The Points Daily — August 14, 2026
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Aeroplan cuts award flight costs up to 25% through mid-2027
Aeroplan is discounting Air Canada award flights worldwide by up to 25% across all cabin classes through June 30, 2027. Book by August 18; travel must begin September 8 or later. No promo code required—just log in and book normally, though taxes and fees still apply.
Why it matters: A quarter off award redemptions is substantial, particularly on premium cabins where points spreads can be wide. The six-month booking window gives you time to plan, but the August 18 deadline is firm.
TPD take: If you've been sitting on Aeroplan points and have September–June travel in mind, this is worth checking immediately. The discount applies automatically at booking, which keeps friction low.
Source: Upgraded Points
Universal Epic Universe launches after-hours event at $179 per ticket
Universal's new after-hours event, Universal Nights, is selling 3-hour tickets at $179 (9 p.m.–midnight, with early access at 7 p.m.). Dates are October 3 and 17. Access includes all five lands, unlimited specialty snacks, and free Coke Freestyle refills. Annual passholders get 10% off; Premier members save 15%.
Why it matters: After-hours events command premium pricing because they thin crowds. At $179 for three hours, you're sometimes paying more per hour than a full-day ticket costs—though the value proposition changes if you hate lines.
TPD take: This is a crowd-avoidance surcharge, plain and simple. If avoiding waits is worth $60 per hour to you, book it. Otherwise, a regular ticket buys you more hours and more land to explore.
Source: Upgraded Points
Waldorf Astoria New York award inventory opens at 150K Hilton Honors points
The Waldorf Astoria New York has released award space February–April 2027 at 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night for standard rooms. You can book using free night certificates from the Hilton Aspire card. A 100% bonus on purchased points runs through September 25.
Why it matters: Award space at this property has been scarce since its 2024 reopening. Cash rates regularly exceed $1,000/night, making 150K points a legitimate redemption value if you have the points or are willing to buy at a bonus.
TPD take: Book early 2027 if those dates work for you—this is genuine availability at a flagship property. The Hilton Aspire's free night certificate makes this accessible if you hold the card; if you need to purchase points, the current 100% bonus is timely.
Source: Upgraded Points
US Bank adds hotel and airline transfer partners to Altitude Reserve
US Bank added four transfer partners to the Altitude Reserve card for the first time: Flying Blue, Qantas, Accor, and ShebaMiles. These join the card's existing travel portal redemption path.
Why it matters: The Altitude Reserve's benefits were significantly downgraded last year (redemption value dropped from 1.5¢ to 1¢ per point; the $325 travel credit is now portal-locked). Transfer options at least open a path to better value than the card's fixed redemption rate.
TPD take: This is incremental improvement to a card that lost ground. The partner list is slim compared to Chase or Amex, but it gives holdouts a reason to stay. Flying Blue and Qantas are useful; ShebaMiles is niche.
Source: The Points Guy
Amex Resy credits now eligible at Tock restaurants
Amex Platinum and Gold cardholders can use Resy restaurant credits at select Tock restaurants starting September 15. Look for the "Resy Credit eligible" badge on venue pages; more restaurants will be added over time.
Why it matters: Tock is a major reservations platform for high-demand restaurants. Expanding Resy credit acceptance increases the odds you can actually use the benefit—the whole point of a restaurant credit.
TPD take: This is a straightforward usability upgrade. The Platinum's up to $400 annual Resy credit becomes more flexible. Check Tock-listed restaurants you want to book before September 15 to see if they're early participants.
Source: One Mile at a Time
Steal of the day: Marriott Bonvoy weekend stays discounted up to 20%
Marriott Bonvoy Escapes is offering up to 20% off paid stays from August 17–September 6 on weekend nights. Book by August 16. Better brands are included in the promotion.
Why it matters: A genuine 20% cash discount on premium properties is real value. The catch: weekend-only travel and a tight booking window on both ends.
TPD take: If you have late August or early September weekend travel planned at a participating Marriott property, book tomorrow. The window closes fast, and inventory often tightens as the start date approaches.
Source: Upgraded Points
Card of the day: Earn 50X AAdvantage miles on cancer research donations
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard is offering 50 AAdvantage miles per dollar donated to Stand Up To Cancer through September 30, up to a $5 million donation cap (typically reached in 2–3 days).
Why it matters: If you were planning to donate anyway, this is a way to acquire miles at 2 cents each. The cap fills fast, so the opportunity window is narrow.
TPD take: If Stand Up To Cancer aligns with your giving, use the card. Otherwise, don't donate just for the miles. When caps fill this quickly, the promotion is designed for people with pre-existing donation intent.
Source: Award Wallet
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