Frequent Miler on the Air

Discover how Rove is matching Mesa points and whether purchasing IHG Diamond status is worth it. The hosts also dive into this year’s Bonvoyed Awards, highlighting nominees and their top picks. They discuss Chase’s controversial edits to travel points, the impact of Wyndham's split from Vacasa, and the fallout from Mesa’s abrupt shutdown. Plus, get creative tips on using Hilton resort credits effectively. Tune in for lively banter and the latest travel loyalty insights!

The abrupt closure of the Mesa Homeowners card left many surprised, especially after new partnerships. Discussions unfold about user impacts, with transaction declines and lost points topping the list. The hosts dissect the appealing features of the card and ponder the risks of banking points in untested programs. They also delve into the contrasting models of Rove Miles and Bilt, suggesting caution and prioritization when dealing with fragile points. Practical takeaways abound as they emphasize the balance between chasing great deals and being wary of unproven rewards.

Listeners will hear about a reader's fascinating journey into status magic and how one family coped with delays in Helsinki. The hosts dive into year-end checklists for maximizing miles and points, discussing elite status across airlines and hotels. They also touch on crucial changes like American Express's transfer rates to Cathay Pacific, and offer strategies for managing credit card spend post-bonus. Tips on maximizing credit card coupons and insights into the Southwest Companion Pass keep the conversation lively!

The Southwest Debit Card surprises with its intriguing benefits, especially for points enthusiasts! Gain insight into its $7 monthly fee and welcome points. Learn how everyday spending can effectively earn Companion Pass points. The 20% off annual promo for families shines as an essential feature. Discover strategies to combine debit and credit card usage for maximum rewards. Plus, timing your application can optimize benefits, making this card a potential game-changer in the world of travel rewards!

Discover the hidden secrets of Citi Travel as it blocks hotel bookings in various countries. The team shares their favorite flights from 2025, highlighting memorable experiences with Air France and Virgin Atlantic. Learn about the impacts of recent devaluations from Turkish Airlines and British Airways on traveler rewards. Plus, find out the minimum hotel rating the group is willing to book and why some members might consider a 3.5 rating acceptable. Tips for nervous flyers and insights into maximizing travel rewards round out the conversation.

Is hoarding points a savvy strategy? The hosts dive into this hot debate, challenging the usual 'earn and burn' mantra. They reveal how having a stash of transferable points can give you leverage in snagging rare award deals, using examples like unexpected partner availability. Discover how new partnerships can create fantastic short-term opportunities and why keeping flexible placeholder awards could be beneficial. They explore the evolving nature of points programs and how value can shift over time, making a case for smart hoarding.

This episode dives deep into the world of stacking strategies, exploring how to maximize rewards through shopping portals. The hosts share entertaining personal stacking adventures, including a legendary Million Mile Madness tale. They dissect the troubling new policies from Etihad that complicate award bookings and cancellations. Additionally, listeners can learn about the benefits of the Morgan Stanley Amex Platinum and tips for finding targeted Chase offers. A lively discussion also tackles the choice between immediate rewards or long-term elite status.

Dive into the debate about the value of transferable points for hotel stays. Discover why most hotel transfers often miss the mark and explore fixed-value transfer opportunities that can maximize your cents-per-point. Learn about Hyatt's superior redemption values and how Citi might shake things up with potentially better transfer options. The hosts discuss cherry-picking the best transfer outcomes, while highlighting the limitations of Citi compared to Hyatt’s essential benefits. The insights around buying points versus transferring add even more intrigue to the discussion!

Dive into travel perks as the hosts tackle major hotel elite benefits from Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG! Discover the ins and outs of complimentary breakfasts, upgrade certificates, and lounge access across chains. They debate who truly offers the best bang for your buck. Plus, get the scoop on Hilton's Diamond Reserve status and its high qualifications. Lastly, unpack the recent changes in award pricing at United and learn how to add your passport to your Apple Wallet. It's a thrilling ride through the world of travel rewards!

Discover exciting ways to maximize Wyndham points with a new 7,500 bonus for a two-night stay! The hosts delve into whether this promo is worth the mattress run. Learn how to stack promotions for even greater rewards, including bonus points for cardholders. Explore the mechanics of a 5x points offer for Diamond members and see an example that outlines how a $200 stay can yield 27,000 points. They also discuss when combining promos is most beneficial, making your travel rewards even sweeter.