8 TPG staffers share their favorite redemptions so far in 2026 – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Points and miles continue to unlock meaningful travel savings for frequent flyers who know how to use them. Mid-2026, staff members at The Points Guy shared the redemptions that stood out most for them so far this year. Their experiences highlight both domestic routes and longer international journeys where award bookings delivered clear advantages over cash fares.
Domestic Routes That Delivered Strong Returns
Two staffers focused on shorter U.S. flights and still achieved solid value. Olivia Mittak used 7,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles plus taxes for a one-way trip from Phoenix to Portland. The cash alternative would have cost $364, producing nearly triple the standard valuation for those miles.
Lyndsey Matthews made a last-minute booking from New York to Key West with 12,500 Atmos Rewards points. She paid just $18 in taxes and fees for a flight that would have run $331 in cash. Both redemptions underscore that high-value awards are available on domestic itineraries without needing long-haul business class.
Premium International Flights at Reduced Cost
Three redemptions involved transatlantic or transpacific travel in upgraded cabins. Matt Moffitt booked KLM Premium Comfort from Austin to Madrid for 40,000 Flying Blue miles plus taxes. The itinerary included a layover in Amsterdam where he planned to use lounge access tied to his status.
Katie Genter secured two business-class seats on Qantas from Melbourne to Vancouver using 145,000 Atmos Rewards points after applying a companion certificate. The cash price at booking exceeded $17,000. Giselle Gomez transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic for an Air France Economy Comfort return from Paris to Miami during a busy period, saving thousands compared with the cash fare.
Hotel Stays That Stretched Points Further
Hotel redemptions also produced strong results for several team members. Zoe Jablow used Chase Points Boost for two nights at Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Oregon. The booking qualified for a statement credit through her Sapphire Reserve card, bringing the effective cost well below the $2,213 cash rate.
Priyan Desilva stayed four nights at Dreams Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic with 92,000 World of Hyatt points. Christine Gallipeau used 564,000 IHG points for four nights at Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam, applying the card’s fourth-night-free benefit. Each case showed how targeted redemptions can cover high-end properties at roughly two cents per point or better.
What matters now: These examples show that award value often comes from matching the right program to the right trip rather than chasing only the longest flights or highest cabins.
Practical Takeaways for Future Bookings
The shared redemptions span multiple loyalty programs and trip types. They demonstrate that both short domestic hops and multi-night luxury stays can produce above-average returns when timed and booked carefully. Travelers watching for similar opportunities can focus on flexible programs that allow transfers or companion awards.
Many of the bookings relied on welcome bonuses or targeted transfers from flexible currencies. Keeping points in programs with strong domestic and international partners continues to pay off for those who monitor award space regularly.
