Year End Strategies

Dec 6, 2024

Dive into a spirited debate about whether it's okay to take food from airport lounges using containers. The hosts share tips on maximizing travel rewards and the latest perks from loyalty programs like American Airlines and Marriott. Learn about clever strategies for year-end credit card benefits and hear personal travel stories, including an exciting concert trip and plans for China. Explore status matching opportunities and how to turn existing loyalty into travel perks. It's all about making the most of your travel experience!

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ADVICE

Lounge Etiquette

Avoid bringing outside food into airport lounges, especially if they don't offer to-go options.
Some lounges explicitly prohibit it, and airlines may have concerns about foodborne illnesses.

ADVICE

Ita Volare Referral

Refer a friend to Ita Airways Volare program and earn 2,000 points.
Your friend must take an Ita flight to trigger the bonus.

ANECDOTE

LoungeBuddy Shutdown

LoungeBuddy.com is shutting down at the end of January.
LoungeReview is a good alternative for lounge information.

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Mike and Randy Clinton dive into various year-end strategies and travel-related topics. They kick off the episode by discussing a lively debate from the community about the etiquette of bringing ziplock bags or containers into airport lounges to take food onto planes. Mike and Randy highlight how this discussion gained traction and sparked varied opinions among travelers, especially those with kids who might not enjoy plane food. They emphasize that while some lounges offer grab-and-go options, others do not, leading to creative solutions by travelers.

The hosts also cover several news updates and personal travel experiences. Mike talks about the ITA Volare refer-a-friend offer and the discontinuation of LoungeBuddy.com. They share their recent bonus earnings from various credit card offers, including Amex Business Gold and Hawaiian Airlines.

Randy outlines his upcoming trip to China, while Mike shares his experience booking a Taylor Swift concert trip using travel credits. The highlight feature of the episode focuses on year-end strategies for maximizing travel rewards and status matches with airlines and hotels, such as AA's Instant Status Pass, United's Status Match, and Marriott Elite Nights.

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