Award Travel 101

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.

Ian Carroll, founder of the award search tool Seats.aero, dives into the evolution of his platform designed to optimize travel using points and miles. He discusses unique features like customizable alerts and the new Seats.aero Assistant. The conversation highlights Japan's rising popularity as a travel destination and the intricacies of award searches, especially with airlines like ANA and Emirates. Listeners also get insider tips on maximizing credit card benefits and securing the best travel deals.

Angie and Cameron kick off by spotlighting a listener's success with Amex Platinum card credits. They dive into JetBlue's new partnership with Condor, enhancing travel redemption options, and discuss Citi's transfer relationship with American Airlines. The main attraction? Unpacking the secrets to earning the Southwest Companion Pass, emphasizing the importance of gathering 135,000 points. They share insights on current credit card sign-up bonuses and caution against potential future limitations on the pass's value. Travel strategy has never sounded so exciting!

Learn how mortgage advice can impact credit and travel rewards. Discover the new Atmos Rewards program combining Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, offering flexible earning and elite tiers. Hear personal anecdotes about planning a Caribbean cruise and future trips to Switzerland. The hosts share tips on navigating credit card applications and the importance of resilience when facing rejection. Plus, stay updated on the latest travel rewards strategies and credit card news to maximize your adventures!

Discover clever travel hacks for earning miles, including a listener's impressive strategy that yielded 300,000 miles. Dive into JetBlue's new travel portal and exciting flight updates. Unearth luxurious itineraries across Italy, from Florence's Duomo to sunset dinners on the Amalfi Coast. Hear personal tales of adventures in Rome, Sardinia, and beyond, complete with gourmet dining tips. Explore the intricate beauty of Italy's landscape, cuisine, and cultural experiences, making travel planning a breeze for future trips.

Learn how to maximize American Express statement credits and navigate dining rewards effectively. The hosts discuss credit card bonuses, exciting travel plans, and reveal new changes in the Aeroplan program. They explore the complexities of using points versus cash while sharing personal experiences. Strategies for leveraging travel rewards are highlighted, and community engagement is encouraged through upcoming meetups. Whether you feel overwhelmed by reward options or seek to enhance your travel experiences, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Heather Killingbeck, a passionate concert traveler and community member, shares how points and miles transformed her love for the Dave Matthews Band into meaningful adventures. From spontaneous trips to DMB shows in Mexico, she reveals how she’s used hundreds of thousands of points for unforgettable experiences across Europe. Listeners hear tips on using the Southwest Companion Pass and Hyatt perks, along with captivating stories of friendships formed on the road. The thrill of live music, combined with travel hacks, showcases the joy of chasing dreams through award travel.

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.

Discover exciting travel insights, including a spotlight on the charm of London, as the hosts share their personal experiences with transportation options and various lodging choices. Learn about new loyalty programs, like the Flying Blue giveaway and benefits of the United Business Card. Explore unique European destinations and hear about strategies to maximize rewards with travel and credit cards. Plus, get the scoop on ZorkFest 2025 and upcoming travel meetups, all while enjoying fun anecdotes and helpful trip planning tips!

In Episode 129 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike and Cameron explore key updates in the points and miles space and take a deep dive into premium travel credit card comparisons. They begin by discussing a community post on whether it’s better to use points or pay cash for travel—highlighting that the decision depends on factors like point balances, ease of replenishing, cents-per-point value, and potential devaluations. News updates include Amex offering a 15% transfer bonus to LifeMiles, the Alaska Companion Fare now working on Hawaiian flights, upcoming changes to the Amex Biz Platinum Dell credit, and Bilt preparing to launch new credit cards with Cardless.The main topic centers around comparing high-end cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR), Venture X, Amex Platinum (personal and business), AA Executive, and United Club. The hosts break down annual fees, travel credits, lounge access, and additional perks. For example, while the Venture X remains a value play with its $395 fee offset by a $300 travel credit, the Amex Platinum carries a hefty $695 fee but includes a long list of lifestyle credits and lounge access. They also discuss how each card aligns with different spending patterns and travel habits, including elite status benefits, points multipliers, and authorized user costs. The episode includes both hosts reflecting on their recent travels—Mike’s trip to Nashville and Cameron’s in-depth Peru itinerary—and sharing useful travel tips, like using airline apps and tools like Flighty to manage flight disruptions effectively.Episode Links:Amex to Lifemiles 15% BonusAlaska Companion pass for Hawaii flightsAmex Business Plat Dell creditBilt Upcoming changesChase Sapphire Reserve personalChase Sapphire Reserve businessCapital One Lounge Access ChangesCapital One Venture X personal vs businessCiti AA Executive United Club cardWhere to Find Us The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.