Maximizing Benefits of Airline Loyalty Programs

#240: Transferring points is one of the best ways to maximize your points, so today we share the top airline and hotel transfer partners. We also cover strategies to get the most out of your points, including how to leverage transfer bonuses, identify sweet spots, avoid common mistakes, and more.

Greg Davis-Kean is the founder of Frequent Miler, a blog dedicated to helping people maximize their travel rewards and loyalty programs, mostly without flying. He is also the host of the Frequent Miler on the Air podcast.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/top-transfer-partners-greg-frequent-miler

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Resources Mentioned

Greg Davis-Kean: Frequent Miler | Newsletter | Podcast

Frequent Miler Resources

• Current Transfer Bonuses
• How to Save Miles by Flying More
• How to book EVA Air Infinity MileageLands awards
• How to book Vacasa Vacation Rentals with Wyndham points

Flight Award Search Tools

• PointsYeah
• AwardTool ($20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS)

ATH Podcast

• Airline/Hotel Transfer Partner Spreadsheet
• Ep #166: Best Award Search Tools for Booking Flights with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler
• Ep #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler
• Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(01:00) Outsized Value from Transferring Points

(02:27) Quick Episode Overview

(08:21) Why Emirates First Class Is a Coveted Experience

(14:07) Air Canada's Aeroplan Program

(17:51) Maximizing Transfer Bonuses

(19:17) Getting Value from the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

(25:29) Sweet Spot for Virgin Atlantic

(32:49) Using Air France-KLM Flying Blue for Business Class Flights

(39:09) Leveraging Avios Points

(44:09) Avios Sweet Spots and Places to Avoid

(49:44) Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific

(55:44) Is the Avianca LifeMiles Program Worth It?

(59:30) JetBlue’s Transfer Partners

(1:01:44) Southwest Airlines

(1:04:39) Aeromexico

(1:04:52) Qantas and Turkish Airlines

(1:06:43) Booking Flights via United

(1:09:26) EVA Air Program for Flights to Asia

(1:11:18) Uses for ANA

(1:12:45) TAP Air and Thai Airways

(1:13:21) Why Greg Loves Alaska Miles

(1:15:31) Difference Between Airline Miles vs. Hotel Points

(1:16:37) Using Hyatt Points

(1:18:07) Getting Value from Wyndham, IHG, and Hilton

(1:21:11) The Marriott Bonvoy Program

(1:21:40) Booking Hotels with Citi ThankYou Points

(1:23:28) Leader’s Club

(1:25:10) Wells Fargo and Accor Points

(1:25:58) Why You Should Set Up Your Award Programs in Advance

(1:27:47) Is It Possible to Reverse Transfers?

(1:28:56) Where to Find Greg and Frequent Miler Resources

Connect with Chris

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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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