More travel, more choices
How one smart couple are using RBC Rewards points to fuel everything, from a weekend trip to a surprise honeymoon
This story is about Lindsay McConeghy and Jamie Wolch, who fell in love. “I felt we had an instant connection when we met,” says McConeghy.
About five years ago, she was in teachers’ college and her first practice-teaching placement just happened to be at the same school where Jamie was teaching. “It was such an exciting time for both of us,” recalls McConeghy, “but we kept it professional during my placement.” Soon after, they started dating and became a couple. Then they moved in together and, says McConeghy, “the rest is history.”
When they got engaged last October, they decided to fly
Avion makes it easy to go on weekend getaway trips, Andrea Metrick,
RBC’s director of retail cards
to Chicago to celebrate. They booked the trip through Porter Airlines, conveniently flying out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and paid for both their airfares using the points on McConeghy’s RBC Avion credit card. “Neither of us had ever been to Chicago before, so we decided to check it out,” she says, “and it was close enough for a three-day weekend trip.”
The trip highlight for the couple was the river boat cruise, which focused on local architecture and historical landmarks, such as the Trump Tower, the Aqua Tower, Grant Park (home to Frank Gehry’s concert pavilion) and the iconic Michigan Avenue Bridge. “We had the best time,” says McConeghy. “It was such a happy way to celebrate.”
Avion makes it easy to go on weekend getaway trips, says Andrea Metrick, RBC’s director of retail cards, pointing out that clients can go on a short-haul flight with just 15,000 points. And earning points towards trips is simple. “One dollar spent is one point earned,” Metrick explains, “and for those who enjoy travel, Infinite Avion offers a 1.25 points accelerator.”
Meanwhile, McConeghy and Wolch are getting ready to tie the knot in August, so they’re making wedding arrangements now. “I’ve been using my credit card to pay for everything weddingrelated, so I can accumulate more points,” says McConeghy. From bridesmaids’ dresses to flower centrepieces, every purchase goes on the card.
Another thing McConeghy appreciates is the flexibility and options available with the Avion card. Although she now plans to use the points mainly for travel, she has used them in the past for gift cards, which she redeemed from the RBC Rewards program. “It was a nice way to treat myself,” she says. Her fiancé likes the new Payback with Points program, which just rolled out, allowing clients to redeem points directly towards an RBC Rewards credit card balance.
“Clients really enjoy the flexibility and choice when it comes to their redemption options,” says Metrick. “Avion is powered by RBC Rewards, which means that clients have numerous redemption options, such as gift cards and merchandise, and they can earn even more bonus points at the RBC eMall, which allows them to shop at over 250 retailers.”
And what about all those points McConeghy and Wolch are accumulating? “We’re going to put them all toward our honeymoon!” says McConeghy. As for the destination, she has no clue — yet.
“It’s actually a surprise,” she confides. “Jamie is planning the honeymoon and we’re really excited.”