World of Hyatt Award Chart Changes 2026: What's New and Where to Get the Most Value

Learn how the new World of Hyatt award chart changes your points value and which hotels are still worth booking.

Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dig into the sweeping changes to the World of Hyatt award chart to help you decide whether Hyatt points are still worth earning and how to use them wisely. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a surge in airfares driven by rising oil costs and the Spirit Airlines shutdown, the new JetBlue and United reciprocal loyalty program benefits, record Memorial Day travel projections, a new Marriott Bonvoy and Outside Magazine partnership, and a roundup of deals and new attractions at Disneyland and Disney World this summer.

Then, Sally and Meghan go deep on the new World of Hyatt award chart that rolled out on May 20th, covering what changed with the new five-tier pricing structure, which hotel categories are seeing the biggest cost jumps, and why Hyatt points could still hold strong value compared to competing programs. They share their favorite Hyatt properties around the globe, and discuss strategies for earning points through hotel stays, the World of Hyatt credit cards, and transfer partners including Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt. Plus: Sally and Meghan answer a listener’s question about which card to consider for a large Marriott family stay over Thanksgiving.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost

• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: High-Value Points But No Free Night

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Review: Ho-Hum for a High Price

Resources discussed in this episode:

• How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2026?

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card

• Big Changes to a Top Travel Card — Is It Still Worth It or Is There a Better Fit for You? (Smart Travel episode about the Chase Sapphire Reserve card) 

Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices