A year and a half ago I wrote an introduction to miles and points post and discussed how Matt and I make it look so easy. I thought it was time to update it a bit with thoughts and opinions on where we are today concerning the state of miles and points. If you would like actionable words of advice on how to best use your miles and points as of March 2025, well subscribe to my newsletter as only the VIPs get that information.

2025: High-Level Overview of the State of Miles and Points

I have noticed it is getting harder and harder using miles/points and even more challenging to find high-value redemptions. By high-value I mean being able to get from point A to point B within reason. A few weeks ago I saw an economy one-way ticket from Boston to Miami for 100,000 miles. That is insane. Matt and I typically fly long-haul business class for less than 75,000 miles.

Part of the problem is leisure travel continues to be at an all time high which lessens the incentives for airlines and hotels to offer good redemptions. The other issue is consolidation. The reality is there are only 5 major hotel companies (Bonvoy, Hilton, Hyatt, IHC and Accor) and 3 major US airlines. Less competition means higher costs whether cash or miles.

Despite market considerations, there are other things to consider why you are having trouble using your miles/points.

Y’all Don’t Travel Enough to Play the Game

I am sorry to say, but most of you do not fly enough or stay at hotels frequently to really gain a lot of points. People ask how Matt and I do it, well the reality is I saw Matt this week for a grand total of 48 hours because he frequently travels for work. So while you might see the fun trips of us in the Maldives or Italy, the reality is Matt spends a majority of his time on planes living in mediocre corporate city hotels. But for those who wonder how we are able to travel business class as frequently as we do, that’s a big part of it.

Flying and staying at hotels less than 5x a year will just not get you enough miles/points.

Y’all Don’t Spend Enough on Credit Cards

If you are not a road warrior, then the easiest way to accumulate points is with credit card spending. However, this is hard to do, unless you have lots of disposable income, good credit scores and are big spenders. I am not a financial advisor and will not provide any additional recommendations here, but Matt and I have different credit cards for different perks. Yet, we have one where all our spending goes. We use the Capital One Venture X card because every dollar is 2 points. While other cards have different bonus categories, it is easier for us not to have to think about it and just get the 2 for 1 earning on all purchases. By putting all our spending on one card, we do earn a lot of points and we can stretch that value by transferring to a Capital One airline partner.

Y’all Want to go to Popular Places at Popular Times

You know who else wants to go to Cancun in March, well everyone. Hence the obscene redemption rates. Europe in the summer, Aspen in the winter? Eek good luck! How about the Caribbean during Hurricane Season? Much better redemption. Can always cancel on mileage tickets and by booking your hotel through me 😊.

Use them or Lose Them

Hotels and Airlines are no longer making money off of your travels. Think about it for a second, do you really think Air France makes much profit on a 350-dollar economy ticket from LAX to Paris? They want you to sign up for their credit cards and spend spend spend! Why does this matter? Well, hotels/airlines devaluate your points and miles faster than you earn them. 50,000 miles 5 years ago were worth more than they are today. If you are hoarding  miles/points with one company, then you are losing value. Use them or lose the value to them.

Final  Thoughts

Despite all the challenges listed above, hope is not lost. However being flexible in your travels and being more strategic with your miles/points can help you find the value. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter by 3/25 to receive actionable advice.

Bon Voyage,

Andrew