Bonuses, approvals, and retention calls

Episode 156 of the Award Travel 101 podcast opens with Cameron Laufer and Mike Zaccheo discussing a strange and unsettling incident shared in the Award Travel 101 Facebook group, where a traveler appeared to be panhandled inside DFW airport using a dubious story involving an “emergency passport.” The hosts agree the situation didn’t add up and use it as a springboard to talk about staying alert in airports. They then move into news and updates, covering several current travel and credit card developments, including a new Hyatt welcome offer with five free nights, an enhanced Capital One Venture bonus, American Airlines elite status buy-up offers, Alaska Airlines’ “Ski Free” promotion, and news of a proposed Sun Country–Allegiant merger. Both hosts also share recent personal card approvals, retention offers, and trip updates, highlighting how points and miles were used for travel to New York, Key West, Europe, Mexico, and Park City.

The main topic of the episode is a deep dive into the controversial rollout of “Bilt 2.0,” including new card tiers (Blue, Obsidian, and Palladium), the introduction of “Bilt Cash,” and major changes to how rent and mortgage payments earn points. Mike and Cameron break down the math behind the new earning options, explaining how cardholders now need significant non-bonus spend to earn rent or mortgage points fee-free, which sparked backlash from users who felt the program’s core promise had shifted. They discuss why the rollout caused a firestorm—citing complexity, perceived deception, and new earning restrictions—while also acknowledging positives like welcome bonuses, mortgage eligibility, higher potential earn rates, and strong transfer partners such as Hyatt.

In closing, the hosts offer balanced perspectives on who the revamped Bilt program may or may not be for. Cameron views it as potentially attractive for non-renters seeking strong transfer partners and solid earn rates on everyday spend, while Mike urges listeners to focus on opportunity cost and not get swept up in hype without doing the math. The episode wraps with a practical “tip of the week,” advising travelers to be proactive and push for better hotel accommodations when airlines strand them overnight due to delays or missed connections.

Episode Links:

• Hyatt 5 Night Offer
• Capital One Venture Offer
• American Status Buy up Offers
• Fly Alaska Ski Free
• Sun County/ Allegiant Merger
• Bilt 2.0 Details

Where to Find Us

1. The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
2. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
3. You can also email us at 101@award.travel
4. Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
5. Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026

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