hilton free-night certificates

IHG Rewards

Cardholders of the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card enjoy a free-night certificate valid on stays up to 40,000 points each year upon account renewal. In addition, if you have the IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card (no longer available to new applicants), you’ll enjoy the same free-night certificate benefit.

Coronavirus update: Existing certificates that were set to expire on (or after) March 1, 2020 will now be valid through Dec. 31, 2020. In addition, all new certificates issued in 2020 will be valid for 18 months — rather than the standard 12 months.

Related: Top hotels for redeeming the IHG Premier card’s anniversary reward night

Marriott Bonvoy

Cardholders of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card as well as those who hold the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card (no longer available to new applicants) will enjoy a free-night certificate each year upon renewal, valid for a stay up to 50,000 points. In addition, those who hold the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase or the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card will enjoy an annual free-night certificate valid for stays up to 35,000 points.

Coronavirus update: Free-night awards set to expire in 2020 can be used through Jan. 31, 2021.

Related: How to use a Marriott Bonvoy 35,000-point certificate

The World of Hyatt

Holders of The World of Hyatt Credit Card enjoy a free-night certificate valid at Category 1-4 hotels each year they renew their card (the same perk is offered on the old Hyatt credit card, which is no longer available to new applicants). In addition, cardholders can earn a second Category 1-4 certificate by spending $15,000 in their cardmembership year — though this only applies to the new version of the card, not the old one.

Coronavirus updates: All Hyatt free-night certificates set to expire between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 1, 2020, have been extended through Dec. 31, 2021.

Related: The 11 hotels where you’ll get the most from your Hyatt reward night certificate

My situation

I currently have credit cards with all four of the above programs, and I’m sitting on unused free-night certificates with three of them (note that this includes those I’ve attached to a reservation but am unlikely to keep due to ongoing travel restrictions).

• Hilton Honors: I upgraded to the Hilton Aspire card last summer, so I got a free-night certificate then and another in December when my card renewed. Both are currently attached to a reservation for a college football game this fall — a trip that’s almost certainly not going to happen. I will then earn another in early December when my card renews.
• Marriott Bonvoy: I currently have two active, 50k certificates from my Ritz-Carlton card — one set to expire on Jan. 31, 2021, and the other on July 27, 2021. I will earn another up to 50k free night from my Bonvoy Brilliant card in August, and I have an up to 35k certificate from my Bonvoy Business Amex attached to a fall reservation that is also at major risk of being canceled (I decided to keep the business card open when Marriott announced that personal and business cardholders can stack elite-night credits each year).
• World of Hyatt: I have a Category 1-4 certificate associated with a fall reservation at risk of being canceled, and I’ll earn another in September.

In other words, by the middle of fall (and assuming my existing trips are, in fact, canceled). I will have a total of eight available, free-night certificates — with expiration dates ranging from Jan. 31, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021. That’s more than a week’s worth of stays!

I understand that I’m likely the exception rather than the norm, as carrying multiple premium travel rewards cards may not be very common. That said, there are a few things that I’d love to see hotel programs do in light of the ongoing pandemic and continued travel restrictions.

RELATED: Are these 9 premium travel rewards credit cards offering enough perks amid the coronavirus pandemic?

Extend expiration dates … again

It’s fairly clear that the coronavirus isn’t going anywhere, any time soon. While vaccine development continues, it’s entirely plausible (even probable) that travel restrictions will remain into 2021.

As a result, it’s time to consider another extension of the various travel certificates that airlines and hotels offer — including free-night awards.

There are a couple of hotel programs most in need of additional extensions. Marriott, for example, has only extended older certificates through Jan. 31, 2021 — which gave me an additional six months to use last year’s 50k one from my Ritz-Carlton card but doesn’t help those issued this year. My newest one, which just arrived on July 27, has just one year of validity:

IHG is another example, as it’s only extended expiration through Dec. 31, 2020. As a result, if your card renewal came in November or December of 2019, you were given mere weeks of additional validity.

Members who earn certificates are clearly engaged with the program, via a cobranded card or through actual stay activity. Providing added flexibility for these awards is a simple way to reward these loyal travelers.

Allow conversions to points

Another option for hotels to consider is to allow one-time conversions to points. For ones with a published, maximum redemption amount, this would be simple: Either use that number or “discount” it slightly. Some members may prefer 25,000 Marriott points or 30,000 IHG points over a certificate with a ticking expiration clock.

There’s even a precedent for this exact strategy. In March, TPG Editor-at-Large Zach Honig successfully converted his expiring Hyatt certificate (valid at Category 1-4 properties, so up to 15,000 points per night) into 10,000 Hyatt points. Sure, that may have sacrificed some potential value if he would otherwise be using it for a higher-end category property. Nevertheless, 10,000 Hyatt points are inherently more flexible than a certificate, since they can be put toward any redemption.

Hilton’s certificates are a bit harder here, as they aren’t capped by redemption amount, but restricted by night of the week instead (under normal circumstances … as noted above, many are currently eligible for use on any night). While the Hilton Honors program has one property that prices at 120,000 points per night, a more common maximum award rate is 95,000 points — so allowing conversions to 50,000 or 60,000 points could be attractive.

Related: Maximizing redemptions with Hilton Honors

Allow combinations for higher-tier properties

Instead of going entirely away from a certificate, how about allowing members to combine these awards for better redemptions? For example, two Marriott certificates — one at 35k and the other at 50k — could translate into a single free night at a Category 8 property. Rather than restricting a Hilton certificate to a standard room, maybe you could use two of them to lock in a suite.

It would be great for this to extend to a combination of certificates and points as well. For example, let’s say you wanted to use an IHG award night at a property that would set you back 50,000 points. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn’t be an option — since it exceeds the 40,000-point cap. But how great would it be to use points to make up the difference? Combine the certificate with 10,000 points and you have a very happy member.

Related: Two-bedroom suites families can book with hotel points

Remove expiration dates entirely

The final option out there is to remove expiration dates entirely. Now, I’m not suggesting that programs make this change in perpetuity. Instead, why not say that all certificates issued (or set to expire) in 2020 are now valid for any date into the future? Sure, award charts may change, but providing maximum flexibility would essentially tell members, “Hey, we know you’re not traveling right now, but we want you to be able to use your certificate when you feel comfortable hitting the road again — whenever that might be.”

There’s no question that all of the above solutions require investment in IT resources along with a clear plan for communication (both internally and externally). That said, members will remember which programs stood tall during this pandemic, and getting rid of expiration dates for free-night certificates would certainly be memorable.

Related: Airlines and hotels should tread lightly when changing loyalty programs

Bottom line

I can’t wait to hit the road again, but for now, I’m stuck with a ton of free-night certificates — not to mention hundreds of thousands of points and miles across multiple programs (as a result of canceled trips and temporary spending bonuses). Under the current policies, there’s virtually no way that I’ll be able to use all of awards before their respective expiration dates, and I’m sure I’m not the only one in this situation.

As a result, it would be great to see one (or more) of the above suggestions take effect before the end of the year.

Until that happens, you may be left planning a shorter road-trip or looking at a less-exciting use of these certificates — think London, Kentucky instead of London, United Kingdom or Rome, New York instead of Rome, Italy.

Featured photo of The Gates Hotel South Beach courtesy of Hilton