Hello and welcome to Miles and Points Daily, I'm Lucas, your host. It's been another wild week in the world of miles and points, and I've got some fascinating stories to share with you today. From lounges charging for coffee to new hotel openings and credit card news, we're covering it all. But first, let me tell you about today's sponsor. Introducing hotelredemptions.com, a tool that monitors your hotel bookings and alerts you when you can rebook for less points. It's like having a personal assistant watching your reservations twenty-four seven, making sure you're always getting the best deal on your hotel stays. Now, let's dive into today's news. Starting with some concerning developments in the lounge world. Virgin Atlantic's iconic Clubhouse at JFK, once considered one of the truly fantastic lounges in the game, is now charging four dollars for espresso. Yes, you heard that right - four dollars for a simple espresso in a premium lounge that passengers are already paying to access. What's even more bizarre is that bartenders aren't allowed to serve you directly anymore. This feels like a significant step backward for what was once a standout lounge experience. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK still has those big windows and plenty of natural light, but it's starting to feel dated and could really use a refresh. My recommendation? If you're a Virgin Atlantic flyer with lounge access, maybe grab your coffee before you get to the lounge, or consider this another reason to explore alternative lounges at JFK if your credit card provides access. Speaking of credit cards, let's talk about some hotel credit card news. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card continues to be one of the most underrated hotel credit cards out there. This card offers significant perks including elite status and points earning potential that many travelers overlook. Hotel credit cards in general are among the most underrated cards in the market, given the incredible perks they can offer. If you're considering this card, you can get it by clicking the link in our show notes, and make sure to check out the current sign-up bonus available. Over at Marriott, we're seeing some interesting comparison discussions between the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and the Bonvoy Brilliant cards. The Marriott Bonvoy program is unique because it has credit card partnerships with two different issuers - Chase and American Express. If you're torn between the mid-tier Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and the premium Bonvoy Brilliant from Amex, the choice really depends on your spending patterns and how much you value the premium perks. Both cards can be found in our show notes with their current sign-up bonuses. There's also some intriguing news from the banking world. US Bank is reportedly surveying customers about a potential new travel credit card with transferable points to airlines and hotels. This could be a game-changer if it comes to fruition, as it would give US Bank a serious competitor to cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Gold. We'll definitely be keeping an eye on this development. On the hotel front, there's been quite a bit of activity this week. Wyndham has opened a new Dolce Resort in Italy, and we're also seeing the opening of the new Rosewood Doha. These openings are part of a broader expansion we're seeing in the luxury hotel space, particularly in international markets. For those of you interested in Accor properties, it's worth noting that Accor is one of the largest hotel groups in the world with over five thousand five hundred properties worldwide. Their loyalty program, Accor Live Limitless, has been gaining popularity in the US, especially since programs like Bilt Rewards and Capital One have partnerships that allow point transfers. Now, shifting gears to some operational news that affects our travel experience. JFK Airport has reached a major milestone with its new Terminal 6, which has finished its curtain walls and enclosed the terminal for the first time. The airport is on track for the terminal to open early next year, which should help alleviate some of the congestion issues we've been seeing at JFK. This is part of the massive transformation happening at JFK, and it's definitely something to watch as it could significantly improve the travel experience for millions of passengers. There's also been some discussion about booking strategies this week. While we often see oversimplified advice about the best time to book flights - especially with all the short-form video content claiming to have the secret - the reality is there's no magic formula. However, there are definitely tricks you can use to improve your chances of finding better deals. The key is being flexible with your dates and destinations when possible, and using tools that can help you monitor prices over time. Looking at some of the challenges in the airline industry, we're seeing JetBlue desperately trying to cut costs, which is leading to some route cuts and service changes. This is part of a broader trend we're seeing across the industry as airlines try to balance profitability with maintaining service levels. For frequent flyers, this means being prepared for potential schedule changes and having backup plans. On a more positive note, let's talk about some travel inspiration. Morocco continues to be an incredible destination for points and miles travelers, with three particularly colorful cities that should be on everyone's bucket list. The diverse culture, ancient sights, and those comforting cups of mint tea make it a destination where your points can really stretch far, especially if you're strategic about using hotel and airline partners. Finally, I want to mention something interesting happening with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The newly refreshed card now includes twice annual one hundred and fifty dollar credits for spend at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables. These are curated high-end restaurants available through a special version of OpenTable. With the new Sapphire Reserve card, you don't need to make a reservation through the special portal to get the credit - any qualifying spend at these restaurants will trigger the credit. It's worth noting that we're seeing a trend across ultra-premium cards where prices are rising and benefits are being cut. This is becoming the new normal for ultra-premium cards, so it's more important than ever to really analyze whether the benefits justify the annual fees for your specific spending and travel patterns. As we wrap up today's episode, remember that the world of miles and points moves fast, and staying informed is key to maximizing your travel rewards. 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 Miles and Points Daily. I'm Lucas, and I'll be back tomorrow with more news from the world of travel rewards. Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and visit us at milesandpointsdaily.com for all the latest updates. Until next time, keep earning and keep traveling.