ToP Roundup
This article series features interesting articles from all over the web. Topics range from miles and points to travel and finance and everything in between. Hopefully, this ToP Roundup series inspires you and teaches you something new. If you see anything out there that you think others may find of interest too, please feel free to share it with us at [email protected].
Interesting Articles
Airbnb Guests No Longer Have to Wash the Dishes or Strip the Beds at Checkout — Associated Press
One of the most annoying parts of staying at an Airbnb will end soon. Starting November 20, the platform will introduce new rules aimed at limiting required guest chores like washing dishes and taking out the trash. Hosts can still request that guests complete “reasonable” tasks, like gathering used towels or sorting recycling. But they generally won’t be able to require tasks that could otherwise be handled by professional cleaners—and covered by cleaning fees. I guess that’s a tiny upside to the new Amex Travel partnership with Airbnb that was announced last week.
New Hilton Pay-With-Points App Feature: Why You Should (Probably) Skip It — One Mile at a Time
Hilton Honors has rolled out a new Pay with Points feature allowing Silver, Gold and Diamond elite members to redeem points toward eligible hotel charges. The redemptions can be made through the app at checkout and are currently available at 150 U.S. properties, with more on the way. Hilton hasn’t disclosed redemption rates, but we tend to agree with the One Mile at a Time assessment that this is unlikely to provide good value for your points.
Confirmed: Delta Won’t Raise Status Thresholds Next Year — Thrifty Traveler
Delta fans (like our own Rick!) can breathe a sigh of relief. Well, sort of. The airline will keep its current Medallion Status earning requirements unchanged for 2027, the third year in a row without an increase. While status requirements are still sky-high—5,000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) for Silver status and 28,000 MQDs for ToP-tier Diamond status—this at least means Delta isn’t mirroring the status requirement shakeups recently made by other U.S. airlines like United and Southwest.
First Look: Houston IAH Reveals $2.6B Terminal B Transformation, Largest United Club Lounge — Upgraded Points
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport is getting quite a glow-up. Last week, it unveiled the first phase of a $2.6 billion Terminal B transformation featuring expanded gates, modernized facilities and improved passenger amenities. The redevelopment aims to triple the terminal’s capacity. It also adds new dining options, family-friendly spaces, and upgrades to security and baggage systems. And its 54,000-square-foot United Club in Terminal B North is now the largest airline lounge in the Americas, with room for 800 guests and Texas-inspired food and design. I guess it’s true that everything is bigger in Texas.
Earn 10K Bonus Points When Buying IHG Ambassador Status & Staying 2 Nights — Frequent Miler
Check your email. IHG One Rewards has been sending out offer invites worth 10,000 bonus points for members who purchase InterContinental Ambassador status. The offer requires completing two qualifying nights by December 31, 2026. Ambassador membership costs $225 or 45,000 points. The promo could provide some extra value for travelers who already had their eye on purchasing Ambassador status.
ToP Roundup: Final Thoughts
We hope you found these articles interesting and informative. Which article most piqued your interest this week? Let us know your thoughts on this edition of the ToP Roundup over in the Facebook group.
