Good morning! Today we're covering a rare bit of good news from Marriott (yes, really), a massive Capital One business card bonus that's ending soon, and why you might want to buy Avianca miles right now. Plus: United's stepping up its wine game, Wyndham is matching status, and American's bringing Texas BBQ to first class.

In a surprising move, Marriott Bonvoy just made their controversial half-elite-night policy slightly less painful. Previously, if you stayed at certain limited-service properties like Fairfield Inn or Residence Inn, you'd earn zero elite nights for your first night—only the second night counted.

Now those stays will earn half an elite night per night. It's still not the full night you'd get at higher-tier properties, but it's infinitely better than nothing. This matters if you're chasing status: a four-night stay at a Fairfield that previously earned you two elite nights will now earn you two full nights toward your status goal.

The Capital One Venture X Business is currently offering up to 400,000 bonus miles—but this massive welcome offer ends January 22nd. Here's the structure: 200,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months, plus another 200,000 miles after spending $200,000 total in the first year.

Yes, the spending requirement is substantial. But if you're running a business with legitimate expenses, those 400,000 miles are worth approximately $8,000 in travel at Capital One's typical 2-cent-per-point redemption rate through their travel portal. The card carries a $395 annual fee but includes a $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles.

Speaking of buying opportunities, Avianca LifeMiles is offering up to a 160% bonus on purchased miles. With the bonus, you're paying about 1.27 cents per mile. The catch? This offer is targeted—not all members will see the same bonus percentage.

LifeMiles remains one of the best programs for booking Star Alliance business class, particularly on routes where United charges astronomical rates. For example, you can book United business class from the US to Europe for 63,000 LifeMiles one-way versus 88,000 United miles. At 1.27 cents per mile, that's $800 out of pocket for a ticket that typically sells for $3,000+.

While we're talking about United, the airline just announced they're serving Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon in Polaris business class—a wine that retails for around $200 per bottle. This joins their existing partnership with Laurent-Perrier for champagne service.

It's part of a broader trend: American Airlines partnered with Bollinger, and Delta teamed up with Taittinger. The Big Three are competing hard for premium travelers, and wine selections are becoming a surprising differentiator. For award travelers redeeming miles for business class, you're getting significantly more value than you were just a year ago.

Wyndham Rewards is running its annual status match challenge—and timing matters here. Apply now, and you'll get matched elite status for 90 days. Complete the challenge requirements (typically 5-10 stays depending on tier), and you'll keep status through the end of 2026 and all of 2027.

This is particularly valuable for anyone who travels to smaller cities or international destinations where Wyndham properties dominate. The program's top tier, Diamond, offers room upgrades, bonus points, and guaranteed 2 PM late checkout. If you hold status with Marriott, Hilton, IHG, or Hyatt, you can use that to match into Wyndham's system. Check out our status match guide for more strategies.

Starting February 11th, American Airlines is testing something unusual: Texas barbecue from Pecan Lodge on Dallas to New York JFK flights. Passengers can pre-order the meal, which will be available in first class.

Sound familiar? Delta started its catering revolution with exactly this kind of regional partnership—think Shake Shack burgers on New York flights. If American's test succeeds, we could see similar route-specific menus expand across their network. For anyone crediting American flights to their account or holding elite status, these small improvements add up to a noticeably better premium cabin experience. For all our American Airlines coverage, check out our American stories.

One reader breakdown this week caught my attention: justifying $2,680 in annual fees across four premium cards—Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and Citi Strata Elite. The math? Between stacked credits (streaming, dining, travel), lounge access value, and strategic spending bonuses, the cards generated over $4,000 in value.

The key insight: actually using the credits. Too many people hold premium cards and forget about the $200 airline credit or the monthly dining credit. Set calendar reminders. Treat those credits like cash you've already spent—because you have. For more strategies on maximizing these cards, see our premium credit cards guide.

How many premium credit cards do you currently hold? Are you maximizing all the credits, or are some going unused? Hit reply and let me know—I read every response and I'm curious about your strategy!

Here are the best current opportunities for buying points and miles:

Buy Points Offers:

• United MileagePlus: 100% bonus at 1.88¢ per mile (ends January 26, 2026)

• Avianca LifeMiles: Up to 160% bonus at 1.27¢ per mile (targeted, varies by member)

• Spirit FreeSpirit: 80% bonus at 1.49¢ per mile (ends January 13, 2026)

• Southwest Rapid Rewards: 50% discount at 1.5¢ per point (ends February 23, 2026)

• Lufthansa Miles & More: 50% bonus at 1.39¢ per mile (ends February 9, 2026)

• American AAdvantage: 40% discount at 2.26¢ per mile (ends February 9, 2026)

• Air Canada Aeroplan: 30% discount at 1.91¢ per point (ends January 24, 2026)

• Hilton Honors: 80% bonus at 0.56¢ per point (ends February 9, 2026)

For help evaluating whether buying miles makes sense for your next redemption, check out our Award Travel Finder to see what's available before you buy.

That's it for today. The Marriott change is small but welcome, the Capital One bonus won't last much longer, and the Avianca buy miles bonus is worth considering if you're planning Star Alliance business class travel.

Safe travels,The Miles & Points Daily Team

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.

Airline programs:

Hotel programs: