Frequent Miler on the Air

Bilt Rewards is the real deal. With a great set of transfer partners and ways to earn points whether or not you rent or have the credit card, this program just keeps getting better. This week we discuss why you shouldn't sleep on Bilt Rewards.

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:04 Oops!
  • 01:06 Oops: You need 40K AA for Gold
  • 02:05 Ooops: AA charity donation may have been AOK
  • 03:46 Ooops: Can't book JetBlue transatlantic with AA miles
  • 04:52 Ooops: How did we forgret the Ink Business Preferred?
  • 06:27 Giant Mailbag: That Sapphire Preferred 3x online grocery is better than we said
  
  
• 09:46 Award Talk
  • 09:47 Seats.Aero adds support for Aeroplan and Emirates https://frequentmiler.com/seats-aero/
  • 10:21 Greg books his annual stay at the Inn at Bay Harbor 
  
  
• 15:05 FM Party of Five Team Challenge Update
• 19:32 Mattress Running the Numbers
  • 19:51 Marriott will offer 40K points for a Homes & Villas booking of 4 nights or longer https://frequentmiler.com/incredible-...
  • 25:13 Bilt Rewards will offer a 100% transfer bonus to Air France Flying Blue on May 1st only https://frequentmiler.com/incredible-...
  
  
• 35:28 Card Talk: Bilt Card https://frequentmiler.com/bilt/
• 43:48 Main Event: Bilt IS all that https://frequentmiler.com/amassing-bi...
  • 44:20 Earn points paying rent
  • 47:44 Bilt Transfer partners
  • 55:09 Pay for travel at 1.25cpp
  • 57:32 Earn points on things other than rent
  • 57:57 Rent Day Quiz / Promos
  • 58:36 Points for referring friends
  • 58:54 Link other credit cards to to Bilt Dining (without the Bilt Mastercard) https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-reward...
  • 59:29 Link Lyft account to Bilt Rewards account for extra points https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-offeri...
  • 1:00:00 Is Bilt a no-brainer for renters?
  • 1:05:00 Other things you can pay with Bilt (besides rent)
  • 1:07:24 Is the Bilt card worth a 5/24 slot?
  • 1:12:40 Who is the Bilt Mastercard definitely a bad fit for?
  • 1:13:00 If you could only have one credit card, which one would it be?
  • 1:17:04 Question of the Week: Avianca award taxes were wrong. What gives? https://frequentmiler.com/an-avianca-...
  
  

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Want piles of American Airlines miles? Here are your best strategies for amassing a massive amount of miles in the valuable AAdvantage rewards program.

00:00 Intro

01:03 Award Talk

01:04 Booking The Signature at MGM Grand via Airbnb

https://frequentmiler.com/hacking-las-vegas/

07:10 Roame.Travel adds JetBlue

08:07 Seats.Aero helps Greg find Qsuites availability

09:28 Giant Mailbag: Laddering flights

12:40 Giant Mailbag: Can I transfer Ultimate Rewards to American Airlines miles at a rate of 2:1 right now?

16:10 Card Talk: American Airlines cards

16:55 Citi AAdvantage MileUp card

https://frequentmiler.com/aamileup/

19:17 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

https://frequentmiler.com/aaplat/

22:50 Citibusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card

https://frequentmiler.com/aaplatbiz/

23:31 Citi AAdvantage Executive card

https://frequentmiler.com/aaexec/

28:14 Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red

https://frequentmiler.com/aviatorred/

30:24 Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Silver

https://frequentmiler.com/aviatorsilver/

36:16 Barclays Aviator Business

https://frequentmiler.com/aviatorbiz/

38:36 Main Event: Amassing American Airlines miles

38:40 Credit card strategies

49:47 AAdvantage Shopping Portal

53:06 SimplyMiles

56:48 Rewards Network AAdvantage Dining

57:38 Hotels: Rocketmiles / BookAAHotels

https://frequentmiler.com/best-way-to-earn-aa-miles-status-via-hotel-bookings/

1:00:36 Hotel partnership with Hyatt

https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-american-airlines-partnership-now-live-link-your-accounts-now/

1:02:46 Car Rentals

1:04:10 Shell partnership

1:04:40 Banking: Bask Bank & Citi Checking bonus

1:10:36 Question of the Week: How can you value Hyatt points more highly than Chase Ultimate Rewards points?

https://frequentmiler.com/what-are-hyatt-points-worth/#How_can_Hyatt_points_be_worth_more_than_Ultimate_Rewards

Music credit: Annie Yoder

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

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

00:00 Intro

01:05 Giant Mailbag

06:50 Card Talk: Chase Sapphire Preferred

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

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

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

22:30 Aeroplan

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

29:40 Free MSC Cruise

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

34:35 Seats.Aero adds Emirates

36:08 Main Event: Loyalty program changing fortunes

36:31 American Airlines

40:26 Delta

41:46 Southwest

43:13 United

46:37 Virgin Atlantic

48:27 Alaska

50:50 IHG

54:57 Hyatt

56:06 Marriott

59:20 Hilton

1:00:25 Wyndham

1:02:34 Choice

1:02:58 Radisson Americas

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

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Big credit card intro bonuses are the fastest way to supercharge your miles and points balances, but how can you meet the minimum spending requirements for multiple new cards per year? Here are 13 ways to increase your spending with no cost or low cost.

1:41 Announcements. Tim Goes Full Time

https://frequentmiler.com/no-joke-tim-goes-full-time-at-frequent-miler/

3:10 Monthly Ask Us Anything

5:42 See Nick live at FTU Washington DC

https://frequentmiler.com/come-see-nick-at-ftu-signature-washington-dc-on-5-6-23/

13:02 Card Talk: Amex Bonvoy Brilliant Card

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-bonvoy-brilliant-guide-and-review/

23:36 Award Talk

-Marriott now allows online point transfers

25:38 Helping Maisie book a last-minute business class award to Europe

29:03 Using a soon-expiring IHG Free Night Certificate

32:49 Spirit Status Challenge Update

41:23: Main Event: 13 Ways to increase credit card spend (and get most of it back)

41:41 #1: Don't take "No credit cards" at face value

43:50 #2 Pay your taxes

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

45:42 #3 Pay bills that don't ordinarily accept a credit card with services like Plastiq and Melio

https://frequentmiler.com/melio-pay-business-bills-by-credit-card/

48:05 #4 Fund college savings or pay student loans

https://frequentmiler.com/miles-for-college/

50:14 #5 Make loans through Kiva

https://frequentmiler.com/why-i-love-kiva-for-earning-rewards-and-doing-good/

55:08 #6 Coordinate events with friends

55:54 #7 Pay bills for friends or family

57:06 #8 Fund new bank accounts

https://frequentmiler.com/us-bank-up-to-a-600-bonus-when-opening-a-new-checking-account/

1:00:28 #9 Buy and sell merchandise

https://frequentmiler.com/us-bank-up-to-a-600-bonus-when-opening-a-new-checking-account/

1:03:53 #10 Buy and sell gift cards

1:07:27 #11 Buy Visa and Mastercard Gift Cards

https://frequentmiler.com/best-options-for-buying-visa-and-mastercard-gift-cards/

https://frequentmiler.com/manufactured-spending-complete-guide/

1:13:07 #12 Reload reloadable cards

1:16:32 #13 Gambling on riskier business

1:23:31 Question of the Week: How can I use the Hilton Aspire $250 resort credit without staying at a resort?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Award travel unlocks an incredible world of possibility. Where will it take you?

This week, we talk about how award travel can unlock more travel and more luxury than you may imagine if you're new to the hobby. We also discuss an opportunity to unlock Hyatt elite status that is only available through 4/1/23. 

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

00:00 Intro

01:07 Award Talk: Expedia destroys the value of Hotels.com reward program

https://frequentmiler.com/huge-devaluation-of-hotels-com-rewards-new-one-key-program-only-giving-2-back/

07:48 Card Talk: World of Hyatt Credit Card

https://frequentmiler.com/woh/

18:19 Mattress running the numbers: Bilt promotion to fast track to top-tier Hyatt Globalist status

https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-globalist-fast-track-through-bilt-rewards-for-rent-day/

https://frequentmiler.com/should-you-mattress-run-the-bilt-x-hyatt-promotion/

37:01 Giant Mailbag

42:21 Main Event: The World Unlocked

https://frequentmiler.com/my-100000-vacation-year-on-nicks-mind/

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-get-53-free-nights-of-vacation-from-a-single-credit-card/

1:19:42 Question of the Week: You send too many emails. You don't send enough emails. What should I do?

Instead of saving money for years to visit Hawaii, save your money and get your flights and hotels covered with just two new credit cards. This week, we talk about how to scratch Hawaii off your bucket list with ease and your best options to make it happen.

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

00:00 Intro

00:56 Giant Mailbag: IHG Suite Upgrade Clarification

04:36 Frequent Miler Challenge Update

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

13:46 Card Talk: Wyndham credit cards

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndhamearner/

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndhamearnerplus/

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndhamearnerbiz/

29:00 What crazy thing....did Citi do this week?

32:51 Mattress running the numbers: Wyndham portal promotion

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-shopping-portal-math-strikes-again/

39:08 Wyndham points on sale

https://frequentmiler.com/buy-wyndham-points/

43:02 Award Talk: A multi-night stay on Hyatt free night certificates

45:21 Award Talk: Marriott bookings before the gloves come off

50:28 Main Event: Doing Hawaii with points

https://frequentmiler.com/hawaii-vacation-book-flights-and-hotels-with-credit-card-points/

56:38 How to get award flights to Hawaii

https://frequentmiler.com/best-ways-to-fly-to-hawaii-from-the-us-mainland/

56:37 Book with miles directly with the operating airline (AA Web Specials, Delta and United flash sales)

1:03:03 Partner awards: United via Turkish Miles & Smiles

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-book-united-flights-using-turkish-miles-smiles/

1:07:55 Partner awards: British Airways for Alaska or American

1:08:10 Partner awards: Air France and Virgin Atlantic for Delta

1:08:48 Tools for searching for award flights

https://frequentmiler.com/which-award-search-tool-is-best/

1:11:21 Hawaiian miles to upgrade from economy to business class

1:12:38 Lodging

1:13:23 Wyndham

1:13:45 Book Vacasa rentals with Wyndham points

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-vacasa/

1:17:04 Wyndham points for Wyndham timeshare properties

1:21:46 Hyatt points for Hawaiian accommodations

1:23:35 StayWithPoints

1:28:50 Is Hilton worth it? What about Marriott?

1:34:23 Timeshare deals

1:38:49 Question of the Week: Why is Greg's wallet so full of Citibank cards?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Since Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Garner won't stop asking, this week we discuss what's in OUR wallets (and why). Find out which cards the two of us carry regularly for each of the major expense categories. 

Join our email list: FrequentMiler.com/Subscribe

• 00:40 Giant Mailbag
• 03:02 Card Talk: Hilton Aspire
• 12:55 Award Talk
  • 13:04 Alaska Devalues JAL awards
  • 17:00 Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus for the win
  • 20:05 Nick’s quick hit Award Talk triple header
  • 20:15 LifeMiles Manual Booking success
  • 22:41 Hotel Nyack
  • 23:38 MGM “Free” stay
  
  
• 25:22 Main Event: What’s in our wallets?
  • 27:38 Greg’s Travel spend card
  • 28:40 Greg’s dinning card
  • 29:50 Greg’s grocery card
  • 31:06 Greg’s gas card
  • 32:10 Greg’s Office Supply card
  • 32:50 Greg’s Apple Pay card
  • 34:52 Greg’s Everywhere Else card
  • 40:33 Nick’s Travel card
  • 43:07 Nick’s dining card
  • 44:04 Nick’s gas card
  • 45:15 Nick’s Office Supply card
  • 46:21 Nick’s Google Pay card
  • 47:08 Nick’s Pharmacy card
  • 48:20 Nick’s Everywhere else card
  • 49:48 Greg’s Debit card
  
  
• 53:14 Question of the Week: What’s the best program for suite upgrades — and what can you do to increase your chances of an upgrade?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

The margin between the most and least rewarding hotel loyalty programs is probably smaller than you expect -- and which one is best for you often depends on variables like your status or which card you use. This week, we discuss which programs offer you the most bang for your buck.

00:00 Intro

00:45 Giant Mailbag: Inking success

05:45 Card Talk: IHG Premier and IHG Premier Business cards

https://frequentmiler.com/ihgprem/

https://frequentmiler.com/IHGBusiness/

12:35 Award Talk

12:37 ANA First class awards via Virgin Atlantic devalued

https://frequentmiler.com/ana-first-class-virgin-atlantic-devaluation/

17:11 Etihad First Class apartments booked

https://frequentmiler.com/etihad-first-apartment-review-simply-awesome/

22:35 What crazy thing....did Amex do this week? The Points Parade marches on

https://frequentmiler.com/now-150k-200-or-90k-200-awesome-offers-out-on-platinum-and-gold-cards/

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-membership-rewards-sweet-spots/

https://frequentmiler.com/cross-brand-amex-referrals-possible/

Hyatt's 2023 category changes mark a devaluation in the eyes of many, but this week we talk about the good news to be gleaned from the latest list and how Hyatt can get back in our good graces in a more meaningful way.

Join our email list: FrequentMiler.com/Subscribe

00:00 Intro

00:49 Giant Mailbag

1:45 Card Talk: Chase Ink Business Cash card

https://frequentmiler.com/cic/

12:37 Virgin Atlantic joins SkyTeam

18:40 What crazy thing . . . did Choice Privileges do this week?

22:00 Mattress running the numbers: Is Wyndham's new promo worth a mattress run?

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-promo-stay-3-consecutive-nights-earn-15k-points-2-nights-for-7500-points/

28:38 Main Event: Bright spots in Hyatt's 2023 devaluation

https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-category-changes-for-2023-not-a-pretty-sight/

https://frequentmiler.com/best-hyatt-category-1-4-hotels-resorts/

58:48 Question of the Week: Will that bill in congress end credit card rewards as we know about it?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

A $95 credit card could currently get you 4 (or more!) ocean cruises. This week, we talk about how to set the process in motion and why it could be a great deal.

00:00 Intro

00:50 Giant Mailbag

3:05 Card Talk

https://frequentmiler.com/c1v1/

11:52 Mattress running the numbers & What crazy thing....did Hyatt do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-promo-earn-3k-points-every-2-nights-500-points-every-2-nights-in-select-cities/

19:33 Greg almost books Qantas First Class

22:10 Main Event: How to turn a $95 card into four ocean cruises

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndhamearnerbiz/

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-cruise-for-next-to-nothing/

https://frequentmiler.com/holland-america-cruise-match-program-possible-free-cruise-offer/

https://frequentmiler.com/tips-for-new-cruisers-from-new-cruisers/

https://milestalk.com/the-status-match-merry-go-round-explained-using-both-hotel-and-casino-status-match-opportunities-year-after-year/

57:44 Question of the Week: Pop quiz -- which chains offer compensation when you get walked?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

There are a lot of great tools for collecting and spending points and miles. This week, we talk about the ones we use most often to maximize our mileage. 

00:00 Intro

00:45 Giant Mailbag: Tips from the comments on a fixing a failed attempt at a Platinum triple dip

https://frequentmiler.com/fixing-a-failed-platinum-triple-dip/

05:50 What crazy thing....double header!

05:58 What crazy thing . . . did Capital One do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-including-global-entry-reimbursement-on-1099s/

12:03 What crazy thin . . . did Virgin Voyages do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-including-global-entry-reimbursement-on-1099s/

17:23 Mattress running the numbers: New Hilton credit cards

https://frequentmiler.com/increased-hilton-card-offers/

25:48 Main Event: Travel Hacker's Toolkit

26:10 Managing Points: Award Wallet

29:39 Earning miles and points

29:45 Best Offers Page

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

32:56 Travel Freely

https://frequentmiler.com/take-the-stress-out-of-credit-card-bonus-hunting-travel-freely/

35:23 Tools for meeting minimum spending requirements

35:41 Kiva

https://frequentmiler.com/why-i-love-kiva-for-earning-rewards-and-doing-good/

36:51 Paying taxes

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

https://frequentmiler.com/best-category-bonuses/

40:34 Referral bonuses

https://frequentmiler.com/maximizing-value-from-amex-multi-referrals/

42:10 spending points

42:22 Flight tools (First up: Flight Connections)

44:49 Google Flights and airline websites

https://frequentmiler.com/find-great-business-class-fares-google-flights/

50:28 Point.me and Award Logic

https://frequentmiler.com/point-me-vs-awardlogic/

58:00 Seats.Aero

https://frequentmiler.com/seats-aero/

1:01:17 Expert Flyer

1:03:30 Award Nights

1:04:38 Award Mapper

1:06:16 Stay with points

https://frequentmiler.com/staywithpoints-find-hard-to-get-hotel-awards/

1:08:56 Car Rentals

https://frequentmiler.com/shopping-for-car-rentals-comparison-results/

1:15 Google Maps, Google Flights, Google Hotels, Blog Reviews

1:20:54 Question of the Week: On a partner award, do you always check in with the operating carrier?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Long the laughing stock of the award travel world, recent findings in analyzing award redemption opportunities show that Delta SkyMiles is striking back against popular perception. With a new award discount for cardholders that looks to be as advertised and international business class deals connecting the dots outside of the US, it is possible to get better value out of SkyMiles than you may have otherwise assumed.

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

00:40 Giant Mailbag

5:04 Mattress Running the Numbers Double-header

5:05 Wyndham Rewards points sale (too late, but good to know)

https://frequentmiler.com/buy-wyndham-points-from-0-975c-each/

7:42 Citi to offer 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

https://frequentmiler.com/citi-thankyou-30-transfer-bonus-to-virgin-atlantic-feb-19-mar-18/

14:06 What crazy thing....did Caesars Rewards do this week?

18:28 Frequent Miler 2023 Team Challenge Update

23:45 Awards we booked this week: Greg books Vacasa

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-vacasa/

31:05 Awards we booked this week: Gifting Hyatt free night certs

https://frequentmiler.com/bet-you-didnt-know-gift-hyatt-free-night-certificates-to-someone-else/

33:30 Main Event: SkyMiles Strikes Back

34:18 15% discount on awards for cardholders

https://frequentmiler.com/no-catch-deltas-15-discount-is-real/

44:53 Opportunities for good value using SkyMiles for premium cabin international awards

https://frequentmiler.com/delta-skymiles-business-class-deals/

57:06 Question of the Week: After Hyatt, which hotel program should be your #2 choice?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Hidden city ticketing could save you a lot of money or miles, but it comes with both challenges and risks. Some find it appealing, others find it unethical. Greg and Nick discuss the details.

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

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Giant Mailbag

05:19 Mattress running the numbers: Now exchange points between Choice and Radisson

https://frequentmiler.com/now-convert-radisson-points-to-choice-privileges-at-a-21-ratio/

13:04 The News: Delta 15% discount on awards for cardholders

https://frequentmiler.com/delta-launches-takeoff-15-cardholders-save-15-on-award-flights/

18:25 Awards we booked this week: JAL business class for 5

https://frequentmiler.com/wide-open-japan-airlines-business-class-space-not-all-phantom/

26:00 Main Event: Hidden city ticketing: techniques, challenges, and ethics

What is it?

https://frequentmiler.com/hidden-city-ticketing-can-save-you-an-absurd-amount-of-miles-with-some-key-caveats/

30:25 Drawbacks / warnings

30:36 You can never skip anything but the final segment

33:01 Keep it simple: don't check bags

36:40 Irregular Operations (IRROPS)

39:39 Make sure you qualify for entry to the destination of your ticket

40:40 Techniques to find hidden city ticket opportunities

41:05 Skiplagged

42:36 One more warning: Airlines don't like this practice

45:39 Google Flights

49:17 Use cheap prices as a starting point for looking at awards

52:30 Look at flying to Mexico or maybe Canada

53:04 Look where regions meet

56:01 Mixed-cabin award pricing (Avianca LifeMiles, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and Virgin Atlantic for Air France or KLM)

https://frequentmiler.com/cathay-pacific-asia-miles-mixed-cabin-award-pricing-first-class-for-less/

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

00:13 Downside of hidden city award tickets

1:01:32 Seats.aero for finding these opportunities

1:03:50 Ethics: Is this practice unethical?

1:18:55 Question of the Week: Is relying on close-in award availability a viable travel strategy, or am I setting myself up for a world of pain?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Do you often read about the luxury travels of bloggers and think "That's nice, but it's not possible to do that with an entire family!"? This week, Greg and Nick decided to bet the Frequent Miler team's reputation as points and miles wizards on our ability to create an amazing trip for not one or two people, but for all five of us.

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

00:00 Introduction

1:18 Mattress running the numbers: Bilt Rent Day Promo: 100% transfer bonus to Hawaiian Miles

5:45 Mattress running the numbers: Marriott promo for double elite night credits https://frequentmiler.com/marriotts-surprisingly-good-new-promo-earn-1k-bonus-points-per-night-double-elite-nights/

9:36 Noteworthy news this week Bilt integration with Point.me

https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-adds-free-point-me-integration-for-award-searches-with-partners/

12:22 30 Million+ Amex points for readers

https://frequentmiler.com/30-million-membership-rewards-points-earned-by-frequent-miler-insiders-on-referral-threads-in-1-year/

17:08 Awards we booked this week, AKA...

17:24 Main Event: First Class for 5. Gambling on Frequent Miler's 2023 challenge.

https://frequentmiler.com/ana-first-class-wide-open-award-tickets-early-2023/

59:19 Question of the Week: Will Delta protect your booking if you're traveling on two separate tickets booked via Virgin Atlantic?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

What's the strongest transferable points wallet you can muster with just a $250 budget for annual fees? Will Greg or Nick come up with the killer combo -- and can yours beat theirs?

00:00 Intro

00:59 Giant Mailbag

03:32 What crazy thing . . . did Capital One do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/can-the-premier-collection-really-compete-with-fine-hotels-resorts-and-the-sort/

09:03 Mattress running the numbers: A potentially lucrative Wyndham promotion https://frequentmiler.com/decent-wyndham-all-inclusive-promo-earn-5x-points-get-100-property-credit/

14:06 Main Event: The single-best $250 wallet for point collectors

18:15 Nick's gas station card

18:39 Greg's gas station card

19:12 Greg's grocery cards

20:20 Nick's grocery cards

22:10  Nick's dining card

22:43 Greg's dining card

23:45 Greg's travel card

24:10 Nick's travel card

25:23 Nick's phone and Internet

26:10 Greg's phone and Internet card

27:14 Greg's everywhere else card

28:00 Nick's everywhere else card

28:56 All of the extra cards

33:55 Question of the Week: What's the best card to pay for a $100K cruise? What about $150K in taxes?

Fresh off the plane from New Zealand, Greg shares highlights from his trip and we discuss the best ways to fly to and stay in New Zealand using points and miles.

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

1:06 Giant Mailbag

3:06 What crazy thing . . . did Chase and Aeroplan do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/unlimited-pay-yourself-back-for-travel-at-1-25c-for-aeroplan-cardholders/

9:47 Mattress running the numbers

https://frequentmiler.com/40k-choice-points-100-amex-gift-card-w-bluegreen-vacations-timeshare-offer/

15:56 Awards we booked this week

21:35 Main Event: Doing New Zealand with points

23:36 United Polaris mini-review

30:48 Qantas business class mini-review

37:23 Ways to book to NZ on points

https://frequentmiler.com/best-ways-to-get-to-australia-new-zealand-south-pacific-using-miles/

42:53 Cheapest way to NZ on points in business class

47:24 How to book impossible awards

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-piece-together-an-impossible-award/

49:48 The best program for impossible awards

54:27 What are your options for staying in New Zealand?

54:48 Park Hyatt Auckland

1:03:27 The George (SLH via Hyatt)

1:17:14 Eichardt's Private Hotel (SLH via Hyatt)

https://frequentmiler.com/eichardts-private-hotel-a-gem-in-queenstown-new-zealand-bookable-with-hyatt-points/

1:21:24 The Carlin (SLH via Hyatt)

1:24:36 Other options on points in Queenstown

1:24:57 Holiday Inn Express

1:33:55 Question of the Week: Can you do a free stopover in Honolulu on an Alaska award?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Airline, hotel, and rental car programs treat their best customers to the highest level of recognition. Are the perks worth your loyalty? Which elite benefits are the best in the business? This week, we talk about our favorite elite benefits in each of several categories.

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00:42 Giant Mailbag

2:43 What crazy thing . . .fourple header!

3:10 What crazy thing . . . did Southwest Airlines do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/southwest-compensating-passengers-25k-points-each-as-a-goodwill-gesture-check-your-email/

7:28 What crazy things . . . has Marriott done this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-gives-55-elite-night-credits-to-those-with-the-right-card-combination/

9:47 40K choice benefit free night certificate valid for two years?

10:51 Greg's invisible 40K free night cert

https://frequentmiler.com/like-a-thief-in-the-night-watch-out-for-marriotts-latest-naughtiness/

12:33 Main Event: Elite treats. The best elite benefits int he business.

12:43 Best airline elite benefit

https://frequentmiler.com/complete-guide-southwest-companion-pass/

16:45 Honorable mention via Delta

17:30 Best Hotel elite benefits in the business

17:39 Best on-property benefits

19:58 Best milestone awards

21:42 Best return on spend for top-tier elites

25:11 Best Rental car elite benefit: National free nights

https://frequentmiler.com/using-national-free-days-for-one-way-car-rentals-sweet-spot-spotlight/

27:53 Best casino elite benefits

https://frequentmiler.com/caesars-diamond-celebration-dinner/

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-cruise-for-next-to-nothing/

https://frequentmiler.com/why-you-might-want-to-book-atlantis-while-you-can-via-caesars-diamond-status/

31:30 Question of the Week

Music credit: Annie Yoder

We regularly report on great deals, but this week we discuss the cream of the crop as we try to narrow down the best of the best deals of 2022. 

Join our email list so you don't miss great deals like these: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/

00:50 Giant Mailbag

https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-milers-2022-state-of-the-business-report/

3:55 What crazy thing...did Southwest Airlines do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/southwest-having-operational-meltdown-no-end-in-sight/

11:10 Mattress running the numbers: Caution on those end-of-year mattress runs

15:45 Awards we booked this week: Alaska one-way with a stopover on a domestic award

18:50 Main Event: What is the 2022 Deal of the Year?

19:40 Amex Offer for 6% back at Belk

https://frequentmiler.com/lucrative-belk-amex-offer-make-almost-200-profit-card-linked-portal-earnings-credit-card-rewards/

25:16 Capital One Shopping offers for 24-30% back

https://frequentmiler.com/digging-the-capital-one-shopping-browser-extension/

29:25 Brussels to New York in business class for 25.5K Avianca LifeMiles

https://frequentmiler.com/25-5k-business-class-brussels-to-new-york/

30:40 Amex Business Platinum No Lifetime Language offers

https://frequentmiler.com/more-amex-nll-offers-170k-business-platinum-and-100k-business-gold-targeted/

https://frequentmiler.com/targeted-earn-200000-membership-rewards-when-getting-amex-business-platinum-business-checking/

33:45 Amex Business Checking 60K offer

https://frequentmiler.com/amex-business-checking-cash-out-membership-rewards-points-without-a-schwab-card/

36:15 Cruise line status matches

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-cruise-for-next-to-nothing/

39:58 Ritz-Carlton Visa becomes more valuable for the same annual fee

https://frequentmiler.com/yes-the-ritz-card-is-now-the-best-value-marriott-card/

42:38 United offered business class to many parts of the world for 60K miles one-way

https://frequentmiler.com/united-offering-60k-biz-class-awards-to-many-locations-worldwide-4-seats-in-many-cases/

47:00 Narrowing it down and crowning a winner

1:04:09 What are your elite status plans for 2023?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

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

01:37 Elite status

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

06:34 Expiring free night certs

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

13:41 Airline fee credits

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

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

20:14 Saks credit

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

24:34 Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection

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

29:12 Dell credits

35:50 2022 Bonvoyed Awards

37:00 Radisson International

38:35 Hilton's war on breakfast

43:17 Emirates

45:17 Delta's Triple Threat

51:39 Capital One Venture X

54:08 American & United

57:18 Chase Pay Yourself Back

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

Music credit: Annie Yoder

American Airlines clearly is not a player-hater: the newly revamped AAdvantage Loyalty Points program seems to be designed with an eye toward gamification. Gone are the days when George Clooney's character from Up in the Air was the ideal of an airline's best customer because this new program values those of us who earn miles without flying. Listen in to hear us discuss our takeaways form this week's AAdvantage announcement -- and a lot more.

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

1:00 Giant Mailbag: Thanks for the tip on how to use Dell credits

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-convert-xbox-egift-cards-into-microsoft-store-credit/

4:20 What crazy thing....did Capital One do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-shut-me-down-again/

9:31 Mattress running the numbers: Revamping our Reasonable Redemption Values for hotel points

https://frequentmiler.com/what-are-marriott-bonvoy-points-worth/

https://frequentmiler.com/what-are-hyatt-points-worth/

https://frequentmiler.com/what-are-hilton-points-worth-and-should-we-buy-points/

22:19 Awards we booked this week: Apply Delta Upgrades online

https://frequentmiler.com/apply-delta-upgrade-certificates-online/

30:26 Main Event: American Airlines takes elite gaming to the next level 

https://frequentmiler.com/sweeping-changes-at-american-airlines-is-it-more-aadvantageous/

1:00:08 Question of the Week: How do you know which hotels are eligible for the Hilton Aspire resort fee credit? A weird reader data point.

https://www.hilton.com/en/resorts/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Aeroplan adds the ability to book Emirates awards, British Airways lets you pay more Avios and less money, JetBlue totally revamps its loyalty program and more. Greg and Nick discuss this week's big loyalty news and more. Join our email list to read even more: FrequentMiler.com/Subscribe

00:28 Giant mailbag: Etihad sweet spot on Asiana

https://frequentmiler.com/best-ways-to-get-to-asia-using-miles-premium-cabins/

3:16 What crazy thing....did Southwest Airlines do this week?

7:30 Mattress running the numbers: Necker Island is back and there's a 30% transfer bonus. Is it worth it?

https://frequentmiler.com/necker-island-book-with-virgin-points/

18:09 Awards we booked this week: IHG search results weirdness (don't forget to scroll to the bottom!)

20:49 Main Event: Airline loyalty shakeup: Big news from Aeroplan, British Airways, JetBlue, and more

21:05 Aeroplan adds the ability to earn & redeem on Emirates

https://frequentmiler.com/book-emirates-through-aeroplan-econ-business-now-first-class-to-come/

30:09 British Airways adds option to pay more Avios and less money

https://frequentmiler.com/british-airways-adds-option-to-use-more-avios-less-money/

36:26 Alaska adds the ability to book El Al online

https://frequentmiler.com/transfer-partner-master-list/

40:12 JetBlue's new loyalty program

https://frequentmiler.com/jetblue-adding-multiple-elite-status-levels-in-2023/

1:01:49 Question of the Week: How long does it take for Marriott elite nights to post when you get a new credit card?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Get JetBlue Mosaic-like benefits or Alaska elite-like benefits without ever setting foot on a plane with the American Airlines Loyalty Point game. This week Greg and Nick discuss some reasons you may be missing that might make it worth playing the game.

1:11 Giant Mailbag

2:29 What crazy thing....did Capital One Shopping do this week?

5:35 Mattress running the numbers: Should you do the American Airlines elite status fast track if you have Hyatt elite status?

https://frequentmiler.com/american-airlines-launches-a-fast-track-to-status-for-hyatt-elite-members/

15:50 Awards we booked this week: Hyatt Regency MCO

17:51 American Airlines Loyalty Games Hidden Treasures

https://frequentmiler.com/aas-loyalty-point-pursuit-game-earn-status-w-out-flying/

https://frequentmiler.com/aa-status-win-complimentary-extra-legroom-seating-on-jetblue/

44:59 Question of the Week: What is the best card for unbonused spend?

https://frequentmiler.com/best-everywhere-else-rewards-cards/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

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

Join our email list: frequentmiler.com/subscribe

1:26 Giant Mailbag

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

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

12:35 Awards we booked this week

15:45 Strange bedfellows and secret alliances

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

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

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

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

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

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Whether you're doing some holiday shopping or making day-to-day purchases, you want to stack to get as much back as you possible can. Getting the best deals means peeling back a lot of layers.

00:51 Giant Mailbag

5:46 What crazy thing double header

First up: What crazy thing did Hyatt do this week?

11:43 What crazy thing did Marriott do this week?

17:05 Mattress running the numbers: Should we GoWild with Frontier?

https://frequentmiler.com/frontier-gowild-all-you-can-fly-pass-599/

22:39 Awards we booked this week

26:18 Main Event: Extreme stacking for extreme savings

https://frequentmiler.com/holiday-shopping-savings-tips-tools/

27:01 How we find good deals 1st: Slickdeals & Slickdeals Live view

29:24 CamelCamelCamel.com 30:58 Shopping Basket Trick

38:19 Shopping Portals 38:45 How portals work

43:48 How do you find a good portal?

49:15 Best Practices for portaling & favorite portals

59:34 Portal referral bonuses

1:01:43 Capital One Shopping (no Capital One credit card required)

https://frequentmiler.com/digging-the-capital-one-shopping-browser-extension/

1:12:45 Capital One Offers (card required)

1:14:05 Credit Card rewards (welcome bonuses, category bonuses)

1:20:40 Card-linked offers https://frequentmiler.com/card-linked-programs-the-networks-they-run-on-aka-which-programs-stack/

1:38:18 Question of the Week: In 2 player mode, is it possible to to gift hotel free night certificates so that Player 2's certs can be given to Player 1 to enjoy their elite benefits? https://frequentmiler.com/gift-hotel-points-free-night-certificates-and-award-nights-booked-with-points-rules-by-program/

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Are miles and points free? Do we use them for "free travel"? Does how we earned the miles make the travel more or less free? This week, we talk about costs and trade-offs of "free" travel.

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

00:43 Giant Mailbag

04:59 What crazy thing....did Barclays do this week?

Arrival Plus adds transfer partners https://frequentmiler.com/barclays-arrival-plus-adds-transfer-partners-are-more-changes-in-the-offing/

10:44 Mattress Running the Numbers: Why Greg isn't transferring to Aeroplan

https://frequentmiler.com/chases-30-transfer-bonus-to-aeroplan-is-awesome-but-im-not-buying-on-my-mind/

16:27 Awards we booked this week

Greg: A weak use of a Cat 1-7?

Nick: Hyatt suite success 26:20

Main Event: Award travel is free! No, it's not! Does it matter?

https://frequentmiler.com/the-joy-and-myth-of-free-travel/

27:39 Opportunity Cost

31:16 Redeeming points: is it free?

42:50 When people say "my travel is free", are they talking about the earning or redemption side?

52:55 Is acquisition cost relevant to your redemptions?

1:08:44 Does free matter? What is the Joy of Free worth?

1:20:05 Question of the Week: How can one meet minimum spending requirements on business cards?

Does two years of free companion travel and points to cover more than $1500 in airfare sound good to you? Southwest Companion Pass Open Season has officially begun and this week we discuss strategies to take advantage of one of the best deals in domestic (and Mexico/Central America/Caribbean) travel.

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

1:00 Giant Mailbag: Is the Alaska Airlines Visa worth it anymore?

4:00 What crazy thing....did Chase do this week?

6:42 What crazy thing double header! What crazy thing...did Greg the Frequent Miler do this week?

9:54 Awards we booked this week

-Nick: Business class summer 2023 to Europe on Air France under 50K per passenger, from Europe for 25.5K per passenger in business class

https://frequentmiler.com/25-5k-business-class-brussels-to-new-york/

https://frequentmiler.com/peak-summer-4-business-class-seats-on-air-france-including-to-brussels/-Greg: Marriott frustrations over website eerrors and free night certificates

15:37 Mattress running the numbers: Should you transfer speculatively to Aeroplan?

https://frequentmiler.com/wow-30-transfer-bonus-to-aeroplan-from-ultimate-rewards/

25:05 Main Event: Southwest Companion Pass Open Season

https://frequentmiler.com/increased-southwest-consumer-card-offers/

29:34 What are the rules for earning the Companion Pass and why is now the time to earn it?

https://frequentmiler.com/complete-guide-southwest-companion-pass/

30:58 Timing of the credit card bonuses

37:35 Can I just pick any do cards?

43:22 Is there an ideal two-card combo?

49:53 Are we going to go for it?

56:39 Question of the Week: Is it worth joining a paid group for tailored award travel guidance?

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Wondering how to leverage points, miles, and credit card benefits for a family of four or more? This week, we discuss how to enhance your family award travel.

1:30 Giant Mailbag

https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-milers-next-challenge-what-should-it-be/

6:06 What crazy thing.......did Frontier do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/frontier-gowild-all-you-can-fly-pass-coming-soon-take-unlimited-flights-for-12-months/

12:44 Awards we booked this week

https://frequentmiler.com/free-royal-caribbean-cruise-match-offer-kids-sail-free-stack-parlay-that-carnival-offer/

18:51 Points for family travel

https://frequentmiler.com/business-class-for-4-or-more-finding-multiple-seats-for-family-award-travel/

19:25 Lap infant tickets

https://frequentmiler.com/lap-infant-award-tickets-for-less-new-aeroplan-fee-is-25-cad-or-2500-miles-all-classes-of-service-partners/

24:31 Award availability for families

28:18 Flexible stopover

32:30 Companion Tickets

https://frequentmiler.com/travel-companion-tickets/

39:03 Vacation packages

https://frequentmiler.com/booking-a-flight-its-worth-checking-vacation-packages/

42:00 Lodging - Vacation rentals (Vacasa)

https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-vacasa/

47:42 Airbnb

51:27 Hyatt suite awards

https://frequentmiler.com/finding-extreme-luxury-in-hyatt-premium-suites/

https://frequentmiler.com/my-misadventures-with-a-hyatt-premium-suite-award/

54:00 All-suite brands

57:38 All-inclusive resorts

1:02:25 Choice Privileges

1:03:46 Rental Cars (National Executive)

1:05:12 Corporate codes

1:08:37 Airport lounges

1:11:57 Question of the Week

Join our email list: FrequentMiler.com/Subscribe

Music by Annie Yoder

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

1:25 Giant Mailbag

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why would anyone want to pay $400 or more for a credit card? This week, Greg and Nick discuss some of the cards on the market that *may* be worth it and which perks would need to matter to you to make them worth the price of admission.

00:46 Giant Mailbag: ANA's friendly change

4:55 What crazy thing....did Air Canada Aeroplan do this week?

9:51 Awards we booked this week: Greg's United award change to New Zealand and Nick's Marriott booking near Disneyland Paris

24:23 Why pay $400 or more for a credit card?

27:09 Capital One Venture X

33:45 Amex Platinum card

35:33 Amex Business Platinum

37:40 Chase Sapphire Reserve

39:41 US Bank Altitude Reserve

41:35 Amex Delta Reserve

43:28 United Club Infinite

46:10 American Airlines Executive Card

47:28 Chase Ritz-Carlton

50:00 Amex Bonvoy Brilliant

55:51 Amex Hilton Aspire card

https://frequentmiler.com/maximize-hilton-resort-credit/

1:00:38 Question of the Week: What can you do for phone access abroad? (Testing Holafly)

Music credit: Annie Yoder

All of the best "What Crazy Thing" segments in one place

0:32 Introducing new segment: "What crazy thing did Citi do this week?"1:33 Citi be 5x crazy3:09 Triple header: Everyone wants in3:48 Crazy Chase Hyatt offer4:16 Time to rename to "What crazy thing..."5:12 AA overpromises and underdelivers6:14 Choice fails to roll out terrible deal7:35 Hilton randomly gives out free nights8:19 Greg is now Natalie9:18 Nick's family launders their money (order)11:33 Capital One shuts Greg down12:56 Nothing says ultra-premium like Walmart13:46 Greg receives credit card bill due 52 years ago15:12 Amex tells Greg he is dead16:07 Greg attempts to kick the Capital One football again20:29 A virus has infected gift cards

How far can you really travel on just 3 credit card welcome bonuses? It turns out you can check multiple items off of a bucket list without breaking a sweat. This week, we discuss our favorite highlights from the three 3 cards, 3 continents trips. 

03:40 What crazy things . . . has Marriott done this week?

24:02 Pop quiz for Nick

27:25 Main Event

28:46 What was our strategy with our cards?

29:00 Nick's cards

30:59 Greg's cards

36:11 Favorite moments of each others' trips

36:54 Stephen's favorite moments

40:51 Nick's favorite moments

49:35 Greg's favorite moments

1:02:56 Question of the Week: What would Greg change for future challenges?

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

00:57 Giant Mailbag

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

11:23 Main Event: Sweetspots realized

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

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

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

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

40:57 Choice Privileges for Nordic Choice

48:37 Build your own sweet spot with transfer bonuses

Join our email list: FrequentMiler.com/Subscribe

Music credit: Annie Yoder

With a good deal of countries and continents under their belts, Greg and Nick have picked up some great tips for your international trips when it comes to packing your bag. This week we are currently on our #3Cards3Continents worldwide trips -- and with this episode you'll be able to imagine what we have in our bags.

5:04 Main Event: Packing tips for worldwide travel

07:43 A travel wallet in Greg's travel backpack

09:43 Get a good-quality bagpack / bag that is your go-everywhere bag

12:03 That backpack should have a lot of zippered pockets

13:13 Things you should keep in that backpack (A small carabiner for water bottle or sanitizer on backpack, small poncho, extra set of chargers that stay in travel bag, earbuds, snacks, at least one pen)

16:50 Single charger for laptop and phone and battery pack / earbuds / etc

23:12 Quick-dry clothes

27:04 Puffy jacket that collapses into itself

27:52 Hoodie with many pockets for flights on low cost carriers

28:37 Toiletry kit always fully-stocked

31:00 backup phone

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

3:00 Giant Mailbag

8:30 3 Cards 3 Continents 3 Updates

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

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

20:33: 7.5K miles to Hawaii

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

25:13 United Excursionist Perk

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

31:16 Czech Airways from Prague to Seoul

32:14 Hong Kong to London for 12.5K miles

35:00 Free airport tours and hotels

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

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

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

41:40 Manual bookings through Avianca LifeMiles

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

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

Want ultra-luxury perks like lounge access and elite status at a bargain-basement price? This week, Greg and Nick discuss how to get the most bang for your buck by maximizing annual credits on your ultra-premium credit cards.

1:21 GIant Mailbag

5:47 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 Updates

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

15:22 Awards we booked this week

19:45 What crazy thing....did Amex do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/12-transfer-bonuses-from-amex-membership-rewards/

30:00 Mattress Running the Numbers: Craftsy through SimplyMiles https://frequentmiler.com/stack-craftsy-offers-for-small-profit-4050-american-airlines-miles-loyalty-points/

37:34 Luxury Perks for Free (After Rebate)

38:46 Capital One Venture X card 46:50 Amex Platinum Card

1:24:22 Amex Business Platinum

1:38:55 Amex Hilton Aspire card

1:46:44 Question of the Week: Is it worth transferring speculatively (given the transfer bonuses available) if you know which programs you often use?

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

Music credit: Annie Yoder

Hyatt's top-tier Globalist elite status is easy to want, but it seems difficult to get. This week, we talk hacks to get you there faster.

1:14 Giant Mailbag

4:30 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 Updates

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

14:22 What crazy thing....did IHG do this week? 18:39 What crazy thing...did Nick do this week?

25:30 Awards we booked this week

29:46 Mattress running the numbers: Buying Hyatt points for 1.68c per point

33:38 Main Event: Elite status Hyatt Hacks

https://frequentmiler.com/shortcuts-to-hyatt-elite-status/

38:30 World of Hyatt Credit Cards

43:56 Promotions (Current promo = double elite nights with new business card and current Bonus Journeys)

49:40 Challenges

56:50 Partnerships (SLH, MGM)

1:02:58 Hosting meetings

1:04:32 Mattress runs

1:09:37 Friends & Family

1:14:01 Is it worth going after Globalist status given Guest of Honor, ways to book suites, and Hyatt Prive?

https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-get-top-tier-hyatt-elite-benefits-without-status/

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

1:25:23 Question of the Week: Are nonrefundable rates more attractive if using a card with good travel protections?

1:05 Giant Mailbag: How to find and book awards on Virgin Atlantic's website

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIh2Bosgas8&lc=Ugw-T8OXIc04QG7G0cp4AaABAg

3:41 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 1 update

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

9:58 Awards we booked this week 1

9:16 Mattress running the numbers: Winc Wines AA Loyalty Point Mileage Run

https://frequentmiler.com/stackable-aadvantage-offer-2500-miles-and-4-bottles-of-wine-for-10/

22:41 What crazy thing....did Marriott Bonvoy do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/rumor-mid-tier-marriott-cards-may-be-coming-next-month/

26:26 Main Event: New Marriott Cards are Coming (Probably) https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-bonvoy-gregs-bountiful-bevy-of-brilliant-predictions/

1:07:22 Question of the Week: How can I find Hyatt properties by category or location?

https://frequentmiler.com/want-to-see-hyatts-full-footprint-theres-a-map/

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Music credit: Annie Yoder

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

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

Friends don't let friends pay full price for hotels. Here are some of the tools we use to slice and dice the price of lodging.

00:44 Giant Mailbag: Pop-up averted over the phone

4:14 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 Updates

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

15:34 What crazy thing....did Marriott Bonvoy do this week? When it says you can't use suite night awards, maybe that's not true . . .

23:45 Mattress running the numbers: Buying IHG points for 0.5c each

https://frequentmiler.com/buy-ihg-points/

28:53 Main Event: Extreme hotel savings

29:40 Buying points on sale 36:45 Specialty rates

40:46 Card-linked offers (Chase Offers, Amex Offers, SimplyMiles, etc)

https://frequentmiler.com/card-linked-programs-the-networks-they-run-on-aka-which-programs-stack/

43:44 Portals

49:14 Membership sites (Capital One Spring, Greyhound, etc)

https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-spring-priceline-save-hotels/

52:25 Hotels.com stacking

54:25 Best Rate Guarantees

1:01:16 Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle

1:03:48 Wyndham business to Caesars to Free room

1:05:12 Follow sites for deeply discounted prices

1:07:20 Question of the Week: Do you have an update on American Airlines Loyalty Points?

https://frequentmiler.com/american-airlines-loyalty-points-game-update-halfway-through-whos-in-front/

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Music credit: Annie Yoder

Want to sleep cheap in the city that never sleeps? Using hotel points can save you a boatload on your next New York City vacation, but not all award options are created equally. This week, Greg and Nick discuss your best bets.

00:58 Giant Mailbag Double Header (First up: IHG welcome bonus free night not top-off-able)

03:56 Marriott free night certificates extendable after all 9:39 What crazy thing...did IHG do this week?

14:39 Mattress running the numbers: Locking in the 20% back Marriott offer for good rates in the future and abroad

21:27 Awards we booked this week

25:33 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 Updates

30:20 Main Event: The best free nights in the Big Apple

31:38 Hilton

38:00 Hyatt

45:50 IHG

51:35 Marriott

1:03:25 Choice

1:07:46 Wyndham

1:09:33 Radisson

1:14:48 Can you get off a cruise ship early to fly home?

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Music credit: Annie Yoder

As we plan for our 3 Cards, 3 Continents dream trips, we can't quite have it all. There have been dreams we've had to put on hold for future trips and this week Greg and Nick discuss a couple of those fantastic trips they hope to take one day but couldn't fit into this challenge.

00:45 Giant Mailbag: Chase reconsideration success

4:00 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 Updates

https://frequentmiler.com/tag/3cards3continents/

16:45 What crazy thing.....did IHG and Chase do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/ihg-premier-140k-welcome-offer-free-night-certificate-cant-be-topped-off/

21:08 Awards we booked this week

25:03 Main Event: The dream trip that got away

27:30 Greg's free night certificate wish list

https://frequentmiler.com/best-uses-for-marriott-free-night-certificates/

33:24 Nick's tropical paradises lost

https://frequentmiler.com/aeroplan-plans-for-future-dream-trips/

56:52 Question of the Week: What's the strategy for a person with high business spend?

[Update: The wrong episode was initially loaded. This update includes the correct episode.]. Wondering how to find those elusive business class awards? Greg and Nick discuss the tricks in their toolbags.

00:28 Giant Mailbag

1:48 Mattress running the numbers: Daily Getaways

https://frequentmiler.com/daily-getaways-2022-first-2-weeks-of-offers-announced/

Are any of these deals worth speculatively buying? Our analysis:

3:46 IHG points for half a cent each

4:35 Hilton points for half a cent each

4:47 Wyndham points for 1.17c each

5:30 Best Western at 0.55cpp

6:38 Choice points for 0.52cpp

8:35 Marriott gift cards for 20% off

Hyatt points

11:31 #3Cards2Continents3Updates

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

23:34 Awards we booked this week

27:00 What crazy thing....did London Heathrow Airport do this week?

30:18 Main Event: PLEASE tell us how to find business class awards.

1:11:17 When is Ask Us Anything?

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Music credit: Annie Yoder

Want to travel all around the world in business class for about as many points as most people use for a simple round trip to Europe? This show has the tips you need to book the famed ANA Round the World award -- and reasons why you might want to consider paying a few more miles and booking your trip via Air Canada Aeroplan instead.

1:25 Giant Mailbag: About those Virgin Atlantic awards . . . https://frequentmiler.com/virgin-atlantic-opens-award-space-gates-enhances-air-france-mile-value/

3:45 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 Updates

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

5:45 What crazy thing...did Marriott Bonvoy do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/bonvoyed-again-what-marriott-gives-it-can-take-away/

8:41 Awards we booked this week

14:45 Main Event: How to book round the world awards

15:27 ANA Round the World

https://frequentmiler.com/tips-for-booking-anas-round-the-world-award/

40:40 Using Air Canada Aeroplan to achieve similar goals

53:25 How do you handle an early morning arrival at London (or in general)?

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Music credit: Annie Yoder

Virgin Atlantic has promised to open up at least 12 award seats on every flight. This has led to unprecedented award availability. Here's how to make the most of it.

• 1:27 Giant Mailbag: How to log into hotel wi-fi with a Chromebook
• 4:44 3 Cards 3 Continents 3 Updates
  • Stephen cashes out 50K Membership Rewards
  • Greg exchanges 40K ThankYou points for 56K Avios
  • Nick needs to cancel his first booking
  
  
• 14:59 Mattress Running the Numbers: Biltmore Arizona
• 18:35 Awards we booked this week (St Pancras, London)
• 23:07 Main Event: Virgin Atlantic releases award floodgates
• 45:53 Question of the week: Are Marriott SNAs worth anything anymore?

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

00:58 3 Cards, 3 Continents, 3 updates

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

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

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

28:37 Air France / KLM Flying Blue

33:16 Emirates? No.

33:50 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

37:26 Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer? No,

37:50 Virgin Atlantic

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

43:05 Air Canada Aeroplan

48:03 Avianca LifeMiles

54:12 Qantas? (nope)

54:26 Our favorites

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

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Music credit: Annie Yoder

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

1:25 Giant Mailbag

2:38 Awards we booked this week

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

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

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

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

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

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

51:09 Post Roast

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

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

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Music credit: Annie Yoder

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

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

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

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

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

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

14:25 Main Event: Amex end game

15:52 No Lifetime Language offers (NLL)

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

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

22:50 Downgrade / Upgrade path

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

31:11 Authorized user / Additional cardholder bonuses

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

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

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

44:45 Post roast Nick Roasts Marriott

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

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

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

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

Music credit: Annie Yoder

00:50 Giant Mailbag https://www.allegiantair.com/military-discount

https://www.caesars.com/myrewards/promotions/caesars-rewards-salute-card

5:13 What crazy thing.....double feature! First up: Virgin Atlantic takes away calendar view (but we've got ya covered)

https://frequentmiler.com/the-virgin-atlantic-monthly-award-calendar-still-exists-heres-how-to-find-it/

8:03 What crazy thing...did Germany do this week?

https://frequentmiler.com/germany-offering-monthly-train-tickets-for-9-euro-june-july-august/

11:22 Mattress running the numbers: Is the 50% transfer bonus from Chase to Marriott a good deal? 

https://frequentmiler.com/50-transfer-bonus-from-chase-ultimate-rewards-to-marriott-bonvoy/

18:20 Main Event: Keeper features of ultra premium cards

https://frequentmiler.com/which-premium-cards-are-keepers/

39:01 Question of the Week: Is it worth spending toward Delta elite status to get my family upgraded?

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Music Credit: Annie Yoder

00:45 Giant Mailbag: Double Feature

9:29 Mattress running the numbers double feature. First up: IHG status match

https://frequentmiler.com/ihg-one-rewards-status-challenege-get-free-platinum-status-upgrade-to-diamond-with-15-nights/

16:20 A Sunbaskets stack https://frequentmiler.com/sunbasket-mypoints-simply-miles-citi-stack-80-profit-1000-aadvantage-miles-and-8-meals/

21:30 Main Event: Finding impossible awards

22:09 Step 1: Know your availability windows

30:25 Delta One to Europe

45:46 SeatSpy to hunt out availability

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

50:35 JetBlue Mint Class to London

https://milenomics.com/2022/02/booking-jetblue-mint-with-emirates-miles/

54:22 ANA first class

1:00:53 Singapore Airlines premium cabins

1:04:55 Question of the Week: Am I more likely to get rid of the Amex pop-up with a different device or by thawing my credit?

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Music credit: Annie Yoder