Ep 052 – Miles & Points News + Listener Questions
Episode 52 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast has Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca talking about the latest news in miles and points, including the all-new Hilton Honors American Express Card in Canada, plus some exclusive and limited-time credit card welcome offers you should be taking advantage of.
The hosts share news of a new direct-to-Europe route from Edmonton, as well as the recently launched Calgary to Abu Dhabi Etihad route. They discuss the World of Hyatt to Aeroplan status match details, WestJet Rewards increasing elite status threshold, Aeroplan Harbour Air redemptions, and Air Transat’s new loyalty program Staria.
The Avion to Avios 30% transfer bonus is back for November, Accor Gold is now available for Amex Platinum cardholders, and Flying Blue Promo Rewards have taken quite a hit. Plus, the team reviews the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card, which got a positive refresh, and discusses the upcoming changes to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy cards, plus the addition of a new no-annual-fee card in 2027.
RBC 30% Avios transfer bonus; Accor Gold for Platinum holders; Flying Blue promo rewards becoming nonrefundable “light” fares; a SAS EuroBonus SkyTeam status match; BMO Eclipse VIP updates; and a new no-fee Marriott Bonvoy Bright card alongside Marriott Amex fee increases and new spend requirement for the annual free night.
The episode wraps up with a listener data point about their experience getting Barclays cards as a Canadian, plus a question about welcome-bonus strategy tips.
(03:34) Hilton Honors American Express Card Launches in Canada
The Hilton Honors American Express Card recently launched in Canada, complete with an excellent welcome bonus comprised of up to 70,000 Hilton Honors points and a free night certification, plus a few valuable benefits.
(10:35) New Credit Card Offers & Frugal Flyer Black Friday Week Event
There are several exclusive and highest-ever offers on some of the most popular credit cards in Canada, so now is the time to apply. Plus, Frugal Flyer is bringing back their week of elevated credit card rebates later this month.
(12:25) Canadian Capital One Quicksilver Cards For US Spend
Danny shares his thoughts on how the new Capital One Quicksilver Cards in Canada might be an excellent choice for any US spend.
(13:57) Invite-Only American Express Air Canada Card Updates
The invite-only American Express Air Canada card will now include Aeroplan Super Elite status as a perk, with a now even higher annual fee of $8,500.
(16:34) New Western Canada Airline Routes
Discover Airlines has announced a new route from Edmonton (YEG) to Frankfurt (FRA), starting June 2027. Etihad Airways new route from Calgary (YYC) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) is now operating, offering another way to get to the Middle East from Western Canada.
(21:17) Amex Canada Fixed Travel Redemption Chart Ends
American Express Canada is sunsetting the fixed travel redemption chart, making it only available to cardholders of certain cards as of January 6th, and only usable when calling in.
(22:31) World of Hyatt to Aeroplan Status Match
We finally have information about the World of Hyatt to Aeroplan status match! World of Hyatt members with specific elite status levels will be able to match and challenge to receive up to Air Canada Aeroplan 75K status by earning a significantly lower amount of status qualifying credits.
(25:59) WestJet Status Requirements Rise
WestJet has increased the tier qualifying spend thresholds on all three levels of elite status as of January 1, 2027. No new benefits are being added, which means you are now getting less for more.
(28:28) Harbour Air Aeroplan Redemptions
Harbour Air redemptions are now available on Aeroplan, but the value might not be there. The biggest benefit is they book into a fare class that allows a greater luggage weight allowance, but even then, the value is middle-of-the-road when compared to cash rates.
(31:26) Air Transat’s New Staria Loyalty Program
Air Transat has launched its own loyalty program, called Staria, which offers Staria points back based on cash spent on Air Transat fares. Expect to see some co-branded credit cards for the Staria loyalty program in 2027 from Desjardins.
(34:29) RBC Avion to Avios 30% Transfer Bonus Is Back
RBC’s Avion to Avios 30% transfer bonus is back and will run until the end of November. This is a great time to transfer points if you had any oneworld flight redemptions on your radar.
(36:09) Amex Platinum Cards Now Receive Accor Gold
American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cards in Canada now officially offer Accor Gold status as a benefit. Accor Gold includes bonus points on stays, early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, and welcome drinks.
(38:58) Flying Blue Promo Rewards Changes
Promo Rewards redemptions now book into the “Light” fare class, meaning that if you book a business class promo reward, you will lose a lot of flexibility and lounge access on your ticket.
(41:29) SAS EuroBonus Status Match
SAS EuroBonus is currently running a status match opportunity to Silver, Gold, or Diamond status.
(45:09) BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card Refresh
The BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege Card has been refreshed with new earning rates, no foreign transaction fees, additional lounge passes, and more. Positive changes across the board make it look like this card might be finding its role in the premium credit card landscape in Canada.
(50:05) Upcoming Amex Marriott Bonvoy Card Changes + A New Card
As of February 2027, several changes are coming to the American Express Marriott Bonvoy cards in Canada. Both cards will now have a $150 annual fee, offer complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, and will have a required spend of $3,000 in order to receive the free night certificate worth 35,000 Bonvoy points.
Plus, a new no annual fee card, the Marriott Bonvoy Bright American Express Card, will be launched at the same time.
(57:14) Listener Comment: US Barclays Card Data Point
Gean shares a data point about getting a Barclays card as a Canadian, and the struggle he is currently facing in getting another.
(01:00:09) Listener Question: Welcome Bonus Strategy
Stuart asks a question about how to best approach earning miles and points with welcome bonuses.
(01:06:05) Conclusion
If you have any episode-specific questions, leave a comment below. If you have any questions you want answered by the Frugal Flyer Team in a future episode, submit a question to the Miles Ahead podcast.
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