Points & Miles 2 Player Mode | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep292 | 1-31-25
Jan 31, 2025
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Discover the buzz around a flashy new premium credit card and whether double elite night hotel promotions are worth it. Explore a fantastic way to score rewards with JetBlue points and hear a thrilling family travel story involving business class flights to Australia. Delve into the perks of the IHG Premier Card and why Marriott's recent award price changes matter. Plus, get insider tips on maximizing rewards through teamwork, including companion tickets and optimizing card benefits!
The introduction of the JetBlue Premier card raises concerns about its high annual fee versus limited immediate benefits, especially with delayed lounge access.
Utilizing a two-player mode for earning points and miles can significantly enhance rewards through shared credit card applications and referrals between partners.
Current hotel promotions from IHG and Marriott, offering double elite nights and points, present a strategic opportunity for maximizing travel rewards and benefits.
Deep dives
Exploring a New Premium Credit Card
A new premium credit card from JetBlue called JetBlue Premier has been announced, but it has received criticism for its high annual fee of $499 without providing substantial benefits. The card offers lounge access that won’t be available until JetBlue’s lounges open in late 2025, raising questions about its immediate value. The benefits, including a $300 travel credit, are tied to conditions that make it difficult for users to fully enjoy them. This has led to skepticism regarding the card's appeal compared to similar offerings in the market.
Maximizing Travel through Two-Player Mode
Playing the points and miles game in 'two-player mode' can significantly increase the rewards earned by couples or travel companions. By applying for the same credit cards, both parties can earn welcome bonuses and rewards, effectively doubling their benefits. Referrals between players can also add more points to both parties’ accounts, amplifying the point-earning potential. This strategy fosters collaboration and enables partners to utilize tour spending requirements thoughtfully to maximize their rewards more efficiently.
Benefits of Companion Tickets
Companion tickets are an excellent way for couples traveling together to save money on flights. For example, the Southwest Companion Pass allows one traveler to fly with a partner for just the cost of taxes and fees, making it a highly valuable option. Additionally, several airline credit cards, like Delta and Alaska, offer companion tickets as benefits, which can enhance the travel experience. By utilizing these options, travelers can afford to take more trips and enjoy discounted fares together.
Hotel Cards Offering Free Nights
Many hotel credit cards provide free night certificates upon renewal, which can be strategically paired when both partners sign up. This approach ensures that both players can enjoy free nights that coincide with trip planning, making accommodation more economical. For instance, cards from Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott offer various free night benefits that enhance value when used collaboratively. This combined strategy can also help maximize elite status and rewards at preferred hotel chains.
Current Promotions for Points-Earning
Current promotions from hotel chains like IHG and Marriott offer double elite nights or points, making this an opportune time for targeted stays. IHG's promotion includes double nights through April 22, while Marriott's includes both double elite nights and bonus points, boosting the potential rewards significantly. These promotions may benefit those already planning to stay at these properties and can incentivize mattress runs if the value aligns with the traveler’s goals. However, careful consideration of cost vs. benefit is advised to avoid unnecessary expenses.
On this episode, we'll talk about a crazy new premium credit card, we'll debate double elite night hotel promotions to see if they're mattress run worthy, talk about a nice new way to use JetBlue points, and discuss how to double your rewards with a partner.
(01:15) - One reader writes in about booking their family with roundtrip business class flights to Australia for Christmas and New Years!!!
(50:50) - One reader has One Amex Platinum Card and one Amex Business Platinum Card. If they cancel or downgrade one of the cards, how does that impact their Delta lounge access for the calendar year?
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