Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast

In episode 35 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca take a look at the state of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, starting with some of the recently launched excellent offers on the co-branded Marriott Bonvoy cards, both in Canada and the United States.

They discuss Marriott Bonvoy’s new global promotion for bonus elite qualifying nights and points, and how members can best take advantage. They also look at where the program is today and what has changed over the last few years.

The episode wraps up with the team sharing how they utilize the loyalty program and how they get the most value out of their stays and points redemptions. They also make some predictions as to what is coming for the Marriott Bonvoy program in the future.

In Episode 34 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss the most recent news in the world of miles and points, including a new WestJet–Virgin Atlantic partnership allowing earning and redemption across both networks, and Marriott Bonvoy’s newest global promotion.

The team discusses how Air Canada has added ITA Airways as a redemption partner, in addition to Air Canada also announcing that it will be acquiring eight A350-1000 aircraft. Several new credit cards have been announced to launch in Canada, including a Neo Financial United Airlines co-branded card, a Rogers Legend World Mastercard, and a Tangerine credit card that earns Scene+ points.

There are also two elevated FlyerFunds rebates available for a limited-time, World of Hyatt announced award pricing changes, and Chase is adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner. Finally, the team shares positive news about Canada’s return of certified passport copies with wet seals for ITIN applications and Flying Blue’s simplified mileage expiry rules.

In episode 33 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca share practical ways to get strong value from small leftover points balances through unique flight and hotel redemptions.

They cover Flying Blue Promo Rewards (often costing 18,750 miles to Europe in economy class), Virgin Atlantic’s 6,000-mile East Coast–London option (with high fees), and Atmos Rewards partner sweet spots for short-haul Porter/American flights (costing 4,500–7,500 miles).

They also discuss American Airlines and Aeroplan dynamic pricing (including occasional ~6,000-point deals), booking WestJet via SkyMiles or Flying Blue with favorable change and cancellation policies. Plus, Iberia’s seasonal Toronto–Madrid service offers excellent value (available for 16,000 Avios economy or 34,000 points in business off-peak) in addition to several frequent flyer programs that offer free or almost free stopovers to help you visit additional destinations for minimal cost.

For hotels, they recommend using Marriott points in cheaper regions like Southeast Asia/Middle East, topping up small balances via Amex-to-Marriott transfers, leveraging World of Hyatt’s fixed award chart (from 3,500 points), transferring or sharing hotel loyalty program points with others, and niche Wyndham uses, including cash+points quirks and Wyndham Experiences.

In Episode 32 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss the most recent news in the world of miles and points, including WestJet rolling back an unfavourable seat configuration and the potential for new Air Transat co-branded credit cards.

The team reviews new routes from WestJet, Air Canada, and Etihad Airways. They also cover BMO's rebranding of AIR MILES to Blue Rewards and updated welcome offers from RBC's line of Avion credit cards.

The discussion wraps up with listener questions about maximizing hotel rewards, the Bilt card for Canadians, RBC Avion card strategies, and the benefits of Visa Infinite Privilege supplementary cards.

In episode 31 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss everything about the Flying Blue loyalty program, from earning miles to redeeming them effectively.

The discussion includes the improved transfer ratios from American Express Membership Rewards to Flying Blue, the associated benefits, and the attractiveness of the program for transatlantic travel.

Detailed insights are provided on earning, transferring, and redeeming Flying Blue miles in Canada, with tips on maximizing value through promotions, partner airlines, and special programs like family sharing.