Greg & Nick's Favorite 2024 Awards | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep285 | 12-13-24
Dec 13, 2024
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Greg and Nick dive into their top travel picks for 2024, revealing standout flights and hotels. They discuss the benefits of new credit card perks, like a $200 Hilton credit. The reopening of Waldorf Astoria New York garners attention, along with personal anecdotes about booking challenges. From the luxurious Starlux and Qatar airlines to charming hotels around the globe, their experiences highlight the value of award travel. Plus, they debate the best airline for earning miles: American, United, or Southwest.
Greg and Nick highlight their favorite airlines in 2024, stressing the exceptional service and comfort offered by Starlux, Turkish, Qatar, and Malaysia Airlines.
They emphasize memorable hotel experiences at Grand Hyatt Kauai and St. Pancras London, appreciating the personal connections and luxurious comforts of these iconic stays.
The discussion on value travel showcases their success with casino status matching, allowing for luxurious experiences like free cruises and hotel stays at minimal costs.
Deep dives
Favorite Awards of 2024
The speakers share their favorite awards for the year, starting with their flights. They discuss various airlines and experiences, noting the exceptional service and comfort. A standout was flying with Starlux, Turkish Airlines, Qatar, and Malaysia Airlines. Particular emphasis was placed on the cozy atmosphere, impressive food offerings, and the ease of booking awards, contributing to memorable travel experiences.
Next-Level Flight Experiences
Highlights of their premium flying experiences include the luxurious Etihad First Apartments and Japan Airlines First Class. Etihad's flight featured a personal shower and fine dining, while Japan Airlines excelled in service and comfort. The speakers reflect on how these distinctions contributed to their overall enjoyment. They agree that both options offered unique and high-quality experiences, making it difficult to choose a clear winner.
Noteworthy Hotel Stays
In their review of hotel experiences, the speakers mention their stays at iconic hotels, including the Grand Hyatt Kauai and the St. Pancras in London. The Grand Hyatt Kauai is praised for its beautiful grounds and friendly service that keeps them returning. The St. Pancras stands out for its picturesque charm and outstanding lounge, providing a sense of luxury and comfort. Their emphasis on familiarity at these hotels adds a layer of personal connection that enhances their travel experience.
Deals and Discounts in Travel
The speakers discuss traveling at a value by sharing their experiences with casino status matching. They mention how this enabled them to enjoy complimentary cruises and luxury hotel stays without the typical expense. Particularly, the free MSC cruise from Venice and the Resorts World stay in Las Vegas were applauded for offering top-notch experiences at a minimal cost. This reflects their knack for securing incredible travel deals while embracing the unique perks associated with status matching.
Cruises as a Travel Option
Cruising in Europe is highlighted as a preferred way to experience various cultures without the hassle of constant repacking. The speakers particularly enjoyed the chance to visit picturesque locations like Couture and Dubrovnik during a recent cruise. This multifaceted approach to travel allows them to appreciate different locales while enjoying onboard amenities. They continue to express enthusiasm for future cruises, especially those lined up for next year.
Traveler Questions and Recommendations
In the question segment, the speakers offer recommendations for a listener considering American, United, or Southwest for frequent flights to Chicago. They advise that while all routes are viable, American Airlines provides the best opportunity for earning loyalty points and achieving status. This underscores the importance of strategically selecting flights based on potential benefits rather than simply convenience. Their insight reflects a broader perspective on maximizing travel rewards and enhancing the overall travel experience.
In this episode, Greg and Nick review some of the hotel and flight awards that stood out for each of them in 2024 so they can determine the best of the best for their 2024 award travels.
