Quick Hits: RIP to Flying Blue as We Know It? Major Award Changes & More!

Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastThis week’s Quick Hits starts with a preview of DeAndre and Taryn’s upcoming trip through Turkey, Malta, and Switzerland, a journey that actually began with Turkish Airlines miles that had been stuck in DeAndre’s account after a phantom award booking. He shares how they built a trip around those miles, including a stop in Cappadocia, diving in Malta, an Aeroplan stopover in Zurich for just 5,000 additional points per person, and a Swiss business-class flight home.From there, DeAndre covers the latest points, miles, and travel news, including easier access to Bilt’s Blade helicopter partnership, Delta’s major expansion in Austin, a creative way to use Amex Uber Cash and Chase DoorDash credits for AMC movie snacks, and a family-friendly improvement to Alaska Airlines award bookings. He also breaks down American Airlines’ plans to bring 4K seatback entertainment, Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C charging, and more premium seating to its domestic fleet. The episode wraps with changes affecting CardPointers and Amex Offers, clarification around Chase Sapphire Reserve The Edit credits, and the biggest disappointment of the week: major upcoming changes to Flying Blue award fares that could strip valuable benefits from the cheapest redemptions.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro: Turkey, Malta and Switzerland Trip Preview(01:17) How Stranded Turkish Airlines Miles Created This Trip(01:53) Bilt Adds Easier Blade Helicopter Bookings(02:50) Delta's Major Austin Expansion and New Paris Route(03:50) Use Amex and Chase Credits for AMC Movie Snacks(04:33) Alaska Makes International Lap Infant Awards Easier(05:12) American Airlines Is Bringing Back Seatback Screens(06:43) CardPointers and the New Amex Offers Restrictions(08:32) Chase Clarifies The Edit Back to Back Booking Rules(09:48) Flying Blue's Major Award Ticket Changes and Why They HurtKey takeaways: Turkey Trip Preview: DeAndre and Taryn are turning previously stranded Turkish Airlines miles into a trip through Turkey, Malta, and Switzerland.Bilt + Blade: Bilt members can now book Blade helicopter flights directly through Bilt Travel and potentially save up to $350 per seat using Bilt Cash.Delta Expands Austin: Delta will launch nonstop Austin to Paris service in 2027 while continuing to expand its presence in the Texas market.Movie Night Credit Hack: Amex Uber Cash and Chase DoorDash credits can be used toward AMC snacks through delivery and pickup orders.Alaska Lap Infants: International lap infants can now be added more easily to Alaska operated award flights without additional points.American Airlines Upgrades: American plans to add 4K screens, Bluetooth, USB C charging, and more premium seating across its narrow body fleet beginning in 2028.CardPointers Changes: Amex restrictions are affecting the ability to add the same offer across multiple cards, prompting new CardPointers features.The Edit Clarification: Chase says language restricting back to back The Edit credit bookings was added by mistake and has since been removed.Flying Blue Changes: New Light award fares will preserve lower mileage pricing but remove benefits including checked bags, business class lounge access, and changes or cancellations.Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World NomadsGet a travel insurance quote hereResources:Join Symphony todayBoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 RegistrationPodcast LibraryBecome a BoldlyGo blog contributorStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksGet Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel AgainCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.comThrifty Traveler PremiumLTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course: Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!Connect with DeAndre Coke: Instagram: BoldlyGo.worldTikTok: BoldlyGo.worldWebsite: BoldlyGo.worldYouTube: BoldlyGoWorldYouTube: BoldlyGoTravelsCheck out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.