ByAmex launches elevated offers for Marriott Bonvoy cards—earn up to 465K points. Plus, Southwest scraps flexible seating and TSA agents spotted using Priority Pass lounges.
American Express Launches Elevated Bonvoy Card Offers – Earn Up to 465K Points
In a major points and miles update, American Express has rolled out elevated welcome bonuses on all three of its Marriott Bonvoy credit cards, offering savvy travelers the chance to earn up to 465,000 Marriott points. But the clock is ticking—these limited-time offers are set to end on September 24, 2025.
Breakdown of Elevated Offers:
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Bonus: 185,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months
- Annual Fee: $650
- Key Perks:
- $300 annual dining credit ($25/month)
- 85K free night certificate (can top off with 15K points)
- Marriott Platinum Elite status
- 25 Elite Night Credits
- Priority Pass (if not redundant with other cards)
Despite the high fee, the perks can make the first-year value a no-brainer. For example, the 85K free night cert can unlock luxury stays at properties like Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, often valued at $1,000/night, especially when redeeming during high seasons. Pair that with free breakfast (thanks to Platinum status) and you’re easily covering your costs.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
- Bonus: 155,000 points after $5,000 spend in 6 months
- Annual Fee: $250
- Drawbacks:
- No automatic free night
- Gold Elite status only
- No Platinum upgrade
- Cannot apply if you’ve had the Brilliant
Best used in Year 1 for the intro bonus or as a bridge product before upgrading to Brilliant. Be strategic with your application order—get Bevy before Brilliant if you want both.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Bonus: 125,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months
- Annual Fee: $125
- Perks:
- 35K free night certificate (renewal)
- 15 Elite Night Credits
- Marriott Gold Elite status
- 7% room rate discount on Marriott bookings
Great for those aiming for Lifetime Status or trying to hit 50 Elite Nights for Marriott’s Annual Choice Benefit. With Brilliant’s 25 ENC + Business’ 15 ENC, you’re already at 40 nights—just 10 more needed.
Maximizing Marriott Points:
- Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: 5 nights using 338K points instead of paying $5,000 cash—a killer redemption.
- Vegas Hotels (Bellagio, Cosmo): With demand down, award nights are as low as 19K–25K points, compared to $200–$250 cash rates. Your 35K free night certificates go far here.
Southwest Airlines Kills Open Seating: Love It or Hate It?
In a surprise shift, Southwest Airlines has officially ended its open seating policy. The beloved (or dreaded) “first-come, first-serve” boarding style is being phased out in favor of assigned seating.
Why the change?
- Abuse of the system: passengers saving rows, families boarding before elite flyers
- Pressure from frequent flyers: elite status meant little
- Standardization with the broader airline industry
For elites and cardholders, the silver lining is free seat selection. But long-time Southwest loyalists aren’t thrilled. Early signs show a dip in bookings, and some speculate the airline may reverse course if backlash intensifies.
TSA Agents Spotted Using Priority Pass Lounges in Uniform
A wild story out of FlyerTalk: TSA agents were seen marching into Priority Pass lounges and helping themselves to buffets—during group lunches and dinners.
How? They had Priority Pass access (likely through premium credit cards).
While some travelers are outraged, others say don’t hate the player, hate the game. The bigger question is: should Priority Pass tighten rules? Some lounges, like Delta Sky Clubs, already bar non-rev staff even if they technically qualify.
If these TSA lounge visits contributed to restaurants being removed from most Priority Pass benefits, the backlash may get louder.
Final Thoughts & Questions for You
If you’re interested in making the most of Marriott points or tracking loyalty program changes, it’s a great time to review your strategy.
We want to hear from you:
- Which Bonvoy card would you get and why?
- Will Southwest’s seat changes affect your loyalty?
- Should Priority Pass access be restricted more tightly?
