All information about the Marriott Bonvoy Business, Bevy, and Brilliant American Express cards has been collected independently by Miles to Memories.
2024 Points and Miles Wish List
Another holiday season is flying by, as is my attention span. I must pick my spots, knowing that I simply can’t do everything. Live in the moment, right? I can’t think of a cliche I remind myself of more. Right now, that moment is putting together my 2024 points and miles wish list. Indeed, I’ll keep asking Santa for a few hobby-related items annually, even if they don’t necessarily come true. (Last year was a bit of a letdown.) Here’s what’s on my list this year.
Hilton, Please Don’t Devalue Certs
Hilton has the best free night certificates out there. Unlike their previous version, these are redeemable any night of the week. More importantly, Hilton’s can be used at the vast majority of their properties (outside of a few exclusions which we don’t care about, anyway). We’ve had a solid run redeeming them for a good while, and many others are the same way. I thought the Hilton Amex Business card’s devaluation, including the removal of big spend bonuses for certs, was the beginning of the end. Instead, we’ve subsequently earned certs at a higher rate than we ever have.
But as standard award rates with Hilton Honors points continue to rise, I fear some sort of devaluation is more imminent. And the Waldorf Astoria New York City will be back up and running shortly, where many are foaming to redeem certs. What could happen – capping the certs to a maximum nightly award rate? Going back to weekends only? Something else? But maybe it won’t come to that. Santa, please do your magic and convince Hilton to leave certs alone.
More Cards
In my view, part of taking one’s points and miles skills to the next level is finding more niche cards that align with customized goals. But, of course, the mainstream card issuers can throw us a bone, too. How about some new card products from Amex, Citi, maybe even Chase? Amex’s Everyday cards are no longer available for new applications, maybe due to a refresh or entire overhaul. Captain Obvious flies in to say a new ultra-premium Citi card is long overdue. Will the business version of the Chase Sapphire Reserve be worth hobbyists considering? If so, when? Some long for a premium Hyatt card. I don’t particularly care for those two Chase matters, but here’s hoping the card heavyweights give us more to get excited about soon.
Deliver American Airlines Flagship Business, Already
Recently, it’s more about what American hasn’t said about this than what they have. We haven’t heard much reliable, specific info on when we can actually fly this new product. As an Executive Platinum, I end up on AA more than any other domestic carrier, and I’m excited to try out the new cabin. I must admit the delays have created more opportunities for Flagship First and another stop at the Chelsea Lounge, so it’s not all bad. But at this point, let’s get on with it.
More Marriott Certs
As I recall, 2024 is the first year Amex has offered bundles of 50k certs on their Marriott Bonvoy Business card, something Chase beat them at previously. I’m hoping Amex continues offering cardholders these useful free night awards in 2025. Earning Marriott points via ongoing spend is largely, relatively unrewarding, except for maybe one option, so efficiently earning and redeeming 50k certs is even more fulfilling. And while I’m at it, how about a big time Brilliant offer with at least three 85k certs? A man can dream.
More Preferred Hotels Choices
Booking Preferred Hotels and Resorts properties via Choice Privileges greatly improved in 2024, but there’s still a long way to go. Choice Privileges members still only have access to a subset of Preferred locations, so I’d like to see more choices (ahem) in 2025. I have my eyes set on a few existing spots for next year, but hobbyists need more to work with long-term. I enjoy finding value across Choice’s portfolio but hope for more via their higher-end Preferred options.
2024 Points and Miles Wish List – Conclusion
I thought I wasn’t asking for much last year, but based on the outcomes, I apparently was. I feel similarly reasonable this year and feel like my luck with Santa should change. All five of these wish list items can come true, right? Perhaps that’s how every kid feels about their list, though. What do you have on your 2024 points and miles wish list?
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AA’s new XLR is supposed to 1) replace the T-Bird on transcon and 2) replace wide-bodies on certain trans-Atlantic routes in low season. While there is much press about Boeing’s production woes, there is little press about Airbus’ production woes. AA will be receiving its XLRs years late.
AA is refitting the cabins of its B777-300. Removing first class and expanding business class. This was supposed to begin in September 2024 and run through April 2025. AKA, low season. According to the head of AA network planning (Znotins), the XLRs were supposed to back-fill their trans-Atlantic routes during this period . . . and would only enter transcon service *after* this. But, Airbus hadn’t delivered XLRs to AA. And, because the XLRs can’t back-fill the B777-300 in high season, the refit has been pushed back a full year for this and other reasons.
Given AA’s desire for fleet harmonization, I would not be surprised if the XLR is finally deployed on transcon in 2026. That’s not the answer you wanted but I think it might well play out that way.