Weekend Edition / Dear Ohad...
Delta revives LATAM redemptions (with classic SkyMiles chaos), Chase gives its portal a facelift, Singapore tightens partner space, Hyatt adds dreamy SLH hotels, and BA teases 'Avios-only' flights. From robbery to redemptions...you know we’re unpacking it all below 👇🏻
Delta just added Latam redemptions back online… but the pricing looks off. Am I missing something, or is this just SkyMiles doing SkyMiles things?
-- Disillusioned in Detroit
Dear Disillusioned,
You're not wrong. Delta did quietly reintroduce online Latam award redemptions this week - but with classic Delta pricing shenanigans. JFK to São Paulo is showing 275k one-way in business? That’s not inflation. That’s robbery.
That said, economy awards to South America have seen a slight improvement, and some shorter Latam routes (like LIM-CUZ or SCL-EZE) are surprisingly reasonable if booked as multi-city combos.
ProTip: If you're playing in this ecosystem, use Delta only when the pricing works - or just transfer Amex points to FlyingBlue or Aeromexico instead. Better partners, better value.
Chase just revamped the Ultimate Rewards portal with “elevated travel experiences.” Does this actually matter for redemptions, or is it just a branding refresh?
-- Curious in Coral Springs
Dear Curious,
It’s mostly window dressing… but with a few interesting twists. Chase added a new luxury hotel collection and partnered with TUMI for exclusive travel gear redemptions. The travel portal still values points at 1.25-1.5 cents (depending on your card), so the math hasn’t changed.
But for cash buyers? The new hotel section includes upgrades and late checkout at select properties - and for once, the value might actually beat Marriott’s own site.
ProTip: If you're eyeing TUMI or other retail redemptions, don’t do it - unless you’re deep in Points Expiry Panic Mode. Always transfer to partners for real travel ROI.
I heard Singapore Airlines is tightening partner award availability again. Is that true, and what routes are getting hit hardest?
-- Frustrated in Fresno
Dear Frustrated,
Confirmed. Singapore is once again ghosting partners like United, Aeroplan, and Alaska on its long-haul premium routes. LAX-SIN and SFO-SIN are the hardest hit, especially in business and first. Even intra-Asia flights are thinning out on partner sites.
But not all hope is lost: Singapore still offers solid Saver space on its own site, and KrisFlyer often prices those flights better than partners anyway.
ProTip: If you're sitting on Amex, Chase, or Citi points, transfer directly to KrisFlyer and check for “Advantage” awards if Saver’s gone. It’ll cost more, but at least you’ll get onboard.
Rumor is Hyatt’s adding new SLH properties in the Maldives and Italy. Is this true? And should I be locking something in before another devaluation drops?
-- Plotting in Portland
Dear Plotting,
The rumor’s real - and it’s big. Hyatt just expanded its SLH partnership with more than 200 new boutique properties, including fresh additions in the Maldives, Tuscany, and Greece. Early redemptions are already showing at 25k-35k per night for peak dates.
No award chart change yet, but Hyatt’s recent history suggests they won’t stay this generous for long. SLH properties also tend to disappear without warning from the platform.
ProTip: Book now, not later. Hyatt lets you cancel for free, and the 5-night stay with a Category 1-7 cert + points combo can be absurd value if timed right.
Saw reports that British Airways is testing “Avios-only flights” in Europe. What’s the catch - and could this come to long-haul?
-- Watching in Washington
Dear Watching,
No catch - at least for now. BA just launched 'Avios-only' flights between London and short-haul EU cities like Geneva and Nice. These flights are exclusively bookable with points, with hundreds of seats released in advance.
While it’s limited to economy and Europe for now, it’s a huge shift in behavior -and a trial balloon for wider rollouts.
ProTip: If this expands, you’ll want to keep a stash of Avios handy. BA often runs 50% off promos, and these new flights could be the key to peak-season travel without the peak-season pain.
Until next week - may your points stay liquid, your lounges uncrowded, and your upgrades go through on the first try.
Got a redemption riddle, a miles meltdown, or a routing rabbit hole?
Email newsletter@upnonstop.com and we’ll unpack it next Sunday.
