Frequent Miler on the Air Our next all travel card | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep315 | 7-18-25
Jul 18, 2025
Discover the evolving landscape of travel credit cards and why the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be losing its charm. Learn about Bilt’s transition to Cardless and what new premium cards are on the horizon. Etihad's confusing award policy changes steal the spotlight in the Bonvoyed segment. Plus, hear a listener's success story on maximizing travel expenses with effective rebooking strategies and insights on navigating credit card benefits. The showdown of popular travel cards lays out the pros and cons of different options!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Award Rebooking Anxiety and Success
- Kelly nervously cancelled and rebooked United flights to benefit from lower award prices and saved over 31,000 miles.
- They experienced anxiety but succeeded in rebooking the same seats with a better deal, illustrating practical award booking risks.
Sapphire Reserve Rewards Narrowing
- The Sapphire Reserve's 3X travel rewards shrink to 4X only for flights and hotels after October, reducing broad travel bonus categories.
- We must seek new cards that bonus all travel types with solid protections beyond just airfare and hotels.
Ink Business Preferred as Alternative
- Consider Ink Business Preferred for 3X rewards on all travel categories as a temporary Sapphire Reserve alternative.
- Note its weaker travel protections compared to Sapphire Reserve, especially on car rentals and trip delays.