Weekend Edition / Dear Ohad...

Dear Anxious,
Yes — and fast. The long-running JetBlue-Hawaiian partnership is officially winding down. You’ve got until September 30 to book award travel using points across either airline. But the actual travel can occur as late as March 31, 2026.

This was one of those quiet partnerships that got you access to Hawaii redemptions when nothing else worked. After this ends, you’re locked into each airline’s own pricing — and trust me, Hawaiian’s own chart isn’t exactly a bargain.

ProTip: If you’re sitting on JetBlue points and dreaming of the islands, move now. Awards between West Coast and Hawaii via Hawaiian Airlines are still decent value — but inventory is drying up quickly.

Dear Crushed,
Sadly, yes — and it’s a major blow. Starting September 18, the beloved 35% Pay With Points rebate will only apply to your designated U.S. airline for economy flights. That means all those cheeky business class redemptions through Amex Travel? No longer eligible.

This move kills one of the few remaining “high floor” plays for Amex points — especially for business travelers who don’t want to deal with transfer partners. It's a warning shot: holding a $695 card no longer guarantees you premium redemptions on easy mode.

ProTip: Book any big redemptions through Amex Travel using points before September 18, 2025. Don’t wait. This is a use-it-or-lose-it scenario.

Dear Skeptical,
Yes. With a 30% bonus from Amex to Avios through July 15, this is your chance to unlock real luxury for less.

Here’s the headline play: Qatar QSuites from the East Coast to the Middle East or Southeast Asia, typically ~70,000 Avios one-way. With the bonus, that’s just ~54,000 Amex points. That’s $300–$400 worth of economy flights… traded for one of the world’s best business class experiences.

It’s also good for Iberia (off-peak U.S.–Madrid flights start at 34k Avios) and British Airways short-hauls.

ProTip: Don’t just transfer blindly. Search award availability first on Qatar or Iberia’s site, then move points instantly once the seat is available. Redemptions this cheap don’t last long.

Dear Social,
Strike while it’s hot. Right now, Chase is offering 15,000 Ultimate Rewards points per referral — up to 100,000/year — on Sapphire Preferred and Reserve.

That’s $150–$300+ in value per person you refer, depending on how you redeem. Combine that with the 75K signup bonus they’re offering, and you’ve got one of the best all-around value plays in the game right now.

ProTip: Don’t sleep on referrals. Send your link to 3 friends this weekend. If just two get approved, you’ve essentially earned yourself a business class flight — without spending another dime.

Dear Confused,
Yes — if you fly budget carriers in Europe, this one’s worth watching. Flight Club was their hush-hush elite program for frequent flyers, and it’s being shuttered this month.

In its place, easyJet plans to launch a tiered, public loyalty program — likely with spend-based earning, perks like free seat selection, and potential lounge access. No one’s expecting Emirates levels of luxury, but for savvy Euro-hoppers, this could add real value.

ProTip: Monitor your email if you had Flight Club status. You may get early access or a status match when the new program launches. Don’t delete those marketing messages just yet.

Until next time — may your upgrades clear, your points stretch further, and your seat be more lie-flat than middle.

Got a points panic, card crisis, or lounge letdown?
Email newsletter@upnonstop.com and let the upgrades begin.