The Sweet Spot Graveyard
The legends, documented to the end.
Every famous redemption that died — dated, sourced, and explained — each linked to the devaluation that killed it. Blogs keep living lists; this is the record that remembers.
49
documented deaths since 2015
7
average lifespan, years
award-price increase
deadliest cause
2024
deadliest year
Choice Privileges 8,000-point nights in central Tokyo/Osaka/Fukuoka
2018–2026 · lived 8.5 years · Choice Privileges
Turkish Miles&Smiles US-domestic United economy (7,500 one-way)
2019–2025 · lived 7 years · Turkish Airlines
Turkish Miles&Smiles US–Hawaii on United (7,500 one-way)
2019–2025 · lived 7 years · Turkish Airlines
Iberia off-peak Business US East Coast/Chicago–Madrid (34,000 Avios one-way)
2016–2025 · lived 9.4 years · Iberia
TAP Business JFK–Lisbon via LifeMiles (35,000 one-way)
2019–2024 · lived 5.7 years · Avianca
ANA Business US–Japan via LifeMiles (67,000 one-way)
2019–2024 · lived 5.7 years · Avianca
Lufthansa First Class via LifeMiles (87,000 one-way, no surcharges)
2017–2024 · lived 7.7 years · Avianca
Delta One US–Europe via Virgin Atlantic (50,000 points, ~$5.60 fees)
2019–2024 · lived 5.6 years · Virgin Atlantic
ANA Business Class via Virgin Atlantic (45k–47.5k one-way; 90k–95k roundtrip)
2014–2024 · lived 10.4 years · Virgin Atlantic
ANA Business US–Japan on ANA (75,000–90,000 roundtrip)
2014–2024 · lived 10.3 years · ANA
ANA Star Alliance Business US–Europe (88,000 roundtrip)
2014–2024 · lived 10.3 years · ANA
Cathay Pacific First Class US–Hong Kong via Alaska (70k one-way)
2011–2024 · lived 13.3 years · Alaska Airlines
Cathay Pacific Business US–Asia via Alaska (50k one-way, connections included)
2011–2024 · lived 13.3 years · Alaska Airlines
Turkish Miles&Smiles Business US–Europe (45,000 one-way, Turkish & Star Alliance)
2015–2024 · lived 9.2 years · Turkish Airlines
Japan Airlines Intra-Asia Business via Alaska (25k one-way)
2016–2023 · lived 7.3 years · Alaska Airlines
Japan Airlines Business US–Japan via Alaska (60k one-way)
2016–2023 · lived 7.3 years · Alaska Airlines
ANA First Class via Virgin Atlantic (55k–60k one-way; 110k–120k roundtrip)
2014–2023 · lived 9.3 years · Virgin Atlantic
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles roundtrip discount (HKG–JFK business 145,000 roundtrip)
2012–2018 · lived 6.5 years · Cathay Pacific
Singapore Suites JFK–Frankfurt via KrisFlyer with 15% online discount (57,375 one-way)
2012–2017 · lived 5.3 years · Singapore Airlines
Emirates First Class via Alaska (90k–100k one-way)
2012–2016 · lived 4.3 years · Alaska Airlines
AAdvantage First US–Canada/Alaska (32.5k; Cathay First JFK–YVR)
2011–2016 · lived 5.3 years · American Airlines
AAdvantage Business US–Asia 2 (55k sAAver)
2011–2016 · lived 5.3 years · American Airlines
AAdvantage Business US–Europe (50k sAAver)
2011–2016 · lived 5.3 years · American Airlines
AAdvantage First US–South Pacific (72.5k; Qantas First)
2011–2016 · lived 5.3 years · American Airlines
AAdvantage First US–Asia 2 (67.5k; Cathay First to Hong Kong)
2011–2016 · lived 5.3 years · American Airlines
British Airways Avios 4,500 short-haul on American/Alaska within the US
2011–2016 · lived 5.2 years · British Airways
The Watchlist
Spots the record watches. No status claims — a spot moves to the Graveyard only when a documented change on the tracker kills it.
Questions
How many famous sweet spots have died?
49 documented deaths on our record since 2015, average lifespan 7 years.
What was the most recent sweet-spot death?
Choice Privileges 8,000-point nights in central Tokyo/Osaka/Fukuoka, died June 8, 2026 (award-price increase).
What kills most sweet spots?
award-price increase — the leading documented cause. Deadliest year so far: 2024.
Cite this data
Bonus Eagle. “The Sweet Spot Graveyard.” bonuseagle.com. https://www.bonuseagle.com/sweet-spots