Time to Shop!

Now that we’ve eaten too much turkey over Thanksgiving, it now time to earn those extra points and miles with your holiday shopping. This week’s newsletter includes some more information on travel hacking, some travel product gifts and some deals!

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes, 18 seconds.

✈️It’s Credit Card Application Time! - Show me the plastic…or metal.

As you continue down the road of travel hacking to travel more with points and miles, you’ll need to apply for credit cards. I know what y’all are thinking, “I don’t trust those banks and credit card companies.” Trust me, I had the same feeling but after the first few applications and success, it gets easier.

As you’ve learned from previous posts, travel credit cards offer amazing benefits by earning points or miles on everyday spending. Those points or miles can then be redeemed for travel for almost free. You remember, right?

This blog post will go over the Top Tips for applying for travel credit cards. If you apply these tips strategically, they will maximize approval chances. Then you’ll be on the road to redeeming more travel. See, credit cards aren’t too scary…🌍💳.

✈️Southwest Companion Pass - Double your flights

They say that Southwest is like PBR of airlines, and who doesn’t like a PBR once in awhile. Imagine going to the store and seeing a 2 for 1 sale for PBR. Well, that’s what Southwest Companion Pass is. This pass allows you to bring a designated companion with you on any Southwest flight for almost free. And if you play your cards right, you could have this pass for almost two full years.

To earn the pass, you need to earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points. The quickest way to do this is utilizing credit sign up card bonuses and strategically timing your applications can help you earn the pass more efficiently.

Take a look at this blog post for all the details to earn, and make the most of the Southwest Companion Pass, making it a valuable asset for travelers. Cheers! 🍻

✈️Rakuten - What…again?

I know, I know…this was in the last newsletter. But in the spirit of the holidays, it’s time to shop. And what better way to do it than Rakuten. I’ve seen some amazing deals through Rakuten. Some of the stores that are typically under 5% were up to 20% or more in cash back. In fact, I just made a purchase that was 100%.

In case you forgot (you didn’t forget, right?), Rakuten is a shopping portal that lets you save your online purchases by giving you cash back. I can hear you say, “but wait, aren’t you all about points and miles and not about cash back.” Of course I am, you silly rabbit. Rakuten is our go to place to replenish our American Express Membership Rewards. You see, if you have an Amex Gold or Platinum, you can earn Membership Rewards points rather than cash back!

You could easily do all your holiday shopping online via Rakuten and earn enough Membership Rewards to fly to Europe. Now that’s what I’m talking about! Check the blog post to learn more.

✈️Flying Blue New Partner!

Some exciting news with airline partners. Air France-KLM have a new friend…Etihad Airways. Flying Blue have announced a new airline to its partnership allowing members of Flying Blue and Etihad Guest loyalty programs to earn and redeem miles when flying on their respective airlines. This partnership provides access to over 60 new routes and aims to enhance the travel experiences of loyal customers.

Some of Etihad most popular routes include flights to cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, London Heathrow, Sydney, and Tokyo. And their business class seats aren’t too bad either. Now we wait to see if we can book Etihad with Promo Rewards.

✈️Air Tahiti Nui Flight Pass - What’s the big deal?

✈️More Flight Deals!

New York to London - Jet Blue, yes, you heard me correctly. Jet Blue has flights across the pond. Right now, Jet Blue has some award flight deals to Europe. Jet Blue has routes from JFK to London, Paris, Dublin and Amsterdam. This deal was from JFK to LHR for 34,400 points

Los Angeles to Austin - Who wants some BBQ? Right now there are flights from LAX to AUS for a variety of months throughout ‘23 and ‘24. Flights are on Delta for $198 round trip. Not bad…did I say BBQ

Los Angeles to Belize - Again, another Los Angeles flight deal. Sorry, I’m biased! But this one is on Alaska Airlines to Belize. This is a quick deal that has flights at $368 round trip in January and February.

Air France Business Flights - Last month, I made a blog post on how Air France lowered their business class flights from the US to Europe starting at 50,000. These flights are typically 55,000 to 70,000 (on a good day) and usually higher.

Air France to Europe flights are typically from Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York and Boston. There has been some availability still at 50k, even on the West Coast. Keep your eye out for these deals and keep your eye out for the upcoming Flying Blue Promo Rewards that should show up in a few days.

✈️ Top Travel Gifts for 2023 - Just in time…

I planned out our whole day. First we make snow angels for two hours, and then we’ll go ice skating, and then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie Dough as fast as we can, and then, to finish, we’ll shop online for some travel gifts.”

It’s that time of year again so take out that new credit card and start spending towards that new welcome bonus. This blog post discusses the top travel gifts for 2023, ideal for those who have travel plans for the upcoming year.

It features a range of products and accessories that can enhance the comfort and convenience of travel, including packing accessories like compression cubes and travel toiletry bottles, essential tech items like power banks and noise-canceling headphones, and e-readers/tablets for entertainment.

The article also recommends useful items such as luggage locks, travel adapters, earplugs, sleep masks, luggage trackers, and scales to make travel more enjoyable and stress-free. So remember "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is shopping for travel gifts."

• Airplane Contrails Are Made of Water: The long contrails that fill the sky are left by airplanes and are mainly made from water vapor that quickly condenses around the aircraft

• Some think the dirtiest place on the plane is the bathroom. Wrong. The dirtiest place on the plane is underneath the tray table. That’s why we always bring those wet wipes. Problem solved.

We love hearing from you! Share your travel stories, tips, or ask us burning travel questions. Ask me a question or advice on points and miles or other travel questions. Who knows, your story might be featured in our next newsletter!

🔗 Stay Connected - Don't forget to follow at @pointsplanensimple for daily doses of travel inspiration!

And don’t forget…there’s more!

✨ Safe Travels & Happy Landings! Thank you for flying with us on this newsletter journey. Until next time, keep your passports ready and your adventures grand!