Chase just dropped its biggest Virgin Atlantic transfer bonus ever — 40% extra points through November 20th. Meanwhile, Hilton accidentally leaked plans for a new ultra-premium elite tier with an $18,000 spend requirement. And after yesterday's FAA-mandated flight cuts took effect, we've got real data on what's actually happening at airports. Let's dive in.

Chase Ultimate Rewards just launched a 40% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club through November 20th. This is the largest bonus we've ever seen for this transfer partner, and it could unlock some incredible redemption opportunities if you know where to look.

Here's the math: Transfer 100,000 Chase points and you'll receive 140,000 Virgin Atlantic miles. That's enough for a one-way business class flight from the US to Europe on Virgin Atlantic or partner airlines like Delta and Air France-KLM. After November 20th, the bonus drops to 30% through December 5th, so the clock is ticking on maximizing this opportunity.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has some genuine sweet spots in its award chart, particularly for transatlantic travel. If you've been sitting on Chase points from your Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred, this could be your moment to book that 2026 getaway. The transfer is instant, so you can search for award availability first, then move your points once you've found your flights.

Hilton Honors accidentally revealed plans for a new elite tier above Diamond in an internal system leak discovered yesterday. The new Diamond Reserve tier would require 80 nights and $18,000 in annual spending — a massive jump from current Diamond requirements of just 60 nights or 120,000 base points.

The leak also mentioned something called the Honor Society, which appears to be an invitation-only tier sitting even higher. This would bring Hilton in line with Marriott's Bonvoy Ambassador (100 nights plus $23,000 spend) and signal that hotel programs are creating ultra-premium tiers for their biggest spenders.

For context, Hilton Diamond status is currently the easiest top-tier hotel status to achieve — you can get it automatically by holding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. That's led to complaints from frequent travelers that Diamond benefits have been diluted. This new tier appears to be Hilton's answer to those concerns, creating a clear separation between cardholders and their highest-spending guests.

Friday marked the first day of FAA-mandated flight reductions at 40 major airports, and the actual impact was less dramatic than many feared. Airlines canceled over 800 flights on Friday, with hundreds more already scrapped for the weekend — but that's fewer cancellations than worst-case projections suggested.

The cuts are hitting regional routes hardest. One traveler reported boarding an American Airlines regional jet they half-expected to be canceled, but the flight operated normally. The FAA's new order includes penalties of up to $75,000 per unauthorized flight, giving airlines serious incentive to comply with the restrictions while the government shutdown continues.

Airline executives are pushing back hard, calling the cuts political and noting that the FAA hasn't shared the safety data they claim justifies these restrictions. With Thanksgiving just three weeks away, the timing couldn't be worse for holiday travelers. If you have flights booked through the end of November, check your itineraries daily and consider booking backup options if you're traveling for critical events.

Three of Hyatt's most aspirational California properties — Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, Alila Ventana Big Sur, and Alila Napa Valley — have quietly dropped their adults-only policies. Children are now technically allowed, though the resorts are making it clear that families aren't exactly being welcomed with open arms.

The properties still maintain their luxury, nature-focused atmosphere, and there are no kid-specific amenities being added. This feels like a policy change driven by legal or operational considerations rather than a genuine pivot toward family travel. If you'd been avoiding these properties because of the age restriction, you can now book them. But if you loved them because they were adults-only, the vibe likely won't change much in practice.

A passenger's power bank exploded inside the Qantas International Lounge at Melbourne Airport yesterday, spraying battery acid throughout the space and setting the man's clothes on fire. Lounge staff and another traveler pulled him into a shower to extinguish the flames, while 150 people were evacuated from the smoke-filled lounge.

The passenger was treated for burns and released from the hospital. This incident is a stark reminder of why airlines have strict rules about power banks in carry-on luggage — they're not allowed in checked bags precisely because lithium-ion battery fires are so dangerous. If your power bank is damaged, swollen, or overheating, don't bring it to the airport. And never leave charging devices unattended, even in premium lounges where you'd expect everything to be safe.

An Alaska Airlines top-tier elite member is accusing the airline of discrimination and retaliatory removal from a flight at San Francisco in what reads like one of the strangest gate agent incidents we've seen. The MVP Gold Titanium member was attempting to use a companion fare, and things went sideways fast.

According to the complaint, the interaction escalated after questions about the companion booking, ultimately resulting in the passenger being removed from the flight. Alaska hasn't publicly commented on the specifics, but this incident highlights how quickly elite status can become meaningless when things go wrong at the gate. The details are still developing, but it's a reminder that even top-tier status doesn't guarantee smooth sailing when human conflict enters the picture.

Today's biggest move is that 40% Chase to Virgin Atlantic bonus — it's the largest we've ever tracked for this transfer partner and ends November 20th. If you've been stockpiling Chase points, this is worth serious consideration for transatlantic travel. Meanwhile, Hilton's leaked Diamond Reserve tier signals that hotel programs are continuing to create ultra-premium status levels for big spenders, potentially devaluing existing elite tiers in the process.

The FAA flight cuts are real but less catastrophic than initially feared. Still, if you're flying before Thanksgiving, stay vigilant about schedule changes and have backup plans ready. And after yesterday's power bank explosion at the Qantas lounge, it's worth double-checking your portable batteries for any signs of damage before your next trip.

Safe travels out there. Check back tomorrow for more miles and points news.

Before we wrap up, I wanted to share some timely opportunities I've been tracking (courtesy of our friends at AwardTravelFinder). These deals won't last long, so let's dive in.

Active transfer bonuses worth considering:

Airline programs: