Welcome to the Miles and Points Daily Podcast! I'm Lucas, your host, and I'm here to help you navigate the wild world of miles and points so you can travel smarter, not harder. Today we've got some fascinating stories about credit card bonuses, airline promotions, and a few tales that might make you laugh or cringe - or both. Before we dive into today's stories, let me tell you about a tool that could save you thousands of points. Introducing hotelredemptions.com, a clever tool that monitors your hotel bookings and alerts you when you can rebook for fewer points. It's like having a personal assistant watching your reservations twenty-four seven, ensuring you never overpay for your hotel stays. Now, let's get into today's miles and points news. First up, we have what might be the end of an era. Gary Leff at View from the Wing is asking whether the golden age of credit card bonuses is ending, and frankly, it's a question that should have every points enthusiast paying attention. Both Chase and American Express are quietly changing their rules, becoming more selective about who gets their juiciest sign-up bonuses. They're using more sophisticated algorithms to identify customers who might just grab the bonus and run, rather than becoming long-term profitable customers. The upside? We're still seeing richer rewards and more card options than ever before. The downside? If you're someone who likes to hop between cards for bonuses, you might find yourself shut out more often. My tip here is to focus on building genuine relationships with these banks - use their cards regularly, keep accounts open, and don't just chase every bonus that comes your way. Speaking of bonuses, there's some great news for American Express fans. The Amex Gold Card is currently offering a welcome bonus as high as one hundred thousand points. This is one of the most rewarding cards for foodies, offering up to four times points on dining and groceries. The catch is that the highest bonus levels are often targeted, so you'll want to check what offer you're eligible for. If you're interested in this card, you can find the link in our show notes. The Gold Card is particularly valuable if you spend heavily on dining and groceries, and those Membership Rewards points are incredibly versatile for travel redemptions. Now, here's a story that might make you want to book a very unusual trip. Turkish Airlines has launched what might be the most ambitious airline promotion I've ever seen - they're offering one million miles if you fly to six continents. Yes, you heard that right - one million miles. The promotion is called 'Six Continents Challenge' and it's exactly what it sounds like. You need to fly Turkish Airlines to destinations on six different continents within a specified timeframe. Given Turkish Airlines' extensive route network through Istanbul, this is actually achievable for dedicated travelers. The million miles would be awarded in Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles program, which partners with Star Alliance. If you're someone who was already planning extensive international travel, this could be an incredible opportunity. Just make sure to register for the promotion before you start flying. Here's a story that American Airlines elite members need to hear. There's a secret benefit that most top-tier elite members don't even know about - the ability to have American Airlines add a backup flight to your reservation without changing from your current flight. This feature can be a lifesaver when your original flight gets delayed or cancelled. Gary Leff shares a story where this benefit turned a basic economy delay into a first-class ticket. The key is knowing about this perk and asking for it when you need it. If you're an American Airlines elite member, especially at the higher tiers, don't be afraid to ask about backup flights when you're dealing with irregular operations. Now for something completely different - but important for your wallet. JetBlue is facing a lawsuit for allegedly holding onto passenger TSA fees illegally. Here's something many travelers don't know: you're legally entitled to a refund of TSA security fees and customs inspection fees on unused nonrefundable tickets, but you have to request it. When you don't ask, airlines often keep that money. The lesson here is simple - if you have unused tickets, even nonrefundable ones, contact the airline and request a refund of the government taxes and fees. You might be surprised how much money you can get back. As we wrap up today's show, remember that the miles and points game is constantly evolving. The key to success is staying informed, being strategic about your approach, and always reading the fine print. Whether it's taking advantage of massive promotions like Turkish Airlines' six continents challenge, or knowing about hidden benefits like American Airlines' backup flight option, knowledge truly is power in this game. 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 show notes. Thanks for listening to the Miles and Points Daily Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and visit us at milesandpointsdaily.com for more tips and deals. Until tomorrow, keep earning and keep exploring!