The hosts dive into the best use of flight points, with a strong consensus favoring upgrading overnight flights for comfort. They discuss the launch of exciting promotions from hotel programs and the impact of new changes to Southwest credit cards. The highlight is an in-depth look at EU261, a European law that protects passengers from delays and cancellations, offering valuable insights into eligibility and the claims process. Personal travel anecdotes add flavor as they share upcoming adventures and strategies for optimizing rewards.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
When to Use Premium Cabin
Choose the premium cabin on the overnight flight for better rest during long trips.
Adjust the choice depending on direction: outbound to Europe, inbound from Asia is best for premium.
insights INSIGHT
Travel Loyalty Sweepstakes Trends
Sweepstakes and contests have become common ways to earn large hotel points, but participation is mostly passive.
Weekly prizes and rewards encourage loyalty without requiring actual stays.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Assess Cards Before Closing
Evaluate credit cards carefully before keeping or closing based on annual fees and benefits.
Ask the community about benefit utilization before deciding to close a card.
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In Episode 131 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Angie Sparks, Anthony Cave, and Justin Walter kicked things off with a community discussion where member Antha asked whether to use points for a premium cabin on the outbound or return leg of a trip. The consensus leaned toward upgrading the overnight flight for better rest, with 66% of the poll agreeing. The episode also covered a range of updates: Choice Privileges launched a sweepstakes, Hyatt added more Standard and Bunkhouse properties (though with limited Globalist benefits), and Delta is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a slew of SkyMiles promos. Alaska Airlines and Choice Privileges were also named the top travel rewards programs of the year. Meanwhile, all Southwest credit cards underwent significant changes—higher annual fees, reduced benefits, and elevated welcome offers that could help earn the Companion Pass if timed right.
In personal updates, Angie closed her BOA Travel Rewards card and debated keeping her WF Autograph Journey. Justin finished a $20K Amex Business Platinum bonus and is planning a trip to Paris, while Anthony just returned from The Hague and is anticipating Alaska’s rumored premium card. The main topic focused on EU261, the European regulation that provides broad passenger rights for delays, cancellations, and other travel disruptions. Both Anthony and Justin praised EU261, calling it one of the most passenger-friendly laws globally and noting that its coverage is often enough to make up for the lack of credit card travel protections when booking flights in Europe.
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