The latest miles and points overhaul

Good morning, friend. I’m writing to you from the dreamy vineyards of Northern California. 😍

We had a little bit of everything this week — fun promos, travel inspo, and some significant credit card updates. Let’s get to it.

💵 This bank launched a cool new feature that gives you more control (and power).

✈️ TSA just made flying with kids much easier — and we love to see it!

🎥 Learn how you can fly to Japan with points in this week’s YouTube video. 

🏆 Our Favorite Pick: Southwest launched a BIG overhaul to its cards

Man, it just wouldn’t be a normal week in the miles and points world if an issuer didn’t completely upend its entire lineup of cards, would it? 🫠

We were smooth sailing, coasting into the weekend, really. And then BOOM. Southwest hit us like a brick on Thursday.

Here are the most notable changes:

• All consumer cards launched elevated offers of 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first five months from account opening.

• All cardholders now get a free checked bag for themselves and up to eight travel companions.

• The most premium consumer card upped its earning rate on Southwest purchases — you’ll get 4x points per dollar now!

• Many 2x earning rates on everyday spending categories for these cards are ending in 2025.

• Certain cardholders’ two Early Bird Check-Ins (and other perks) are also ending in 2025, but we’re being blessed with Standard or Preferred seat selection at booking for 2026 flights.

• Some cards now offer 10% to 15% flight discount codes each anniversary year (excluding Basic fares).

• All the annual fees increased. 💀

But overall, this is a net… I dunno. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Good for some, but meh for others, depending on how you look at it and how you fly with Southwest.

Now don’t get me wrong, 100,000 Southwest points is craaaazy. 

You could fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas (LAS) for the weekend for just 3,000 points… Or head cross-country from Denver (DEN) to Boston (BOS) for just 9,000 points — if you don’t mind booking the Basic fare.

Even the Wanna Get Away Plus fares are incredibly reasonable.

But, with all the other changes, is applying for a Southwest card worth it to you?

If you want a more in-depth breakdown of what’s new and what’s out with this overhaul, we have you covered. 👇

👀 This Week’s Must-Reads

🌍 Week in Review

• Monday: ✈️ An exciting airline will fly to the U.S.

• Tuesday: 🌎 Crazy award sale to Central America

• Wednesday: 🎂 Turn your birthday into free points

• Thursday: 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 A sweet points perk for families

• Friday: 🚗 Earn Alaska miles every time you ride Lyft

I’m officially clocking out for the weekend — and as I’m confidently swirling my next wine, I hope you’ll have plenty of travel thoughts swirling around in your head. 🙃

Ciao (and cheers!),

52°22'35.4"N 52°15'17.4"W

With contributions by McKay Moffitt