Points Inflation Index at ~31%/yr; Citi Aviator cutoff Oct 25

The first brief covers the period through August 27, 2026.

The headline number

The Points Inflation Index reads ~31%/yr on a trailing-12-month basis, several times the ~2–3% range of US consumer inflation. The figure is computed solely from documented changes across tracked programs.

What the last two weeks documented

• Citi sets October 25 cutoff for grandfathered Barclays Aviator benefits. Former Barclays Aviator cardholders convert to Citi AAdvantage products lose legacy perks including Wi-Fi credits and companion certificates on that date.
  Full details

• Emirates shortens Skywards Miles expiration. Miles earned on or after June 1, 2027 expire on a fixed 36-month clock from the earn date instead of the prior birth-month window of up to ~48 months; existing balances keep the old rules.
  Tracker entry

• Turkish Airlines raises transatlantic business upgrade cost. The mileage required for Economy-to-Business upgrades within 72 hours of departure moved from 65,000 to 90,000, documented as an unannounced change.
  Tracker entry

• American Airlines limits elite complimentary upgrades on premium routes. On nine transcontinental and Hawaii routes with Premium Economy, elites booked in economy may upgrade only one cabin, ending the prior path through to business.
  Tracker entry

• Ritz-Carlton card benefits page shows weaker terms. The public marketing page now lists a 12-hour trip-delay threshold and $500 purchase protection (Guide to Benefits still reflects the prior stronger language); no formal notice has been confirmed.
  Insight

• PenFed Pathfinder annual-fee waiver ends September 28. The $95 fee becomes unavoidable for all cardholders, including former Honors Advantage members.
  Tracker entry

The ratio

Documented devaluations outnumber documented improvements 34:1 over the trailing twelve months (68 vs 2).

Every entry, every source, every date: the receipt is public.
— Bonus Eagle