Stay ConnectedEarn miles without flying. Frequent Miler is all about getting the most out of the loyalty game. You can easily earn hundreds of thousands of points and miles without traveling, then learn how to use those points towards luxury travel.
In this podcast, Frequent Miler founder Greg, and senior author Nick debate current topics in the points & miles world.
Copyright: © Frequent Miler
If you learn a few advanced tricks, you can book awards for less miles than you'd think, and for better products or flights than you might think as well.
(01:07) - About our Coffee Break: Earn miles while saving and paying for college | Coffee Break Ep31 | 10-28-24 | Podcast
See episode 31 of Coffee Break "Earn miles while saving and paying for college" here.
(01:36) - Giftcards dot com added fee - it still seems to be earning GCdotcom rewards, but might not last
(02:14) - One reader says as of 2024, you can rollover 529s into Roth IRAs.
Learn more about our ongoing challenge at https://millionmilemadness.com
(05:44) - Quick recap
SAS Eurobonus allows points pooling (Read more about SAS points pooling here.)
(06:52) - Stephen is all booked!
Read Stephen's Million Mile Madness journal here.
(08:35) - Read Nick's Million Mile Madness journal here.
(11:36) - Greg: "Speed and Style"
Read Greg's Million Mile Madness journal here.
(17:05) - Marriott Homes & Villas promo: Stay 2+ nights & spend $1k+ to earn 30K bonus points
Read more about the Marriott Homes & Villas promo here.
(18:24) - Choice enhances program in 2025
Read about Choice Privileges improvements coming in 2025 here.
(20:19) - Virgin Atlantic's dynamic award pricing is live
Read more about Virgin Atlantic's dynamic award pricing here.
(23:03) - United increasing elite requirements for 2025
(24:41) - DOT Refund Rule
(26:56) - JetBlue's excellent status match Find our episode about JetBlue's status match here.
(27:39) - Last minute bookings/changes
(29:53) - Same day changes
(32:09) - What is Skiplagging?
(35:37) - Mix cabins for lower prices
(39:25) - Start to End Distance based pricing
(43:37) - Weird pricing
(45:50) - Distance based award tricks...
(51:59) - Avoid sucky programs
(1:01:33) - How can I time an Amex Platinum consumer card downgrade to gold card in order to get maximum credits from each, and what happens if I upgrade again later... would I get the benefits again?
In today's coffee break, we'll talk about how to earn miles while saving for, and paying for college. There are mileage earning strategies for contributing to college savings, paying for college, or paying towards student loans.
(01:23) - Use rewards credit cards to buy "gift of college" gift cards
Read more about earning miles for college here: https://frequentmiler.com/miles-for-college/
(02:26) - Best options for buying Gift of College gift cards
(06:06) - Best online option for buying Gift of College gift cards
Visit GiftCards.com here
(07:56) - Use either of above to earn welcome bonuses with ANY card
(08:37) - The Great Double Dip for earning while saving for college, and then again while spending for college
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
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?
In a lot of ways, American Airlines and Alaska are similar programs - both in the One World alliance for example, with some reciprocal elite benefits as well. But they're plenty different as well. We'll discuss how these programs differ and why you mind find one better than the other.
(00:26) - Comparing AA to the new Alaska program (starting 1/1/25)
(00:34) - American Airlines and Alaska are Similar programs in a lot of ways...
(01:48) - Why AA miles might be more valuable...
(05:30) - Why Alaska miles may be more valuable...
(08:36) - Free stopover on one-way award
Learn how to book a stopover on Alaska award flights here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-book-alaska-mileage-plan-stopover-awards-video/
(10:57) - So which one do we think is best?
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
Alaska Airlines is making some big changes in 2025! We'll talk about why we think these changes are exciting...(and will share an exciting announcement of our own!)
(01:20) - Greg was recently curious about if the Hawaiian Miles personal card would be getting elevated offers and one reader says the answer is yes! Check your emails for higher offers!
Listen to our episode about the Hawaiian / Alaska merger here: https://frequentmiler.com/podcast-alaska-hawaiian-airlines-wedding-planning-frequent-miler-on-the-air-ep269-8-23-24/
(03:25) - Fly 15 SkyTeam airlines (and credit to SAS or redeem SAS miles) by end of year and get 1 MILLION MILES... you all had ideas for us related to this challenge...
(05:29) - Greg's post "Catching up on 2 weeks of big miles & points news" (Read the post here: https://frequentmiler.com/catching-up-on-2-weeks-of-big-miles-points-news)
(07:04) - For the first time ever, the FM team will do 2nd challenge within 1 year...and we want you to participate!
Read more about our newest challenge here: https://frequentmiler.com/start-your-engines-for-frequent-miler-million-mile-madness/
(19:47) - Alaska / Hawaiian transfers live
(22:28) - Spirit Airlines adds free WiFi and ditches award fees for Free Spirit members.
(23:56) - Virgin Atlantic to go to dynamic award pricing - companion and upgrade vouchers may become more usable
(28:33) - Choice Privileges max award pricing for Preferred Hotels reduced from 118k to 87k. Only 9 out of 310 are currently priced 80K or higher. Meanwhile, 68 properties are priced 30K or lower.
(30:43) - Bilt adds Accor Live Limitless and TAP Air Portugal as transfer partners.
(36:18) - Marriott & Aeroplan launch reciprocal status match opportunity.
(42:42) - Huge mostly positive changes to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan coming 2025...
Read more about the changes to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan here: https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-mileage-plan-updates-earn-status-with-award-flights-credit-cards-shopping-portal-spend-more-other-changes/
(43:03) - Earning Elite Status with Alaska Airlines
(53:59) - Mileage Plan Milestones
(1:04:46) - Other changes
(1:13:11) - Some more negative changes
(1:15:14) - Summary of our assessments
(1:17:46) - Someone wrote in asking if the Alaska changes change our mind about whether it makes sense to earn Alaska miles when paying rent through Bilt
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
In today's episode, we'll look at how Nick booked his baller family of 4 a round-the-world adventure featuring Taylor Swift in Europe, a free Mediterranean cruise, tropical beaches in Mauritius, and DisneySea in Japan!
(01:28) - Beware of agents erroneously telling you your free night certificate is not applicable at SLH properties!
(05:30) - What is this segment even about? (And how should you evaluate opportunities?)
(11:42) - Amex airline fee reimbursements
Learn more about airline fee reimbursements here.
(19:05) - Read more about Nick's incredible trip here.
(22:22) - Getting to Europe on JetBlue in Mint (business) class via Qatar Avios
Read how to book JetBlue Mint via Qatar Avios here.
(27:25) - Getting around Europe
(35:04) - “Free” MSC cruise from Venice to Montenegro, Croatia, Greece, and Italy
Read how to get free cruises through casino status matching here.
(39:45) - Venice to Paris: Air France Business Class via Virgin Atlantic for 9,000 points + ~$22 each
(45:19) - Big Air Canada Aeroplan award from Paris to Japan
(1:01:40) - Train to Tokyo
(1:10:49) - Tokyo to Hawaii to New York
(1:24:45) - Amex Gold card now has a coupon for a $7 Dunkin' credit. Does it work for Baskin Robins too?
Not to be confused with the Preferred card, the Chase Ink Business Premier card is different in a few very important ways - most notably, it is a charge card and does not transfer directly to travel partners.
(00:10) - The Chase Ink Business Premier is quite different from the Chase Ink Business Preferred, discussed in episode 4 of Card Talk here.
(01:28) - This is a Visa Signature Business Charge Card
(02:23) - Earning with the Chase Ink Business Premier card
(02:53) - Points are best used by cashing out (unlike other Chase Ink cards, which earn Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to partners.)
(05:37) - Purchase protections include Cell phone protection (up to $1K per claim) and Travel protections
(06:58) - Watch our video tutorial for how to apply for Ink cards here or read the blog post here.
Subscribe and FollowIn 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. This episode originally aired on October 2, 2024. Greg was busy vacationing, but the rest of the gang answered a broad range of listener questions about points, miles, and rewards cards.
(00:35) - Is the Maldives worth it?
(06:25) - Nick, how painful will the virgin dynamic pricing be?
(08:03) - Is anyone finding it harder to use debit cards for money orders?
(10:45) -Why is award availability to Asia so bad right now, and is there any relief in sight?
(15:13) - Which US airport hub do you like to transit through (ie ease of traveling through terminal, number of connecting destinations, lounge access, etc)
(18:40) - Miles and Earn Burn is saying that the recently AMEX Biz Gold to Plat upgrade offer links may not be "safe" to use. What is your take?
(20:44) - When do you think the strata elite or wells beyond will come out?
(24:37) - In general, what services do you rec for big or ongoing purchases that don’t usually take credit cards? Other than the % fee, should we be careful using these services?
(29:40) - Delta Amex companion certificates terms are very restrictive. Any best practices to find eligible fare class for non-holiday weekends far in advance?
Read Greg's post about companion certificates here: https://frequentmiler.com/travel-companion-tickets/
Watch our How To video about using Delta Companion Certificates here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-use-delta-companion-certificates-video/
(31:42) - What has been the most outstanding deal so far in 2024 and will you do a coffee break if an outstanding deal happens?
(36:33) - Hi FM Team, what was your most difficult / challenging travel experience and what did you learn from it?
(49:25) - What do you guys think about Aero plan card in the context of them extending the PYB for travel at 1.25 Cpp especially with possible transfer bonus from Chase. Good way to cash Chase UR Points ?
(51:32) - Does Amex allow stacking of offers? Specifically, looking to stack a $100 credit with a 15k MR point bonus for a Leading Hotels resort in Rome. The hotel is listed on both Amex offers. Thanks
(52:47) - If the Barclays Aviator red converts to Citi Strata, can I product change to a Custom cash and immediately apply for Citi Strata for the SUB?
(54:10) - Is there any airline proram where if i buy my ticket with miles I can still earn miles? TY 4 all you do!
Subscribe and FollowLast week we talked about how to earn Citi ThankYou Rewards, but now we'd like to discuss some of the best (and worst) ways you can use your Citi ThankYou Rewards.
Catch last week's episode about accumulating Citi ThankYou Rewards here.
(01:17) - In a recent podcast Greg stated that United hadn’t before offered discounted business class awards to elites. One listener writes in with a correction that Platinum and 1K have had expanded access to saver awards in business class.
(04:06) - How to evaluate credit card welcome bonus offers
Compare all the best credit card sign up offers here.
(11:57) - Counting down the best uses of ThankYou Rewards from least favorite to most favorite...
Learn more about the Citi Premier card here.
(13:40) - 10. Transfer to Wyndham to book Vacasa, Cottages, etc.
(15:30) - 9. Transfer to Emirates. Book Emirates 1st class for 102K (JFK to Milan, or Newark to Athens)
Learn how to find and book Emirates first class awards here.
(17:19) - 8.Transfer to Turkish to book 10K one-way to/from Hawaii
(18:12) - 7.Virgin: fly AF/KLM Business class to Europe starting at 48,500; also intra-Europe as low as 4K
(19:55) - 6.Transfer to Avianca LifeMiles to book business class to Europe for 70K without surcharges (LifeMiles+)
(22:11) - 5.Transfer to Choice 1 to 2. Book Nordic hotels, Japan, Preferred, etc.
(24:19) - 4.Transfer to Leaders Club. Book Leading Hotels of the World for 1.6cpp
(25:24) - 3.Transfer to Qatar Avios. Book Qatar QSuites for 70K
Learn more about finding award space for Qatar QSuites here.
(27:30) - 2.Transfer to EVA Air Infinity MileageLands. One-way business class flights from the US to Taipei cost 75K to 80K miles
(30:27) - 1.Transfer to Qatar Avios then to Iberia. Book Iberia biz class from east coast to Spain for 34K off-peak or 50K peak
(33:42) - BEST USE: Transfer to Flying Blue. Book Air France/KLM biz class to Europe for 50K
Learn more about viewing the Flying Blue award calendar here.
(36:31) - Find out about current point transfer bonuses here.
(40:18) - WORST 5: Counting down from best of the worst to worst of the worst
(40:34) - 5.Buy gift cards
(41:46) - 4.Book travel through Citi
(43:46) - 3. Transfer to AeroMexico (or transfer to ANY program to book low-value award)
(44:59) - 2. Pay with Points (0.8 cpp value)
(46:44) - 1. Shop with Points (usually: 0.8 cpp value)
(49:38) - Do you have tips about rental car programs and how to maximize value with car rental rewards?
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
We all get especially excited when we use our points for knock-your-socks-off hotel properties. The Travel and Leisure's Top 100 list can be a useful way to get ideas about which properties have this wow-factor. Every year, Greg likes to go through this list and find which hotels can be reasonably booked with points. In this episode, he'll discuss his findings.
(00:49) - The Best Points-Bookable Hotels in the World (2024) [based on Travel & Leisure Top 100]
See Greg's analysis of points-bookable hotels on the Travel & Leisure's top 100 list here.
(03:40) - How to book the Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG hotels
(04:43) - How to book Hilton/SLH hotels
(06:13) - Leading Hotels of the World / Leaders Club
Learn more about booking Leading Hotels of the World properties via Citi ThankYou points here.
(08:02) - See our How To video for using Rooms.aero for finding difficult award availability here.
(10:09) - Choice Privelages and Preferred Hotels
(13:42) - The Citi Rewards+ advantage
Read more about the Citi Rewards+ card 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
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
(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...
There are two issuers of American Airline's credit cards - Citi and Barclays. But recent reports suggest American Airlines may be considering an exclusive arrangement with Citi as their only credit card issuer.
(00:10) - Citi is in talks with American Airlines to become the sole issuer of American Airlines credit cards.
Read more about the Citi / American Airlines news here.
And read the original source article here.
(01:33) - Why might this be bad news?
Read more about the best American Airlines credit card (the Silver card) here.
(05:10) - Why might this be good news?
(08:58) - What should we do now to get ready for a Citi-only American Airlines credit card world?
Read more about the Aviator Red card here.
(13:09) - Read about how to application rules for cards like this 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
Leading Hotels of the World is a hotel loyalty program with loose affiliation to 400 luxury hotels around the world. You may recognize the name from Greg's recent post about the best points-bookable hotels in the world here.
(00:07) - What is Leading Hotels of the World
Read Greg's recent post about the best points-bookable hotels in the world here.
(01:35) - Citi standard Transfer to Leading Hotels of the World
(02:35) - Leading Hotels of the World Details (and "Leader's Club" points)
(04:05) - Greg's experience sampling Leading Hotels of the World using Citi ThankYou Rewards
Read about Greg's experience with Leading Hotels of the World here.
(06:41) - Learn more about the Citi transfer bonus to Leading Hotels of the World here.
(07:41) - Who do we think this Citi transfer bonus is (and isn't) for?
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
Alaska has announced that their merger with Hawaiian Airlines is complete! So what are the details, and what does this mean for us? We'll discuss this in today's episode.
(01:36) - What's with the stupid virus pop-up on our website?
(03:40) - Greg's update on the Pacific Northwest Points Travel Festival and some of the folks he met
(09:04) - Read about 10-year old Walker's first place win at the USA Mullet Championship here!
(11:57) - Learn more about the next Points Travel Festival here.
(12:50) - Big offers from Delta, Amex Marriot, IHG and more...
Read more about the Delta card offers (up to 110K miles) here.
Read more about the Amex Marriott Bonvoy Business Card offer here.
Read more about the new IHG card offers here.
Read more about the Ink Business Unlimited 90K offer here.
(25:22) - Read "The Points Parade marches on thanks to a new round of targeted 250K offers" here.
(30:00) - Read more about Amex Uber credits here.
(31:39) - Read "Downgrade paths: How to keep your card but break up with your annual fee or find a better fit" here.
(33:14) - Read more about buying groups here.
(33:39) - Chase 50% transfer bonus to Marriott through 11/15.
Learn more about this transfer bonus here.
(37:15) - Rental car deals with Avis and National...
(42:42) - Citi Transfer bonuses through Oct 19
Learn more about Citi's 25% transfer bonus to Avianca here.
Learn more about Citi's 25% transfer bonus to Leading Hotels of the World here.
(44:28) - Hilton adds over 100 additional SLH properties
Read more about Hilton's 100 additional SLH properties here.
(46:59) - In case you missed it, you can find our "Debate: 30% Amex to Hilton Transfer Bonus. Should we do it?" Coffee Break Ep26 here.
(47:26) - Read more about the Alaska / Hawaaiin merger green light here.
(47:54) - Quick facts
(48:20) - Earn and redeem miles across both airlines (early 2025)
(48:31) - Single loyalty program coming (Details mid 2025)
(49:09) - Huaka'i by Hawaiian (for Hawaii residents)
(50:16) - Seamless miles transfer
(52:14) - We still have questions!
(57:39) - Listen to Podcast episode 269 about the Alaska / Hawaiian merger here.
(1:01:39) - What are the short term opportunities to consider?
(1:03:27) - Combine Alaska miles into one account for free!
(1:06:10) - Apply now for Hawaiian Airlines cards before its too late...orr wait for better last-gasp offers?
Learn more about the Hawaiian Airlines personal card here, and the Hawaiian Airlines business card here.
(1:25:43) - A reader used their Amex Platinum to pay for the tax on an award ticket, then got a charge for trip delay. Doesn't this card already have travel delay covered, though?
Learn about what makes the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card a popular business card, and learn how to apply.
(00:10) - Learn more about the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card here.
(00:24) - Quick facts about the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card
(00:43) - Chase Ink Business Unlimited earning rate: 1.5X on all purchases
(01:17) - Sometimes you can earn more on specific categories: Currently you can earn 5X on Lyft through March 2025 for example
(01:38) - Who can sign up for a business card like this?
Learn about how to apply for Chase Ink Business cards here.
(02:40) - The Chase Ink Business card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
(03:15) - This card has slightly more lenient rules than other Chase 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 – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads
There's a 30% transfer bonus through September 30th from American Express to Hilton. This means during the transfer bonus, 1,000 points would. become 2,600 Hilton points. Is this a good transfer bonus? Greg and Nick debate that point in today's Coffee Break.
(00:26) - Quick facts about the transfer bonus...
(01:28) - Past bonuses
(02:10) - Nick says "No" to the 30% Hilton bonus
(07:55) - Greg says "Yes" to the 30% Hilton transfer bonus
(12:23) - But what about the "joy of free"?
Read our post about "the joy or myth of free travel" here.
(14:24) - Conclusion
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
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/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
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
This time Tim was on vacation, but the rest of the Frequent Miler crew got together on YouTube for another Ask Us Anything, Live. (On the first Wednesday of every month, we host a live YouTube to answer your points and miles questions in real time!)
(00:30) - How did TeamLabs "Borderless" compare with "Planets"?
Read more about our TeamLabs experience here.
(04:57) - What are your thoughts on new U.S. bank smartly credit card?
(07:08) - Hi team! If I downgrade my Ritz card to get the Amex Brilliant sign up bonus, then upgrade again to the Ritz card, will that affect my Ritz 85k certificate? Anything to be careful of so I don’t lose the 85k Ritz certificate?
(08:56) - What is one place (non-US) destination that has a bad reputation for tourists and doesn't deserve it or alternatively is very overrated?
(16:45) - Hi Greg, I was 0 for 3 on my CC applications for Barclays Hawaiian Airlines Personal, Barclays Hawaiian Airlines Biz, and Bank of America Sonesta. Did you have better luck with your CC applications?
(18:16) - Any suggestions on how to improve odds on getting targeted for useful Amex? offers?
(20:28) - I want to stay at Hilton Tokyo Bay for Fam of 5 - Disneyland and Disney Sea…. what card should I get first? Are there specific rules to follow like Marriott?
(26:04) - I have big spend coming up, capacity for ~20k in spend, but I can’t get business cards. Any recommendations on sign up bonuses/big spend bonuses?
Read more about who can apply for business cards here.
(27:57) - Have you ever had issues with gift card fraud? How would you deal with it?
(31:13) - What parts of Japan besides Kyoto and Tokyo do you enjoy
(33:07) - How much of a transfer bonus from Amex to Hilton would you find to be on the same level as the normal 1:1 transfer from Chase to Hyatt?
(34:38) - I have United Silver, is booking basic economy on United and/or Star Alliance partners still going to give me the free checkin luggage?
(35:34) -What’s the best bet for a new card or downgrade to keep Amex points when cancelling a Gold? My husband has a Business Platinum and it's too hard to get all the benefits/offsets for a second one.
(39:16) - What is the best use of Avios after all the short-haul devaluations?
(40:16) - What is your favorite hotel ecosystem for long term commitment?
(42:42) - Nick, I got the surpass on July 31 and close to meeting spend. want to work towards the 15k spend for 2nd free night certificate but need to pause since I got approved US Bank Altitude Reserve. Will spend in 2025 before anniversary count?
(44:13) - What's your best guess on how long the JetBlue status match offer will be active? I have JetBlue cash flights booked in October (domestic) and December (Mint to London). Trying to time it right.
(45:24) - Can’t book JetBlue economy via Qatar? I tried using the article for finding mint via Qatar using ITAmatrix. I used “P” fare class for economy Got the calendar, but Qatar website doesn’t show the flights.
(47:44) - what's the best award booking using Lufthansa miles without the exuberant taxes and best way to find availability?
(49:43) - Planning trip to Ghana or Kenya next June. Would like to use Flying Blue and Qatar to stop in Ams and Doh. Is it worth it to transfer points now hoping award prices come down closer to the trip?
(51:17) - Why don't you guys have a (paid) service for your subscribers to help make award bookings? I've been following for almost a couple of years. I know you teach us to do it on our own, but...
(54:36) - NICK and Greg shared an amazing video about finding award availability on Jetblue and booking via Avios. I believe They used Matrix.Ita. Is there a way to find united availability using same process
Watch the JetBlue Mint via Qatar how to video here.
(56:25) - Should I go for the Hilton Surpass now for the 150k sign up bonus that I can find via incognito browser or wait for a better offer?
Subscribe and FollowIt seems like we report a new loyalty program devaluation each week. Awards cost more, fees go up, etc.. But the U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wants that to stop, sending letters to America's 4 largest airlines demanding information about loyalty program devaluations. In this Coffee Break episode, we'll discuss what this might all mean!
(00:26) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wants that to stop.
Read more about this airline rewards probe here.
(01:11) - Let's hear the press release...
(03:15) - AA, Delta, Southwest, and United were ordered to submit information by Dec 4. Here are the categories of information requested...
(09:17) - Details indicate a fairly deep understanding of loyalty program issues.
(10:28) - What good might come out of this?
(14:08) - What bad might come of this?
(17:13) - Will anything happen at all?
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
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
You can read more about the World of Hyatt Business card here or listen to this episode of Card Talk to hear a quick but useful summary on the World of Hyatt Business card.
(00:15) - World of Hyatt Business Card Earning rate and card fee
(00:56) - World of Hyatt Business Card Perks
(02:03) - What does the "elite qualifying night credit" perk mean?
(02:36) - Hyatt Leverage membership
(05:01) - Do we like this card and who is this card good for?
(10:15) - Find podcast Ep270 "Hyatt Elite Milestone spending vs Mattress running" here.
JetBlue is out with an opportunity to earn status for 3 months by matching from Delta, United, American Airlines, or Alaska elite status. Don't worry if you don't have status in any of those yet - in this episode we'll also talk about how to get some of these statuses quickly and easily to do this match.
(00:00) - Read more about JetBlue's status match here.
(01:23) - Match to Mosaic 1 or 2 for 3 months. What is Mosaic 1 or 2?
(03:57) - Details about the challenge
(04:23) - "Tiles" may be earned for this promotion in only three ways...
(09:10) - What if you don't have one of these statuses yet?
(10:28) - How to get status quickly with Delta (2024)
(11:30) - How to get status quickly with American Airlines
(12:18) - How to get status quickly with Alaska (2024)
(13:09) - Listen to podcast episode 225 "Delta's big flip-flop" here.
(13:20) - Listen to podcast episode 242 "Which Delta card is best?" here.
(14:42) - A somewhat risky idea for possibly getting almost two years status
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
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?
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are a valuable transferable points currency, and the Chase Ink Business Preferred card is a great card for earning this valuable currency. In this episode, we discuss what makes this a great card, and if it's a good card to keep year after year.
(00:30) - Learn more about the Chase Ink Business Preferred card here.
(00:34) - The Chase Ink Business Preferred card earns Ultimate Rewards points
(00:48) - Usually has great welcome bonus
(01:30) - Earning rate: 3X travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and advertising with social media sites (up to $150K spend per year)
(02:44) - Other noteworthy perks of the Chase Ink Business Preferred card
(04:34)- What are the approval rules for this card? (For example, what is the 5/24 rule and how does it apply here?)
(07:19) - Is this a keeper card?
We know occasionally you may have to actually pay for a hotel night (instead of using your points and free night certificates.) In this episode we'll dissect how to even go about deciphering how rewarding your paid stays are.
(01:28) - How do we go about even calculating which hotel program is most rewarding on paid stays?
Read more about which hotel loyalty programs are most valuable here.
(03:17) - There are a few things our analysis did not consider...
(03:59) - Which programs are most rewarding when you're not using a hotel credit card and don't have elite status?
(06:11) - If you have top tier status, (but not necessarily a hotel credit card), which hotel program rewards you most for your paid stays?
Learn more about the Sonesta program here.
(08:56) - If you have both hotel status and the hotel branded credit card, which program is most rewarding for your paid stays.
(09:49) Learn more about the Wyndham Business Earner card here, and the Wyndham Earner Plus card here.
(10:51) - Lear more about the World of Hyatt card here.
(10:55) - Learn more about the Hilton Aspire card here.
(10:58) - Learn more about the IHG Premier card here, and the IHG Premier Business card here.
(11:54) - Learn more about the Bonvoy Brilliant card here.
(12:09) - Learn more about the Hilton Surpass card here, and the Hilton Business card here.
(13:22) - Consider elite programs and promotions
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
Late 2023, Alaska Airlines announced that it planned to acquire Hawaiian Airlines and just last week, the DOJ allowed the merger to move ahead. Today, we'll talk about how to prepare for this "wedding" between programs.
(01:12) - The value of my Life miles just disappeared into Finn Air
Listen to Ask Us Anything Ep69 here. Listen to Frequent Miler on the Air Ep268 "Best Uses for Virgin Points" here.
(02:25) - Dell no longer selling many 3rd party items (headphones, etc)
(03:59) - Amex Business Platinum card credits for Dell, Adobe, and Indeed are ending 12/31/24
Read more about the Amex Business Platinum card here.
(06:48) - Which hotel award search tool is best?
Read Greg's post about which hotel award search tool is best here.
(10:17) - Radisson Rewards instant status (Read more about Radisson Rewards instant status here)
(11:50) - Marriott just sent Greg a $50 promo gift card for continued loyalty
Main Event: Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines Wedding Planning(13:24) - Late 2023, Alaska Airlines announced that it planned to acquire Hawaiian Airlines...
(15:44) - Backing up... Let's talk about the pre-merger situation with both airlines...
(16:29) - Alaska Airlines recently joined oneworld alliance, recently overhauled award charts, and pledged to offer mixed partner awards by late 2024
(17:50) - What we like about Alaska Airlines...
(21:29) - Alaska miles are hard to get in huge quantities...
(23:12) - Alaska credit cards...
Learn more about the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card here.
Learn more about the Alaska Airlines Visa Business card here.
(24:41) - Currently, very few great uses for Hawaiian Airlines miles
(25:21) - Hawaiian Airlines has wide body jets with lie-flat business class seats, and international destinations: South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Cook Islands
(26:31) - Getting Hawaiian Airline miles...
Learn more about the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard by Barclays here.
Learn more about the Hawaiian Airlines Business card here.
(29:07) - What we know about the merger so far...
(30:30) - What we don't know yet...
(36:21) - Amex Membership Rewards 20% transfer bonus to Hawaiian through 8/31/24
(46:34) - One reader booked a one way partner flight through Flying Blue, then it was revoked at the Copa counter without notice or explanation. Is this common and what should you do in this kind if situation?
Subscribe and FollowThe 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
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. This episode originally aired on August 14, 2024.
(10:19) - Does Cathay Pacific still do multi-cabin award pricing? I tried both as a one-way and multi-city routing and the price remains the same online and speaking to a rep on phone.
(10:59) - How often can I upgrade - downgrade Surpass to Aspire and vice versa?
(13:22) - You educate us with helpful info. Do you ever have the chance to talk to banks, airlines or hotel programs to influence them?
(15:45) - I have the Wyndham earner biz card and did the AC status match in Feb 2023. I’ve heard you can rematch at Oceans casino after 18 months. Does Hard Rock have any restrictions on rematching
(17:28) - I have the Wyndham earner biz card and did the AC status match in Feb 2023. I’ve heard you can rematch at Oceans casino after 18 months. Does Hard Rock have any restrictions on rematching
(18:50) - When you all fly from the US in the evening and arrive in Europe in the mornings, do you typically book another night at the hotel or try and check in early? How do you handle that gap before checkin?
(25:02) - I have about $15k of previously unexpected spend in the next few months, in five chunks of around $3k. What current credit cards offers would y’all pick to parlay that into lounges/status/etc? Thanks!
(27:25) - Probably a question for Greg - is there a way to add a non-AF/KLM frequent flier # to a Flying Blue award? I recently matched to ITA Executive status and want to add to an AF award.
(28:36) - I’m Hyatt globalist. Status match to American Airlines. How do I find the status challenge back with Hyatt?
(35:25) - Hi! I was curious about the timing for the cruises. When you receive the offer, is there a time you have to book, or is the offer for a specific cruise? I'm trying to figure out how to time it.
(38:40) - What is one sweet spot you hope to do in the near future? Either because you're afraid it will disappear soon, or because you just haven't done it yet?
(45:57) - Question about Cap One lounges. I have a regular Cap One Venture card and 2 passes. Can I use the 2 passes on one visit, or do they only work for cardholders?
(46:24) - What did you guys end up doing with your Amex Gold? Keep or cancel?
(50:10) - I don't have any travel plan for next 8 months, but i was targeted for 0.5 cents per point, (Hilton) - do you recommend to buy preemptive or should i wait and hoping that same offer will be back?
(51:21) - I plan to downgrade my Ritz to apply for BONVOY Brilliant. How long do I need to wait after the downgrade from Ritz to get approved?
(54:15) - Is it possible to book an Aeroplan stopover with multiple stops?
(58:01) - Do you have a video that talks about American System-wide upgrades? Just used AA SWU from Tokyo to Japan for 3 people. Paid $1,800 total for $33,000 (website costs) for business class
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)?
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!
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 FollowThere'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
On a previous podcast, we discussed the most rewarding card for groceries and dining, picking ~4 cards we thought were good for both of these categories. We got a lot of feedback with other suggestions for cards readers thought we should have included. Were they right? Let's discuss...
Find podcast episode 20 here: The most rewarding card for groceries & dining | Coffee Break Ep20 | 7-30-24
(02:11) - Why did we leave out Citi Custom Cash?
Learn more about the Citi Custom Cash card here.
(3:06) - What about the Amex Everyday Preferred card?
Learn more about the Amex Everyday Preferred card here.
(03:54) - What about Bilt? Learn more a out the Bilt card here: https://frequentmiler.com/bilt/
(04:34) - Why not include the Amex Hilton Surpass card? Learn more about the Hilton Surpass Card here.
(06:42) - Should we have included the Wyndham Earner Plus Card? Learn more about the Wyndham Earner Plus Card here.
(08:57) - Why doesn't the Chase Sapphire Preferred card come up in these discussions? Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card here.
(13:31) - Why was the Aeroplan card not discussed? Learn more about the Aeroplan Card 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
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.
Subscribe and FollowThe 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
Everybody eats! So everyone can make use of earning opportunities at restaurants or grocery stores. In this episode, we'll talk about our 4 favorite credit cards for exactly this.
(01:31) - Amex Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar for US grocery stores (up to $25K in spend) and 4x for restaurant dining
Read more about the Amex Gold Card here.
(03:22) - Citi Strata Premier earns 3 points per dollar for grocery and 3 points per dollar for dining
Read more about the Citi Strata Premier Card here.
(05:11) - Capital One SavorOne gives 3% cash back for dining, grocery stores
Read more about the Capital One SavorOne card here.
(07:14) - Altitude Reserve card earns 3 points per dollar on travel and mobile wallet payments, which could apply to grocery and dining
Read more about the Altitude Reserve card here.
(12:26) - Which card is the best for earning points on grocery and dining spend?
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
(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
The Amex Gold Card is about to change. In this episode we'll review the current details for this card, the changes we predict to see, and whether those changes are good or bad.
(01:05) - Current card details
Learn more about the Amex Gold Card here
(02:13) - What's (allegedly) changing?
(04:50) - What might be good about these changes?
(07:51) - Is it still worth recommending?
(15:20) - Which card do we recommend instead for good rewards on grocery and dining?
Read more about the Capital One Savor One card here and the Citi Strata Premier here
(18:09) - But don't necessarily go out and cancel the card after you hear this...
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 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)
(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
Hilton has brought on their partner Small Luxury Hotels of the World which has been a bit more exciting than we expected it would be. In today's Frequent Miler on the Air episode we'll discuss more.
(01:07) - a note about the alliteration in "pop-up prison" vs "pop-up jail" (Mail Bag)
(02:56) - IHG Premier 60K certs (Card Talk)
Read more about the IHG Premier 60K cert offer here: https://frequentmiler.com/chase-ihg-premier-card-best-ever-offer-5-60k-free-night-certificates/
(08:37) - Greg booked AA to fly to London and it didn't go very smoothly... (Crazy Thing)
Read about Greg's recent AAdventures (or misadventures) here: https://frequentmiler.com/my-aadventures-aatempting-to-fly-aa-to-london/
(21:38) - Escape lounge on arrival (Award Talk)
(26:19) - Digging in to fare class info when booking via Chase (Award Talk)
Main Event: Hilton delivers luxury through SLH(32:28) - Overview: ~400 SLH hotels bookable through Hilton
(38:09) - Some SLH hotels have suites defined as standard rooms
(39:30) - Gold and Diamond members: space-available room upgrades and continental breakfast for up to two guests.
(42:01) - Excellent Hilton point value possible through SLH
(44:19) - Free night certs & 5th Night Free awards apply to SLH
(47:21) - How to get points
(1:01:50) - How to get free night certs
Read more about the Hilton Aspire card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxHiltonAspire/
(1:04:25) - Read more about the Hilton Surpass card here: https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-honors-american-express-surpass-card/
(1:09:08) - How to find SLH award availability
(1:12:21) - Visit Rooms.aero here: https://rooms.aero/
(1:20:59) - Does the Chase Freedom Unlimited card double offer calculate even points that were transferred out? (Question of the week)
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!!
The Amex Platinum card has had great welcome bonuses for a while now, but it's a very expensive card. Are there reasons to keep the card once the annual fee comes due? That's what we'll discuss in today's Frequent Miler on the Air episode.
(01:36) - Online chat for immediate Avios refunds? (Mailbag)
(05:26) - Wells Fargo Attune Card (Card Talk)
Read more about the Attune card here.
(17:49) - Hyatt promo: Earn 1k bonus points + double elite nights at 15 Florida properties (Mattress Running the Numbers)
(23:46) - Virgin kills Delta One deal (Award Talk)
(28:39) - Interesting notes about Spirit awards (Award Talk)
Read more about Nick's Spirit discoveries here.
Read more about the Amex Platinum card here.
(34:25) - Become elite
(37:01) - Enhance your travel experiences
(40:57) - Earn $200 back on prepaid hotel bookings each year
Read more about FHR credits here: https://frequentmiler.com/maxfhr-an-awesome-new-way-to-help-use-your-200-fine-hotels-resorts-credits/
(44:28) - Earn $200 in Airline Fee Credits each calendar year
(46:08) - Use $200 in Uber credits each calendar year
(48:53) - Get $20 per month back in rebates on select digital entertainment services
(51:27) - Earn up to $100 per year in rebates at Saks Fifth Avenue
(55:18) - Get Walmart+ for Free
(56:53) - Earn 5x for airfare and prepaid hotels
(57:21) - Refer friends
(1:05:37) - Hyatt dummy-booking offer... why is no one talking about this offer?
Sonesta is a hotel chain with more than 1100 properties that we haven't paid much attention to until Tim wrote a recent post about the Sonesta Travel Pass, a program that sort of came out of nowhere. In this week's Coffee Break episode, we'll chat more about why you shouldn't siesta on Sonesta!
(01:24) - Sonesta Travel Pass Basics
(04:04) - Elite Status
(06:49) - Shortcuts to elite status
(11:22) - Points from paid stays
(13:08) - Sonesta Travel Pass credit card
Read more about the Sonesta card here.
(15:58) - Final thoughts... are we excited about this?
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
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)
On a previous Coffee Break episode, we talked about the Frequent Miler origin story – Greg’s story. This week, we'll learn about Nick's origin story with the Frequent Miler team.
(00:47) -Super quick recap of next 5 years from the start of the blog
Greg posted a "Help Wanted" for full time employee, which you can read here
(02:21) - How Nick got into miles and points
(12:09) - Nick discovers Frequent Miler at an FTU
(13:58) - Greg and Nick meet in person at another FTU
(16:37) - Nick's wife convinces him to apply for the Frequent Miler position
(17:10) - More details about Greg's help wanted post and the hiring process
(20:42) - Greg was hoping to find someone who knew more about redemption than he did
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.
Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads
(00:00) Intro: There are a multitude of ways to fly to Hawaii using miles and points (and even many ways to get a deal on cash tickets). On this week's show, we discuss ways to fly to Hawaii from around the US from as few as 10K or 13.5K points each way.
(01:06) New FM intro
(03:22) Card Talk: Sonesta World Mastercard
https://frequentmiler.com/sonesta/
-Card Details
-What are points worth?
(16:00) What crazy thing . . . did Marriott and Starbucks do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/link-marriott-starbucks-accounts-to-occasionally-earn-double-stars-minimal-bonus-points/
(19:51) Mattress running the numbers: Wyndham Rewards Hotel Pass https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-rewards-selling-30-night-hotel-pass/
(27:48) Award Talk
(27:55) New Reasonable Redemption Value for Hotel Points https://frequentmiler.com/what-are-hyatt-points-worth/
(30:29) Aeroplan promotion with Miles4Migrants) https://frequentmiler.com/earn-7500-aeroplan-points-with-a-100-miles4migrants-donation/
(34:19) 15% transfer bonus from Citi to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles https://frequentmiler.com/citi-thankyou-offering-15-transfer-bonus-to-cathay-pacific-asia-miles/
(27:03) Enterprise Rent-A-Car Status Match https://frequentmiler.com/enterprise-status-match-giving-status-through-february-2026-match-from-hotel-airline-car-rental-programs/
(30:29) Amex referral bonuses now as high as 45,000 points for targeted cardholders https://frequentmiler.com/amex-referral-bonuses-now-as-high-as-45000-points-per-referral-up-to-100k-per-year-per-card/
(42:44) Main Event: Best Ways to fly to Hawaii https://frequentmiler.com/best-ways-to-fly-to-hawaii-from-the-us-mainland/
(43:04) Cash deals
(43:30) Delta companion certificates
(44:55) Alaska Companion Fare
(46:13) Southwest Companion Pass
(47:32) Vacation packages
(49:15) Award deals: Economy
(49:24) United flights via Turkish Miles & Smiles for 10K each way
(50:48) Finnair Avios for American Airlines (15K) or Alaska Airlines (13.5K)
(52:52) Alaska Mileage Plan for Alaska from 15K
(53:35) Singapore Krisflyer for central/Western US to Hawaii (13-14K)
(54:33) Using Alaska miles to fly AA for 17.5K from Dallas and west coast
(55:32) Use United to fly United from 11.1K from the west coast
(56:42) Aeroplan for 12.5K from the west coast to Hawaii on United
(58:00) Qatar Avios for 13K one way from the west coast
(59:00) Flying Blue for Delta from 18K
(59:16) Virgin Atlantic for Hawaiian Airlines for 20K each way from the west coast
(1:00:16) JetBlue for Hawaiian Airlines for 20K each way from the west coast (1:00:48) American Airlines miles for AA from 20K each way
(1:01:39) Southwest Airlines when cash fares are cheap
(1:02:00) "First class" flights to Hawaii with miles
(1:02:57) Turkish miles for United: 15K miles each way
(1:05:35) Finnair Avios for American Airlines" 38K miles each way
(1:07:00) Alaska Miles for Alaska from 40K miles each way
(1:07:21) Hawaiian miles to fly Hawaiian: 40K one way or upgrade from 25K. Possibly more availability with status or as a cardholder.
(1:09:25) Virgin Atlantic miles to fly Hawaiian: 40K one way from the west coast
(1:09:48) Alaska Mileage Plan for American Airlines: 35K one-way from as far east as Dallas
(1:10:10) Air Canada Aeroplan for United for 25K from the west coast
(1:10:50) Qatar Airways Avios for American or Alaska for 38,750 Avios from the west coast
(1:11:50) Example for how to find award availability
(1:19:33) Question of the Week: Is reselling a good low-energy way to generate points?
Music credit: 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
Greg and Nick have been consumed with last-minute travel the last week and a half so it's great timing for them to summarize 10 important tips for last-minute award travel.
(01:17) - Standing ovation for the annual challenge! (Mailbag)
(06:43) - Annual Challenge recap and overview
Watch the Stage 1 recap video here: https://youtu.be/bMt_NfuuINI?feature=shared
Watch the Stage 2 recap video here: https://youtu.be/gyJPtTZN1EE?feature=shared
Watch the Stage 3 recap video here: https://youtu.be/HTmEAicB3dw?feature=shared
(34:15) - Curve overview (Card Talk)
Find out more here: https://www.curve.com/en-us
(37:56) - Hilton SLH integrated testing phase (Award Talk)
(40:26) - Preferred Hotels / Choice devaluation (55K to 87K) (Award Talk)
(42:34) - Aero plan credit card & elite members status match to iPrefer Titanium (before June 28) (Award Talk)
(44:18) - Book Oman Air w/ Flying Blue miles (Award Talk)
(44:30) - Book El Al with Virgin points (Award Talk)
(44:51) - Points Path adds support for Air Canada & Alaska Airlines (Award Talk)
Main Event: Top 10 Tips for Last Minute Award Travel(47:00) - General advice
(52:38) - Great awards often open last minute (ex: Lufthansa first)
(57:16) - Diversify. Having different types of points and miles helps.
(58:28) - Become adept at award search tools. Huge time saver.
(1:00:26) - Don’t rely entirely on award search tools. They don’t catch everything (no Virgin Atlantic on a couple, no BA / QR Avios, didn’t see LifeMiles for my redemption, etc)
(1:03:41) - Consider keeping stashes in programs you use often. This only applies if you have a lot of points and miles, but it could help avoid a failed transfer.
(1:05:27) - Watch out for transfer times
(1:08:10) - Get a good VPN. I wonder if some of my problems could have been averted if I’d used one all along.
(1:11:22) - Know that Aeroplan’s contact center isn’t 24/7. This can be a big pain when you’re overseas.
(1:12:37) - Beware the phantom menace. Tons of Swiss space that isn’t real.
(1:17:02) - Have some tricks up your sleeve. This could alternatively be called "persistence pays off". Don’t give up right away. Examples include searching Avianca’s site multiple ways, forcing a stopover with Aeroplan to get a flight to show up, booking a refundable something as a backup, etc.
(1:20:10) - How do you go about finding activities while you travel? (Question of the Week)
Greg and Nick are busy returning home from a jam-packed week competing in our 2024 annual team challenge "Flying by the Seat of our Points". For this coffee break episode, we've highlighted a portion of the final livestream from Kuala Lumpur where the team reflects on the highlights (and lowlights) of their individual journeys.
You can find out all kinds of details about this challenge here: https://frequentmiler.com/2024-annual-challenge/
This episode is a little different because Greg and Nick are busy competing with eachother for the Flying by the Seat of our Points Challenge!
If unfamiliar, every year we put together a team travel challenge designed to force us to reach challenging and entertaining goals with our points and miles, and showcase what can be done with these tools. It's a fun way to stretch the limits of points and miles and show you all what that actually looks like.
For this year's annual challenge, Stephen and I have given Greg, Nick, and Tim surprise destination assignments for a travel challenge testing our team's last-minute travel booking skills. The first "domestic convergence" destination was revealed on Monday night during a live checkin on YouTube where the contestants learned of a domestic location they'd need to reach by Wednesday 6pm local time, when we had another live checkin to reveal another series of surprise destinations. By the time this challenge wraps up, we'll have had 4 live checkins.
For this podcast episode you'll watch and listen to a summary of the first two checkins, the Monday night reveal of our domestic launch point, and the Wednesday night reveal of each contestant's individual international assignments. You'll also hear our contestants review the booking decisions they made to meet their first assignment, and you'll hear stephen and i break down our scoring decisions. This recap will bring you up to speed so you can head over to our YouTube and catch the third live checkin which will have just wrapped up by the time this podcast goes live, and will tell our contestans of their final destination assignment.
Check out this link for more! https://frequentmiler.com/2024-annual-challenge/
(00:00) - You know that sinking feeling when you know things are going wrong? With a brand new travel challenge just launched last night, we've got our past travel challenge snafus in mind.
Coffee Break: Our worst travel challenge moments(02:53) - 40K to Far Away
Learn more about the 2019 40K to Far Away Challenge here.
(03:09) - Greg: Train breaks. Bus breaks
Read Greg's story about his South African misadventures here.
(06:18) - Nick: Asleep on bus, can’t enter Bangkok, bike ride to nowhere
Read about Nick's misadventures during 40K to Far Away here.
(11:20) - 3 Cards, 3 Continents
Read more about the 2022 3 Cards, 3 Continents Challenge here.
(11:46) - Nick: Canyoneering
(12:48) - Greg: Air Canada married segment problem, then wouldn’t let me check in
Read more about Greg's married segment problem here.
(16:22) - Party of 5
Read more about the Party of 5 Challenge here.
(16:52) -Greg (and Nick): Santiago, arriving at the Ritz w/out a backpack
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
Nick has loved LifeMiles for a long time but Greg has traditionally been less convinced. Recent changes make Greg curious to hear more about Nick's long-time love of LifeMiles. Can Nick convince Greg to become a fan?
(01:33) - On Ep 255: Strategizing Hilton cards, credits, and free nights, Greg’s podcasted plan left people with questions about family language for Hilton cards (Mailbag)
(05:12) - Hilton cards with new welcome bonuses (Mattress Running the Numbers)
Learn more about the Hilton fee free card here.
And learn about the Hilton Surpass card here.
(12:27) - Southwest now on Google Flights (Award Talk)
(16:09) - Finnair Avios now combinable (Award Talk)
(18:20) - AA NOT eliminating mile & loyalty point earnings through OTAs (Award Talk)
(19:22) - Cardless Avianca LifeMiles Cards (Card Talk)
Read more about the Avianca LifeMiles American Express® Card Here.
Read more about the Avianca LifeMiles American Express® Elite Card here.
(28:33) - Easy miles to get
(31:51) - LifeMiles+ subscriptions
(49:30) - Using LifeMiles, standard pricing
(53:43) - Hidden sweet-spots
(59:30) - Mixed cabin pricing
Read Greg's post "Aviance Miles - First Class for Less" here.
(1:04:47) - How to search for complicated awards
(1:11:14) - How to search for awards (less complicated)
(1:22:10) - Downsides...
(1:25:32) - Pop Quiz for Greg about quadruple dip opportunities for a Hilton Curio Collection hotel
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
Everybody loves a one-size-fits-all answer, but today we're discussing which cards are best for which kinds of purchases: grocery, dining, gas, travel, Costco... Sure you can just keep one card in your wallet and earn on that card exclusively, but many of us switch it up depending on what we're purchasing. That's what we'll discuss in today's episode.
(01:45) - Datapoints about AA companion certificates (Mail Bag)
(05:32) - Hertz charging people to refill Tesla gas tanks (Crazy Thing)
(12:07) - Frontier and Spirit eliminate change fees (Award Talk)
(13:41) - Cool Alaska trick (Award Talk)
Read more here: https://thriftytraveler.com/news/airlines/book-business-class-less-alaska-miles/
(17:31) - Current Kimpton Hotel Secret Password May 24, 2024, to September 2, 2024. (Award Talk)
Main Event: Best cards for grocery, dining, gas, travel, Costco, and more(18:54) - Best cards for grocery, dining, gas, travel, Costco, and more
(19:45) - Big box stores including Costco, Sams Club, Target, etc
Read more about the US Bank Altitude Reserve here: https://frequentmiler.com/USBAR/
(22:55) - Grocery Stores
Read more about the Citi Custom Cash here: https://frequentmiler.com/CustomCash/
(23:44) - Read more about Amex Gold here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxGoldCard/
(24:49) - Read more about the Citi Strata Premier here: https://frequentmiler.com/TYpremier/
Read more about the Capital One Savor card here (https://frequentmiler.com/C1SV/) and the SavorOne here (https://frequentmiler.com/C1SVO/)
(25:28) - Read more about the Aeroplan card here: https://frequentmiler.com/Aeroplan/
(26:18) - Dining / Food Delivery
(27:38) - Read more about the Amex Business Gold card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxGoldBiz/
(29:13) - Read more about the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card here: https://frequentmiler.com/boaCR/
(31:06) - Gas
Read more about the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card here: https://frequentmiler.com/WyndhamEarnerBiz/
(33:36) - Read more about the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card here: https://frequentmiler.com/WyndhamEarnerPlus/
(38:38) - Travel: Many cards offer enhanced rewards for travel booked through bank portal
(39:03) - General Travel
(39:50) - Read more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve here: https://frequentmiler.com/CSR/
Read more about the Chase Ink Business Preferred here: https://frequentmiler.com/CIBP/
(39:58) - Read more about the Amex Green Card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxGreen/
(40:00) - Read more about the Wells Fargo Autograph card here: https://frequentmiler.com/WellsFargoAutograph/
(41:37) - Airfare
Read more about the Amex Platinum card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxPlat/
(43:33) - Hotels
(43:44) - Read more about the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card here: https://frequentmiler.com/WellsFargoAutographJourney/
(45:44) - Read what Greg keeps in his wallet here (https://frequentmiler.com/whats-in-gregs-wallet-2024-edition/) and what Nick keeps in his wallet here (https://frequentmiler.com/whats-in-nicks-wallet-2024-edition/)
(46:07) - See our Best Category Bonuses resource here: https://frequentmiler.com/best-category-bonuses/
(46:54) - Other notable category bonuses
(47:08) - Read more about the Ink Business Cash card here: https://frequentmiler.com/CIC/
(47:58) - Read more about the Chase Freedom Flex card here (https://frequentmiler.com/CFF/) and the Freedom Unlimited here (https://frequentmiler.com/CFU/)
(50:35) - One of our readers is interested in becoming a content creator and has questions about things to consider. If we were starting out today, what would we do differently? (Question of the Week)
(54:20) - Check out our Coffee Break episode on the origin story of Frequent Miler here: https://listen.frequentmiler.com/coffee09
Sometimes points and miles wag the points-collector dog... which is to say, sometimes the hobby changes your travel behavior. In episode 11 of Coffee Break, we'll talk about how.
(01:40) - Rent day date nights (Greg)
(03:32) - Going to baseball games / event tickets (Nick)
(06:54) - Helicopter into NY (Greg)
(09:15) - Vacationing where the award space is (Nick)
(13:37) - "Forced" to travel due to expiring free nights (Greg)
Read about the Kimpton Seafire here: https://frequentmiler.com/kimpton-seafire-grand-cayman-bottom-line-review/
Read about the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain Tucson here: https://frequentmiler.com/ritz-carlton-dove-mountain-tucson-bottom-line-review/
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
Hilton's SLH partnership is stirring up some excitement over Hilton, even for people like Greg who haven't bothered with Hilton cards for awhile, so this week we're discussing Hilton credit cards, credits, and free nights.
(02:07) - We forgot about Qpoints last week... (Mail Bag)
(05:10) - Citi Strata Premier (Card Talk)
(10:33) - Citi accidentally made Strata Premier details public (Crazy Thing)
(11:56) - Citi accidentally published FAQ showing that it may be possible to upgrade to Prestige card (Crazy Thing)
(14:10) - Earn Delta MQDs on hotel bookings & car rentals (Mattress Running the Numbers)
(16:58) - AutoCamp now bookable with Hilton points
Main Event: Strategizing Hilton credit cards(20:40) - Hilton is the only major hotel program with easy to get, uncapped free night certificates
(28:28) - Read about the Hilton Honors American Express Card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxHilton/#Goto
(28:40) - Read about the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxHiltonBiz/#Goto
(29:19) - Read about the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card here: https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-honors-american-express-surpass-card/#Goto
(30:00) - Read about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxHiltonAspire/#Goto
(31:18) - Earning free nights
(43:51) - Earning rebates to keep cards net free
(51:22) - Greg's strategy
(1:01:00) - Nick's thoughts
(1:05:01) - Is booking anything better than booking nothing? (Question of the week)
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. This special episode (67) was streamed live on May 8, 2024 and introduces our 2024 annual team challenge!
(06:10) - Hi FM Team, now that we are approaching Summer, what you are most looking forward to this Summer?
(13:35) - how do you plan on handling the requirement for onward travel that many countries have in this challenge?
(15:37) - What's the "budget" for the contestants in this challenge?
(18:09) - Scoring? (And) Will the judges share their scoring criteria in advance?
(19:06) - Will there be any opportunity for reader/viewer engagement at the convergence points?
(24:00) - I hope you plan to document via Instagram stories this time! That's been my favorite way to watch along with the previous challenges in real time
(28:48) - Can you guess where you're each getting sent?
(32:17) - What is a place you are hoping you aren’t sent to?
(35:39) - Thoughts on the strata? And the strata elite? Do you think there will be family language?
(37:40) - Do you think that citi rebranding the premier signals a much better chance of a prestige replacement/csr comp coming in the next year or so?
(40:30) - Thanks for all the awesome content! Citi has denied P2 and I premier 3 times in the last 2 years, should I product change my DC to Premier since it’s going away or try for Strata Elite?
(42:13) - hi team! what's going on with transfers to Virgin? are points getting stuck in transit lately? would you advise holding off on transfers to virgin?
(44:11) - Can you speak on the capital one VX business priority pass rumors? My newly issued card is a visa and I’ve read on other blogs that the visas won’t have restaurant access. Is this true?
(46:46) - FHR Points question please - My Platinum AU is getting a points cost 33% higher than I get for the same stay, ideas on the reason?
(49:29) - Question: what are the most rewarding ways to get 529 gift of college gift cards?
(51:21) - Name your 6 must hit destinations if you were booking an ABA around the world trip
(55:39) - Is it worth to move 100k out of Fidelity to Meryl to get platinum honors ? Did FM team saw any inconvenience on maintaining 100k in Meryl
(58:36) - hi. I was recently informed by an Air France representative that it's permissible to forgo the first leg of a reward ticket and still utilize the second leg. Can you confirm this?"
Visit this link 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.
Some credit cards offer extra perks or progress toward elite status for big spenders. On this week's episode, we talk about which of those bonuses might be worth the spend. But before we get into that, this episode is full of news you can use and tips to keep in mind in regular segments like Card Talk and Mattress Running the Numbers.
(00:00) Intro
(01:26) A tip we neglected to mention regarding positioning flights (Giant Mailbag)
(05:33) Card Talk
(05:46) Venture X Business card losing Priority Pass restaurant access for new Visa cards (Card Talk)
(08:57) Qatar Airways Cardless Cards (Card Talk)
(15:16) What crazy thing . . . did Cardless do this week?
https://frequentmiler.com/cardless-appears-to-have-a-1-card-restriction/
(19:32) Mattress running the numbers: Is it worth spending to Qatar Airways elite status?
Note: The Qatar Club Infinite card also comes with bonus Qpoints in the first year, which reduce the path to renewing status for your second year. The spend we discussed regarding renewal of status really applies to status for year 3 and beyond.
(28:17) Award Talk
(28:20) Flying by the Seat of our Points: Frequent Miler's 2024 challenge
https://frequentmiler.com/flying-by-the-seat-of-our-points-last-minute-travel-challenge/
(31:33) You can now use JetBlue points to book Etihad and vice versa
https://frequentmiler.com/earn-redeem-between-jetblue-and-etihad/
(35:30) Bilt adds a new transfer partner....Hilton Honors
https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-adding-hilton-as-newest-transfer-partner-but-transfer-ratio-is-poor/
(37:32) Use Finnair Avios to book Nordic & Scandinavian hotels for great value
https://frequentmiler.com/use-finnair-avios-to-book-scandinavian-hotels-at-2c-per-point-or-better/
(40:30) Amex Travel positive experience honoring a fare
(46:04) Our favorite big spend bonuses
(46:45) Alaska Airlines companion certificates
https://frequentmiler.com/asbiz/
(48:16) Hilton Surpass card free night certificate
https://frequentmiler.com/amxhiltonbiz/
(49:14) Hyatt consumer & business cards
https://frequentmiler.com/woh/
https://frequentmiler.com/wohbiz/
(57:39) IHG Premier & Premier Business cards
https://frequentmiler.com/ihgprem/
https://frequentmiler.com/ihgbusiness/
(1:01:47) Barclays Aviator Silver Loyalty Point bonuses & companion certificate
https://frequentmiler.com/aviatorsilver/
(1:06:20) Aeroplan
https://frequentmiler.com/aeroplan/
(1:09:25) Question of the Week: How did Greg build up capacity for his player 3?
Music credit: Annie Yoder
Nick just came back from a weekend in Toronto at the Toronto Travel Summit. In today's Coffee Break episode, he'll share 4 cool things he learned there.
(2:00) - Air France is working on upgrades using miles that sounds like it might be very reasonable.
(07:30) - Aeroplan intends to bring back family pooling the same as it was.
(09:17) - Aeroplan is actually working on getting partner space back up and running.
(12:56) - Hotels could be a good use of Finnair Avios
(18:08) - Networking at these things continues to be great! Lots of interested / interesting people & creators with different angles.
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.
Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads
Sometimes you book an award ticket that requires you to do some positioning in order to catch that flight - for instance if the flight doesn't depart from your home airport. There are a few best practices to keep in mind when booking these "positioning flights", which we'll discuss in today's Frequent Miler on the Air episode.
(01:08) - One reader writes in: "If you have Platinum Honors, I would rank the BofA Premium Rewards Elite card the highest for Priority Access by far. The airline credit offset is very easy to use and you get them all at once so there's no obnoxious coupon book"... (Mail Bag)
(03:20) - BOA Premium Rewards (not elite) card (Card Talk)
Learn more about this card: https://frequentmiler.com/boaPR/#Goto
Revisit Frequent Miler on the Air Episode 204 here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-would-we-spend-1-million-dollars/
(04:57) - Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card (Card Talk)
Learn more about this card: https://frequentmiler.com/BOAPremiumRewardsElite/#Goto
(11:17) - Cardless launching two Avianca LifeMiles cards (Card Talk)
(12:35) - Marriott Homes & Villas 50K (Mattress Running the Numbers)
(16:12) - Transfer bonuses (Award Talk)
(21:29) - United increases prices on partner biz class awards within Europe & Asia (Award Talk)
(24:06) - Nick: able to change Aeroplan award (Award Talk)
(29:50) - Daily Getaways (Award Talk)
Main Event: Tips for booking Positioning Flights(32:26) - Award discovery tools like PointsYeah DayDream Explorer tool and Seats.Aero make it easy to find awards such as "business class for 4 from "North America" to "Europe"
(36:22) - Avoid checking bags!
(37:37) - Departure positioning tips: what NOT to do
Read Greg’s mad dash story (What NOT to do) here: https://frequentmiler.com/my-award-alert-flight-change-and-a-risky-layover/
(40:33) - Day before is best
(41:36) - Non-stop is best (less chance of delay)
(41:56) - If not night before.... book primary positioning flight with long airport layover
(43:15) - Useful to have lounge access for layover
(46:02) - Book freely cancelable alternate positioning flight
(49:20) - If back-up positioning flight isn’t an option, consider booking back-up for entire one-way trip
(50:18) - Best options for free last-minute cancelations
(56:48) - Back to Greg’s story. How he somewhat protected myself:
(1:08:29) - Are there any certificates (like companion certificates) that disappear when you cancel the card? (Question of the Week)
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
Today's Coffee Break episode was inspired by a recent email we got asking... how did Frequent Miler get started? Since our Coffee Break episodes are 20 minutes or less, we started but telling Greg's side of the Frequent Miler origin story.
(01:47) - in 2011 Greg first learned about this points and miles hobby when his current employer at the time issued a "no travel" decree...
(04:22) - Greg started a blog for his friends...because it was easier then emailing everyone about what he'd learned.
(05:29) - Greg almost immediately became intrigued with stacking opportunities.
(07:06) - Greg was also very focused on increasing spend on his credit card which he later learned was called "manufactured spending."
(08:17) - Before long, Randy of Boarding Area discovered Greg and invited him to join.
(10:38) - Greg meets some other Boarding Area bloggers and learns how to monetize his blog.
(14:15) - In early 2012 Greg's "real job" restructures and he gets laid off, inspiring him to set an earnings goal for the blog.
(16:02) - Greg discovers Vanilla Reload cards...
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
There are many ways to book luxury hotels (credit card points, hotel points, etc) and this can be a great way to stay in some amazing luxury accommodations you'd never justify paying cash for. We'll dive into this today.
(01:43) - Please share an experience when a positioning flight had not gone to plan, perhaps share a "Positioning Flight From Hell" type of experience. (Mailbag)
Read about Greg's positioning flight mayhem here.
(06:23) - On our Instagram post, @marriottbonvoy's account trolls Hyatt by saying "Fortunately for our guests, we don’t play games with welcome gifts, points, and awards at Luxury locations such as St. Regis, JW Marriott, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, and more but that’s just us." (Crazy Thing)
See our post: Marriott Platinum Elite Free Breakfast Simplified
(12:12) - 30% transfer bonus Amex to Virgin (Mattress Running the Numbers)
(15:17) - MaxFHR.com (Award Talk)
(17:09) - Equinox credit for massages (Award Talk)
(21:10) - Bilt’s new Rent Day snoozer
(24:27) - Bilt BLADE
Read more about the Bilt Blade partnership here.
Read Greg's Blade flight review here.
(30:01) - Hyatt’s sad rollout of Mr & Mrs Smith
Main Event: Luxury lodging... on points(41:52) - Find our "Which is the most rewarding hotel loyalty program? | Ep193 | 3-11-23" here.
(42:54) - Major hotel chain luxury brands
(43:34) - Hyatt
(45:53) - Hilton
(47:55) - Marriott
(54:03) - IHG
(58:12) - Wyndham
(59:10) - Read Nick's post about free cruise opportunities.
(59:34) - Choice Privileges
(1:01:36) - Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH): Book with Hilton points (coming soon).
Read more about the Hilton SLH partnership here.
(1:05:49) - Preferred Hotels & Resorts
(1:09:05) - Leading Hotels of the World (LHW)
(1:11:23) - Fine Hotels & Resorts & The Hotel Collection
(1:13:28) - What's the best way to start on the Marriott credit card journey? (Question of the Week)
See our chart for figuring out which Marriott cards you're eligible for.
Until recently, Hyatt had a relationship with Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), but it was recently announced that Hilton will now be the one integrating SLH hotels. We'll talk about what that looks like in this week's Coffee Break episode.
(0:58) - Background: What is SLH?
Read more about this SLH update here: https://frequentmiler.com/fantastic-updates-about-hiltons-integration-of-slh/
(02:15) - Hilton’s approach to SLH
(08:40) - Why Hilton 120K isn’t so different from Hyatt 40K
(14:56) - Favorite SLH properties
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
American Airlines status isn't as easy as it used to be, but there are some shortcuts for those who think they'll be flying American Airlines enough to really want it. We'll discuss those shortcuts in this episode of Frequent Miler on the Air.
(00:58) - Reader, Matt has been frustrated by Bilt's customer service... (Mailbag)
(07:16) - AAdvantage® Aviator Red World Elite MasterCard (Card Talk)
Find out more about this card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AviatorRed/#Goto
We covered these a year ago in the show: Amassing American Airlines Miles | Ep199 | 4-22-23, which you can find here: https://frequentmiler.com/amassing-american-airlines-miles/
(10:22) - AAdvantage® Aviator Silver World Elite MasterCard® (Card Talk)
(19:01) - Capital One switches Venture card from Visa to MasterCard...but switches Venture X Biz from MasterCard to Visa (Crazy Thing)
(22:03) - Transfer bonus from Citi to Accor (Mattress Running the Numbers)
(26:26) - Strawberry Hotels (formerly Nordic Choice) Summer Pass (Mattress Running the Numbers)
(33:42) - Etihad A380 first class apartment awards available New York to Abu Dhabi (Award Talk)
(37:48) - Qatar cards from Cardless (Award Talk)
(39:56) - Daily Getaways (Award Talk)
Read more about the Daily Getaways here: https://frequentmiler.com/daily-getaways-2024-complete-preview-of-all-the-deals/
Main Event: Shortcuts to AA elite status
(45:26) - American Airlines Elite Overview
(48:40) - Loyalty Point Rewards
(50:42) - Shortcuts to American Airlines Elite Status
(1:04:03) - What is the role of AI in the travel-hacking space? (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
Tragically, United appears to to be blocking saver award space from Star Alliance partner bookings. In this coffee break episode we'll talk about what that means.
(0:59) - Overview of United's recent changes
Read more about these United changes here.
(01:09) - Why it matters
(07:11) - Research findings - what we've found out digging a little deeper...
(09:50) - Are United miles now more valuable?
(14:19) - Are United credit cards now more valuable? (extra award space)
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 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)
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. This episode (66) was streamed live on April 3, 2024 and can be viewed in full here: Frequent Miler Live: Ask Us Anything Here are all the questions asked during this episode (with timestamps)
(00:30) - Read more about how to find Qatar QSuites award space here.
(07:12) - Hey Greg, Did you notice that there were some QR flights that were available thru jetblue but NOT british airways?
(08:17) - Do any of you use the app Flighty? If yes, any improvements you want them to make?
(10:19) - Hello! Is there a reason so many credit cards are dropping Priority Pass?
(12:45) - what program do you have the strongest love/hate relationship with?
(17:20) - Which ways of booking business/premium econ domestic flights have the best availability at a reasonable cost? I'm trying to make longer positioning flights more comfortable for 2-5 people
(18:55) - what's the best way to pay for my 28 day Marriott stay, CSR, Ritz, or Hyatt for getting Globalist status? thanks
Read Stephen's post about long-term hotel stays in states where you may not have to pay taxes: https://frequentmiler.com/staying-30-nights-in-a-hotel-you-might-not-have-to-pay-the-taxes/
(21:12) - Nick, on a podcast you said you were going to pick-up the Brilliant even without the SUB. Would you not consider temporarily product changing your Ritz card(s) to be eligible for the SUB?
(22:55) - Any favorite resources for finding interesting things to do in a country? I have several destinations that I want to visit for 1-2 things I know about, but would need more to fill the trip
(27:07) - I earned a bunch of Capital One points hoping to use them one day on Turkish, but with the devaluation what do you think some other good uses are?
Read our Capital One Complete Guide
Read our Capital One Sweet Spots post
(30:26) - I have a question how can I book Swiss rail Pass? I’ve tried everywhere and I just can’t find it. Is there a way to use any airline points or just pay cash for that?
(32:19) - Several Airlines use Avios and they may have different expiration policy. Can I transfer from one to the other to avoid expiration? Thanks!
(35:09) - can the amex 10+ referral multiplier stack?
(36:12) - When applying for a second Ink card, is it similar to the initial application or you have to explain to Chase that the new card is for a different business?
(37:15) - Greg and Nick both said they would prefer Alaska miles over AA miles. I heard their reasons why but can you all name any sweet spots with Alaska? after the last two devaluation great deals are missing
Read the post about Alaska Award Chart, Winners, Losers, and Sweet Spots here
(40:16) - About to apply for the Venture X & I’m curious if u know anything about the black box that is their approval algorithm. Specific DPs?
(41:24) - can you reiterate some best practices to limit the risk Amex not treating tax payments as eligible spend for the signup bonus?
(44:30) - With the Robinhood card, and the USBAR, wouldn’t it make more sense to buy points vs getting points on a card?
(45:40) - Cruise questions. It seems that Caesars status alone is no longer enough for cruise matches and they ask for other offers so trip to AC is a must? I that correct? If so, better to wait until July 1st?
(50:42) - As someone who just started the point game. Am I too late with all the devaluation going on? I started with Amex and working on the Amex points game now.
(54:08) - Is there a way to avoid an airline in google flights explore tab? There’s an option to toggle in the regular flights tab but not in the explore tab.
(54:50): Which one of these humans is the frequent miler?
(56:26) - How can I keep my Hawaiian Points from expiring? I recently cancel my Hawaiian credit card
(56:59) - Who has flown the most miles?
Visit this link 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.
What is the best Capital One Miles card?
(01:35) - Pop quiz for Nick about filling in the gaps of a reader's trip report (Giant Mailbag)
(13:32) - Jetblue’s Peak and off-Peak pricing... for checked bags (Crazy Thing)
Read more about Jetblue's peak and off-peak baggage pricing here: https://frequentmiler.com/jetblue-increasing-checked-baggage-fees-will-now-have-peak-off-peak-pricing/
(17:55) - Alaska Airlines offering up to 50% off award sale to Maldives, Tahiti & more (Award Talk)
Read more about this Alaska Airlines award sale here: https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-airlines-offering-economy-premium-economy-award-sale-to-maldives-tahiti-more/
(19:40) - Read our post on the best time to visit any country here: https://frequentmiler.com/the-best-time-of-year-to-go-to-every-country-in-the-world-in-one-table/
(19:54) - Qatar business class award availability find
Main Event: Which is the best Capital One Miles card?
(24:48) - Why Capital One Miles matter.
(31:55) - Capital One Miles cards
(37:32) - So which is the best Miles card?
Check out the Capital One Venture X card here (https://frequentmiler.com/VentureX/#Goto), or the Capital One Venture X Business card here (https://frequentmiler.com/VentureXBiz/#Goto)
(41:23) - But Cash Back cards matter too!
(44:26) - Cash Back cards
(47:05) - So which is the best cash back card Check out the SaverOne card here: https://frequentmiler.com/C1SVO/#Goto
(50:46) - But what's the best card combo?
Read more about the Venture One card here: https://frequentmiler.com/C1V1/#Goto
Read more about the Venture card here: https://frequentmiler.com/C1VR/#Goto
Check out other Capital One credit cards here: https://frequentmiler.com/best-credit-card-sign-up-offers/#CapOne
(56:28) - Which issuers allow you to have more than one of the same card? (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 https://open.spotify.com/artist/6zAQHcu57q9QmYEKaDBpEU?si=JylqRM-FRhuVsWSE5oCIvA
Recently Nick wrote about a new credit card from Robinhood that will apparently offer a flat 3% back on most purchases. On this coffee break episode, we speculate as to whether or not this is too good to last.
(0:30) - Robinhood Gold Card (and Gold membership)
(02:37) - Read more about Robinhood Gold, the Robinhood Gold card, and the promo here: https://frequentmiler.com/robinhood-gold-card-to-offer-3-back-everywhere/
(04:21) - IRA match
(06:57) - Amazing referral deal: actual 36c 10K Gold credit card or $1,100 with 10 referrals who sign up for Robinhood Gold and pay at least their first monthly or annual subscription fee.
(11:57) - What about the whole Gamestop thing?
(14:50) - Is Robinhood safe to keep money in?
(15:50) - Is this too good to last?
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
A number of high end credit cards give you Priority Pass membership. Full Priority Pass offers access to airport lounges, restaurants, and experiences (e.g. Be Relax Spa, Minute suites, Game Space etc), which can be pretty useful. But which of the current pathways to this membership is the best, (especially if you'd still like access to those restaurants)?
(01:52) - More feedback on the pronunciation of Qatar. (Mail Bag)
(03:45) - Hilton Honors Business Card, which will be increasing its annual fee from $95 to $195, along with some other changes. (Card Talk)
(14:03) - United Pooling appeared Friday, then disappeared hours later, then re-appeared (Crazy Thing)
(19:19) - You can't use pooled United miles for partner redemptions, only United & United Express (Crazy Thing)
(25:55) - National Car Rental double credit for registered users' weekend rentals between April 4 through June 8, 2024 (Mattress Running the Numbers)
Read more about this National Car Rental deal here.
(29:36) - Regional first class awards for 12.5K, 16.5K, 22K points thanks to Qatar Avios (Award Talk)
(32:00) - Read more about this regional sweet spot here.
(35:58) - Preferred Hotels bookable online
Check out the Preferred Hotels Coffee Break episode here.
(40:31) - Choice Privileges Experiences might be worth a look
Main Event: The Best Path to Priority Pass(45:08) - Full Priority Pass offers access to airport lounges, restaurants, and experiences (e.g. Be Relax Spa, Minute suites, Game Space etc.)
(47:43) - Chase Sapphire Reserve & Ritz lose restaurants
(49:06) - Check out our Card Talk segment of last week's podcast episode 247 where we talked about the Ritz Card and its access to Priority Pass.
(51:38) - Wack-a-mole Alternatives to still get restaurant access with your Priority Pass
(52:48) - Venture X Biz (Read more about the Venture X Business card here.
(53:55) - US Bank Altitude Reserve (8 visits) (Read more about the US Bank Altitude Reserve card here.)
(55:43) - Business Altitude Connect (4 visits) (Read more about the Business Altitude Connect card here.)
(56:16) - Bank Of America Premium Rewards Elite (4 memberships) (Read more about the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card here.)
(1:00:15) - UBS Visa Infinite Business (Read more about the UBS Visa Infinite Business card here.)
(1:00:54) - UBS Visa Infinite (Read more about the UBS Visa Infinite card here.)
(1:01:25) - Citi Prestige (no longer available if you don't already have it)
(1:02:09) - Barclays Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard (Read more about the Barclays Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard here.)
(1:07:06) - Deciding between two hotels, one with cash (and therefore a Hilton points-earning opportunity) or paying Hyatt points. How do you make the choice? (Question of the Week)
Choice Privileges has made it easier to book their Preferred hotel partners, finally providing a way to book these online with your Choice points!
(02:41) - Overview of Preferred Hotels bookable online with Choice Points Read about how to Preferred Hotels are now bookable online with Choice Points: https://frequentmiler.com/preferred-hotels-now-bookable-online-with-choice-points/
(04:22) - What's the best ways to get Choice points?
(07:43) - Read about buying points with a (sometimes available) cash and points trick: https://frequentmiler.com/a-sweet-spot-hotel-and-a-rookie-mistake/#Choice_Privileges_Cash_Points_The_cheap_way_to_buy_Choice_points
(10:08) - Particularly exciting hotels in the Preferred Hotels collection (bookable online with Choice Points)
(10:58) - U.S. options...
(13:23) - International options...
(14:18) - iPrefer (Preferred Hotel’s rewards program)
(17:11) - Pros... (here's why you may want to do this)
(18:34) - Cons... (here's what to watch out for!)
(19:46) - Closing thoughts...does this change our approach to looking for hotels or earning points?
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: https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-miler-on-the-air/
Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads
In some ways Marriott can be the Frankenstein’s monster of rewards programs. There's lots of good stuff about the program...and lots of bad stuff too, all sloppily sewn together.
(01:36) - More advice about how to pronounce "Qatar"! (Mailbag)
Read our post on how to pronounce "Qatar": https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-pronounce-qatar/
(08:46) - Ritz Carlton Card (Card Talk)
Read more about the Ritz Carlton card here: https://frequentmiler.com/yes-the-ritz-card-is-now-the-best-value-marriott-card/
(21:41) - Alaska wants you to pay to see ads (Crazy Thing)
(25:00) - Buy Choice points with 50% bonus (0.69c per point) (Mattress Running the Numbers)
Read more about the Choice points discount here: https://frequentmiler.com/buy-choice-points-with-30-discount-0-69cpp/
(33:20) - United to offer family mileage pooling (Award Talk)
(37:45) - Chilean airline JetSmart to adopt American’s AAdvantage loyalty program later this year (Award Talk)
(40:47) - Finnair points are now Avios (but there doesn’t yet appear to be a way to move them to BA, Iberia, etc.) (Award Talk)
(43:59) - JetBlue is cancelling routes (Award Talk)
(46:56) - Wells Fargo autograph journey now live 1 to 2 choice (Award Talk)
Main Event: Mastering Marriott’s Madness
(48:39) - Huge number of hotels worldwide (nearly 9,000)
This post can help you find out if you're eligible for the various Marriott cards: https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-card-eligible/
(52:36) - Bonvoy Basics Read our complete guide to Marriott Bonvoy here: https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-bonvoy-complete-guide/
(1:04:25) - Earning points See the best credit card offers here: https://frequentmiler.com/best-credit-card-sign-up-offers/
(01:09:42) - Earning free night certificates
(01:10:30) - Earning elite status Listen to our Easy Marriott elite status episode here: https://frequentmiler.com/easy-marriott-elite-status/
Read: Shortcuts to Marriott Elite status https://frequentmiler.com/shortcuts-to-marriott-platinum-elite-status/
(01:14:57) - Questions about paying for rent with the Alaska card via Bilt... with high rent of $3600/mo, which card should I use...Alaska with the fee or Bilt without the fee? (Question of the Week)
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
Bilt is gaining Alaska as a transfer partner...but it's losing American Airlines as a partner in June. This has Greg and Nick asking...which miles are better?
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.
(00:33) - Bilt has gained Alaska Airlines as a transfer partner, but will lose AA as a transfer partner in June
(01:42) - AA and Alaska have a few things in common...
(03:34) - Greg argues why American Airline miles are better
(06:07) - Nick argues why Alaska Airlines are better
(10:10) - Final Answer... 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: https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-miler-on-the-air/
Music Credit - Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads
In today's episode of Frequent Miler on the Air, we'll talk about different "hidden" opportunities to find great award availability when you otherwise strike out trying to find international lie-flat awards, for example. (01:13) - Advantage shopping portal vs AAdvantageHotels...when do these bookings' miles post...check in date or purchase date? (Mailbag) (05:36) - I noticed that you are not doing the mattress running the numbers segment - any particular reason? (Mailbag) (08:00) - Amex Platinum consumer card is dropping SiriusXM from digital entertainment May 8 (Card Talk) Learn more about this Amex Platinum change here: https://frequentmiler.com/siriusxm-to-be-removed-from-eligible-services-for-amex-digital-entertainment-credit/ (11:50) - The American Express Business Platinum card 250K offer is still available in a roundabout way. (Card Talk) Read more about the steps for finding that offer here: https://frequentmiler.com/incredible-250k-welcome-offer-for-the-amex-business-platinum-targeted-link/ (16:14) - United triggers a flight as "supposed to be a paper ticket" upon check in... (Crazy Thing) (22:33) - Hyatt will be losing SLH partnership on May 15 (Award Talk) Learn more about the Hyatt/SLH partnership ending here: https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-slh-partnership-ending-5-15-24-important-things-to-know/ (25:12) - New Alaska award chart slowly going live and expected to be complete by 3/31/24. (Award Talk) Read more about the Alaska award chart slowly going live here: https://frequentmiler.com/huge-alaska-announces-unified-award-charts/ (29:14) - Bilt adds Alaska as a partner (Award Talk) (30:00) - Bilt loses AA as a partner in June (Award Talk) Read more about Bilt's loss of AA as a partner here: https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-losing-american-airlines-as-transfer-partner-in-june/ (35:09) - Ritz upgrade success (again!) (Award Talk) (36:33) - Delta’s new companion certificates really work as advertised (Award Talk) Read more about Delta's enhanced companion certificates here: https://frequentmiler.com/delta-companion-certificates/ (38:17) - Delta: update about extending elite status with MQM rollovers (Award Talk) Read more about the last ever Delta MQM rollover here: https://frequentmiler.com/the-last-ever-delta-mqm-rollover/ (40:45) - Award search tool comparisons, including award discovery tools (Award Talk) Read more about award exploration tools here: https://frequentmiler.com/a-new-breed-of-award-discovery-tools/ Main Event: Where to Find Hidden Award Flights (45:17) - Opportunities to find great award availability when you otherwise strike out trying to book international lie-flat awards... (46:20) - Aeroplan has better award space for Singapore Airlines than Singapore itself (48:05) - JetBlue Mint, book with Qatar Avios See our video about how to find and book JetBlue Mint flights to the Caribbean using Qatar Avios: https://frequentmiler.com/jetblue-mint-to-the-caribbean-for-26000-avios-where-and-how-to-find-it/ (50:12) - ITA booked with Virgin Atlantic miles (widely available as of the last time Nick looked...) (52:04) - Hawaiian Air has very good award space to Asia (54:00) - Emirates: Book lower class of service and upgrade with points at airport (55:32) - Flying Blue: Don't trust the calendar (57:57) - AA, Flying Blue: often get much better pricing by flying to/from smaller airports (01:01:18) - Many airlines (Eva Air, Qatar, Etihad, Lufthansa, BA, Virgin, Turkish, etc) offer better award availability to their own members (01:10:33) - Book good-enough refundable flights and wait until close-in to find great flights. (01:14:04) - Sometimes cash (or pay with points) is best option (01:19:39) - Read our post about how to find great deals with Google Flights: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-find-incredible-flight-deals-with-google-flights/ (01:19:56) - We review a unique case study where verification details delayed a credit card so long that a new application was required...but in that time, the bonus increased... (Question of the week)
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. This episode (65) was streamed live on March 6, 2024 and can be viewed in full here.
Here are all the questions asked during this episode (with timestamps):
(05:03) - Have you noticed that Emirates charges insane fuel surcharges out of countries that ban/restrict them?
(06:19) - When you book Rio Las Vegas with Hyatt points do you not have to pay resort fee and get elite benefits like late checkout?
(08:55) - Would you recommend closing the Chase Marriott business credit card, waiting 30 days, then applying for the AMEX Marriott business credit card? I will keep my JPM Ritz Carlton credit card open.
(11:24) - Can you have more than one Ritz card per person?
(12:46) - As the SLH-Hyatt partnership starts to wind down, I wanted to ask each of you if you might give us ideas/favorites to try and book?
(19:20) - Any tips on how to help avoid jetlag for my kids?
(20:15) - I appreciate your “current point transfer bonuses” page. Any plans to create a current buying points and miles list?
(21:01) - Which app is better for managing Flying Blue points, KLM or Air France?
(21:40) - I have to book a Latam flight. What's my best option?
(23:20) - Getting ready for the Beyonce at the Sphere announcement, as soon as those dates leak it's going to be a race to book something before the algorithm sends hotel rates sky high. Any tips or tricks?
(25:35) - There’s a few Marriott sign up bonuses going around. How would you choose between: 5 free nights (up to 50k each; up to 250k total), vs ~185k straight up points?
(29:57) - Any tools to use for planning a road trip in other countries? So many possibilities (i.e. which order to visit things in, transit times, etc) makes my planning spiral out of control.
(35:40) - What is the best airline to credit miles to for each alliance? It's easy enough to understand the value of the miles, but harder to evaluate all the earning rates.
(39:20) - Chase 5/24 question, should I tempt fate and try to apply for the Marriott Boundless 5 free night offer while currently at 5/24? (12 months left)
(41:55) - Any tips for booking one of the rarer hotel points redemptions? If I book the hotel, I probably won't be able to find biz class flights for those dates. And vice versa if I book the flights first.
(47:52) - Despite the usual recommendation not to speculatively transfer, are there levels of earning (100s of 1000s, millions) and levels of spending that make it worthwhile?
(54:53) - What are your thoughts on the new Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card?
(58:36) - How do we manage Amex cards beyond year one to maintain good standing with Amex? For example when would it be ok to close, downgrade, apply for cards, how many months apart, etc?
Award program changes often sting, but remember that those storm clouds often have a silver lining. On this week's episode, we discuss the bright spots in the most recent hotel and airline program devaluations
(00:00:00) Intro (00:01:45) Giant Mailbag triple-header!
See episode 244 for more details about Platinum cards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDh7EUEsf2Y (00:01:50) Schwab bonus with $10mil (00:02:56) Schwab mortgage counts toward assets (00:05:50) Don't forget Amex corporate cardholders get statement credits (00:07:22) Card Talk: Wells Fargo is launching their transferable points program https://frequentmiler.com/wells-fargo-launching-autograph-journey-visa-card-transferable-points-up-to-5x-earnings-more/
(00:19:33) What crazy thing . . . did Turkish Miles & Smiles do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/turkish-offers-an-award-sale-thats-very-turkish-miles-smiles-of-them/ (00:23:46) Award Talk (00:23:47) American Airlines Award Sale: Seats for 5K each way https://frequentmiler.com/american-airlines-award-sale-500k-seats-for-5k-miles-with-great-availability/
(00:27:59) Rio Las Vegas joins World of Hyatt https://frequentmiler.com/world-of-hyatt-benefits-at-rio-las-vegas-your-questions-answered/
(00:30:20) Main Event: Bright spots in the latest award devaluations
(00:30:48) Hyatt devaluation https://frequentmiler.com/ouch-hyatts-2024-devaluation-has-been-announced-its-not-pretty/ (00:41:07) Wyndham Vacasa devaluation https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-vacasa/
(00:47:14) Etihad devaluation (00:53:46) ANA devaluation https://frequentmiler.com/the-ana-devaluation-its-not-all-doom-and-gloom/
(01:02:10) Turkish devaluation https://frequentmiler.com/turkish-might-be-demolishing-its-award-chart/ (01:10:09) Question of the Week: If you book a hotel through the AAdvantage shopping portal, will the miles be dated based on the booking date or the checkout date?
Music credit: 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
American Express has four different Platinum cards, all with a $695 annual fee. In this episode Greg and Nick not only help differentiate these Platinum cards from one another, they also pick out which one is best (or which is best for which kind of need.)
(01:30) - Data point on calling for reconsideration for targeted 200K Amex business platinum card. Do people without business cards yet have better luck? (Mailbag)
(03:14) - What crazy thing did Asiana do this week? Well...seems like their phone line goes to a very wrong recording. (Crazy Thing)
(05:42) - Etihad is updating their loyalty program in June (Award Talk)
- Find out what other programs' change and cancellation policies are.
(09:33) - American Express has 4 different Platinum cards (which have $695 annual fees) (Main Event)
- Learn more about the American Express Business Platinum card.
- Learn more about what we call the "vanilla" American Express Platinum card.
- Learn more about the American Express Charles Schwab Platinum card.
- Learn more about the American Express Morgan Stanley Platinum Card.
(13:30) - What do all the Platinum cards have in common
(13:50) - Find out what might count for the Airline Incidental Fee credit
(16:29) - What are some Business Platinum card features, unique to the business card?
(18:35) - What are some features that are unique to the consumer Platinum cards?
(23:18) - Is there anything that's unique to the normal "vanilla" Platinum card?
(25:30) - Is there anything that's unique to the Charles Schwab Platinum card?
(27:09) - Is there anything that's unique to the Morgan Stanley Platinum card?
(31:45) - Which of these American Express Platinum cards is the best?
(35:41) - Greg's final pick
(36:19) - Nick's final pick
(40:03) - What can I do with leftover Qantas points? (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
Back in January, Nick saw that Bilt was going to have a huge transfer bonus to Aeroplan (one of his favorite mileage programs)...but he didn't have a Bilt card yet. With luck on his side though, he suspected he could get the card and get over 100K Aeroplan miles in just a matter of days. Greg thought he was insane, but Nick's gamble paid off.
(02:48) - What is Bilt and why was Nick interested?
Learn more about the Bilt card here.
(03:16) - What was the Bilt bonus that finally got Nick's attention?
We published those transfer bonus details here.
(04:25) - Nick outlines the challenge in his timing, applying for the card ~6 days before the scheduled transfer bonus opportunity with lots of things to get done in that time.
(06:39) - Nick discovered he still needed to make 5 transactions on his new card, which he was able to do with the digital card he'd gotten upon approval.
(08:45) - Nick got lucky and the card arrived early (with one day to spare), and right around then he also got the email for a 5X offer...
(10:11) - The second dilemma: in order to maximize the 5X for 5 days of spend he'd need to spend $12,500, which was more than the card's credit limit.
To read Nick's more detailed account of this, make sure and read his "How Nick Built his own Bilt bonus" post here.
(12:42) - Nick breaks down his ~$18K in spend which landed him with 62K Bilt rewards which then became 124K Air Canada Aeroplan miles.
(15:02) - Nick remembers the points-pooling ability in Air Canada Aeroplan.
(16:06) - Greg and Nick talk about how gambles like this can play a significant role in this game.
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
On episode 243 of Frequent Miler on the Air, Greg and Nick dissect the different factors that make a transferable program "the best". Use the timestamps below to navigate to each individual topic within the episode.
(Our apologies for the continued audio issues with Nick's mic.)
(01:38) Uni Portable Toll Transponder (Mail Bag)
- Find the Uni transponder here.
(07:22) Capital One to acquire Discover (Card Talk)
(12:12) New Amex refer-a-friend bonuses through May 22 (+10x restaurants worldwide, up to $25K spend for 3 months)
- Learn more about the Amex refer-a-friend bonus here.
- Learn about the Amex Consumer Gold Card here.
- Learn about the Amex Blue Business Plus Card here.
- Learn about the Amex Business Gold Card here.
(19:22) AA charges more per person for 1 person to fly Madison to Phoenix than for 2 (Crazy Thing)
(22:52) Hyatt Bonus Journeys through 4/30/24 (Mattress Running the Numbers)
- Learn more about the Hyatt Bonus Journeys here.
(29:29) Citi 30% transfer bonus to Virgin through March 16th (Award Talk)
- Learn more about Virgin Sweet Spots here.
(31:50) AwardTool (one-ups PointsYeah, but with controversy...)
- Learn more about AwardTool here.
(37:13) PointsYeah adds child award search
- Learn more about PointsYeah updates here.
(39:40) American Airlines news
- Read more about transferring American Airlines points at half cent here.
- Read more about American Airlines no longer offering points for flights booked through OTAs and raised checked bag prices here.
(46:05) Contenders for best transferable points program: Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Bilt Rewards (Main Event)
(48:01) Best transferable points program for: point earning opportunities
(56:00) Best transferable points for: transfer partners
(1:03:19) Best transferable points for: pay with points awards
(1:09:04) Best transferable points for: points management (like moving from one person to another)
(1:19:49) Nick’s pick for overall best transferable points program
(1:21:26) Greg’s pick for best transferable points program
(1:23:27) Nick's runner-up pick for overall best transferable points program
(1:25:42) Greg's runner-up for overall best transferable points program
(1:31:04) Would you feel comfortable booking a Small Luxury Hotel of the World property knowing that the relationship with Hyatt will be ending soon and would you wait for the hopeful integration of Mr. and Mrsh. Smith properties... (Questions 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
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.
On this "Coffee Break" mini episode, Greg and Nick chat about a pair of Marriott offers for 5, 50K free night certs (and who this opportunity may be good for.)
(02:24) - The consumer card has a lower spend requirement...but does that mean it's the better option?
Check out the Marriott consumer card here, and the Marriott business card here.
(03:26) - What is the Marriott "matrix of doom" and why are business cards easier for navigating the matrix? (Read this post to find out which Marriott cards you're eligible for.)
(06:13) - The business card is the only option for stacking.
(06:36) - Is this a good offer (regardless of whether you get the business or consumer version?)
(08:38) - What are the drawbacks of free night certs?
(10:50) - How does using a cert impact the fifth night free benefit?
(14:23) - Let's review...is this a smokin' hot deal for everyone?
Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.
Music Credit - Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads
In this episode, Greg gives Nick a lesson in which Delta credit cards are best (and which are best for a smattering of different goals.) His ultimate conclusion might surprise you.
(While Greg schools Nick on this topic, you may notice that Nick's audio is a little subpar. We apologize for this and we're troubleshooting that for next episode.)
(01:25) Cheryl is back! (Mail Bag)
(02:40) Whitney has a question about our "Mastering Avios" episode 241 (Mail Bag) Read our Mastering Avios Episode 241 post here...
(09:20) Greg gives an AA Executive card update (Card Talk) Find the American Airlines Executive Card episode here... Learn all about the AA Executive Card here...
(17:10) T-Mobile Magenta status is mostly a nothingburger (Crazy Thing) Read our post on the T-Mobile Magenta status here...
(24:05) Turkish devaluation is real (Award Talk)
(26:26) Nick talks about his AA elite status mad dash (Award Talk) Read about Nick's mad dash to AA elite status here...
(29:13) Greg talks about his Alaska match (Award Talk)
(31:58) Greg talks about his experience booking JetBlue Mint to London (Award Talk) Read more about Greg's JetBlue Mint experience here...
(40:19) Which Delta Card is Best? (Main Event)
(40:31) Overview of Delta cards
(40:38) You might remember our episode on Delta's Big Flip-Flop | Ep225 | 10-21-23 Find the Delta's Big Flip-Flop | Ep225 here...
(41:11) Delta Gold Card OverviewFind out more about the Delta Gold Card here...
(41:49) Delta Platinum Card Overview Find out more about the Delta Platinum Card here...
(43:21) Delta Reserve Card Find out more about the Delta Reserve Card here...
(47:23) Coupons: Are any Delta cards free after rebate? Best card depends on what you value...
(00:58:56) If you value Delta miles... Find out more about the Amex Blue Business Plus card here...
(01:03:32) If you value free checked bags...
(01:04:08) If you value the companion ticket...
(01:04:54) If you value elite status...
(01:08:43) If you value Sky Club access...
(01:14:17) Conclusion: The best Delta card may not be actually even be a Delta card... Find Greg's post about which premium cards he's keeping and which he's canceling here...
(01:15:30) “What happens if you apply for a credit card and then immediately after the offer increases? ” (Question of the Week)
To subscribe to Frequent Miler content, visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/. And to submit a comment or question to our Mail Bag or Question of the Week segments, email us at mailbag@frequentmiler.com
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)
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. This episode (64) was streamed live on Jan 31, 2024 and can be viewed in full here: Frequent Miler Live: Ask Us Anything Here are all the questions asked during this episode (with timestamps)
(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
On this week's Frequent Miler on the Air, Greg and Nick talk about some game-changing transfer bonuses that have got them thinking..."The Bilt card ain’t just for renters anymore"
(00:00:00) - Start
(00:01:12) - Giant Mailbag (Bilt transfer bonuses are bogus)
(00:04:18) - Card Talk (Big changes to Delta Credit cards...)
(00:13:29) - Crazy Thing: (Dany says "I’ve had a Chase Ink $95 card for 10 years and this year they sent out a 10 year gift of coffee and some treats from a veteran owned company. Today I got the 1099 in the mail for it!")
(00:15:54) - Mattress Running the Numbers (IHG promo: Earn 40k bonus points every 4 nights at Iberostar properties)
Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/ihg-promo-earn-40k-bonus-points-every-4-nights-at-iberostar-properties/
(00:18:48) - Award Talk (Award Discover Tools)
(00:24:34) - Main Event (Game changing transfer bonuses)
(00:24:34) - Old advice: the fee free Bilt card is GREAT for renters but with limited ways to earn points, it’s not great for points & miles hobbyists.
(00:25:19) - New advice: Bilt is great for points & miles hobbyists too
(00:33:04) - Bilt Card Overview
Read more about this card: https://frequentmiler.com/Bilt
(00:35:00) - Bilt elite status / transfer bonuses
Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/how-nick-built-his-own-bilt-bonus/
(00:39:15) - Is there a Bilt welcome bonus?
(00:42:01) - Earn points primarily through card spend
(00:46:20) - Sample strategy for Silver status
(00:48:21) - Sample strategy for Gold status
(00:50:46) - Strategy for Platinum status
(00:56:23) - Who should consider this?
(01:03:34) - Downsides & risks
(1:05:47) - Question of the Week
Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to keep up to date with Frequent Miler content, and email us at mailbag@frequentmiler.com to submit a question for our "Question of the Week" segment.
On this episode, Greg and Nick discuss the question of whether or not you can pay your taxes with a credit card. (Spoiler - you can!)
00:01:35 - Using ChatGPT to squeeze $300 from the Ritz-Carlton card (Giant Mailbag)
Read More: https://frequentmiler.com/ritz-fee-credits-what-works/
00:10:57 - Capital One Spark Cash Plus: 2% Everywhere (Card Talk)
Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/c1scplusbiz/
00:16:30 - Pepper App (Crazy Thing)
00:23:07 - Paris Hilton’s Slivingland on Roblox: Win 111,111 Hilton points, Diamond status (Mattress Running the Numbers)
Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/win-111111-hilton-honors-points-or-diamond-status-with-roblox-partnership/
00:31:30 - Free Delta stopovers via Air France / KLM Flying Blue (Award Talk)
Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/flying-blue-multi-stopover-experiment/
00:36:10 - Luxury stays (Leading Hotels of the World) thanks to Citibank (Award Talk)
Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/sampling-leading-hotels-of-the-world-lhw-thanks-to-citi-thankyou-rewards/
00:41:07 - Main Event: Pay Taxes, Earn Big Rewards
Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/pay-taxes-via-credit-card/
00:41:37 - Paying Federal taxes with a credit card
00:42:23 - Why pay a fee to use a credit card?
00:54:33 - What about other taxes?
00:58:06 - Is it OK to overpay taxes?
00:59:52 - Does it make sense to pay quarterly estimated taxes this way?
1:00:26 - What to do when the payment processor doesn't like my business credit card?
01:02:51 - 90 days to use ’em or lose ’em: Where would you transfer your points? (Question of the Week)
Read more: https://frequentmiler.com/90-days-to-use-em-or-lose-em-where-would-you-transfer-your-points/
Music Credit: Annie Yoder @annilion
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
Whether you want to earn airline elite status from the comfort of your couch or switch alliances without starting from scratch, this week we talk about how you can score shortcuts to get the status you want.
00:00 Intro
02:28 Giant Mailbag
02:51 Greg-a-culpa
04:43 Nick-a-culpa: Air France actually does have an award chart
https://viewfromthewing.com/air-france-introduces-new-award-chart-free-stopovers/
07:09 T-Tip
11:53 Card Talk: Frontier Airlines World Mastercard
https://frequentmiler.com/f9/
22:00 Mattress Running the Numbers: SimplyMiles stack for Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express
https://frequentmiler.com/simplymiles-spend-100-at-holiday-inn-or-holiday-inn-express-earn-930-aadvantage-miles-loyalty-points/
29:04 Award Talk: AA enhancements
29:50 Apply systemwide upgrades online
30:24 Earn miles when paying for upgrades
31:20 Cancel basic economy and get something back for $99
32:13 Loyalty Point choice benefit
34:58 Main Events: Shortcuts to airline elite status
35:00 What is airline elite status?
38:36 Lots of shortcuts exist
39:36 Having credit cards to get perks
41:56 Earning elite status through credit card spend
47:11 Shopping for status
49:56 Status matches
50:47 American Airlines status match
54:44 Delta status match
56:05 United status match
58:18 Alaska status match
58:38 Turkish status match
01:05:58 Southwest A-list status match
01:08:47 Buying status
01:13:27 Other ways to get elite status
01:17:00 Air France: earn XPs without flying
01:18:29 Question of the Week: Is it safe to complete spending for stuff on 12/31?
Music credit: 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
Between those deals we have identified and those highlighted by readers, which was the single best deal of 2023 in the points & miles space? This week, Greg and Nick consider the contenders and crown a champion.
00:00 Intro
01:14 Giant Mailbag
05:45 Card Talk: Amtrak Preferred Card
https://frequentmiler.com/amkworld/
10:24 What crazy thing . . . did Bilt Rewards do this week?
https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-rent-day-promos-75-150-transfer-bonuses-to-flying-blue-virgin-ihg/
14:44 Earning Bilt elite status
https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-rewards-will-double-elite-status-thresholds-in-2024/
26:15 Award Talk: Choosing a Marriott 25K Cert, 17K points, or something else
32:08 Award Talk: Can't cancel? Then change.
34:39 The single best deal of 2023
35:20 Virgin Voyages cruise deals with points
https://frequentmiler.com/virgin-voyages-7-night-european-cruises-for-only-62k-points/
37:38 Bilt's Hyatt Globalist fast track
https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-globalist-fast-track-through-bilt-rewards-for-rent-day/
39:56 Bilt's 100% transfer bonus to Air France / KLM Flying Blue
41:33 Bilt's 75-150% transfer bonus to Virgin
https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-august-rent-day-up-to-150-transfer-bonus-to-virgin-atlantic/
42:46 Marriott Homes & Villas 40K bonus with 4 nights (and no minimum spend)
https://frequentmiler.com/incredible-marriott-promo-earn-40000-bonus-points-on-a-4-night-stay/
44:47 Choice Privileges College Gameday deals
50:00 Capital One Travel Sale (Flights and hotels for pennies)
51:40 Capital One Shopping $200 referral bonus for both sides
https://frequentmiler.com/both-sides-now-get-30-when-referring-to-capital-one-shopping/
54:16 30x Lufthansa Miles & More miles per dollar spent
https://frequentmiler.com/wow-lufthansa-miles-more-is-giving-30x-miles-on-booking-com-reservations/
58:20 Reader contributions
https://frequentmiler.com/90k-offers-now-available-both-online-in-branch/
01:04:26 Greg's pick for Deal of the Year
01:08:25 Nick's pick for Deal fo the Year
01:14:49 Question of the Week: Is Nick out of his mind?
Music credit: Annie Yoder
As we close out 2023, we take a moment to honor those loyalty programs that have dishonored their own members with the biggest snafus, most member-unfriendly changes, or other painful devaluations.
00:00 Intro
01:58 Giant Mailbag
04:51 Card Talk: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy & Bountiful cards
https://frequentmiler.com/bonvoybevy/
https://frequentmiler.com/bonvoybountiful/
10:41 What crazy thing . . . did Air France / KLM Flying Blue do this week?
https://frequentmiler.com/amazing-business-class-to-europe-from-13500-miles-one-way/
21:44 Award Talk: Bilt adds Avianca LifeMiles
https://frequentmiler.com/now-transfer-bilt-rewards-to-avianca-lifemiles/
24:48 Award Talk: IHG allows free point transfers between members....well, *some* members
27:27 Finnair Plus announces new award charts and info
https://frequentmiler.com/finnair-plus-announces-award-chart-changes-to-take-effect-in-march-2024/
38:19 Main Event: 2023 Bonvoyed Awards
The Nominees....
39:19: Marriott Bonvoys free night certificates
https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-rules-for-extending-free-nights/
41:19 Hyatt / MGM marriage goes bust
https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-farewell-cheap-mattress-runs-status-matching/
43:51 Wyndham vacates their high-value Vacasa bookings
https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-vacasa/
45:41 Delta dumps their devastation
https://frequentmiler.com/delta-elite-shortcuts/
47:52 Chase guts their Pay Yourself Back program
49:07 Air Canada Aeroplan's Etihad alliance goes astray
52:00 Hotels.com becomes 5x less rewarding
56:15 Nominee recap
56:42 Nick's pick for 2023 Bonvoyed Award
59:24 Greg's pick for 2023 Bonvoyed Award
1:02:41 Question of the Week: What is the best thing to do with 80,000 Membership Rewards points before we cancel Player 2's Amex Gold card?
Music credit: Annie Yoder
It's fun to daydream about the flights and hotels we'd love to book with miles and points. This week, Greg and Nick discuss the redemptions they would most like to make if the stars aligned.
00:00 Intro
01:33 Giant Mailbag
06:38 Card Talk: Air France / KLM Flying Blue World Elite Mastercard
https://frequentmiler.com/afklm/
15:45 Main Event: The rewards we want the most
16:35 Greg: Air France La Premier (first class)
18:54 Emirates "new" First Class
19:30 Lufthansa New First Class (if it ever comes to be)
20:04 New Singapore Suites
22:13 Turkish business class nonstop Detroit to Istanbul
23:56 Nick: New Singapore Suites (on a long route!)
25:01 Etihad Apartments
27:18 Qatar Qsuites
28:29 NOT Air France La Premier
39:49 Hotel awards we want
39:54 Mr. & Mrs. Smith
40:32 Post Ranch Inn
41:29 Virgin Limited luxury safari camps -- via Mr. & Mrs. Smith
47:28 Intercontinental Khao Yai
48:20 Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace
49:36 Am SLH property in Santorini
51:02 A luxury safari camp
53:46 A Celebrity or Norwegian cruise
56:24 I wasn't aware that there is a way to book American Airlines with Membership Rewards points. What are the options?
The year 2023 has seen our travels take us all over the world. This week, we look back and discuss our favorite award redemptions of the year 2023 and of all time.
Subscribe to our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/
00:00 Intro
01:35 Giant Mailbag
04:10 Travel Talk
04:28 Alaska wants to buy Hawaiian Airlines
12:00 EU261 claim
14:33 Card Talk : Hawaiian Airlines credit cards
22:30 Award Talk: Avianca customer service might be better than its reputation suggests.
29:30 Main Event: Our favorite travel rewards of 2023
31:05 Special situation: Party of 5 (ANA First Class and LATAM Business Class)
35:34 Qatar QSuites (maybe)
37:06 British Airways Club World Suites
39:35 Air France business class
42:01 Turkish Airlines business class
47:24 Our all-time favorite flight awards
47:31 Etihad First Class Apartments
48:08 Old Singapore Suites / ANA First Class flight
50:29 Our favorite hotel redemptions of 2023
50:38 Eichert's Private Hotel in Queenstown, NZ (SLH via Hyatt)
52:11 Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio, Italy (on Lake Como) (SLH via Hyatt)
54:13 Kona Seaside Yacht Villa through Vacasa (Wyndham Rewards)
57:27 Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida
1:00:57 Greg honorable mentions: VIlla Copenhagen; Kimpton Fitzroy; Ventana Big Sur, Inn at Bay Harbor
1:02:57 Comfort Hotel Bolivar in Rome, Hyatt Regency Nice
1:04:44 Our all-time favorite hotel awards
1:05:48 Necker Island
1:09:36 St Regis Bora Bora
1:13:14 Non-flight or hotel rewards
1:13:30 BLADE helicopter flight
1:15:45 Cruising for free thanks to casino status matching
1:20:11 Which cards are worth getting in the hopes that they get grandfathered?
Music credit: Annie Yoder
Extreme Rewards via Extreme Stacking: Stack portal rewards, category bonuses, and much more to take your shopping to the next level.
"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
Maximize your charitable giving by earning a great return while doing good in the world. From ways to give without causing your favorite charity to incur processing fees to ways to earn thousands of points for your donation, this week we talk about how to do your charitable deeds (better).
00:00 Intro
01:13 Giant Mailbag
03:32 Giant Mailbag #2: United Quest card details
07:22 Card Talk: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card & Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card
https://frequentmiler.com/venturex/
https://frequentmiler.com/VentureXBiz/#Goto
18:35 What crazy thing . . . did Marriott do this week?
23:27 Award Talk
23:28 Alaska Mileage Plan March 2024 changes
https://frequentmiler.com/huge-alaska-announces-unified-award-charts/
https://frequentmiler.com/new-alaska-award-chart-winners-losers-and-sweet-spots/
https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-us-anything-we-discuss-the-new-alaska-award-chart-video/
37:06 Do you want to collect Alaska miles now?
39:06 Award Talk: Use JetBlue points to book Qatar flights
https://frequentmiler.com/book-qatar-flights-with-jetblue-trueblue-points/
42:15 Award Talk: Marriott free night certificate inside info
https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-rules-for-extending-free-nights/
46:55 Main Event: A good deed is its own reward, but we can do better.
47:15 How do you find charities that do good? (search tools)
48:20 GiveWell
50:03 PayPay Giving Fund
52:15 Kiva Microloans
https://frequentmiler.com/why-i-love-kiva-for-earning-rewards-and-doing-good/
55:29 How do you earn rewards on charitable gifts?
55:47 Ways to earn miles for donating through airline programs, etc
56:48 Credit Card Rewards
46:49 US Bank cards that earn 2x on charitable donations....meh
58:13 Bank of America 2.62% cash back
58:48 Credit Card Big Spend Bonuses
https://frequentmiler.com/best-big-spend-bonuses/
1:00:25 Buying Visa or Mastercard gift cards and using them to donate
1:03:17 Earn a new card welcome bonus
https://frequentmiler.com/best-credit-card-sign-up-offers/
1:06:25 Donating miles and points
1:08:20 Earn Air France elite credit
1:09:38 Question of the Week: Is it worth it to travel to Australia for just a week?
Music credit: Annie Yoder
United Mileage Plus is an extremely popular program, but how can you get the best value out of the miles? This week, we talk about using flexible awards to your advantage, cheap intra-European awards, the Excursionist Perk, and a lot more.
00:00 Intro
01:20 Giant Mailbag #1: Can we get a Delta-free podcast?
02:35 Giant Mailbag #2
03:48 What crazy thing . . . did Delta do this week?
https://frequentmiler.com/deltas-window-seat-shop-of-horrors/
06:46 Card Talk: United Quest card
https://frequentmiler.com/uaq/
11:33 Mattress Running the Numbers: Citi transfer bonus to Accor Live Limitless
17:34 Award Talk
18:00 Bilt adds Marriott as a transfer partner
https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-bonvoy-added-as-bilt-rewards-transfer-partner/
19:40 Marriott's secret award chart
https://frequentmiler.com/marriotts-secret-award-chart/
23:03 Marriott Choice Benefit changes
https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-say-quiet-part-out-loud-with-new-upgrade-award-enhancements/
https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-choice-benefits-now-give-1000-off-mattress-bed-rather-than-40/
29:24 Book JetBlue with Qatar Avios
https://frequentmiler.com/book-jetblue-including-mint-with-qatar-avios/
https://frequentmiler.com/uh-oh-did-qatar-create-a-new-jetblue-award-chart/
35:56 Main Event: Wringing value from United Miles
37:00 First up: the bad stuff
40:20 Higher award prices, but not bad value
41:40 Best uses of United miles
41:46 Dynamic pricing can work in your favor
44:35 Free changes and cancellations
48:55 Cheap intra-Europe flights (from 6K miles)
50:04 Sao Paulo to/from South Africa for 50K miles in business class
50:40 Fly across the length of Africa for less than 25K in economy or 50K in business class
52:15 United Excursionist Perk
https://frequentmiler.com/maximizing-and-understanding-united-excursionist-perks/
https://frequentmiler.com/saving-thousands-of-miles-with-united-excursionist-perk/
https://frequentmiler.com/united-excursionist-perk-maps-visualize-regions-to-optimize-awards/
https://frequentmiler.com/leveraging-the-united-excursionist-perk-to-save-miles/
57:42 Question of the Week: Will a bank extend the minimum spending requirement period?
Music credit: Annie Yoder
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
