Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points – Details, episodes & analysis

Learn about our new BA Shopping Portal tracker and how to earn more Avios while shopping online

British Airways has unveiled its brand-new First Class product, featuring ultra-wide seats, massive 4K TV screens, and personal luggage storage space. We dive into the exciting new features, the focus on British craftsmanship, and when you can expect to experience it. However, with a mid-2026 rollout, will BA's new offering be enough to keep up with competitors? Tune in to find out what this means for premium travel and how to make the most of your miles and points.

Aer Lingus and British Airways have announced a two-way status recognition, allowing members to enjoy status-based benefits across both airlines. In this episode, we break down what this means for your travels, including priority check-in, lounge access, and additional baggage allowances. We also explore the implications for status chasers and how to maximize value from these changes. Tune in to learn how this enhancement can simplify your booking decisions and create a more seamless travel experience.

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In this episode, we dive into the world of hotel loyalty programme point expiration policies and provide a comprehensive guide on how to keep your points alive. From Best Western Rewards' no-expiration policy to the 12-24 month inactivity policies of other major hotel chains, we cover it all. Learn how to maintain activity, prevent expiration, and make the most of your hard-earned points. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable tips and insights to help you maximize your rewards.

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In this episode, we dive into Qatar Airways' new Starlink Wi-Fi service, a game-changer for staying productive during long flights. With speeds of up to 190 Mbps and low latency, this service is faster than many home broadband connections. We share our hands-on experience with the service, discuss how it works through SpaceX's low Earth orbit satellite network, and explore why it's a compelling reason to choose Qatar Airways for long-haul flights. Plus, we offer tips on selecting the best seat for productivity and invite listeners to share their own experiences with Starlink Wi-Fi.

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In this episode of Smart With Points, we delve into the Emirates Status Challenge, discussing its requirements, benefits, and whether it's worth considering, especially for UK travellers. We explore the generous 12-month window to complete the challenge, the upgrade path, and valuable benefits such as lounge access and bonus Skywards miles earning. Our host shares expert tips on planning qualifying flights, calculating cost vs benefit, and navigating the application process. Tune in to discover if the Emirates Status Challenge is right for you.

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In this episode of Smart With Points, we explore how to earn Avios points from necessary HMRC payments by combining Curve's Fronted feature with an Avios-earning credit card. We discuss the benefits and limitations of this strategy, including the potential to earn up to 54,000 Avios points per year, equivalent to £540-£648 in value. We also provide tips on how to maximise your earnings, including smart timing strategies and pro tips for business owners. Tune in to learn how to make the most of your HMRC payments and boost your Avios balance.

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In this episode of Smart With Points, learn how to turn your Amex Platinum Business Dell credit into significant value by strategically timing and stacking offers. Discover how to combine the credit with Amex Offers, Avios earning opportunities, and Membership Rewards points to get incredible value on purchases like software and electronics. The host shares a real-world example of maximising the benefit and provides pro tips on keeping track of offers and credits. Tune in to make the most of your Amex Platinum Business Dell credit and stay up-to-date with the latest news and tips on travelling with miles and points.

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Exciting news for Avios collectors in the UK: Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways are partnering to offer direct flights from major Australian cities to Doha, significantly increasing award inventory to Australia. These flights will feature Qatar Airways' renowned Qsuites, providing a luxurious business class experience. Learn how this partnership will make it easier to book flights to Australia using Avios and get tips on planning your trip and building your Avios balance. Host Jack shares his expertise and personal experience with Qsuites, and discusses the implications of this partnership for UK-based travellers.

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