Welcome to Miles and Points Daily, I'm Lucas, your host bringing you the latest in the world of award travel and credit cards. Whether you're a seasoned miles and points collector or just getting started on your journey to free travel, I've got the updates you need to make the most of your points and miles. Today we're diving into some significant developments that could impact how you travel and earn rewards.

Before we jump into today's news, let me tell you about a tool that could save you thousands of points on your hotel stays. Introducing hotelredemptions.com, a powerful monitoring service that keeps an eye on your hotel bookings and alerts you when you can rebook for fewer points. It's like having a personal assistant watching for better deals twenty-four seven. Check out the link in our show notes to learn more.

Let's start with some fantastic news for American Airlines passengers. The airline is finally reversing one of their most frustrating policy changes by restoring in-person standby at the gate, effective immediately. For years, passengers could only be added to standby lists through the app or website, which created unnecessary headaches, especially when technology failed or for those less comfortable with digital processes. Now, gate agents can once again add you to standby lists in person, marking a return to more customer-friendly service. My tip here is simple: if you're hoping to catch an earlier flight, don't just rely on the app. Head to the gate and speak with an agent, especially if you have elite status or are traveling on a full-fare ticket, as these factors can improve your standby priority.

Moving on to lounge access, there's an interesting discovery about the American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK Airport. Many travelers don't realize there's a hidden premium bar area within the lounge that most guests never find. While this lounge isn't as impressive as some others like the Capital One lounge, knowing about this secret room can enhance your experience if you do have Amex Platinum or Centurion access. The key is exploring beyond the main seating areas when you visit. For those considering lounge access credit cards, remember that each program offers different benefits, so choose based on the airports you frequent most often.

Now, let's talk about an important update from Flying Blue, the Air France-KLM loyalty program. Elite members now enjoy better award availability and pricing, which is significant news for anyone who transfers points to Flying Blue from programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or Citi ThankYou Points. This enhancement makes Flying Blue elite status even more valuable, as elite members will see more award seats and potentially better pricing than regular members. If you're a frequent flyer on Air France or KLM routes, or if you regularly redeem points through Flying Blue, consider focusing your travel to achieve elite status for these enhanced benefits.

Speaking of valuable credit cards, let's discuss the American Express Gold Card, which continues to be one of the best cards for earning Membership Rewards points, especially if you love dining out. The card earns four points per dollar on dining and supermarkets, making it ideal for everyday spending. With Membership Rewards being transferable to numerous airline and hotel partners, including Flying Blue that we just mentioned, this card should be in most points collectors' wallets. You can get the American Express Gold Card by clicking the link in our show notes, where you'll find current sign-up bonus information.

For Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, there's been ongoing discussion about whether the refreshed version with its higher seven hundred and ninety-five dollar annual fee is still worth keeping. The card now includes five lifestyle credits that can help offset the annual fee, covering purchases like Lyft rides, DoorDash orders, and other qualifying expenses. The key to maximizing value is actually using these credits consistently. Set reminders to use them monthly rather than letting them expire unused. Combined with the card's travel credit, Priority Pass access, and Chase Ultimate Rewards earning potential, it can still provide solid value for frequent travelers.

One final tip for today: if you're planning hotel stays, particularly at Hyatt properties, remember that World of Hyatt continues expanding its footprint with new partnerships. This includes integration with brands like Standard Hotels, which gives you more options for redeeming your Hyatt points and enjoying elite benefits. Always check if your planned hotel participates in a loyalty program you already have status with, as this can provide significant value through upgrades, free breakfast, or late checkout.

That's all for today's episode of Miles and Points Daily. Before you go, let me tell you about one more valuable resource for your award travel planning. Looking for the best award flights? Use AwardTravelFinder.com to search availability across Qatar Airways, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific and more. It's an incredibly powerful tool that can save you hours of searching across multiple airline websites. Try it for free with our link in the show notes.

Thanks for listening to Miles and Points Daily. If you found today's episode helpful, please subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit us at milesandpointsdaily.com where you'll find show notes, links to all the resources we mentioned, and our latest content. Until tomorrow, keep collecting those points and miles, and happy travels!