Travel rewards come in all shapes and sizes.
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If you’re a traveler who uses rewards, you probably have a system that you’ve built over years of accruing and spending points. Credit card rewards can be used to book hotels, flights, tours, and more. The truly experienced traveler might be using points to book all three—and then some.
Regardless of your approach to travel rewards, you’re probably aware: the industry is changing quickly. As travel becomes more accessible, the way that travel rewards work is evolving. Some changes are beneficial—others aren’t.
Full disclosure: I’m not a travel rewards member who looks for travel awards. I don’t like that I need to spend in order to earn, and then keep track of my points, expiration dates, and so on.
That being said, that’s my personal choice—and it’s not one based on value. In other words, if you’re new to travel rewards programs, don’t let me get in your way. They can absolutely deliver on savings when it comes to flights, hotels, and beyond, giving you the tools to book more affordable trips.
But there is a catch. Whether you’re new to travel rewards or a longtime member of various programs, you should know about changes and trends. I highly recommend leaning on the insights from point.me.
Point.me is a platform that lets you book air travel using only award points by paying a subscription. You pay a subscription because point.me does the work in finding eligible flights based on your points. All you have to do is find the right offer, then book your ticket. In short, they’re a solid company that knows a thing or two about travel rewards programs and points accrual.
And they’ve got tips on what to look out for in the coming year. These are the travel rewards trends to keep in mind for 2026, along with tips on how to get ahead.
Travel rewards tips to keep in mind for next year
Devaluations are on the rise
Devaluations occur when travel rewards companies increase redemption costs. As travel rewards become more competitive, devaluations (which have always occurred) are becoming more common.
Tip: You can combat devaluation in two straightforward ways. First, join travel rewards programs that let you transfer your points. That way, you can accumulate them to use them for a larger purchase. Second, don’t hoard your points assuming they’ll pay off in the future—they’re more likely to degrade in value over time. It’s better ot use them sooner rather than later.
Premium credit cards aren’t the end-all
According to point.me, middle-tier credit cards are on the rise, as well. Over the last five years, more premium credit cards have started to offer monthly perks—something that has earned them the moniker ‘coupon books’. In other words, premium credit cards might not be delivering as much value as they used to—especially when you factor in annual fees that are as high as $700-850.
Tip: Look for middle-tier credit cards with lower annual fees and more applicable travel benefits. For example, Citi has a travel rewards membership with a $350 annual fee and offers over $1,000 in travel benefits for the year. Make sure your annual fee matches your benefits.
Consider the co-brand
With many airlines raising their checked bag fees (and with some even instituting carry-on fees), co-branded airline rewards cards can help you save on baggage fees. If you’re a frequent flyer and like to check bags, consider co-branded programs.
Tip: Join a travel rewards program that comes with perks for your preferred airline to save on checked bag fees—and even earn the chance to earn a higher airline status.
A question of exclusive lounge access
If you regularly take advantage of airport lounges, you might have noticed that they’ve gotten crowded. Airlines are limiting access to lounges to make them exclusive once again. At the same time, many airports are going above and beyond to create comfortable, even peaceful lounge areas that are free to passengers. In other words, it might not be a bad time to lose lounge access.
Tip: Decide whether or not lounge access is on your radar. If you’re a member of an existing program that gives you airport lounge access, double-check that you’re still eligible.
More last-minute bookings
According to point.me, travelers are booking hotels and flights within one month of their trip—and economic uncertainty might be driving this last-minute approach. Rather than book pricy trips ahead of time, travelers are delaying making their plans until the last minute.
Tip: Travel award points are a viable way to save on travel during times of economic uncertainty, but you might want to focus on those mid-range credit cards programs with lower annual fees.
Prices will climb—quickly
Over the last three years, I’ve noticed a huge diversification in economy ticket tiers. Some airlines have up to four distinctions for their economy fare, along with what it gives you. Many airlines are also using dynamic pricing to hike up prices when it’s likely you’ll still make the purchase.
The same is happening for airline rewards. Delta Airlines, for example, is planning to develop AI specifically to set dynamic pricing for its award fares. In other words, you could be paying a premium fee to book flights with your points in the future.
Tip: Take advantage of the low season. Dynamic pricing will hike prices when demand is up during the high season—but it’ll swing in the opposite direction when the low season hits.
Be mindful of dynamic destinations
Not only are airlines instituting dynamic pricing for customers and award members, but popular destinations are also in store for a more ‘dynamic’ approach. That’s thanks to the rise of tourism fees, nightly taxes, and visa costs. In short, the more popular the destination, the more likely budget travelers are to be priced out in the coming years.
Tip: Once again, use points that you have to book trips faster rather than piling them for a mega trip in the future. If you want to visit a popular destination, from Venice to Machu Picchu, know that you might be priced out in the coming years—even with your points.
