✈️ Miles & Points Daily
From surprising fleet changes to controversial policy updates, today's lineup will change how you think about your 2026 travel plans. Let's dive into the biggest stories affecting your miles and points strategy.
🚨 Qatar Airways' Shocking A321neo Configuration
In a move that's raising eyebrows across the industry, Qatar Airways has revealed plans for an all-economy configuration of 236 seats on their upcoming Airbus A321neo fleet. This marks a significant departure from Qatar's luxury-focused brand image and could affect how you redeem miles on shorter routes within their network.
✈️ United's Pacific Hub Gets a Major Upgrade
United is breathing new life into Guam, replacing aging 737-800s with 10 new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft starting February 2026. This upgrade means better fuel efficiency and an improved passenger experience for those flying United's Pacific routes.
💡 American Airlines Tests New Carry-On Approach
American Airlines is reportedly planning to remove bag sizers from gates, potentially signaling a major shift in carry-on enforcement. This could mean faster boarding processes but might also lead to more overhead bin chaos.
🌍 Delta Cuts Geneva Route
Delta will end its New York (JFK) to Geneva service on October 20, citing changing demand patterns. This marks the end of three years of service and reduces SkyMiles members' direct options to Switzerland.
💼 Lufthansa's Restructuring Plan
Lufthansa Group is set to announce significant job cuts on Monday, September 29, with expectations of a 20% reduction in administrative positions. This marks the group's largest restructuring since pre-pandemic times.
🏨 IHG Milestone Rewards Update
IHG One Rewards members can now earn valuable perks starting at just 20 nights per calendar year, including confirmable suite upgrades and lounge access. This creates new opportunities for strategic hotel stays.
💳 Today's Best Points & Miles Opportunities
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.
✈️ Current Transfer Bonuses
Active transfer bonuses worth considering:
Rove Miles → Air France KLM Flying Blue: +20% bonus
Rove Miles → Finnair Plus+: +20% bonus
Capital One Miles → Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: +30% bonus
Capital One Miles → JAL: Japan Airlines) Mileage Bank (+30% bonus
💰 Buy Points & Miles Promotions
Airline programs:
Avianca LifeMiles: 155% bonus at 1.29¢ (expires September 29, 2025)
JetBlue TrueBlue: 130% bonus at 1.4¢ (expires October 28, 2025)
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles: 80% bonus at 1.67¢ (expires October 03, 2025)
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 70% bonus at 1.48¢ (expires October 12, 2025)
Lufthansa Miles & More: 60% bonus at 1.31¢ (expires September 30, 2025)
Hotel programs:
Wyndham Rewards: 90% discount at 0.68¢ (expires October 21, 2025)
Choice Privileges: 45% discount at 0.57¢ (expires September 29, 2025)
World of Hyatt: 20% discount at 2.08¢ (expires October 06, 2025)
Remember: only buy points when you have a specific redemption already planned. Purchased points typically expire and won't be refunded if programs devalue.