Podcasts about bilt rewards

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Hyatt's new award pricing is officially here — and travelers are still trying to figure out exactly how bad it is. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Julian Kheel from Points Path to break down Hyatt's new multi-tier award pricing system, including what changed, which properties were hit hardest, and whether this truly changes the value proposition of Hyatt loyalty. They also discuss where Hyatt still trails competitors — especially around free night certificates and "4th or 5th night free" style benefits — and why the next 12 months could be important for Hyatt's long-term strategy. From there, the conversation shifts to a surprisingly valuable new Chase offer through the Paze wallet platform, where Sapphire cardholders can currently earn up to 10x Ultimate Rewards points with select merchants. Plus, British Airways raises carrier-imposed surcharges yet again, Delta may be expanding free checked bag benefits on its credit cards, and Ed shares another frustrating round of United Wi-Fi roulette while waiting for Starlink to expand across the fleet.  Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Hyatt's new award pricing system • Multi-tier pricing officially launches • Which properties increased the most • Why it may impact luxury redemptions more than everyday stays ✈️ Is Hyatt loyalty still worth it? • Why Hyatt still offers strong transfer value • Concerns about aspirational awards getting harder to reach • How loyal travelers may rethink their strategy ✈️ Hyatt's missing benefits • No free night certificate top-offs • Lack of a 4th or 5th night free benefit • Why competitors may now have an edge ✈️ A valuable new Chase earning opportunity • 10x Ultimate Rewards points through Paze • Which merchants currently qualify • Why this could be huge for some travelers ✈️ Air France's growing loyalty strategy • Tiffany Funk taking over Flying Blue loyalty • Air France credit card + Bilt partnership discussion • Earning status through rent and mortgage payments ✈️ Delta may expand free checked bags • Reports of 2 free checked bags on Delta Amex cards • Why the economics may make sense for Delta • Potential impact on card signups ✈️ British Airways raises surcharges again • Carrier-imposed fees increasing significantly • Why Avios redemptions continue getting more expensive • How U.S. programs still differ from European carriers ✈️ United's ongoing Wi-Fi struggles • Starlink rollout reaches ~5% of fleet • Why United Wi-Fi still frustrates frequent flyers • The promise (and risk) of Starlink expansion ⏱️ Episode 438 Timestamps  0:49 – Julian fills in for Richard this week 3:44 – Points Path discounts and award alerts discussion 7:17 – Hyatt's new award pricing officially launches 10:28 – How much worse are Hyatt awards really? 12:22 – Hyatt's free night certificate disadvantages 16:44 – What Hyatt may need to add next 21:16 – Amex fraud/security frustrations 27:06 – Tiffany Funk joins Flying Blue loyalty leadership 34:05 – Chase Paze wallet and 10x Ultimate Rewards opportunity 38:40 – British Airways raises surcharges again        

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A new credit card shows up, a new hotel status gets tested, and airline product delays keep dragging on. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard break down Citi's rollout of the new American Airlines Globe Mastercard, including what happens when your existing Barclays card gets converted — whether you were planning on it or not. They take a closer look at the card's real value, including its ability to accelerate elite status, and whether the benefits justify the $350 annual fee. From there, the conversation shifts to Hilton's new Diamond Reserve status, as early real-world data points start to trickle in. Does it actually deliver better upgrades, or is it too early to tell? They also revisit Delta's ongoing seat certification delays, now stretching years longer than expected, and what that means for aircraft configurations and upgrade opportunities. Plus, a mix of travel updates — from World Cup logistics challenges to Uber dropping Discover cards — and a new personal travel goal that could reshape how Ed approaches trips going forward.  https://thepointsguy.com/hotel/reviews/hilton-elite-status-diamond-reserve-versus-diamond/  https://onemileatatime.com/news/delta-a321neo-flat-beds/ Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️  What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Citi's AA Globe Mastercard rollout Barclays cards being converted automatically Key benefits and $350 annual fee Loyalty point boosts and status acceleration ✈️ Is the AA card actually worth it? Earning structure and flight-based bonuses Companion certificate timing Who this card makes sense for ✈️ Hilton Diamond Reserve status Early real-world upgrade data Why results may vary by property Whether it's worth chasing ✈️ Hotel upgrade realities How hotel systems handle elite tiers Why even top status isn't guaranteed What to watch for with confirmed upgrades ✈️ Delta's ongoing seat certification delays A321neo seat rollout pushed further out Why certification is taking years Impact on premium cabins and upgrades ✈️ Airline Wi-Fi frustrations Continued reliability issues Starlink vs legacy systems Why this still isn't solved ✈️ World Cup travel logistics in the U.S. High transportation costs Weak hotel demand in some markets Why fan experience may fall short ✈️ Uber drops Discover cards Payment network friction Implications with Capital One changes Rare move in the payments space ✈️ The "Five and Dime" travel goal 5 new destinations + 10 new routes per year Why it's harder than it sounds Cabo Verde as a potential play ⏱️ Timestamps  0:50 – Intro and opening banter 5:20 – AA Globe Mastercard conversion explained 9:30 – Is the AA card worth $350? 14:30 – Hilton Diamond Reserve early results 18:30 – Why hotel upgrades are inconsistent 22:00 – Delta seat delays stretch even further 25:30 – Airline Wi-Fi frustrations 28:30 – World Cup travel logistics issues 31:30 – Uber drops Discover cards 33:30 – "Five and Dime" travel goal  

What if you could earn rewards on your rent or even mortgage payments? In this episode, Alex, Jess, and Pam break down everything you need to know about Bilt Rewards, including the different card options, how to earn points, and how to redeem them. They also discuss how to decide if this program is worth it for you and how to choose the right card.           The Squad explains how you can earn points on rent, mortgage, and other everyday purchases, plus the various ways you can redeem them for travel and experiences.  They also dive into the important distinction between Bilt Cash and Bilt Points, and how understanding this difference can help you make the most of your rewards.          You'll hear all about the most recent updates to Bilt Rewards, including new changes and features, its potential drawbacks, and how this program stacks up against others in the rewards space. Plus, the Squad shares tips for getting the most out of your Bilt points and maximizing their value.                You can find links to resources mentioned in this episode plus the transcript here: pointstalksquad.com/181          If you're looking for even more Points Talk®, featuring the latest news in points, miles, and credit cards, behind-the-scenes insights, and a monthly Ask Us Anything episode—subscribe to Points Talk® Premium: https://pointstalk.supercast.com/        Ready to get started with NEARLY FREE travel? Click here for the exact offers we would sign up for this month: https://pointstalksquad.lpages.co/bestoffers/            Points Talk® is also on YouTube! You can watch this episode here: youtube.com/@pointstalksquad         Let us know what you want to hear on the podcast by sending us a DM on Instagram: instagram.com/pointstalksquad

As every great founder will tell you, trading time for money is a losing game. Ownership is how wealth actually gets built. Come to Main Street Millionaire Live and learn how — http://info.contrarianthinking.co/msmlbig-dealWhat if the smartest money move you could make wasn't raising venture capital at all? What if taking the wrong check, even a big one, could kill your company before it ever had a chance to win? Ankur Jain is the billionaire founder and CEO of Bilt Rewards, an $11 billion company that's rewriting the rules of housing, hospitality, and how millions of Americans build wealth. He started by solving a problem everyone ignored: why doesn't paying rent help you buy a home? Then he spent 18 months fighting regulators to change the law. No revenue. No product. Just belief and a refusal to quit. Today, Bilt operates like a network of mini startups inside one platform, caps teams at 25 people, and only raises money from customers who actually want the product to succeed. In this episode, you'll learn: Why raising venture capital too early is the fastest way to lose control of your vision and chase the wrong metrics The $10 billion problem rule and why solving massive pain is the only path to a billion dollar solution Why most companies die from indigestion, not starvation, and how to stay focused when opportunity is everywhere Why hiring your best friends isn't risky, it's the smartest move you can make, and how to build a culture where A players never leave The 90 day forcing function that weeds out bad hires before they spread and why managers are a waste of space How Ankur spent 18 months fighting to change federal housing law with no revenue and why that patience built the foundation for everything ___________ (00:00:00) Introduction: The Problem You're Solving Better Be Worth It (00:00:47) The Capital Trap: Why Traditional VC Money Will Kill Your Vision (00:04:10) The Customer Is Your First Investor: Kickstarter Over Sequoia (00:09:07) The Immigrant Grind: Watching My Parents Build from Nothing (00:11:03) The Sleep Test: If You Wake Up Happy Without It, Don't Build It (00:12:57) The Crisis Reframe: What Has to Be True for This to Be the Best Thing That Happened? (00:14:25) Build With Your Best Friends or Don't Build At All (00:17:45) The 90-Day Filter and the 25-Person Cap: Keeping the Startup Mentality at Scale (00:26:31) No Managers, Only Owners: The Pod CEO Model (00:28:37) The Hook vs The Platform: How Built Evolved from Rent Rewards to Hospitality Empire (00:52:02) The 18-Month Regulatory Bet: Building Before We Knew It Was Legal (00:46:14) Pessimists Sound Smart, Optimists Make Money: Why Entrepreneurship Should Be Fun (00:59:01) The Partnership Playbook: Solve Their Problem, Not Pitch Your Product (01:01:51) Closing: The One Thing Eight-Year-Old You Needs to Approve ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Airfare is getting expensive — sometimes shockingly so. This week on Miles To Go, Richard and Ed break down a surprising set of flight prices, including transcon fares that stretch well into four-figure territoryr. As demand patterns shift and airlines lean into premium seating, travelers are feeling the squeeze — especially on peak travel windows. They also dive into JetBlue's latest move: a targeted status match aimed at former Spirit Airlines elites. It's a smart play to capture displaced loyalty, but the path to keeping status may be tougher than it looks. Meanwhile, a real-world travel story highlights something you don't see every day — Southwest Airlines stepping up with exceptional customer service to get a delayed traveler on an earlier flight when other airlines likely wouldn't have. Plus, first impressions of a refreshed United breakfast offering (with mixed reviews), new international routes from Seattle, and why some airport lounges are still struggling with overcrowding. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ JetBlue's status match opportunity Targeting former Spirit elites Mosaic 1 vs Mosaic 2 benefits Why earning status after the match may be difficult ✈️ The reality of airline pricing right now $1,000+ coach fares and $6,000 first class tickets Why long weekend travel is so expensive Demand patterns driving pricing ✈️ Southwest customer service surprise Getting on an earlier flight without a confirmed ticket Why this rarely happens on other airlines Where Southwest still stands out ✈️ United's updated breakfast offering A healthier approach to onboard meals Hits and misses in execution Why simpler catering may be the future ✈️ Delta's new Seattle international routes Barcelona and Rome launches Competing with Alaska in Seattle Why these routes may struggle ✈️ Airport lounge overcrowding Priority Pass lounge frustrations in Las Vegas Why crowding still hasn't been solved The tradeoff between access and experience ✈️ Travel quirks and airline operations Special recovery flights with unique flight numbers How airlines handle cancellations and maintenance A strange diversion story to Wichita ✈️ Disney travel deals return Discounted tickets and hotel rates When Disney can actually feel "affordable" Comparing Disney trips vs cruises ⏱️ Episode 436 Timestamps  0:49 – Intro and travel updates 6:30 – Southwest gets a passenger on an earlier flight 9:20 – United breakfast review (the "chia mystery") 12:10 – JetBlue status match details 18:30 – Why it's hard to keep JetBlue status 18:30 – Why it's hard to keep JetBlue status 21:50 – $1,000 coach and $6,000 first class fares 25:00 – Delta adds Seattle to Europe routes 30:30 – Priority Pass lounge overcrowding in Vegas 32:00 – Unique recovery flight numbers explained 33:00 – Weird diversion story to Wichita            

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. It finally happened — Spirit Airlines is gone. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard break down what the shutdown of Spirit Airlines means for travelers, employees, and the broader airline industry. From emotional final flights to stranded passengers scrambling for alternatives, the ripple effects are already being felt — and the response from other airlines hasn't exactly made things easier. So-called "rescue fares" sound helpful in theory, but in practice, they've offered limited relief for travelers trying to rebook last-minute trips. They also explore the bigger picture: what losing a major low-cost carrier means for competition, pricing, and access to travel — especially for families and budget-conscious flyers who relied on Spirit to make trips possible. Meanwhile, Delta is dealing with operational issues of its own, with an unusual spike in cancellations and reliability concerns that highlight how fragile airline operations can be. Plus, real-world travel frustrations — from rideshare chaos at Newark to the rising cost of simply getting to the airport — and why the overall travel experience keeps getting more expensive and more complicated. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode   ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ The end of Spirit Airlines Final flights and emotional send-offs What happens to employees and crews Why Spirit mattered more than people realized ✈️ The real impact on travelers Families and budget travelers losing affordable options Trips that simply won't happen anymore Why competition matters for pricing ✈️ "Rescue fares" that don't really help Limited availability and restrictive windows United, Delta, American vs JetBlue approaches Why this was a missed opportunity ✈️ Airlines scrambling to fill the gap JetBlue adding routes immediately Frontier and Breeze stepping in What happens to key markets like Fort Lauderdale ✈️ Delta's operational struggles Spike in cancellations compared to competitors Staffing and reliability concerns A noticeable shift from Delta's usual performance ✈️ Empty planes and shifting demand Surprisingly light loads on recent flights Capacity cuts vs soft demand What this could signal for pricing ✈️ The rising cost of travel $130 rides to the airport Why logistics are getting more expensive The hidden costs beyond airfare ✈️ Airline cost-cutting trends Cutting drink service on short flights Potential cuts to premium amenities How airlines are squeezing margins ⏱️ Episode 435 Timestamps  0:48 – Intro and quick travel recap 4:00 – Newark rideshare chaos and rising costs 7:52 – Points Path win: saving 60,000 miles 10:37 – Spirit Airlines officially shuts down 11:17 – Rebooking chaos and lack of real "rescue fares" 13:30 – Why airlines missed a big opportunity 15:57 – Empty flights and surprising demand trends 18:50 – Airlines moving quickly to replace Spirit routes 21:29 – Fort Lauderdale and shifting airline strategy 29:53 – Delta's cancellation spike and reliability issues             ⏱️ Episode 432 Timestamps 0:48 – Welcome back & rough week recap 5:20 – Planning the Hong Kong trip 10:00 – Upgrade strategy and long-haul flight experience 15:00 – Victoria Peak and how it's changed 20:00 – Big Buddha and Lantau Island experience 25:00 – Hong Kong Disneyland highlights and tips 30:00 – Comparing Hong Kong to past visits 35:00 – Why Hong Kong feels different today 38:30 – 6 flights in 3 days: brutal travel run 43:00 – Airline Wi-Fi failures vs Starlink success

From credit card chaos to major points wins, in this episode of Wonderland on Points we're sharing the real-life ups and downs of traveling with points and miles. We walk through our frustrating experience applying for the Bilt Rewards Card, including identity verification hurdles and what to do when systems don't work the way they should. We also break down new updates from Bilt Rewards, how we maximize earnings through Rakuten and American Express Membership Rewards, and the creative strategies we use to stretch our points even further. Plus, we share some of our favorite recent travel moments—from booking a quick getaway with World of Hyatt points to navigating last-minute changes for a Savannah Bananas game—and the practical tips that help us stay flexible and make the most of every trip.Mentioned in this Episode:Girl's Trip Interest Form (April 7-10, 2027)Rakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX or Bilt POINTS)Find Us On Online:Sign Up for the Y! Wonder Travel NewsletterWonderland on Points Youtube ChannelMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupAffiliate Links:Mary Ellen's Fetch (Use code MARYELLEN!)Joanna's Fetch (Use code JOANNALYNN)Mary Ellen's Upside (Use code KV4QC)Joanna's Upside (Use Code JOANNA32944)CardpointersHalara (use code "Wonderland" for 10% off)Tobiq 15%Our Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

April 2026 Bilt Bulletin | Palladium Card, Points Accelerator, Bilt Cash Credits & Wyndham Update Justin Vacula and co-host Darren return with the April 2026 Bilt Bulletin on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, explaining the latest developments with Bilt Rewards, including the new Bilt Palladium card, Points Accelerator, Bilt Cash credits, and the addition of Wyndham as a transfer partner. In this episode, Justin shares his real-world experience with the Bilt Palladium card, including how it can earn 2x everywhere and up to 3x everywhere through Points Accelerator on qualifying spend. He also explains how Bilt members can transfer points to programs like Hyatt and Alaska Airlines, pay rent fee-free using Bilt's account and routing number system, and stack monthly benefits for even more value. Justin and Darren also discuss Bilt Cash redemptions for dining, pharmacy, rideshare, and hotel credits, along with Bilt status levels, Rent Day bonuses, the new Wyndham Rewards partnership, the $200 two-night hotel credit, and the “Bilt Close Friends” invite program. They also respond to listener feedback, including criticism that Bilt may be too complicated compared with cards like the Capital One Venture X. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and setup 01:17 Bilt Palladium card basics 02:08 Early results and paying rent with Bilt 04:16 Elite status thresholds and Rent Day bonuses 06:11 Using Bilt Cash credits 09:34 Bilt Close Friends and events 11:22 Wyndham added as a Bilt transfer partner 12:46 Show support and ads 15:01 Stacking the $200 hotel credit 19:23 Listener feedback: Is Bilt too complicated? 25:17 New cards and family strategy 28:37 Wrap-up and outro —

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Hong Kong, airline chaos, and one very rough travel week (scroll down for timestamps)! This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard are both back home — barely — after a pair of intense travel stretches. Ed recaps a family trip to Hong Kong, including Disneyland, Victoria Peak, and the Big Buddha… but also shares a deeper take on how the city feels different than it did years ago. From cultural shifts to increasing Westernization, it's a thoughtful look at a destination many travelers still have on their list. Meanwhile, Richard breaks down a whirlwind three-day, six-flight trip across the U.S. — complete with altitude sickness, broken Wi-Fi, and a reminder of why mileage-run style travel isn't as fun as it used to be. Plus, a surprising bright spot: Starlink Wi-Fi that actually works — and why that's becoming more important than ever. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A Hong Kong trip with mixed impressions • Why the city feels different than before • Cultural shifts and changing traveler experience • Where it still shines (and where it doesn't) ✈️ Victoria Peak and modern Hong Kong tourism • A much more built-up, commercial experience • Unexpected Western influence at the top • When iconic attractions lose some authenticity ✈️ The Big Buddha and Lantau Island • Cable car experience (and aviation geek bonus views) • What makes it worth the trip • How to plan tickets and avoid long waits ✈️ Hong Kong Disneyland review • What's unique vs U.S. parks • Best rides and surprises • How to maximize your time (and money) ✈️ A tale of two Disney experiences • Classic Disney confusion vs top-tier service recovery • When things go wrong… and then very right • Why Disney still stands out operationally ✈️ Hong Kong vs the rest of Asia • Comparing to Japan and Taipei • Where it ranks today • Why you may want to visit sooner rather than later ✈️ A brutal multi-city travel run • 6 flights in 3 days across the U.S. • The realities of work travel logistics • Why these trips hit harder than they used to ✈️ Altitude, exhaustion, and travel fatigue • Aspen altitude effects (and a rough night) • Why travel stacking can backfire • Lessons for planning better trips ✈️ Airline Wi-Fi: still broken • Multiple flights with no connectivity • Why this matters more than ever • The real cost of losing a workday ✈️ Starlink shines where others fail • First impressions from regional jets • Streaming, reliability, and performance • Why this could change airline competition ⏱️ Episode 432 Timestamps 0:48 – Welcome back & rough week recap 5:20 – Planning the Hong Kong trip 10:00 – Upgrade strategy and long-haul flight experience 15:00 – Victoria Peak and how it's changed 20:00 – Big Buddha and Lantau Island experience 25:00 – Hong Kong Disneyland highlights and tips 30:00 – Comparing Hong Kong to past visits 35:00 – Why Hong Kong feels different today 38:30 – 6 flights in 3 days: brutal travel run 43:00 – Airline Wi-Fi failures vs Starlink success

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A cheap flight, a surprisingly good cruise, and a few lessons in finding value along the way. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard are back together and catching up on a whirlwind stretch of travel — from a budget-friendly hop out of the Gulf Coast to a deeply discounted Disney Cruise that delivered far more than expected. They break down how a $67 Spirit flight (plus a clever rental car strategy) beat a $650 alternative, why positioning still matters for both flights and cruises, and how flexibility can unlock outsized value. Onboard, Richard shares a full review of Disney's newest ship, including what worked, what didn't, and whether Disney cruises are still worth the premium price. Plus, a quick dive into the Freddie Awards ballot, evolving airline and hotel loyalty value, and Ed's first experience with United's new "Elevate" cabin — including what they got right (and what still needs work). Scroll down for show notes! Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A cheaper way to fly (if you're willing to work for it) $650 flights vs a $67 Spirit ticket Positioning through Pensacola instead of Gulfport Why rental cars can beat rideshares and flights ✈️ The reality of domestic travel costs $110 rides to the airport vs $9 rides in smaller cities Why airport access can be the most expensive part of a trip When convenience is (and isn't) worth paying for ✈️ A discounted Disney Cruise experience Scoring a 65% off sailing Differences between older and newer ships Where Disney delivers — and where it falls short ✈️ Is Disney Cruise Line worth the price? Premium pricing vs real value When it makes sense for families Comparing Disney to other cruise lines ✈️ Cruise logistics and strategy Why you should never fly in the same day Positioning for cruise departures Avoiding stressful travel days ✈️ Freddie Awards discussion Best airline and hotel programs Where loyalty value still exists Why "utility" matters more than ever ✈️ United's new "Elevate" seat experience First impressions of the new business class Premium economy improvements Where design choices fall short in real-world use ✈️ The future of airline cabins More premium-heavy aircraft Tradeoffs between comfort and practicality Why execution still matters more than design ⏱️ Episode 431 Timestamps  0:49 – Richard returns and travel recap begins 4:00 – The true cost of getting to the airport 7:28 – Biloxi trip and why it still works as a destination 10:00 – $650 flight vs $67 Spirit alternative 13:42 – Why you should never fly same-day for a cruise 15:00 – Disney Destiny cruise review 20:00 – Where Disney cruises shine (and fall short) 25:00 – Freddie Awards and loyalty program value 30:10 – United's new Elevate seat experience 36:00 – Final thoughts and upcoming travel chaos

Episode 166 of the Award Travel 101 podcast introduces new team member Laura Kofoid, who joins host Angie Sparks for a casual conversation about her background and entry into the points-and-miles hobby. Laura shares how she discovered travel rewards after retiring from a long IT career and looking for a new hobby, eventually becoming deeply engaged in maximizing loyalty programs. The episode also highlights a fun community post debating airplane seat preferences, where most travelers favored window views but often chose aisle seats for practicality—except for parents, who frequently opt for the middle seat to sit between family members.In the news segment, Angie and Laura discuss several updates in the travel rewards world. These include a new partnership between Marriott and Ethiopian Airlines (though with a less favorable transfer ratio), changes to Cathay Pacific's Asia Miles award chart coming in May 2026, and the addition of Wyndham as a transfer partner for Bilt Rewards, further strengthening Bilt's growing ecosystem. They also critique a newly launched Amex business cash-back card, noting its high annual fee and lack of transferable rewards. Laura shares her recent strategy of picking up United business credit cards due to her Denver hub, while Angie continues searching for valuable new card offers.The episode wraps with a deeper “Meet the Mods” feature on Laura, where she reflects on her biggest wins—like using Hyatt points for a six-night stay in Kauai—and lessons learned, including costly booking mistakes and missed opportunities with sign-up bonuses. She explains her shift from full-price cruising to more strategic travel with upgraded flights and hotel stays. Laura emphasizes her preference for Chase and Amex ecosystems and offers a simple but valuable tip of the week: “HUCA” (Hang Up, Call Again), encouraging persistence when dealing with customer service in travel bookings.Episode Links:Marriott-Ethiopian PartnershipCathay DevaluationAmex Graphite BizBilt Adds WyndhamWhere to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. 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.  

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A dream trip to Africa… that never happened. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Clint Henderson to break down a perfectly planned award redemption that unraveled at the last minute — and the key lesson every traveler needs to understand: a reservation is not the same as a ticket. From award space that never properly ticketed to last-minute chaos at the airport, this episode dives into one of the most common (and costly) mistakes in points and miles travel. They also discuss the ongoing TSA staffing challenges and how airport operations are being impacted, plus United Airlines' latest push into more premium-heavy aircraft — from new seat configurations to upgraded regional jets. And of course, a reminder of why flexibility with points and miles can save you when travel plans go sideways.   Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A dream Africa redemption falls apart Etihad award space and booking through American Flights that never properly ticketed Why last-minute issues forced a full cancellation ✈️ The critical mistake: reservation vs ticket What "on request" really means How to confirm your ticket is actually issued Why this happens more often than you think ✈️ TSA disruptions and airport chaos Security delays impacting travel decisions Why timing matters more than ever Planning around unpredictable airport conditions ✈️ United's push into premium travel More premium-heavy aircraft configurations New seat concepts and onboard experience How United compares to Delta and American ✈️ The reality of elite status today Upgrade challenges in hub markets The declining value of some loyalty perks What actually matters for frequent travelers ✈️ The value of flexibility with points Canceling award tickets with minimal penalties Why transferable points are key Booking backup options across programs ✈️ Travel tech and tools Points Path alerts and tracking award prices Why monitoring your bookings matters Tools that help avoid costly mistakes ✈️ Upcoming travel plans and strategies Planning future international trips Balancing aspirational travel with practicality Making smarter booking decisions ⏱️ Episode 430 Timestamps 0:47 – Clint joins and the Africa trip setup 2:53 – The Etihad award redemption opportunity 5:28 – When the itinerary starts falling apart 9:57 – The key lesson: reservation vs ticket 12:13 – United 1K challenge and elite status realities 13:46 – Why upgrades are harder than ever 18:06 – United's new premium-heavy aircraft strategy 21:23 – How American and Delta compare on premium seating 24:12 – Starlink and the future of in-flight Wi-Fi 27:20 – Will the upgrade to Hong Kong clear?  

Bilt Palladium Card: Month 1 Results | Bilt Cash, Points Accelerator, Dining & Hotel Credits Justin Vacula and returning co-host Darren evaluate their first month with the Bilt Palladium Card, including how they used Bilt Cash redemptions, the Points Accelerator, and stacked valuable hotel, dining, Lyft, Grubhub, and Walgreens credits. In this episode, they explain why the Bilt Palladium Card is a strong option for everyday non-bonus spend, especially for people looking to combine solid earnings with flexible redemption options. Justin also shares real-world examples of using Bilt benefits, including stacking the monthly $100 Bilt Travel portal two-night hotel credit with the card's $200 hotel credit for a Miami stay, successfully redeeming the $25 monthly Bilt Dining credit through QR-code checkout in Washington, DC, and using the easy $10 monthly Grubhub, $10 Walgreens gift card, and $10 Lyft credit. If you're interested in Bilt Rewards, credit card points, travel rewards, monthly statement credits, and whether the Bilt Palladium Card annual fee is worth it, this episode covers the card's first-month value in detail. Timestamps 00:00 Points and Miles Intro 00:32 Bilt Palladium Month One 01:44 Bilt Cash Basics 02:27 Points Accelerator Explained 04:01 Hotel Portal Credit Win 05:57 Blacklane Credit Delays 07:37 Bilt Dining Credit Tips 09:03 QR Code Checkout Story 11:49 Expiration and Earn & Burn 13:32 Vegas Plans 16:10 Announcements 16:23 Socials and Meetups 18:29 FTU Dallas 19:33 CardPointers and SaveWise 20:44 Grubhub Credit 23:09 Walgreens and Lyft Credits 24:45 Month One Value Recap 26:26 Annual Fee and Downgrade Talk 29:15 Foreign Fee Refund 31:14 China Taiwan Cruise Preview 32:59 Paying Before Statement Close 35:45 Wrap Up and Where to Follow —

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A dream spring break in Hawaii… that lasted barely two days. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Summer Hull (Mommy Points) to break down a trip that went sideways fast — from relaxing poolside plans in Hawaii to emergency weather alerts that forced a same-day decision to leave the island. What followed was a real-time travel pivot: rebooking flights, finding a new destination, and rebuilding a vacation on the fly using points, miles, and every available credit. The result? A last-minute shift to Disneyland, complete with creative booking strategies, stacked credits, and a reminder of why flexibility is everything in modern travel. Plus, a discussion on the new Disney credit card, lounge access strategies, and how to think about backup plans when travel doesn't go as expected.   Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A Hawaii trip cut short Severe weather alerts and flooding concerns Deciding to leave after just two nights Why waiting it out wasn't an option ✈️ Rebooking flights in real time Finding last-minute award availability Booking multiple backup flights across programs Why flexible points made the difference ✈️ The pivot to Disneyland Choosing a new destination on the fly Booking hotels using Bilt credits and points Saving money with stacked travel credits ✈️ Smart strategies for travel disruptions Why you should always have backup options Using multiple airline programs for flexibility The value of transferable points currencies ✈️ Disneyland Hotel and DVC tower review Room quality, location, and amenities Pool, dining, and overall experience When Disney hotels are worth the cost ✈️ The new Disney Inspire credit card $300+ in potential annual value Statement credits and earning structure Who this card makes sense for ✈️ Lounge access and Sidecar discussion The 90-minute lounge access debate Turning lounge space faster vs guest experience Whether this model works long-term ✈️ Planning future travel Booking trips years in advance Balancing ambitious trips with simpler vacations Why flexibility matters more than ever   ⏱️ Episode 429 Timestamps 0:48 – Summer joins the show and trip setup 4:05 – Arriving in Hawaii and early warning signs 6:23 – Severe weather alerts and decision to leave 10:17 – Booking last-minute flights out of Hawaii 13:01 – Pivoting to Disneyland and rebuilding the trip 18:04 – Disneyland Hotel and DVC tower experience 21:43 – Why flexible points made this trip possible 24:39 – Points Path and monitoring award pricing 26:06 – New Disney Inspire credit card breakdown 30:18 – Sidecar lounge debate and access rules

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Ed and Richard are back on home turf this week, kicking things off with a small milestone for the podcast: crossing 5,000 YouTube subscribers and continuing to grow the audience across video and audio platforms. From there, Ed shares his experience visiting American Express's new Sidecar lounge concept in Las Vegas, a much smaller lounge designed for short visits. The service and food impressed — but the strict 90-minute access rule raises questions about how useful the concept really is. The discussion then turns to loyalty program updates. Marriott is increasing the flexibility of its free night certificates, allowing members to top them off with more points than before — a change that could make certificates significantly easier to use at higher-end properties. They also break down a new welcome offer on the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, and whether the increased bonus is enough to offset rising award prices. Finally, Richard brings a mystery topic to the show that sparks a lively debate: should travelers tip hotel housekeeping? The conversation dives into tipping culture, hotel labor practices, and where the line should be between employer responsibility and guest generosity. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Podcast milestone Miles To Go passes 5,000 YouTube subscribers Why the video audience continues growing Meeting listeners in airport lounges ✈️ Amex's new Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas A smaller lounge concept with limited seating Fast service and made-to-order food The controversial 90-minute entry rule ✈️ Marriott certificate flexibility changes Top-off limit increasing from 15k to 25k points What that means for 35k, 50k, and 85k certificates Whether hotels will adjust award pricing in response ✈️ New World of Hyatt Business Card offer 80,000-point welcome bonus after $10k spend How it compares to previous offers The impact of rising Hyatt award prices ✈️ The hotel housekeeping tipping debate Should guests tip housekeeping? Why tipping culture has expanded The argument for hotels paying higher wages ✈️ Travel updates and upcoming trips Biloxi March Madness trip A whirlwind LA–DC–Vegas itinerary Upcoming travel schedules and bonus content plans ⏱️ Episode 428 Timestamps 0:50 – Podcast intro and YouTube milestone 3:30 – Running into listeners in airport lounges 5:00 – Flighty data and flying the same plane multiple times 7:30 – Ed's "overnight to Chicago" travel strategy 9:50 – Inside the new Amex Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas 13:40 – Food, service, and the 90-minute access rule 16:50 – Marriott increasing certificate top-off limits 19:45 – New Hyatt Business Card welcome offer 22:50 – Richard's mystery topic: tipping hotel housekeeping 28:30 – Upcoming travel and bonus episode plans

#269: Chris breaks down why he transferred >200k points for a transfer bonus and how to know when they're actually worth it. He also covers Hyatt's new award chart changes, the latest elevated welcome offers, and how he's using multiple AI agents to optimize his work and life. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/transfer-bonuses-hyatt-devaluation-ai Partner Deals Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Mercury: Manage, move, and grow your money Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned AI Models & Assistants ChatGPT OpenClaw Gemini Claude | Claude Cowork Oura Ring OpenSnow Gridfinity JAL USA CARD Rove Miles Transfer Bonuses in March 2026 Citi → Wyndham: 25% bonus (ends 3/21) Amex → Avianca LifeMiles: 15% bonus (ends 3/28) Rove Miles → Japan Airlines: 50% bonus (ends 3/31) Capital One → Preferred Hotels: 30% bonus (ends 3/31) Massive Hyatt Points Devaluation Credit Cards Best Cards Page Robinhood Gold Card U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Bilt Palladium Card (Rates and fees here) Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Hilton Honors American Express Card Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card The Platinum Card® from American Express American Express® Business Gold Card The Business Platinum Card® from American Express WHOOP (1 month free here) Function Health ATH Podcast Ask Chris Anything! Newsletter Ep #265: I Built an AI Assistant That Works While I Sleep Ep #264: Deep Dive on Bilt Rewards and New Bilt 2.0 Cards Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:55) Chris's New AI Agent (04:00) How To Leverage Claude Cowork  (06:14) How Chris Used AI to Build a New CardTool (08:52) The Future of The Internet  (17:21) 3D Printing (18:39) Taking Advantage of Transfer Bonuses (21:56) Bilt Rent Day Transfer Bonuses (27:09) Rove Transfer Bonus to JAL & Other Bonuses (33:22) Hyatt's Massive Devaluation (38:54) How to Get More Points with Potential Devaluations (41:15) Welcome Offers on Delta Cards (45:12) Welcome Offers on United Cards (48:28) Welcome Offers on Hilton Cards (51:13) Welcome Offers on Southwest Cards (53:30) Cards with Big-Point Offers  (54:13) Find the Latest Deals on the ATH Newsletter  (54:45) Card-Linked Deals for Whoop and Function Health Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor's Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. The Final Two Pennies is back! This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard cover a wide mix of travel news, loyalty program updates, and airline industry quirks. They start with a discussion about ExpertFlyer's latest changes and price increases, and what the once-essential airline tool still offers travelers today. From there, the conversation shifts to loyalty programs and the Freddie Awards ballot, including which airline and hotel programs are actually rewarding their elite members. They also break down Chase's newest transfer partner, Wyndham Rewards, and whether the partnership adds real value for points collectors. Plus: the explosion of airport lounges, airline catering issues at Heathrow, United retiring one of its oldest aircraft types, and why airport operations sometimes spiral out of control even at the world's busiest hubs. Finally, Ed shares a personal travel milestone as his daughter takes her first international trip on her own. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ ExpertFlyer's changes and price increase • What the new features actually add • Whether the service is still worth paying for • How travelers use it today   ✈️ Freddie Awards ballot discussion • Best hotel elite programs • Best airline elite recognition • The loyalty credit cards delivering the most value   ✈️ Chase adds Wyndham as a transfer partner • What Wyndham Rewards offers • Where the program can still deliver value • Whether Ultimate Rewards transfers make sense   ✈️ Airport lounges: have we reached peak lounge? • New lounges opening across the U.S. • Why travelers are starting to care less • How credit cards drive lounge expansion   ✈️ American Airlines catering issues in London • Why meals are being catered from the U.S. • How it's impacting premium cabin service • What likely caused the disruption ✈️ United retiring its domestic 777 fleet • Why these planes were unique • Their massive seat count and aging cabins • What replaces them in the future   ✈️ Airport operations meltdowns • Why weather still disrupts major hubs • How capacity limits affect operations • Why delays can spiral quickly   ✈️ The Final Two Pennies • Ed's daughter takes her first solo international trip • How points made it possible • Why travel confidence matters   ⏱️ Episode 427 Timestamps 0:49 – Travel news kickoff and current aviation headlines 8:09 – ExpertFlyer changes and whether it's still useful 10:00 – Freddie Awards: best hotel elite programs 12:35 – Best airline elite programs discussion 13:40 – Best loyalty credit cards and flexible points 17:15 – Are airport lounges becoming too crowded? 24:50 – American Airlines' Heathrow catering disruption 27:50 – Chase adds Wyndham as a transfer partner 31:55 – United's aging domestic 777 fleet nearing retirement 43:20 – Final Two Pennies: a first solo international trip https://vote.freddieawards.com/vote/2026 https://liveandletsfly.com/expertflyer-new-features-elite-tier-pricing/ https://milestomemories.com/delta-sky-club-at-denver-international-airport-now-open/  https://onemileatatime.com/news/american-airlines-london-heathrow-catering-issues/  https://upgradedpoints.com/news/marriott-gift-cards-in-mobile-app/  https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202603/12333/ https://onemileatatime.com/deals/chase-wyndham-transfer-bonus/ https://crankyflier.com/2026/03/05/the-united-b777-200s-are-living-on-borrowed-time/  https://onemileatatime.com/news/storm-delta-meltdown-atlanta-passengers-trapped-planes/  

Watch Us On YouTube! Richard is back from Monte Carlo with stories from one of the most luxurious travel experiences of his life. From staying at the legendary Hotel de Paris to attending the Forbes Travel Guide Summit alongside some of the biggest names in luxury hospitality, this trip delivered everything from incredible views to jaw-dropping hotel suites. But the most memorable moment of the trip didn't involve luxury hotels — it involved a surprise helicopter ride that didn't exactly go as planned. Back home, Ed and Richard also break down a new Southwest status match opportunity that could be worth a look, why the FAA is limiting flights at Chicago O'Hare this summer, and how travelers should be thinking about flexible points with the latest Bilt transfer bonus to Japan Airlines. Plus: a quick comparison between Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme and a boutique Paris hotel that may offer better value. Scroll down for timestamps and details. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ Richard is back from Monte Carlo with stories from one of the most luxurious travel experiences of his life. From staying at the legendary Hotel de Paris to attending the Forbes Travel Guide Summit alongside some of the biggest names in luxury hospitality, this trip delivered everything from incredible views to jaw-dropping hotel suites. But the most memorable moment of the trip didn't involve luxury hotels — it involved a surprise helicopter ride that didn't exactly go as planned. Back home, Ed and Richard also break down a new Southwest status match opportunity that could be worth a look, why the FAA is limiting flights at Chicago O'Hare this summer, and how travelers should be thinking about flexible points with the latest Bilt transfer bonus to Japan Airlines. Plus: a quick comparison between Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme and a boutique Paris hotel that may offer better value. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode   ✈️ Monte Carlo Luxury Travel Experience • Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Monaco • Staying at the legendary Hotel de Paris • Inside the world of ultra-luxury hotels and travel   ✈️ The Helicopter Surprise That Didn't Go As Planned • Blade helicopter transfer from Monaco to Nice • When a surprise turns into a panic moment • Lessons learned about travel surprises   ✈️ Paris Hotel Comparison • Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme experience • Boutique hotel alternatives in Paris • When luxury points redemptions are worth it   ✈️ Southwest Status Match Opportunity • A-List and A-List Preferred match details • What benefits you get with Southwest status • Whether it's worth pursuing ✈️ FAA Limiting Flights at Chicago O'Hare • Why the FAA is stepping in • Taxi times and congestion problems • What it means for summer travel ✈️ Bilt Points and JAL Transfer Bonus • Using Bilt points for Japan Airlines awards • When transfer bonuses are worth it • The risk of mileage expiration rules      

Watch Us On YouTube! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! ***At time of distribution, TSA PreCheck is operational, though Global Entry remains shuttered. United is making adjustments to MileagePlus — and while they're not dramatic, they're definitely impactful. This week, Ed and Julian break down what's changing on the earning side, how credit cards factor in, and whether these updates actually move the needle for everyday travelers. From there, the conversation shifts to Hyatt after a detailed (but ultimately false) rumor sparked debate about a premium credit card and new award categories. Could something like this still happen? And what would it mean for Globalist members? Plus, an unexpected development in the Chase Travel portal: American Airlines flights are now showing up with Points Boost pricing. What does that mean for Chase cardholders — and could this signal a bigger shift in airline partnerships? And yes, somewhere in the background….the U.S. men's hockey team wins Olympic gold in hockey during the broadcast. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ United MileagePlus Changes Lower base earning rates without a United credit card Slightly higher earning with a co-branded card Basic Economy no longer earning miles (without a card) Who should (and shouldn't) consider a United card ✈️ Credit Cards vs Transferable Points Why flexible currencies may still win Opportunity cost of airline spend When a United card actually makes sense ✈️ Hyatt Premium Card Rumor (Debunked) The proposed $795 card details Category 9 and 10 award talk Would this have flooded Globalist status? Why Hyatt will likely evolve anyway ✈️ Points Boost and American Airlines AA flights appearing in Chase Travel How Points Boost changes redemption math What this could mean for airline partnerships ✈️ TSA PreCheck & Travel Friction Reports of possible program suspension Throughput vs security concerns Why consistency matters for travelers ✈️ Points Path Founders Club Update New Google Flights interface Points Wallet feature Scroll down for timestamps and details. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ⏱️ Episode 425 Timestamps 0:00 – Hockey chaos and cold open 4:00 – United Mileage Plus earning changes explained 9:30 – Credit card impact and who benefits 14:45 – Should you get a United card now? 19:20 – Basic Economy changes and flexibility tradeoffs 23:45 – Hyatt premium card rumor breakdown 29:10 – Would a new card create too many Globalists? 33:30 – American Airlines flights in Chase Points Boost 38:40 – TSA PreCheck concerns and travel impact 41:45 – Points Path Founders Club updates

Watch Us On YouTube! Chase hotel pricing questions are making the rounds again — and Richard pulls back the curtain on what's actually happening behind the scenes. From net rates and commissionable pricing to why some portals appear more expensive than others, this week's episode digs into the messy reality of hotel distribution and why blanket conclusions rarely tell the full story. From there, the aviation nerd side comes out: United gets a new operations dashboard that geeks will love, Frontier makes a bold move by returning 24 planes to its lessor, and Delta prepares to temporarily fly A321neos with 44 first-class seats before eventually installing lie-flat suites. Plus, EVA Air launches new service between Washington Dulles and Taipei — a long-haul route that opens up some interesting award possibilities. Scroll down for timestamps and details. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE ✈️ Chase Hotel Pricing Questions • Why portal rates don't always match hotel direct pricing • Net rates vs commissionable rates explained • Why comparing total all-in pricing matters • When luxury program rates (FHR, Virtuoso, etc.) actually make sense ✈️ United's New Aviation Dashboard • Real-time fleet and hub operations data • Why aviation geeks will love it • Whether airlines care about public tracking tools ✈️ Frontier Returns 24 Planes • What it means to give aircraft back to a lessor • Shrinking to profitability • Concentrating routes to improve performance ✈️ Delta's A321neo First Class Surprise • 44 first-class seats (temporarily) • Eventually just 16 lie-flat suites • What this says about premium demand ✈️ EVA Air Launches IAD–Taipei • Nearly 16-hour nonstop • Award pricing opportunities • Why Asia continues expanding in North America EPISODE 424 TIMESTAMPS 0:49 – Opening banter and Delta Boston–Honolulu award pricing shock 4:00 – SkyMiles pricing vs cash fares to Hawaii 8:27 – Delta vs Hawaiian/Alaska comparisons 13:40 – Chase hotel pricing discrepancies explained 18:29 – Luxury program rates vs prepaid member rates 25:00 – United's new "Blue Board" dashboard 27:45 – Frontier returning 24 aircraft 31:15 – EVA Air launching IAD–Taipei  35:00 – Delta A321neo with 44 first-class seats 38:40 – Is flying in the back getting worse?  

Watch Us On YouTube! Air India and Boeing are back in the headlines, and the questions aren't getting smaller. This week, Ed and Richard break down what we know — and what we don't — about the latest fuel switch reporting, what responsibility lies with Boeing versus airline operations, and why early narratives in aviation stories are often incomplete. From there, things get lighter: Frontier is giving away 5,000 miles (yes, really), Hyatt launches a new promotion that's worth a closer look, Aeroplan adds ITA Airways as a partner, and we revisit one of the most important lessons in modern travel: always have a backup flight plan. If irregular operations have taught us anything lately, it's that flexibility isn't optional anymore. Scroll down for timestamps and details. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE More Air India and Boeing questions What's being reported about fuel switches Where Boeing responsibility starts and stops Why early aviation reporting can be misleading Frontier's 5,000 mile giveaway How the promotion works Who should (and shouldn't) care Why free miles aren't always free Hyatt's latest promotion What Bonus Journeys is offering When this promo actually makes sense Comparing Hyatt vs Marriott value Aeroplan adds ITA Airways Why this is bigger than it sounds Routing and redemption implications How this expands Star Alliance strategy Why you always need a backup flight What happens during irregular ops Same-day backup strategy How points give you more flexibility The bigger travel takeaway Airline reliability trends Why flexibility beats loyalty Planning for chaos instead of perfection EPISODE 423 TIMESTAMPS 0:47 – Welcome and setting the stage 3:05 – Air India fuel switch reporting explained 8:22 – Boeing responsibility versus airline operations 13:40 – Why early aviation stories can mislead 17:18 – Frontier's 5,000 free miles promotion 21:04 – Hyatt's new promotion: worth it or not? 26:33 – Aeroplan adds ITA Airways 31:15 – Why you should always have a backup flight 36:02 – Using points for flexibility during irregular ops    

#264: Learn how the Bilt ecosystem works, from earning Bilt Rewards to the new cards, transfer partners, perks, and where the real value is. Whether you're new or already earning, this is a practical guide to using Bilt strategically and avoiding common mistakes. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bilt-ecosystem-explained Partner Deals DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Copilot Money: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2 Shopify: $1/month trial for the easiest e-commerce platform Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS Wispr Flow: Try effortless voice dictation for free For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Bilt 2.0 Bilt Blue Card (Rates and fees here) Bilt Obsidian Card (Rates and fees here) Bilt Palladium Card (Rates and fees here) Bilt Cash Bilt Travel Portal Bilt Dining Bilt Home Design Collection Complimentary BLADE airport flight Mastercard World Elite Benefits Guide Award Search Tools Award Wallet point.me (20% off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS20) Gopuff BevMo! Rakuten ($50 bonus here) Robinhood Gold Card Frequent Miler Article: Bilt Housing Payments ATH Podcast Luxury Hotel Upgrade Program Ask Chris Anything! Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:28) What Makes Bilt Rewards Different (07:03) How to Earn Bilt Points Without a Credit Card (13:52) Referral Bonuses and Earning Limits (14:17) How Rent and Mortgage Payments Work (16:06) Earning Through the Bilt Neighborhood Network (17:16) EarEarning Without a Card: The Real Tradeoffs (17:46) How Bilt Point Redemptions Actually Work (21:39) Transfer Partners and When Bonuses Matter (24:18) How Bilt Status and Elite Tiers Work (25:32) What Each Bilt Status Level Unlocks (31:49) A Major Caveat With the New Bilt Cards (34:36) Breaking Down the Current Bilt Card Lineup (35:33) Bilt Blue Card (37:34) Bilt Obsidian Card (41:19) Bilt Palladium Card (48:59) Housing Payments and What Changed (50:16) Earning Based on Billing-Cycle Spend (55:18) The Original Fee-Free Model (59:26) Cash-Out and Statement Credit Options (01:08:44) Simplifying the New Bilt Choices (01:14:21) The Bilt Silver Lining Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor's Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch Us On YouTube! Frontier Airlines has a new idea, and… yeah, it's a lot. This week, RIchard is back and they are joined again by Julian to unpack Frontier's proposal to board planes using stairs, what that says about ultra-low-cost carrier economics, and why the airline experience keeps drifting further away from what passengers actually want. From there, the conversation turns to fees — bag fees, seat fees, priority fees — and a bigger question: what if airlines went in a completely different direction instead of charging for checked bags? The group also dives into United's premium seat expansion plans, whether transcon flying is getting better or worse, and how airlines keep optimizing everything except the customer experience. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Frontier's latest boarding idea • Why Frontier wants to use stairs instead of jet bridges • What this says about ULCC cost structures • What do the guys think about this idea? ✈️ The real problem with airline fees • How bag fees shape passenger behavior • Why airlines are addicted to à-la-carte pricing • Whether a simpler pricing model could actually work   ✈️ What if airlines tried something different? • Bundled pricing vs unbundled chaos • Lessons airlines refuse to learn • Why customer goodwill still matters   ✈️ United's premium seat push • More premium seats, fewer regular ones • What this means for transcon flyers • Paying more for a worse experience   ✈️ Airline optimization gone too far • Boarding, seating, and operational tradeoffs • Why airlines keep chasing the wrong metrics • The widening gap between airline math and passenger reality   Timestamps:  0:45 – Welcome back & setting the stage 3:12 – Frontier's stair-boarding idea explained 7:18 – Why this tells you everything about ULCC economics 11:42 – Bag fees and unintended passenger behavior 16:05 – What if airlines charged for carry-on bags instead? 21:30 – Why airlines won't give up fee revenue 25:44 – United's premium seat expansion plans 30:18 – Transcon flying: better seats, worse value 34:52 – Airline optimization vs passenger experience   Scroll down for timestamps and details. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/

Watch Us On YouTube! Scroll down for timestamps and details. Much to the disappointment of thousands of M2G fans around the world, Julian Kheel is back with Ed this week as they dig deeper into Bilt Cash, now that Bilt has finally filled in some of the missing details. They break down what works, what's confusing, and why expiration rules might actually limit how much spend ends up on the card. From there, the conversation shifts to travel news: Heathrow quietly becoming one of the easiest international airports to clear security, American Airlines' messy rollout of "free" Wi-Fi, Delta's long-awaited plan to replace coffin-class seats (eventually), and why JetBlue continues to embarrass the legacy carriers on connectivity. Plus, a reminder about a 15% Miles To Go listener discount on one of our favorite award-search tools.

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

Watch Us On YouTube!   Scroll down for timestamps and details. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/

Watch Us On YouTube! Big changes are coming to Bilt — and yes, it involves bananas.

Watch Us On YouTube! It's that time of year again. Ed and Kerr crack open Flighty, pull up the spreadsheets (mentally), and relive a very messy 2025 in travel. From 113 flights and 184,000 miles to delayed planes, aging aircraft, loyalty status debates, and questionable late-night routing decisions, this episode breaks down what actually happened on the road — and what we're changing in 2026. Spoiler: one year was a mess. The other was a hot, flaming dumpster fire.

Watch Us On YouTube! On this year-end episode of The Miles To Go Podcast, Ed Pizza and Richard Kerr ditch the news and answer rapid-fire travel questions that get way more personal than expected. They talk about places we wouldn't return to, where they want to go in 2026, their nerdiest "every trip" habits, and their hottest airport takes—best and worst. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, Ed and Richard cover a packed slate of breaking travel and loyalty news that matters for road warriors. We dig into Chase Sapphire Reserve, which rolled out splashy new redemption options this summer only to quietly walk back its headline-grabbing 2¢-per-point Points Boost just months later. What does this mean for a card with a nearly $800 annual fee, and is it still worth holding?  American Airlines quietly eliminated mileage and Loyalty Point earning on Basic Economy fares, raising big questions about who AA is actually trying to reward—and whether Basic Economy is now little more than a stripped-down cash fare. Plus, we talk about Bilt's newest transfer partner—Spirit Airlines—and why the data shows there's real demand for low-cost carrier redemptions, including Big Front Seat value. Add in holiday travel chaos, turbulence stories, and a few airline rants, and it's a full episode you won't want to miss. Finally, Mesa appears to be shutting down, leaving cardholders scrambling to figure out what happens to their points. Richard shares lessons learned about startup loyalty programs and when it makes sense to cash out early. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. On this week's show:  ✅ Bilt expands beyond rent: there's a new way to earn bonus points/miles when paying your mortgage, including new opportunities tied to certain United co-branded cards. ✈️ United PlusPoints changes: upgrades on award tickets are coming, but dynamic PlusPoints pricing is on the horizon—good news and bad news for United elites.

Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. In this week's episode of the Miles to Go podcast, Ed is joined in person by Julian Keel from Points Path with Richard Kerr checking in fresh off a Disney cruise. We kick things off with the breaking news everyone in our Slack community has been waiting for: Was Julian really reinstated by Uber… and did it last more than one ride? Then Richard gives a brutally honest review of his Disney Dream holiday sailing—including the chaos of a packed holiday sailing. We also dig into: • A targeted Frontier elite status offer that can get you to Gold or even Platinum (with companion benefits) for far less than you'd expect • Whether United quietly walked back their close-in award surcharge, and why United miles keep losing value • Why American and Alaska are increasingly where the sweet spots are hiding for North American awards • Some insane Thrifty Traveler Premium business class deals, like Delta One to Australia and Avios to Europe that lined up perfectly with Bilt Rent Day's 100% transfer bonus • Julian also shares some news from Points Path Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. On this week's Miles to Go podcast powered by Thrifty Traveler, Richard is fresh off his first trip to Dublin and a huge Ireland vs. South Africa rugby match at Aviva Stadium, while I've just come back from the chaos of Las Vegas during F1 weekend. We're also digging into a listener question about a Delta gift card Black Friday promo and wrapping up with why booking airline tickets through Bilt has quietly become one of the smartest moves in points and miles. In this episode: Richard's impressions of Dublin and why it's such an easy first-timer's European city Whether a Delta gift card promo is worth it when you're essentially giving the airline an interest-free loan What F1 weekend in Las Vegas is actually like if you don't attend the race—and why merch lines were hours long How to double dip on earning airline miles and Bilt points by booking flights the smart way Why old "never book through a third party" advice doesn't really apply when you're using Bilt's NDC connections Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code M2G50 for 50% off a new Thrifty Traveler subscription! Thrifty Traveler is also offering 50% off for existing customers who want to add-on their hotel subscription service. Hilton just adjusted its loyalty program, lowering requirements for Gold & Diamond and added a brand-new top tier: Diamond Reserve. Is it worth $18K in spend and 80 nights a year? Richard walks through a last-minute work trip to Dublin, booking United Polaris on the ultra-short Newark–Dublin hop, plus a quirky Hyatt Centric Liberties "prepaid" card glitch that almost canceled his stay. Then Ed tags in Kyle Potter from Thrifty Traveler to break down their Black Friday sale, what they're seeing in the award space, and whether Delta's huge SkyMiles sale to Europe is a canary in the coal mine for 2026 award pricing. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. On this week's Miles to Go podcast, powered by our friends at Thrifty Traveler, Ed is just back from a whirlwind 18-hour stop in Marrakesh and Richard is finally back in the co-host chair. Ed breaks down what it's really like to stay in a riad inside the Medina, how chaotic (or not) the souks feel, and whether Morocco deserves a spot on your must-visit list. Then the guys pivot into a big batch of Bilt news: the now-official Rakuten partnership and what it could mean to earn points on your mortgage starting next year. Along the way, they get into ugly Vegas convention fares, surviving the world's shortest red-eyes, and a few killer Thrifty Traveler Premium deals.   Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. Coming to you from Lisbon, Portugal

This week on Wonderland on Points, we're unpacking one of the biggest shakeups in travel rewards — the new Bilt and Rakuten partnership. You can now link your Rakuten and Bilt accounts to turn cashback into Bilt Rewards points, even without the Bilt card. We explain how it works, why it matters, and what this means for anyone earning through shopping portals.We also share updates on Bilt Card 2.0, new Hyatt rumors, and how Chase Sapphire Reserve may soon unlock elite status. If you want to make your everyday spending work harder — from rent to retail — this episode has everything you need to know.Find Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogEpisode SponsorComfrt Hoodie EXTRA 15% OFF of Black Friday Sale Prices!Youtube Review of Comfrt HoodiesAffiliate LinksRakuten- Mary Ellen (Get 5000 AMEX POINTS)Rakuten- Joanna (Get 5000 AMEX POINTS)Chase/Capital One/Amex Card Links30% off the CardPointers subscription!FlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

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

Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. On this week's Miles to Go episode — powered by Thrifty Traveler — Ed and Richard are diving into the potential government shutdown and asking: will TSA or the FAA melt down before our next show? Richard's fresh off a trip to Toronto and shares what it's really like flying Porter Airlines into Billy Bishop Airport. The guys also tackle: •

Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. This week on the Miles to Go podcast, we're breaking down some recent travel and announcements, including:

As it nears the end of the year, it's time to assess Hyatt elite progress. In today's Frequent Miler on the air podcast episode, we'll focus on how to bridge the gap to the next level of Hyatt status. But we'll also talk about United & JetBlue tying their knot tighter, and how Wyndham's crappy coupon book doesn't add up.Giant Mailbag(01:21) - "We just wanted to say how much we have enjoyed the 100K Vacay challenge..."Card News(04:42) - Hawaiian card's $100 annual companion discounts & 50% companion discounts now redeemable on Alaska flights. Learn more about this here.(07:53) - Citi launches new $350 American Airlines AAdvantage Globe credit card, which you can read more about here.(09:13) - United Debit Card Coming (to join SouthWest & Wyndham debit cards)(13:40) - American Express Business Gold® adds $150 Squarespace CreditBonvoyed(15:27) - Wyndham Rewards Insider (More about it here)Crazy Thing(17:22) - Wyndham's Bad MathAwards, Points, and More(21:21) - United & JetBlue: Now reciprocal earn & burn is live(34:18) - JetBlue Mosaic changes (Learn more about them here)(40:35) - Bilt Rewards updates(44:34) - Learn more about Bilt's doing away with Milestone Rewards, which you can read about here.(47:45) - Chase offering 25% transfer bonus to Southwest through Nov 6Main Event: Hyatt: End of year elite planning(50:23) - Why we care(53:32) - Elite levels and Milestones(1:09:00) - Shortcuts(1:13:50) - Learn more about World of Hyatt adding double elite nights to welcome offer here: https://frequentmiler.com/world-of-hyatt-credit-card-temporarily-adds-extra-elite-credit-to-offer/(1:16:33) - Stack with other promos. Ex: Earn 3x Hyatt points on 2+ night stays for 90 days after registration (targeted) (Learn more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/earn-3x-hyatt-points-on-2-night-stays-targeted/)(1:20:29) - Nick's plans(1:24:09) - Greg's plansQuestion of the Week(1:34:44) - How do you evaluate whether positioning is worth it?Subscribe and FollowVisit 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 – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Watch Us On YouTube! On this week's episode of Miles to Go Podcast:

Watch Us On YouTube! After an epic weekend at Disneyland with the Slack community, Ed and Richard are back—and they're covering 10 hot topics in under 30 minutes, Pardon the Interruption style.

Watch Us On YouTube! This week on The Miles to Go Podcast, Ed is back home (for now) and joined by Summer Hull from The Points Guy for a lively deep dive into credit cards, elite status, and travel strategy. Summer opens up about her bold move—charging $50,000 on her United card—and breaks down whether it was a smart play or a little bit crazy. We get into how that decision helped her earn United Platinum status, plus how she maximized bonus awards and upgrades along the way. Ed also shares an update on his long-running Capital One credit card drama, which (finally!) has a resolution, and reveals which premium cards he's cutting from his wallet—and why. Then Summer gives us her insider reviews of two beautiful resorts you'll want on your radar:

Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, we break down several wild developments across the travel world alongside Julian Kheel of Points Path! Topics include: • Sweet biz-class deal to Africa—how we found it and why it was a no-brainer. • American Airlines joins the touchless TSA PreCheck game—what it is and why you should care. • Southwest's radical shift: introducing checked bag fees and removing same-day changes for elites. • Solo traveler surcharge? A few airlines rolled out (then pulled back) pricing that charges solo travelers more than pairs—here's what's really happening. • Listener Q&A: How much time do you actually need for an international connection? Plus: a lively NYC check-in, Spirit vs. JetBlue fares to Florida, Disney Cruise holiday discounts, Vegas hotel softness, and a quick update on Points Path. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Watch Us On YouTube! This week on the Miles to Go Podcast, Ed and Richard are actually both home for once.

If you've been in the points game for years, you've probably noticed how much has changed recently. And if you're newer, you might be wondering if you're already too late. In this episode, I share why I don't believe we're in the “golden age” of award travel right now — but also why points are still incredibly valuable if you know how to adapt. Over the last couple of years, the rules around earning and redeeming points have shifted faster than ever. Credit card issuers are tightening welcome bonus and referral opportunities, airlines are reserving more award space for their own loyalty members, and transfer ratios are changing in ways that don't always benefit us. But this doesn't mean points are dead. It just means the strategies that worked five or ten years ago won't cut it anymore. I'll walk you through the biggest changes in points earning and redeeming, and the four core skills you'll need to thrive in this new era of award travel. Whether you've been collecting for a decade or you're just getting started, this episode will help you see clearly where the points landscape is headed and how you can still unlock incredible value. Turn your expenses into points and save tens of thousands of dollars a year on your wishlist travel. Don't miss out! Click here http://www.pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy to know more about my comprehensive online program, Points Made Easy. Enrollment opens on September 20, 2025 to September 27, 2025.

Watch Us On YouTube! This week, Ed and Richard discuss the latest travel topics of the week, including: Reflections on 9/11 Aviation fun at DorkFest Citi's new Strata Elite Credit Card, with 1:1 American Airlines transfers Hilton's crazy devaluation Wild brand shakeups at the Thompson brand Vegas sundry shop pricing An update on Ed's Capital One lockout Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Watch Us On YouTube! This week, Ed and Richard discuss the latest travel topics of the week, including: Ed's charging woes with his new Rivian Should flight attendants stop a passenger's in-flight phone call? The benefits of living in NYC and flying to Orange County, California United's A321LXR Seat Map Should you sign up for the Amex Platinum before the fee increase? Frontier's GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly pass Alaska's international aspirations from Seattle. Lisbon's funicular tragedy Emirates' new policy on children using awards to travel in first class Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/    

Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, Ed and Richard reminisce on Episode 400 of the podcast! Richard settles into the new recording location of New York City, and Ed battles the Vegas dayclub scene from his room at the Venetian. Milestones discussed: Episode 50: Richard Kerr was a special guest in his first appearance on the pod. The topic? What's Going Right In the World of Miles and Points Episode 100: Gary Leff was on to discuss the change to Peak and Off-Peak Hyatt redemptions as well as Scott Kirby joining United as CEO. Ed and Richard discuss if the changes are good years later.  Episode 168: The one where they Richard and Ed recorded at Daddy Joe's  Episode 200: Richard was a guest on the show after a Disney marathon charity event. They talk about the credit cards mentioned in that episode: Venture X and the Hyatt Business card.  Episode 300: The "Fantastic 4" of Ed, Richard, Julian, and Summer discussed Marriott's Bonvoy Brilliant card and how Richard would never get the card.  Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun: Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/