The News This Week + One Extra at Points Well Made - 12th Oct
- Sam
- Oct 12
- 5 min read
Here is a weekly round up of the news and stories that you may have missed this week at Points Well Made, plus one extra. We've got the funny, the sweet spot deal, and the misleading offers. But first off, lets start with that one extra story...
We've covered this a few times, but we are quite literally called "Points Well Made", so if we're not bringing you the best ways to earn miles and points, what are we even doing?
All five of the following cards end in the next two days:
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ - usually 18,000 Virgin Points, now 36,000 Virgin Points
American Express Preferred Gold Card - usually 20,000 Membership Reward points, now 40,000 Membership Reward points
American Express Platinum Card - usually 80,000 Membership Reward points, now 80,000 Membership Reward points
American Express Business Gold Card - usually 20,000 Membership Rewards points, now 60,000 Membership Rewards points
American Express Business Platinum Card - usually 120,000 Membership Rewards points, now 120,000 Membership Rewards points
All of these cards have various T's&C's that you should know, and you can earn even more with the American Express cards if you have a referral link, which we may have for you...
For all the details, click here!
This one was fun to write...
"Thai Airways has just delivered the most savage airline product review possible: they've taken the ex-Virgin Atlantic A330 that they bought, left in Virgin's old business class seats, and have now officially downgraded them to Premium Economy Plus.
They literally won't call it business class anymore.
Bear in mind that Virgin will still charge thousands of pounds for these seats...
Starting 26th October, Thai Airways will reclassify these seats as Premium Economy Plus on five routes: Chennai, Dhaka, Hyderabad, Jakarta, and Kathmandu. The decision came after passengers and influencers slammed the product on Thai social media for its lack of privacy and cramped conditions."
For all the rather funny details, you can click here!
Are you following us social media? If not, why not! Go drop us a follow on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok so that you never miss any of your favourite content!
"Fans of wine (aka, us) and Avios collectors have a limited opportunity to boost their rewards. The Wine Flyer are offering 3,000 bonus Avios on qualifying purchases made between 1st October and 15th October 2025. We're starting to stock up for Christmas ourselves.
To claim this bonus, you simply need to spend £100 or more and enter the promotional code AUTUMN3K at checkout. This straightforward offer provides an excellent opportunity to stock up on wine whilst earning easy rewards that can be used towards your flights, upgrades, and other travel perks."
There are T's&C's you should be aware of, click here to read everything you need to know!
You may like Autumn. Helena does. I do not. The impending cold and dark beckons. So lets look ahead to next summer for where you can use your Avios for a family holiday, a mix of the hot, cool, cultural, and beachy. You may be surprised with where I have found availability!
Miami, Madeira, and even Sydney... We've found more than you would think!
"Right, let's talk about some genuinely interesting route news coming out of UK airports. There's a decent mix here – from Norwegian giving Scotland some love, to Emirates going absolutely mental on Heathrow frequencies."
We've got routes from Norwegian, Emirates, Indigo, Wizz Air, and more!
Want to know more? Click here!
Yes. Quite possibly. Maybe. I hope so.
Riyadh Air has launched Sfeer, a new loyalty program positioning itself as a next-generation approach to airline rewards. Named after the Arabic word for "Ambassador," the program offers features like point sharing with friends and family, no expiry dates on points, and perks for early "Founding Members" including priority flight bookings, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, and exclusive event invitations. With Riyadh Air set to begin flights to London in just three weeks and partnerships already established with major carriers like Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Air France-KLM, and Singapore Airlines, we have high hopes!
While the program shows promise and generated significant sign-up interest (evidenced by lengthy virtual queues), many features are still in development. Upcoming additions will include expanded point-earning opportunities beyond flights, gamification elements with leaderboards and challenges, and the ability to share rewards in a dedicated space. The tier system won't launch until next year, and while partnerships suggest future points redemption across airlines is likely, these details aren't yet finalised.
For everything we know so far, you should click here!
Today we’re focusing on a travel hack that many swear by but most casual travellers completely overlook: Boots Click & Collect at the airport.
It’s a simple switch that allows you to save money, pick up full-sized toiletries after security, and even earn Avios or Virgin Points on your order.
If you’ve ever grimaced at the inflated price of sun cream airside, struggled with the 100ml liquid limit, or wished you could earn points on your last-minute travel shopping, this one’s for you.
For more of Helena's favourite airport hack, here is where you should click.
This one definitely caught our readers attention...
"This week presents two opportunities for British Airways Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club members, one to use Avios, and the other to gain Avios. But they couldn't be more different in terms of value. One is genuinely worth your attention, while the other is a masterclass in disappointment."
"In the world of loyalty programmes, not all opportunities are created equal. This week perfectly illustrates why it pays to do the sums before parting with your hard-earned Avios."
The Airport Lounge is Full, So What Do I Do Next?
"For many frequent travellers, airport lounges are the highlight of the journey, quiet spaces with comfortable seating, included food and drink, and a chance to escape the chaos of the terminal. But what happens when you arrive at the door and are told the lounge is full? It’s a frustrating experience, and one that has become more common as travel demand has surged."
We've covered our top tips for getting into the lounge, but also how to manage your disappointment if you don't get in!
For the last time today, you NEED to click here!
Sam
Points Well Made is a passion project of Sam and Helena with a loyal following. If you like what we do, and wish to help us continue to create the content you love, please consider buying us a Kofi, or subscribing monthly. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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