Award Travel 101

Angie and Joe dive into a topic raised in post by Award Travel 101 member, Scott "How often do y’all apply for a new credit card?" They discuss the importance of timing when applying for cards to maximize rewards and avoid negatively impacting credit scores. Angie and Joe share their personal strategies, including considering factors like credit score impact, sign-up bonuses, spending requirements, and how often they apply for new cards to stay within a safe range. They also explore the pros and cons of applying for multiple cards within a short period versus spacing out applications.Links to news and offersHow to Book Emirates 1st ClassNew (and enhanced) Chase Sapphire Preferred Welcome Offer. See why we recommend this card so highly.New Choice SweetspotsApplication RulesWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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 this episode Angie and Joe discuss strategies for leveraging their elite status across different loyalty programs. They share tips on how to maximize benefits by matching status from one program to another and how to navigate the process effectively. They also provide insights into their personal experiences, discussing the value of elite status in travel, hotels, and casinos. Links to news and offersMarriott Online Transfer toolCiti AA Personal CardANA cuts fuel surcharges by 40%-(Angie not familiar with ANA, Joe?)Wyndham Vacation Rental Condos in the US Bookable for Just 7,500 Points Per Night25% Transfer Bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Air France/KLM Flying Blue and 30% Transfer Bonus When Transferring American Express Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors through May 15Joe's Atlantic City status match "merry-go-round" Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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.

This week Joe celebrates his 3 year anniversary leading the Award Travel 101  community. He talks with group moderator Mike Zaccheo about his background, passion for aviation, affinity for spreadsheets and his tips  for being based near small non-hub airports. Moral of the story is when in doubt, chart it out and never fear a layover!Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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.

This week Angie and Joe discuss Award Travel 101 member Jessie's post about having a hard time parting with points. Jessie says she has plenty but the award space she needs are overpriced due to peak dates. Weighing using points for non-ideal redemptions verses earning them on cash tickets can stresses us out! However as we and often our kids get older we would like to try and make as many memories as possible so sometimes less than ideal redemptions might be for the best.Angie is also finally back from her long awaited, much reschedule African safari trip so she discusses the highs, lows, things to do differently and how to use points on a $$$$ trip.Lounge Hopping and Flying KLMTarangire National Park and more from TanzaniaNgongoro Crater, Ndutu Plains, Game Drive, SerengetiZanzibar & Bush PlanePark Hyatt ZanzibarQSuites for the return homeWrap-up (How everything was booked)Links to news and offersAre you eligible for a business card?What if you're not approved?How did Angie accidentally earn the Southwest Companion Pass? Do you know ALL of the ways to earn it?What 80K AAdvantage miles can bookWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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 this episode's highlight, we meet Jerod Morales, a seasoned travel rewards expert, to discuss his journey into the world of loyalty programs, starting with his first card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Jerod shares insights on using rewards to offset the high costs of family travel, recounting a memorable experience of booking a Business Class flight for six on Singapore Airlines’ 5th Freedom route from Houston to Manchester. He discusses his preferred travel style and favorite programs, including Ultimate Rewards, World of Hyatt, British Airways, and Southwest Rapid Rewards. Jerod also reveals his upcoming travel plans and shares valuable tips for saving, such as using T-Mobile for international travel and clearing U.S. customs in Dublin, which is especially helpful when traveling with family.Links to news and offersDetails Of New Chase “Sapphire Terrace” At Austin AirportWhat are the new 5X Freedom categories? Bask raises Increases interest rate payout on savings accounts again! Brex Rewards devaluation - most of us were fired anyway, but will others follow suit?Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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 this episode's main feature, we meet Jackie Wisniewski, one of the standout moderators in the travel community. We dive into her background and how she became a key figure in the group, sharing stories about how her and Joe first met and some of her memorable travel highlights. Jackie discusses her preferred travel style, her favorite loyalty programs, and her personal preference between window and aisle seats. She also shares her favorite booking experiences and her strengths in navigating the travel rewards world. Jackie wraps up by revealing her upcoming travel plans and what she's most excited about for these future adventures.Lastly Jackie shares her favorite tip... build your network.Links to news and offersBest way to fly lie-flat AA First Class domestically3/1 is reset day for American Airlines status. See how to re-earn AAdvantage status.Hyatt category changes - 214 up 158 down.United Business CardWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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.

Our favorite 90,000 point offer is ending soon. Get yours NOW!In this episode Joe talks to AwardWallet editor-in-chief JT Genter. JT is a seasoned expert in travel rewards, known for his deep understanding of maximizing points and miles. With a background rooted in a passion for exploring the world, JT loves traveling in comfort and style, often seeking out unique experiences that enhance his journeys. His favorite programs include those that offer versatile reward options and exceptional value, such as American Airlines AAdvantage and Hyatt's World of Hyatt. Known for his strategic approach and knowledge of the industry, JT's strengths lie in his ability to find sweet spots in loyalty programs and craft memorable travel experiences. Currently, JT has several exciting trips booked, including a much-anticipated journey to Japan and a luxury escape in the Maldives, both of which he's eagerly looking forward to for their cultural richness and relaxation opportunities.NEWS & ENHANCED OFFERSComplete Guide to American Airlines Status - JT LT EXP (JP 1st time) - why might this be important for readers/listenersNew Etihad Guest Award Chart - up to 3.2X more expensiveMarriott Drops 10% bonus to United, but… - something better for a changeVirgin ANA Chart No-notice changes - +/-s - more to come?New Bilt earnings on Lyft - why earn 5x when you can earn 12x?Stacking LifeMiles - Lufthansa biz 25k + $500Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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 this episode, we address a listener's question on the pros and cons of booking through Avianca versus Air Canada, discuss recent developments in travel rewards including Korean Air’s brief award chart changes, and share valuable sweet spots with Etihad Guest and Citi Transfer Bonuses. We highlight the latest Hyatt promo for earning bonus points and emphasize the benefits of using AwardWallet to track loyalty programs. The episode also features trip updates from Angie and Joe, and underscores the importance of meetups for enhancing travel knowledge and building connections within the Award Travel communityLinks to news and offers Korean Air - announced & suspended award chart changes in short periodEtihad Guest - alluded to this last episode - before that happens, AT101 moderator Jerod Morales shares some of the sweet spots Citi Transfer Bonus - Hyatt Promo & Status Shortcut- World of Hyatt members can earn 3,000 Bonus Points for every two eligible nights, up to 30 nightsShould you be using AwardWallet?AwardWallet tracks nearly 700 travel and loyalty programs and offers a variety of tools to enhance your travel and rewards experience. Features include tracking hotel certificates, managing travel itineraries, providing early airline change or cancellation notices, analyzing spending habits to maximize points, and tools to identify retailers for earning additional bonus points.YOU should have AwardWallet,  BECAUSE IT'S FREE! AwardWallet+ with more advanced features only costs $30 annually. Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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.

This week's discussion includes tips on earning sign-up bonuses with limited spending for those looking to accumulate points for Singapore travel. Members shared what they collect on their travels and how they display them.News highlights include Virgin Red Cruises offering awards for just over one card bonus, potential changes in Aeroplan and Etihad Guest programs, and Marriott Bonvoy's upcoming shift to fully variable award pricing. There's also concern over American Airlines' removal of traditional "Saver" award charts. The community shared their recent bonus earnings and trip updates, including cancellations and new bookings. The main feature explores when it's time to let go of a credit card, and the Q&A addresses whether to book flights immediately or wait for potential price drops.Links to news and offersVirgin Red Cruises for just over One Card Bonus Award Travel 101 community member, Ashleigh Sch, booked75K Venture Rewards - who should get this?Aeroplan PYB - 1.25 on Trav? Why it mattersEtihad Guest - negative/positive changes on the horizon? Why it mattersMarriott Bonvoy -  fully variable award pricing is slated to arrive this month. How bad is it going to hurt and we've not been given an actual date for this to go into effect. American Airlines -  Not only is 3/1 the NEW reset for status and earning Loyalty Points, but there may be more bad news on the horizon as AA is removing the traditional "Saver" award charts Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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.

This week Joe and Angie detail 8 steps to better award travel.Build Healthy CreditTransferrable Over Fixed PointsStart With ChaseExpand to Other BanksAmexCitiCapital OneBusiness CardsMaximize SpendFinding Award SpaceUtilize Card BenefitsLinks to news discussedSouthwest Points and Companion PassBask Bank Interest Increases rates (Is it better than AAdvantage miles)Delta co-branded cards 15% off Ink LTOs (who knows when that'll expire?)90K Members in AT101Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. 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.