Here’s the latest miles, points, and travel news:
New Hilton Welcome Offers
All four Amex Hilton credit cards have increased their welcome offers through January 14, 2026, with two cards now reaching 175,000 points.
The no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card offers 100,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first six months.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card which comes with a $150 annual fee and automatic Gold status, offers 155,000 points after $3,000 in spend within six months.
The premium Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card delivers 175,000 points plus an annual free night certificate after you spend $6,000 in the first six months, though it carries a $550 annual fee.
The The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card also offers 175,000 points but requires the highest spend at $8,000 in six months.
Southwest Flies to Alaska
Southwest Airlines will launch service to Anchorage’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in the first half of 2026, operating flights from its Denver and Las Vegas bases with bookings opening later this month.
The carrier will compete directly with Alaska Airlines on both routes and with United Airlines on the Denver-Anchorage route, marking Southwest’s entry into the Last Frontier.
Southwest Week of Wow
Southwest is running its Week of Wow promotions with flight tickets starting at $39 one-way, plus a hotel deal offering either 5,000 bonus points or a 5,000-point discount on stays booked through Southwest Hotels by October 6 and completed by March 31, 2026.
You can earn 2x Rapid Rewards points on cruises booked by October 6 (stackable with existing offers), rent an SUV through Budget from $54 per day with 600 bonus points for rentals through December 15, or save up to $250 on domestic vacation packages and $500 on international packages booked by October 6.
Most promotions end within the next few days, so you’ll want to book quickly if you have any Southwest travel on the horizon.
Frontier’s New Boarding Groups
Frontier Airlines is expanding its boarding process from four groups to seven starting immediately, aiming to streamline operations and give priority access to loyal customers and those who purchase upgraded fares or add-ons.
The new structure includes preboarding for passengers with disabilities, active military, Elite Diamond members, and families with young children, followed by seven numbered groups that prioritize elite status holders (Platinum and Gold in Group 1), bundle purchasers, carry-on bag buyers, Elite Silver members, credit cardholders, and premium seat holders in the earlier groups.
Basic fare customers without any add-ons will board last, with those seated in the rear half of the cabin boarding in Group 6 and front cabin passengers boarding in Group 7, while FRONTIER Miles members automatically get earlier boarding access regardless of their fare type.
Air Canada Upgrades Economy
Air Canada is now offering complimentary beer, wine, and Canadian-made snacks in Economy Class across all flights — including routes to Mexico and the Caribbean — on Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz.
