Just a quick positive note that sometimes it can really work out well to have a close to expiration FNA award tucked away! Once we're into November where I live, seasonal rates kick in and it is seldom possible to use them in my state.

This year, mine were unused and the card renewal fees had already been charged, when I received notification that I had won 2 tickets to a private Benson Boone concert hosted by Visa Live at Kennedy Space Center on Thanksgiving weekend. Very excited about winning tickets - but even the Springhill Suites and Courtyards in that area were running $300-400 a night due to the holiday weekend time period. When I looked at options/rates, one hotel in a less well-known location vs. the beach (in Titusville but on the river and actually the closest hotel to the Space Center) had availability at 47K per night and my expiring FNAs were still valid, set to expire 6 days after the concert. Always happy to pay that $95 annual credit card fee to have a cert or 2 tucked away for opportunities like this.

That hotel turned out to be a nice find as well - easy access to/from the highway and the Space Center, rooftop bar with a view of the launchpads, outdoor seating and firepit with view of the river and surprisingly good food.