Podcasts about award travel

In Episode 125 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Angie Sparks and Cameron Laufer dive into a variety of hot topics in the travel and points world before focusing on a destination deep-dive into Iceland. They discuss recent credit card offers, including elevated Hilton Amex bonuses and a new Alaska Airlines Visa offer with a rare companion fare deal. Hyatt's bonus point promotion and Oman Air's upcoming entry into the Oneworld Alliance are also covered. On the personal front, both hosts share recent award redemptions, card strategy updates, and trip planning efforts—including Angie's family reunion logistics and Cameron's luxurious stay at Hermitage Bay.The main segment features an in-depth guide to traveling in Iceland, drawing from Angie and Cameron's separate experiences. Both traveled in August, but while Angie focused on the Golden Circle and adventurous Highlands hikes, Cameron tackled the full Ring Road route counterclockwise, visiting a broad range of regions including the East Fjords and North Iceland. They share practical advice for using points and miles for flights and accommodations, emphasizing the limited but valuable hotel options like Hilton Nordica and ION Adventure Hotel. Tips include renting a 4x4 vehicle, buying food at Costco to save money, and being prepared for strenuous hikes. The episode wraps with a fun announcement: Award Travel 101 merchandise is coming soon.Links From EpisodeOman Joins OneWorldHyatt PromotionNew Hilton OffersNew Alaska CC offerIceland Names/PlacesSouthBlue LagoonFriðheimar- Tomoto restaurantReykjadalur Hot SpringsJokulsarlon- glacier boat ride and diamond beachReynisfjara BeachSkaftafell- glacier and hikesHighlandsLandmannalauger and/or ThorsmorkSoutheastHofn- Pakkhus restaurantStokksnesEastSeydisfjordur or Borgarfjörður EystriNorth- AkureyriDettifoss waterfallLake Myvatn and bathsDimmuborgir lava fieldLeirhnjukur- bubbling hot fieldsHusavik- whale watchingSiglufjörður- orange lighthouseNorthwestSnaefellsnesKirkjufell- waterfallLodgingHunkubakkarWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

In Episode 124 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, host Angie Sparks is joined by organizers of the renowned Chicago Seminars, the oldest and largest in-person gathering for the points and miles community. The event, taking place November 7–9, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, will feature over 50 sessions, nearly 50 expert speakers, and aims to build on last year's success, which raised over $30,000 for charity. With over 500 attendees expected, the seminar is a packed, sleep-deprived, info-filled weekend designed for everyone from beginners to advanced users of travel rewards. Early room availability was snapped up quickly, but nearby hotel options and tips for award alerts were shared. The $329 ticket includes meals, receptions, and upgraded app features, plus enhanced community-building events and labeled experience-level sessions.The episode also dives into key travel news, including significant devaluations from Capital One Venture X and Hilton. Capital One announced that authorized users will lose lounge access benefits in 2026 unless cardholders pay extra fees or hit high spending thresholds. Meanwhile, Hilton has increased award pricing at several high-end properties to as much as 200,000 points per night, making free night certificates even more valuable. Additionally, Flying Blue released its June promo fares, and several programs are offering point purchase bonuses and transfer incentives. The hosts share personal travel updates—from Anguilla and Asia to booking award redemptions—and tease the next meetup in Miami, happening September 19–21 at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables.Show Links:- Hilton up to 200K per night- Flying Blue Promo Awards- Capital One Venture Lounge changes- Sign up for Chicago SeminarsWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

Episode 123 of the Award Travel 101 podcast covers a variety of travel rewards topics, including a debate over using Ultimate Rewards vs. Capital One points for the same flight. The hosts, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo, also discuss major updates in the travel industry, such as United and JetBlue's Blue Sky partnership, Chase's new welcome bonuses on IHG credit cards, and the finalization of Capital One's acquisition of Discover Bank. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines implements new policies that bring checked bag fees, Basic fares, and expiration dates on flight credits.The episode's main topic, Angie and Mike anders some travel questions from the community that might had been overlooked. The hosts weigh in on credit card strategies, airline booking tips, and award redemptions while preparing for their own upcoming travels—Mike is gearing up for a family trip to Alaska, and Angie has multiple destinations in mind, including Anguilla and a potential golf trip to Ireland. They also preview the next Award Travel 101 meetup in Miami, set for September 19–21, featuring a brewery reception, travel seminars, and an immersive art experience. Their tip of the week: don't procrastinate on confirming travel plans.Links to Topics DiscussedUnited and JetBlue form Blue Sky partnershipIHG Cards Enhanced OffersCapital One- Discover Merger FinalizesSouthwest Bag FeesSouthwest Same Day Change Policy ChangeWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

Have you ever dreamed of flying to Japan in business class—without paying out of pocket? Bilt just made that a lot easier. In this episode, I'm joined by award travel strategist Ben Komenkul to talk about the newest (and most exciting) Bilt Rewards transfer partner: Japan Airlines. This partnership opens the door to premium flights across Asia and around the world—and it's not just for those planning a trip to Tokyo. Ben and I walk through everything from low-cost regional flights and lie-flat business class options to more advanced redemptions like partner bookings with Emirates or Korean Air. We also share the biggest tips and pitfalls to know before transferring your Bilt points, including how to avoid JAL's 60-day award booking delay and why their mileage expiration policy might not work for everyone. If you've been curious about using Bilt points—or want to understand when this program can unlock premium cabin value—this is a must-listen.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/book-japan-airlines-with-bilt-rewards/ Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header  Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

In Episode 122 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Cameron Laufer is joined by Emmanuel Crouvisier from CardPointers to discuss the latest news in travel rewards, new credit card offers, and tips for maximizing points. A standout feature of the episode is the deep dive into CardPointers, a tool designed to help users optimize their credit card rewards. Emmanuel explains how CardPointers was born and offers a detailed walk-through of its features, including the “For You,” “Pointers,” and “Offers” tabs, as well as how users can stack rewards and integrate with shopping portals for even more value. The episode also covers security concerns, multiuser features, and how the app's iOS widgets and desktop browser extension can help users keep track of their points.The podcast also highlights several important updates in the travel rewards world. This includes devaluations by Citi, where the redemption rate for cashback on the Strata Premier and Prestige cards dropped from 1 cent per point to 0.75 cents, and changes from United Airlines, which have removed instant upgrades for elites on certain fare classes and eliminated the Excursionist perk. Listeners are also encouraged to take advantage of new credit card offers, such as the 75K Aeroplan card for a $95 annual fee and the 100K American Executive card, both with specific spending requirements. The episode wraps up with some personal travel updates, including Cameron's upcoming trips to Chicago and Patagonia, and Emmanuel's recent trip to Jamaica. Lastly, Cameron shares a tip of the week about stacking rewards using Capital One shopping and CardPointers to maximize savings.Episode Links:Citi Cash Back DevaluationAeroplan OfferCiti AAdvantage Executive Record High OfferUnited Program ChangesWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

In Episode 121 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo recap a packed week of travel news, personal updates, and a deep dive into the recent "Magnificent Miles Meetup" in Chicago. They highlight a popular Facebook post comparing Andaz Maui and HR Maui, with opinions divided based on points cost and who's traveling with you. News-wise, they cover Hawaiian Airlines parting ways with Amex, a Citi to Wyndham 25% transfer bonus, Flying Blue dropping Delta award prices for 2026, and Aeroplan offering a 90% bonus on purchased points. Angie shared she's cutting back on card applications after a denial, while Mike celebrated scoring a 100k Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus.The main topic focused on the Chicago meetup, where despite weather and travel delays, most attendees made it thanks to their seasoned travel skills. Angie and Mike flew on AA (via Alaska for Mike), and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, using points and benefits like GOH awards and club access. Formal events included a Friday rooftop reception, Saturday learning sessions from travel experts, and a custom improv comedy show Saturday night. Unofficially, attendees self-organized through a Messenger chat for cruises, walking tours, karaoke, and hotel lobby meetups. Looking ahead, a fall meetup is planned with early access for their AT201 group and expanded capacity expected. Their takeaway tip? Always build in extra time to get to the airport—things go wrong!Links to Topics DiscussedAmerican Express Ending Transfers to Hawiian AirlinesCiti Thank You Points to Wyndham Transfer BonusFlying Blue Drops 2026 Delta Award PricingAir Canada Aeroplan Buy Points PromotionWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

If you've ever struggled to find award space—especially in business class—this is the episode you've been waiting for. In this episode, I'm diving into a unique but often overlooked type of airline route called a fifth freedom flight. These flights are legal exceptions in commercial aviation that allow an airline to fly between two foreign countries, neither of which is their home base—and for points enthusiasts, they offer some of the best award availability, better cabin experiences, and unique route opportunities around the world. I'll walk you through the history behind these flights, how to spot them, and the exact routes worth checking out to Europe, Asia, Africa, and even the Caribbean. Whether you're hunting for better premium cabin space or just want a smoother flight, fifth freedom flights should absolutely be on your radar. Get full show notes and transcript:  Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

We dive into the complex world of changing and canceling award travel, sharing real experiences and practical strategies to help save your trip when plans change.• Domestic carriers like American, Alaska, and Southwest generally don't charge fees for award ticket changes• International airlines like Air France/Flying Blue, British Airways, and Singapore typically charge significant change fees• A personal saga of spending three hours changing Air France flights reveals important distinctions between calling the airline versus the loyalty program• Waiting for airline schedule changes can sometimes qualify you for fee-free changes or cancellations• Premium credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X offer valuable trip protection benefits• An annual travel insurance policy (like Allianz) can provide additional protection for under $500 for a family of five• Booking one-way flights provides more flexibility and potentially lower change fees when plans shift• When evaluating change fees, consider whether the improved experience justifies the cost• Clearing cookies when searching for award availability can sometimes reveal better optionsIf you've enjoyed our podcast, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It helps more people find the podcast and helps us grow to provide more fun content. Thank you!

In Episode 120 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike Zaccheo and Angie Sparks cover Angie's recent trip to Slovenia and Croatia, blending personal travel highlights with timely award travel news. Big community updates include the long-awaited announcement of the 2025 Chicago Seminars (Nov 7–9 at HR ORD), changes to Emirates First Class award access for elites only, and generous summer promotions from Best Western and Marriott Homes & Villas. Hyatt also announced a cap on the number of awards a member can receive via gifting, beginning June 7, 2025. On the personal front, Angie completed spend on her ABG card and is eyeing her next one, while Mike is working up the nerve to have Player 2 call Chase before a bonus expires.Angie detailed her trip to the Balkans, booked using Turkish Miles & Smiles with a bonus from Citi ThankYou Points. Despite a few travel hiccups, she had an enjoyable experience flying Turkish Airlines and Polaris on the return. Hotels were mostly booked with cash via OTAs, with some offset using Capital One travel credits. Angie and her travel companion rented a car for their road trip, visiting Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, and iconic caves like Postojna, before crossing into Italy and heading down the Istrian coast into Croatia. Highlights included truffle tasting tours, the Roman ruins in Pula, and the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Angie strongly recommends Slovenia for its beauty, affordability, and mild summer weather. Her tip of the week? Always pack a charging brick—especially when facing airport delays.Link to Topics Discussed15th Annual Chicago SeminarsEmirates restricts First Class award redemptionsBest Western Points PromotionHyatt Restricts Award GiftsMarriott Homes & Villas PromotionEmirates Skyward Miles ExpirationWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

In Episode 119 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike and Maria kick things off with a community highlight from Paul, who shared his unique travel ritual of getting haircuts abroad to experience local culture. This sparked a lively discussion, with other members mentioning grocery stores, tattoos, children's books, and grooming services as ways to engage with destinations more deeply. The hosts then dove into news: Chase's 100K Sapphire Preferred offer is ending soon, Alaska Airlines added Philippine Airlines as a partner, Amex and Chase paused Emirates transfers temporarily, and Hyatt launched a lucrative promo for Under the Canvas stays.The main feature covered “Disappearing Sweet Spots” amid ongoing devaluations in award charts. While many programs have raised prices or introduced dynamic pricing (like JAL and Lufthansa), there are still valuable redemptions to be had. ANA's RTW awards remain competitive, and Cathay Pacific has been reliably releasing premium cabin awards despite eliminating its chart. Maria emphasized the importance of diversifying points currencies to navigate future changes. The episode closed with a timely tip: use Rakuten's 15% Big Give Week and the AA shopping portal to stack points on Mother's Day purchases.Links to Topics DiscussedChase Sapphire Preferred Elevated OfferAlaska Adds Philipine Airlines as a Booking PartnerChase & Amex Pause Transfers to EmiratesHyatt Under the Canvas PromoMaria Points The Way - Cathay & JAL ChangesWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

In Episode 118 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, host Mike Zaccheo is joined by moderator April Rose. The episode begins with the "Post of the Week," highlighting a discussion on whether obtaining a Real ID before the May 7 deadline is worthwhile, given that some licenses don't expire for years. Commenters suggested alternatives such as carrying a passport or a Global Entry card for compliance. The news segment covers updates like Bilt Rewards adding Southwest as a transfer partner, reciprocal checked bag benefits for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines cardholders, and Citi's devaluation of transfer rates for select loyalty programs.The episode's highlight feature addresses a sensitive topic—managing travel points and miles after the passing of a loved one. Mike and April delve into the policies of different loyalty programs, providing a guide for transferring points, including required documentation and potential fees. They also explore creative ways to honor a loved one's legacy using points, such as taking trips to places they cherished or donating miles to charity. To prepare for such situations proactively, they suggest enrolling in family sharing programs across various airlines and hotel chains. The episode concludes with a tip from April: travelers can text TSA for inquiries on acceptable items when flying.Links to Topics DiscussedBilt adds Southwest as a transfer partnerBilt Rent Day promotionsAlaska-Hawaiian reciprocal bag benefitsCiti reduces transfer ratiosTSA Rules on cremated remainsText TSA for infoWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Angie Sparks is joined by special guest Steve Harms, a seasoned award traveler and recent retiree, to explore how retirement reshapes points and miles strategies. Steve shares his journey into the hobby starting in 2020, diving headfirst into earning transferable points, amassing over a dozen cards, and navigating credit card rules like 5/24. He also outlines his wife Cindy's more cautious but strategic participation, especially given her role as a caregiver for her parents. The couple's travel patterns and card usage evolved significantly due to caregiving responsibilities and then Steve's retirement in 2024. Their planning now revolves around minimizing annual fees, maximizing retention offers, and selectively product-changing cards to continue earning bonuses without increasing financial burden.The main focus of the episode is how retirement impacts travel rewards strategy. Steve recommends applying for high-AF cards and meeting spend thresholds before retiring, when income is more predictable. Post-retirement, tighter budgets mean being more selective, relying on retention bonuses, using tools like CardPointers, and even incorporating cash-back strategies or bonus purchasing to fill gaps. He also shares insights into managing healthcare costs without employer group insurance—touching on COBRA, Medicare, and supplemental plans. For retirees, cards like the no-AF AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard (3% on gas and drugstores, 2% on medical) can be especially valuable. A listener SOS from “Credit Card Jail” also prompted discussion on getting creative with less common banks and targeting no-lifetime-limit Amex offers. Finally, Angie shares a TSA PreCheck tip for fixing boarding pass issues when booking with partner airlines—proving a little persistence can pay off.Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

In Episode 116 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie and Cameron dive into key travel news and updates, including a lively community discussion sparked by a member seeking solo travel advice for women. Recommendations ranged from safe bets like Switzerland and Singapore to more debated destinations like Morocco, Mexico City, and Cape Town. In news, SkyTeam announced lounge access policy changes that include tighter time restrictions and stricter guest access, while Qatar introduced a new “QSuites Guarantee” to compensate for aircraft downgrades. Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are offering point purchase bonuses. Lastly, ANA is phasing out its ultra-cheap round-the-world ticket but now allows one-way awards, opening up new opportunities with low surcharges and excellent value.The highlight segment focuses on the American Airlines AAdvantage program. Angie and Cameron explore its unique characteristics, like the lack of bank transfer partners, but also its strengths—such as cheap domestic awards and valuable partner redemptions. They also break down the Loyalty Points system and status tiers, which offer incremental rewards from 40K points upward. Earning strategies include credit card bonuses, shopping portals, AA Hotels, and Bask Bank. The episode wraps with a tip from Cameron on consolidating Southwest flight credits before upcoming program restrictions, helping travelers simplify redemptions and maximize their leftover funds.Links to Topics DiscussedSkyTeam Lounge Access Policy "Enhancements"Qatar Q-Suites GuarenteeAlaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines Buying Points Bonus OffersANA Eliminating Round-the-World TicketBask Bank AAdvantage Miles EarningCombining Southwest Flight CreditsWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Episode 115 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosted by Mike Zaccheo, features Joe Petrovic's recent return from his second trip to Japan within a year. The "Post of the Week" highlights Maria, a moderator, who utilized the concierge service of her legacy Ritz Carlton card to secure restaurant reservations in Seoul despite language barriers. This episode underscores leveraging unique credit card benefits for hassle-free travel planning.Among the discussed news topics is the record-high bonus offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, ideal for new travelers, and tightened product change rules by Citi, limiting flexibility in switching between card families. Other highlights include updated bonus categories for Chase Freedom and Citi Custom Cash cards and Loganair's adoption of Avios currency, making their often-expensive short flights more accessible.The episode's main feature dives into Joe's spring trip to Japan to practice Japanese and experience cherry blossom season. His meticulously planned itinerary included flights and luxurious hotel stays leveraged through credit card points and perks. Notable highlights of the trip include exploring Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo, indulging in cultural and natural sites like Naminoue Beach, the Umeda Sky Building, and cherry blossom viewing spots.Finally, the podcast wraps up with travel tips, emphasizing tools like Google Maps and translation apps, learning basic phrases in the local language, and planning extra time to navigate. Whether for seasoned travelers or beginners, the episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring travel tales.Links to Topics DiscussedChase Sapphire Preferred Record High OfferCiti Tightening Product Change RulesRotating Quarterly Bonus Categories ResetScottish Airline Loganair Adopts Avios CurrencyWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

The cash back vs points rollercoaster ride is coming to an end on Episode 103!  Micah and Brian are joined again by the incredible Angie from the Award Travel 101 podcast for a deep dive into Brian's wallet!  Angie is in agreement with Brian that points are much more valuable for people who travel over cash back. However, there are several places where Brian can improve his earning potential.In addition, Angie also goes over some tools that will help people find these incredible redemptions.The show opens and closes with the breathtaking sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their vibrant Welcome and Goodbye songs were recorded live at the majestic Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.Want to experience their magic in person? Join us on an unforgettable group trip to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa in late September 2025! Contact Brian at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG for all the details.Prepare yourself for an episode packed with passion, debate, and some professional moderation. 

In Episode 114 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo take listeners behind the scenes of what it's like running a large Facebook community dedicated to points and miles travel. They kick things off with a viral post about Tampa International Airport's humorous rebranding inspired by its iconic flamingo statue, Phoebe. The episode covers major updates in the travel and credit card world, including widely disliked changes to United's credit card portfolio, the return of National Car Rental's One Two Free promo, and various hotel promotions from Hyatt and Accor. Angie shares her recent Atlanta trip booked with points and previews plans for a fall leaf-peeping road trip.The heart of the episode focuses on the daily grind (and occasional chaos) of moderating a massive Facebook group. While most members are helpful and enthusiastic, the hosts explain the challenges of dealing with repeat questions, Facebook's finicky search and tagging systems, and limitations placed by certain banks that restrict how their products can be discussed. They also talk about how the group earns money—mostly through affiliate links and AT201 memberships—and encourage members to support the group by using their links and participating more actively. They wrap up with a reminder not to rely too heavily on autopay and to always double-check credit card payments.Links to Topics DiscussedUnited Airlines Card Portfolio OverhaulNational Card Retnal One, Two, free promotionHyatt 777 Bonus and other current promotionsAccor Live Limitless bonus point promotionWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

In Episode 113 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike Zaccheo is joined by Angie Sparks to cover recent travel news, community highlights, and updates in the points and miles world. The featured post of the week sparked lively discussion in the Facebook group, where members shared their post-travel routines—from immediately unpacking to leaving bags untouched for days or even storing them in the garage to avoid bedbugs. The news segment touched on Cathay Pacific's upcoming award chart changes, Chase's all time high IHG Business card offer, American Airlines' status match targeting dissatisfied Southwest elites, and a slew of ongoing buy points and loyalty promotions.Angie and Mike also discussed recent personal wins and upcoming trips, including Angie's plans using the Companion Pass and Mike's booking for Phoenix and a stay at the Hyatt Regency Times Square. The highlight feature focused on Hyatt's shifting loyalty program—once a favorite but now facing scrutiny due to changes like the loss of SLH, the addition of peak/off peak pricing, and the re-categorization of over 150 properties, many moving up in cost. Are these changes enough to finally make us persue loyalty elsewhere? Or will we (mostly Mike) forever drink from the World of Hyatt Kool-Aid pitcher?They wrapped up with a tip encouraging listeners to attend local points and miles meetups to exchange knowledge and discover new travel hacks, emphasizing the value of in-person community connections.Links to Topics DiscussedCathay Pacific Award Chart ChangesChase IHG Busines Card OfferAmerican Airlines Instant Status Pass for Southwest "Elites"Hyatt Annual Category ChangesWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

The rollercoaster ride on Episode 102 continues! Micah and Brian are joined again by the incredible Angie from the Award Travel 101 podcast for a deep dive into Micah's wallet!  No, she is not going to pick pocket him but go over his credit card strategy and make recommendations on how he can improve his walletSadly, this is no question from Listener Lu this week because we have so much to discuss with Micah's walletFor the main segment of the show, Angie tries to get Micah to give up his cash back and come over to the dark side of the points and miles game… or is it a hobby?  She goes over the features and benefits of his 11, mostly, cash back credit cards.  Angie shows Micah how a bit of change in attitude will enable him to change his altitude and fly internationally in business class for nearly free!The show opens and closes with the breathtaking sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their vibrant Welcome and Goodbye songs were recorded live at the majestic Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.Want to experience their magic in person? Join us on an unforgettable group trip to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa in late September 2025! Contact Brian at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG for all the details.Prepare yourself for an episode packed with passion, debate, and some professional moderation. 

Episode 112 of the Award Travel 101 podcast features host Mike Zaccheo and guest Brandyn Osborne, a passionate traveler, entrepreneur, and board gamer. They first met in the Charlotte (CLT) Centurion Lounge, sparking Brandyn's involvement in the Award Travel 101 community. Brandyn shares how his wife's inspiration led him to discover award travel, culminating in a memorable business-class honeymoon trip to New Zealand and Fiji using credit card sign-up bonuses. The conversation also explores his professional journey in gaming and how award travel helped him connect with gaming friends worldwide, eventually forming his business, Conhorde.The duo discusses recent travel news, including Southwest Airlines' controversial decision to eliminate free checked bags starting May 28 for most passengers. They touch upon credit card offers such as Chase Freedom Q2 bonus categories and Brandyn's strategic card usage to maximize rewards. Trip updates include Mike's St. Kitts adventure, hiking Mt. Liamuiga, and Brandyn's UK and European travels for work and personal interests. Brandyn emphasizes how gaming conventions shaped his career, offering tips on affordable travel for enthusiasts using points, while stressing the importance of accountability and supportive travel partners. The episode highlights practical advice and the intersection of passion and savvy travel strategies.Links to Topics DiscussedSouthwest to Charge For Checked BagsChase Freedom Flex Q2 Bonus CategoriesChase Ink Business Card ComparisonVenture X Business vs Amex Platinum BusinessConhorde - Brandyn's BusinessWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Episode 111 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosted by Angie Sparks with guest Joseph Petrovic, covers key updates in the world of points and miles. They discuss a travel hack to avoid costly airline upgrades by using schedule changes instead. In industry news, Southwest has reduced reward rates, Etihad is offering up to a 40% transfer bonus until March 2025, and Singapore Airlines is celebrating 10 million KrisFlyer members with bonus miles and a 20% discount on select award flights.Angie and Joe also share recent travel and credit card updates. Angie rebooked her return flight from Croatia to avoid an overnight layover, while Joe optimized his Japan trip by securing multiple flights and award hotel stays. He also saved points by rebooking a Bonvoy stay at a lower rate. Their credit card strategies were a major focus—Angie manages 53 cards with over $8,000 in annual fees and plans to close 10 to save costs, while Joe, with 50 cards, offsets fees through tax strategies and benefits, making his collection cost-neutral.To wrap up, Joe highlights ExpertFlyer as a valuable but often overlooked tool for securing first and business class upgrades on airlines like Alaska, American, Hawaiian, and Korean. While many tools have emerged in the award travel space, ExpertFlyer still provides an edge for certain travelers. The episode offers valuable insights into maximizing award travel, staying flexible with bookings, and making the most of credit card benefits.Links to Topics DiscussedSouthwest Slashes Earn RatesHotel Program to Etihad Guest Transfer BonusSingapore Airlines Krisflyer PromosWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

What do we think are the best hotel programs for outsized value? Have we noticed some of the same Alaska Airlines quirks that our listeners have? What have our experiences with the EVA Air program been (if any)? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on March 5th, 2025. 00:40 - What's the most meaningful miles and points trip you've had? 03:16 - Inspired by Nick's “falling in love with Alaska” post… Let's play a miles themed version of the old FMK game (the acronym will make sense in a moment, Carrie!) We'll call it lust, marry, kill rather than the original name. Between Alaska, Aeroplan, and Avios, which is your torrid love affair, which would you settle down with, which ends up left behind? 05:47 - What's the teams thoughts on how long this Amex to Hawaii to Alaska gravy train will last? 10:56 - Were any of the frequent milers effected by the recent Amex shutdowns? 12:55 - Any tips to reduce/avoid parking fees at airports? I live far enough away that Uber or shuttles are just as much(or more), so is there anything I'm not thinking of? 17:15 - ​​Which airlines offer lie flat seats from the eastern half of the USA to Hawaii with at least some availability via points at a reasonable cost? 19:21 - ​​I don't have any business spend so I'm hesitant to apply for business cards and use it for personal expenses. Is it legal/allowed to put personal spend on business cards? 21:28 ​​Is the 15% Delta Amex discount a real discount or Delta increased the redemption rate before the discount is applied. Their miles seem to be $.012/mile after the 15%. Is their miles really that bad? 24:01 - hey everyone! have any of you ever booked an award flight with EVA? so many quirks to that program but 75-80k to Asia is a good deal. Would love to hear any if your experiences if you have. Thanks! 28:29 - what's up with Alaska's phantom award availability? I've noticed this especially with AA, award space will show in Alaska, sometimes other partners, then Alaska won't ticket. And on Alaska - have you noticed Alaska semi-dynamically pricing AA routes? IE award chart says route should be 7.5k but all routes instead price at 10k or 12.5k? 33:50 - ​​if I took a retention offer to keep amex gold. Will amex take back points if I take an upgrade to platinum offer? 34:31 - ​​I received an offer for the Caesars no annual fee card. with 5000 spend in three months giving me diamond status. Am I crazy for wanting to get it for the free parking, no resorts fee, and food credit 37:45 - When checking if a layover will offer enough time, how can I know in advance if I may be forced to pickup + recheck my bags? Either with a single or multiple carriers? 38:56 - I'm trying to potentially book a Maldives trip with Hilton FNC but I'd like to connect there in style on Qatar and/or Emirates. Considering free night certificates only last a year and flights often are best booked a year out, how would you navigate a trip where flights and hotels might both be high demand options or timelines 44:25 - Which hotel rewards program would you say lately offers the highest probability for outside value? To me, it's not close I believe Hilton shines in this respect. 51:45 - Have you ever gotten weird looks from the clerk while buying gift cards? 55:03 - ​​I found lots of availability at a SLH thru Hilton. Four nights bookable, but when I went to 5 nights, availability vanished. Is the hotel playing games to avoid 5th night free? Any workaround ideas

Get ready for a rollercoaster ride on Episode 101! Micah and Brian are joined by the incredible Angie from the Award Travel 101 podcast for a deep dive into the travel hacking trenches!But hold on! Listener Lu's epic question, demanding a look back at 100 shows – the biggest surprises, Brian's legendary journeys, the highs, the lows, and what they'd change – was just TOO juicy to rush! Consider it a cliffhanger, folks, because we're promising a dedicated, in-depth answer in a future episode. Trust us, it'll be worth the wait!This week, the battle lines are drawn! It's Brian, the points-wielding maestro, versus Micah, the cash-hoarding strategist! Who's right? Who's wrong? Angie steps into the arena to referee this epic showdown, and let's just say, the debate gets heated! (Spoiler alert: one episode wasn't enough! You'll HAVE to tune in to Episode 102 to witness the ultimate verdict!)And to set the perfect global tone, we're thrilled to feature the breathtaking sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their vibrant Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded live at the majestic Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia.Want to experience their magic in person? Join us on an unforgettable group trip to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa in late September 2025! Contact Brian at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG for all the details.Prepare yourself for an episode packed with passion, debate, and some professional moderation. 

Episode 110 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosted by Angie Sparks with Cameron Laufer, covers a range of travel reward topics, from hotel loyalty programs to new credit card offers and companion pass deals. They highlight a discussion about maximizing hotel points for international stays, with Hyatt standing out for high-tier status benefits and Hilton offering strong resort options. They also review recent promotions, such as Chase's 20% transfer bonus to Avios, new Hilton Amex card offers, and Frontier's new Companion Pass for Platinum and Diamond members. Additionally, Angie shares insights into a now-expired JetBlue transfer bonus and personal experiences with credit card applications and spending strategies.The main feature of this episode compares award travel search tools based on recent findings from Frequent Miler. They discuss several options, including Point.me, Seats.aero, PointsYeah.com, Roame.travel, and Award Tool, outlining their strengths, pricing, and unique features like real-time searches, cached results, alerts, and multiple airport search capabilities. While no single tool is perfect, they emphasize choosing one based on travel habits and preferred airlines. Cameron closes the episode with a tip for booking domestic flights—purchasing the cheapest same-day flight and leveraging schedule changes to switch to a more desirable option for free.Chase to Avios Transfer BonusNew Hilton Amex OffersFrontier Companion PassWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

In Episode 109 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo discuss a variety of travel-related topics. Angie highlights a member's trip report on using AMEX Marriott Bonvoy card rewards to stay at the Westin Bora Bora, while Mike shares exciting news about new Capital One and Chase Sapphire lounges in Las Vegas and Philadelphia respectively. They also cover updates on CapitalOne's partnership with JetBlue, the reintroduction of United Premier luggage tags, and a Southwest discount code for award flights.The hosts then share their recent travel experiences and upcoming trips. Angie talks about her beach trip to the Hiatus Clearwater Beach hotel, while Mike mentions his plans to visit St. Kitts and Alaska. They also delve into their packing strategies and favorite travel gadgets, such as multi-device charging cords, TSA-compliant toiletry bags, and RFID-protected travel purses. The episode concludes with a tip of the week on using apps like Tripit Pro and Award Wallet to manage trip details.Links to Topics DiscussedCapital One Lounge Las VegasChase Sapphire Lounge PhiladelphiaCapitalOne adds JetBlue back as transfer partnerUnited Premier luggage tags are available againOrder Delta Medallian luggage tags20% Off Discount Code for award flights for Southwest cardholdersSouthwest targeted 3,000 point bonus offerWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of award travel, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples. I break down complex topics like transferable points currencies, positioning flights, and maximizing leftover gift card balances in a way that's easy to understand and apply to your own travel goals.   So grab a pen and paper (or just hit that bookmark button) because you won't want to miss a single nugget of wisdom in this value-packed episode. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for earning and redeeming points like a pro, plus some insider secrets for booking those elusive award flights.    Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/top-award-travel-questions-listener-q-a   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

In Episode 108 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Angie Sparks and Maria Fung discuss a variety of topics related to points and miles. They highlight a Facebook post from Ruby, who used over 1 million points for a family trip to Florida and Legoland, despite acknowledging it wasn't the best redemption value. Angie also shares news about a new Amex transfer bonus to Hilton Honors points, Avianca devaluing its LifeMiles program again, and Citi's best-ever offer on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®. Maria mentions various hotel promotions and encourages listeners to follow their Facebook group or the Award Wallet blog for updates.The hosts then share their personal experiences with credit card applications and bonuses. Angie talks about her partner's struggles with getting approved for an Amex Biz Gold card and their success with a Southwest card. She also mentions her son's first credit card approval and upcoming travel plans. Maria provides an update on her Citi AA Business card and Amex MR strategy, as well as her recent self-care trip to Japan. She emphasizes the importance of last-minute redemptions, points diversification, baggage allowance, and knowing alcohol import rules. The episode wraps up with trip updates and key takeaways for maximizing points and miles for travel.Links to Topics DiscussedAmex MR Transfer Bonus to Hilton HonorsAvianca Lifemiles DevaluationCiti AAdvantage Platinum Card Enhanced BonusWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Are you someone who collects points and miles?Or have you often wondered if you could or should get into collecting miles and points?If you are a newbie or have delved into points and miles a little bit, then you'll want to listen to this episode with Julian Kheel.Julian is a points and miles expert and Founder of Points Path.He talks us through getting started earning points and miles, how to use them and when to use them.This is a fabulous, educational episode that will help you travel more using those points and miles.Want to chat more about travel rewards?Reach out to Lynne at Lynne@WanderYourWay.com.In this episode:1:35: Intro2:47: Julian Kheel bio5:30: Introducing Julian6:18: WWE to Travel Pro10:41: Where to Start for Beginners19:30: Other Experiences and Hotels26:49: Best Time to Use Points?31:57: Future of Points36:05: Airline Alliances43:21: Final Thoughts & Points Path51:27: Wrapping it UpImportant links:Points PathThe Points GuyDelta AirlinesUnited AirlinesAmerican  AirlinesSouthwest AirlinesGoogle FlightsSupport the showThanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.Follow Wander Your Way:InstagramFacebookPinterest

The American Express Gold Card has a $325 annual fee, but it offers up to $424 of value in credits. Here we'll talk about how we make sure to put those credits to use. Read more about maximizing American Express credit card rebates and credits here. (01:07) - $325 annual fee Find out more about the Amex Gold Card here. (01:19) - Category bonuses (01:42) - How do Greg and Nick use those category bonuses? (03:12) - Up to $424 in credits (or as we like to call them, "coupons"). (03:28) - Resy: $50 semi annually (08:59) - Uber: $10/month (12:12) - Dining partners: $10/month (Goldbelly, Wine.com, Five Guys, Seamless/Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory) (14:08) - Dunkin: $7/month Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Episode 107 of the podcast focuses on skiing with points, featuring hosts Cameron, Joe, and April. They kick off the episode with a discussion on an interesting WSJ article about the extreme lengths people go to reserve pool chairs at resorts. The news segment highlights current point transfer bonuses, including Chase's 30% bonus to Virgin Atlantic and Amex's 15% bonus to Avianca Lifemiles, as well as a limited-time 100K offer for the United Business Card. They also touch on ZorkFest, an upcoming event on the intersection of casino rewards, travel, and loyalty programs. The hosts share their recent credit card bonuses and milestone achievements, with Joe discussing his Hyatt 110-night milestone and Cameron's attempt to secure the BOA Alaska Airlines Business Card.The episode's main feature dives into strategies for skiing on points, covering season passes like Epic and Ikon, hotel and flight redemptions, and planning tactics. Cameron emphasizes spreadsheet tracking for the best pass deals, while April shares her experience with Alaska Airlines' free ski passes. The hosts discuss top ski destinations, including Utah, Colorado, Vermont, Europe, Japan, and Canada, detailing how to use points for flights and hotel stays. The tip of the week comes from Joe, who reminds listeners of the "why" behind award travel—using points not just for luxury, but to create meaningful experiences, like funding his daughter's summer violin program through Hyatt points.Links to Topics DiscussedChase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Bonus to Virgin AtlanticAmex Membership Rewards Transfer Bonus to LifemilesUnited Business Card Increased BonusWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT and the waitlist is exhaused but stay tuned for news about our next meetup! Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

In Episode 106 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike Zaccheo is joined by fellow community member Charlie to discuss how award travel fuels adventure. Fresh off their whirlwind European microstates trip, they recount their experiences visiting some of the smallest and most fascinating countries in the world, including Andorra, Monaco, and Liechtenstein—all made possible through strategic use of points and miles. From lie-flat seats on transatlantic flights to luxury hotel upgrades and rental cars for border-hopping, their journey showcases the power of award travel to create unforgettable experiences.Before diving into their adventure, they cover the latest in airline loyalty programs, including the new JetBlue Premium Card, Virgin Atlantic's status match offer, and United's updated status challenge. Charlie also shares some impressive recent redemptions, from an Amex Gold 200k offer to Citi AA Business approvals. They wrap up with a valuable tip—book early and book often—emphasizing how planning ahead for flexibility and in some cases pivoting at the last possible minute helped one of them score Lufthansa First Class and other premium redemptions for their ambitious travels.Links to Topics DiscussedNew JetBlue Premium CardVirgin Atlantic Status MatchUnited Status MatchWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

In this episode moderators Eric Holly and Maria Fung take over hosting duties where they focus on the challenges and strategies of traveling with teenagers, a topic both moderators are familiar with as parents of teens at home and in college. They discuss how family schedules have changed over the years and how they've adapted their travel planning to accommodate busy school calendars and personal preferences.The episode also covers the latest updates in travel rewards. Hyatt's Bonus Journeys promotion is back, offering 2X and 3X points on stays through March 2025. Lufthansa is introducing new A380 routes, including its first-ever service to Denver, and Choice Privileges has partnered with Westgate Resorts to expand booking options. Japan Airlines is also increasing U.S. service, meaning more availability for award seats. Additionally, Maria and Eric share insights into their current credit card bonuses and strategies for maximizing points.When discussing family travel, both moderators reflect on how they involve their teens in trip planning. Maria shares how her family now splits up for certain trips due to conflicting schedules, while Eric highlights the importance of aligning flights when traveling with a college student. They also revisit their favorite travel memories—Maria's 21-day European adventure and Eric's Northern Lights experience in Norway—while acknowledging the challenges, such as planning multi-generational trips or managing long-haul economy flights with restless kids. The episode concludes with their Tip of the Week, emphasizing the importance of using travel tools to find the best flight and hotel deals efficiently.Links to Topics DiscussedQ1 Hyatt Bonus JourneysChoice Privileges Adds Westgate ResortsCiti AA BusinessCiti Double CashWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

This is the 2nd beginner-focused episode and is about the mindset of churning as a hobby and how to get started with award travel. I also talk about some tips for Qatar Airways and how to book with EVA's own mileage program.Head over to churninglife.com for more information about the Patreon and private Slack group.

In Episode 104 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Mike Zaccheo and Eric Holly discuss the importance of utilizing shopping portals, highlighting a post by a member who earned 50k points through CapitalOne shopping. They also cover news such as United's high buy-up offers for elite status, the shutdown of the Dosh App, and Chase's new bonus promotions for co-branded cards. Additionally, they mention the recent FlyingBlue devaluation, which saw increases in award redemptions for economy, premium economy, and business class.The hosts share personal updates on the bonuses they received and their travel plans. Eric talks about his recent Bank of Hawaii card acquisition and upcoming trips, including a family weekend in St. Pete, an anniversary weekend in NYC, and a graduation trip to Paris and London. Mike discusses his European Microstates adventure and a bachelor/bachelorette party in Nashville. They also highlight popular New Year's travel destinations such as New York, Sydney, London, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro, each known for unique celebrations and festivities. Finally, Eric shares details of his trip to Chile, including stays in Vina del Mar, Easter Island, and Santiago, with a focus on maximizing loyalty points and rewards.Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

In this episode, Angie and Anthony Cave dive into the latest in travel news, personal updates, and tips for making the most of your points and miles. The highlight post of the week is Scott's review of Secrets Papagayo in Costa Rica, a Hyatt all-inclusive, where snorkeling and diverse dining options stood out. Angie and Anthony also discuss the new U.K. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement starting January 9, Delta's partnership switch from Lyft to Uber, and updates on Hyatt, including a lucrative new business card offer and promotions like double elite night credits for Under Canvas stays.The conversation shifts to personal travel updates, with Angie prepping for a Slovenia trip inspired by its recent popularity and Anthony planning visits to Japan, Vienna, and Taiwan on award travel deals. The main feature delves into budget travel, where Anthony highlights how airline status and deal-hunting elevate the economy experience, sharing examples like mistake fares and fast-track status matches. Angie offers a different perspective, focusing on flexibility, leveraging credit card perks, and prioritizing trip-specific hotel locations over brand loyalty.Wrapping up, the hosts share practical tips, like checking wheretocredit.com for maximizing airline miles on cash flights, and remind listeners of ongoing deals like American Airlines' 10x miles promotion for wildfire relief donations.Links to Topics DiscussedUK Electronic Travel Authorization now required Costs £10 and reports are that it is quick and easyEarn 10X AA Miles for Red Cross CA wildfire relief donationsDelta Announces Rideshare Partnership Going Form Lyft to UberChase World of Hyatt Business Card Enhanced OfferVenetian Las Vegas Now Part of the World of HyattHyatt Under the Canvas PromotionsAirline Status Match Fast TrackWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

In this episode hosts Angie and Mike discuss strategies for maximizing rewards in 2025. They highlight a community post from Marc, a member who successfully earned 1.4 million points by patiently following advice to apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. The hosts also share notable updates in the travel rewards world, including changes to Aeroplan's “Pay Yourself Back” program, Alaska Airlines' elite status retention challenge, and promotions from Marriott Homes & Villas and their Eat Around Town program.For their 2025 strategies, Angie and Mike review their current credit card portfolios and identify areas for improvement. Angie plans to close several cards to reduce annual fees, open new cards to fill gaps, and maximize her credits and points earnings. Her focus will be on building transferable points balances and utilizing card benefits more efficiently. Mike outlines a similar plan, focusing on keeping key Chase and Amex cards while potentially exploring more Citi cards. He also plans to leverage cards to maintain Hyatt Globalist and AA Executive Platinum status. He also laments his stranded Singapore Airlines Miles and hope to find an adequate use to book travel with them this year.Both emphasize the importance of maximizing bonus categories and ensuring all credits are used to avoid lapsing benefits.The episode wraps up with a practical tip from Angie on using the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) credit available through Amex Platinum cards. She recommends using a tool called MaxFHR.com to find affordable properties where the credit can be applied, making it easier to take full advantage of this often-overlooked benefit.Links to Topics DiscussedChase Aeroplan Card Pay Yourself Back ChangesAlaska Airlines Elite Status ChallengeMarriott Homes & Villas Bonus PointsMarriott Eat Around The Town PromoSingapore Krisflyer MilWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

In Episode 101 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie and Cameron discuss the post of the week from member Kelly about card strategies for booking stays with VRBO and Airbnb, highlighting the potential benefits of using cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Ink Business Preferred. They also mention using British Airways, Delta, and Qantas portals for extra rewards, and keeping an eye on airline promotions for bonus points. The episode also covers news about Accor and Qatar Privilege Club's promotion for earning double rewards, as well as a new offer from Avianca's Lifemiles card.The main feature of the episode focuses on the importance of diversifying points and miles across various programs, comparing it to diversifying financial assets. Angie and Cameron share personal stories of how diversifying has helped them unlock more redemption options and avoid missing out on awards due to limited points in one program. They offer advice on prioritizing flexible points and planning a strategy to collect points in multiple currencies, such as starting with Chase and then moving to other programs after reaching 5/24. The episode concludes with a tip of the week from Cameron, recommending the travel blog Earthtrekkers for its comprehensive advice on various destinations and hiking trails.Links to Topics DiscussedAccord and Qatar Double Dip PartnershipCardless Avianca Elite CardMarriott PromotionsWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Mike and Angie recap an exciting year in the world of award travel. This milestone episode kicks off with a look at the lively community debate over a 47-hour Amtrak ride from Chicago to Miami—a no-go for most but sparking dreams of scenic sleeper-car journeys through the mountains. The hosts also dive into current travel deals, including Frontier's GoWild! Pass, IHG's double points promo, and Alaska Airlines' ski getaway perks. Don't forget to check out the latest transfer bonuses from Amex, Chase, and Marriott before the year ends!Mike and Angie reflect on their personal travel wins and challenges this year. Mike shares highlights like earning 1.6 million points through new cards, including the Amex Business Gold, and embarking on trips to Australia, Italy, and Toronto along with meetups in San Antonio, Seattle and Chicago. Angie recounts her creative use of travel funds and miles for family and international adventures, including a business class trip to India. While Angie faced a few travel disappointments with canceled trips, she made the most of domestic travel using companion passes and free night certificates.To wrap up, they reflect on the tools that make award travel possible, from AwardWallet and TripIt to trusty spreadsheets. Whether you're tracking elite statuses, maximizing credit card perks, or planning your next dream getaway, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you make the most of your points and miles in the coming year. Happy travels, and here's to an exciting 2025!Links to Topics DiscussedFrontier GoWild! Pass IHG PromosAlaska Airlines Alpine GetawaysAmex Business GoldYear End ChecklistWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

In Episode 99 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike Zaccheo and Justin Walter dive into exciting travel updates and tips. Highlights include member Paul's recommendation to explore European Christmas markets, featuring Vienna's charm. News about Chase Freedom's Q1 2025 5x categories, Virgin Red's link to Virgin Flying Club for bonus points, and status match opportunities for Delta and Hilton elites was discussed. Southwest also announced the sale of A-List status, offering perks like priority boarding and same-day flight changes.In the main feature, Justin recounts his recent 6-night family trip to Europe, managing the logistics of traveling with seven people, including his sister-in-law's first international journey. He secured United Polaris business class tickets, enjoyed the Polaris lounge at ORD, and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Churchill in London with upgraded suites and stellar service. The family explored iconic attractions earning bonus points through Rakuten for ticket purchases. They wrapped up the trip with a positioning flight to Amsterdam.  While Justin and his travel companions had a smooth return flight to the U.S., his parents faced a different experience. Their itinerary was hit by a lengthy delay, resulting in an unplanned overnight stay in Chicago. This situation served as a reminder to stay calm and make use of available resources when irregular operations (IROPS) occur. On a positive note, they successfully filed a UK261 claim to compensate for the inconvenience. Justin concludes with practical family travel tips—plan your transportation, bring portable strollers, and use Uber for ease. Plus, Justin's tip of the week encourages listeners to jump on outstanding offers when you see them, like we did with the NLL Amex Business Gold recently.Links to Topics DiscussedChase Freedom Q1 2025 CategoriesLink Virgin red to Virgin Flying Club for 4000 pointsAA Announced 2025 Loyalty program changesDelta Status for Hilton Diamond membersWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Us Bank's Smartly Visa Signature card has no annual fee but also no welcome bonus. Even so, because of a benefit from their savings account which can increase earnings on the card, it's worth a discussion on today's Card Talk episode. (00:21) - What are the basics of the U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card Learn more about this card here. (01:06) - You can increase earning with a U.S. Bank Smartly Savings account and have certain amounts deposited w/ US Bank... (02:53) - You'll need a Smartly Savings Account (04:13) - But you can point your money toward Self Directed Investing (08:03) - Be careful how you redeem rewards (10:08) - How does the US Bank Smartly Card compare to Bank of America's Platinum Honors?

Alaska has announced that a premium card is coming in the Summer of 2025. They've given us just little bits of information so far, but in this episode, we'll talk about what those details are. (01:03) - Pre-register by 12/31/24. Get 500 miles now, 5K extra miles later if/when you sign up for card. (01:44) - Basic details...annual fee of $395 and earn Global Companion Award Certificates (05:20) - Receive waived award ticket fees ($12.50 partner award fee, not surcharges) (05:42) - Earn 3x miles on eligible foreign purchases Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

In this episode, Greg and Nick review some of the hotel and flight awards that stood out for each of them in 2024 so they can determine the best of the best for their 2024 award travels. (01:06) - Bilt buy house benefit correction See the previous episode where Greg talked about the Bilt buy house benefit here. Read more about the Bilt Buy House benefit here. (02:42) - Greg's latest experience booking Preferred hotels with Choice points See the previous episode here. (10:17) - Greg: "You're a SAS EuroBonus Millionaire!” (11:56) - Nick: Yikes! (19:24) - Stephen: 1 more needs to be credited (21:32) - Business Platinum gains $200 Hilton credit! (29:48) - IRS temporarily displayed lower fees for paying taxes by credit card (32:04) - Should Greg mattress run 1 Marriott night? (37:24) - Alaska news Read more about Alaska Airlines launching premium card here. (41:48) - Waldorf Astoria New York now bookable with points and free night certificates. (44:22) - Greg's candidates for top awards in 2024 - flights (52:20) - Nick's candidates for top awards in 2024 - flights (56:59) - Best flight pick overall (1:00:32) - Greg's candidates for top awards in 2024 - hotels (1:11:07) - Nick's candidates for top awards in 2024 - hotels (1:21:05) - Beat hotel pick overall (1:22:54) - Other top experiences in 2024 (1:30:07) - Which airline would you prioritize to fly and earn miles with: American, United, or Southwest? 

This week Angie talks with our moderator April Rose where they discuss the featured post of a member's frustration over not being able to use their Priority Pass (PP) membership at SFO, prompting them to consider downgrading their CSR card. PP lounge access is often better internationally, sparking a discussion on the potential downgrades by other members.In the news, AA announced that Citi will be the sole issuer of AA credit cards by 2026. Rakuten is offering a $40 sign-up bonus through their portal, valid until 12/16. Spirit Airlines, currently in bankruptcy, offers a status match opportunity until January 2025. The fee to pay federal income taxes with a credit card has decreased, making it more profitable to use a 2% cash-back card.In the main feature April and Angie also share updates on their personal award travel experiences and discuss the benefits and logistics of planning girls' trips using points and miles, from lounge access to sharing travel expenses. They highlight the importance of having a ready-to-go cosmetic bag and optimizing packing for TSA regulations.Links to Topics DiscussedCiti to Become Sole Issuer of American Airlines Credit CardsRakuten shopping portal cash back offers (or Amex MR)Spirit Airlines Elite Status MatchPaying taxes with a credit cardWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Mike and Randy Clinton dive into various year-end strategies and travel-related topics. They kick off the episode by discussing a lively debate from the community about the etiquette of bringing ziplock bags or containers into airport lounges to take food onto planes. Mike and Randy highlight how this discussion gained traction and sparked varied opinions among travelers, especially those with kids who might not enjoy plane food. They emphasize that while some lounges offer grab-and-go options, others do not, leading to creative solutions by travelers.The hosts also cover several news updates and personal travel experiences. Mike talks about the ITA Volare refer-a-friend offer and the discontinuation of LoungeBuddy.com. They share their recent bonus earnings from various credit card offers, including Amex Business Gold and Hawaiian Airlines. Randy outlines his upcoming trip to China, while Mike shares his experience booking a Taylor Swift concert trip using travel credits. The highlight feature of the episode focuses on year-end strategies for maximizing travel rewards and status matches with airlines and hotels, such as AA's Instant Status Pass, United's Status Match, and Marriott Elite Nights.Links to Topics DiscussedITA Airways Volare Refer-A-Friend OfferAA Expands Instant Status PassAmex Business GoldMarriott Elite Nights with Credit CardsHilton AspireUnited Status Match Royal Caribbean-MGM Status matchWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Our next meetup will be May 16-18, 2025 in Chicago! Tickets are SOLD OUT but visit the Chicago 2025 Meetup page to secure a spot on the waitlist. Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Kelsi Sullivan grew up in Puerto Rico and Mexico City and has lived in way too many places, but her favorite was when she lived in Sri Lanka for 3 years! Traveling for Kelsi is about connection to people, food, culture, and history. In the travel rewards space, she is a solo traveler who loves a bougie last minute business class deal!   Learn how to take advantage of Mexico City's strategic location for your next award trip. Kelsi explains why Mexico City is not only an amazing destination for a memorable stopover, as well as a key hub for unlocking unique award redemptions that most people overlook. She even shares her top recommendations for must-see attractions in the city and practical tips for navigating the airport's hidden gems.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/unlocking-mexico-city-hidden-potential-kelsi-sullivan   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Have you been searching for a tool to simplify your award travel bookings? In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Megan Johnston, Community Manager at Daily Drop, to discuss their recently launched all-in-one software: Daily Drop Pro. This innovative platform combines an award search engine, cash flight deal finder, and points community all in one place.   Megan walks us through the key features of Daily Drop Pro, including its powerful award search capabilities for flights and hotels, cash deal notifications, and the supportive community space called the Pro Lounge. She also shares insider tips on how to maximize the platform's free and paid membership options and how to make the most of their search function.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/bonus-daily-drop-pro-megan-johnston   Don't miss out on the Daily Drop Pro Black Friday promo (starting November 25) and get an annual Pro subscription for just $99 here.   Grab your discounted Daily Drop Pro membership here to take advantage of $50 off an annual membership plan during the Black Friday sale!

Rewards credit cards are often most valuable for their welcome bonuses, but many of them also have very valuable perks just for having the card. So which credit cards have the best perks for a variety of categories? (Learn more about all the best current credit card offers here.) (00:40) - Best airport lounge benefits? (07:34) - Best Automatic Elite status (10:45) - Best award discount/rebate (12:59) - Best Automatic Free Night (no spend required) (15:57) - Best Companion Ticket (18:45) - Best miscellaneous perk Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

United recently announced an increase in elite requirements for 2025. Will Delta follow suit? Luckily, for this year, there's still time... (02:18) - A reader has a datapoint for us about the Equinox credit saying: "My wife successfully used the equinox credit for a massage. She enrolled in an equinox plus membership that came with a 7 day free trial. She was able to book and complete her massage within the 7 day trial period. The credit posted within 2 days and she canceled the membership." (06:17) - Last year Delta announced a drastic increase in elite requirements in 2024 for the 2025 elite year. After a public outcry, they reduced the requirements so much that in 2024 it is easier than ever to earn Delta elite status. Read more about the easy path to Delta elite status here. (08:05) - Multiple elite levels... (13:44) - Besides paying big $ for flights, how can you get status? (19:02) - Delta Status match, which you can read more about here. (23:03) - In summary, what are the easiest paths... (24:48) - Delta cards may be expensive but offer a lot of value Learn more about the Delta Platinum card here, and the Delta Reserve card here. (31:17) - What's the best way to do a long-haul holiday flight for a family with young children?  See which award search tools are best here.

Spencer Howard is a renowned expert in credit card loyalty programs and travel rewards, committed to helping individuals experience the luxury of travel. As the founder of Straight To The Points (STTP), he has built a premier resource for demystifying credit card points, enabling members to enjoy business-class travel for both business and leisure. Spencer launched STTP in 2017. Since then, he has provided complimentary and premium content through his Award Alert newsletters, which now boast over 21,000 members. STTP is the go-to source for the latest information on everything from First and Business Class flight alerts to effective tutorials on booking and securing flights with credit card points. With nearly a decade of experience in travel writing, Spencer has contributed to esteemed outlets such as Upgraded Points, One Mile At A Time, God Save The Points, and The Points Guy. He thrived as editor-in-chief at 10xtravel.com for four years, leading a team to produce high-quality content and breaking news in the travel industry. Spencer has also appeared on numerous podcasts, including We Travel There with Lee Hufman, Beyond The Lens, Award Travel 101, and Miles to Go. He has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Forbes Advisor, CNBC, Travel and Leisure Asia, The Washington Post, Bloomberg, and Business Insider, and he served as a guest speaker at The Annual Chicago Seminars—a key event in the points and miles community. Spencer believes that everyone deserves to fly business class at least once in their lifetime, and he is dedicated to making that dream a reality for as many people as possible. Since 2017, he has traveled for three months each year, visiting over 60 countries. Residing in Washington, D.C., Spencer shares his love for travel with his family and recently embraced the joys of fatherhood.   During the show we discuss: The Motivation Behind Launching Straight To The Points And The Beginning Of Your Journey With Credit Card Loyalty Programs. How Everyday Individuals Can Access Luxurious Travel Experiences, And The Belief That Seeing The World Isn't Just For Rich People. The Role Of A Well-Planned Business Credit Card Strategy In Fast-Tracking Luxury Travel For Business Owners. How Business Owners Can Leverage Credit Card Points To Create A Cycle Of Luxury Travel On Repeat. Three Strategic Approaches That Business Owners Can Use To Maximize Their Credit Card Points For Travel. How CEOs And Business Owners Can Approach Their Credit Card Strategies With A Mindset Similar To Playing Chess Rather Than Checkers. Common Myths About Credit Card Points, Particularly Regarding Airline Loyalty Programs. Misunderstandings About Credit Card Points, Especially When Comparing Cashback Rewards Versus Airline Loyalty Programs. How Personal Travel Experiences (Visiting Over 60 Countries) Have Shaped Your Insights And Advice On Credit Card Rewards.   Show resource/s: https://straighttothepoints.co/  

Have you heard about our newest team challenge yet? The good news is we have some prizes to share this time, and the bad news is...it is proving to be way more challenging than expected! (01:25) - One reader sends their appreciation for the fresh look of our podcast on YouTube. (02:47) - You can find all our how-to videos on our Resources page here. (03:41) - Waived award redemption fees / surcharges, even on one-way tickets – with Cardless Qatar Card (08:02) - Citi adds Preferred Hotels iPrefer at 1:4 ratio [new transfer partner] (13:24) - Amex launches 200K Biz Gold / 250K BizPlat referral offers Learn more about the American Express Business Gold card here. Learn more about the American Express Business Platinum card here. (17:42) - Hawaiian Business Card duplicate account number issue resolved...and more thoughts about Hawaiian / Alaska merger (21:15) - Chase reduces travel protections (31:45) - What crazy thing . . . .did Air France do this week? (36:37) - Transfer bonuses from Citi to Virgin and Wyndham: Yay or nay? (39:23) - Million Mile Madness! Find out more about challenge updates and details here. (40:20) - SAS EuroBonus Millionaire basics... (42:29) - Is the SAS EuroBonus Millionaire promo worth it? (52:12) - Million Mile Madness 2024 - how you can participate and what you could win! (1:03:08) - Stephen's challenge status so far... Help Stephen with some tips (and potentially win an awesome prize for your tips) here. (1:05:14) - Nick's challenge status so far... Help Nick with some tips (and potentially win an awesome prize for your tips) here. (1:09:51) - Read our post on what still works for Amex airline incidental credits here. (1:12:25) - Find frequently asked questions about the SAS challenge here. (1:15:44) - Greg's challenge status so far... Help Greg with some tips (and potentially win an awesome prize for your tips) here. (1:26:15) - Check out Nick's FAQ post about the SAS EuroBonus promo (and our Million Mile Madness challenge) here. (1:28:08) - What are some best practices to make sure points don't expire?

Alaska Airlines is making some big changes in 2025! We'll talk about why we think these changes are exciting...(and will share an exciting announcement of our own!)  (01:20) - Greg was recently curious about if the Hawaiian Miles personal card would be getting elevated offers and one reader says the answer is yes! Check your emails for higher offers! Listen to our episode about the Hawaiian / Alaska merger here: https://frequentmiler.com/podcast-alaska-hawaiian-airlines-wedding-planning-frequent-miler-on-the-air-ep269-8-23-24/ (03:25) - Fly 15 SkyTeam airlines (and credit to SAS or redeem SAS miles) by end of year and get 1 MILLION MILES... you all had ideas for us related to this challenge... (05:29) - Greg's post "Catching up on 2 weeks of big miles & points news" (Read the post here: https://frequentmiler.com/catching-up-on-2-weeks-of-big-miles-points-news) (07:04) - For the first time ever, the FM team will do 2nd challenge within 1 year...and we want you to participate! Read more about our newest challenge here: https://frequentmiler.com/start-your-engines-for-frequent-miler-million-mile-madness/ (19:47) - Alaska / Hawaiian transfers live (22:28) - Spirit Airlines adds free WiFi and ditches award fees for Free Spirit members. (23:56) - Virgin Atlantic to go to dynamic award pricing - companion and upgrade vouchers may become more usable (28:33) - Choice Privileges max award pricing for Preferred Hotels reduced from 118k to 87k. Only 9 out of 310 are currently priced 80K or higher. Meanwhile, 68 properties are priced 30K or lower. (30:43) - Bilt adds Accor Live Limitless and TAP Air Portugal as transfer partners. (36:18) - Marriott & Aeroplan launch reciprocal status match opportunity. (42:42) - Huge mostly positive changes to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan coming 2025... Read more about the changes to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan here: https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-mileage-plan-updates-earn-status-with-award-flights-credit-cards-shopping-portal-spend-more-other-changes/ (43:03) - Earning Elite Status with Alaska Airlines (53:59) - Mileage Plan Milestones (1:04:46) - Other changes (1:13:11) - Some more negative changes (1:15:14) - Summary of our assessments (1:17:46) - Someone wrote in asking if the Alaska changes change our mind about whether it makes sense to earn Alaska miles when paying rent through Bilt