2025 was anything but boring for points and miles. In this episode, the 10xTravel team reflects on the biggest wins, losses, and debates that dominated the 10xTravel Facebook Group this past year.

From controversial airline changes to once-in-a-lifetime wins, the community had a lot to say - and not everyone agreed.

You'll hear community takes on:

Southwest’s major changes and why travelers are divided
ANA ending its legendary Round the World award
The actual state of points and miles
What a 1 million point win actually means in real travel value
How travelers are adjusting strategies for 2026

This episode is part reflection, part debate, and part reality check for anyone planning to use points and miles in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:52 Year-End Reflections and Favorite Changes in Points and Miles

09:27 Crazy Things Done for Points and Miles

16:53 Is the Credit Card Points and Miles Game Dying?

26:47 Navigating Facebook Algorithms for Travel Deals

27:23 Maximizing Virgin Atlantic Miles

28:29 Planning a Round the World Trip

31:41 Winning a Million Points Giveaway

34:16 Strategies for Earning Hyatt Globalist Status

40:14 Southwest Airlines Policy Changes

48:08 Wrapping Up 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Join us at an upcoming Meetup

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
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Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

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