Ep 036 - Miles & Points News + Listener Questions | Miles Ahead Podcast

In Episode 36 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss a first-ever Amex Canada 25% transfer bonus to Flying Blue and a WestJet sweet spot when redeeming Flying Blue miles. They review negative fuel surcharge trends, currently impacting the pricing of award seats on three popular frequent flyer programs. Porter Airlines also becomes the flagship carrier at Montreal’s revamped downtown metro airport, with a new terminal opening in June 2026 with 12 new routes. The National Bank Lounge at YUL closes April 30 for renovations through 2027, with a temporary lounge planned. In an interesting change, Marriott has increased free-night certificate top-ups to 25K points. YOTEL has joined the Hilton Honors program, while ITA Airways has now officially joined Star Alliance. They discuss the WestJet and Triangle Rewards partnership, plus review details of the Blue Rewards cards replacing the AIR MILES cards. Finally, the team answers questions on business credit card implications and whether there is any way to work towards frequent flyer program elite status when flying on award redemptions. – 🔊Learn More About The Topics Discussed In This Episode https://frugalflyer.ca/podcast/ep036-... 💳The Best Credit Travel Cards in Canada https://frugalflyer.ca/blog/best-trav... 💳Earn Cash Back on New Credit Card Approvals Through FlyerFunds Rebates https://frugalflyer.ca/rebates/ 🎙️Ask The Frugal Flyer Team Anything https://frugalflyer.ca/podcast/ – Don't forget to leave a comment sharing any thoughts or questions about the latest news in the world of miles and points. If you find this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and share it with others who might benefit 👍 – (00:00) Introduction to Miles Ahead Podcast (00:48) Amex Membership Rewards to Flying Blue Transfer Bonus (04:02) Flight Award Fuel Surcharges Rising (08:31) New Porter Airlines Terminal at Downtown Montreal Metro Airport (10:51) National Bank Lounge Renovation at YUL (12:47) Marriott Free Night Certificate Top Up Boost (17:50) YOTEL Joins The Hilton Honors Program (18:45) ITA Airways Officially Joins Star Alliance (20:04) Cathay Pacific Award Flight Pricing Changes (22:13) WestJet & Triangle Rewards Partnership (25:49) Blue Rewards Card Basics (34:44) Listener Question: Business Card Implications (38:40) Listener Question: Working Towards Status With Award Flights (43:58) Conclusion – 🔖 Tags: flying blue redemption fuel surcharges, how to get most value from marriott bonvoy free night, cathay pacific fuel surcharges, porter airline fuel surcharges, bmo blue rewards cards, transfer membership rewards to flying blue miles, national bank world elite mastercard lounge access