The Points Daily archive

The Points Daily – August 18, 2026

Show Notes & Story Archive

This page archives today's briefing. For the timely morning rundown, subscribe below to get The Points Daily in your inbox every weekday.

Alaska Airlines bonus points offer expires August 20

Alaska Airlines is running a targeted promotion offering up to a 100% bonus when you buy Atmos Rewards points through August 20. At the best tier, you're looking at roughly 1.88 cents per point—a genuine discount. The math works if you're topping off an account for a specific redemption you've already identified or if buying points costs less than the cash fare alternative. Buying speculatively without a booked award waiting is still a losing play.

Source: Award Wallet

Singapore Airlines premium economy from the US starts at 55K miles

Singapore Airlines is discounting KrisFlyer awards to and from Asia through their "Spontaneous Escapes" program, with premium economy one-way fares beginning at 55,000 miles. Rates from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Singapore run 55,300 miles; LA to Tokyo is 56,350. The tradeoff: zero flexibility—no changes, no cancellations. Bookings close August 31 for September travel only. Singapore uses this tool on routes they don't expect to fill, so availability is genuine but not guaranteed to repeat.

Source: Frequent Miler

Breeze Airways flash sale: one-way fares from $35

Breeze Airways has opened a sale with one-way fares starting at $35 if booked by August 20 for travel between September 8 and October 8. Only three routes actually hit the $35 floor, but dozens fall under $60. Remember: Breeze's base fare includes a seat and a personal item only. Everything else—checked bags, seat selection, water—costs extra.

Source: Upgraded Points

Allegiant Air launches first class cabin and adds free economy drinks

Allegiant is reshaping its ultra-low-cost model starting April 2027 with an 8-seat first class cabin and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages in economy. First class includes priority boarding, one free checked bag (up to 70 pounds), complimentary drinks and snacks, and 37 inches of pitch with calf rests. Tickets for the Punta Gorda hub are on sale now. This marks a significant pivot for a carrier built on à la carte pricing.

Source: One Mile at a Time

Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol: award rates near 2 cents per point

The Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol has broad availability at 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night through October 2026 and again in August 2027. Cash rates hover near $600, putting the redemption value around 2 cents per point—well above the standard 1.4 cent benchmark. If a high-end Cabo stay is already on your radar, this is one of the stronger current uses for Hyatt points.

Source: Upgraded Points

Steal of the Day

Korean Air: Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City, roundtrip, $795 all-in

Korean Air is pricing roundtrips from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City at $795 including all taxes—a solid rate for Southeast Asia on a full-service carrier. Vietnam's streamlined e-Visa system has made entry less bureaucratic. If Vietnam has been on your list, this is a reasonable window to book.

Source: The Flight Deal

Card of the Day

American Express Gold Card: 50x AAdvantage miles for Stand Up To Cancer donations

Through September 30, donations to Stand Up To Cancer earn 50x AAdvantage miles per dollar if paid with an American Airlines AAdvantage Mastercard. This bonus is specific to the AAdvantage co-brand card (which runs on Mastercard), not the standard Gold Card. The promotion caps at $5 million across all participants, so late-month booking carries risk. If you already hold the co-brand and were planning to donate anyway, the math works. Otherwise, it's a pass.