#220: Is chasing elite status worth it? Chris shares his journey of earning elite status with 8 hotel and airline loyalty programs for 2025, weighing the pros and cons amid recent devaluations. He also highlights listener stories showcasing over $100,000 in combined savings through smart points and miles strategies.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/rethinking-elite-status-listener-wins

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Resources Mentioned

Bilt Air France-KLM Flying Blue Status Match

Marriott Free Breakfast Article

Marriott Secret Award Chart

Loyalty Point Hunters

Credit Cards

Automate Card-Linked Offers

CardPointers Pro: 30% off here or 50% off for ATH members
SaveWise

Prenuvo: Get $300 off a whole body scan

TV Show Recommendations:

Free Unclaimed Money Site

Pic of Brandon at Lowe’s

ATH Podcast

Ep #101: Planning the Best Japan Trip Ever with Brandon Pressor
Ep #102: Traveling to Japan with Points & Miles
Ep #166: Best Award Search Tools for Booking Flights with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler
Ep #182: Shortcuts to Elite Travel Status with Greg the Frequent Miler
Ep #216: Purpose, Friendship, and Human Skills with Simon Sinek
Ep #215: Medical Travel: Better Care and Lower Costs for Surgery, IVF, Dental, Advanced Screenings and More with Josef Woodman
Iceland 2025 Trip
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Email for questions, hacks, wins, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(02:06) Quick Overview

(03:13) Southwest Airlines: A-List Status

(07:43) United and Delta Status

(11:16) Earning American Airlines Status

(13:58) The Perks of Marriott Elite Status

(19:55) Achieving Top-Tier Hyatt Status

(23:56) Hilton Honors Elite Status

(25:01) Is Chasing Status Actually Worth It?

(32:26) Leveraging Card-Linked Offers and Tools to Automate

(40:52) TV Show Recommendations

(41:53) How to Avoid Uber Fees Abroad

(42:16) Get Free Unclaimed Money From Your State

(44:26) Amazing Listener Wins

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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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November 17, 2025

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