Ryan Smith

California

News Managing Editor at Upgraded Points

I've visited every country! News Managing Editor @upgradedpoints Bylines at: AwardWallet, CNBC Select, Forbes Advisor, TPG, USA Today Blueprint & Tripadvisor

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Articles

What to know about booking with American Express Travel

11 hours ago | thepointsguy.com | Ryan Smith |Augusta Stone

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Earn up to 15,000 Bonus Miles on Flights to Europe [Targeted]

1 week ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

Advertiser DisclosureMany of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
How to get upgraded on United Airlines flights

1 week ago | thepointsguy.com | Ryan Smith |Rachel Craft

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.
Bonus Miles for Cardholders [Targeted]

1 week ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

If you have a credit card from Barclays, check your accounts. The issuer is out with a new round of spending offers, providing bonus miles on purchases through July 31, 2025, for targeted cardholders. Here’s how to check your account for an offer and what purchases will qualify for the bonus miles.
Earn Bonus AAdvantage Miles on Under Canvas Stays for Summer

1 week ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

An interesting new promotion for glamping with Under Canvas provides bonus American Airlines miles on your stay — and those are on top of the Hyatt points you’ll earn. You must be a member of both World of Hyatt and AAdvantage to participate in this offer, but joining both programs is free, so there’s no reason not to participate. Here’s what you need to know about the latest offer from Under Canvas.
Citi Offer for 5x Points on Spend in Select Categories [Targeted]

1 week ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

If you have a Citi credit card, you’ll want to pay close attention because you may be able to earn up to 5x points from 1 — or potentially more — targeted spending offers. Read on to see how you may be able to earn extra points or save money with Citi spending offers. Since this offer is targeted, it’s important to note that not everyone will receive it. Or, if they do, it may be different than the one we’re discussing here.
Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2025 Winners for Best Lounges

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

Priority Pass, the global lounge membership program, has announced the 2025 winners of its Priority Pass Excellence Awards. This is the 17th edition of the awards. Winners are chosen according to global ratings and lounge reviews. There are regional winners, “highly recommended” lounges, and winners for unique or innovative offers. Of course, there’s also a global winner for “lounge of the year” and recognition of exemplary employees at Priority Pass lounges worldwide.
American Airlines AAdvantage Reduces Award Ticket Hold Policy

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

Advertiser DisclosureMany of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
JSX Grows in Orange County With New Routes, New Terminal

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

JSX, the semi-private airline operating fixed-schedule charter operations without the most common headaches of flying, is expanding in the place where it was born: Orange County, California. From a new base of operations — with a larger and improved passenger lounge — to new flights out of John Wayne Airport (SNA), the airline is both growing and betting on continued growth for the area. Here’s a look at JSX’s new location at the airport and its 2 new routes out of Orange County.
Using This Mileage Plan Perk

2 weeks ago | upgradedpoints.com | Ryan Smith

In 2025, Alaska Airlines got into the game of rewarding travelers with perks along their elite status journey. Rather than waiting until you reach the next tier to gain benefits, you can receive additional perks in between. Dubbed “Milestone Moments,” these awards are available starting at 10,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQMs). That’s a relatively achievable threshold, and travelers don’t need to qualify for any levels of elite status before they can get extra benefits.