Do changes in the points and miles world discourage you? We’ve been in this game for about 8 years and have seen a lot of changes. Are they discouraging? At times. Do they make us want to quit redeeming points and miles for nearly free travel? NEVER! There will always be changes to award charts, devaluations, credit cards discontinued, new credit cards available, etc. We just have to adapt a bit and move on. Free is free even if it means a change in strategy. Hats off to Devon of Point Me To First Class for inspiring this post!

Here are some of the changes we’ve experienced in the years we’ve been enjoying this hobby and how we’ve adapted.

 

The Chase 5/24 Rule

When we first started, there wasn’t a Chase 5/24 rule. I remember randomly getting a bunch of Chase credit cards (over five for sure) and then, suddenly, the 5/24 rule became a real thing. I had never even applied for our favorite beginner card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Adaptation: We started getting more business cards to stay under 5/24 for at least one person in our families so we could still open a Chase card if a great offer popped up. Here’s a post on what to do if you are over 5/24.

 

Marriott Changes

When I first started earning credit card points and miles, there were more Marriott cards (SPG merged with Marriott and there was the Ritz-Carlton cards). Additionally, they didn’t have all the eligibility rules that they have now. Because of this, I have every Marriott card out there.

Then Marriott got rid of their award chart and the redemption prices skyrocketed because they switched to dynamic pricing. I was a huge Marriott fan back in the day and primarily stayed at them for award trips.

Adaptation: I won’t close my Marriott cards because I could never get them all again. I still like my free annual night certificates. Hyatt has become my go-to brand because of their oversized value.

 

 

Airline Devaluations

Yep, they do this! And they will continue to do this. United Airlines devalued theirs recently, Turkish Airlines did it just last month, and airlines are continually changing elite status qualifications (Delta), or changing alliance programs. It can make your head spin.

Adaptation: Be grateful we can still travel for nearly free. It really doesn’t matter if they charge more or change their program. Free is free and we can always earn more points and miles.

 

Hyatt Changes

Even our beloved Hyatt program has gone through changes. They switched to peak and off-peak pricing in 2021, which means we have to redeem more points at certain times of the year. (They’re still the best deal in the business, though). They also changed their Globalist benefits recently so that we don’t get unlimited Guest of Honor bookings anymore (among other changes to Milestone Rewards).

Adaptation: Plan travel around off-peak pricing when available to save on redemption prices. Earn more Hyatt points by opening up the Hyatt business card or Chase Ink Business Cards.

 

SLH Leaving Hyatt

We love the Small Luxury Hotels of the World that we’ve booked through Hyatt. This was a definite blow to us. Hyatt is acquiring the Mr. and Mrs. Smith Hotels, and I love them too, but not as much as SLH. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do but grin and bear it, and hope that they won’t charge too many Hilton points (their new home) to book them.

 

Airport Lounge Access Changes

As people started experiencing airport lounge access more, they learned what I learned: they are amazing! Unfortunately, this has led to overcrowding. To fix this, banks have started limiting the number of people who can access lounges with a credit card. American Express Platinum or Business Platinum cardholders used to be able to bring two complimentary guests into the American Express Centurion Lounges. Now, only the main cardholders get complimentary access (unless they have met a certain high spend on the card).

Delta SkyClub Lounges recently announced limiting the number of times per year you can access their lounges with the American Express Platinum cards and even their own American Express Delta Reserve card.

Adaptation: Have your spouse get their own Platinum card. If you are a family, get the Capital One Venture X card that still gives you access to many lounges and allows you to bring in two guests free. You can also add Venture X authorized users for free, and they can bring in two guests as well. Perfect for a family of 6.

 

American Express Family Rules

Just this year, American Express started including “family rules” on some credit card applications stating that you may not be eligible for one card if you have (or had) another card. Here is a post about those rules.

Adaptation: Start with the lower annual fee American Express cards and work your way up so that one doesn’t preclude you from getting another.

 

Bottom Line

Changes in the points and miles world are inevitable. The key is to not let them discourage you. Instead, adapt to the changes. Those of us who have used credit card points and miles for amazing nearly free travel know that we will always be able to find another deal or a different way to play this game. We are so grateful for the way points and miles have changed our lives!