Miles to Memories Podcast

Episode Description Hyatt's 2026 award changes are live, and Shawn and Mark look at what happened after the switch. Some stays barely moved, some got cheaper, Japan got hit hard, and a few members appear to have been charged rates that do not match what Hyatt showed during booking. They also talk through the points hoarding debate after Benjy's "case for zero" article. A big transferable points balance can feel like an emergency fund, but it can also lose value while cash could earn interest or get invested. Then they close with Chase's new 10X Paze offer, the limited but useful merchant list, and how it can stack with Rove shopping bonuses. Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:23 Hyatt's devaluation aftermath 2:47 Japan Hyatt awards get hammered 4:28 Category 1-4 certificates lose ground 6:00 Hyatt booking glitches and overcharges 9:30 Detroit seminar tickets and hotel warning 10:53 The points hoarding mistake 13:52 Investing cash vs. holding points 15:10 Shawn's Citi ThankYou redemption win 16:21 Cashing out, burn rates and earn rates 20:24 Chase Paze 10X and Rove stacking Links Travel Freely/CardGenie — https://travelfreely.com/cardgenie/?bref=mm Hyatt 2026 award chart updates — https://newsroom.hyatt.com/awardchartupdates Doctor of Credit: Chase Sapphire & Freedom 10X Paze Promo — https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-sapphire-freedom-cards-get-10x-with-paze-checkout-through-2026-united-newegg-shoprite-dunkin-etc/ MTM: Rove promotion and stacking with Paze — https://milestomemories.com/new-rove-promotion-and-stacking-with-paze/ Paze merchant directory — https://www.paze.com/merchant-directory Points mistake - https://milestomemories.com/points-and-miles-mistake/

Get $200 after making your first $500 payment with Melio! (affiliate) https://www.milestomemories.com/go/melio Episode Description Hyatt's award chart changes are arriving, so Shawn and Mark talk through the last-minute bookings that made sense, the ones they skipped and why hotel credits have changed the way they use Hyatt points. They also break down a clean example of partner award pricing: the same American Airlines flight priced at 54K Avios, 36K American miles and 18K Alaska miles. Then they look at Hilton free night certificates at all-inclusive properties, including the growing SLH options and the downside of possible extra charges for kids. Finally, Mark recaps his completed New York City pub crawl from Central Park to FiDi, with stops at Bryant Park, Moxy, Pub Key, Nancy's Whiskey Pub, White Horse Tavern and The Dead Rabbit. Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:03 Hyatt's last call before award chart changes 8:08 Same flight, three different award prices 13:01 Hilton free night certificates at all-inclusives 17:26 Mark finally finishes the NYC pub crawl 20:19 Rooftops, local bars and Flatiron cocktails 23:34 Greenwich, SoHo and the crawl strategy 27:05 Tribeca whiskey bars and FiDi favorites 30:20 Dead Rabbit, inKind and final takeaways

Juice up your earnings with QCGC. https://qcgc.io/?ref=mtmv1 (sponsored)  MTM Detroit Meetup Tickets - https://mtm.zohobackstage.com/MTMTravelDetroit2026#/ Capital One is facing a lawsuit over canceled rewards, and Shawn and Mark get into the bigger problem with banks treating points like real currency when it helps them and funny money when it helps them. They also talk retention offers, when a card is not worth keeping even for free, and rank the major transferable points programs from worst to best. What we cover: Capital One being sued over allegedly canceled rewards after account closures. Why earned points should come with stronger consumer protections. How to compare retention offers against referral offers, credits and annual fees. Why no-fee cards can still be worth checking for retention offers. The Business Platinum changes, Dell frustration and when a credit stops mattering. Shawn and Mark's rankings for Amex, Chase, Bilt, Citi, Capital One and Wells Fargo. Why Chase has slipped, Citi has become more useful and Bilt may have the most interesting upside. Episode Guide: 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:21 Detroit event details and why in-person networking still matters 2:52 Capital One sued over canceled rewards 7:51 How to think about retention offers 11:16 No-fee cards can still have retention offers 13:25 Dell, Business Platinum credits and the breaking point 14:52 Ranking transferable points programs 16:15 Capital One vs Wells Fargo at the bottom 19:03 Bilt vs Citi and the middle of the rankings 19:45 Why Chase keeps slipping 23:07 Amex makes the case for number one 26:14 Mark's case for Bilt as the best program 29:15 Which programs are essential for most people? Links: Free newsletter Join our free Facebook group Diamond Patreon Gold Membership Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Miles to Memories website Capital One lawsuit - https://mtmdiamond.slack.com/archives/C0ACC849Z3J/p1778758564025649 Retention offers - https://milestomemories.com/american-express-business-platinum-retention-offer/  

Juice up your earnings with QCGC. https://qcgc.io/?ref=mtmv1 (sponsored)  MTM Detroit Meetup Tickets - https://mtm.zohobackstage.com/MTMTravelDetroit2026#/ Capital One is facing a lawsuit over canceled rewards, and Shawn and Mark get into the bigger problem with banks treating points like real currency when it helps them and funny money when it helps them. They also talk retention offers, when a card is not worth keeping even for free, and rank the major transferable points programs from worst to best. What we cover: Capital One being sued over allegedly canceled rewards after account closures. Why earned points should come with stronger consumer protections. How to compare retention offers against referral offers, credits and annual fees. Why no-fee cards can still be worth checking for retention offers. The Business Platinum changes, Dell frustration and when a credit stops mattering. Shawn and Mark's rankings for Amex, Chase, Bilt, Citi, Capital One and Wells Fargo. Why Chase has slipped, Citi has become more useful and Bilt may have the most interesting upside. Episode Guide: 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:21 Detroit event details and why in-person networking still matters 2:52 Capital One sued over canceled rewards 7:51 How to think about retention offers 11:16 No-fee cards can still have retention offers 13:25 Dell, Business Platinum credits and the breaking point 14:52 Ranking transferable points programs 16:15 Capital One vs Wells Fargo at the bottom 19:03 Bilt vs Citi and the middle of the rankings 19:45 Why Chase keeps slipping 23:07 Amex makes the case for number one 26:14 Mark's case for Bilt as the best program 29:15 Which programs are essential for most people? Links: Free newsletter Join our free Facebook group Diamond Patreon Gold Membership Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Miles to Memories website Capital One lawsuit - https://mtmdiamond.slack.com/archives/C0ACC849Z3J/p1778758564025649 Retention offers - https://milestomemories.com/american-express-business-platinum-retention-offer/  

MTM Travel - May 7, 2026 Chase has a massive new Sapphire Reserve offer, but the rest of the episode shows why the points world feels less predictable than it used to. Shawn and Mark break down Rakuten's strange but useful Bank of America and Bilt stack, Citi ending ThankYou point sharing, the refreshed AT&T Points Plus card and Chase's quietly weaker Points Boost values. Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 2:56 Rakuten, Bank of America and bonus Bilt points 7:51 Chase Sapphire Reserve hits 150K 12:34 Chase spending offers get easier to track 13:48 Citi ends ThankYou point sharing 16:43 AT&T Points Plus gets a real refresh 20:43 Chase Points Boost gets less predictable 25:37 Final thoughts on transferable points rankings Topics Covered Rakuten is offering up to $300 back, or 30,000 Bilt points, when applying for select Bank of America cards. The Bank of America Travel Rewards card can stack its own offer with the Rakuten payout, making it a strong no-annual-fee play. Chase Sapphire Reserve now has a 150,000 point offer after $6,000 in spend in the first three months. Chase appears to be matching some recent Sapphire Reserve applicants to the new offer, with reported cutoff dates. Chase targeted spending offers are becoming easier to track after activation. Citi is ending ThankYou point sharing, removing a useful option for two-player households. The AT&T Points Plus card adds stronger AT&T discounts and keeps its no-annual-fee setup. Chase Points Boost remains useful in theory, but the changing rates make it harder to plan around. Links Rakuten Bank of America bonuses - https://milestomemories.com/rakuten-offering-extra-bonus-for-bank-of-america-cards/ Chase Sapphire Reserve 150K offer - https://milestomemories.com/is-chase-matching-the-sapphire-reserve-offer/ Chase quarterly spending offer lookup - https://milestomemories.com/how-to-find-chase-spending-offer-details/ Citi ending ThankYou point sharing - https://www.doctorofcredit.com/citi-ending-points-sharing-on-5-16/ AT&T and Citi enhance Points Plus card - https://milestomemories.com/att-points-plus-world-mastercard-refresh/ Chase The Edit 2.5 cent Points Boost - https://milestomemories.com/new-2-5x-points-boost-at-select-the-edit-hotels/

Get $200 after making your first $500 payment with Melio! (affiliate) https://www.milestomemories.com/go/melio Spirit Airlines is gone, and even travelers who avoided Spirit may feel it in their wallets. Shawn and Mark talk through the fallout for cheap flights, the JetBlue and Frontier merger mess, and why low-cost carriers have such a hard time making the model work in the U.S. They also get into JetBlue's pricing lawsuit, data tracking worries, a robot that bought its own Southwest seat, and the cheap travel items that actually earn space in the bag. Yes, that includes Benji's forever stamp. What we cover: Spirit Airlines disappearing and what it means for airfare Why JetBlue, Frontier and Spirit all ended up tied together in this story The difference between Ryanair, Allegiant and the U.S. low-cost model JetBlue's lawsuit over pricing, cookies and tracking claims Whether airline pricing algorithms and shared pricing data hurt consumers A robot flying Southwest with its own seat Cheap and free travel items worth packing, from plastic bags to backup headphones Episode Guide: 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 0:20 - Spirit Airlines disappears 3:06 - The JetBlue and Frontier merger fallout 5:02 - Why U.S. low-cost carriers struggle 7:45 - What losing Spirit means for fares 10:38 - Low-cost carriers need a new plan 12:30 - JetBlue lawsuit and pricing tracking claims 15:47 - A robot gets its own Southwest seat 17:06 - Cheap and free travel items worth packing 21:00 - The travel gear we actually keep packed 24:10 - Freebies, bottle openers and fancy hotel pens Track your travel credit cards for free Free newsletter Join our free Facebook group Diamond Patreon - bonus shows + Slack community Gold Membership Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Miles to Memories website

Episode Description Hyatt used to be the easy button for a lot of points and miles travelers. Transfer Chase points, book Hyatt, chase Globalist and enjoy the perks. That strategy is getting harder to defend after Hyatt's five-tier award chart and another round of category changes. In this episode Shawn and Mark talk through the real cost of Hyatt's latest moves, why Globalist status may not pencil out the way it used to, and how hotel loyalty strategy changes when no single program deserves all of your stays. Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:21 Hyatt's latest changes hit hard 3:23 The low-end value disappears 5:02 Hyatt grows up and shifts priorities 6:02 Is Globalist still worth chasing? 8:29 Why being a free agent makes more sense now 11:20 Goodbye to the category one gems 13:06 Chase points, free night certificates and Hyatt bright spots 15:31 Building a new hotel strategy beyond Hyatt 18:44 Breaking the Hyatt habit 20:25 Guest of Honor and milestone rewards 21:21 What other programs offer that Hyatt does not 23:28 The properties that really hurt Links Travel Freely Miles to Memories MTM Travel on YouTube Hyatt Category Changes - https://milestomemories.com/hyatt-reveals-hotel-category-changes-for-2026/ Is Hyatt Status Worth It? https://milestomemories.com/is-hyatt-globalist-status-worth-it/ Life After Hyatt - https://milestomemories.com/my-favorite-hotel-programs/

Travel Freely helps you organize your credit cards, annual fees, 5/24 status and travel rewards strategy. Sign-Up Now https://milestomemories.boardingarea.com/go/travel-freely-eop/ Episode Description Travel is getting more expensive from every direction. Shawn and Mark talk through JAL and ANA's higher fuel surcharges, Aeroplan's upcoming award chart changes, Spirit's possible government-backed rescue and American Airlines' new portable charger rules. They also discuss Google's new individual hotel price tracking tool and why it may be useful even when you are booking with points. Plus, Mark recaps his father-son Vegas trip with Connor, including Hoover Dam, Boulder City, a forgotten laptop scare and the redeye flight Connor never wants to repeat. Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:21 Mark's father-son Vegas trip and getting beyond the Strip 3:27 JAL and ANA fuel surcharges are going way up 8:43 Aeroplan award chart changes coming in June 11:28 Spirit bailout talk and the low-cost carrier problem 14:56 American Airlines' new portable charger rules 18:11 Google Hotels adds individual hotel price tracking 20:22 Mark's flights, forgotten laptop scare and redeye strategy Links   JAL/ANA fuel surcharge increases — https://milestomemories.com/jal-and-ana-to-double-fuel-surcharges/ Aeroplan award chart changes — https://onemileatatime.com/news/aeroplan-updating-award-chart-devaluation/ Spirit Airlines rescue talks — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/22/spirit-airlines-rescue-trump-administration.html American Airlines power bank rules — https://milestomemories.com/american-airlines-rules-for-portable-chargers/ Google individual hotel price tracking — https://milestomemories.com/google-launches-individual-hotel-price-tracking/

Get $200 back after your first payment of $500 with Melio (affiliate) - https://milestomemories.com/go/melio/ Mark made nearly $6,000 from bank bonuses in 2025, American is giving away 100,000 miles, and Alaska is making a big move with Hawaiian's credit cards. We also break down a sneaky-good Hilton Amex offer, how annual fee refunds actually work, and whether Chase's new Edit Hotels redemption bump is worth your points. What we cover:  Mark's 2025 bank bonus haul and whether it was worth the hassle  -American Airlines' 100,000-mile centennial sweepstakes -Alaska keeping the Hawaiian brand while moving cards to Bank of America -A targeted Hilton Amex offer that can stack into strong return  -How annual fee refunds and downgrades work by bank  -Chase Sapphire Reserve redemptions at Edit Hotels for 2.5 cents per point Links: Free newsletter Track your travel credit cards for free with Travel Freely Miles to Memories Facebook group Diamond Patreon and Gold Membership MTM Travel podcast Miles to Memories website Bank bonus results - https://milestomemories.com/bank-account-bonus-results/ 2.5X Chase Edit - https://milestomemories.com/new-2-5x-points-boost-at-select-the-edit-hotels/ Annual fee refund rules - https://milestomemories.com/credit-card-issuer-annual-fee-rules/ Hilton Amex offer - https://milestomemories.com/amex-offers-for-bonus-hilton-points/ Alaska cards - https://news.alaskaair.com/company/alaska-air-group-and-bank-of-america-expand-partnership/ AA giveaway - https://aa100sweeps.com/ Episode Guide 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 4:10 - Mark's $6,000 in bank bonuses 10:00 - American Airlines 100,000-mile sweepstakes 13:06 - Alaska keeps Hawaiian and shifts cards to Bank of America 17:01 - Targeted Hilton Amex offer math 19:37 - Annual fee refund rules by bank 21:53 - Chase Edit Hotels at 2.5 cents per point 26:15 - Best bank bonus ever? Let us know Advertiser Disclosure: This site/channel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site/channel (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

Get $200 back after your first payment of $500 with Melio (affiliate) - https://milestomemories.com/go/melio/ Higher award fees, less lounge access, and one pretty wild new way to sleep on a plane. In this episode of MTM Travel, Shawn and Mark talk through Air New Zealand's new SkyNest bunk beds, Virgin Atlantic's uglier award surcharges, American cutting more basic economy benefits, Spirit's possible liquidation, and United tightening access to Polaris lounges. What we cover: Shawn's Minneapolis meetup recap and Hyatt Centric stay The Fairmont Bermuda / Accor points reimbursement follow-up Air New Zealand's SkyNest bunk beds and whether they beat business class for sleep Virgin Atlantic's higher award fees and why the value keeps slipping American removing more elite perks from basic economy Spirit's possible liquidation and what it could mean for fares United restricting Polaris lounge access for many Star Alliance partners Links: Free newsletter Track your travel credit cards for free with Travel Freely Miles to Memories Facebook group Diamond Patreon and Gold Membership MTM Travel podcast Miles to Memories website Fairmont follow up - https://milestomemories.com/fairmont-hamilton-princess-billing-error/ Skynest - https://milestomemories.com/air-new-zealand-skynest-economy-beds/ Virgin hikes - https://milestomemories.com/virgin-atlantic-just-hiked-award-fees-again/ AA basic economy changes - https://milestomemories.com/american-removes-elite-benefits-in-basic-economy/ United Polaris access changes - https://milestomemories.com/united-restricts-polaris-lounge-access-for-star-alliance-partners/ Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 4:54 Fairmont Bermuda and the Accor points refund mess 8:47 Air New Zealand's SkyNest bunk beds 13:30 Virgin Atlantic award fees jump again 16:59 Using Virgin points for AMC popcorn and drinks 18:46 American removes more basic economy elite perks 20:04 Spirit may liquidate and fares could get worse 23:04 United restricts Polaris lounge access for partner flyers What do you think about Air New Zealand's bunk-bed idea? Would you pay extra for four hours of real sleep, or would you still rather have a traditional business class seat? Advertiser Disclosure: This site/channel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site/channel (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

Get $200 back after your first payment of $500 with Melio (affiliate) - https://milestomemories.com/go/melio/ Chase Pay Yourself Back hasn't gotten better, but the transfer options around it may have gotten worse, which suddenly makes it worth a fresh look. In this episode, Shawn and Mark also break down Wells Fargo's new Wyndham transfer partner, Mark's $8,120 annual fee strategy, Bilt Cash redemption issues, and JetBlue's refreshed premium card. In This Episode: Why Chase Pay Yourself Back may now compete with transfer partners How Wells Fargo's new 2:1 Wyndham transfer can create outsized value Why Mark still pays more than $8,000 a year in annual fees Bilt Cash Walgreens gift card problems and a possible workaround Whether JetBlue's premium card refresh finally makes the card compelling Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:52 Why Chase Pay Yourself Back matters again 6:41 Wells Fargo adds Wyndham at 2:1 10:16 Melio $200 cashback offer 11:15 Why Mark pays $8,120 in annual fees 19:23 Built Cash Walgreens redemption issues 22:01 JetBlue premium card refresh Links: Track your travel credit cards for free Patreon (bonus shows + Slack community) Newsletter Free Facebook group Watch on YouTube Apple Podcasts milestomemories.com Advertiser Disclosure: This site/channel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site/channel (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

This week on MTM Travel, Shawn and Mark get into one of the most annoying travel debates imaginable: phone calls on airplanes. They also dig into American Airlines' bus route oddities, what hotel loyalty liabilities really mean, and whether a United-American merger would solve anything or just make the mess bigger. In This Episode: Why phone calls on planes feel like a terrible idea The strange case of American Airlines bus routes A quick detour into the Spruce $100 offer and Condor trip planning Why hotel loyalty programs are carrying giant IOUs Whether a United-American merger is smart or a complete circus Episode Guide: 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:17 Phone calls on airplanes and why this could get ugly 4:14 American Airlines' bus route confusion 6:30 Spruce $100 offer ending April 15 7:29 Shawn's Condor booking and Europe trip planning 12:15 Hotel loyalty programs and their giant IOUs 15:29 Why hotel loyalty is now the real hotel business 17:18 The United-American merger idea 20:24 Why JetBlue or Alaska makes more sense Links: Track your travel credit cards for free Patreon (bonus shows + Slack community) Newsletter Free Facebook group (16K members) Watch on YouTube Apple Podcasts milestomemories.com Hotel IOU - https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/7-billion-loyalty-iou-marriott-130000589.html United-American - https://onemileatatime.com/news/united-ceo-scott-kirby-merger-american/ BA calls - https://onemileatatime.com/news/british-airways-video-voice-calls-starlink-wi-fi/ AA bus - https://www.fox13news.com/news/american-airlines-customers-say-flights-turned-bus-trips-without-warning Advertiser Disclosure: This site/channel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site/channel (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

Amex had a busy week, and not in a calm way. The new referral rules are actually better for a lot of people, the Delta incidental-credit workaround looks shakier by the day, and there are a couple easy cash offers worth grabbing if you move fast. Shawn and Mark also dig into the rumor that Amex may be loosening its five-card limit, which would be a bigger shift than it sounds. In This Episode: Quick Bermuda follow-up and why the island still feels overlooked Amex referral changes, reset rules, and why many people come out ahead Delta Amex incidental credit loopholes possibly shutting down Spruce $100 signup bonus and how the referral stacking works Melio $200 business-payment offer and where it can make sense Rumor that Amex may be moving beyond the hard five-card credit-card limit Episode Guide: 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:20 Bermuda Follow-Up and Why It Still Matters 3:17 Amex Referral Rules Reset 6:57 Delta Amex Incidental Credit Loopholes 12:17 Spruce $100 Signup Bonus 14:54 Melio $200 Business Offer 19:28 Amex 5 Card Limit Rumor 24:37 Wrap-Up and Viewer Questions Key Links: Amex refer - https://milestomemories.com/amex-refer-a-friend-limits/ Delta credit - https://milestomemories.com/delayed-amex-airline-incidental-credits/ Spruce Money - https://milestomemories.com/spruce-money-offering-100-signup-bonus/ Melio explained - https://milestomemories.com/200-melio-new-member-offer/ Amex 5 rule - https://dannydealguru.com/american-express-5-card-limit/

Get $200 back after your first payment of $500 with Melio (affiliate) - https://milestomemories.com/go/melio/ Mark's spring break Bermuda trip had it all: JFK security chaos at 4am, a flight that had to turn around twice in high winds before making it to the island, a $850-a-night Fairmont room that looked like it hadn't been touched since the '70s, and then — finally — the Rosewood Bermuda, which might be one of the best hotels either of them has ever stayed at. Full trip debrief with honest hotel reviews, flight booking strategy, and a seriously useful FHR credit tip. What we cover: Spirit Airlines boarding group 2 bag theory — are they skipping the size check? Hyatt Regency Resorts World JFK as a free night cert stopover JFK security chaos at 4am — ICE agents running lanes, only 3 lanes for thousands of people Flight to nowhere: two go-arounds in high winds, back to JFK for 9 hours Fairmont Hamilton Princess: $850/night, room looks like 1978, sawdust falling from the bed posts Royal Naval Dockyards — Frog and Onion, ferry tips, what to do for a day Rosewood Bermuda: top 3 hotel ever, beach club, pink sand, Crystal Caves, complimentary gin tasting FHR tip: two rooms in different names = double $100 credits + double free breakfasts New Fairmont at Horseshoe Bay — $400M renovation, Accor points, watch this one Flight home: DCA lounge agent rebooking saves the family from an overnight stranding Episode Guide: 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 0:22 - Mark's Bermuda trip intro and Spirit Airlines boarding theory 1:08 - Hyatt Regency Resorts World JFK overnight 4:31 - JFK security chaos at 4am 8:56 - Flight to nowhere — two go-arounds, back to JFK 16:04 - Fairmont Hamilton Princess check-in and room review 19:38 - Royal Naval Dockyards and Frog and Onion 20:22 - Rosewood Bermuda — arrival and rooms 23:06 - Beach club, Crystal Caves, Horseshoe Bay 30:22 - FHR tips: two rooms, double credits, double breakfast 32:33 - Flight home and DCA lounge rebooking ✈️ Track your travel credit cards for free

Go to https://surfshark.com/mtm or use code MTM at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Description In this episode, Shawn and Mark break down a string of Amex Platinum changes — Saks credit going away, Centurion Lounge guest access tightening, Uber VIP disappearing — plus an honest look at the Citi Strata Premier revamp survey and the best offer ever on a no-fee Amex card. Mark is also freshly back from Bermuda and gives a teaser on what happened before the full recap next week. What we cover: Saks Fifth Avenue Amex Platinum credit ending July 1st and what might replace it Amex Business Platinum ChatGPT $300 credit — and whether it's actually useful Centurion Lounge same-flight guest rule starting July 8th Uber VIP ending May 7th and the broader Lyft vs Uber rideshare debate Citi Strata Premier revamp survey — two versions, which is better, and what they shouldn't touch Uber acquiring Black Lane and what it means for Citi credits Blue Business Plus 75K offer with no lifetime language — best ever Episode Guide: 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 0:22 - Mark's Bermuda trip preview and Saks credit ending 5:11 - Amex Business Platinum ChatGPT credit 7:58 - Centurion Lounge same-flight guest rule change 11:19 - Uber VIP going away and the Lyft vs Uber debate 15:10 - Citi Strata Premier revamp survey — what to keep and what not to touch 19:56 - Uber buying Black Lane and Citi credit implications 23:15 - Blue Business Plus 75K — best ever offer with no lifetime language ✈️ Track your travel credit cards for free

Hyatt may be ending free parking and resort fee waivers for Globalists — and there's a new elite tier above Globalist potentially on the way. Meanwhile, Citi is cutting the ThankYou to Choice Hotels transfer rate by 25% on April 19th. And Mark is trying to figure out if he's even making it to Bermuda with JFK TSA chaos threatening the whole spring break trip. What we cover: Hyatt survey: new elite tier above Globalist — plus possible end to free parking and resort fee waivers Is Hyatt becoming the next Marriott? Shawn weighs in Citi ThankYou to Choice Hotels: 25% devaluation hitting April 19 Bilt Red Day (April 1): Wyndham added as transfer partner with a 100–125% bonus Wyndham program: all-inclusives, Choice Hotels overlap and real value Wells Fargo Autograph still transfers 1:2 to Choice Points currency rankings: Bilt #1, Chase falling to #4 Mark's Bermuda spring break and the stress of TSA chaos at JFK Updated: complete guide to credit card application rules by bank Episode Guide: 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 0:20 - Mark's Bermuda Spring Break + TSA Chaos at JFK 5:42 - Hyatt Survey: New Elite Tier Above Globalist? 7:00 - Could Hyatt End Free Parking & Resort Fee Waivers? 12:17 - Bilt Rent Day: Wyndham Added as Transfer Partner 15:07 - Wyndham, Choice Hotels & Citi ThankYou 25% Devaluation 18:54 - Wells Fargo Autograph & Points Currency Rankings 22:37 - Complete Credit Card Application Rules Guide ✈️ Track your travel credit cards for free with Travel Freely

The TSA funding crisis has airports in chaos — agents are working without pay, some airports have massive lines, and others are totally fine. Mark recaps his multi-country Europe trip: Turkish Airlines business class to Istanbul for 70K miles, a last-minute pivot to Warsaw, Ryanair's bus-terminal airport, honest reviews of the Hyatt Centric Dublin and Aer Lingus narrow-body business class, and whether St. Patrick's Day in Ireland is actually worth the trip. In This Episode: TSA funding crisis — agents unpaid, long lines, privatization debate Turkish Airlines business class Detroit to Istanbul (70K miles, A350, on-board chef) Istanbul Airport transit and Priority Pass lounges Warsaw on a budget — Sheraton via Bilt $200 credit, Old Town, Chopin benches Ryanair Warsaw to Dublin — the bus-terminal experience Hyatt Centric Dublin review — skip it, book the DoubleTree Morrison St. Patrick's Day in Dublin vs Carnival vs Mardi Gras Aer Lingus A321neo business class for 57,500 AA miles — throne seat or bust Episode Guide: 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 0:21 - TSA funding crisis and the privatization debate 8:10 - Turkish Airlines business class to Istanbul for 70K miles - They broke my tooth! 13:22 - Istanbul Airport and Priority Pass lounges 15:38 - Warsaw on a budget — Sheraton via Bilt, Old Town, nightlife  19:44 - Ryanair's bus-terminal airport to Dublin 22:25 - Dublin hotels — Hyatt Centric vs DoubleTree Morrison 24:26 - St. Patrick's Day in Dublin — the honest verdict 28:30 - Aer Lingus A321neo business class for 57,500 AA miles - Is it comfy? ✈️ Track your travel credit cards for free — Travel Freely

Capital One's switch to the Discover payment network is getting cards declined at ATMs and payment terminals overseas — Mark found out the hard way in Poland and Dublin. Chase made things worse by quietly killing fraud alerts for international charges, leaving one of Mark's travel buddies $1,000 in the hole at a bar in Poland with zero notification. Plus: a leaked Amex card nobody asked for, Yotel joining Hilton's portfolio, and why tap-to-pay overseas might actually work against you in a dispute. What we cover: Capital One Dulles lounge: hot, cramped, and the worst they've visited Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $250 fee for a 2% card nobody needed Capital One's Discover network switch: why cards are failing overseas Mark's Capital One debit declined in Poland and Dublin — what happened Best international debit cards in 2026: Charles Schwab, SoFi, Fidelity Is Venture X still worth taking overseas? Yotel joins Hilton as "Select by Hilton" — bookable with points by year end Chase ends fraud alerts for international and non-physical charges Mark's buddy loses $1,000+ at a bar in Poland — no fraud alert sent Apple Pay overseas: biometric authorization makes disputes harder Episode Guide: 0:00 - Welcome to MTM Travel 0:43 - Capital One Dulles lounge: the worst they've visited 2:23 - Amex Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $250 for a 2% card? 7:17 - Capital One's Discover network switch explained 8:00 - Mark's Capital One debit declined in Poland and Dublin 8:20 - Best international debit cards: Schwab, SoFi, Fidelity 14:50 - Is Venture X still worth taking overseas? 15:42 - Yotel joins Hilton as "Select by Hilton" 19:33 - Chase ends international fraud alerts 20:50 - Mark's buddy loses $1,000+ at a bar in Poland — no fraud alert 23:27 - Apple Pay overseas: why disputes are harder to win 28:22 - Wrap + subscribe

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Hyatt just dropped five new pricing tiers on their award chart — and it's got Shawn and Mark rethinking their entire hotel strategy. Plus: Mark had to scrap his Istanbul trip, rebook his whole Europe itinerary using Aeroplan, LifeMiles, Delta SkyMiles, and Bilt credits, and lived to tell the tale. And yes — the LifeMiles call center almost broke him. **What we cover:** - Hyatt's award chart devaluation: five new tiers and what it actually means for redemptions - Why Hyatt's value proposition was always about consistency and Chase earning (not footprint) - Mark's current hotel rankings: Hilton free night certs, IHG's underrated card refresh, and Accor's flexible points - Choice Hotels and why Benjy's going to be thrilled - The Hilton Surpass card: still the best mid-tier hotel card and why - Hyatt free night certs — are they actually worth more now post-devaluation? - Why Mark abandoned Istanbul and pivoted to Warsaw two weeks before the trip - Rebuilding the whole itinerary: 70K Aeroplan on Turkish, 8K United miles Istanbul-Warsaw, 25K Delta SkyMiles on Air France business, and Bilt credits for the Sheraton - Turkish Airlines IT nightmare: can't check in, ticket number mismatch, and the LifeMiles call center hangup saga - RyanAir reality check: what Americans need to know about weight limits and bag rules - The case for travel flexibility and why points make last-minute pivots actually possible

Thrifty Traveler Premium (affiliate — supports the show): https://milestomemories.com/go/thrifty-traveler/ Episode Description Elon Musk wants your money in the X app — and he's offering 6% APY plus 3% cash back on debit to get it. Meanwhile Bilt is having a rough week: mortgage payment failures, a hidden foreign transaction fee on their "no fee" Palladium card, and a PR mess that Forbes and the Wall Street Journal are now covering. Plus Robinhood Platinum advertises $3,000 in credits that most people will never fully use, and Marriott finally did something nice — raising the certificate top-off cap from 15K to 25K points. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:26 Intro 0:40 Thrifty Traveler Premium 2:18 Robinhood Platinum breakdown 6:28 X Money debit card 10:31 Bilt 2.0 mortgage issues 12:56 Bilt Palladium hidden foreign fee 15:25 Marriott certificate top-off 17:27 Hyatt vs Marriott + hotel program strategy 19:35 Loyalty program illusions 22:14 Amazon pay with points promo Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Thrifty Traveler Premium (affiliate — supports the show): https://milestomemories.com/go/thrifty-traveler/ Episode Description US hotels are sitting at 62% occupancy and the internet is treating it like a crisis — but Shawn dug into a decade of data and found out who's actually causing the problem. Take Las Vegas out of the numbers and every other hotel in America made more money last year. Plus, Thrifty Traveler is raising prices Saturday (lock in $79 before it jumps to $129), the viral Disney vs. Europe cost debate is back and it's mostly dishonest, and Southwest's status match just got updated with new requirements worth knowing. 0:00 - Show Open 0:25 - Hyatt Centric Long Beach 2:25 - The $94 Hotel Breakfast 5:26 - Thrifty Traveler Premium — Lock In Before Saturday 9:13 - US Hotel Occupancy at 62% — Is It Actually Bad? 11:07 - Vegas vs. The Rest of America (RevPAR Breakdown) 14:29 - Disney vs. Europe — The Viral Cost Debate 15:44 - Tokyo Disneyland at $63 vs. Walt Disney World at $200+ 20:23 - Southwest Status Match — How It Works Now 22:56 - Southwest Becoming the New Spirit? 26:10 - Wrap Up Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode Description On this week's MTM Travel Thursday show, Shawn and Mark cover three big topics: the restaurant credit programs worth your time right now (Resy, InKind, Hilton's local bar trick), all seven active transfer bonuses including Rove's 50% Japan Airlines launch deal, and a full walkthrough of Mark's recent credit card application haul — $4K cash, 230K miles, and 112K Built points, offset by $2,169 in annual fees. The Spirit Airlines miles subplot also gets resolved. Great episode for anyone thinking about credit card strategy heading into spring. 0:00 - Intro 0:20 - Resy Credits & Detroit Dining 3:31 - Hilton Credits: The Local Bar Hack 10:59 - Active Transfer Bonuses 13:47 - Rove Miles & Japan Airlines 19:08 - Sticking to Programs You Know 20:31 - Mark's Credit Card Application Results 24:36 - Spirit Card Update 25:07 - Mark Writing Again at MTM Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode Description The world changed fast — and travelers are feeling it. Shawn and Mark break down what's happening in the Middle East, why Dubai went from "safe luxury playground" to diverted flights overnight, and what experienced points travelers should know about navigating global instability. Plus: anti-American sentiment abroad is real, and Shawn shares what it was actually like traveling during the other contentious periods.   Then — Atlantis vs. Comfort Suites Nassau, Bermuda, Hawaii, and why you should SERIOUSLY consider booking dream trips now before they get ridiculously expensive. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:40 Traveling in the current world - Is it safe? 3:40 Travelers are susceptible to instability 6:46 What is the future of Middle East tourism 10:09 Being prepared for anti-American attitudes while traveling 16:53 Reconsidering travel plans, staying safe & opening our minds 19:21 Are "dream" vacations getting out of reach even with points? 22:24 Atlantis points hack, debating Bahamas & Atlantis recovered? 28:00 Bermuda vs Bahamas come on pretty mama Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode Description On this episode of the MTM Travel the travel show we discuss the recent events in Mexico, how they've been sensationalized and what travelers need to consider before canceling or planning a trip. We also discuss: pure Michigan, Sapphire's free Whoop, how Southwest got duped, an insane hotel coffee maker hack and Mark's big return to MTM. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:28 Mark's big return to MTM & Patreon enhancements! 6:09 Mexico cartel woes - Should you cancel trips? 12:53 INSANE hotel coffee maker hack 17:05 Whoop free with Sapphire + Shawn's experience 21:25 Elliott pulls out of Southwest after driving massive changes 22:27 Starlink coming to Southwest Airlines 25:25 Cadillac House Curio Hilton - Pure Michigan? Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode Description On this episode of the MTM Travel the miles & points show Mark dives into his real world experiences with the new Bilt cards and Bilt cash. An unexpected promo came, but is it working out? We also discuss: finding cheap Hyatt mattress runs by stacking promos, the overlooked US Bank business card bonuses and how Southwest is tiering their credit card bonuses for the first time! 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:36 Update on Bilt's new card experience 3:20 Using Bilt Cash & how it all works in reality 7:23 Bilt makes money wuth customer experience expense? 10:10 Southwest launches first tiered card offers 13:53 Southwest's unhappy customers are a thing 15:48 Stacking Hyatt promos - Nights from 1,900 points? 19:45 Hyatt's unique promos & the art of finding mattress runs 21:37 Overlooked US Bank cards - Big money offers Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode Description On this episode of the MTM Travel the travel show we jump all around the country as Mark details winter small town Americana and reviews the condos at Evermore Orlando resort. We also discuss the insane Hilton rebate deal at Calala and the ongoing battle for overhead bin space on planes. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:20 Small Town Americana in……winter? 3:20 Indoor hotel pools, the novelty & Holidome 6:17 Getting paid to stay on a Private Island - Calala Island rebate 10:59 Evermore condo review - Better than Conrad at best resort in America? 18:33 Timeshare or hotel? 21:14 The aircraft bin battle 25:59 Boarding plane early or last on board? 28:30 Southwest struggling with new seating policy? Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode Description On this episode of the MTM Travel miles & points show we dive into some of the more important news and stories from this past week. From United's TravelBank glitch to using Delta for your Amex credit we have you covered. We also discuss a cool Bilt calculator that simplifies their new cards, which hotel has the best promos and Hyatt's new Spring promo. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 3:23 United TravelBank glitch 6:24 How Mark is using Delta for his Amex credits 11:04 Hyatt adding 22 more all-inclusive properties 15:03 Hyatt Bonus Journeys - Up to 1K per night bonus 19:36 Max's incredible Bilt calculator Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode Description On this episode of the MTM Travel travel show Mark discusses his Spring Break bookings and trip to Bermuda. While this isn't the most popular miles/points destination it offers a ton of value and beauty. We also discuss: the debate on resort fees and costs, why you should "rake" your bookings to save even more & how Southwest has finally ended their infamous "cattle call" boarding process. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:17 Southwest officially ends "cattle call" boarding 5:35 Will banning resort fees increase or decrease prices? 11:52 "Raking" bookings - How not to leave a lot on the table 16:05 How AA has been better under dynamic pricing 18:07 Mark's Spring Break Bermuda planning 23:15 Points options for Bermuda hotels 28:15 See Bermuda for yourself! Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode Description On this episode of the MTM Travel miles & points show we dive into some of the better deals and happenings this week. Bilt is back with Rent Day and a great transfer bonus, but there are still some frustrations. Hyatt has a somewhat new 5 free night offer, but is it worth going for over the points? Finally we show you how to grab a massive $1,200 checking bonus that you can fund with a credit card. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 Hyatt's 5 free night offer - A better alternative? 3:05 Points or certs? How to decide which is better 5:57 Bilt Rent Day - Accor transfer bonus & frustrations 9:18 Mr. Beast joins Bilt - Free rent & more goodies 11:58 Amex Business Platinum airline credit kerfuffle 15:27 US Bank's crazy $1200 business checking bonus 16:40 How to fund your crazy bank bonus with a credit card 18:05 Easy $200 savings offer + fund with credit card Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel (the travel show) Mark discusses his planning and awards for his upcoming Azores trip. He also discusses Evermore and his upcoming villa booking with Hilton points plus we dive into the new NYC Mayor's policy banning resort fees. Can this new rule extend beyond NYC? 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:37 Azores award update & Morocco aspirations 9:11 Evermore with Hilton points - HUGE VILLAS! 12:45 Getting sick of Orlando? 14:18 NYC resort fee ban - How it works 16:57 Should a resort fee ban be nationwide? 20:35 Status less valuable? Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Shawn's InKind referral - https://app.inkind.com/refer/4FJZRGUZ Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we break down everything new from BIlt Rewards. This week Bilt launched 3 new credit cards that help you earn points on paying your mortgage/rent, but things are confusing. On this show we go through all of the controversy surrounding Bilt 2.0, which cards and benefits are on offer, how to maximize these complicated cards and which version we are planning to get. Did Bilt mess up this launch and what can they do to fix the program. Plus does extra complication add more opportunity? 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:30 Bilt's crazy week - Launch controversy 3:12 Bilt's 3 new cards - 50K welcome offer? 8:03 Application rules & a better offer (now dead) 11:20 Bilt Cash explained - Earning points on mortgage? 14:35 Bilt Cash explained - The ultimate coupon book? 19:25 Bilt 3.0? An alternative way to earn points on mortgage/rent 22:55 Our new Bilt card recommendations/thoughts 27:13 Final Bilt 2.0 takeaways Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Shawn's InKind referral - https://app.inkind.com/refer/4FJZRGUZ Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we discuss President Trump's new proposal to limit credit card interest rates. Is it possible to pull of this order plus what will be some of the unintended consequences of lowering and capping interest rates. Plus is the credit card system good for consumers?   In other news we also discuss why Mark picked up the Spirit Airlines credit card, a big airline merger, the better Chase Freedom Unlimited offer, maximizing IHG's United perk, Hyatt's rough policy change and how traveling makes kids perhaps a little too independent. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:18 Allegiant's big merger 4:05 Overly independent traveling children 9:56 Big revamps coming for MTM 13:31 Why Mark got the Spirit Airlines credit card 21:02 Maximizing IHG's United TravelBank perk 24:16 Hyatt's HUGE change to expiring certs 29:25 Freedom Unlimited better offer - $300 + 5X gas & groceries 32:23 The death of credit cards? New interest cap proposed 37:03 Should we blow up the current credit card system? Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Shawn's InKind referral - https://app.inkind.com/refer/4FJZRGUZ Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we take a look back at our favorite deals from 2025 and how they apply in the new year. From AA transfers to monster bonuses, what did we love and what do we hope for in 2026. We also discuss: our New Year's Eve in Vegas, Pacman in real life and some tricks to maximizing Chase Sapphire Reserve credits. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:17 Recapping our New Year's 3:22 Mark's NYE AA travel experience 8:20 Our favorite deals of 2025 - Citi AA transfers? 11:29 BofA's Atmos Summit Visa was a winner 13:30 Bilt's big moves - Accor & Rakuten 18:07 Amex Platinum refresh - Actually a good deal? 20:40 Saks fun & Warning - Should you burn your gift cards before bankruptcy? 27:21 How to combine Chase Sapphire Reserve hotel credits 31:07 A fun way to maximize Chase Stubhub credits 33:25 Pacman in real life! Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Shawn's InKind referral - https://app.inkind.com/refer/4FJZRGUZ Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we shake off the post-Christmas blues with some fun discussion about travel and credit cards. Shawn just returned from his Christmas cruise on Princess. He discusses how it was unique plus his strategy for earning free casino cruises. We also discuss: how we're maximizing all of our end of year credits, Mark's lesser known triple dip, struggling with kids & technology, InKind's expanded bonus + snow tubing in Norway and the Six Flags Saudi Arabia opening. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:25 Christmas cruising on the high seas 4:09 Shawn's free cruise casino strategy 9:25 The parent's struggle with technology 12:27 How cruises expand a child's social world 15:14 Maximizing end of year credits - The big blitz & tricks along the way 23:55 Mark's lesser known end of year triple dip 30:55 InKind keeps getting better + increased referrals 35:43 Snow tubing in Norway + Six Flags Qiddiya opens Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Mark returns to recap his Thanksgiving family adventure to London and Paris. From flights to hotels and what to do, he covers his unique perspective on these two iconic cities. Shawn also recaps this weekend's MTM Diamond meetup in San Antonio and the two contemplate whether big family trips are worth it. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:24 Disney drinking around the world inflation 6:14 The rush to visit Saudi Arabia? 9:10 The spouse trip - Another side benefit of miles & points 11:50 Mark's upcoming solo trip to the Azores 16:18 1:1 transfer partners - Going to become a thing of the past? 23:17 How to rarn an easy 15K+ 26:00 The dangers of Fintech? Mesa card abruptly shuts down 28:25 What are Fintech cards and how do they differ from traditional credit cards? 32:10 Why does Bilt get so much coverage and are they different? 35:15 The moves towards earning points on mortgages Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Mark returns to recap his Thanksgiving family adventure to London and Paris. From flights to hotels and what to do, he covers his unique perspective on these two iconic cities. Shawn also recaps this weekend's MTM Diamond meetup in San Antonio and the two contemplate whether big family trips are worth it. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 Recapping the MTM Diamond meetup in San Antonio 4:25 Airline seat picking hack 7:57 Frontier's interest on board credit card offer 11:12 Flying AA Business to London on Thanksgiving 17:00 Exploring London, takeaways and the tube 22:55 Mark's favorite things in London 27:29 Visiting Ted Lasso & the chunnel 31:27 Hyatt Regency Paris review - Underrated? 36:44 Galavanting around Paris, Louvre and other things to see 44:42 Paris vs. London and final takeaways Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Joe Cheung joins Shawn to catch up on some travel happenings. During the show Joe discusses and reviews his time on the world's largest cruise ship. It has a lot to do, but is Star of the Seas worth the premium price? We also discuss: post Thanksgiving, the traveler's dilemma, Paris vibes and the social media trap all traveling parents fall into. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 The blessing/curse of traveling with extended family 6:15 Traveling with travelers vs. non-travelers 15:04 How travel planning falls on "us" 19:48 Trip planning for Paris/London - What to do? 25:55 Chase finally ads lifetime language - Big restriction! 30:40 Being a good customer to the banks? 36:57 Hyatt's weird Guest of Honor technological quirk Links Joe Cheung - https://www.youtube.com/@disneydeciphered  https://www.instagram.com/asthejoeflies/?hl=en Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Mark discusses his upcoming extended family trip to London and Paris. We discuss how all of the trip planning falls to the traveler, how it becomes so stressful and why technology is making it harder for the non-traveler. What is on the books for the Paris/London trip, what makes those cities great and why do we put up with family trips if they are so stressful?   In other news Chase dropped the hammer finally with the addition of restrictive lifetime language on several popular cards. As churning becomes more difficult with these new rules is it time to contemplate whether or not you are a good customer to the banks? We also discuss: Hyatt's Guest of Honor tech gremlin on last minute bookings and what you can do about it. Enjoy! 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:32 The blessing/curse of traveling with extended family 6:15 Traveling with travelers vs. non-travelers 15:04 How travel planning falls on "us" 19:48 Trip planning for Paris/London - What to do? 25:55 Chase finally ads lifetime language - Big restriction! 30:40 Being a good customer to the banks? 36:57 Hyatt's weird Guest of Honor technological quirk Links Chase lifetime language - https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-ink-preferred-business-card-now-includes-once-per-lifetime-language/ https://www.doctorofcredit.com/chase-adds-restrictive-language-to-ink-cash-ink-unlimited-cards/ Hyatt Guest of Honor - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-denies-guest-of-honor/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we discuss a proposed credit card fee settlement that could spell huge changes to travel rewards cards, merchant fees and which cards are accepted at certain merchants. This settlement will cut fees and give consumers more choice, but will it actually fix anything and how will it affect airlines, hotels and other businesses that rely heavily on the industry?   We also discuss: eclipses, dealing with crazy time zones, big Capital One Venture X bonuses, new restrictive Chase application language, Shawn's best free cruise score ever & when you can visit the tallest/fastest roller coaster in the world. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:19 Flying back to 100% and booking for 2027? 9:32 Shawn's best value free cruise ever 17:17 Capital One Venture X - Big increased bonuses 21:11 Chase adds even more restrictive card rules 27:30 The end of card rewards? Big merchant fee settlement & fallout 34:00 How the credit card ecosystem has spread throughout our economy Links Chase rules - https://travel-on-points.com/negative-chase-ink-application-terms/ Visa/MC settlement - https://onemileatatime.com/news/visa-mastercard-settlement-change-credit-card-rewards-landscape/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we cover the latest in the FAA cancelation fiasco as a deal appears to have been reached to reopen the government and bring flights back to 100%. We also discuss Bilt's big news about their new cards and perks coming in 2026, Chase & Hyatt extending their partnership and teasing a new card plus Mark's return to SoCal including the Universal Studios VIP tour and his favorite beach hotel in the United States. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:15 FAA cutbacks over? Deal finally reached 3:11 Delta marketing conspiracy? 6:15 We still have an aircraft controller problem 9:40 Bilt Rewards transition details - Mortgage payments! 13:31 Rakuten adds Bilt as cashback partner 17:25 Miles N More added for first time as a U.S. transfer partner 21:47 Chase & Hyatt extend partnership - New perks and cards?! 27:15 Sapphire Reserve 200K offers coming? 29:15 Universal Studios VIP again - Still worth it? 35:37 Oceana LXR Hilton review - Favorite property in SoCal? Links Hyatt premium card - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-status-on-sapphire-reserve-cards/ Bilt/Rakuten - https://travel-on-points.com/bilt-rewards-rakuten-payout/ Rove Miles - https://travel-on-points.com/rove-miles-adds-miles-more-transfer-partner/ Bilt Changes - https://travel-on-points.com/bilt-cardless-timeline/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we discuss a number of Chase related topics including a rumor that they may be changing how they process business card applications. We also discuss possible Sapphire upgrade offers, how legacy Sapphire Reserve cardholders can grab their perks and why you might want to grab an Ink 90K before it is too late. Other topics include: Capital One's rough new family rules and how AI is changing the miles & points game. Is technology our enemy in this hobby? 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 6:46 Legacy Sapphire cardholders get new perks 12:46 Chase Sapphire upgrade offers coming soon? 17:17 Chase Ink 90K offers ending soon 19:10 No more sole-prop on business cards? 25:30 Capital One's rough new family rules 29:45 How AI will change the miles & points space Links Chase Sole Prop Rumor - https://www.doctorofcredit.com/rumor-some-banks-possibly-chase-might-limit-business-card-applications-to-eins/ CSR upgrade - https://www.doctorofcredit.com/source-upcoming-offer-coming-for-chase-sapphire-preferred-to-sapphire-reserve-upgrades/ Cap One family rules - https://travel-on-points.com/capital-one-family-rules/ Sapphire benefits - https://travel-on-points.com/activate-sapphire-reserve-card-perks/   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel we discuss Citi quite a bit including their curious new $350 annual fee AA Globe card. Does this mid-tier card bring anything new to the market and is it worth pursuing? We also discuss: learning more culture, Citi's generous offer to Strata Elite members affected by a glitch, how they are shutting down some cardmembers, a new portal that has transfer partners & big portal payouts + what 24 hour spas are like in China. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:33 Shutting down the cottage & parent melancholy 5:44 Learning more about Mexican culture, burial traditions 8:56 Relaxing itinerary or getting home as soon as possible? 11:00 Citi's new AA Globe coupon book? 15:02 Is the 90K Globe welcome offer worth pursuing? 19:22 How banks decide which perks/benefits to add with new cards 20:53 Citi's very generous customer resolution for Strata Elite - Were they forced into it? 26:00 Citi shutting down some Strate Elite cardholders 28:43 Rove Miles - New portal with transfer partners - 1,500 free miles offer 33:15 24 hour spas in China + other crazy attractions Links Citi AA Globe - https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-aadvantage-globe-mastercard Rove Offer - https://travel-on-points.com/rove-miles-shopping-portal/ Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Mark recaps some more travel woes he has encountered including a partner award issue that you need to know about and why National's customer service delivers again. On the theme park side we briefly discuss the new Universal Kids park opening in 2026 plus the tallest/fastest/longest coaster opening in Saudi Arabia. We also discuss how Alaska devalued a popular benefit, how Bilt will finally allow you to earn points on mortgages and why miles & points are great to take some stress out of family emergencies. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:05 Using miles & points for the important things 7:42 Universal's new theme park opening in 2026 10:00 World's tallest/fastest/longest coaster opening in Saudi Arabia 15:10 Alaska devalues companion benefit 19:28 You can finally earn points for paying your mortgage 29:27 Rental car overcharge & National's amazing customer service 35:16 Partner award nightmare again - Canceled for schedule change? Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Mark recaps his recent East Coast Halloween adventures which included a quest for the best New Haven pizza plus Sleep Hollow, Yale and the coolest Hyatt atrium around! We also discuss a neat around the neck fan for hot planes, Shawn's "rough" Japan Airlines business class experience & how American Dream is doing five years later. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 4:47 Halloween time in Sleepy Hollow 11:07 Dealing with emotional letdowns during travel 13:45 Hyatt Regency Greenwich & its very cool atrium 18:50 Finding the best New Haven pizza & rankings 27:00 Exploring Yale's amazing architecture & New Haven 29:20 Visiting American Dream - New York's (NJ)  GIANT mall 35:52 A crazy fan contraption for hotel planes/hotel rooms 38:07 A rough Japan Airlines flight - Business class quick review Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn debriefs more from his Asia trip including his time in Seoul, visiting the Lotte Tower and his somewhat sad room at the Ibis Styles Seoul Gangnam (redeeming Accord points)! Other topics discussed include: what Amex FHR options look like post-credit boom, how to grab the Southwest Companion Pass for 2 years with just one card offer, a status match that was too good to be true, New Haven pizza and the tallest/longest bridges in the world. 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:40 Why New Haven pizza is the best in the world 5:20 Debriefing Seoul - 6th tallest building, Korean Disneyland and more 10:10 Ibis Styles Seoul Gangnam review - Redeeming Accor points! 13:44 What $80 gets you at an amazing Courtyard in China 17:27 How to get the Southwest Companion Pass with just one card 24:03 A status match that was “too good to be true” 29:01 Diving into the Amex FHR weeds - Higher prices & hard to find a “deal”? 35:52 The tallest and longest bridges in the world - Modern tourist sights! Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark discuss their recent travels. Shawn goes into his experiences in Shanghai including the Hyatt Centric, why China may be living in the future, the incredible Shanghai skyline, what you need to know about China's payment systems and how visiting the country has changed in the past few years. Mark also discusses a huge issue he had with Delta/Virgin and a suspended ticket plus what it was like revisiting the "Top Gun Bar". 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:43 How Shanghai has changed over the years 3:22 The logistics of the Chinese payment systems as a westerner 7:24 Visiting Shanghai parks including Disneyland and Legoland 10:45 Chinese knock-off coasters? Safety of Chinese parks 18:08 Eating Western food when traveling in China? 20:50 Hyatt Centric Zongshan Park review 23:40 Crazy Delta/Virgin suspended ticket issue 29:00 Revisiting the Top Gun Bar & San Diego hotel suggestion Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week American Express released their long awaited refresh for both their personal and business Platinum cards. On this show we will dive into both cards, what we lost, what we gained, the fees, the welcome offers and more. Is this a win for Amex, should you avoid these almost $900 annual fee cards and what does the future of the premium card market look like? We'll be back next week with a regular show, but enjoy this deep dive including why you might not want to get your Platinum card right this second. Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week as we are getting ready for the Amex Platinum refresh we ponder whether you should pick up a new Business Platinum before the changes take effect. We also discuss: the new 90K Chase Ink bonuses, when you should grab the 100K Southwest offer for a companion pass, whether the pass is worth it, how long it is taking for online passport renewal, cash prices effecting award rates and why Japan award space is wide open.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:26 The joys of the twin cities 5:50 Shawn's trip update - Last minute Japan availability 8:40 Online passport renewal data points - Government efficiency? 11:08 Hotel cash prices lowering - award prices stay high? 15:25 Mainland China payment apps and rideshare 17:33 Should you get an Amex Business Platinum before the refresh? 25:00 Chase Ink 90K/$900 offers - As good as it gets? 28:33 Southwest 100K offers expiring this week 31:45 The darkside of the Southwest Companion Pass? 36:15 Is the Southwest Companion Pass going away - Too good to be true? Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Frontier status match (MTM affiliate link) - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a Episode Description This week Southwest announced a positive change for once! WiFi has been getting cheaper on planes over the years, but most still charge. That has been changing and Southwest will finally bring free internet to their planes. When will this happen and how long will it be before every airline offers free internet in the skies?   In other news Hyatt has a couple of cool new promos, but one of them has a new twist. Should we be weary of travel apps and all of the data tracking or is that just life in 2025? We also discuss: Mario Kart in real life, why AA is flying 20 empty transatlantic legs and how you can score an easy $200 bonus offer from our partner Melio.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 2:05 More free WiFi on planes - Southwest drops new perk 6:37 Why AA is flying 20 empty transatlantic legs 10:50 New Hyatt promos - with a troubling twist? 13:23 Why companies are trying to force us into using their apps 17:27 The big consumer data problem in 2025 21:23 Battle of Chase Sapphires - A surprising result? 28:42 Mario Kart in real life! Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam  Mario Kart - https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a64188246/vietnam-downhill-karting-spot-mario-kart-dreams/ Southwest WiFi - https://milestomemories.com/southwest-rapid-rewards-members-will-get-free-wi-fi/ AA empty flights - https://onemileatatime.com/news/american-flying-empty-airbus-a321neo-across-atlantic/ Hyatt new property - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-new-hotel-promo/ Hyatt app promo - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-regency-promo/ CSR vs CSP - https://travel-on-points.com/your-next-card-csp-or-csr/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Frontier status match (MTM affiliate link) - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a Episode Description This week even more leaks emerged for the pending refresh of the Amex Platinum cards coming later in September. Previously we learned that they may be adding big hotel credits, but now we know even more. What merchants could be added, how will these credits stack up and will these cards be worth $900 when all is said and done?   In other news Frontier has returned with their easiest status match opportunity yet. This could save you big even on a single roundtrip flight, but does the airline deserve all of their hate? We also discuss: Hampton's search for a new Waffle Boss, changing tastes on Doubletree cookies and how Hyatt is being sued after taking tons of points from members.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 4:03 Frontier's new status match may be the easiest ever 8:00 Why people need to stop sleeping on the low cost carriers 11:25 Hampton is searching for a new Waffle Boss - Win 1 Million points! 16:10 The Priceline days & hotel revenue management 22:15 Hyatt's attack on fraud in China - Did they overstep? 28:20 More Amex Platinum rumors - Big credits coming 33:33 New Platinum is worth it and not worth it at the same time Links Frontier Status Match - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a Hampton Waffle contest - https://www.hamptonwaffleflavorcontest.com/ Hyatt lawsuit - https://viewfromthewing.com/customers-sue-after-hyatt-bans-accounts-for-buying-fake-hotel-nights-as-shortcut-to-elite-status/ Amex Platinum rumors - https://milestomemories.com/amex-platinum-card-getting-resy-and-lululemon-credits/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week Alaska finally released the details of their new post-merger loyalty program Atmos Rewards. This new program comes with different ways to earn, milestones and other unique perks, but they also launched a new premium credit card that takes it further. Is Alaska's new loyalty program a good thing, how is this airline growing up and should you grab their new premium credit card offering with its big bonus?   In other news Cracker Barrel was in the news this week because of a brand refresh. Is this getting more difficult in 2025 and what trends are we seeing in the travel space? We also discuss: Chase's strange welcome offer decision, more free cruises in 2025 and how Shawn's upcoming China trip is changing...again.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:40 Shawn's China trip headaches & ninja skills 3:04 Free cruise updates - Is this still working in 2025? 11:06 Debating Chase's weird new welcome offer - Why? 16:33 Alaska launches brand new Atmos Rewards 21:00 Rebrands in 2025 - Cracker Barrel, etc. 28:17 New Atmos Rewards Summit card - Is this a card you should get now? 33:22 Alaska's choice for unique perks makes this new card/program a winner? Links Atmos - https://travel-on-points.com/atmos-rewards-summit-visa-credit-card-review/ https://travel-on-points.com/alaska-hawaiian-atmos-rewards/ https://travel-on-points.com/atmos-soccer-goals-promo/   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!