Award Travel 101

Episode 141 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosted by Mike Zaccheo with Angie Sparks, opens with the “highlight post” about the demise of the popular Red Aviator “Sub for a SUB” card—long favored for its easy single-purchase American Airlines miles bonus. The news roundup covers major developments: the completion of the Hawaiian-Alaska merger and Alaska’s award chart updates, elevated Chase Ink offers and limited-time Hilton Amex bonuses Angie also reviews several active transfer bonuses.In personal updates, Angie notes her Atmos bonus posting, Aviator annual-fee payments pending, a Hilton Surpass FNC spend met, and plans to downgrade her Ritz card. Mike reports no new activity since his Atmos and Citi Strata Elite bonuses. Angie also shares exciting travel news: booking saver business-class seats from Dallas to Istanbul via a Citi-to-Turkish transfer for her upcoming Switzerland trip, while Mike outlines firmed-up details for his 2026 Japan journey—Singapore’s LAX-NRT fifth-freedom flight, five nights at Park Hyatt Tokyo using a suite upgrade, and a return on JAL booked through a Capital One transfer bonus.The main segment centers on Angie’s family reunion and leaf-peeping trip through New England, where she splurged on Alaska First Class (75 k miles for four tickets) and balanced multiple travel-portal, Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt redemptions worth $2.2 k in cash value. She leveraged credits across Capital One, Citi, and Amex for lodging, dining, and rental cars, plus AA lounge access. Her takeaway: though scenic, the trip involved excessive driving, heavy traffic, and limited dining availability. The “Tip of the Week” urges listeners to review unused credits before year-end.Links to Topics DiscussedAtmos Rewards Award Chart ChangesNo Fee Chase Ink Business Card OffersHilton Amex OffersCredit Card Transfer Bonuses SummaryWhere 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.

In Episode 140 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Mike Zaccheo and Cameron Laufer cover a range of topics from heartwarming uses of points to travel industry updates and destination planning. They open with a moving story from a community member who used 18,000 AA miles to fly an old friend across the country for emotional support—highlighting how miles can offer more than just luxury travel. Mike and Cameron then discuss notable credit card updates, including new Capital One transfer partners like Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines (with a 30% bonus), and question whether the $895 Amex Platinum fee is worth it given the long list of credits offered. Transfer bonuses from Citi and Amex are also covered, and they touch on current promotions like Chase Freedom’s Q4 5x categories.The main segment dives into Cameron’s recent trip to the Dolomites in Italy. He provides a detailed rundown on how to get there using points and miles from various programs—highlighting Emirates’ fifth-freedom JFK–Milan route, and Star Alliance partners like United and Lufthansa. For accommodations, they explore luxury hotel options using programs like I Prefer, Marriott, and portals from Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One. Ground transportation tips emphasize renting a car over relying on trains and buses. Cameron wraps up with Dolomites-specific advice like reserving parking at Tre Cime, getting to Seceda early, and hiking resources, making this episode both informative and personal.Episode Links:Capital One new Transfer PartnersCapital One To JAL Transfer BonusOther Transfer BonusesAmex Platinum DetailsChase Freedom Q4 5x CategoriesWhere 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.

The Miami meetup brought together 82 travel enthusiasts for a fun-filled weekend. Discussion sparked on whether carrying cash is still necessary when traveling, revealing mixed opinions. Big changes in the Amex Platinum card were unveiled, including a fee hike but enhanced benefits. The new Southwest business card offer could secure a valuable Companion Pass. Attendees enjoyed social gatherings, a hot chicken challenge, and enlightening sessions on AI trip planning and spending strategies.

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.