Southwest Ends "Cattle Call", Amex Gold "Enhancements" & Debating Hawaii with Mark Ostermann
Jul 25, 2024
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Mark Ostermann talks about Southwest's seating policy change, Amex Gold card updates, and his recent trip to Maui, debating Hawaii as a vacation destination. The podcast discusses assigned seats vs. cattle call boarding, increased annual fee for Amex Gold, and the cost of traveling to Hawaii. They also cover tips for saving money on dining and exploring Maui with Miles and Points.
The challenging road to Hana proved to be a stressful experience due to winding roads, one-way areas, and the need for careful navigation. The numerous one-way bridges caused delays and added to the difficulty of the journey. The app-guided tour provided historical context at various stops, which enhanced the overall experience and mitigated some challenges.
The Beautiful and Unique Setting of Haleakala
Haleakala offered a one-of-a-kind experience with its Mars-like terrain, breathtaking views above the clouds, and varying landscapes during the drive up. Despite the need for warmer clothing due to the colder temperatures at the summit, the beauty and uniqueness of Haleakala made it a standout highlight of the trip.
The Expensive and Effortful Nature of Hawaii Travel
The high cost and effort required for a Hawaii trip, including using up to 500,000 points on flights and accommodations, as well as spending over fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars on food and activities, posed a challenge. The significant cost associated with Hawaii travel raised questions about the value compared to other destinations accessible at a lower price.
The Engaging Culinary Delights and Welcoming Locals
One of the standout aspects of the trip was the exceptional food quality experienced throughout Hawaii, with diverse food truck options adding to the culinary adventure. The welcoming and friendly locals contributed to a positive and hospitable atmosphere, making the visit more enjoyable and memorable.
The Secluded and Peaceful Setting of Hana Resort
The tranquil and secluded setting of the Hana Resort provided a peaceful escape, offering an exceptional porch view of the water and a unique experience away from TV and urban amenities. Despite encountering rainy weather that limited outdoor enjoyment, the natural beauty and relaxing ambience of the resort were standout features that added to the overall positive experience.
On this episode episode of the Miles to Memories podcast Shawn is joined by Mark Ostermann from MtM Vegas, 20 Minute Travel & Travel on Points to talk some of the big news of this week. To start, Southwest dropped a bomb by announcing the end of their "cattle call" boarding policy in favor of assigned seats. They also dropped a few other tidbits which will either have you excited or concerned. We also discuss the announced changes coming to the Amex Gold card which include more credits and a higher annual fee. Finally we debate Hawaii as Mark recaps his recent trip to Maui and why it wasn't as good as he expected.
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