Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Life is Too Short for Frequent Flier Miles? (Wall Street Journal Response)

Jan 15, 2026
The podcast dives into the debate over whether frequent flyer miles are worth the effort. It presents a counterargument to the Wall Street Journal's take, emphasizing that simple strategies can yield significant travel savings. Justin shares personal success stories and practical tips for simplifying credit card rewards. He debunks myths about rewards complexity, highlights the benefits of airline and hotel status, and suggests tools to manage points effectively. The discussion aims to make travel more accessible while avoiding the pitfalls of overcomplication.
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ADVICE

Downgrade, Don’t Close High-Fee Cards

  • Downgrade high-fee cards instead of closing them to retain points and credit history.
  • Use calendar reminders and a simple spreadsheet to track benefits and avoid losing value.
INSIGHT

Points Buy Time And Flexibility

  • Points and status often simplify hotel and flight decisions by adding cancelability and upgrades.
  • The alternative is paying more cash and trading time for money with inferior travel experiences.
ADVICE

Focus On Big Wins, Not Every Credit

  • Focus on high-return moves like sign-up bonuses and a few versatile cards rather than tracking every tiny credit.
  • Pick one issuer or flexible cards (e.g., Capital One Venture X) to simplify earning and redemption.
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