The Points Daily archive

The Points Daily — August 19, 2026

Your weekday points-and-miles briefing. This page archives today's show notes. For timely coverage every morning, subscribe below.

Flying Blue Award Pricing Changes Amount to a Devaluation

Flying Blue is introducing three-tier award pricing on Air France and KLM metal beginning September 8, 2026. Current lowest-priced awards will become "Light" fares, with "Standard" and "Flex" options costing more miles for relaxed change/cancellation terms. The new structure applies only to Air France and KLM direct bookings—not partner airline awards—and elite status members (Platinum and Ultimate) receive exemptions that soften the blow.

Why it matters: This is a classic frequent-flyer devaluation disguised as choice. Most members will pay more miles for the same redemption unless they accept the most restrictive terms.

TPD take: If you have an Air France or KLM booking in mind, lock it in before September 8. After that date, expect to spend more for comparable awards.

Source: One Mile at a Time

Chipotle Back-to-School BOGO and Free Entree Deals

Chipotle is running promotions across multiple dates in late August and early September. On August 20, customers who wear school apparel and visit after 3 PM get buy-one-get-one. On August 23, 30, and September 6 (Sundays only), the deal is buy two, get one free via online code SUNDAYS, also after 3 PM.

Why it matters: These are straightforward discounts with minimal friction. The school apparel requirement on August 20 is easy to satisfy.

TPD take: If you're already buying Chipotle, timing your purchase around these dates saves real money. The Sunday promos stack better value for group purchases.

Source: Doctor of Credit

Business Class to Auckland, New Zealand from 80K Miles

American Airlines is releasing business class award seats to Auckland at 80,000 miles one-way from New York and Dallas on lie-flat aircraft. Up to two seats are available on some dates, and this represents the lowest standard award rate for nonstop business-class service to New Zealand.

Why it matters: 80K for business class across the Pacific is strong pricing. With Citi ThankYou points now transferable to American, you have a flexible-currency path to accumulate the miles without relying solely on American co-brand bonuses.

TPD take: This is sharp award pricing if you can position to New York or Dallas. Check availability quickly; premium trans-Pacific seats move fast.

Source: Upgraded Points

Spend $250, Get $150 Back on Hotels.com via Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping is offering $150 cash back on Hotels.com bookings of $250 or more, though the offer is targeted (requires email or account eligibility). Rewards post 60–90 days after checkout and arrive as shopping credits, redeemable only for gift cards at select retailers. The $250 threshold must be met before taxes and fees in a single transaction.

Why it matters: A 60% return on hotel spend is substantial, even with the gift-card restriction. The long reward window and eligibility gate are the trade-offs.

TPD take: If the offer shows up in your account and you have a non-chain property booking coming, this is worth using. The gift-card limitation is annoying but not a dealbreaker at this discount level.

Source: Upgraded Points

Cathay Pacific Award Rebate: 800 Asia Miles per 5,000 Redeemed

Cathay Pacific is rebating 800 Asia Miles for every 5,000 redeemed through August 27—an effective 16% return. The rebate applies only to economy and premium economy on direct Cathay flights to or from Hong Kong, with travel windows from September 10 to December 10.

Why it matters: 16% back is solid in absolute terms, but the restrictions are severe. This excludes the famous British Airways Europe sweet spot (which uses Asia Miles at low business-class rates) and limits geographic scope.

TPD take: This only pencils out if you already had a Hong Kong-route economy or premium economy redemption booked. For most Asia Miles players, the geography and cabin limitations make it a pass.

Source: Frequent Miler

Steal of the Day: DoorDash Digital Games — $25 Back on $50 Spend

DoorDash is selling digital game codes and credits in-app. Spend $50 on games and receive a $25 DoorDash gift card—a flat 50% discount. The offer is limited to DashPass members only.

TPD take: If you were already buying game codes or in-game currency and hold DashPass, this is money in the bank. Non-members should skip.

Source: Doctor of Credit

Card of the Day: JetBlue Card — Boston BlueHouse Lounge Opening Soon

JetBlue's long-awaited BlueHouse lounge in Boston is expected to open within days, following an August 25 employee preview. The JetBlue Premier Card grants lounge access, and the arrival of a second location reduces reliance on the single New York Kennedy location.

TPD take: If you fly JetBlue regularly through Boston or JFK and were waiting for lounge redundancy, now is a reasonable application window. The network is finally becoming more than a single-airport novelty.