Ben Smithson
The Points Guy
Contact Ben
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
| Recent: |
|
| Past: |
|
Past articles by Ben:
14 best all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Europe
From the beaches of the Greek Islands to the ski fields of the Austrian alps, these are the best all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Europe where everything is included. → Read More
Qantas unveils new business-class seats for Project Sunrise marathon flights
The next stage in Qantas' ambitious plans to operate nonstop flights from Sydney to New York and London has been announced. Here's a look at the new business-class seats for Project Sunrise. → Read More
Virgin Atlantic is offering 30% off redemptions from most US destinations in all cabins
You can save 30% on the points required for a wide range of Virgin Atlantic destinations in all classes, for a limited time only. → Read More
Incredible location, chic designs and solid elite benefits: Hyatt’s Thompson Central Park New York
A review of the brand-new Thompson Central Park New York, Hyatt's third Thompson hotel in the Big Apple. → Read More
11 things you should know about the British Airways Travel Together Ticket
So you've got a coveted British Airways Travel Together Ticket. Here are 11 things you should know before you redeem it. → Read More
Reflecting on my 1st year as a Hilton Honors Diamond member
From sweet suite upgrades to penny-pinching food credits, here is a look back at my first 12 months as a top-tier Hilton Honors member. → Read More
Reward Flight Saver rolled out on all BA flights including long-haul business class — but is it worth it?
If you've been faced with paying four figures in cash on your Companion Voucher redemption, British Airways has a new option to save you money. → Read More
Why I’d rather go hungry than buy food in an airport terminal
The prices and quality of food inside an airport is enough to make you lose your appetite. → Read More
How you could book a 9-hour transatlantic flight in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class for 28,750 Virgin points
Here's how easy it is to take advantage of Virgin Atlantic's redemption deal of the year. → Read More
New video: We fly the Emirates A380 in all 4 cabins, including the new premium economy
Watch Nicky, Liam, Ben and Maren review Emirates from Dubai to London, comparing all four cabins and testing the airline's first premium economy product. → Read More
A few hits and several misses: A review of Virgin Atlantic's Premium on the A350 from New York to London
To find out if premium economy is worth the price, we put Virgin Atlantic's flagship Airbus A350 to the test. → Read More
I’m a happy British Airways Silver status member, 5 reasons I’m going for Gold for the first time
I've been happy with my Silver benefits in the British Airways Executive Club programme. Here's why I'm now taking the plunge to earn Gols elite status. → Read More
The redemption deal of the year: 50% off all Virgin Atlantic flights to the US and Caribbean
Stop what you are doing and redeem your Virgin Points right now. → Read More
British Airways launches new Avios subscription plan: Purchase Avios for under 1 cent each
British Airways has launched a new option to boost your Avios balance for a seriously low price. → Read More
How to refund a British Airways Avios redemption online
This is how you can now easily cancel Avios redemptions online yourself. → Read More
Hotel housekeepers reveal 8 things guests never think about (but really should)
If you think skipping daily housekeeping is doing the staff a favor, think again. → Read More
Just enough bling: A review of Emirates' new premium economy on the A380 from Dubai to London
The first premium economy offered by a major Middle Eastern carrier has finally launched. Here is our experience of this long-awaited product. → Read More
Big news: Virgin Atlantic is joining SkyTeam alliance
Your Virgin Points are about to become a lot more valuable as Virgin Atlantic finally announces it is joining the SkyTeam alliance. → Read More
This feels familiar: A review of Norse Atlantic Premium on the 787 from London to New York
Europe's newest long-haul airline offers a surprisingly familiar low-cost experience across the Atlantic. → Read More
Still better than business class: A review of British Airways First on the 777 from London to Washington
We put British Airways' highest class of service to the test on a flight across the Atlantic → Read More