Program Deep Dive: Hilton Honors

Sep 19, 2025

Angie and Mike dive into a gripping community highlight about an Amex shutdown that left one member in the lurch with over two million points. They discuss news, such as Capital One's lounge changes and Chase's transfer bonuses. The main focus is on Hilton Honors, showcasing its expansive global presence and flexible free night certificates, while also addressing impending 2025 devaluations and weaker U.S. benefits like limited breakfast options. Listeners gain insights into Hilton credit cards and strategic earning tips.

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ANECDOTE

Member Shut Down Sparks Transfer Debate

Luis got abruptly shut down by Amex and needed to move ~2 million points quickly. Community suggestions ranged from Aeroplan and BA to splitting across multiple programs including Hilton.

ADVICE

Run The Math Before Transferring

Use transfer bonus tools like Award Wallet or award.travel's transfer bonus calculator before moving points. Calculate effective ratios to know exactly how many points to transfer during promos.

ANECDOTE

Flying Blue Beat Delta Pricing

Mike booked a Delta nonstop via Flying Blue for far fewer points than Delta charged directly. He split transfers from Amex and Citi to secure the tickets at 15K each for a family trip.

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Episode 138 of the Award Travel 101 podcast opens with Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo discussing a highlight post from member Luis, who was abruptly shut down by Amex with over two million points at stake. The community debated the best redemption strategy—ranging from Delta (discouraged) to BA, Aeroplan, or spreading across multiple programs including Hilton. News updates included Capital One removing Priority Pass restaurant benefits from Venture X Biz cards, a Chase 20% Flying Blue transfer bonus, and Southwest rolling out free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members. They also highlighted multiple transfer bonuses across Hilton, Marriott, and Virgin and reminded listeners of tools like the Transfer Bonus Calculator.

The main topic centered on Hilton Honors, with Angie pointing out positives like Hilton’s large global footprint, easy paths to status via co-branded Amex cards, and its uncapped free night certificates (FNCs)—which remain among the most flexible in the industry. Mike countered with drawbacks, noting significant devaluations in 2025, with standard awards now topping 250,000 points per night at premium properties. Benefits can feel weaker than other chains, particularly in the U.S. where breakfast is replaced by limited food and beverage credits and parking fees still apply on award stays. They reviewed Hilton’s four credit card options, their earning rates, elite benefits, and statement credits, as well as the frequent buy-points promos and Amex transfer bonuses.

The tip of the week covered how to generate and add an Atmos virtual card to Apple Pay using the BOA app, offering a workaround for those still waiting on their physical cards. Overall, the episode balanced community highlights, industry news, and a deep dive into Hilton’s strengths and weaknesses for travelers navigating the ongoing devaluation landscape.

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