2026 Points and Travel Resolutions
The holiday season really flew by. I feel like I say this every year, but I think it particularly applies to the most recent one. I blame the relatively late Thanksgiving holiday on 25 November for this, but I guess I better get used to it. That’s because Thanksgiving is on the 26th this year. Perhaps one of my resolutions is having my “stuff” together for the holidays much earlier. But I’m not here to talk about that; today’s about my 2026 points and travel resolutions. Here we go, in no particular order.
New Cash Back Cards
After years in our dynamic hobby, one thing remains constant. Cash back is still my favorite rewards option. I’ve steadily picked up an arsenal of cash back cards, obvious and obscure, over the years. But I have a bigger goal in 2026. I want to acquire five new (or new-to-me, at least) cash back cards this year. As always, I’m considering all possible options – cards directly providing cash back or others with niche rewards currencies which eventually become cash. I’m confident some of this will involve something I generally enjoy which is an increasing rarity in our hobby: in-person contact with bankers. I’m one of the wackos up for such experiences.
Trigger More Efficiently
Last year, the bank heavyweights – Amex, Chase, and Citi – took card benefits to a new level, for better or worse. In my opinion, I feel attentive hobbyists are net winners here. The banks have shrewdly refined their products, offering more attractive benefits, conveniently advertising them while downplaying the related work cardholders must undertake. I know I should respond by streamlining my own processes.
A bit of this involves avoidance – I’ve given up on the Chase Sapphire Reserve with no plans to return. But primarily, I’ll update my practices with Amex and Citi. I want to be better at minimizing time commitments while continuing to maximize such benefits. Among other things, this means:
- More Spreadsheets
- Prompt Transactions
- Partnering with Other Like-Minded Individuals
I’ve been doing this stuff already, but I need to do it all better.
Redeem Alaska Miles Once
I’ve been collecting Alaska miles for years. I’ve never actually used a single one. I don’t regret this, as I efficiently amassed them, and doing so did not prevent me from earning any other superior rewards I was interested in. Technically, I’ve redeemed once for Hawaiian flights. But I ended up needing to cancel.
This is the year everything changes. I will redeem Alaska miles, no matter how small the amount, and see the award flight through to actual consumption.
No More NUA Nonsense
I’m done with Marriott Bonvoy Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs). When it comes to the amount of time I’ve spent on a minor perk, this one comes out on top. I previously described NUAs being a source of entertainment; now, they’re just a nuisance.
Admittedly, it’s easy for me to say I’m done, because I no longer have any. I didn’t hit the 50 elite night minimum last year to earn five more for 2026. But regardless, I only recall one out of five NUAs clearing in 2025. And, even worse (or better), I was upgraded at certain properties’ front desks upon check-in when the NUA didn’t clear in advance. Not only are NUAs a waste of time, they’ve become largely obsolete, in my opinion.
I won’t be bothered by NUAs in 2026.
A Delta One Lounge Return
Perhaps my favorite along-the-way experience of 2025 was visiting Delta One Lounges at JFK and LAX. I’m currently planning international itineraries where I can have the pleasure of visiting them again, more than likely JFK first. To be clear, I won’t allow such lounges to dictate where I travel, since some of their locations are the most efficient connection points for my planned travels, anyway. But I’ll shamelessly opt for a slower travel experience to enjoy more time in the lounge.
2026 Points and Travel Resolutions – Conclusion
I’m feeling good about these 2026 points and travel resolutions – they’re all attainable. Five new cash back cards may be the biggest challenge, primarily because I may be too discerning. You could accuse me of not aiming high enough with these, and that’s fine. I have other goals in mind and experiments percolating. I look forward to talking about these more as the year unfolds. Just as important, I’m anticipating surprises along the way. Let’s do it!
What 2026 points and travel resolutions are on your list?
Out with the old: simplifying by getting rid of clutter/dead wood cards.