There are a few ways now where you can earn elite status on airlines entirely through hotel stays! This is sort of a new development that we're excited to discuss in today's podcast.

(01:32) - Whoops: Forgot United offers elite earnings on award tickets (UA flights only)

Find episode 288 here.

(04:09) - IHG Choice Benefit annual lounge membership trick worked this year

(05:58) -  One reader finds a way to get an offer to upgrade back to Amex Platinum for 50K bonus points after 2K spend.

(08:03) - Alaska Biz Card 70K offer is back: 70K miles and Companion Fare™

Learn more about the Alaska Business card here.

(09:27) - Costco card goes up to 5% at Costco Gas on 1/19/25. All other gas/EV will stay at 4%

(12:32) - US Bank Altitude Go: beginning on April 15, 2025, cardholders will be limited to earning 4x on the first $2,000 in dining, takeout and restaurant delivery purchases each quarter. Learn more about that update here

(13:45) - Sonesta credit card taking a siesta

Learn more about the Sonesta siesta here

(15:34) - Pay1040 fees up, down, all around

(21:42) - Hyatt promo: Earn double elite night credits for stays at Under Canvas properties Read more about that Hyatt promo here

(28:21) - Marriott Choice Benefit 40K expiry

(33:30) - BA goes revenue-based (Read more about that change here

(34:45) - Daily Getaways Dead: The program has been discontinued

(36:29) - Marriott ->> United Premier Silver AND Air Canada Aeroplan 25K Read more about that here

(40:59) - Hyatt ->> American Airlines Read more about this option here

(50:49) - Hyatt Explorist/Globalist elite members can trade Hyatt points for status for a day

(53:33) - Not as many shortcuts with Hyatt as with Marriott Read more about this here

(1:03:00) - Should I mattress run with Advantage Hotels the rest of my way to AA Executive Platinum status?

(1:06:14) - How do you value your time, for example when an hour of effort will save you a small chunk of change?