If so, you’re in luck if you’ll fly with Southwest Airlines within the next couple of weeks. For the 10th consecutive year, the carrier will offer special Shark Week programming on its flights as part of a partnership with Discovery Channel, the network that produces the special.
Beyond the inflight programming, Southwest is also organizing shark-themed pop-ups at airports in Atlanta, Dallas and New York, according to a Southwest spokesperson.
Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free biweekly Aviation newsletter.
The airline hosted one of these pop-ups at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on Thursday. Marine biologist and Shark Week presenter Dr. Craig O’Connell shared fun facts about sharks and hosted trivia.
During the events, passengers received Shark Week fin hats during boarding. The program’s mascot, known as “Chompie,” made a surprise appearance in Dallas earlier this week.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts.
Related: The best Southwest Airlines credit card for family travelers
In previous years, Southwest featured shark-themed Boeing 737s and partnered with flight tracking site FlightAware to track these shark-themed jets.
There won’t be a special livery to commemorate the week this year. However, a spokesperson for Southwest said Discovery Channel’s inflight Shark Week programming has been some of the most popular television for the carrier’s customers.
Launched in 1988, Discovery Channel’s Shark Week programming is devoted to all things sharks. The release of the 1975 movie “Jaws” led to misconceptions about sharks. Discovery Channel launched Shark Week programming to educate viewers and quell fears they may have of sharks.
Over the years, programming morphed into a platform for scientists to advocate for one of the Earth’s oldest animals.
Shark Week runs on Discovery Channel from July 23 to July 29.
Related reading:
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
The last thing you want to think about before packing your bags and sailing away on your dream cruise vacation is what would happen if you got sick while on board the ship.
But unfortunately, people do get sick while on vacation. They can also injure themselves or become ill enough that they need to return home.
That’s why it’s prudent to invest in a cruise travel insurance policy and be prepared for the unexpected. It’s also a good idea to know what onboard medical care your ship can and cannot provide in an emergency. It’s especially important if you’re traveling in far-flung locales that may not have adequate medical facilities – when you can even go ashore.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
TPG reached out to several cruise lines, from mass-market companies to smaller luxury ships and expedition lines, but few wanted to comment directly on this topic in response to our questions. Some declined, while others referred us to their websites, where you can find basic information under the FAQs sections on what their ships typically offer regarding medical assistance.
If you want to know the specifics about getting a COVID-19 test on board or what would happen if you broke an arm or needed to be airlifted to a medical facility while cruising, we have direct answers from three cruise lines – MSC Cruises, Holland America Line and Azamara. We’ve also compiled general information from several lines with detailed information on their websites.
Here’s what you need to know before you go, so you can feel confident that you’ll have competent and comprehensive medical care if you fall ill while cruising on the high seas.
Do cruise ships have medical centers, and who works in them?
All ocean-going ships have medical centers staffed with trained professionals, so medical care is accessible when you’re on board the ship. The facilities and what they offer will vary, depending on the size of the ship and the number of passengers and crew.
For example, according to Royal Caribbean’s website, their medical centers are staffed with two or three licensed physicians and three to five licensed nurses 24 hours a day. The staff may be international or U.S.-based. The website also states, “All Royal Caribbean Group (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Silversea) ships are built, staffed, stocked and equipped to meet or exceed guidelines established by the American College of Emergency Physicians Cruise Ship & Maritime Medicine Section.”
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts.
A clinical staff from multiple nationalities works in MSC Cruises’ facilities. The medical professionals also adhere to the standards prescribed by the American College of Emergency Physicians – Cruise Ship Medicine Section Guidelines.
Holland America’s medical centers are staffed with a team of experienced physicians and nurses that can manage a broad range of conditions. The onboard facilities are fully equipped with testing and treatment capabilities, and the team has a close working relationship with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.K.’s National Health Service, regional and local public health agencies and the University of Texas Medical Branch. These associations benefit both the guests and their employees.
Azamara’s spokesperson tells us that the medical facility on board its four boutique ships offers “enhanced equipment, isolation staterooms that provide comfortable and complimentary care, onboard testing capabilities and telehealth medical support. Guests who fall ill will meet with the medical team, which is typically at least one registered physician and one nurse, who will then develop a multi-level response plan.”
Viking’s website also states that its ocean and expedition vessels have upgraded state-of-the-art medical facilities with specialized equipment.
It’s best to contact the company directly if you’re traveling with a smaller cruise or expedition line and want information on specific capabilities and the medical services they offer should you become ill or injured. Many smaller ships sail close to shore, so additional medical facilities will be available in port. However, this won’t be an option when sailing expeditions to remote destinations like Antarctica or the Arctic.
Related: How to avoid seasickness on your next cruise
Do I need an appointment to see a doctor on board?
You should visit the medical center if you have a persistent sore throat, headache, fever, body aches or an upset stomach that could be the flu or a contagious virus, such as COVID-19 or norovirus. If you’ve tripped or fallen and have a swollen ankle or hand, you should also seek medical care.
According to a representative for MSC Cruises, you don’t need an appointment to go to the onboard medical centers. Walk-ins are welcome 24/7, but you can also make an appointment.
MSC’s spokesperson recommends seeing someone if you’re not feeling well, and they tell us their staff can handle a “spectrum of medical situations ranging from routine general practice cases and medical emergencies to those requiring intensive care.”
Holland America guests can dial the emergency number on their cabin phone 24 hours a day for medical assistance.
Azamara’s medical centers are open twice a day for walk-ins. If you need to see someone during off hours, guest services can call an on-duty nurse.
On a Carnival Cruise Line ship, medical staff is on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. On sea days, you can visit the medical center between 9 a.m. and noon and again between 3 and 6 p.m. On port days, the facility is open from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.
According to its website, Princess Cruises’ ships also have medical centers staffed by full-time registered physicians and nurses. The facilities are open twice daily, and they provide 24-hour emergency care.
Can you get a COVID-19, flu or strep test on the ship?
Most cruise lines, including those mentioned above, can perform various tests, as needed, as part of the medical services offered. These include testing for COVID-19, flu, strep or other suspected illnesses.
Some lines, like Azamara, offer COVID-19 testing without a medical consultation, while others, such as MSC Cruises and Holland America, do not offer walk-in testing. Guests must see a physician first to determine if testing is necessary.
Related: Why I feel safer now on a cruise ship than in my home town
“The onboard physician may recommend a test for COVID-19 if one’s symptoms suggest the possibility of a Covid infection,” shares a Holland America spokesperson in an email. “We encourage our guests to purchase their self-tests before traveling and bring them aboard. In that way, if they have any concerns, they may test themselves and protect their family, fellow guests and our crew. Of course, we do request they notify the medical staff if they test positive.”
Can I get medications on board the ship?
If you forgot to pack basic over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, allergy medications or antacids, these items are typically available in one of the shops on the ship or at the medical center. You should also be able to find them at a pharmacy in port when you go ashore.
If you’ve forgotten prescription medications and need a prescription filled, you’ll have to visit the medical center to see a nurse or a physician. A cruise ship can’t stock all possible medications, so you might need to accept an alternative.
Cruise lines aren’t going to release their formularies, but they probably have prescription medications for the most common ailments such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid disease. They also stock antibiotics for infections.
If you have another medical condition, you may not find the appropriate medicines to treat it on board. On its website, Carnival advises that its ships may not have certain medications and vitamins available. If you forgot your medications and they’re not stocked on your ship, you must visit a medical facility ashore.
MSC Cruises urges passengers to bring any required medications for their journey from home. If they forget or need something, over-the-counter medications are available in the retail spaces. Guests will find some medicines at the reception desk for minor ailments like motion sickness. They can visit the medical center for other requests, such as basic prescription medications inadvertently left at home.
Related: 27 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts
In addition to over-the-counter medications available at the retail shops, such as pain medications for headaches, cough drops or upset stomachs, doctors at Holland America’s medical centers can prescribe and dispense basic medications you may have forgotten. They also have medication to treat severe illnesses until a guest is better or until they can be brought ashore for treatment.
Some over-the-counter medications, including antacids and ibuprofen, are available to guests at the medical center on Azamara’s ships. If a guest needs a prescription medication, it can be prescribed after a consultation.
Carnival sells over-the-counter medications for colds, coughs and upset stomachs at the medical center, or in some cases, at the retail shops. Its ships also have motion sickness pills available (for a fee) through room service, guest services or the medical center. In extreme cases, they can administer a shot for motion sickness.
The line also offers complimentary medi-coolers to store prescription items that must be kept at a specific temperature. They are available in limited quantities with a $75 deposit. You can request one once you’re on board the ship.
What if I fall and break a bone or need stitches?
The trained staff at the ship’s medical center can handle injuries, such as broken bones or deep cuts that require stitches. If the injury is more severe, the medical team can stabilize a guest until the ship reaches the port and the patient can be transferred off the ship.
MSC Cruises’ onboard medical centers can handle a spectrum of medical situations, including the initial management of fractures and suturing of lacerations, a spokesperson explained.
Holland America’s medical centers are also well-equipped to care for guests that need immediate medical attention, much like an urgent care center at home. Their ships have X-ray machines, and the medical teams are trained to operate radiology and lab equipment.
Azamara can also handle these types of injuries, says a spokesperson for the line. In the case of a broken bone or orthopedic injury, the onboard provider will also recommend that the guest follows up with an orthopedic referral at the next available port.
“While Azamara’s onboard staff is available to help with any medical issues that arise, the medical facilities are not intended as clinics for guests,” a spokesperson says. “Azamara is not responsible for the diagnosis, treatment or services furnished by shipboard medical personnel, who are independent contractors.”
What if I’m really sick and need a specialist or hospital?
The medical staff on oceangoing vessels are trained to handle emergency situations such as a heart attack or stroke and they have defibrillators and other life-saving equipment on board in case of such emergencies.
MSC Cruises’ vessels are equipped with intensive care facilities where guests can be stabilized and cared for until the passenger can be transferred to a hospital. If the ship is at sea, the ship’s captain and medical staff will need to decide how the passenger will be evacuated. Options may include a diversion of the ship to the nearest port, a boat transfer or, if necessary, a helicopter evacuation.
“The decision is influenced by a variety of external factors, like weather, distance to land and resource availability,” an MSC Cruises spokesperson told TPG. “The decision is also made by consulting with local shoreside maritime authorities.”
Related: How to avoid getting sick on a cruise
Holland America also has established and well-practiced medical protocols surrounding treating seriously ill passengers. “In situations that require referral to shoreside hospitals, the shipboard treating doctors evaluate suitable options by medevac,” a company spokesperson said.
The line works with local emergency services to arrange for the patient to be picked up and transferred to a designated shoreside medical facility when necessary. The care team will also continue to assist and support the disembarked guest and their traveling companions.
Azamara will also assist in bringing guests that need additional care to a hospital as quickly as possible. The onboard team will request an airlift if necessary (depending on the location). Since the line’s itineraries include more time in port, ships are typically close to land. Azamara will also follow up with the guest to ensure they receive the necessary care.
Royal Caribbean Group’s physicians and nurses are required to maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training. “In responding to medical emergencies, our goal is to first stabilize emergency patients and, when necessary, evacuate the patient to an appropriately equipped and staffed shoreside medical facility,” its website says.
Will insurance cover me if I get sick on a cruise?
You’ll be charged a fee for service if you need to visit a physician or nurse during your cruise. Cruise ships don’t file insurance claims, so you’ll have to do that directly with your insurance company once you’re home. Princess’ website clearly states that charges for medical services will be added to your shipboard account and that guests will receive an itemized bill to send to their insurance company.
This is one of the reasons to invest in travel insurance when you travel. Your regular health insurance policy may or may not cover you when you’re traveling outside the country — or will only cover some but not all of your expenses. Some insurance plans, like Medicare, won’t cover you outside the U.S. except for a few specific emergency circumstances. A travel insurance policy with good medical coverage can make up the difference or reimburse you for medical bills your regular insurance won’t.
Related: The 5 best cruise travel insurance plans
Bottom line
It’s advisable to bring emergency supplies with you when you cruise because you never know what might happen. You’ll want to pack essential over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, antacids and allergy medications. If you think you may need any of these medicines during your vacation, you’ll want to have them on hand, so you won’t need to pay high prices on the ship or schedule a consultation with a doctor in order to get them.
You might also want to bring a COVID-19 test with you or any braces or assistive devices you occasionally use. It will be much cheaper to bring them from home than to purchase them on board.
Also, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical care that your regular health policy won’t reimburse you for when traveling, especially when you’re out of the country. Depending on the policy, you can also recover some of the expense of the trip if you have to return home early.
It’s important to know that if you fall ill or become injured during your vacation, you can get medical care on board the ship for many situations – or at least be stabilized until the medical team and crew can transfer you ashore to a hospital or emergency facility.
It’s best to check with each cruise line before traveling to understand their policies, especially if you have a preexisting condition that could flare up while on the cruise. Be sure to ask what medical care is available specifically on the ship you’ll be sailing on, as older and smaller vessels may have different facilities and capabilities than the newer and larger ships.
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s most premium airlines, with an excellent business-class product and great lounges at its hub in Doha, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH). The airline has a huge route network as well, with routes to major U.S. airports like Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
The Oneworld member has its own loyalty program called Qatar Airways Privilege Club and uses the popular points currency Avios. With this loyalty program, you can earn and redeem miles when flying Qatar Airways and its Oneworld partners. Plus, it has three elite status levels that give frequent flyers special privileges like entry to lounges and access to preferred seating.
New to the carrier’s Privilege Club? You’re in the right place. Here is everything you need to know about the program.
What are Avios?
Avios is the points currency used by the following loyalty programs:
Avios can be transferred between any of these programs at a ratio of 1:1, so each Avios is theoretically worth the same in each program. However, there are different ways in which Avios can be redeemed in each program, meaning the savvy reader can achieve different values depending on which program they are used in … and how.
This guide focuses on Avios earned and redeemed through the Qatar Airways Privilege Club program.
Elite status
Qatar Airways has three elite status tiers beyond the entry-level Burgundy level: Silver, Gold and Platinum. You can qualify for these tiers by earning a certain number of Qpoints by flying with Qatar Airways and its partners. To view how many Qpoints you’ll earn with each flight, use the Qatar Airways’ My Calculator.
Below is a look at how many Qpoints you’ll need to qualify for each tier. You must earn these within a single 12-month period. Once you’ve qualified for Silver, you can upgrade by earning a higher number of points within 12 months of earning Silver. This is considered your “renewal date.”
Tier
Qpoints required
Silver
150
Gold
300
Platinum
600
Interestingly enough, fewer Qpoints are required to renew your elite status. You can either earn a smaller number of Qpoints in 12 months or a higher number in 24 months — each calculated from your renewal date.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts.
Tier
Qpoints required (12 months from renewal date)
Qpoints required (24 months from renewal date)
Silver
135
270
Gold
270
540
Platinum
540
1,080
If you fail to meet renewal requirements, you’ll drop to the tier you did qualify for.
Additionally, you must earn at least 20% of your Qpoints on flights marketed or operated by Qatar Airways to qualify. Alternatively, you can fly four Qatar Airways segments on 12-month renewals or eight Qatar Airways segments on 24-month renewals to meet this requirement.
Elite status benefits
Silver (Oneworld Ruby) is Qatar’s lowest elite status tier and includes the following benefits:
Discounted seat reservation
50% bonus Avios
Family member bonus
Lounge access (no guests)
Two guest lounge passes
Free checked baggage
Priority boarding and check-in
Personalized bag tags
Priority wait-listing
Oneworld Ruby status
Gold status (Oneworld Sapphire) includes all Silver benefits, plus the following perks:
Preferred seating
Guaranteed economy awards
75% bonus Avios
5% discount on redemptions
Lounge access (one guest)
Four guest lounge passes
Priority baggage handling
Extra baggage
Priority phone support
Al Maha Gold Service
Qatar’s top-tier Platinum elite status is the equivalent of the valuable Oneworld Emerald status. This tier includes all Gold status benefits, plus the following perks:
100% bonus Avios
Lounge access (two guests)
Five guest lounge passes
Read more: Your complete guide to Oneworld alliance benefits
How to earn Avios with Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Citi ThankYou Rewards
The easiest way for U.S. travelers to earn Qatar Avios is by transferring Citi ThankYou Rewards points to Privilege Club. Points transfer to Qatar Avios at a 1:1 ratio, though transfers usually take around two days to process.
You can earn Citi ThankYou Rewards with the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees). Note that if you’re still holding on to the Citi Prestige® Card, which is no longer open to new applicants, you also have the full transfer benefits.
That said, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can combine your Citi ThankYou Rewards points into a single account for select products, allowing you to effectively “convert” your fixed-value earnings from cards like the Citi Rewards+® Card (see rates and fees) and the Citi® Double Cash Card (see rates and fees) into fully transferable ThankYou rewards.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Transfer from other Avios programs
You can also transfer Avios from British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus or Aer Lingus AerClub at a 1:1 rate in any direction.
The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to Avios in these three programs (and then convert to Privilege Club):
American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Terms apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Check to see if you’re targeted for a 125,000-point welcome offer through CardMatch (offer subject to change at any time). Terms apply.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
You can also purchase Avios, which are often on sale.
Transfer from Marriott Bonvoy
Alternatively, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Qatar Airways Privilege Club at a 3:1 ratio. As an added perk, you’ll get a 5,000-mile bonus when you transfer 60,000 points. This means transferring 60,000 points nets you 25,000 Privilege Club Avios, a nice chunk of miles.
Earn Avios by flying Qatar Airways
You can also earn Avios when taking paid Qatar-operated flights around the world. The number of Avios you earn depends on your cabin and ticketed fare class. Qatar Airways Privilege Club still awards Avios based on the distance flown, but bear in mind that most discounted fare classes will earn at a much lower rate than higher-tier fares.
Here’s a table that details how you’ll accrue Avios on Qatar flights.
To see information for a specific itinerary, you can use Qatar’s online calculator.
Earn Avios with program partners
You can also earn Qatar Avios for flights on any of the following Oneworld airlines:
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Finnair
Iberia, including Iberia Express and Air Nostrum
Japan Airlines
Malaysia Airlines
Qantas, including QantasLink and Jetconnect
Royal Air Maroc
Royal Jordanian Airlines
S7 Airlines (currently suspended)
SriLankan Airlines
Privilege Club also partners with the following airlines outside of Oneworld:
These flights follow a similar earning scheme to Qatar Airways, but you can use the aforementioned calculator for more details.
Redeeming Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios
Booking Qatar Airways flights with miles
Qatar Airways has what is widely considered one of the world’s best business-class products with its award-winning Qsuite product. Even the carrier’s economy product is a solid option. Here are the prices for popular one-way itineraries per person on any date (there is no peak or off-peak pricing).
New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to DOH in business class
70,000 + $73.35
JFK to DOH in economy
35,000 + $62.35
JFK to Delhi, India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in business class
80,000 + $201.50
JFK to DEL in economy
40,000 + $131.50
JFK to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in business class
95,000 + $202.90
JFK to BKK in economy
47,500 + $132.90
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in economy
37,500 + $132.90
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) in business class
80,000 + $440.42
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Bali, Indonesia’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in economy
40,000 + $175.49
Availability can be limited, especially in premium cabins, so the further in advance you can book, the more likely you are to find one or more seats on the dates you need.
Upgrading Qatar Airways flights with miles
You can also use your Qatar miles to upgrade paid flights operated by the airline. Like award tickets, you must use the airline’s calculator to find the cost of upgrading a specific flight based on your route and fare class.
For example, you can upgrade the cheapest economy class ticket from the East Coast to Doha to a business-class seat for 55,000 miles one-way. This isn’t much cheaper than booking an award ticket, so we recommend steering clear of these unless you have booked an extremely cheap cash fare.
Additionally, you need to find available upgrade space in order to upgrade your ticket. You can do this by calling the airline or attempting to upgrade a ticket online.
Booking partner flights with miles
Earlier this year, Qatar lowered the award prices for many partner-operated flights, bringing them in line with other Avios currencies. Here’s the award chart for all Privilege Club partner redemptions, including Oneworld and other carriers:
Distance (miles)
Economy class (Avios)
Premium economy (Avios)
Business class (Avios)
First class (Avios)
0-650
6,000
9,000
12,500
24,000
651-1,151
9,000
12,500
16,500
33,000
1,152-2,000
11,000
16,500
22,000
44,000
2,001-3,000
13,000
25,250
38,750
51,500
3,001-4,000
20,750
41,250
62,000
82,500
4,001-5,500
25,750
51,500
77,250
103,000
5,501-6,500
31,000
62,000
92,750
123,750
6,501-7,000
36,250
72,250
108,250
144,250
7,001-plus
51,500
103,000
154,500
206,000
The award chart closely resembles British Airways’ partner award chart, meaning both programs have the same sweet spots:
Short-haul redemptions on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines start from just 6,000 Avios each way with no peak or off-peak pricing.
American Airlines regularly flies internationally configured wide-body aircraft on domestic routes, including 777s and 787s. For example, American’s flagship 777-300ER operates some flights between JFK and Miami International Airport (MIA), a 1,089-mile journey. You could book a business-class award on this flight for only 16,500 Avios, which is a great deal.
Fly from major West Coast cities to the Hawaiian Islands for just 13,000 Avios on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines.
Unfortunately, ticketing these awards is challenging. Unless you’re redeeming your Qatar Avios for an American Airlines or a British Airways flight, you won’t be able to book your partner redemption on Qatar’s website. To redeem your Qatar Avios on a partner flight, you can call Qatar Airways Privilege Club at 800-988-6128. Know, though, that the call center is only open during working hours on weekdays.
You can also see flight partner schedules by selecting “book award ticket” on Qatar’s website. You can then submit a request to book a partner flight, and a Qatar agent will process your reservation if there’s award space. We don’t recommend this option since award space can rapidly change. Instead, we suggest transferring Avios to British Airways so you have more partner flight options you can book online.
Related: The best ways to redeem British Airways Avios
Other redemption options
You can also use your Qatar Avios for merchandise, duty-free items, hotel stays and more. We generally recommend staying away from these types of redemptions, as they’ll almost always give you less value than a free flight, often dropping the value to half a cent per mile (or less).
Bottom line
Qatar Airways has fabulous products on the ground and in the air. If you have never flown long-haul business class, you can’t go wrong with the world-famous Qsuites to Doha and beyond.
While the program previously flew under the radar due to some uncompetitive pricing and complex booking options, adopting the already popular Avios currency in 2022 has opened up new ways to easily earn and redeem Avios in the program. The ability to easily transfer Avios between four different airline loyalty programs makes the program much more attractive, especially as Privilege Club now has the same short-haul sweet spots that are so popular when redeeming Avios through the British Airways Executive Club program.
Are you discounting your services in order to get deals done? Listen to today’s podcast and learn why you should always charge what you’re worth. Real estate veteran Steve Shull, coauthor of The Full Fee Agent, outlines proven techniques for getting your full fee on every transaction. Steve also shares his no-nonsense approach to prospecting, the one thing it takes to succeed in real estate, and the best tool for any type of negotiation: tactical empathy.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
Steve Shull on playing for the Miami Dolphins in Superbowl XVII [2:28]
Steve’s introduction to real estate and Mike Ferry [4:22]
Steve’s first couple years in real estate [5:11]
Real estate sales in simple terms [7:23]
Mike Ferry’s four options for drumming up real estate business [8:00]
A no-nonsense approach to prospecting [8:32]
Building a custom real estate CRM back in 1991 [9:39]
How sports can help you succeed in real estate [13:46]
The name of the real estate game: listings [16:39]
The mistake most real estate agents make [17:30]
Real estate is not rocket science; it’s a battle for consistency [19:36]
Chris Voss’ Never Split the Difference [23:26]
How Chris Voss’ book completely changed Steve’s real estate scripts [27:27]
The Full Fee Agent by Chris Voss and Steve Shull [27:32]
What it means to be a full-fee agent [28:08]
The false premise that the entire real estate industry is built on [34:08]
The root of all evil in real estate [42:50]
How to respond to a client who asks you to cut your commission [45:49]
Transactional versus relational paradigms [47:14]
Tactical empathy [48:43]
A story detailing the power of tactical empathy [51:50]
What you’ll learn by reading The Full Fee Agent [55:44]
Steve Shull
Steve Shull grew up outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He graduated with a BS Degree in 1980. Steve then played four years in the NFL as a linebacker with the Miami Dolphins. He was one of the tri-captains in the 1982 Super Bowl. A knee injury ended his career in 1983. Steve then went to graduate school at The University of Miami and received my MBA. He worked on Wall Street as an institutional fixed income sales person for five years. From 1991 thru 1993 Steve sold residential real estate in the Fullerton, CA. area. In his first year with his partner, they closed 53 transactions. In his second year, they were on pace to sell 100 homes when Steve came up with the idea to create a coaching program which marked the beginning of his real estate coaching career in 1993. In 2007, Steve was one of founding partners of Teles Properties. He helped the company open four offices in Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Newport Beach and Pasadena before leaving in 2012. Steve is married to his wife Katerina and they have two daughters and they live in Brentwood, CA.
Related Links and Resources:
Thank You Rockstars!
It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email. -Aaron Amuchastegui
JetBlue is offering $25 off one-way flights and $50 off round-trip flights for travel this fall. All you have to do is use the promo code FALLSALE to get this discount.
The deal is only valid on nonstop flights, and you can’t apply it to previously purchased tickets. It’s also not valid on transatlantic flights or on Mint tickets.
The sale ends July 26, so book as soon as you can.
Deal basics
Airlines: JetBlue
Routes: Between any U.S. destinations where tickets cost more than $50
How to book: Directly on JetBlue’s website with promo code FALLSALE
Travel dates: Sept. 7 through Nov. 16
Book by: July 26 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Blackout dates: Excludes Friday and Sunday travel
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts.
Sample flights
Head to JetBlue’s website, and click on the promotional window.
It’ll take you to the booking page and automatically enter the code. From there, you can choose your dates and destination.
Make sure you’re not trying to book on a Friday or Sunday, as these dates are excluded from the sale. Know, too, that this discount code won’t work if your flight is less than $50.
The below Monday flight to Los Angeles from New York is discounted $25, from $137 to $112.
The same discount is applied to the return flight, making it $50 off both tickets.
When you get to your shopping cart, you’ll see the discount applied in the price summary.
These tickets are for JetBlue’s Blue Basic fare category, which does not include a carry-on or checked bag. To check a bag, you’ll have to pay $35 each way. Passengers cannot cancel without paying a fee and will be the last to board.
Maximize your purchase
Use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases. Frequent JetBlue flyers can use the JetBlue Plus Card for 6 points per dollar spent on eligible JetBlue purchases, the JetBlue Card for 3 points per dollar spent on eligible JetBlue purchases or the JetBlue Business Card for 6 points per dollar spent on eligible JetBlue purchases.
Or, you could use The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year); the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve, both of which award 3 points per dollar spent on airfare; or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar spent on travel.
The information for the JetBlue Plus, JetBlue Business and JetBlue Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
If you’re planning to travel somewhere in the U.S. this fall, these discounted JetBlue flights are a perfect option.
Book fast, as tickets will sell out quickly before the sale ends tomorrow.
Around 19 per cent of renters say high mortgage rates are crushing their ability to buy now or have put their buying plans on hold completely, research has found.
According to a survey from The Mortgage Lender (TML), which collated views of 2,000 adults, around 12 per cent said they would continue renting until prices fell.
Around 10 per cent said that they would wait for mortgage rates to fall and nine per cent agreed that there was no point in looking to buy until mortgage rates decrease.
Nearly six per cent said they were waiting until the Bank of England’s next base rate decision before making a decision.
Predictions from analysts currently estimate that the base rate could rise to 6.5 per cent.
Around six per cent said they were progressing with their home buying plans and were making “significant compromises” to do so.
A quarter of those planning to buy said they were buying away from traditional commuter towns and nearly a third had to move further from the city centre.
Around 16 per cent were buying in cheaper locations to combat affordability constraints.
Approximately one in five said they are buying a cheaper property with more renovation needed and 12 per cent have chosen smaller properties.
Steve Griffiths, chief commercial officer at TML, said: “The journey to buying a property can be a long one, and it can easily be complicated by the ebbs and flows of the housing market, particularly when we consider the current landscape.
“Although being adaptable and regularly checking in on the base rate will serve renters well in the long term, it’s understandable that so many are feeling frustrated by their options.”
He continued: “This really highlights just how vital it is to speak to a broker early about your property ambitions. They can help breakdown how much you can afford, as well as any other available options. If it’s not the right time to buy now but you still plan to in the future, buyers need to work toward becoming ‘mortgage ready’.
“This will ensure when the time is right you are prepared to take that next step. Even in challenging times, potential buyers should remember that there are lenders that can support them, and a broker will be key in being able to help find the best deals.”
Certificates of deposit (CDs) can be an arrow in your savings quiver, best used to generate good returns on cash you don’t need right away. Based on Curinos data, CD rates have been relatively stable over the past week even in the midst of a rate hike pause by the Federal Reserve.
Three-month CD rates
Rates on three-month CDs have increased since last week, rising by one basis point to 0.98% today.
Over the past month, rates on three-month CDs have climbed by eight basis points.
The current national high for a three-month CD is 5.83%, which would earn more than $355 in interest with a $25,000 deposit.
Six-month CD rates
When you opt for leading six-month CDs, you get a winning combination: solid interest rates and a commitment that’s only short-term.
The national average APY for six-month CDs is 1.40%, up slightly from 1.39% last week and 1.34% one month ago.
The current top national rate for a 6-month CD is 5.41%, according to the data available from Curinos’ database. But you may be able to find better deals by shopping around.
You’d earn almost $670 in interest if you put $25,000 in a six-month CD with a rate of 5.41%.
One-year CD rates
If you’re up for setting aside your savings for a full year, you’ll be able to snag even more impressive rates. One-year CDs can give you returns as high as, or even higher than, longer-term options.
Rates on 12-month CDs are on the rise. The national average APY is 1.66%, up two basis points from last week and six basis points from a month before.
The current national high for a 12-month CD is 5.60% which would earn more than $1,400 in interest with a $25,000 deposit.
Two-year CD rates
Interest rates on CDs with longer terms have remained stable.
The nationwide average APY stands at 1.55%, the same as last week , although up three basis points from one month ago.
The current national high for a 24-month CD is 5.15%. By locking in a rate close to this high, you’ll make the most of your returns on this longer-term investment.
If you invest $25,000 in a 24-month CD at the high rate of 5.15%, you’d earn around $2,650 in interest.
Three-year CD rates
The national average APY for a three-year CD stands at 1.49%, which is the same as last week and up from 1.47% a month ago.
The highest rate was 5.20%, which would net almost $4,105 in interest if you invested $25,000.
Methodology
To establish average certificate of deposit (CD) rates, Curinos focused on CDs intended for personal use. CDs that fall into specific categories are excluded, including promotional offers, relationship-based rates, private, youth, senior, student/minor, affinity, bump-up, no-penalty, callable, variable, step-up, auto transfer, club, gifts, grandfathered, internet-only and IRA CDs. The average CD rates quoted above are based on a $25,000 deposit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
In 2022, savers finally experienced some relief with the rise of CD yields.
That trend has largely continued throughout 2023, as the Federal Reserve has continued to raise interest rates to moderate inflation. However, the Fed paused its interest rate policy in its most recent meeting in order to see how the economy responds to such high rates.
You’ll need a few key details to open a CD: your name, address, Social Security number, government-issued ID and phone number. You can open a CD online or in person, but you’ll probably find better rates online. Once you get the green light, you can fund the CD with cash from a linked bank account or one that’s not affiliated with the bank at all.
CD rates change on a regular basis, but the higher the better. As of July 24, 2023, the national average interest rate for a 12-month CD sat at 1.66% APY, according to data from Curinos. But you can find plenty of banks advertising APYs well above this average, especially if you take a look at the top contenders in our ranking of the best CD rates.
A basis point is the term used to describe one hundredth of one percentage point. Therefore, if the yield on a CD increased from 1.50% to 1.60%, it increased by 10 basis points.
Everyone wants a home that reflects their taste. But redecorating can be expensive. However, with a personal loan you can get the funds you need easily. You can also look at some budget-friendly ideas to transform your home.
Budget-friendly tips for creating a homely space
When it comes to creating a warm and comfortable home, you don’t have to spend extravagantly. With some clever budget-friendly tips, you can transform your living space into a cosy haven, without compromising on style or comfort. Let’s see how.
Look for deals for your decor: Explore thrift stores, flea markets and online marketplaces for unique and inexpensive pieces that can add charm to your space. Don’t be afraid to give pre-loved items a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint or some creative upcycling.
Get creative with your designs: Sometimes, all it takes is a touch of creativity to transform your home. Instead of splurging on expensive artwork, consider framing your favourite photographs or creating your artwork using inexpensive materials like canvas and acrylic paints. Incorporate personal touches that reflect your style and make your space feel truly unique.
Don’t go overboard on furniture: Opt for affordable alternatives when it comes to large furniture pieces. Look for second-hand furniture or consider refurbishing existing pieces with new upholstery or paint. You’ll be surprised at how a simple change in budget decorating ideas can bring new life into your furniture without emptying your wallet.
Keep comfort in mind: Focus on the small details that can make a big impact on the overall ambience of your home. Use cushions, throws and rugs to add warmth and comfort to your living spaces. Play with different textures and patterns to create visual interest and depth.
Play with light: Lighting can significantly influence the atmosphere of a room. Opt for warm-toned bulbs to create a cosy and inviting ambience. Even on a budget, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Embrace the spirit of the festival by incorporating DIY crafts, natural elements, and soft lighting. Repurpose existing items and infuse your home with the enchanting aroma of incense or scented candles.
Creating a cosy home doesn’t have to be expensive. But if you find yourself falling short of funds to spruce up your home, don’t worry! Avail an Axis Bank Personal Loan to do up your home as per your tastes. Get a loan from as low as Rs 50,000 to as high as Rs 40 lakh as per your budget.
Some benefits of taking a personal loan for home improvement include:
Easy access to funds for any urgent or planned need without collateral
Meet your requirements without dipping into your savings
Easy approval based on your income and credit score
Quick disbursal of funds with minimal documentation
Personal Loan Interest rates starting from 10.49%
Option to repay in easy instalments as per your budget
Still unsure about eligibility? Check the personal loan eligibility criteria at Axis Bank’s intuitive website. You can also use our personal loan emi calculator.
Also Read: [Is it possible to get a second Personal Loan?]
Some crafty projects can add a personal touch
If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your home without spending too much, here are some budget-friendly DIY ideas that will help you add that personal touch to your home.
Repurpose and upcycle: Embrace the concept of budget decor by repurposing and upcycling items you already have. For instance, transform old jam jars into stylish candle holders or storage containers by painting them in your favourite colours or wrapping them with twine.
Create custom artwork: Add a personal touch to your walls by creating your own artwork. You don’t need to be an experienced painter to make beautiful pieces. Experiment with abstract painting techniques using budget-friendly acrylic paints on canvases or repurpose old wooden frames by filling them with fabric or scrapbook paper collages.
New from old: Transform plain cushions, curtains or tablecloths into eye-catching statement pieces with a few simple techniques. Add fabric trims, pompoms or tassels to enhance their visual appeal. Use fabric paint to create unique patterns or designs on plain fabric.
Personalised wall art: Showcase your favourite quotes, lyrics or meaningful words by creating personalised wall art. Print out the text in a stylish font and frame it with a thrift or repurposed frame. Alternatively, use stencils or vinyl decals to paint the words directly onto canvas or wooden plaques.
Conclusion
With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your space without overspending. Budget decorating ideas can be the way to go.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision
Some significant changes are coming to the visa-free travel to Europe that most Americans have become accustomed to enjoying. Come 2024, Americans will be required to apply for a visa and pay a small fee to visit Europe.
The coming European Travel Information and Authorisation System is set to launch sometime in 2024, though that date has been pushed back many times (and could be pushed again). In fact, the region has talked about instituting the program since 2016.
The new program will require travelers from countries outside the Schengen Area of Europe to fill out an application before arrival and pay a fee to visit France, Spain or any other country in the European Union or Schengen Area. That’s going to add another layer of bureaucracy when the program rolls out.
Wondering what this means for future trips to Europe? Here’s everything you need to know about the new visa program.
What is ETIAS?
For now, Americans don’t need a visa to visit Europe. That is about to change.
ETIAS is a visa-waiver scheme similar to the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization used in the U.S. for visitors from Europe.
The form will act as a preauthorization system to allow travelers from 63 countries outside the Schengen Area, including the United Kingdom and the U.S., to enter the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a full visa. It’s also good for multiple entries for up to three years. You won’t need to apply for approval each time you travel to Europe unless it’s been more than three years since your last visit.
It’s not a traditional visa because it only requires a seemingly quick online application. You’ll fill out an online form with basic personal information and your travel plans and history; you’ll also answer a few security questions. The authorities promise that most applicants will be approved within an hour; however, if your application is flagged, it could take up to four days.
The application will cost about $8, but those over 70 or under 18 won’t have to pay a fee. It will also be required for all travelers, no matter how young.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts.
ETIAS will cross-check visitor information with government databases and watchlists before issuing authorization to enter. The information collected will also be used in data tracking for business and tourism purposes.
Why is the region rolling this program out?
“We need to know who is crossing our borders,” former European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said. “This way, we will know who is traveling to Europe before they even get here.”
Which countries will require an ETIAS?
There are quite a few nations that are included in the ETIAS requirements. They include full Schengen members that previously didn’t require any kind of visa for Americans, such as Spain, France and Italy. They also include nations in the European Free Trade Association, such as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Several future Schengen member nations, including Bulgaria and Cyprus, and a few small territories like Andorra and Monaco will require an ETIAS as well.
Here is the full list of counties that will require ETIAS:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
How much will ETIAS cost, and what information will you have to provide?
The ETIAS will cost 7 euros (about $8) for a three-year permit that allows “third-country nationals” to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Only visitors between the ages of 18 and 70 will need to pay the application fee, but those of all ages will still need ETIAS authorization to enter.
Travelers will be asked to provide details of health, education and criminal convictions.
Here is what you’ll be required to fill out, according to Schengenvisainfo.com:
Biometric information, including your first name, last name, last name at birth, date of birth and place of birth
Information regarding your citizenship
Address
Email and phone number
Education and work experience
First EU country you intend to visit
Background and eligibility questions about your medical condition, travel to war countries or places where you were deported or rejected, as well as criminal records
For minors, the legal guardian must apply for ETIAS
For family members of EU citizens from other countries, you must submit proof of relationship, residence card and other background information
Who needs to apply for ETIAS?
American citizens (and those from the 62 other non-EU countries that are not currently required to apply for visas) will need ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for visits of up to 90 days; this includes transit passengers.
If you have applied separately for a visa to enter Europe, you will not need to complete the ETIAS application.
When and where will ETIAS go into effect?
The launch of this long-planned system has been pushed several times over the years, but it sounds like it could finally happen in 2024.
At that point, airlines, cruise ships and other transport systems will be required to check for ETIAS authorization before allowing passenger boarding; visitors will be required to complete the application process prior to travel. At land borders, visitors should be able to complete the application at an electronic kiosk.
How do you apply for ETIAS?
Before traveling, you’ll need to access the ETIAS online application to input passport information, name, date and place of birth, email address, phone number and a credit or debit card to submit the payment fee. You’ll also need to provide your destination and answer a few background and profile questions. The ETIAS website indicates the form should take about 10 minutes to complete.
Approval for most applicants should take a matter of minutes. However, if an item is flagged in the application, a manual review must occur. The applicant can correct the improper information or appeal a denial decision.
How will your personal data be stored?
The European Commission has attempted to soften privacy fears by insisting that the ETIAS is not a visa and therefore includes a far less intrusive application process.
“There is no need to go to a consulate to make an application, no biometric data is collected and significantly less information is gathered than during a visa application procedure,” the European Commission said.
Bottom line
Fortunately, Brits and Americans planning to visit Europe don’t need to take any immediate action. However, be prepared to go through one more step and pay one more fee in the travel process as part of the ETIAS implementation sometime in 2024. Stay tuned to TPG for further developments related to this program.
A message from our partner: Your miles are now worth at least 15% more with the new Delta Vacations. Click here to learn more about redeeming miles for your next getaway.
Since Delta eliminated its award charts in 2015, the SkyMiles program has become notably more unpredictable and, at times, outrageously expensive. With business-class flights on long-haul routes often priced at over 450,000 SkyMiles, it’s understandable to feel like your SkyMiles balance holds little value.
But if you have a stockpile of Delta miles, they are far from worthless. There are still excellent redemptions available, particularly during the carrier’s award sales.
So, let’s explore some strategies for maximizing the value of your Delta SkyMiles.
Redeem on Delta flights
You can use your Delta SkyMiles to book Delta, Delta Connection and Delta Shuttle flights. Since Delta uses dynamic pricing, award rates can vary significantly. For example, in November, one-way main cabin award rates from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) range between 16,000 and 49,000 miles.
Even though Thanksgiving travel skews award prices over these dates, significant price volatility is normal. If you want to maximize your SkyMiles, flexibility is important.
Taxes and fees are generally reasonable on Delta tickets. Expect to pay $5.60 per person in taxes and fees on most domestic tickets and international tickets departing the U.S. However, Delta adds carrier-imposed surcharges on many awards that start outside the U.S., most notably those originating in Europe.
Keep an eye out for SkyMiles deals
A great option for redeeming Delta miles is taking advantage of SkyMiles deals. These deals typically apply to specific city pairs, so it may be necessary to book positioning flights to fully maximize these promotions.
Last year, Delta offered a flash sale with round-trip flights for just 5,000 SkyMiles. The airline recently offered round-trip airfare to Auckland Airport (AKL) from most major U.S. airports for just 37,400 SkyMiles round-trip.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts.
If you have no immediate use for your SkyMiles, you may be best off saving them for the next big SkyMiles deal. Just be sure to keep an eye on Delta’s SkyMiles deals page.
Save at least 15% with select Delta credit cards
If you have an eligible Delta credit card, you can save 15% on Delta-operated award flights when you use your miles and pay the taxes and fees with the card. This can be a great option to reduce the price you pay on Delta award tickets — and a major reason to open (and keep) a Delta card in your wallet.
Read more: Best Delta credit cards
Rebook when prices drop (or cancel when your plans change)
Once you’ve used your miles on a Delta flight, be sure to keep your eyes on the award rates. As long as you’re not on a basic economy ticket, Delta offers the ability to rebook flights when prices drop, and you’ll receive the mileage difference back in your account. You should even be able to do this right from the Delta App.
And if your plans change, you should be able to cancel your flight for a full refund of both the miles and the taxes and fees — again, unless you’re on a basic economy ticket.
Related: Complete guide to changing and canceling award tickets
Redeem on partner flights
Delta is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and has three non-alliance airline partners. This gives you more flexibility to redeem your SkyMiles on various airlines and routes across the globe. Here is the complete list of Delta’s airline partners:
SkyTeam partners
Aerolinas Argentinas
Aeromexico
Air Europa
Air France
China Airlines
China Eastern Airlines
Czech Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Garuda Indonesia
ITA Airways
Kenya Airways
KLM
Korean Air
Middle East Airlines
Saudia
Tarom
Vietnam Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
Xiamen Air
Non-alliance partners
Cape Air
Hawaiian Airlines
WestJet
Although there are no online award charts, partner awards generally have a specific price range. For example, one-way business-class airfare from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Mexico City International Airport (MEX) ranges between 42,000 and 44,000 miles.
Another great option is WestJet-operated flights from the U.S. to Canada. Round-trip award tickets in economy class still clock in at 25,000 miles plus ~$60 in taxes and fees, and availability is relatively widespread, especially when you book in advance.
These flights routinely cost more than $500, giving you a redemption value of more than 2 cents per miles.
Delta also has some appealing non-U.S. partner sweet spots.
For example, Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on Air France business class generally costs around 42,500 miles plus 120 United Arab Emirates Dirham (around $32). In comparison, Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) costs 35,000 miles plus up to 6,910 Japanese Yen (around $50) for a connecting business-class Korean Air or China Airlines flight.
1 of 2
DELTA.COM
Delta can increase these rates at any time, and they have done so on multiple occasions. To obtain the current award price, you will need to contact Delta directly or search the website.
While Delta has tried to improve its website to display partner awards, it may still have limitations, particularly when booking mixed-cabin itineraries. The website often prioritizes Delta-operated flights, which may not be ideal if you have specific flight requirements. We recommend searching for flights segment by segment and being prepared to call Delta if the website doesn’t offer the desired trip options.
Related: The best websites for searching SkyTeam award availability
Redeem for upgrades
You can also use your SkyMiles for upgrades to a higher class of service. If you have a confirmed Delta-marketed and operated flight, you should have the option to pay cash or use miles to upgrade your flight directly on Delta’s website.
If you redeem your miles for an upgrade using this method, you’ll generally get around 1 cent per mile, which is lower than our 1.41 cent valuation of Delta SkyMiles. This could be a viable option if you have a surplus of SkyMiles and no immediate plans for their use. However, we generally recommend prioritizing award flight redemptions, as discussed in previous sections.
You can also use Delta miles to upgrade specific flights operated by Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic or Aeromexico. This option is subject to fare class requirements and is available only on select routes each partner operates. For more details, please refer to Delta’s “upgrade with miles” page.
You’ll also want to make sure there’s upgrade inventory available. Fortunately, all four partner airlines mentioned above publish business-class award inventory on ExpertFlyer (owned by TPG’s parent company, Red Ventures), allowing easy searching and setting up alerts if the desired seats are unavailable when you book your flight.
Related: All the tips and tricks you need to use Delta Upgrade Certificates
Redeem for Delta Vacations
Delta Vacations recently enhanced redemption rates for SkyMiles members looking to use their rewards for vacations. You’ll get at least 1.15 cents when you use your miles to cover a Delta Vacation.
In practice, however, you can occasionally find better redemption rates.
A two-day escape from Los Angeles to Hawaii with lodging at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach costs $1,797.90. Alternatively, you can redeem 143,832 SkyMiles to book this vacation (a 1.25-cent redemption rate).
In this example, Delta also includes a round-trip transfer from the airport to the hotel, whether you pay with miles or cash.
Related: Delta Vacations enhances earning rates and redemption value for SkyMiles members
How to earn Delta miles quickly
You’ll need to have SkyMiles to take advantage of the redemptions mentioned above. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase your balance. One of the simplest ways to earn Delta miles is by using Delta’s cobranded American Express credit cards (terms apply). Here are some of the current welcome offers available for these cards:
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Offer ends Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 (see rates and fees).
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Earn 85,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Offer ends Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Earn 85,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. Offer ends Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then a $99 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Aug. 2, 2023. The card has a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Remember that any of these cards include access to the TakeOff 15 benefit, which will save you at least 15% on Delta-operated award flights.
You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards points from cards like the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio. However, you’ll be subject to an excise tax offset fee. And Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Delta SkyMiles at a 3:1 ratio.
Related: Points of View: Which credit card should you use for Delta Air Lines flights?
Bottom line
Although the value of Delta SkyMiles has decreased in recent years, there are still excellent deals to be found. While the program has been moving toward a redemption value of 1 cent per mile, you can still surpass that, especially with SkyMiles deals and Delta Vacations.
Additional reporting by Ethan Steinberg.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card, click here.