Frequent Miler on the Air (Greg Davis-Kean)

Getting the best deal on an award ticket is rarely done by going to one airline's website and searching round trip. Greg & Nick discuss the artistry that goes into building a masterpiece of a booking.

1:28 Giant Mailbag

5:57 What crazy thing did Radisson do this week?

10:17 Mattress Running the Numbers: Should you product change to the IHG Premier? https://frequentmiler.com/its-time-for-a-new-ihg-credit-card-strategy/

26:58 Main Event: Award Booking Artistry 31:47 Mixing and Matching Airlines on a single trip

33:38 Look at other International Gateways

36:30 Look at using partner miles

39:11 Throw-away return tickets

43:42 Skiplagging https://frequentmiler.com/skiplagging/

47:25 Nested Trips

51:27 Alaska stopover rules https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-airlines-companion-fare-guide/

53:41 United Excursionist Perk https://frequentmiler.com/maximizing-and-understanding-united-excursionist-perks/

56:37 Leveraging off-peak pricing

1:00:00 Upgrades

1:03:48 Post Roast

1:09:47 Question of the Week: What's up with the American Airlines eShopping portal? https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-earn-american-airlines-loyalty-points-without-flying-cheat-sheet-to-play-the-elite-status-game/

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

In today's episode we'll discuss what's up with Hilton gift cards, we'll intensely debate Virgin Atlantic award charts, cover 2 different points millionaire promos, then finally, we'll tell you how to earns tons of rewards through shopping portals.

(01:29) - One reader reports on their success with the Southwest Companion Pass with just one of the Southwest business cards when it had the elevated 120k offer.

Read more about the companion pass here.

(04:29) - Chase Bonvoy Bold: now features Chase’s Pay Yourself Back benefit.

(08:36) - Citi changed transfer rates to Flying Blue to 1.25 (temporarily)

(11:38) - Qantas devaluation Aug 5th

Check out our Complete List of Transferrable Points Partners here.

(18:30) - SAS Eurobonus Millionaire update

(22:49) - Chase Travel giving away 1 million Ultimate Rewards points to 10 winners

(24:12) - Virgin Atlantic still has award charts

(32:43) - Westgate Resorts now bookable w/ Choice Privileges

(35:15) - Portal Overview

(43:00) - Our favorite shopping portals (starting with Rakuten)

(55:54) - Portal Myths

Learn more about common shopping portal myths here.

(1:12:08) - Stacking Opportunities

For more stacking ideas, check out The Art of Extreme Stackery | Ep231 | 12-2-23 here.

(1:13:43) - Learn more about card linked offers here.

(1:15:26) - Gift Cards

(1:16:32) - Learn more about buying gift cards at discount (e.g. Pepper) here: https://frequentmiler.com/instant-gift-card-deals

(1:18:05) - Super Stack Example

(1:24:26) - What's the deal with Hilton Gift Cards?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

We love talking about points and miles all day, every day. That's why we've decided - in addition to our full-length Frequent Miler on the Air podcast episodes, we're going to share a little something to enjoy during your Tuesday coffee break too. Not a full hour of discussion and analysis like you'll find on the full episodes, but a mini version with a single topic of focus.

While Greg and Nick are traveling, Frequent Miler teammates Stephen and Carrie covered this Coffee Break episode for a topic particularly suited for Stephen.

(01:28) - This Coffee Break topic came from our last Ask Us Anything, Live when one of our listeners asked, "If you could live anywhere in the U.S. based solely on points and miles opportunities, where would you live?"

(01:58) - Stephen and his wife have been on a 7 year road trip to explore every state in the US.

(03:22) - Which places stand out as particularly good for points and miles enthusiasts and why?

(03:56) - Earning opportunities are a significant factor in how Stephen evaluates each destination.

(04:52) - Texas is particularly good for Stephen's points-earning strategies.

(05:54) - Ohio (and particularly Cincinnati) is also good for Stephen's points-earning strategies.

(06:40) - How do those destinations work for award booking? (Or does that matter?)

(08:01) - How much do points and miles factors actually impact Stephen's decision about where to live?

(12:50) - Is any destination better than no destination (as in continuing to be nomadic?)

(14:01) -  What is Buc-ees?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media. You'll find all other Frequent Miler on the Air episodes here. 

Music Credit - Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Yes, you can continue to march on the Amex point parade even after you've signed up for all the cards.

00:53 Giant Mailbag: What's the best loyalty program outside of the United States?

4:18 Mattress running the numbers: Magazines.com stacking deals

https://frequentmiler.com/magazines-com-citi-offer-giving-15-on-20-spend-stack-with-aa-portal-simplymiles-or-40x-rakuten/

9:08 What crazy thing did....Curve do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/is-the-curve-card-ready-for-prime-time-hint-not-yet/

14:25 Main Event: Amex end game

15:52 No Lifetime Language offers (NLL)

19:26 A "lifetime" may be shorter than you think

https://frequentmiler.com/bending-amexs-lifetime-rule/

22:50 Downgrade / Upgrade path

26:11 Ways to earn more points with your existing cards (first up: referrals)

31:11 Authorized user / Additional cardholder bonuses

https://frequentmiler.com/20k-membership-rewards-bonus-with-new-authorized-user-and-2k-spend-targeted/

34:07 Pay Over Time bonuses https://frequentmiler.com/amex-20000-mr-for-enrolling-in-pay-over-time-check-link-to-see-if-youre-targeted/

41:04 Retention Offers https://frequentmiler.com/a-well-timed-retention-offer-yields-18-75x-without-a-new-account/

44:45 Post roast Nick Roasts Marriott

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-award-booking-adventure/

48:21 Greg Roasts Nick https://frequentmiler.com/the-hidden-cost-of-point-transfers-should-you-take-advantage-of-that-transfer-bonus/

53:09 Question of the Week: I got an Amex authorized user bonus. How long do I need to keep the AU accounts open?

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Amex has long had rules against getting a new welcome bonus for a card you’ve had before.
Now, they’ve expanded those rules to include "families" of cards. In this episode we'll help you navigate this confusing and tedious concept.

(01:31) - With pointsyeah a reader found an interesting redemption for ANA first class... but found a great discount for “suffering” in economy to HND. (Mailbag)

Read more about Avianca LifeMiles’ awesome mixed-cabin award pricing - First Class for less

(05:15) - Southwest Companion Pass with one business card (Card Talk)

Find out more about the Southwest Premier Business Card here

Find out more about the Southwest Performance Business card here

(18:14) - Bilt rent day promo (Award Talk)

(19:42) - Alaska Airlines transfer bonus, up to 100% (Award Talk)

Read more about the Alaska / Bilt transfer bonus here

(24:18) - Alaska Airlines status match (Award Talk)

(29:20) - Bilt Neighborhood dining (Award Talk)

(32:09) - Hilton adds more SLH properties (Award Talk)

(37:50) - Choice removes 35K cap on their points prices in the US (Award Talk)

(39:22) - We've updated some of our RRVs (Award Talk)

(44:46) - Use Virgin points to book AF/KLM (Award Talk)

(50:23) - Fiji airways to adopt AAdvantage miles (Award Talk)

(52:09) - Read more about Greg’s Predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

(54:55) - Read more about Nick’s predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

(56:27) - Read more about Stephen’s Predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

(58:38) - Read more about Tim’s Predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

(1:01:27) - Read more about Carrie’s Predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

Main Event: Navigating Amex’s Welcome Bonus Family Rules

(1:03:24) - About Amex's "Pop-Up Prison"

(1:06:58) - Family types

(1:09:08) - How to find the rules. Look for "Offer Terms"

(1:12:16) - Skirting the pop-up prison

(1:18:01) - What sites do you like the best, apart from your own? (Question of the Week)

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Greg and Nick discuss:

-AA Web Specials now apply to business and first class. Nick explains why that might not be good news.

-Hyatt moves to peak and off-peak award pricing. Nick calls it a devaluation. Greg argues that there's good news here.

-Kiva turns out to have higher default rates than Greg expected. Is Kiva dead to the miles & points community? We explain why we're still Kiva-ing along

There are a bunch of hotel credit card offers that are bigger than usual right now, some of them pretty surprising. That's what we'll discuss in this episode of Frequent Miler on the Air.

(01:20) - Booking Hilton stays with a mix of points and a free night award - just watch for a 3 night minimum. (Mail Bag)

(05:32) - Read how to find SLH hotels bookable with Hilton points and free night certificates using Rooms.aero here

(06:29) - At least TWO FM followers got the Wyndham Hotel Pass! (What Crazy Thing)

(09:48) - Marriott Bonvoy promotion for credit card holders (Mattress Running the Numbers)

(15:51) - Hertz hurts so good (Award Talk)

(19:52) - Virgin Atlantic points can't book Air France / KLM "due to a system issue" (Award Talk)

(22:22) - JetBlue to introduce Mini-Mint (regional first class). 2026 (Award Talk)

(24:45) - Cancelling SLH stays booked via Hyatt: You have to email (but even though they responded after the deadline, I had no penalty and got points back) (Award Talk)

(29:30) - RRVs (Award Talk)

(42:10) - Hotel Credit Card Big Offers

(46:19) - Sonesta - Read more about the Sonesta card here

(49:26) - IHG - Read more about the IHG One Rewards Premier card here

(56:07) - Bonvoy Bold - Read more about the Bonvoy Bold card here

(57:30) - Find our "Are you eligible for a new Marriott card" chart here

(1:00:20) - Hilton offers - Read more about the Hilton Surpass card here, and the fee free Hilton card here 

(1:08:13) - Choice - Read more about the Choice card here and the Choice Select card here 

(1: 12:06) - How to max amex multi referrals (Question of the Week)

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

After we prove mathematically that Greg too often says "um," Greg and Nick move onto weightier topics: - Should we have published the controversial Chase links post? Why did we? - Managing your credit card portfolio. How do you know which cards to get and to keep? How do you get cards that are no longer available? How do you keep points alive when you cancel?

There are a lot of things in the points and miles world that kind of come to a head at the end of the year, so you'll want to know what you should be taking care of here at the end of 2024. And of course, read our end of year checklist for 2024 here.

(01:30) - What happens when a Choice Rewards hotel booking has no record of your reservation, but the points are missing?

(07:32) - Preferred Hotels now bookable with iPrefer points

(16:34) - Amex 40% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic

(21:31) - Earn elite status

(23:05) - Do you have enough MQDs for Delta elite status? Check out our post here.

(24:48) - Remember to time your SouthWest companion pass properly
Read our Complete Guide to the SouthWest companion pass here.

(28:37) - Marriott Bonvoy: Easiest option is Bonvoy Brilliant, but you can read about the many other options here.

(44:11) - Use airline incidental credits by December

(47:42) - Platinum $200 calendar year. See Amex airline fee reimbursements. What still works?

(56:19) - Apply for cards with annual credits

(57:47) - Transfer / pool points

(1:02:19) - Redeem points or miles for annual rebates

(1:03:48) - With the Caesar's Diamond status match ending, is there anything Wyndham Earner Business card-holder's should take advantage of now?

Read more about this status match ending here.

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Like & subscribe! Find links in the timestamps below.

Greg & Nick discuss:

Topics:
-#StayCaytoFarAway: results are shaping up to be quite a surprise including a huge comeback and surprising (to us) finish

-Should we launch a podcast version of our live show?

-Travel News & Thoughts: Will Iceland be a safer destination than parts of the US? What are the options we're talking about domestically?

-A cool tool for finding award availability

00:00:47 Reader Feedback: Ask Us Anything. Should it be a pod?

See: https://youtu.be/fmHjqJWMdaw

8:58: What crazy thing did Citi do this week?

See: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/citi-shows-points-earned-with-each-thankyou-card-transaction/

15:54 StayCay to Far Away

See: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/tag/staycaytofaraway

38:39 Travel News & Thoughts: International & Domestic, including:
-Iceland's plan to test tourists for COVID-19
-Greg's canceled Hyatt reservation
-Nick's comfort with being home
-United business class to Europe (See: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/europe-2021-united-business-class-awards-wide-open-book-for-45k-w-turkish/)

55:43 Finding award availability: SeatSpy

See: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/seatspy-founders-deals-ending-soon/

1:08:41 Question of the week: Is the Best Offers page clear enough? How could we make it more user-friendly?

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe! See thefrequentmiler.com/subscribe to sign up for blog post alerts, our Facebook community, and more.

Greg and Nick debate: If you could only have one card, what would it be? Capital One Venture? Chase Sapphire Reserve? A cash back card?

We also discuss:

• New credit cards (Sonesta & Marriott)
• Transfer bonuses
• More

Listen now.

Subscribe, like, & comment. Links to more info in the timestamps below.

thefrequentmiler.com/subscribe

2:43 Reader Feedback....or rather storytime with Greg.

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/ventana-big-sur-hyatt-bottom-line-review-awesome/

13:10 What crazy thing has Citi done this week?

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/5x-restaurants-with-chase-sapphire-reserve/

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/covid-credit-card-enhancements-ultimate-guide/#Gas

21:18 Mattress Running: Hyatt's awesome new promo looks very good theoretically. Is it really that good?

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/on-my-mind-hyatts-awesome-promo/

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/hyatt-offering-up-to-25-points-rebate-on-award-nights-free-parking-dining-bonus-points/

32:49 Is it worth getting the Hyatt credit card if you already have some Hyatt travel plans during the promo window?

Note: The extra 10 elite nights from the credit card are available if you are approved by 8/31/20

31:51 Is it worth mattress running a Category 1 hotel if you're seeking Hyatt elite status?

41:36 Amex clawbacks: What happened and Greg's key theory about Amex's relationship with MS

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/amex-going-clawback-happy-for-grocery-store-spend/

49:33 Picking points

51:04 Is it ever worth using a 2x everywhere card if you have a 2.62% back card?

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/why-2x-everywhere-cards-arent-in-my-wallet/

58:16 Nick wrote a post about picking one transfer partner from each program for all of your points. Greg picks at Nick's picks.

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/pick-a-single-transfer-partner-from-each-program/

1:07:02 Nick picks back at Greg's Membership Rewards pick

1:12:41 Does purchase protection move the needle? Do you use this info?

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/pick-a-single-transfer-partner-from-each-program/

1:20:58 Question of the Week: Thank You points were shared with me and used to book a flight that is now canceled. What happens on the refund?

This week's main event: HUGE credit Card offers are back and bigger than ever. Which is best? What's coming next? We also cover the latest Marriott deals. Is it time to mattress run Marriott?

00:57 Giant mailbag

02:30 Crazy Citi thing...

04:29 Mattress Running the Numbers:
Take advantage of Marriott's overlapping offers to get Platinum status

• Marriott Amex Offer: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/marriott-amex-offer/
• Marriott 10X Offer: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/10x-marriott-points-on-us-gas-stations-us-restaurants-and-marriott-hotels-with-new-amex-offers/
• Marriott gifting elite night credits: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/marriott-gifting-elite-night-credit-dropping-many-redemption-rates/

14:40 Main Event:
Huge credit Card offers are back and bigger than ever. Chase business cards are fair game again. Sapphire Preferred 80K. Capital One 100K. Freedom 80K-ish. Which is best? What's next?

• Chase Biz Cards are Back: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/chase-resumes-approving-business-card-applications/
• Cap One 100K vs Chase 80K: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/venture-100k-vs-sapphire-80k-which-is-better/
• Will the Sapphire Reserve 100K offer return? https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-100k-offer-will-it-return/

37:15 Post Roast
Nick takes issue with Greg picking the World of Hyatt card as a must-have beginner card. Greg fights back...

• Beginner credit card plan: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/beginner-plan-solo-no-business/

The SAS EuroBonus Millionaire promotion may turn out to be 2024's Deal of the Year. We just have to fly 15 SkyTeam airlines before the end of the year to earn 1 million miles. However, if for some reason SAS doesn't honor the promotion, they'll make it to our 2024 naughty list for sure. As you listen to this, Nick, Greg, and Stephen are in the air somewhere in the world trying to complete this promotion in 2 weeks or less. Learn all about the promotion and how we're going about tackling it in today's main event.

(02:43) - A reader has a tip about the US Bank Travel Portal allowing AR point redemptions at 1.5c for Disney theme park tickets, at the Disney retail pricing...

(04:34) - Trick for finding Finnair Avios award availability
Read more about our solution for finding Finnair award availability here.

(06:44) - Opportunities to buy miles cheaply (can be great for people who can't get USA credit cards)

(07:27) - Read more about Flying Blue's subscriptions to buy miles here.

(07:50) - Alaska/Hawaiian for 1.25c per mile
Read more about buying Alaska / Hawaiian miles for 1.25 c per mile here.

(09:01) -What is Million Mile Madness?

Follow the Million Mile Madness challenge here.

​​(15:39) - Hi FM Team, do you have any backup or contingency plans in place if one of your flights is cancelled or severely delayed? Good luck on your adventure!

(19:12) - Departing soon? Best wishes to all the contestants

(24:07) - Will there be a live wrap up show for the challenge?

(26:50) - What have you done ahead of time for tight connections during your challenge? Like buying seats in the front of plane, familiarize the airport layout, etc…

(31:11) - ​​Which airline are you most and least looking forward to flying as part of the challenge?

(37:11) - What is each contestant most confident they'll be the "best" at?

(44:29) - ​​I was trying to book a flight on AA using Alaska taking off in 2 days, and their website said that the itinerary is "too close to departure." Is this phantom award space?

(46:05) - You know “player 2” is a common topic among the hobby. Would anyone here consider having their spouse joint one podcast explaining their thoughts of their significant other engaging in the hobby?

(48:06) - ​​My Hyatt globalist expires soon. Can/should I make bookings after expiration and guest of honor myself?

(51:33) - ​​Hawaiian biz card only offers 50k after $4k spend now (used to be 80k after $2k spend) Considering it may go away, should we jump on it now?

(53:41) - Greg, Delta Amex companion certificates terms are very restrictive. Any best practices to find eligible fare class for non-holiday weekends far in advance?

(54:58) - ​​Is their a resource for which Hilton Resorts accept pre-payments?

(55:47) - What is each contestant's personal mission?

(1:00:44) - Does booking yourself a Hyatt GOH earning an additional elite night?

(1:01:59) - Did you get confirmation that SAS will allow you to award the miles to the helpful readers?

(1:02:41) - Do you think you'll run into each other during the challenge?

(1:005:46) - The Amex Platinum card offer requires a lot of spend so one reader made an $11K estimated tax payment to meet that spend, but an agent later told them that kind of expense is not eligible for meeting spend requirement, outlining a few other ineligible expenses as well. Is this true?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Have you heard about our newest team challenge yet? The good news is we have some prizes to share this time, and the bad news is...it is proving to be way more challenging than expected!

(01:25) - One reader sends their appreciation for the fresh look of our podcast on YouTube.

(02:47) - You can find all our how-to videos on our Resources page here.

(03:41) - Waived award redemption fees / surcharges, even on one-way tickets – with Cardless Qatar Card

(08:02) - Citi adds Preferred Hotels iPrefer at 1:4 ratio [new transfer partner]

(13:24) - Amex launches 200K Biz Gold / 250K BizPlat referral offers

Learn more about the American Express Business Gold card here.

Learn more about the American Express Business Platinum card here.

(17:42) - Hawaiian Business Card duplicate account number issue resolved...and more thoughts about Hawaiian / Alaska merger

(21:15) - Chase reduces travel protections

(31:45) - What crazy thing . . . .did Air France do this week?

(36:37) - Transfer bonuses from Citi to Virgin and Wyndham: Yay or nay?

(39:23) - Million Mile Madness!

Find out more about challenge updates and details here.

(40:20) - SAS EuroBonus Millionaire basics...

(42:29) - Is the SAS EuroBonus Millionaire promo worth it?

(52:12) - Million Mile Madness 2024 - how you can participate and what you could win!

(1:03:08) - Stephen's challenge status so far...

Help Stephen with some tips (and potentially win an awesome prize for your tips) here.

(1:05:14) - Nick's challenge status so far...

Help Nick with some tips (and potentially win an awesome prize for your tips) here.

(1:09:51) - Read our post on what still works for Amex airline incidental credits here.

(1:12:25) - Find frequently asked questions about the SAS challenge here.

(1:15:44) - Greg's challenge status so far...

Help Greg with some tips (and potentially win an awesome prize for your tips) here.

(1:26:15) - Check out Nick's FAQ post about the SAS EuroBonus promo (and our Million Mile Madness challenge) here.

(1:28:08) - What are some best practices to make sure points don't expire?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

With one card sporting a $95 annual fee versus a price tag of $550 per year for the other, you might think that the answer here is easy, but it turns out that there's a lot to discuss between these two top travel cards.

1:25 Giant Mailbag

3:59 What crazy thing...did Radisson Hotels do this week?6:07 Mattress running the numbers: Transfer your points from Radisson international to Radisson Americas

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-move-radisson-points-to-radisson-americas-now/

9:22 Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Sapphire Preferred: Which is better?

https://frequentmiler.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-vs-preferred/

https://frequentmiler.com/bwi-airport-now-has-a-priority-pass-restaurant-good-news-for-southwest-fliers/

49:10 Question of the Week: Which cards have a Priority Pass that includes restaurant access?

"Free" up your companion by powering up to Companion Pass status. The timing is right, but be sure that you time the bonuses properly to score free travel for a companion for almost all of next year and all of the year after.

00:00 Intro

01:45 Giant Mailbag

https://frequentmiler.com/best-credit-card-sign-up-offers/

04:04 Card Talk: Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards

05:10 Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card

08:00 Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card

08:30 Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card

14:41 Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business

15:26 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

19:28 What crazy thing . . . did Capital One Shopping do this week?

25:20 Mattress running the numbers: Which is better: the 15% Avianca LifeMiles transfer bonus or 165% purchase bonus

33:38 Award Talk: Should you book Southwest flights via the Chase Travel portal?

44:14 Main Event: Your companion is now free to move about the country

44:32 Overview of the Companion Pass

1:16:48 Question of the Week: Help! How do I find partner awards bookable with my airline miles?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

We've been talking a lot lately about unique uses for Citi ThankYou points  such as transferring to Leading Hotels of the World, but how do you accumulate these points? That's what we'll talk about in today's episode of Frequent Miler on the Air.

(01:20) - During Ask Us Anything, Greg said that Amex to Hilton transfer bonus would have to be 70% to match standard Chase to Hyatt transfer value. One reader thought of a situation where a 1.7 cents per point value could be reached via Bilt to Virgin Atlantic 125% transfer bonus for Platinum members.

Watch our recent Ask Us Anything here.

(07:53) - Hilton Aspire resort credit-eligible hotel list shrinks

Read more about the Hilton Aspire resort credit eligible hotel list changes here.

(09:29) - Targeted 120,000 Membership Rewards points Business Platinum upgrade offers

Read more about the 120K Membership Rewards points Business Platinum upgrade offers here.

(13:36) - Venture X and Venture X Business Cards: Hertz President's Circle status NOT ending 12/31.

Read more about the Venture X card here, and the Venture X Business Card here.

(14:50) - What crazy thing did Nick and Greg do? (They missed the 70K Hawaiian card bonus change to 50K, hours before discussing it on the podcast.)

(15:10) - Listen to our conversation about the Alaska / Hawaiian merger here.

(17:21) - What crazy thing did Barclays do?

(21:15) - Targeted IHG double elite night credits on up to 2 stays through 12/31/24 (Read more here.)

(28:01) - Wells Fargo Rewards® points now transfer to Virgin

(29:02) - Targeted Avianca LifeMiles sale - 200% bonus (through MONDAY 9/30) (Read more here.)

(31:46) - AA Targeted promo to get Loyalty Points when spending AA miles

(32:37) - Melio business bill payment service now has paid membership tiers
Read more about Melio here.

(35:28) - Pepper Rewards adds point history and pending point information

Learn more about Pepper here.

(39:23) - Spirit updates, including removing redemption fees and free wifi for Gold members

(40:55) - ThankYou Rewards quick overview and basics

Find out about unique rewards you can get with ThankYou points here.

(46:23) - Welcome bonuses

Learn more about the Strata Premier card here.

Learn more about the Double Cash card here, and the Custom Cash card here.

(50:54) - Earn through spend...

(1:01:02) - Targeted Bonuses

(1:02:44) - Retention Bonuses

(1:07:19) - 2 person (or "2 player") strategy

(1:10:10) - A reader won 50K American Airline miles from a work event and is considering accumulating more...

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Each member of the Frequent Miler team made predictions for what will happen in loyalty news and credit cards in 2024, but this week we review which of those predictions we think are absolute hogwash and which you can bet your bottom dollar will happen in 2024.

00:00 Intro

01:30 Giant Mailbag

10:42 Award Talk: An Aeroplan cautionary tale

14:20 Follow up on Bonvoyed Awards

https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-milers-readers-choice-bonvoyed-awards-2023-edition/

16:56 Follow up on Deal of the Year

https://frequentmiler.com/deal-of-the-year-2023-2/

18:24 Main Event: Spit-shining our 2024 crystal ball

https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-milers-2024-predictions-for-points-miles-and-travel/

18:30 A look back at 2023 prediction results

22:04 Nick's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath?

24:39 Greg's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath?

28:52 Carrie's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath?

30:38 Stephen's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath?

34:15 Tim's predictions: Hogwash or cat bath?

46:24 Question of the Week #1: Should I reduce withholdings to make estimated tax payments with a credit card?

https://frequentmiler.com/pay-taxes-via-credit-card/

46:19 Question of the Week #2: Does it ever make sense to apply for a card knowing that you'll not get the welcome bonus?

50:49 Question of the Week #3: Have you considered releasing Ask Us Anything as a podcast?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

American Express has a the largest stable of rewards credit cards on the market, but which Amex cards are must-have cornerstones of your wallet? The answers aren't universal, so this week we discuss the Amex cards that could make the cut and who should keep them.

01:23 Giant Mailbag

05:05 What crazy thing . . . did JetBlue do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/jetblues-mosaic-founderscard-benefit-is-this-a-joke/

13:52 25% transfer bonus from Amex to JetBlue

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-membership-rewards-25-transfer-bonus-to-jetblue-250250/

16:42 Award Talk

16:52 JetBlue is enhancing their elite program for 2024 and beyond

17:45 New JetBlue Signature Perks

19:37 Mosaic 4 members will be able to give Mosaic 1 to another member

20:27 Booking the BLADE helicopter transfers for Mosaic 4

23:21 JetBlue credit card approvals

24:28 AAdvantage Aviator card approvals

https://frequentmiler.com/barclays-aviator-red-now-up-to-75000-miles-with-two-purchases/

26:34 Main Event: Must-have Amex cards

27:40 Transferable points cards

27:44 Blue Business Plus card

https://frequentmiler.com/amxbbp/

30:16 Amex Gold Card

https://frequentmiler.com/amxgoldcard/

32:34 Platinum card

https://frequentmiler.com/amxplat

36:18 Amex Everyday card

https://frequentmiler.com/amxed/

38:50 Amex Green card

https://frequentmiler.com/amxgreen/

40:45 Pick one Membership Rewards card

43:21 Amex Hotel cards

43:27 Amex Hilton Aspire card

https://frequentmiler.com/amxhiltonaspire/

45:51 Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business card

https://frequentmiler.com/spgbiz/

47:23 Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card

https://frequentmiler.com/spglux/

52:33 Hilton Surpass card

https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-honors-american-express-surpass-card/

55:20 Which is the one Amex hotel card for you?

56:33 Airline cards

57:00 Delta Gold cards

https://frequentmiler.com/dlgold/

https://frequentmiler.com/dlgoldbiz/

57:32 Delta Platinum cards

https://frequentmiler.com/dlplat/

https://frequentmiler.com/dlplatbiz/

59:18 Delta Reserve cards

https://frequentmiler.com/dlrsv/

https://frequentmiler.com/dlrsvbiz/

1:02:22 Which Delta credit card

1:04:27 Question of the Week #1: Is credit card cell phone insurance worth it if you have Apple Care?

1:06:07 Question of the Week #2: For American Airlines partner award bookings, which airlines are not shown on the AA.com website. Can you search Aeroplan's website? Can you call to book more than 331 days in advance?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

3:34 Giant Mailbag: The Captain catches his white whale

4:15 What crazy thing....did Hilton do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-replaces-breakfast-benefit-for-elite-members-in-the-united-states/

9:18 What crazy thing....did Marriott do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-now-limited-points-advance-holds-to-no-more-than-60-days/

12:06 What crazy thing did...Cardless do this week?

14:40 Mattress Running the Numbers: Red Roof Inn stay twice, get points for a free night. Is it mattress-run worthy?

https://frequentmiler.com/red-roof-stay-twice-earn-a-free-night-stay-5-28-21-9-7-21/

17:43 Main Event: Game changers: Alive and Dead

Simon Mall's $1K gift cards in-mall: https://frequentmiler.com/week-in-review-07132019/

Citi Double Cash 1 to 1 transfers to ThankYou points: https://frequentmiler.com/will-citi-really-satisfy-did-denali-prep-greg-for-40k-our-takes-and-more/

Rakuten starts allowing Membership Rewards instead of cash back! https://frequentmiler.com/week-in-review-11022019/

PayPal Key: https://frequentmiler.com/defending-yourself-against-amexs-war-on-gaming-more/

Capital One adds partners and 1 to 1 transfer tier: https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-steps-up-to-the-plate/

Hacking Asia Miles: https://frequentmiler.com/week-in-review-jan-2020-week-3/

Turkish Miles & Smiles: https://frequentmiler.com/publishing-the-sweetest-spot-new-turkish-intel-a-failed-experiment-and-more/

Chase Pay Yourself Back: https://frequentmiler.com/is-the-chase-csr-1-5c-a-compelling-cash-out-also-using-airline-credits-more/

Shop Your Way Points now convert to merchant gift cards! Citi xfer to SYW 1 to 1.2. https://frequentmiler.com/has-citi-sears-iously-improved-much-this-week/

Airlines eliminate change fees: https://frequentmiler.com/is-the-sapphire-reserve-king-for-life-or-is-it-on-its-last-term-this-week-at-frequent-miler/

Wyndham Vacasa 15K: https://frequentmiler.com/mileage-running-delta/

Hyatt Premium Suites: https://frequentmiler.com/the-suite-life-friends-with-benefits-and-more/

Marriott top-tier properties for less: https://frequentmiler.com/huge-marriott-win-spg-cat7/

1:07:03 Host Roast / Post Roast

https://frequentmiler.com/best-offers-for-low-spenders/

1:12:10 Question of the Week: Does a Delta Platinum upgrade make sense right now?

Don't forget to like & subscribe! Join our email list here: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

This week Greg and Nick discuss the challenges they have faced in navigating protocols and requirements for a major international trip.

See more here: https://frequentmiler.com/guc-trip-update/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Chase & Citi surprise, but Amex delights in their benefit refresh. Hear Greg & Nick talk about:

-Cards newly offering bonuses on groceries
-Overhaul of Amex card benefits. Did Amex take the Platinum cards from zero to hero?
-Which card wins: in several battles throughout the episode, we talk which card to use and why
-Do the changes make any cards must-haves now?

Don't forget to like & SUBSCRIBE above. Find more ways to follow us here:
http://thefrequentmiler.com/subscribe

Timestamps:
00:27 Reader feedback. Pop quiz.
5:37 What crazy thing did Citi do this week?
8:46 Chase now bonusing groceries
14:07 3x CSP or 6x Marriott?
17:30 Is it worth buying GCs online to earn grocery bonus?
21:22 Is this all Chase is going to do?
23:31 Amex enhancements card-by-card
24:14 Consumer Platinum refresh
27:22 Is it worth sacrificing cell phone insurance to get the Platinum wireless service credit?
30:44 Business Platinum refresh
38:10 Greg says Personal over Business. Nick disagrees.
41:00 Hilton refresh
48:05 12x hilton vs 5x Chase vs 3x Chase
50:31 12x Hilton vs 4x Amex
51:26 Amex Green card refresh
54:42 Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant refresh
1:00:36 Delta consumer cards: Bum deal
1:03:12 A retraction from Nick
1:06:17 Revisiting Greg's bold satement
1:11:10 Question of the week: Which ultra-premium cards are now must-apply? Which is #1? #2?

The best card for a student or young professional just starting out on life's journey and the path to valuable rewards for spend isn't necessarily clear-cut, but on this week's show we discuss the options we would be most likely to recommend -- and why one probably stands out over the rest for a large segment of the market.

1:09 Giant Mailbag double feature. A cool trick for Caesars and Wyndham and a reader thank-you.

5:10 What crazy thing . . . did Greg the Frequent Miler do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/which-credit-card-offers-the-best-free-night-certificates/

12:14 Mattress running the numbers -- err, lounge running the numbers with the Royal Air Maroc status match.

https://frequentmiler.com/get-oneworld-status-with-royal-air-maroc-status-match/

19:35 Main Event: The single best starter card

21:10 Discover It Student card

https://frequentmiler.com/discover-it-student-good-grades-20-per-year/

26:24 Freedom cards https://frequentmiler.com/cff/

https://frequentmiler.com/cfu/

32:37 Citi Double Cash https://frequentmiler.com/dc/

37:53 Citi Custom Cash https://frequentmiler.com/customcash/

41:15 Bilt Mastercard https://frequentmiler.com/is-the-bilt-card-worth-it-who-should-consider-it-is-it-the-ultimate-starter-rewards-card-on-nicks-mind/

1:01:12 Question of the Week: Looking for flexibility in United award tickets Join our email list:

https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

(01:37) - Carrie saw Greg speak at Chicago Seminars in 2013 - the topic was Million Mile Madness.

(02:10) - The next summer (2014) Drew and Carrie were invited to the "Ann Arbor Art Fair Do". While in Ann Arbor, they met Greg for kayaking.

(05:02) - Over the next few years, Carrie periodically did freelance projects for Greg (including an infographic about Redbird, layout design for the card page, editing YouTube videos for Greg's Necker Island visit, etc.)

Read more about Greg and Carrie's Necker Island video partnership here: https://frequentmiler.com/necker-island-blogging-bloopers/ and read about how Greg booked Necker Island on points here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-book-a-free-week-on-necker-island/

(07:33) - After selling TIF in 2019, Carrie half-jokingly (but not joking at all), asked Greg if FM needed a web designer.

(09:12) - Greg decided he was actually interested, but by then Carrie had started a UX/UI course and was considering that. The indecision was brief - by early 2020 she was part of the team.

(10:17) - Here's a link to our Best Offers Page: https://frequentmiler.com/best-credit-card-sign-up-offers/

(14:19) - Carrie's first impressions

Visit frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Want to get elite treatment at hotels without investing the time and effort in enough nights for elite status? Instead of spending fifty or sixty nights a year in hotels with one brand, you can simulate status with some simple tricks. 

00:00 Intro

01:52 Giant Mailbag

06:08 Card Talk: Bank of America Alaska Airlines credit cards

https://frequentmiler.com/as/

https://frequentmiler.com/asbiz/

https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-airlines-companion-fare-guide/

20:10 What crazy thing....did Delta do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/delta-may-walk-back-some-of-their-recently-announced-changes/

26:09 Award Talk: Alaska and JetBlue status matches for Delta elites

https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-airlines-offering-status-match-to-draw-disappointed-delta-frequent-flyers/

https://frequentmiler.com/jetblue-offering-very-generous-status-match-to-delta-elite-members/

33:56 Award Talk: PointsYeah improvements

38:23 Main Event: Roll your own hotel elite status

41:02 Preferred Partner Hotel Booking programs

https://frequentmiler.com/getting-the-elite-experience-without-elite-status-via-luxury-partner-programs/

45:18 Hyatt / SLH partnership

49:04 Earning more points for paid stays

55:21 Room upgrades

https://frequentmiler.com/how-best-to-book-hyatt-luxury-suites/

1:11:38 Free Breakfast

1:13:28 Is elite status worth it?

1:18:43 Question of the Week: What kind of manufactured spending is safe?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

United recently announced an increase in elite requirements for 2025. Will Delta follow suit? Luckily, for this year, there's still time...

(02:18) - A reader has a datapoint for us about the Equinox credit saying: "My wife successfully used the equinox credit for a massage. She enrolled in an equinox plus membership that came with a 7 day free trial. She was able to book and complete her massage within the 7 day trial period. The credit posted within 2 days and she canceled the membership."

(06:17) - Last year Delta announced a drastic increase in elite requirements in 2024 for the 2025 elite year. After a public outcry, they reduced the requirements so much that in 2024 it is easier than ever to earn Delta elite status.

Read more about the easy path to Delta elite status here.

(08:05) - Multiple elite levels...

(13:44) - Besides paying big $ for flights, how can you get status?

(19:02) - Delta Status match, which you can read more about here.

(23:03) - In summary, what are the easiest paths...

(24:48) - Delta cards may be expensive but offer a lot of value

Learn more about the Delta Platinum card here, and the Delta Reserve card here.

(31:17) - What's the best way to do a long-haul holiday flight for a family with young children? 

See which award search tools are best here.

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

This week Nick is vacationing in Bora Bora. On our weekly FM on the Air, he compares the Conrad to the St Regis Bora Bora. Which is better? He also talks pros and cons of Hawaii vs. Bora Bora. Next, we talked vacation packages and shared tips for getting the most out of them. Finally, I talked live with a Delta Vacations rep to find out if the SkyMiles deal of the year has been extended (it has!).

This week, we throw regular segments out the window and cover your end of year checklist before diving into the 2022 Bonvoyed Awards, where we discuss which program has Bonvoyed us the worst in 2022.

01:37 Elite status

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-titanium-achieved-heres-how-i-sprinted-to-the-finish/

06:34 Expiring free night certs

https://frequentmiler.com/gift-hotel-points-free-night-certificates-and-award-nights-booked-with-points-rules-by-program/

13:41 Airline fee credits

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-airline-fee-reimbursements-still-works/

18:36 Now is the time to apply for Amex Platinum cards

20:14 Saks credit

https://frequentmiler.com/platinum-card-saks-credit-what-can-you-get-at-saks-with-50/

24:34 Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection

https://frequentmiler.com/find-your-own-fine-hotels-resorts-deals/

29:12 Dell credits

35:50 2022 Bonvoyed Awards

37:00 Radisson International

38:35 Hilton's war on breakfast

43:17 Emirates

45:17 Delta's Triple Threat

51:39 Capital One Venture X

54:08 American & United

57:18 Chase Pay Yourself Back

1:05:20 Question of the Week: Where is Aalborg?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Having just wrapped up our #3Cards3Continents trips, this week we discuss the sweetspots realized during our journeys and how you can leverage them as well or better in your future travels.

00:57 Giant Mailbag

6:58 What crazy thing . . . did Nick do this week?

11:23 Main Event: Sweetspots realized

11:34 Stretching the Aeroplan award chart 19:50 ANA Round the World Awards

29:05 Turkish for intra-European business class awards for a better experience

32:30 Taking AAdvantage of Middle East to/from Asia sweet spot (40K business / 50K business -- and getting the first class lounge for the business class price)

38:15 Crazy Qatar business class award price: 6K Avios in business class for ~5hrs (no longer available)

40:57 Choice Privileges for Nordic Choice

48:37 Build your own sweet spot with transfer bonuses

Join our email list: FrequentMiler.com/Subscribe

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Frequent Miler often focuses on determine value in the most objective ways possible, but this week Nick and Greg take a very subjective look at each of the major programs, sharing our thoughts about whether each is trending up or trending down. 

Subscribe to our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

00:00 Intro

01:05 Giant Mailbag

06:50 Card Talk: Chase Sapphire Preferred

https://frequentmiler.com/chase-sapphire-preferred-complete-guide/

19:17 What crazy thing....double header
 
19:32 What crazy thing....did Hyatt do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-is-being-shady-with-terms-of-latest-promotion/

22:30 Aeroplan

27:24 Award Talk: British Airways Business Class with AA miles

29:40 Free MSC Cruise

https://frequentmiler.com/our-experience-booking-a-free-msc-cruise/

34:35 Seats.Aero adds Emirates

36:08 Main Event: Loyalty program changing fortunes

36:31 American Airlines

40:26 Delta

41:46 Southwest

43:13 United

46:37 Virgin Atlantic

48:27 Alaska

50:50 IHG

54:57 Hyatt

56:06 Marriott

59:20 Hilton

1:00:25 Wyndham

1:02:34 Choice

1:02:58 Radisson Americas

1:04:46 Question of the Week: What's your strategy regarding speculative bookings?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

What did the judge think of each team's decisions? In this week's episode, Greg and Nick quick-fire recap the Party of 5 trip and Greg shares his view as to what each team did best and which things didn't go according to plan.

https://frequentmiler.com/party-of-5-frequentmiler-challenge-daily-update/

For full Party of 5 coverage, see: https://frequentmiler.com/tag/party-of-5/

00:00 Intro

01:35 Challenge Format

https://frequentmiler.com/party-of-5-frequent-milers-2023-team-challenge/

04:38 Team Tokyo's summary

14:56 Team San Francisco summary

28:18 Judge-eye view

28:51 Best location / worst location for each team

30:36 Best overall location

31:08 Best lodging / worst lodging for each team

33:45 Best lodging overall

33:58 Best flight / worst flight for each team

35:23 Best flight overall

35:45 Best local transportation / worst local transport for each team

39:41 Best local transport overall

29:52 Best overall food / worst overall food for each team

41:58 Best overall food

43:00 Best / worst activity for each team

44:38 Best overall activity

46:31 Best overall award redemption

Music credit: Annie Yoder

In addition to our regular weekly podcast, we also host an Ask Us Anything Live on YouTube once a month where the Frequent Miler team answers listener questions about points, miles, rewards cards, and whatever else comes to mind. 

(01:25) - How do I know how much my points and miles are worth (and are all points and miles worth the same?)

(06:04) - I switched an upcoming trip to take a better flight the next day, which means I have to change Hilton/Hertz reservations. Both of them will re-price to higher costs than before. Any way to avoid? ​​

(08:07) - What’s your prediction for the next points devaluation? (10:33) - Thoughts on new turkish card?

(12:22) - ​​question for Nick I am product changing from my Marriott Boundless to Ritz carlton card. I receive my fna on August 3rd each year. when is the best time to product change? Hoping to get both certs.

(15:45) - If I rent a car with VentureX annual credit (at C1 portal), do I get the VX primary rental insurance on this rental?

(16:03) - When is good time to upgrade Hilton Surpass into Aspire in order to receive FNC from Surpass and then from Aspire?

​​(18:40) - Hi FM Team, which recent miles and points devaluation (Virgin Atlantic, Choice, etc.) has been the most disappointing for you? Happy Fourth of July!

(25:25) - ​​Are there any Hotel programs that combine Personal & Credit Card Nights together to get you Elite Status?

(28:05) - ​​Re: the new Schwab rule of only 1 million points cashed out at 1.1 and then .08 after. Are there good strategies for those who have high Rakuten spend turned into AmEx?

(30:36) - Most banks have been declining my credit card applications, mostly citing too many hard pulls on the credit report. What should my next move be to maximize points earnings?

(35:02) - how is Wells Fargo household sharing works? can I share between P2 cashback to P1 Autograph points?

(37:37) - How would you guys book business class award tickets from the US to Vietnam, I am on the east cost but happy to go to the west coast.

(40:50) - ​​a while back on the podcast a mailbag e-mail asked about a resource/deep dive on downgrading paths for cards. Any update on when that might be coming??

(42:08) - ​​I have Southwest companion pass and 170k points. Can you guys recommend me any good destination(s)?

(47:08) - ​​Nick, any tips for enjoying traveling with young kids? Our kids are 3 years and 3 months, and we feel like all travel outside family visits is on hold for at least a few years.

(52:37) - have you guys ever take a chance of ANA waitlist?

(54:02) - Flying Blue: can you reprice your flights if they go down in price due to promo rewards? can you add a free stopover on KLM operated flights as well?

(55:44) - ​​Any thoughts on the new Attune card from WF? There are some interesting categories, such as bookstores (Amazon), Sporting good stores (gun stores, ammo, shooting ranges), Barbers, nail salons, Ski...

(58:12) - Any recs for backpacks/luggage? Appreciate your tips and credit card advice!!

Full details of the Marriott and MGM partnership are out and can only be accurately described as "a match made in Bonvoyland". 

00:00 Intro

01:38 Turkish Airlines status match is back! (Giant Mailbag)

https://frequentmiler.com/turkish-airlines-status-match-get-1-2-years-of-star-alliance-gold-with-very-reasonable-requirements/

04:36 Amex Platinum 150K offer is back! (Card Talk)

https://frequentmiler.com/amxplat/

12:12 T-Mobile Home Internet Moneymaker ("Mattress running the numbers")

https://frequentmiler.com/moneymaking-t-mobile-home-internet-deal-get-150-mastercard-gift-card-portal-earnings/

17:54 JetBlue / Spirit Merger Blocked (Award Talk)

20:59 New Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York LGA (Award Talk)

22:41 Marriott’s marriage to MGM Resorts: A match made in Bonvoyland (Main Event)

https://frequentmiler.com/no-marriott-match-to-mgm-but-elite-nights-live-on-mgm-marriott-partnership-details/

22:51 Marriott / MGM partnership overview

24:19 Partnership benefits

25:15 Why aren't we very excited about this partnership?

25:35 Points transfer at a poor ratio

26:33 Ambassador match is only available to those with invite-only MGM status

27:49 No good status match for anyone but MGM Noir

29:33 Benefits are only scheduled to last through 12/31/24

31:41 What benefits do Marriott Platinum and Titanium members get in Las Vegas?

39:21 Will you earn 3x on the Altitude Reserve when checking out on a website with Apple Pay or Google Pay? (Question of the Week)

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Did you know that Amex partners with United and that your favorite UR card might be the one that indirectly offers Grubhub+? On this week's Frequent Miler on the Air podcast, Greg and Nick discuss some of the strange secret partnerships you can find in your wallet and why they may be of interest.

Join our email list: frequentmiler.com/subscribe

1:26 Giant Mailbag

3:25 What crazy thing...did Wyndham do this week?

8:15 Mattress running the numbers: Bilt offers 100% transfer bonus to IHG

12:35 Awards we booked this week

15:45 Strange bedfellows and secret alliances

16:25 Amex Platinum
Declared partnership: Disney+, Hulu, ESPN through Digital Entertainment Credit
Secret relationship: HBO and Showtime (through Hulu)
Secret relationship: Paramount+ (through Walmart+)

19:12 CSR
Declared relationship: DoorDash
Secret relationship: GrubHub+ (via Lyft Pink)

22:56 Amex
Declared relationship: Marriott. Easiest path to Marriott Titanium status
Secret relationship: United MileagePlus (for elite status)

28:10 United
Declared relationship: Marriott
Weird relationship: IHG

31:34 Question of the Week: Can I stack Rakuten and the Capital One Shopping extension? Where do I find my Capital One Shipping money?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

If you just got 100K points from a brand new travel rewards card, you should know a few things to help make sure you're earning even more points, saving money, and getting great value. Plus we'll also look at "Amex referral reformatory rescinded" and how to earn points on RENT with any credit card.

(01:30) - One reader shares a success story using the "email the GM" strategy...

(03:37) - Capital One Venture X Business Card: Up to 350K Miles

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X Business Card here.

(06:55) - Amex referrals back for many (referral reformatory rescinded)

(09:48) - Two Hawaiian cards in one day (my quick experience)

(17:23) - Synchrony reintroduces Cathay Pacific card

(21:06) - Bilt now offers rewards when you pay your rent with non-Bilt credit cards

(26:48) - Virgin jacked up fees on KLM/ Air France then backed off

(31:03) - Frontier Elite Gold status for $40

(35:22) - 30% transfer bonus from Citi to Virgin Atlantic thru May 17

Main Event

(36:39) - Read our FAQ about this card here.

(38:45) - Earn more points

(59:09) - Save money

(1:09:49) - Redeem points for great value

(1:17:33) - DON'T TRANSFER TO...

(1:20:50) - World of Hyatt credit card gives an additional Hyatt category 1-4 free night certificate with 15K spend in a calendar year. But with recent Hyatt category changes, is it still worth spending towards that goal?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Are you ready for the end? This week we talk about your to-do list to make sure you reap all the rewards you are due before the ball drops on New Year's Eve.

1:35 Giant Mailbag

5:46 What crazy thing did American Express do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/becoming-undead-and-grabbing-over-250000-points/

9:57 Mattress running the numbers: Is the new Hyatt Bonus Journeys worth a mattress run?

https://frequentmiler.com/new-hyatt-bonus-journeys-promo-earn-2022-points-per-2-nights-bonus-points-for-hyatt-cardholders/

18:15 Main Event: Preparing for the end (of the year)

https://frequentmiler.com/end-of-year-checklist-for-2021/

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-airline-fee-reimbursements-still-works/

1:01:25 Post Roast

1:04:35 Question of the Week: Can I use mobile check-in to pick up cheap elite nights?

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

00:37 Giant Mailbag: Google Fi limited to 30 days abroad

4:01 What crazy thing....did the IRS do? https://frequentmiler.com/judge-rules-some-credit-card-rewards-earning-activity-is-taxable/

18:21 Mattress running the numbers: Hyatt Bonus Journeys Q2

https://frequentmiler.com/new-world-of-hyatt-promo-2k-points-every-2-nights-2-5k-for-cardholders-with-q2-bonus-journeys/

32:00 Main Event: Sweet-spot awards come home

https://frequentmiler.com/my-top-dream-uses-for-110k-brex-points/

https://frequentmiler.com/emirates-sweet-spot-awards-first-class-from-30k-round-trip/

55:28 Post Roast (Nick Roasts Greg about Brex)

https://frequentmiler.com/brex-bonus-110k-transferable-points-without-a-credit-inquiry/

1:01:48 Post Roast (Greg roasts Nick about Marriott and Hyatt posts with duplicated content)

https://frequentmiler.com/combining-marriott-awards-certificates-and-paid-nights-for-a-single-booking/

https://frequentmiler.com/mix-free-night-certs-points-paid-nights-with-hyatt-pay-my-way/

1:07:23 Question of the Week: Will getting a Chase card I had before cause the bank to cancel all my credit cards?

Join our email list and follow us on social media. Go to https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

This week, Greg and Nick discuss:

- A new way to bypass 5/24

- How to protect yourself when stitching together flights from multiple airlines

- Marriott elite nights via meetings are gone. How does this influence our elite status plans for 2020?

- Price protection from Rakuten

Avios is the rewards currency for British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Qatar, and soon Finnair. This means it's worth some attention. On this week's episode, we discuss how you can earn, use, and maximize this reward currency.

Here are some of the topics you'll find in the episode...

(01:41) Player Two chimes in (Mailbag)

(03:37) Chase British Airways Visa Signature® Card (Card Talk)

Learn more about this card: https://frequentmiler.com/ba/

(09:30) Turkish award search shows random non-partner flights (Crazy Thing)

(13:30) Best Western: Stay Twice & Earn Free Night Voucher (Mattress Running the Numbers)

Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/best-western-stay-twice-earn-free-night-voucher/

(17:37) Turkish devalues (Award Talk)

Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/turkish-might-be-demolishing-its-award-chart/

(22:03) SLH ditches Hyatt for Hilton (Award Talk)

Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/small-luxury-hotels-slh-ditches-hyatt-for-hilton/

(26:10) Bilt announces milestone rewards (Award Talk)

Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-introduces-unrewarding-milestone-rewards/

(31:50) Referral points don’t count towards Bilt status, h/t Chris from All the Hacks (Award Talk)

(32:58) Mastering Avios, the rewards currency for BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Qatar, and (soon) Finnair (Main Event)

Read all about Avios here: https://frequentmiler.com/complete-guide-to-avios-british-airways-iberia-and-aer-lingus/

(33:22) Earning Avios

(34:30) Moving Avios between programs

Read more about this: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-transfer-avios-between-aer-lingus-ba-and-iberia/

(40:52) BA Household Accounts

(42:40) Using Avios

Read more about using Avios with Jet Blue: https://frequentmiler.com/jetblue-mint-to-the-caribbean-for-26000-avios-where-and-how-to-find-it/

(01:03:37) How do you plan acitivites? (Question of the Week)

1:18 Giant Mailbag

5:49 What crazy thing . . . did American Express do this week?

8:32 Mattress running the numbers: Is it worth spending on a Marriott credit card for elite night credits?

16:00 Main Event: Avoiding Amex's Pop-up prison

49:41 Question of the Week: How do you build up a meaningful stash of Citi ThankYou points?

Email feedback for the Giant Mailbag and questions for Question of the Week to: mailbag@frequentmiler.com

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Links and timestamps:

00:42 Reader Feedback: An interesting Amex Clawback data point

For background: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/amex-going-clawback-happy-for-grocery-store-spend/

8:43 What crazy thing did....Greg do this week?

12:32 Mattress Running the Numbers: Intercontinental Ambassador now includes a free 40K night cert with a paid stay. Is it worth a mattress run?

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/ihg-buy-renew-ambassador-membership-then-stay-once-get-40k-free-night-certificate-cert-expires-4-30-21/

27:20 The Main Event: Business Credit Card Offers

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/on-my-mind-pandemic-best-credit-card-offers/

34:06 Is everyone else tightening up as much as Chase?

40:27 Post Roast: Are the "World's Best" really any good?

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/points-bookable-hotels-resorts-in-the-continental-united-states/

50:45 Greg roasts Nick's Freedom post

https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/freedom-vs-freedom-unlimited-does-it-matter-which-one/

53:23 Question of the Week: If you already have an Amex Gold card, is it worth sacrificing a 5/24 slot for a Freedom or Freedom Unlimited?

Don't forget to comment, like, and subscribe! Closing music credit: Annie Yoder

1:00 Giant Mailbag

5:32 What crazy thing . . .

8:25 Mattress running the numbers: Is Marriott's targeted 22.5K offer worth chasing?

https://frequentmiler.com/targeted-marriott-bonvoy-promotions/

16:41 Main Event: Rewards that can't wait

https://frequentmiler.com/end-of-year-checklist/

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-airline-fee-reimbursements-still-works/

https://frequentmiler.com/rumor-ihg-to-extend-free-night-certs-but-too-late-for-most/

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-instant-status-match-challenge-from-ihg-hilton-hyatt-and-accor/

38:06 Post roast: Isn't the Verizon credit card a total snoozer? Did Nick miss his chance to roast a prime cut?

49:06 Question of the week: How can I get just a few Membership Rewards points ASAP?

https://frequentmiler.com/verizon-visa-mini-review-good-choice-for-verizon-wireless-customers/

Don't forget to like, subscribe, leave a comment, and turn on notifications if you'd like to know about the latest content. Thank you!

Music credit: Annie Yoder

00:40 Giant Mailbag: "It's like a 21c hotel on steroids"

3:52 What crazy thing...did Nick's wife do this week?

10:07 Mattress running the numbers: Last call for a Hyatt mattress run

https://frequentmiler.com/ludicrously-easy-path-to-hyatt-globalist-status-top-tier-status-for-2-years/

https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-cash-or-points-worksheet/

16:50 Mattress running the numbers: Planning your Marriott mattress run

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-launches-easy-elite-status-for-2021-and-cheaper-saver-awards/

https://frequentmiler.com/official-word-marriott-mixed-paid-award-stays-will-earn-double-credit/

22:20 Main Event: Delta devaluations and sweet spots

https://frequentmiler.com/delta-miles-are-worth-less-on-my-mind/

Delta devaluation for partners to Europe: https://frequentmiler.com/ouch-big-delta-devaluation-on-partner-awards/

40:12 Good uses of Delta miles: https://frequentmiler.com/best-uses-for-delta-miles/

50:45 Post Roast: I spy with my little eye...missing updates from the SeatSpy post!

https://frequentmiler.com/seatspy-an-awesome-tool-for-finding-ba-and-virgin-award-flights/

https://frequentmiler.com/lie-flat-to-hawaii-how-to-use-seatspy-to-find-saver-awards/

55:58 Question of the Week: Does it make sense to get a VPN or Google Fi for a 4-month trip abroad?

Follow us on social media, and join our Frequent Miler Insiders group, and join our email list at: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

This is one no-fee, cash back card that's worth talking about because of a few unique features, which we'll discuss in today's Card Talk.

(00:34) - Basic details of the US Bank Altitude Connect card

Read more about the US Bank Altitude Connect card updates here.

(01:19) - Other (more unique) card perks (like complimentary Priority Pass Select with 4 free visits)

Learn more about the US Bank Altitude Connect card here.

(03:23) - This card also comes with up to $100 in credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

(03:40) - US Bank Altitude Connect also comes with "GigSky" through November 15, 2025. GigSky advertises that you can "stay connected in over 125 countries with complimentary GigSky global mobile data plans."

(08:11) - Important note: points cannot be moved from the Altitude Connect card to the Altitude Reserve card

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Hilton credit cards come loaded with perks that CAN BE worth more than the card's annual fee IF you use them well. On today's show, we discuss how we use these credits.

(01:06) - Hilton points for the win that all starts with the Venture X credit card promo to enter into the special access raffle to buy Taylor Swift tickets.

(06:24) - This person was trying to use up a $200 Hilton resort credit for themself and their player 2 account, booking on December 31st for a date beyond the expiration.

(09:39) - Hilton has a bad habit of taking a substantial deposit (in this case, several hundred dollars) at many of its resorts at the time of booking. But is booking with points and cash (sliding the cash slider as far as possible) a way around this?.

(15:15) - Learn more about the Hilton Aspire card here.

(17:15) - Diamond status

(18:42) - Annual Free Night Reward every year

(20:19) - $400 Hilton Resort Credit per calendar year ($200 semi-annually)

(22:11) - $200 Flight Credit ($50 per quarter for purchases directly with airlines or via Amex Travel)

(24:05) - $199 CLEAR (R) Plus fee credit per calendar year

(24:35) - $100 on-property credit with Aspire Card package

(25:24) - Learn about the Hilton Surpass card here.

(26:12) - Free night award after $15K spend in calendar year

(27:55) - Free Gold status. Diamond elite status with $40K calendar year spend

(28:40) - $200 in Hilton credits ($50 per quarter)

(30:28) - Learn about the Hilton Business card here.

(32:16) - Free Gold status. Diamond elite status with $40K calendar year spend

(32:31) - $240 in annual credits for Hilton purchases (Up to $60 per quarter)

(33:27) - Complimentary National Car Rental(R) Emerald Club Executive(R) status

(34:07) - You gave advice that if using "2-player mode", both applicants should open their Hilton Aspire cards on the same day. If you didn't do that and your annual free nights don't post together, is there a way to fix this?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

There are lots of great sweet spots that are exciting in theory are nearly impossible to actually book. This week, Greg and Nick discuss *practical* sweet spots -- the ones they have booked & you can, too.

1:25 This week's disclaimer

4:16 Mattress running the numbers: Is it worth mattress running to get 2x, 3x, or 4x IHG points.

10:12 Main Event: Practical sweet spot awards First up: Delta One to Europe for 50K

14:12 Star Alliance business class to Europe

17:32 Ability to book short flights cheaply

22:58 Using Iberia Avios for business class between Spain and the Eastern US

26:48 Qatar Qsuites via American Airlines miles or Avios

30:18 ANA Business Class to Japan / Asia

34:57 Hyatt awards

37:57 Vacasa vacation rentals via Wyndham Rewards

43:09 Choice privileges points for Nordic Choice properties

44:37 Capital One points for great Major League Baseball tickets

47:56 Question of the Week: I transferred points for what turned out to be phantom availability. Am I stuck? What could I have done differently?

Join our email list: frequentmiler.com/subscribe

Music credit: Annie Yoder

CORRECTION NOTE:  We've got a correction to add to this episode! In this episode Greg says with the Hyatt Business card you can get back $100 per year on spend at Hyatt hotels: $50 in first 6 monhts and $50 in second 6 months, but we need to correct that! In truth, you can get up to $100 back per membership year, $50 at a time, but you don't have to wait 6 months: you could make two payments in rapid succession to get the full $100. Thanks for your patience with this correction!

Hyatt's elite program can be really valuable - for instance when you reach certain milestones you can get valuable perks, and there's multiple ways of reaching those milestones. In this episode, Greg and Nick debate the best way of getting there.  

(01:21) - Multiple readers (coincidentally named both forms of "John") chime in with feedback from recent podcast episodes...

(01:42) - Find podcast Ep269 Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines Wedding Planning here.

(04:21) - Find podcast Ep262 How to get great value from you Platinum card here.

(07:34) - Nick experiences a crazy Hilton resort fee for using the pool

(11:42) - Bilt's September 1 Rent Day promo. Should Greg transfer his points?

Read more about Bilt Rent Day promos here.

(20:58) - Bilt adds Walgreens FSA & point earning

Read more about Bilt rewards adding points-earning at Walgreens here.

(28:34) - Delta (probably gone) : US to Taipei on Delta One from 98,000 SkyMiles (83,300 for Delta cardholders)

Read more about finding this US to Taipei deal here.

(33:26) - Find our World of Hyatt Complete Guide here

(35:10) - Read Greg's post "Hyatt milestone spending -- what's my X?" here.

(36:59) - Read Nick's "Hyatt Milestone chasing: should we all mattress run to Globalist status?" here.

(39:49) - Hyatt Milestone Details: Earn valuable benefits after every 10 qualifying nights starting at 20 nights (but real value starts at 30)...

(47:20) - First let's talk about mattress running...

(52:54) - Credit card spend options...

(52:56) - Learn more about the World of Hyatt card here.

(53:43) - Learn more about the World of Hyatt Business card here.

(56:26) - Which is better - mattress running or credit card spend?

(1:07:33) - A reader just discovered you can redeem Cathay Pacific miles for hotels and wonders if we've heard of anyone doing this?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

(00:00) - Ever wanted to gift a free hotel night to someone else? In today's episode of Frequent Miler on the Air we'll discuss the ways you can do this! 

(01:18) - In response to Greg's post "Hilton Honors is winning me over, but I’d like one more enhancement…" one reader wonders, "Does Hilton pay influencers to do this?" (Read that post here: https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-honors-is-winning-me-over-but-id-like-one-more-enhancement/ (Mailbag) 

(03:55) - Updating Card Talk 

(05:40) - American Express Gold Card changes go live, including increased annual fee, new "white gold" option, Dunkin' and Resy credits, and more... (Card News)

Read more about the American Express Gold Card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxGoldCard/

Catch our episode about the "rumored" Amex changes here: https://frequentmiler.com/podcast-rumored-amex-gold-card-changes-good-or-bad-coffee-break-ep19-7-23-24/

 (10:08) - Wells Fargo Attune gives 4% for Amazon.com purchases! (Card News)

(11:38) - "Southwest Airlines Redeye Flights Coming… Finally!" (Crazy Thing) 

(14:31) - Southwest will soon offer assigned & premium seating (Crazy Thing)

(17:04) - What is the "Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy" promo? Earn 25k bonus points on 4+ night packages Read more about this Marriott Bonvoy promo here: https://frequentmiler.com/vacations-by-marriott-bonvoy-promo-earn-25k-bonus-points-on-4-night-packages/ (Mattress Running the Numbers)

(23:51) - What are the Citi transfer bonuses through August 17th, 2024? (Award Talk) 

(27:53) - Find award space for incredible SLH properties like Calala Island and Grand Hotel Victoria Lake Como, using tools like Rooms.Aero or MaxMyPoint to set alerts (Award Talk) 

Read more about using these tools to find availability at properties like the Grand Hotel Victoria Lake Como here: https://frequentmiler.com/grand-hotel-victoria-lake-como-has-wide-open-availability/

(30:21) - Autoslash triggers Altitude Reserve's Real Time Mobile Rewards RTMR (Award Talk) Read more about Altitude Reserve's Real Time Mobile Rewards here: https://frequentmiler.com/us-bank-real-time-mobile-rewards-what-works-where/

 Main Event: How to gift free hotel nights

(32:51) - How to gift someone your free hotel night certificates or award nights Read more about gifting hotel nights here: https://frequentmiler.com/gift-hotel-points-free-night-certificates-and-award-nights-booked-with-points-rules-by-program/

(34:19) - Can you gift someone your hotel points? Which programs allow it and which programs don't? 

(39:39) - Can you book a hotel night for someone else, using your points? Which programs allow it and which programs don't?

(46:52) - Can you gift a hotel free night certificate to someone else? Which programs allow it and which programs don't? 

(52:17) - Which hotel rewards program is the best for gifting nights with someone else?

(55:44) - If someone hears something on the podcast they want more information about, where do they find more information? (Question of the Week) 

Subscribe and Follow Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

1:06 Giant Mailbag

9:37 What crazy thing did . . . Aeromexico do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/expanded-delta-award-availability-via-aeromexico/

15:50 Mattress Running the Numbers Triple Header

https://frequentmiler.com/ihg-offering-up-to-35000-point-bonus-with-intercontinental-ambassador-renewal-or-enrollment/

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-promotion-earn-1000-bonus-points-per-night-doubled-elite-nights/

https://frequentmiler.com/radisson-rewards-americas-stay-3-nights-earn-30000-points/

29:35 The Hotel Loyalty Rollercoaster

https://frequentmiler.com/excited-about-ihg/

https://frequentmiler.com/ihg-card-changes-new-biz-card-higher-earning-top-up-certs-with-points-more/

1:02:31 Post Roast

1:04:41 Question of the Week: What counts as American Airlines Loyalty Points?

Subscribe to our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

We get asked a lot about how to travel as a family...or how to make family travel better. In today's episode of Frequent Miler on the Air, we'll talk about tips for family travel.

(01:11) - Everyone wants more family travel tips!

See our Ask Us Anything episode 68, "How do you travel with young kids?" here.

(03:31) - Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard

Learn more about the Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard here.

(12:46) - Don't forget that Qatar Avios can be used to book American Airlines flights, and can offer great prices for certain flights...
Read more about OneWorld First Class flights for surprisingly low prices here.

(17:39) - See our "Points for family travel", Ep174 here.

(18:20) - Plan one big activity per day

(20:46) - Find a playground

(23:41) - Get a suite

(29:57) - Lounge access is awesome

(31:48) - Get elite status with National Rental Car and/or Hertz to save

(34:16) - Easily collapsible stroller

(36:58) - Car seats: If you're going to bring yours, get a bag for it

(38:46) - Know your lap infant ticket policies

(42:28) - Ask for a child meal

(43:21) - Consider taking a cruise
Read our post on how to get free cruises here.

(45:40) - Consider business class. More space = less disruption.

(49:51) - Travel internationally: Be prepared for the world to be more family-friendly than you expect

(52:09) - How does the temporary Southwest credit card bonus impact the Southwest companion pass strategy for 2 companion passes?

Read our Southwest Airlines companion pass guide here.
Read more about the two person strategy for 2 Southwest Companion Passes here.

Subscribe and Follow

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Got to cancel your card but don't know what to do with your points? Here are your best options.

00:58 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 updates

17:31 Giant Mailbag: Comments from live stream draft audience https://frequentmiler.com/drafting-the-dream-results-who-got-which-cards/

21:32 What crazy thing . . . did the Curve credit card do this week?

26:05 Main Event: Where to park your transferable points https://frequentmiler.com/brex-it-what-to-do-with-100k-brex-points/

28:37 Air France / KLM Flying Blue

33:16 Emirates? No.

33:50 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

37:26 Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer? No,

37:50 Virgin Atlantic

40:07 Avios (British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar)

43:05 Air Canada Aeroplan

48:03 Avianca LifeMiles

54:12 Qantas? (nope)

54:26 Our favorites

58:22 Question of the Week: What's your favorite brand of luggage? How about your favorite piece of travel-related gear?

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

When the cat's away the mice will play: with Greg on vacation this week, hear Nick and Frequent Miler contributor Stephen Pepper discuss:

-Reader feedback: why we re-publish some old posts

-What's it like to take a 5-year road trip?

-A couple of years in, what would Stephen change?

-What has surprised him the most about this journey?

-Would Stephen recommend this lifestyle for others?

All that and more in this week's episode.

You can book Preferred Hotels with Choice Privileges points, (which has a 1:2 transfer rate from Citi Thank You points), or Preferred Hotel points (which has a 1:4 transfer rate from Citi Thank You points). There are reasons to book with one points over another, but is this worth doing? Greg's recent experience booking a Preferred Hotel with Choice points can help shed some light on the question.

(01:24) - The Seagate Hotel & Spa Delray Beach Florida

(01:48) - Different booking options...

(05:17) - Booking experience...

(12:17) - Hotel stay experience (the good and bad)

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a decent earning rate. This makes it a pretty easy card to justify keeping. In this episode of our brand new series "Card Talk", we'll highlight all the other notable elements of this card to help you determine if it's right for your wallet.

(00:00) - Read more about the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card here.

(00:29) - What is the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card earning rate?

(01:00) - The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card has some temporary Uber benefits, through 11/14/24...

(01:45) - Best of all, you can move rewards to a miles-earning card like the Capital One Venture or VentureX cards...

Read more about the Capital One Venture card here and the Capital One VentureX card here.

(04:09) - Capital One can be tricky for new approvals...but product-changing a card you already have may be an option.

Visit frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Big wins start with solid strategy. This week, we talk about which cards you must have before you start applying with reckless abandon as well as which cards you should probably be considering that are all likely limited by the 5/24 rule. If you play your cards right, you can easily end up with all the cards you want and need before you get locked out of more.

00:00 Intro

00:55 Giant Mailbag: A "wea culpa"

03:41 Card Talk: Chase Freedom Unlimited & Chase Freedom Flex cards

https://frequentmiler.com/cfu/

https://frequentmiler.com/cff/

11:47 What crazy thing . . . triple header?

12:08 What crazy thing . . . did Wyndham Rewards do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-prevent-wyndham-points-from-expiring/

15:32 What crazy thing . . . did Avianca LifeMiles do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/current-point-transfer-bonuses/

https://frequentmiler.com/having-issues-booking-with-lifemiles-try-using-the-firefox-browser/

17:38 What crazy thing . . . did Avianca LifeMiles do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/cancelling-a-lifemiles-award-ticket-maybe-less-painful-than-you-thought/

21:25 Award Talk

21:27 Air New Zealand Business Class wide open close-in

https://frequentmiler.com/air-new-zealand-business-class-awards-wide-open-close-in/

https://frequentmiler.com/avianca-lifemiles-awesome-mixed-cabin-award-pricing-first-class-for-less/

29:30 Contacting the hotel works out well

https://frequentmiler.com/gift-hotel-points-free-night-certificates-and-award-nights-booked-with-points-rules-by-program/

34:50 Main Event: Must-have Chase cards

36:37 Determining your 5/24 count

41:05 The Ultimate Rewards points cards

https://frequentmiler.com/chase-transfer-partners/

47:21 Fee-free UR cards

49:58 Which Ultimate Rewards cards are must-have keepers?

57:53 Which Chase airline cards are keepers?

1:03:30 Which Chase hotel cards are keepers?

1:10:44 Question of the Week: How do you audit and chase down your missing points?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Would you pay more for fully refundable rewards? What do you do with pets when you travel? These questions and more came up in our Ask Us Anything, Live Ep72, originally broadcast live on 2-5-25.

(04:31) - Who were our most-helpful followers for the Million Mile Madness challenge? These followers will be eligible for prizes for their help!

(13:31) - How would you structure your credit card strategy with a P2?

See our podcast episode about 2-player strategies here.

(17:45) - Frequent Miler is by far my favorite travel blog. What blogs do you follow and why?

(19:47) - ​​Any tricks to apply for 2 cards in 1 day? I feel like I read a post on how to do this but I can’t find it now.

Find our credit card application rules by bank here.

(24:02) - are you guys surprised at how many people completed the challenge?

(25:00) - I know Greg went big with Alaska transfer, I'm curious how big the rest of the team has gone? And do any of you think the merger and Amex transfer will cause a devaluation soon?

(28:32) - Any word yet on Chase’s 1 million point giveaway winners (that ended last week)?

(29:13) - any thoughts on aeroplan 25 status match from Marriott Titanium? could be interesting for booking economy award tickets for upgrades on long haul flights?

(30:47) - Marriott & Hilton appear out of favor with you these days. Hyatt remains your favorite but If you don't or can't stay at Hyatt, what is now your hotel chain of choice between IHG, Choice, Wyndham or?

(33:34) - new SW companion pass promo (personal card, 4K spend in 3 months): is this just through end of 2025? Seems like a great opportunity to try.I can make that spend in a week!

(34:32) - ​​have any of you ever had to transfer airports in Taipei. i have a 4-hr layover during which i have to travel between airports with a carry-on. is that even possible?

(36:24) - What are the best opportunities for long haul business class availability for 4 "when schedule opens?" With 4 travelers and bound by school schedules I want to book ahead but it's getting very hard.

(38:37) - ​​Thoughts on the recent update to Citi’s T&Cs on welcome bonuses for their strata premier when product changing. Seems like it’s a blow against churning 

(40:26) - How much more are you willing to pay for award ticket that is fully refundable? I find myself going for AA or United flights even though UA may be cheaper on LifeMiles for example

(45:23) - ​​really curious... do any of you have pets? what do you do with them when traveling?

(51:48) - How often do you folks buy points? I recently started buying IHG, Hilton, Avianca, and Avios points when they are on sale, and find it a great alternative for folks with low spend.

(53:36) - any awesome hotel redemptions coming up for you guys?

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Music Credit - "swappin' back n' forth" by up @ night

1:21 What crazy thing....did X1 do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/x1-card-review-up-to-4x-everywhere-its-here-its-real/

6:33 Mattress Running the Numbers: Is it worth spending $8K for a Hilton free night certificate if targeted?

https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-free-night-certificate-offer-with-just-8k-spend-targeted/

11:58 Main Event: Capital One's Venture X: Will it bury the competition?

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-venture-x-card-a-strong-new-ultra-premium-contender/

https://frequentmiler.com/huge-if-true-convert-capital-one-cash-back-to-miles-by-moving-rewards/

48:47 Post Roast

https://frequentmiler.com/build-your-amex-point-fortune-up-to-620k-points-with-25k-spend/

How to refer someone to almost any Amex card: https://youtu.be/Tx4o3X7TgMQ

https://frequentmiler.com/is-it-time-to-ditch-all-of-your-marriott-credit-cards/

57:41 Question of the Week: Is 50K World of Hyatt points appropriate compensation for missteps?

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

The 2023 Frequent Miler team challenge is on. This week, Greg and Nick discuss what we've learned from past challenges and why we can't wait to see what is happening right now.00:00 Inro

00:00 Intro

01:20 Giant Mailbag

07:34 Card Talk: Business Platinum card

https://frequentmiler.com/amxplatbiz/

https://frequentmiler.com/200000-membership-rewards-amex-business-platinum/

24:50 Main Event: Conquering the impossible

26:02 Million Mile Madness

27:28 Necker Island

28:30 40K to Far Away

33:33 3 Cards 3 Continents

38:13 Party of 5

1:15:48 Question of the Week

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Is that new IHG offer worth a 5/24 slot? Is it worth forgoing award stays for a year just to accumulate a ton of IHG points? Those questions answered, plus how to fly to Asia in biz class w/ a stopover in Hawaii for 47.5K miles and how Capital One could take the CSR down.

We love points that are transferable because we love the optionality of transferring to different hotel and airline partners, but also because there are sometimes transfer bonuses that you can take advantage of to maximize that value - just another reason to love transferable points.

(01:33) - Conflicting reports on the ability to transfer IHG points for FREE

(01:39) - Find How to gift free hotel nights - Ep265 here

(09:20) - Huge Amex Membership Rewards offers

(10:25) - Read more about the Amex Business Gold card here

(11:07) - Read more about the Amex Platinum card here 

(11:19) - Read more about the Amex Gold card here

(13:40) - If you get the Amex refer-a-friend error message: try using a different browser

(15:43) - How do American Express Hilton credits work at SLH & AutoCamp?

(19:15) - New blog resource: How to maximize your Hilton cards (with upgrades and downgrades)

(19:47) - Chase Ink Business card 120K offer

See: How to apply for Chase Ink cards here

(21:04) - Bilt torpedoes Rent Day doubling, initially hiding the news in terms & conditions

(26:02) - Current notable transfer bonuses... 

(27:22) - Which current transfer bonuses are worth (many people) considering even without a plan?

Main Event: Growing Points via Transfer Bonuses

(32:00) - What makes transferable points great?

(35:08) - Transferring your points goes one direction so you can't transfer them back if you change your mind... so when is it an obvious idea, even if you don't have a known use in mind?

(42:26) - Things to consider before transferring your points (if it's not obvious because of known uses)

(47:21) - See expired transfer bonuses here

(56:33) - Which programs should you avoid transferring to if you don't already have a specific plan for how to use them?

(59:35) - Which programs are more or less safe to transfer to, even if you don't already have a plan for how to use them?

(1:05:23) - One reader got the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, then got denied for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card for being at max exposure, despite reducing the limit on the Freedom card. What can they do? This post again could be useful.

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Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Can a coupon book really be worth $695? This week we run the numbers and see if it all adds up to make the Platinum card worthwhile.

00:43 Giant Mailbag double header. First up: Booking Air France intra-European flights via Virgin Atlantic and getting Caesars Diamond back again

4:27 Giant Mailbag: Confession time: Caesars Diamond once again

11:45 What craazy thing . . . did Capital One do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/baseball-fans-capital-one-has-great-seats-for-5000-miles-each/

19:10 Mattress running....er, Airport Lounge Running the Numbers: ANA elite status match to Star Alliance Gold

https://frequentmiler.com/star-alliance-gold-match-via-ana-mileage-club-match-delta-gold-aa-platinum-pro/

29:21: Main Event: The Amex Platinum coupon book: Is it worth the annual fee?

https://frequentmiler.com/platinum-card-arrived-heres-next/

https://frequentmiler.com/dont-want-to-pay-that-695-annual-fee-heres-the-strategy-before-you-cancel/

Wide appeal coupons:
32:04 $240 Digital Entertainment Credit

37:24 $200 Fine Hotels & Resorts credit

40:06 $200 Airline fee credits

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-airline-fee-reimbursements-still-works/

42:00 $200 in Uber credits

44:22 $179 CLEAR credit

48:28 $100 Saks credit

51:21 Walmart+ credit

55:56 Other perks (Airport lounge access, elite status, emergency evacuation coverage, etc).

1:09:42 Post Roast: Are IHG credit card free night certificates "kind of like" paying for points?

https://frequentmiler.com/my-ihg-free-night-strategy-on-gregs-mind/

1:13:13 Question of the Week: Is it safe to pay my taxes with a new Chase card?

https://frequentmiler.com/pay-taxes-via-credit-card/

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Following the latest Marriott Bonvoy devaluation, we're all feeling like we've been Bonvoyed yet again. Greg and Nick discuss whether it's time to get rid of our Marriott credit cards and to stop pursuing Marriott elite status.

Also: A path to easy Delta Platinum status and why none of us are carrying the Chase Freedom Unlimited...though one of us might be soon.

Our two favorite Amex transfer partners offer access to a wide array of awards that make for fascinating possibilities, whether great award chart values or flexible routing rules or a lot more. This week, we debate which is best from a wide range of angles.

00:51 Giant Mailbag: Watch out for "free" award cancellations
6:36 Mattress running the Numbers: 14K Wyndham points with a 3-night stay
12:07 Awards we booked this week
19:38 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 Updates
32:42 Main Event: Which is the best Amex transfer partner -- Air Canada Aeroplan or ANA?
34:48 Transfer time
39:28 Award Charts
44:58 One-way awards
49:24 Fuel surcharges
55:32 Partner airlines
1:01:32 Stopovers
1:04:30 Award space for their own members
1:06:32 Change fees
1:08:10 Mileage Expiry
1:12:19 Lap infant fees
1:20:23 Question of the Week: Is Plastiq ever worth it for the 2.85% fee?
 Join our email list: frequentmiler.com/subscribe
Music credit: Annie Yoder

In this episode, Greg and Nick will look at 4 ways to access Delta Sky Clubs, they'll reveal a hot reader tip for a free stay in Atlantis in the Bahamas, and they'll discuss the Air France / KLM Flying Blue devaluation. Check out the full episode below.

(01:28) - It seems like a lot of people are running into issues lately with using the $200 platinum credit for Fine Hotels and Resorts. 

(07:03) - United TravelBank glitch (now resolved) [Reported on Reddit]

(09:50) - Air France KLM Flying Blue award prices increase by 15-25% to/from Europe

Read more about this price change here.

(18:02) - It's not too late to book Atlantis even if your Caesars Diamond status is about to go away.

(20:28) - Sky Clubs vs other airport clubs

Read more about how to get into Delta Sky Club Lounges here.

(23:01) - Overall Requirements

(24:12) - #1 Premium Credit Cards

(24:27) - Amex Platinum (not to be confused with Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum)

Learn more about the Amex Platinum card here.

(31:31) - Delta Reserve consumer or business

Learn more about the Delta Reserve card here.

See: How to get Delta Sky Club access for you and your family here.

(39:58) - #2 Fly Delta One; or any Sky Team airline in business or first class

(42:56) - #3 Elite Status

Check out our blog post: Shortcuts to Delta elite status here: https://frequentmiler.com/delta-elite-shortcuts/

Or check out our episode "Easy path to Delta Elite status in 2024 Ep281" here: https://frequentmiler.com/easy-path-to-delta-elite-status-in-2024-frequent-miler-on-the-air-ep281-11-15-24/

(45:51) - #4 Sky Club Membership

Learn more about Delta Choice Benefits here: https://frequentmiler.com/delta-choice-benefits/

(55:16) - Many times when I'm booking stays, there's only availability for standard rooms. How do approach getting an upgrade if there's no availability?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

(00:00) The Wall Street Journal reported friction in the relationship between Wells Fargo & Bilt. What was reported and what do we make of the details? Find out in this episode of Coffee Break.

(01:16) What the Wall Street Journal Article says

(02:01) Digging into article details a bit about the Bilt / Wells Fargo relationship (06:34) Fraud and Money Laundering Concerns

(09:44) The Wells Fargo and Bilt response

(10:34) WSJ article key points quick summary

(11:12) Our take about what this all means

Visit frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media..

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

There's a rewards program that's in common between Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. As a rewards program, it was fairly disappointing, but does that mean Wells Fargo's new One Key+ card is also going to be disappointing? We'll talk about it in today's Card Talk episode...

(01:50) - Noteworthy perks of the Wells Fargo One Key+ card...

(04:02) - Is the Wells Fargo One Key+ a good card?
Read more about the Wells Fargo One Key+ card here

(08:42) - Good alternatives to the Wells Fargo One Key+ card
Find our Best Category Bonuses resource here

(09:30) - Read more about the Citi Strata Premier card here

(10:25) - Read more about the Citi Double Cash card here

(11:44) - You could get other Wells Fargo cards as well...
Learn more about Wells Fargo cards here

Visit frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

You're planning a dream trip to 3 continents; which 3 credit cards would you choose for the best combination of welcome bonuses and card benefits? This week, we talk strategy for our upcoming draft -- because once one of us makes a selection, the other two will be left scrambling to strategize the next move.

1:25 Giant Mailbag

2:38 Awards we booked this week

Link to the SimplyMiles deal we referenced: https://frequentmiler.com/incredible-the-240x-simplymiles-deal-is-being-honored/

11:22 Mattress running the numbers: Marriott Homes & Villas stacking deals

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-homes-and-villas-stay-five-nights-get-2x-points-and-free-night-award/

18:40 Main Event: Drafting the Dream: Strategies for drafting the best 3 card, 3 continent dream trip

https://frequentmiler.com/challenge-3-cards-3-continents-buckle-up/

Link to read about the previous 40K to Far Away challenge: https://frequentmiler.com/40k-to-far-away-afterglow-help-us-design-the-next-40kfaraway-challenge/

51:09 Post Roast

https://frequentmiler.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-should-i-keep-it/

54:21 Question of the Week: Is there a downside to having multiple car reservations and deciding at the counter which update is best?

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

00:23 Giant Mailbag: Choosing Marriott elite nights over suite nights.

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-choice-benefit-valuations-which-to-pick/

8:15 What crazy thing did Amex do this week?

-Random Hilton free nights

-Extra Dell credits that aren't correct

14:37 Mattress running the numbers: Should Greg really transfer Membership Rewards points to Hilton?

24:14 Main Event: Amex races out of the gate. What's next?

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-adds-30-monthly-paypal-credit-to-platinum-card-for-6-months/

https://frequentmiler.com/great-amex-offers-for-personal-platinum-cardholders/

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-biz-plat-cardholders-5x-gas-station-wireless-office-supply-shipping-and-advertising/

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-offer-spend-500-get-25-10-times/

1:04:51 Post Roast

Nick roasts Greg over Delta elite status

https://frequentmiler.com/gregs-delta-elite-plans-for-2021/

1:12:01 Greg roasts Nick over the Southwest Companion Pass

https://frequentmiler.com/is-the-southwest-companion-pass-still-worth-it-in-2021/

1:17:55 Question of the Week: Do you earn elite nights when booking through The Hotel Collection from Amex?

https://frequentmiler.com/hacking-hyatt-prive-for-the-win-in-new-york-city/

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment!

Music credit: Annie Yoder

From dirt-cheap awards to Hawaii to nearly-free airport parking and the best free airport tours worldwide, this week we discuss the top travel hacks learned from past frequent miler challenges as we prepare to set off on our latest such challenge.

3:00 Giant Mailbag

8:30 3 Cards 3 Continents 3 Updates

https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-milers-2022-team-challenge-3-cards-3-continents/

20:22 Main Event: Top travel hacks learned from past Frequent Miler challenges

20:33: 7.5K miles to Hawaii

https://frequentmiler.com/7-5k-each-way-to-hawaii-with-turkish-miles-and-smiles/

25:13 United Excursionist Perk

https://frequentmiler.com/maximizing-and-understanding-united-excursionist-perks/

31:16 Czech Airways from Prague to Seoul

32:14 Hong Kong to London for 12.5K miles

35:00 Free airport tours and hotels

https://frequentmiler.com/the-best-stopover-deals-worldwide/

37:50 Trip to New York for $19 per day / cheap airport parking

https://frequentmiler.com/my-19-new-york-city-challenge/

41:40 Manual bookings through Avianca LifeMiles

https://travellingtheworld.boardingarea.com/2016/09/book-lifemiles-awards-not-available-online/

https://frequentmiler.com/when-lifemiles-com-shows-no-availability-try-a-manual-booking/

You can use these points for cruises, hotels and some really compelling deals on flights, of course. In this episode, we'll discuss some of our favorite uses for Virgin Points.

(01:28) - Tips for using AutoSlash for car rentals...

(06:50) - The Amex Gold card's Dunkin' benefits can apparently be used at Baskin Robbins!

Read more about the Amex Gold Card here.

(09:58) - Qatar devaluation impacts using Qatar Avios to book American & Alaska

(14:06) - Read more about award ticket change and cancellation fees here.

(16:02) - LifeMiles devaluation (not all bad news)

(17:44) - Catch our Learning to Love LifeMiles episode 257 here.

(19:03) - Air France/KLM is bookable again with Virgin Points

Main Event: Best uses for Virgin points

(21:56) - Virgin Red & Virgin Atlantic Flying Club share same points, just link your accounts

(22:29) - It's easy to get Virgin Points

(22:49) - Learn more about frequent transfer bonuses here.

(23:10) - Learn more about the Virgin Red credit card here.

(23:19) - Delta One to Europe is effectively dead

(24:37) - Now, fly Air France / KLM short distances in/near Europe

(29:36) - Fly Air France/KLM to/from Europe

(33:11) - Economy to/from London (fly Delta or Virgin Atlantic)

(35:50) - Learn more about Virgin Voyages here.

(39:39) - Read Nick's post on getting free cruises from status matches here.

(42:34) - More rare Virgin Point deals...

(47:25) - What do you do when a Marriott nightly upgrade award would put you in a suite with a lower room occupancy than the lower, standard room (and a lower occupancy rate than you need)?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

This week, Greg & Nick discuss:

-A face mask you already own

-Projects happening behind the scenes at Frequent Miler

-The Citi Premier changes and how they position Citi to have a killer 2-card combo

-Choosing travel protection or more points when booking paid travel

All that and more!

See below for timestamps and links:

2:16: Greg's DIY Face Masks

5:27: Reader Feedback

8:42: Subscribe, please

9:10: Team FM project: New Theme

14:45: A new challenge
(Link to old challenge: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/40k-to-far-away-news/)

19:34 A new competitor

21:29: Big changes coming to Pemier
Link to read more about the changes: https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/citi-adding-grocery-stores-restaurants-to-3x-category-3x-travel-structure-changing/)

35:37: Greg's curses AA frequent flyers

39:32: Question of the week

A Southwest Companion Pass can be massively valuable if you use it a lot. In this episode of Coffee Break, we'll break down how you can fly with a friend for free using the Southwest Companion Pass.

(00:26) - Overview - read our complete guide to the Southwest Companion pass here.

(00:46) - What is the Southwest Companion Pass?

(03:36) - What are the requirements to earn a Southwest Companion Pass?

(04:28) - Which points count?

(13:02) - Online Shopping for the Southwest Companion Pass through the Southwest Rapid Rewards shopping portal

(14:25) - Hotel partners, or book hotels through Rocketmiles

(15:03) - Rental Cars

(15:09) - Referring businesses for SWABIZ (25K per business)

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

The Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard is a new card that's coming out soon to replace the old Bank of America Virgin Atlantic Flying Club credit card. In this episode, we'll discuss more about this upcoming credit card.

(00:10) - The Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard replaces the old Virgin Atlantic Flying Club credit card

Learn more about the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard here.

(02:10) - Earning rate: 3X Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels and Virgin Voyages ✦ 2X dining, at grocery stores, on select streaming services and for EV charging ✦ 1X everywhere else

(03:03) - Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard Perks

(05:46) - Is this card worth it?

Visit frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Delta has walked back their elite status changes in a big way. Long-term elites and credit card enthusiasts have come out as good as gold. Has Delta gone too far and made elite status too easy to earn and keep? 

00:00 Intro

01:37 Giant Mailbag

02:56 Hilton credit card changes 

https://frequentmiler.com/big-changes-to-hilton-aspire-and-surpass-cards/

https://frequentmiler.com/amxhiltonaspire/

https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-honors-american-express-surpass-card/

23:23 What crazy thing . . . did American Express do this week?

25:01 Award Talk

25:09 Citi adds Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club

https://frequentmiler.com/citi-adds-leading-hotels-of-the-world-as-a-transfer-partner-51/

https://frequentmiler.com/citi-adds-a-new-path-to-luxury-hotel-stays/

30:30 Avianca LifeMiles

https://frequentmiler.com/another-crack-at-the-lifemiles-secret-code-turns-up-more-pricing-anomalies/

35:08 Main Event: Delta's flip-flop

https://frequentmiler.com/delta-revises-skymiles-changes-more-skyclub-visits-lower-elite-thresholds-better-1-time-rollovers-vastly-improved-lifetime-status/

36:04 Delta SkyClub Access changes

39:40 Changes to Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs)

42:24 MQD Headstarts

53:27 Accommodations for long-term elites

53:49 Rollover MQMs to buy status extensions

56:04 Million Miler Status

59:49 Is Delta now making elite status too easy?

1:07:48 Question of the Week: What's the best way to earn credit card rewards on student load repayments?
-miles for college

Music credit: Annie Yoder

In this episode, Greg and Nick review some of the hotel and flight awards that stood out for each of them in 2024 so they can determine the best of the best for their 2024 award travels.

(01:06) - Bilt buy house benefit correction

See the previous episode where Greg talked about the Bilt buy house benefit here.

Read more about the Bilt Buy House benefit here.

(02:42) - Greg's latest experience booking Preferred hotels with Choice points

See the previous episode here.

(10:17) - Greg: "You’re a SAS EuroBonus Millionaire!”

(11:56) - Nick: Yikes!

(19:24) - Stephen: 1 more needs to be credited

(21:32) - Business Platinum gains $200 Hilton credit!

(29:48) - IRS temporarily displayed lower fees for paying taxes by credit card

(32:04) - Should Greg mattress run 1 Marriott night?

(37:24) - Alaska news

Read more about Alaska Airlines launching premium card here.

(41:48) - Waldorf Astoria New York now bookable with points and free night certificates.

(44:22) - Greg's candidates for top awards in 2024 - flights

(52:20) - Nick's candidates for top awards in 2024 - flights

(56:59) - Best flight pick overall

(1:00:32) - Greg's candidates for top awards in 2024 - hotels

(1:11:07) - Nick's candidates for top awards in 2024 - hotels

(1:21:05) - Beat hotel pick overall

(1:22:54) - Other top experiences in 2024

(1:30:07) - Which airline would you prioritize to fly and earn miles with: American, United, or Southwest? 

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

00:34 Giant Mailbag: Greg asks for advice

8:04 What crazy thing....double header! First: What crazy thing...did Greg do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/going-for-wyndhams-124x-offer/

Note that the increased payouts have ended: https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-rewards-shopping-portal-offering-up-to-quintuple-base-points-great-rates-on-offer/

14:04 What crazy thing....did Radisson do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/radisson-rewards-splitting-operations-between-the-americas-rest-of-the-world/

21:46 Mattress Running the Numbers: Should you transfer to Singapore for Star Alliance Gold status?

https://frequentmiler.com/earn-krisflyer-star-alliance-silver-or-gold-when-transferring-125k-or-250k-points-to-singapore-airlines/

35:57 Main Event: 100K Offers here, there, and everywhere

https://frequentmiler.com/wow-get-100000-bonus-united-miles-with-new-offer/

https://frequentmiler.com/big-130k-business-platinum-85k-business-gold-targeted-offers/

https://frequentmiler.com/100k-capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card-bonus-after-20k-in-purchases/

1:07:33 Post Roast

1:09:03 Question of the Week: Is the Lowes Preload card worth a look?

Starting May 28 of this year, Southwest will be making some major changes to the things we've known and loved. For example Most people will be losing free checked bags on Southwest starting May 28 of this year, they'll be introducing basic economy, flight credits will now expire (after 6-12 months depending on what type of fare you bought) and the value of points will become much more variable.

(01:49) - Commenter Brad says: "I’m an accountant who completely understands the math of cutting expenses or raising revenues to increase profit... I don’t understand, though, what the business strategy is here. Building a strategy that revolves around hoping customers won’t notice you’re charging them more for a worse product doesn’t seem like the kind of pitch that would get you an A in an MBA strategy class."

Read the original post where this comment appeared here.

(03:38) - 2 Bags No longer Fly Free for Most (pricing not yet disclosed)

(05:58) - Basic economy fares

(06:33) - Flight credits will expire (From May 28, 2025)

(08:29) - Variable redemption rates

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

There are a lot of great tools for collecting and spending points and miles. This week, we talk about the ones we use most often to maximize our mileage. 

00:00 Intro

00:45 Giant Mailbag: Tips from the comments on a fixing a failed attempt at a Platinum triple dip

https://frequentmiler.com/fixing-a-failed-platinum-triple-dip/

05:50 What crazy thing....double header!

05:58 What crazy thing . . . did Capital One do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-including-global-entry-reimbursement-on-1099s/

12:03 What crazy thin . . . did Virgin Voyages do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-including-global-entry-reimbursement-on-1099s/

17:23 Mattress running the numbers: New Hilton credit cards

https://frequentmiler.com/increased-hilton-card-offers/

25:48 Main Event: Travel Hacker's Toolkit

26:10 Managing Points: Award Wallet

29:39 Earning miles and points

29:45 Best Offers Page

https://frequentmiler.com/best-credit-card-sign-up-offers/

32:56 Travel Freely

https://frequentmiler.com/take-the-stress-out-of-credit-card-bonus-hunting-travel-freely/

35:23 Tools for meeting minimum spending requirements

35:41 Kiva

https://frequentmiler.com/why-i-love-kiva-for-earning-rewards-and-doing-good/

36:51 Paying taxes

https://frequentmiler.com/pay-taxes-via-credit-card/

https://frequentmiler.com/best-category-bonuses/

40:34 Referral bonuses

https://frequentmiler.com/maximizing-value-from-amex-multi-referrals/

42:10 spending points

42:22 Flight tools (First up: Flight Connections)

44:49 Google Flights and airline websites

https://frequentmiler.com/find-great-business-class-fares-google-flights/

50:28 Point.me and Award Logic

https://frequentmiler.com/point-me-vs-awardlogic/

58:00 Seats.Aero

https://frequentmiler.com/seats-aero/

1:01:17 Expert Flyer

1:03:30 Award Nights

1:04:38 Award Mapper

1:06:16 Stay with points

https://frequentmiler.com/staywithpoints-find-hard-to-get-hotel-awards/

1:08:56 Car Rentals

https://frequentmiler.com/shopping-for-car-rentals-comparison-results/

1:15 Google Maps, Google Flights, Google Hotels, Blog Reviews

1:20:54 Question of the Week: On a partner award, do you always check in with the operating carrier?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Hidden city ticketing could save you a lot of money or miles, but it comes with both challenges and risks. Some find it appealing, others find it unethical. Greg and Nick discuss the details.

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Giant Mailbag

05:19 Mattress running the numbers: Now exchange points between Choice and Radisson

https://frequentmiler.com/now-convert-radisson-points-to-choice-privileges-at-a-21-ratio/

13:04 The News: Delta 15% discount on awards for cardholders

https://frequentmiler.com/delta-launches-takeoff-15-cardholders-save-15-on-award-flights/

18:25 Awards we booked this week: JAL business class for 5

https://frequentmiler.com/wide-open-japan-airlines-business-class-space-not-all-phantom/

26:00 Main Event: Hidden city ticketing: techniques, challenges, and ethics

What is it?

https://frequentmiler.com/hidden-city-ticketing-can-save-you-an-absurd-amount-of-miles-with-some-key-caveats/

30:25 Drawbacks / warnings

30:36 You can never skip anything but the final segment

33:01 Keep it simple: don't check bags

36:40 Irregular Operations (IRROPS)

39:39 Make sure you qualify for entry to the destination of your ticket

40:40 Techniques to find hidden city ticket opportunities

41:05 Skiplagged

42:36 One more warning: Airlines don't like this practice

45:39 Google Flights

49:17 Use cheap prices as a starting point for looking at awards

52:30 Look at flying to Mexico or maybe Canada

53:04 Look where regions meet

56:01 Mixed-cabin award pricing (Avianca LifeMiles, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and Virgin Atlantic for Air France or KLM)

https://frequentmiler.com/cathay-pacific-asia-miles-mixed-cabin-award-pricing-first-class-for-less/

https://frequentmiler.com/avianca-lifemiles-awesome-mixed-cabin-award-pricing-first-class-for-less/

00:13 Downside of hidden city award tickets

1:01:32 Seats.aero for finding these opportunities

1:03:50 Ethics: Is this practice unethical?

1:18:55 Question of the Week: Is relying on close-in award availability a viable travel strategy, or am I setting myself up for a world of pain?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Recently news broke that Hyatt and American Airlines plan to change their partnership with each other. Was the partnership "deepened" like we suggested when we wrote this post, or was it "devalued" like our readers thought in the comments? (Or is it somehow both?)

(00:41) -  Read our post "Hyatt & American Airlines deepen partnership, add more reciprocal earning opportunities" here.

(02:49) - What is the current Hyatt / AA relationship like? (Until 12/31/24)

(03:39) - New AA benefits for Hyatt elites...

(08:33) - Comparing Old vs New

(13:27) - Stephen's thoughts

(14:21) - Nick's thoughts

(16:57) - Greg't thoughts

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

What is the domestic US destination that Greg thinks should be on your bucket list and what else do he and Nick have in mind "someday"? Listen to this week's show to find out.

1:13 What crazy thing....did Plaid do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/plaid-class-action-settlement-submit-claim-by-4-28-22/

7:13 Mattress Running the Numbers: Which Hilton Surpass offer is the best?

https://frequentmiler.com/which-hilton-offer-truly-surpasses/

21:31 Main Event: Bucket list awards

51:44 Question of the Week: The Capital One Travel portal doesn't have the booking options I want. What am I going to do with these points?

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-travel-looking-a-lot-better-than-expected/

Subscribe to our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Why would anyone want to pay $400 or more for a credit card? This week, Greg and Nick discuss some of the cards on the market that *may* be worth it and which perks would need to matter to you to make them worth the price of admission.

00:46 Giant Mailbag: ANA's friendly change

4:55 What crazy thing....did Air Canada Aeroplan do this week?

9:51 Awards we booked this week: Greg's United award change to New Zealand and Nick's Marriott booking near Disneyland Paris

24:23 Why pay $400 or more for a credit card?

27:09 Capital One Venture X

33:45 Amex Platinum card

35:33 Amex Business Platinum

37:40 Chase Sapphire Reserve

39:41 US Bank Altitude Reserve

41:35 Amex Delta Reserve

43:28 United Club Infinite

46:10 American Airlines Executive Card

47:28 Chase Ritz-Carlton

50:00 Amex Bonvoy Brilliant

55:51 Amex Hilton Aspire card

https://frequentmiler.com/maximize-hilton-resort-credit/

1:00:38 Question of the Week: What can you do for phone access abroad? (Testing Holafly)

Music credit: Annie Yoder

00:52 Giant Mailbag: A reader tips us off to a great new Cat 4 Marriott in the US

3:31 What crazy thing....did Southwest do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/southwest-rapid-rewards-points-devalued-but-still-good-value-to-be-had/

8:31 Mattress Running the Numbers: Is the Intercontinental Ambassador offer worth it this time with additional stacking opportunities?

https://frequentmiler.com/ihg-buy-renew-ambassador-membership-then-stay-once-get-40k-free-night-certificate-cert-expires-4-30-21/

18:10 Main Event: Revised Platinum card coming soon (like it or not)

https://frequentmiler.com/the-revised-platinum-card-details-and-review/

52:00 Question of the Week: Is the United Quest card better than the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!

Join our email list at: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

You know we're fans of Hyatt...but some of their recent behavior has been downright painful! That's what we'll discuss in today's Coffee Break episode.

(01:28) - Hyatt introduced Category 8, claiming it would only be for SLH

(03:05) - Introduced peak pricing

(04:26) - As feared, they moved Hyatt properties into that Category 8

(04:43) - Introduced a separate (way more expensive) award chart for all-inclusive properties

(05:35) - Created Homes & Hideaways at poor value...then later moved a number of "Destination Residences" properties to Homes & Hideaways

(07:53) - Ended MGM partnership

(08:34) - Ended SLH partnership

(09:54) - Introduced Mr & Mrs Smith dynamic pricing

Still plenty to love:

(13:03) - Best-in-class top tier status benefits (you know you’ll get breakfast / lounge, free parking on award stays, meaningful upgrades, etc).

(14:17) - Best milestone rewards (confirmable suite upgrades, Guest of Honor awards, valuable free night certificates)

(16:04) - Lots of sharing options: share free nights, upgrade certs, globalist status (via GOH awards), points, etc.

(17:09) - Ability to supplement elite earning with credit card spend

(18:08) - Generally very good value for points for properties that adhere to an award chart

Visit here to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media. You’ll find all other Frequent Miler on the Air episodes here.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

We regularly report on great deals, but this week we discuss the cream of the crop as we try to narrow down the best of the best deals of 2022. 

Join our email list so you don't miss great deals like these: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

00:50 Giant Mailbag

https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-milers-2022-state-of-the-business-report/

3:55 What crazy thing...did Southwest Airlines do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/southwest-having-operational-meltdown-no-end-in-sight/

11:10 Mattress running the numbers: Caution on those end-of-year mattress runs

15:45 Awards we booked this week: Alaska one-way with a stopover on a domestic award

18:50 Main Event: What is the 2022 Deal of the Year?

19:40 Amex Offer for 6% back at Belk

https://frequentmiler.com/lucrative-belk-amex-offer-make-almost-200-profit-card-linked-portal-earnings-credit-card-rewards/

25:16 Capital One Shopping offers for 24-30% back

https://frequentmiler.com/digging-the-capital-one-shopping-browser-extension/

29:25 Brussels to New York in business class for 25.5K Avianca LifeMiles

https://frequentmiler.com/25-5k-business-class-brussels-to-new-york/

30:40 Amex Business Platinum No Lifetime Language offers

https://frequentmiler.com/more-amex-nll-offers-170k-business-platinum-and-100k-business-gold-targeted/

https://frequentmiler.com/targeted-earn-200000-membership-rewards-when-getting-amex-business-platinum-business-checking/

33:45 Amex Business Checking 60K offer

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-business-checking-cash-out-membership-rewards-points-without-a-schwab-card/

36:15 Cruise line status matches

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-cruise-for-next-to-nothing/

39:58 Ritz-Carlton Visa becomes more valuable for the same annual fee

https://frequentmiler.com/yes-the-ritz-card-is-now-the-best-value-marriott-card/

42:38 United offered business class to many parts of the world for 60K miles one-way

https://frequentmiler.com/united-offering-60k-biz-class-awards-to-many-locations-worldwide-4-seats-in-many-cases/

47:00 Narrowing it down and crowning a winner

1:04:09 What are your elite status plans for 2023?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

We don't talk about IHG One Rewards program much, but it may be a more valuable program than you think, especially if you keep our 10 tips in mind. Listen for more! 

You can find Greg's interview on the All the Hacks podcast here: https://www.allthehacks.com/greg-frequent-miler-flight-award-tools/

(03:42) - Reader Jeff (featured on last week's giant mailbag) answered questions about how he booked Delta One to Tokyo for 85K and how he visited Delta lounges in Atlanta and Denver...(Mail Bag)

(10:42) - IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (Card Talk)

You can listen to our discussion about IHG premier cards on Ep193 of the Frequent Miler on the Air Podcast here: https://frequentmiler.com/which-is-the-most-rewarding-hotel-loyalty-program/

(14:23) - Bilt sent emails to cardholders with membership shut-down alerts...but then quickly reversed it with an apology. (Crazy Thing)

(19:32) - Book Hawaiian Airlines w/ JetBlue points: updated award chart (Award Talk)

Read our JetBlue guide here: https://frequentmiler.com/jetblue-trueblue-guide/

(25:19) - Planning for Wynn status match for free Holland America cruise (Award Talk)

Read our post on getting free cruises from status matches: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-get-free-cruises-by-gaming-casino-status-matches/

(32:05) - MaxMyPoint to help find a standard room (Award Talk)

Read more about tools like MaxMyPoint here: https://frequentmiler.com/tools-for-finding-impossible-hotel-awards/

Main Event: 10 Tips for Rocking IHG One Rewards

(34:51) - IHG One Rewards Overview

(41:13) - IHG Credit cards

You can listen to our discussion about IHG premier cards on Ep193 of the Frequent Miler on the Air Podcast here: https://frequentmiler.com/which-is-the-most-rewarding-hotel-loyalty-program/

(42:05) - 10 Tips for rocking IHG One Rewards

(01:12:18) - How can I do Disney effectively with credit cards? (Question of the Week)

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.

Incidental Music - "Hard Rock Music" by LiteSaturation

Music Credit - "Ocean Deep" by Annie Yoder

00:20 Giant Mailbag

3:28 Bonus segment: Free gift for readers/listeners

6:14 What crazy thing did American Airlines do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/american-ai...

12:07 Mattress Running the Numbers: Are the Marriott / Hilton transfer bonuses worth it?

https://frequentmiler.com/american-ai... https://frequentmiler.com/40-transfer...

14:58 Main Event: Hyatt top tier status is easier than ever

https://frequentmiler.com/wow-hyatt-s... https://frequentmiler.com/ludicrously...

56:20 Greg's top picks: How high should the World of Hyatt credit card be? Should existing cardholders cancel and re-apply?

https://frequentmiler.com/top-current...

1:01:56 Post Roast: No tips on how to get the Sears ThankYou Mastercard?

https://frequentmiler.com/store-credi...

1:07:36 Question of the Week: What might be asked on an Amex Financial Review and how should I answer?

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment!

Music credit: Annie Yoder

We love Chase Ultimate Rewards primarily because of the ability to transfer to partners (and we specifically love the ability to transfer to Hyatt.) Chase Ultimate Rewards is actually one of the best ways to get Hyatt points, in fact. We'll talk more about amassing Chase Ultimate Rewards (and why you would want to) in this episode of Frequent Miler on the Air.

(01:18) - A reader experiences an issue with a price on his Etihad award that was not as advertised...

(08:43) - Read more about the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card here.

(10:21) - Read more about the U.S. Bank Smartly credit card here.

(19:47) - Read our Guide to Credit Card Application Rules by Bank here.

(21:29) - Double Elite Night Credit on Marriott Homes & Villas (Targeted, Book by 9/20, stay by 12/31)

Read more about the double elite night credit here.

(32:34) - 30% transfer bonus from Amex Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors (thru 9/30)

(33:24) - Reminder: 30% transfer bonus from Amex Membership Rewards to Avios (thru 9/30)

(33:40) - 20% transfer bonus from Capital One to Air France / KLM Flying Blue (thru 9/29)

(35:20) - Preferred Hotels now up to 118,000 Choice points (not long ago 55K max!).

Read more about great value preferred hotels, bookable with Choice points here.

(40:03) - We all know that Chase Ultimate Rewards points are super valuable...

Learn more about Chase Ultimate Rewards sweet spots here.

(41:55) - How to get the Chase Ultimate Rewards points...

(42:04) - Chase Ultimate Rewards welcome bonuses

Read more about Chase's best credit card sign up offers here.

(42:22) - What are the rules for applying for Chase cards? (What is the 5/24 24 month, 48 month, etc): See our Complete Guide to Credit Card Application Rules by Bank here.

(42:59) - There are lots of Chase cards available...

Again, you can learn more about Chase cards here.

(45:29) - Which Ink Business card is not like the others (and will not earn you points that can be transferred to partners)...

(48:59) - Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards via referral bonuses

(51:06) - 2 Player Mode for Chase Ultimate Rewards

(54:28) - What can you earn as you spend on Chase cards?

Learn more about spending options here and here.

(1:05:12) - Chase's shopping portal (and other miscellaneous ways to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points)

(1:07:12) - When does it make sense to credit paid flights to a different airline's frequent flyer account (within the partner airline)?

(1:10:23) - Learn more about our 40K to Far Away challenge here.

(1:11:59) - Learn more about wheretocredit.com here

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Now that you've amassed a huge stash of Ultimate Rewards points after listening to Episode 271, how what? Today, we talk about the top 10 best (and bottom 5 worst) uses of Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

00:00 Intro

01:10 Announcements

01:12 New "How to" series on Youtube

02:54 Using buying groups to increase spend

04:10 Giant Mailbag: Online grocery is more broadly useful than you think

07:43 Card News

07:45 Increased offers on the Wyndham cards

https://frequentmiler.com/increased-welcome-offers-on-all-3-wyndham-credit-cards-earn-up-to-80k-bonus-points/

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-get-free-cruises-by-gaming-casino-status-matches/

11:39 What crazy thing.....did Wyndham Rewards do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/apparently-wyndham-credit-card-points-never-expire-positive-change/

17:00 Mattress Running the Numbers: Aeroplan to Marriott to MGM

23:41 Award Talk

23:47 United vs Aeroplan
https://frequentmiler.com/united-vs-air-canada-which-is-the-better-chase-transfer-partner/

29:59 Discount partner awards for United Premier status

https://frequentmiler.com/united-giving-award-flight-discounts-to-premier-members-cardholders-even-on-partners/

33:12 Which award search tool is best?
https://frequentmiler.com/united-vs-air-canada-which-is-the-better-chase-transfer-partner/

37:50 Graduate Hotels via Hilton Honors (earn & redeem is now live)

38:47 Main Event: Top 10 best and 5 worst uses of your Chase points

39:21 #10: Booking travel through the Chase Travel portal with the Sapphire Reserve at a value of 1.5c per points

40:40 #9: 70% transfer bonus to Marriott

42:07 #8 Transfer to Emirates and book first class from New York JFK to Milan or Newark EWR to Athens for 102,000 points + ~$130
https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-find-and-book-emirates-first-class-awards/

44:41 #7 Transfer to United for positioning flights

48:10 #6: Transfer to British Airways Avios to fly Qatar Qsuites to Doha for 70K
https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-find-qatar-q-suites-award-space/

49:58 #5: Transfer to Iberia Avios to book business class from the east coast to Europe from 34K Avios one-way
https://frequentmiler.com/best-uses-of-avios-british-airways-iberia-qatar-aer-lingus-finnair/

53:33 #4: Transfer to Hyatt to book a suite
https://frequentmiler.com/how-best-to-book-hyatt-luxury-suites/

56:10 #3: Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan and book a multi-partner award with a stopover for just 5,000 additional miles
https://frequentmiler.com/nicks-6-country-5-airline-award-ticket/

01:00:36 #2 Transfer to Flying Blue to book Air France or KLM Business Class for only 50K one way
https://frequentmiler.com/air-france-klm-flying-blue-lowers-business-class-award-cost-from-the-us/

01:05:33 #1 : Transfer to Hyatt to book hotels for great value

01:12:18 In-between: Cash out for $0.01 per point

01:14:18 The worst of the worst uses of Chase points

01:14:23 #5 Transferring to any program to book a low-value award

01:16:23 #4 Buying gift cards with your points

01:17:16 #3 Transfer to Marriott without a transfer bonus

01:18:45 #2 Using your points to shop at sites like Amazon

01:20:54: #1 Transfer points to IHG One Rewards

01:23:59 Question of the Week: How do you protect your miles and points?

Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

00:48 Giant Mailbag: The IHG Rewards cards are great in the right circumstances

https://frequentmiler.com/ihg-sweet-spot-dynamic-pricing-4th-night-free/

5:30 What crazy thing......did Southwest do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/southwest-rapid-rewards-subscription/

10:25 Mattress Running the Numbers: Radisson splits. Is it that bad and are we going to do?

https://frequentmiler.com/bad-news-radisson-devaluation-announced-and-it-stinks/

https://frequentmiler.com/a-second-look-at-radisson-did-it-actually-get-much-better/

20:22 Main Event: Capital One steps up to bat

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-ups-their-game-adds-turkish-and-some-11-partners-airport-lounges/

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-miles-no-longer-make-me-mad-on-my-mind/

https://frequentmiler.com/transferable-points-programs-compared/

https://frequentmiler.com/huge-if-true-convert-capital-one-cash-back-to-miles-by-moving-rewards/

https://frequentmiler.com/vacasa-success-entire-cabin-booked-for-15k-wyndham-points-per-night-transferred-from-capital-one/

52:02 Post Roast

1:00:25 Question of the Week: Why did my post get declined in Frequent Miler Insiders?

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and ding the notification bell!

To join our email list, go to: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/.

Music credit: Annie Yoder

00:32 Giant Mailbag

2:09 What crazy thing...did Amex do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/bypass-amexs-lifetime-rule-when-you-expand-your-membership/

9:36 Mattress running the numbers: Run Radisson for the United card-linked offer?

https://frequentmiler.com/mpx-earn-25x-mileageplus-miles-on-a-radisson-stay-max-8250-miles/

14:37 Main Event: Citi Reinvents the 5x card

https://frequentmiler.com/citi-shakes-things-up-with-new-5x-choose-your-own-adventure-card/

38:52 Post Roast

https://frequentmiler.com/awesome-credit-card-combos/ https://frequentmiler.com/the-greenbrier-pigeon-forge-vacasa-rental-via-wyndham-rewards-bottom-line-review/

43:06 Question of the Week: Can you use the Alaska companion certificate after you've canceled the card?

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Don't forget to like this video and subscribe to our channel here as well.

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Want to sleep cheap in the city that never sleeps? Using hotel points can save you a boatload on your next New York City vacation, but not all award options are created equally. This week, Greg and Nick discuss your best bets.

00:58 Giant Mailbag Double Header (First up: IHG welcome bonus free night not top-off-able)

03:56 Marriott free night certificates extendable after all 9:39 What crazy thing...did IHG do this week?

14:39 Mattress running the numbers: Locking in the 20% back Marriott offer for good rates in the future and abroad

21:27 Awards we booked this week

25:33 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 Updates

30:20 Main Event: The best free nights in the Big Apple

31:38 Hilton

38:00 Hyatt

45:50 IHG

51:35 Marriott

1:03:25 Choice

1:07:46 Wyndham

1:09:33 Radisson

1:14:48 Can you get off a cruise ship early to fly home?

Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Greg surprised Nick with a pop quiz. We also discuss Emirates sweet spots, Google Fi headaches, and more.

A $95 credit card could currently get you 4 (or more!) ocean cruises. This week, we talk about how to set the process in motion and why it could be a great deal.

00:00 Intro

00:50 Giant Mailbag

3:05 Card Talk

https://frequentmiler.com/c1v1/

11:52 Mattress running the numbers & What crazy thing....did Hyatt do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-promo-earn-3k-points-every-2-nights-500-points-every-2-nights-in-select-cities/

19:33 Greg almost books Qantas First Class

22:10 Main Event: How to turn a $95 card into four ocean cruises

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndhamearnerbiz/

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-cruise-for-next-to-nothing/

https://frequentmiler.com/holland-america-cruise-match-program-possible-free-cruise-offer/

https://frequentmiler.com/tips-for-new-cruisers-from-new-cruisers/

https://milestalk.com/the-status-match-merry-go-round-explained-using-both-hotel-and-casino-status-match-opportunities-year-after-year/

57:44 Question of the Week: Pop quiz -- which chains offer compensation when you get walked?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Chris Hutchins is the host of a podcast called "All the Hacks" where he talks about not just travel hacks, but life hacks as well. In today's episode, he shares some of his favorite life hacks with us. 

(01:09) - You can find the episodes where Chris Hutchins interviewed Greg and Nick on All the Hacks here: https://frequentmiler.com/check-out-greg-and-nicks-podcast-guest-appearances-with-chris-hutchins/

And you can find all the episodes of All the Hacks here: https://www.chrishutchins.com/

(02:00) - Chris's favorite life hacks for making more time

(06:47) - Chris's favorite life hacks for the home

(09:30) - Chris's favorite life hacks for money

You can find Chris's All the Hacks episode with Remit Sethi here: https://www.chrishutchins.com/live-your-rich-life-ramit-sethi/

You can find Chris's All the Hacks episode with Bill Perkins here: https://www.chrishutchins.com/die-with-zero-bill-perkins/

(16:58) - Chris's favorite life hacks for personal data!

00:38 Giant Mailbag: Want more Ask Us Anything? See us on Youtube

2:24 What crazy thing...did Capital One do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-shut-down-my-account-and-gave-me-only-a-half-cent-per-mile/

11:34 Mattress Running the Numbers: Marriott Homes & Villas stacking promotions for 57,000 bonus points

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-homes-villas-spend-2100-earn-21000-bonus-points/

17:21 Main Event: Rocking Fine Hotels

https://frequentmiler.com/searching-for-deals-through-fine-hotels-resorts/

https://frequentmiler.com/find-your-own-fine-hotels-resorts-deals/

https://frequentmiler.com/getting-the-elite-experience-without-elite-status-via-luxury-partner-programs/

1:00:00 Post Roast

1:02:57 Question of the Week: A Chase rep said I have to wait a year to get a new Southwest card. Is that true?

1:06:53 How do you choose a shopping portal?

Join our email list at: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Greg & Nick discuss:

- What is Frequent Miler all about? Why we're different. - The awesome Hilton Aspire deal. Did Greg go for it?
- A bit of Virgin Atlantic awesomeness
- Airbnb: Will we ever use it again after THE article?

A few years ago American Express introduced this kind of model for their Platinum card where they increased their annual fee, but attempted to make up for it by offering a whole collection of credits and rebates that could be valuable if you did the work to make use of them and happened to have natural needs for them. In other words, these new benefits felt a lot like coupons, thus introducing the nickname for these kinds of card benefits. Now, United seems to be taking a page from American Express' book by "couponizing" their credit cards.

(02:02) - Denbigh writes in about our "getting started with points and miles" episode saying "Thank You for an episode worth the time, even for an experienced practitioner."

Find our Getting started with points & miles episode 298 here.

(4:02) - As previously reported, Southwest is planning reduced earnings on paid flights, expiring flight credits, charging for checked bags, and changing the value of points

(04:50) - Point value changes already taking place

Read more about the variable points values here.

(07:23) - Other Info revealed in Southwest's recent video

Read more about their updates in that video here.

(12:05) - No-go for Capital One / Discover acquisition. DOJ doesn't like it

Read more about this DOJ decision here.

(12:56) - Citi (seemingly) no longer allowing product changes between card families

(15:53) - Greg apparently never got credit for one of his 15 flights...

(19:38) - Air France / KLM saver availability from the US stinks

(24:23) - Bilt April Rent Day: Up to 100% bonus to Avios

(27:59) - Wyndham point sale not as fixed as we thought (thru April 15)

Find our Wyndham’s Excellent Point Sale episode 50 here.

(29:00) - Six United cards have increased annual fees, decreased benefits (slightly) and added "coupons"

(30:32) - Summary of changes

(45:45) - New Card Line-Up Overview

(46:28) - "Coupon" Deep Dive

(1:01:04) - If you still want a United card, which is best?

Read more about which United card is best here.

(1:05:42) - Which club card is best?

(1:08:27) - How do you manage the fear of account shut-down?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

(00:44) - Should Nick upgrade his Aviator card? 

(04:12) - Would you advise to get United Club card and pay the annual fee with 30k points? Is it a good deal? 

(06:03) -Just got my first Amex a BLUE BUSSINESS PLUS. how do I avoid pop up jail when I’m ready to apply to other Amex cards 

(07:27) - Chase and Barclays have declined me due to too many credit checks. How do you work around this? 

(09:38) - What are the best hotel keeper cards currently?

(14:32) - ​What is a reasonable cost to upgrade from economy to business on a transatlantic flight? 

(16:36) - I have the Bonvoy Boundless, planning on getting the Brilliant, and then upgrading the Boundless to the Ritz-Carlton. What is the best timing for upgrading and applying to get all the free night certs? 

(19:34) - Does it make sense to transfer Chase points to Marriott to top up free night certificates? 

(22:06) - Would you hold off on getting American Airlines cards, given your prediction that a devaluation is coming soon? 

(27:18) - This question is for everyone. If you could live anywhere in the U.S., or the world for that matter, based solely on travel hocking opportunities, where would you live? 

(31:58)- What's your prediction on Wells Fargo transfer partners, there was a leak that WF autograph Journey is getting 5x on hotels, 4x on airlines, 3x on travel and dining with $95 annual fee 

(33:19) - Is it worth spending $15K on your Hyatt card through Plastiq to get a free night certificate? 

(34:29) - Will Chase not approve my SouthWest Performance Business card if I didn’t put any post-sign-up-bonus spend on my SouthWest Premier Business card I got a few months ago? 

(35:09) - How do I keep my Delta Platinum status or get to Diamond this year 

(36:30) - ​Has Bilt changed the game with their 150% transfer bonuses regarding the rule of thumb against doing speculative transfers?

(42:30) - What credit card would you recommended to maximize hotel award redemption for a family of five?

(45:59) - With all AMEX Platinums being part of the same family and can only get one sign up bonus for this family, are there any strategies or benefits to getting more than one AMEX Platinums (of any version)?

(48:43) - How is Greg dealing with Detroit Lion loss to the San Francisco 49ers? Which city has best airline and hotel redemption to Vegas?

(53:00)- ​I'd love to hear some hotel tips from things Stephen has learned from his 50 state road trip. I'm planning a month long road trip and would love tips on maximizing value of points