TPG’s staff share their favorite redemptions so far


It probably goes without saying that we at TPG love points and miles. We’re constantly talking about our favorite redemptions, flagging deals and giving advice to each other on what to book and when.

2026 is nearly halfway over, so I decided to poll my co-workers and see what their favorite redemptions so far in 2026 have been.

Hopefully, you’ll gain some inspiration from their successes as you plan your future travels.

Checking off another state on my bucket list

Olivia Mittak, credit cards editor

One of my travel goals is to visit all 50 states, so this Thanksgiving I’m knocking Arizona off my list with a visit to Phoenix. While exploring Seats.aero for award tickets between my home airport, Portland International Airport (PDX), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), I found an amazing deal on a one-way ticket home.

American Airlines Airbus A321 takes off. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

I redeemed 7,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles plus $11 in taxes and fees for a one-way flight from PHX to PDX. I would’ve had to pay $364 had I not used AAdvantage miles, meaning I received roughly 4.7 cents per mile in value. That’s almost triple TPG’s June 2026 valuation of AAdvantage miles at 1.6 cents per mile.

I encounter an assumption a lot when talking to people about points and miles: that high-value flight redemptions only occur when booking international flights or long-haul business-class seats. That’s definitely not true; there are plenty of great award tickets available for domestic flights, too.

Related: Why American Airlines AAdvantage has become my most valuable rewards currency

A premium economy sweet spot to Europe

Matt Moffitt, contributing credit cards editor

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Matt’s favorite redemption so far this year has been a KLM Premium Comfort flight from Austin to Madrid via Amsterdam for travel just after Halloween. He booked the itinerary for 40,000 Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles plus $265 in taxes and fees.

The redemption came with a few extra perks. Matt has a three-hour layover in Amsterdam and is hoping to visit the new American Express Centurion Lounge if it opens before his trip. He was also able to select a bulkhead seat at no additional cost thanks to the one year of Flying Blue Silver status he received as part of the (no longer available) welcome offer on the Air France-KLM Visa Signature® Credit Card.

The information for the Air France-KLM Visa Signature Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

KLM Boeing 787-10 Premium Comfort Economy
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Having flown KLM Premium Comfort before, Matt considers it one of the best ways to cross the Atlantic. He cited the comfortable seats, solid service and positive experiences with KLM’s customer service as reasons he enjoys the product.

He also views premium economy as a sweet spot for travel to Europe, offering a meaningful upgrade over economy without requiring the additional points typically needed for business class.

Related: How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Air France-KLM Flying Blue

A spa retreat in Oregon

Zoe Jablow, engineering manager

Zoe recently booked Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa in Pacific City, Oregon, for two nights in mid-July via Chase’s Points Boost feature for 98,000 Ultimate Rewards points plus $250.

Pacific City, Oregon. Francesco Vaninetti Photo/GETTY

The Coastal Lodge & Spa is part of Chase’s The Edit hotel collection, so Zoe will receive that $250 back as a statement credit via the Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s (see rates and fees) up to $500 annual The Edit credit (receive two credits of up to $250 each; minimum prepaid two-night stay required).

The cash price for this stay would’ve been $2,213, so Zoe got roughly 2 cents per point in value for this redemption.

Related: Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge brings points travel to one of the Pacific Northwest’s natural wonders

A last-minute trip to Key West

Lyndsey Matthews, managing editor for loyalty programs

Lyndsey made what she called an impulse booking to Key West recently. For 12,500 Atmos Rewards points plus $18 in taxes and fees, she booked a one-way American Airlines flight from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Key West International Airport (EYW).

Key West, Florida. LISA-BLUE/GETTY IMAGES

The flight would’ve cost $331 in cash, netting her a valuation of 2.5 cents per point. That’s a fair bit over our June 2026 valuation of Atmos Rewards points at 1.4 cents per point. This is another great example of how domestic flights can still provide fantastic value.

Lyndsey transferred Bilt Points from her Bilt Palladium Card (see rates and fees) to Atmos Rewards for this redemption.

Related: The best resorts in Florida for a relaxing vacation in the Sunshine State

Four nights in the Dominican Republic

Priyan Desilva, senior analyst

Priyan used 92,000 World of Hyatt points for a four-night stay at the Dreams Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic in March. The cash value was roughly $1,800 during those dates, so he snagged a value of approximately 2 cents per point with this redemption. That’s above TPG’s June 2026 valuation of Hyatt points at 1.55 cents per point.

Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmeralda. CARLY HELFAND/THE POINTS GUY

Priyan used the welcome bonus he earned on his World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) plus 20,000 Ultimate Rewards points he transferred from his Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) for this redemption.

(Note that Chase recently announced a devaluation for Sapphire Preferred cardholders transferring to World of Hyatt. Priyan made this redemption before these changes were announced.)

Related: What 8 TPG staffers really think about the Hyatt changes

Qantas business class for two

Katie Genter, lead writer for loyalty programs

Katie redeemed 145,000 Atmos Rewards points plus $214 for two one-way tickets from Melbourne to Vancouver via Sydney in Qantas business class, after applying the 25,000-point Global Companion certificate from her Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card.

KATIE GENTER/ THE POINTS GUY

When these tickets were booked, the comparable cost was $17,406 for two tickets, giving a redemption rate of over 10 cents per point. That’s incredible value, considering TPG values Atmos Rewards points at 1.4 cents per point.

Related: Qantas: London will get first ‘Project Sunrise’ flights, followed by New York

A dream trip to Vietnam

Christine Gallipeau, senior editor for loyalty programs

Christine redeemed 564,000 IHG points for a four-night stay at Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam. As an IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees) cardholder, she was able to use the card’s fourth-night-free perk for this redemption.

Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam.
Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam. CHRISTINE GALLIPEAU/THE POINTS GUY

Cash prices when she booked were $1,113 a night, meaning she would’ve paid $4,810 (including taxes) for her stay without points.

Related: The 19 best IHG hotels in the world

Coming home from a family trip to Paris

Giselle Gomez, managing editor for credit cards

Giselle redeemed 25,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points (transferred to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club) plus $618 in taxes and fees for two adults and one lap infant to fly Air France Economy Comfort from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Miami International Airport (MIA) during Roland Garros, one of Paris’ busiest travel periods.

GISELLE GOMEZ/THE POINTS GUY

At the time of booking, the same itinerary cost $3,823 in cash, giving her a redemption value of 12.8 cents per Chase point. That’s extraordinary value considering TPG values Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents apiece as of June 2026.

Related: How I saved over $8,000 on a family trip to Paris with the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Inspired to book your own redemption? Here’s how to earn more rewards

If you’ve got ideas brimming in your mind for future travels, here are a few great welcome offers to help you earn points and miles for those trips:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
  • American Express® Gold Card: Find out your offer and see if you’re eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
  • American Express Platinum Card®: Find out your offer and see if you’re eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
  • Atmos Rewards Summit credit card: Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $6,500 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Additionally, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your account.

For additional high-value welcome offers, see our picks for the best welcome offers this month.

Bottom line

There are many great deals to be had when redeeming points and miles, and these are some of the TPG team’s favorite finds so far in 2026. From simple domestic routes to multi-night stays at high-end properties, we’ve made redemptions that help us take our trips from planning to reality.

If you’ve got a stash of points or miles waiting to be used, hopefully these redemptions will inspire you. If you’re short on rewards, check out our picks for the best welcome bonuses this month to help you rack up some more points and miles.



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What is DevOps?

DevOps is the integration of app advancement and tasks that limits or wipes out the distinction between software engineers who assemble apps and frameworks executives who maintain the foundation. DevOps incorporates social progression, a separation of dividers, and storage facilities between programming enhancement, exercises, and QA/testing, despite the instruments and methods enabling this change. DevOps activities are quickly altering how endeavors and programming producers set up their applications and progressed organizations available to be purchased to the public. DevOps have created it with new methodologies and toolsets to assist with programming transport and establishment management.

Why DevOps? 

DevOps came into being as the trendy expression for the IT business, particularly the US IT market. It is capable to drive predictable, secure, and quicker software conveyance bringing about decreased chance to advertise and improved end-client fulfillment. DevOps has become a requirement of much importance for driving endeavors. Indeed, even the little and medium organizations are progressing their ways into DevOps.

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What is DevOps Workflow? 

A DevOps workflow is a visual representation of the order wherein input is supplied. It also specifies which action is carried out and what output is created for an operations procedure. The capability to segregate and organize the tasks that are most frequently requested by users is provided by DevOps workflow. It also allows them to replicate their ideal approach in configuration jobs. Agility and automation are at the heart of the DevOps process flow.

DevOps workflow

DevOps Principles 

  • Continuous delivery, mechanization, and a quick response to feedback are the fundamental principles of DevOps.
  • End-to-end responsibility: The DevOps team is responsible for providing performance support till the product is retired. It improves the responsibility and quality of the engineered products.
  • Continuous Improvement: The DevOps culture places a strong emphasis on continuous improvement to reduce waste. It keeps increasing the number of items or services available.
  • Automate Everything: The DevOps method relies heavily on automation. This applies to both software development and the overall infrastructure landscape.
  • Customer-Centric Action: The DevOps team must be customer-centric, which means they must invest in new products and services regularly.
  • Everything must be monitored and tested: The DevOps team must follow strict monitoring and testing protocols.

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DevOps Workflow Process 

Collaboration and developing methods to streamline components of the lifecycle are fundamental to the DevOps process flow. Organizations will have to collaborate at each stage of the process to determine whether changes could be made or where mechanization certainly makes sense. By continuous development, integration, tests, monitoring and evaluation, delivery, and deployment, each phase of the DevOps lifecycle concentrates on sealing the gap between operations and development and driving production.

Let’s go through each process in detail.

Continuous development

The iterative process of producing software to be provided to clients is referred to as continuous development. Integration, continuous delivery, continuous testing, and continuous deployment are all part of the process. Businesses can accomplish quicker deployment of new services or products that are of better quality and much lesser risk by executing a continuous development strategy as well as its accompanying sub-strategies, without running into substantial bandwidth restrictions.

Want to know more about GOCD,visit here GOCD Tutorial !

Continuous integration

Continuous integration (CI) is indeed a software development technique that is frequently used in the DevOps process flow. Developers integrate the changes to the system into the shared repository regularly, and the updates are tested automatically. Continuous integration ensures that developers always have access to the most up-to-date and approved code. CI helps avoid costly development delays by allowing several developers to confidently operate on the very same source code, rather than waiting until release day to integrate various pieces of code all at once. This procedure is an important part of the DevOps process flow and strives to combine speed, agility, and security. 

Continuous Integration is the core of the DevOps Lifecycle because every individual from a group incorporates their work. Every single incorporation is confirmed by a computerized work to recognize the reconciliation that happens as quickly as time permits. You need to remember that you are required to pick a dependable technique to guarantee that bugs are discovered significantly earlier in the CI/CD pipeline. Some of the continuous integration servers are given below.

Continuos Integration

Continuous Testing

Continuous testing is a validation technique that helps developers to confirm that their code works as expected in a real-world setting. Testing can reveal flaws and specific areas of the item that have to be fixed or improved, and these issues could be sent back to the production stage for further development.

Continuous Monitoring

Your organization should have procedures and practices for continuous monitoring and feedback of the equipment and solutions throughout the development pipeline. To give constant input, the entirety of the review process must be automated. This method enables IT operations to detect problems and alert programmers in real-time. Continuous feedback promotes increased security and system reliability, as well as quick reactions when problems develop.

Continuous Delivery

Continuous delivery is a software improvement practice where code alters are consequently ready for delivery to production. A stronghold of current application advancement, continuous delivery develops by sending all code alters to a testing climate or potentially a creation climate after the construct stage. When appropriately executed, engineers will have a deployed prepared form that has gone through a state-sanctioned test method. 

Continuous delivery allows engineers to computerize testing past unit tests so they could check app refreshes across numerous measurements before sending them to clients. These methods may incorporate load testing, UI testing, reconciliation testing, API reliability quality testing, and so forth. This aids engineers is completely approving updates and preemptively finding issues. By utilizing the cloud, it is simple and practical to robotize the production and repetition of various conditions for testing that was already hard to perform on-premises. 

Continuous Delivery

Continuous Deployment

Continuous Deployment (CD) is a software discharge method that utilizes robotized testing to approve if alterations to a codebase are right and stable for autonomous deployment to a creation climate. The software release cycle has advanced over the long run. The method of moving code starts with one machine then onto the next and checking if it is utilized to be an error inclined and asset substantial cycle. Presently, apparatuses can mechanize this whole deployment measure, which permits designing associations to zero in on center business requirements rather than foundation overhead. 

Continuous Deployment is a platform from Continuous Delivery in which each adjustment in the source code is conveyed to production consequently, without unequivocal endorsement from a producer. A designer’s employment finishes by exploring a draw demand from a colleague and combining it to the expert branch. CI/CD assistance begins from that point by operating all tests and conveying the code to creation while maintaining the group educated about the result of each significant event. Continuous deployment requires an exceptionally evolved culture of checking and having the ability to recuperate rapidly.

Continuous Deployment

Every validated modification is automatically delivered to users via a continuous deployment procedure. This method eliminates the requirement for set release dates and shortens the feedback loop. Developers can gather user feedback faster and address issues with greater agility and accuracy with smaller, more frequent releases. 

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Continuous deployment is an excellent decision for a DevOps team, and should only be implemented once the DevOps method has been refined. Organizations need a robust and dependable automated testing environment for continuous deployment to perform properly. Beginning using CI and CD would assist you to get if you haven’t already.

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Best practices for developing a DevOps workflow

  • It must be simple and obvious again for the DevOps process flow to work. That’s the simplest way of putting it. In reality, this means the workflows ought to be smaller than huge, with a clear grasp of how each phase relates to the next. The simpler your process is, the simpler it will be to follow.
  • Consistent check-ins throughout the process can also help identify problems and areas where clarification is required. Recognizing metrics as well as other performance metrics can also assist you in tracking how the team has progressed over time. Tracking and optimizing can be aided by doing so, both in the short and long term. Finally, support and promote keeping track of work and objectives how they’re progressing.
  • Also, look at each phase of the process separately and collectively and see how it fits together or whether groups have quite enough data to do work fast. The layout of incident reports, for example, can enable the workflow understandable and adjusted. During the automated testing phase, a simple success or ‘fail’ won’t inform developers much. Before anything can be corrected, some detective work will be required to discover what went wrong. Making the outcomes more clear and providing detailed data, on the other hand, aids developers in quickly identifying the problem and resolving it.
  • It’s also a good way to create everything as clear as feasible so that everyone on the team knows what they’re supposed to do and what their function is. And it is always preferable to over-explain a position than to presume that everyone will understand it.

Benefits of DevOps

  • While it isn’t a panacea, DevOps can alleviate many of the problems that plague traditional IT organizations. Its emphasis on cooperation, automation, and agility has several  advantages, including:
  • Time to market is reduced.
  • A higher return on investment
  • A higher level of user/customer satisfaction
  • Increased productivity
  • Collaboration has improved.
  • Issues should be identified and corrected as soon as possible.

One of the numerous advantages of DevOps is the much reduction in risk of misinterpretation or misalignment because teams work together effortlessly, backed by both method and culture. Increased efficiency and, as a result, greater quality goods arise from clear communication.

Agile approaches, like continuous integration and deployment, when accompanied by automation testing and regular feedback, help to speed up the development process while also ensuring that bugs and other issues are identified and addressed early on.

Overall, it’s no surprise that so many businesses are hurrying to embrace this approach to take full advantage of DevOps. A DevOps methodology, when properly applied, leads to a better product, happier consumers, and better bottom lines.

Top 30 frequently asked Devops Interview Questions !

Putting DevOps into practice in your company

The effort of implementing a DevOps strategy in the firm can appear onerous if you haven’t done so already. Keep in mind that this isn’t just a process change; it’s also a cultural change.

Consider introducing DevOps in stages if you want to achieve success. Based on where your company is now, you might want to take an agile approach to DevOps adoption. The following is an example of a gradual implementation sequence:

  • Create a flexible development methodology.
  • Take advantage of cloud computing.
  • Adapt your operations to a continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) workflow.
  • Automate the installation of your program.
  • Software testing can be automated.
  • Continuous deployment should be implemented.

Please remember that DevOps automation necessitates a transformation in both infrastructure and tooling. You risk having holes in the DevOps process flow if you don’t have the right infrastructure and technologies to support your processes. Every step of the design phase must be as mechanized and agile as feasible to build a true DevOps environment.

Examine how graphics can assist you in mapping out existing DevOps processes and gaining a better understanding including everything from who’s working on what to timetables and process flows. Visuals can help streamline the implementation process by ensuring that everyone is on the same page from the beginning.

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 Conclusion 

Understanding the DevOps process and how firms may best embrace this new strategy as the future of IT administration shifts to DevOps. The goal is to increase communication and collaboration between IT development and operations, establish more seamless processes, and match vision and strategy for quicker and more accurate delivery. Only how much you can evaluate can be improved, and you can just assess whatever you know. That’s why it’s essential to comprehend DevOps workflow best practices and what they signify for your company. 

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