✈ Why I Decided to Keep my Chase Sapphire Reserve, Redeeming Marriott Points for Upgraded Rooms & More News From TPG ✈

Plus, Eclipse chasing on land and by air today April 8, 2024 [THE POINTS GUY]( [View in browser]( [TPG Daily NEWSLETTER]( [THE POINTS GUY]( Losing Priority Pass restaurant access by Emily Thompson, Credit Cards Editor [TPG | Hero Image] In spite of being in the points and miles world for over a decade, I didn’t get my first premium credit card until a few months ago. I finally took the plunge in late 2023 and upgraded my beloved [Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card]( to a [Chase Sapphire Reserve®](. I don’t have any issuer or Priority Pass lounges in my home airport in Nashville, but I do have a Priority Pass restaurant. Because of this, a major part of my decision to go with the Sapphire Reserve was that it included Priority Pass restaurant access, setting it apart from the also much loved [The Platinum Card® from American Express](. So, my value-loving heart was as blue as my card when I recently learned that Sapphire Reserve cardholders [will lose Priority Pass restaurant access in July](. However, after I dried my eyes and considered my options, I decided to keep my card in spite of the change. Sure, the loss of up to $56 in complimentary food every time I’m at my airport is significant, but Chase Ultimate Rewards points are my favorite type of currency, and the opportunity to earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining purchases is far more valuable to me than what I would earn on other premium cards. Plus, the card’s [$300 annual travel credit]( is much easier to use than the credits available on many other cards. It’s also possible (certain) that my decision to keep the card was influenced by my first-ever visit to the new [Sapphire Lounge in LaGuardia Airport (LGA)]( the day after the changes were announced. It was hard to be too mad while sipping my wine and waiting for my complimentary facial appointment in the gorgeous space. Of course, my choice might not be best for everyone. If you need some help deciding which card is the best fit for you, check out these guides: - [How to choose a credit card for airport lounge access]( - [Battle of the premium credit cards]( - [The best credit cards for lounge access]( - [The complete guide to Chase Sapphire Lounges]( Also, the TPG team will be covering the eclipse from across the country — from both the ground and in the air — today. Follow along on Instagram [@thepointsguy](. Happy travels! Emily Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, [visit this page](. Photo Credit: ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY. Today’s top stories [How to redeem Marriott points for upgraded rooms]( You can often use points, a little bit of cash or have a choice between the two when booking into upgraded rooms with Marriott. Here's how it works. [Read more]( [Going to Coachella? Amex cardmembers get lounge access, a $10 credit and free Ferris wheel rides]( American Express cardmembers attending the Coachella music festival get lounge access, a $10 credit and free Ferris wheel rides. [Read more]( [Why nearly every purchase should be on a credit card]( Credit cards have many benefits. In fact, we would argue that you should make most, if not all, of your purchases with a credit card. Find out why. [Read more]( [United debuts new cargo facility in Newark — here's a behind-the-scenes look]( United just opened a new 165,000-square-foot cargo facility in Newark as part of the airline's key "United Next" growth plan. [Read more]( [Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa: Should you get the personal or business card?]( Let's compare the earn rates, welcome bonus and perks that come with the personal and business versions of the Alaska Airlines Visa Card. [Read more]( The latest 1. [The best Korean spas to plan a visit to in the US]( 2. [Going to Coachella or Stagecoach? Amex cardmembers get access to the experience, a $10 credit and exclusive merch]( 3. [Carnival Jubilee ship review: A guide to Carnival's third Excel Class cruise ship]( 4. [Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa: Should you get the personal or business card?]( 5. [MSC Cruises drink packages: Prices, inclusions and how to save money on onboard beverages]( 6. [Aer Lingus Visa Signature credit card review: A decent way to earn Avios]( 7. [22 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night]( 8. [Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki: Carnival Cruise Line's Japanese restaurants (with menus)]( 9. [United delays 2 high-profile routes just weeks before their inaugurals]( 10. [IHG One Rewards Premier Business card review: The annual fee is justified]( [fb]( [insta]( [yt]( [tw]( [in]( [mail](mailto:hello@thepointsguy.com) You are receiving this email because you opted in at [thepointsguy.com](. Where to find us: The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe [here](. Changed your mind? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( at any time. Advertiser Disclosure: 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. Please view our [advertising policy]( and [product review methodology]( for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024