Today we're covering United's stealth devaluation that hit without warning, an Amex Business Platinum bonus that actually beats the math on its $895 fee, Hilton's massive elite shake-up, and why this might be your final week to book premium Seoul flights at pre-devaluation rates.

United raised the price of close-in saver awards without any advance notice. Routes that priced at 15,000 miles just days ago now require 20,000 miles — a one-third increase that applies exclusively to flights within two weeks of travel.

The change isn't tied to cash fares or peak pricing. It's purely calendar-based: if you're booking within 14 days, you're paying more. For frequent travelers who rely on last-minute award flexibility, this effectively adds 5,000 miles per domestic segment or 10,000 miles per roundtrip. Check out our full United MileagePlus coverage for more strategies on navigating these changes.

American Express just reloaded the Business Platinum with a 200,000-point welcome bonus and enhanced perks across travel, hotels, and statement credits. Even with the $895 annual fee, the math still works for frequent travelers.

Here's the breakdown: 200,000 points valued conservatively at 1.5 cents each equals $3,000. Add up to $600 in annual hotel credits, up to $400 in Resy credits, and enhanced benefits for airlines and lounges — and you're clearing $4,000+ in value against an $895 fee. The supercharged version makes this a no-brainer if you can use the credits strategically.

Hilton Honors just announced its biggest elite status changes in years, headlined by a brand-new Diamond Reserve tier above Diamond. The changes arrive in 2026 and reshape the entire program structure.

The new Diamond Reserve tier offers enhanced benefits including guaranteed suite upgrades at select properties, exclusive lounge access, and personalized concierge services. Existing Diamond members will see some perks shift upward, though mid-tier benefits are also being enhanced. It's a mixed bag: aspirational travelers gain new goals, but current top-tier members may feel squeezed. Dive deeper into Hilton's loyalty program changes for full details.

Emirates announced that 60 Airbus A380s will receive new business class seats as part of an aggressive cabin retrofit program. However, in typical Emirates fashion, expectations should be managed carefully.

The retrofit focuses on incremental improvements rather than revolutionary changes. Don't expect suites or sliding doors. Instead, think refreshed upholstery, improved in-flight entertainment, and slightly better storage. For premium cabin enthusiasts already flying Emirates, it's a welcome upgrade. For those expecting Qsuite-level transformation, temper your enthusiasm. We've been tracking Emirates Skywards updates closely as these retrofits roll out.

Four Seasons just opened Naples Beach Club in Southwest Florida as of November 17, 2025. This marks the brand's sixth property in Florida, joining locations in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Tampa.

The new resort offers beachfront luxury positioning and complements last year's opening of another high-end property on Florida's west coast. For travelers looking to redeem flexible points or book cash stays in a less-saturated luxury market, Naples presents a fresh alternative to Miami and Palm Beach crowds. The opening timing captures both holiday travelers and early 2026 snowbirds heading south.

China's travel warning for Japan has triggered a dramatic response: approximately 500,000 airline tickets canceled as demand from China to Japan collapses.

The Chinese government cited an "unstable security environment" and rising criminal incidents targeting Chinese citizens, though most analysts view this as diplomatic posturing rather than genuine safety concerns. The immediate impact: airlines operating China-Japan routes face massive capacity challenges, and award availability could open up as carriers scramble to fill seats. For travelers flexible on Japan routings, this might create short-term award opportunities.

A Delta passenger boarded a flight at Portland Airport carrying a meat cleaver, completely undetected by TSA screeners. The agency is now blaming inadequate training, with staff still dealing with paycheck backlogs from the recent government shutdown.

TSA stated that screeners "weren't sufficiently trained" to catch the prohibited item, raising serious questions about current security protocols and staffing readiness. This incident adds to growing concerns about airport security gaps following the government shutdown's cascading effects on federal agencies. The cleaver was discovered mid-flight, and TSA says it plans immediate corrective action.

Act fast on United close-in awards if you have flexibility — book now before the 20,000-mile floor applies. If you've been eyeing the Amex Business Platinum, this 200,000-point offer delivers exceptional value against the annual fee. And if you're chasing Hilton Diamond, consider pushing for it before the 2026 Diamond Reserve tier arrives and potentially shifts goalposts higher.

For more strategies on maximizing your award travel bookings and navigating these changes, check out our dedicated guides.

That's it for today. See you tomorrow with more miles, points, and travel insights.

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: