Hello and welcome to Miles and Points Daily, your essential guide to navigating the world of frequent flyer miles, hotel points, and credit card rewards. I'm Lucas, and today I've got some truly eyebrow-raising stories from the miles and points world that'll make you think twice about your next booking. From hotel shenanigans to credit card deals, we've got it all covered.

Let's start with something that'll make your jaw drop. Picture this: you book a hotel using your hard-earned points, only to get canceled at the last minute because the hotel claims you need to be an active duty military member over eighty years old. That's exactly what's happening at the EconoLodge Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. This hotel is canceling points bookings with an absolutely impossible requirement, since military retirement rules make it impossible for anyone to be active duty at eighty. If you encounter this kind of nonsense, document everything and escalate to the hotel chain's corporate office immediately. This is clearly a property trying to avoid honoring award stays, and it's completely unacceptable.

Speaking of hotel drama, we've got some breaking news for Hilton loyalists. Multiple reports suggest that Hilton Honors might be cutting back on late checkout benefits for members. This is particularly concerning since late checkout is often one of the most practical elite benefits. If you're a Hilton Honors member, now's the time to be extra vigilant about confirming your late checkout when you check in. Don't assume it's automatic.

Here's another hotel headache that's developing. As Hyatt's acquisition of Playa Resorts and Hotels enters its final stages, Hilton Honors members are facing last-minute cancellations for reservations they booked using Hilton points at four resorts that are now operated by Hyatt. This is incredibly frustrating for travelers who planned and booked in advance. If you have any Hilton bookings at former Playa properties, contact Hilton immediately to confirm your reservation status and have backup plans ready.

Now let's talk about something that could save you serious money on premium travel. Singapore Airlines is offering thirty percent off select redemptions through their Spontaneous Escapes program for travel in July. This is a fantastic opportunity to fly one of the world's best airlines to Europe. You can potentially snag Singapore Airlines business class seats to Europe for less than fifty-seven thousand credit card points or miles. If you've been sitting on a stash of transferable points, this could be your golden ticket to experience world-class service.

For our fitness enthusiasts, here's a fun way to earn bonus points. Through August fifth, World of Hyatt members can earn five hundred bonus points for every eligible ride or row taken on Peloton equipment at participating Hyatt hotels. It's a nice way to stay fit while traveling and earn some extra points in the process.

Let's shift gears to credit cards. If you're in the market for a hotel credit card, there are some excellent options with annual free night certificates. Cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card come loaded with premium benefits including complimentary Hilton Diamond elite status and valuable statement credits. The annual free night certificates alone can often justify the annual fee, especially if you stay at higher-category properties.

For those looking at the One Key+ Card, it offers valuable earning rates and unique benefits with Expedia's One Key travel rewards program. If you frequently book through Expedia and its partner sites, this card could provide solid value.

Now for a reality check on airline food pricing. There's been discussion about United supposedly paying thirty-three dollars for every business class meal, but the math doesn't quite add up when you consider volume purchasing and actual food costs. Meanwhile, American Airlines is charging sixteen dollars for what's being called a steak sandwich in coach, though reports suggest it's more like soggy roast beef. At those prices, you might be better off bringing your own food or waiting for your destination.

For those applying for Global Entry, be prepared for continued wait times in two thousand and twenty-five. The program is still dealing with backlogs from the pandemic, so apply as early as possible if you're planning international travel.

That's a wrap on today's Miles and Points Daily. Before I let you go, if you're looking for the best award flights, use AwardTravelFinder.com to search availability across Qatar Airways, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific and more. Try it for free with our link in the shownotes.

Thanks for listening to Miles and Points Daily. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit us at milesandpointsdaily.com for more miles and points news and tips. Until next time, keep earning and keep exploring.