Weekend Edition / Dear Ohad...
This week in miles & points: Emirates bans kids from First Class redemptions, Atmos Rewards debuts with flexible earning and a premium card, free Starlink Wi-Fi promised from 2026, Avios earn boosted on partners, and Delta flashes sub-20k SkyMiles to Europe.
Did Emirates really block kids from First Class award seats?
-- Frustrated in Frankfurt
Dear Frustrated,
Yes... Children 8 and under are now excluded from redeeming miles for First Class tickets or upgrades. Cash fares still work, but Skywards redemptions are off the table.
ProTip: Families aiming for luxury cabins should plan mixed strategies - cash for kids, miles for adults - to keep everyone in the same cabin.
What’s the big deal with Atmos Rewards?
-- Curious in Kona
Dear Curious,
Atmos officially launched and it’s different. Members can choose how to earn: distance flown, dollars spent, or segments flown. That flexibility is unmatched—and will matter a lot depending on your travel style.
ProTip: If you fly long routes, pick distance. If you book pricey fares, pick dollars. If you hop around, segments win. One size no longer fits all.
Tell me about this new Summit card - worth it?
-- Planning in Portland
Dear Planning,
The Summit Visa Infinite rolled out alongside Atmos. Think premium perks: companion awards in any cabin, 8 lounge passes, family pooling, and 3× points abroad. At $395 a year, it’s targeted squarely at frequent flyers.
ProTip: Pooling alone makes the fee back if you’re combining spend across family or team accounts.
Wait... free Wi-Fi? What’s the catch?
-- Streaming in Seattle
Dear Streaming,
Atmos members will get free Starlink Wi-Fi starting next year, with full rollout by 2027. No strings other than being a member. For domestic U.S. airlines, that’s a game-changer.
ProTip: Sign up now - even basic members will benefit once it goes live.
What’s up with Avios and Delta this week?
-- Savvy in SoHo
Dear Savvy,
Avios earn rates just got juiced on select partners like Aer Lingus and JAL, meaning faster balance growth. Meanwhile, Delta flashed a batch of sub-20k SkyMiles Europe awards - short-lived but proof sweet spots still exist.
ProTip: Keep SkyMiles alerts on - Europe at under 20k one-way in main cabin is rare and moves fast.
Until next week - may your lounge passes stretch, your Wi-Fi stay free, and your First Class dreams survive the fine print.
Your “is this dumb?” travel-points question fuels this column. Fire it off to newsletter@upnonstop.com and I’ll unpack it.
