The Points Tool You've Always Wanted

If you live in the Chicago metro area, United is offering MileagePlus members a status match that is easier than its standard version. If you register by September 30, 2026 and complete an eligible United or United Express flight to or from Chicago O'Hare within 90 days, you will receive matched United status for 120 days. A qualifying flight taken within 30 days before registering can also count. If you want to extend your status, you'll need to take only two qualifying United or United Express flights during the 120-day period and earn the necessary PQP for each level. That would be 1,700 for Silver, 3,400 for Gold, 5,000 for Platinum, or 7,500 for Premier 1K. United's normal status match requires between five and 20 flights depending on the status level. Even better, PQP earned from eligible United credit card spending counts toward the requirement. If you complete the challenge in 2026, your status will be valid through January 2028.

Book a stay of three or more nights at a participating Caesars property using the promotional rate and receive 2X Wyndham points plus 5,000 bonus points. You must book by September 11, 2026 and complete your stay by January 1, 2027. The bonus can only be earned once, regardless of how many qualifying stays you complete. We wouldn't go out of our way to book a Caesars stay for these bonus points, but if you already have one planned, it's worth comparing the promotional rate with other available rates to see if you can save on the stay while also earning some extra Wyndham points.

Bilt addred another new way to use Bilt Cash, as it is now partnering with Equinox. Members can now redeem Bilt Cash for spa treatments, personal training, and Studio Pilates sessions. The amount corresponds to your elite status level with Bilt and can be used twice per year. Blue members can use up to $75 each time, Silver members $100, and Gold or Platinum members $150. New Equinox members who join through Bilt can also choose between 10,000 Bilt points, a complimentary personal training session, or a 50-minute spa service. This is a niche benefit that will only be usefult for people in larger cities with an Equinox presence, but it adds another potentially useful way to redeem Bilt Cash, especially for existing Equinox members or anyone already considering joining.

Japan Airlines will reduce fuel surcharges starting September 1, 2026, reversing part of the increase it implemented in July. For flights between Japan and the U.S., surcharges will drop from about $410 to $315, a savings of roughly $95 per ticket. If you’re planning to book a JAL award or paid ticket and your travel dates are flexible, it may be worth waiting until September 1 to book, especially if you’re traveling with multiple people.