Is hotel elite status obsolete? | Ask Us Anything Ep77 | 7-2-25

62 snips

Jul 9, 2025

Turkish Airlines' unique frequent flyer program takes center stage, along with a discussion on the 1 million mile challenge. The hosts tackle the intricacies of booking one-way flights with JetBlue and the dangers of AI-generated damage charges from rental car companies. Insights on navigating credit card restrictions and meeting spending limits emerge, alongside reflections on first-class travel experiences. The episode wraps up with a critical examination of hotel elite status and its relevance in today's travel landscape.

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ADVICE

Avoid Turkish 1MM Challenge Pitfalls

Avoid the Turkish Airlines 1 million mile challenge if you aren't already familiar with how to find and use award space effectively.
Turkish miles can be very difficult to redeem, especially on Star Alliance partners, requiring patience and calls to multiple ticket offices.

ADVICE

Alternatives When Amex Blocks You

If blocked from Amex card approvals or stuck at 5/24, try applying for business cards or cards from other issuers with transferable points.
Consider Capital One, Citi, and Wells Fargo as alternative ways to accumulate transferable points.

ADVICE

Use Buying Groups Wisely

Buying groups can be effective for meeting credit card spend targets but come with risks like lost packages or below-cost deals.
Start small, keep good records, and consider gift card groups especially during Q4 sales for best opportunities.

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This Ask Us Anything, Live first aired on July 2nd, 2025

(00:51) - From Ryan - Nick you probably know Turkish airline rewards redemptions better than anyone else in the world. Would you recommend to your loyal readers (like me!) to do the Turkish 1MM Challenge?

(04:17) - If you find yourself points and miles bankrupt, at 5/24, and in Amex pop-up jail what can one do to get enough points to take a nice trip?

(06:08) - What’s the FM team’s thoughts on buying groups to hit massive spending limits for sign up bonuses?

(09:05) - I have the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles Select Business Credit Card. I'm canceling my Venture X. Do I have to move points to the Spark Miles Select before canceling to retain the points?

(09:57) - OK, still confused about the Chase Sapphire Reserve if I got the Chase Sapphire Preferred with 100K 2 months ago do I still qualify for the "new" bonus if I haven’t hit the bonus yet?

(13:22) - Are you surprised that the multipliers on the refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve card didn't change more substantially? Particularly the dining staying the same compared to 4x on American Express® Gold Card and 5x on Citi Prestige.

(14:42) - For the JetBlue 25 for 25, you can't do multi city points bookings on one PNR. Will sequential one ways be protected if you follow the multi-city ticket between one-ways?

(17:54) -With all the funny business that Hertz is starting to pull on phantom damage being charged by AI, are you/would you still rent from them?

(23:25) - Have we heard any updates or ETA on the new Alaska Premium card?

(24:12) - Is booking Mr & Mrs Smith via Hyatt more expensive than booking direct? A property hinted they prefer guests to book direct than 3rd parties, including Hyatt. Suggesting that Hyatt is a 3rd party.

(26:17) - Would love to know from the team, what's the best first class product you each have ever flown?

(33:06) - With the changes to Southwest, how does using a flight credit to pay the taxes and fees on a points booking affect its flexibility?

(34:52) - With half of the year gone by, what’s on track so far to win the bonvoyed award of the year?

(38:24) - You all say Chase Ultimate rewards points are great for Hyatts. What are each of your top 3 Hyatt Properties in Asia and Europe

(42:13) - Booked a flight from Lisbon to Atlanta on Delta. KLM was the carrier even though it was ticketed on Delta. I can't get them to give me my SkyMiles. Any ideal how to get these posted?

(44:43) - Has Nick set up a professional mic on arm inside a car??

(46:20) - Does The Edit by Chase Travel℠ and Amex FHR make hotel elite status obsolete?

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Music Credit – “swappin’ back n’ forth” by up @ night