Amex/Hyatt Cashback Extended, IHG Garner, Alaska Heathrow

The article provides updates on three key travel industry developments. Firstly, the American Express and Hyatt cashback offer has been extended by two months to February 28, 2026. This popular deal provides £75 cashback on a cumulative £300 spend at selected Hyatt hotels in EMEA. A significant benefit is its combinability with Hyatt Prive, a program offering perks like a $100 property credit, confirmed room upgrades (excluding non-suite to suite), daily breakfast for two, and flexible check-in/out, often at no extra cost. While Prive has minimum stay requirements that vary by brand (e.g., no minimum for Park Hyatt, two nights for Grand Hyatt), hotels occasionally offer flexibility.

Secondly, IHG is launching its first Garner hotel in London at 65 Belgrave Road, currently the Victoria Inn. Garner is IHG's new budget brand, competing with Hilton's Spark and Marriott's Four Points Flex, primarily through conversions. A key benefit for loyalty members is that Garner earns full IHG One Rewards elite night credits and full points (10 per $1), outperforming Spark (half points) and Four Points Flex (half credits and points). While these are basic accommodations, some rooms at the London Victoria location, expected to cost £75+ per night, may be windowless, which is a minor limitation.

Lastly, Alaska Airlines is expanding internationally, utilizing Boeing 787-9 aircraft from its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition. After launching routes to Tokyo, Seoul, and planning for Rome and Reykjavik, Alaska has secured a daily London Heathrow slot from American Airlines. This allows for a Seattle-Heathrow service starting May 22, 2026, making Alaska the fourth airline on this route. While the 787-9s will be lightly refurbished, tickets are not yet on sale, though Avios redemption is anticipated to be a future benefit for travelers.

(Source: https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/08/american-express-hyatt-cashback-extended/)