Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

Thinking about airport lounge access for your next trip, or wondering if it’s actually worth it? In this episode Bryce, Matt, Emily, and Travis share everything you need to know about airport lounges, from stand-out experiences (both good and bad) to how to gain lounge access on your next trip.   The team shares their best and worst lounge experiences across the globe, from exceptional lounge showers to disappointing food and less-than-desirable spaces. They also cover how to access airport lounges using points, elite status, or premium travel credit cards.   Plus, get a sneak peek at the brand new My 10x Lounge Finder tool, making it easier than ever to find the best lounge options for your trip!   In this episode: 00:00 – Welcome + travel plans 02:00 – What airport lounges are and why they matter 05:00 – Who gets access (and how YOU can too) 08:00 – Credit card perks and priority pass explained 13:00 – Best lounge experiences: Europe, Asia, Middle East 19:00 – Worst and most overrated lounges (let's be honest) 27:00 – How to maximize lounge perks like showers, dining & space 38:00 – New Lounge Finder tool walkthrough 45:00 – Tips for families, solo travelers, and road warriors   Links and Resources from this Episode: 7 Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access How to Get Access to Airport Lounges (With or Without a Premium Ticket) Check Out the New Lounge Finder Feature in My10x! Take our free points and miles course Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place Let us book your next award flight for you Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Join us at an upcoming meet up   Stay Connected: Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel   Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.   Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.   Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

Dive into the American Airlines AAdvantage program as experts share tips for earning miles and uncovering sweet redemption spots. Laugh along with their fun banter, including a humorous take on the pronunciation of 'AAdvantage.' Discover clever strategies for maximizing points on partner airlines and hear about premium experiences on Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines. From navigating award booking to family travel considerations, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge to make the most of your AAdvantage journey!

When it comes to earning and redeeming points for travel, not all credit card rewards are created equal. In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis break down the 3 main types of credit card points—bank transferable points, airline and hotel-specific points, and cashback—to help you optimize your points and miles strategy. From which types of points to prioritize based on travel goals to why flexible bank points often offer the best value, this episode will help you get clear on how to make the most of your credit cards. If you're looking to optimize your points and miles earning strategy, this episode is a must-listen! Protect Your Points: https://go.10xtravel.com/protectyourpoints In this episode:00:00 Welcome to Take Off: Meet the Hosts00:15 Behind the Scenes: Recording Realizations02:02 Introduction to Credit Card Points03:47 Deep Dive: Bank Transferable Points19:15 Understanding Airline and Hotel Points20:53 Flexible Points vs. Co-Branded Points23:07 Fun Analogies and Closing Thoughts25:37 Buffets and Travel Value26:07 Hotel Points Comparison27:52 Risks of Points Devaluation28:37 Bank Transferable Points vs. Hotel Points29:33 Introduction to Cashback and Fixed Value Points30:07 Cashback vs. Travel Points31:36 Cashback Card Strategies38:47 Business Spend and Cashback43:01 Personal Points Strategy50:41 Final Thoughts and Resources Links and Resources from this Episode:Three Types of Points: Which One Should You Prioritize?Cash Back or Points: How to Choose the Right Card for YouShould You Use Airline Cards To Pay For Flights?Take our free points and miles courseOur Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)My10x: Manage your points and miles in one placeLet us book your next award flight for youUpgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel ProgramGet free, personalized advice on choosing your next card10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected:Join our Community: 10xTravel InsidersFollow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblogWatch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

Are you taking advantage of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club yet? In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis break down the program’s sweet spots and the incredible value it offers for points and miles enthusiasts. Listen in as the crew discusses everything from flying to London for just 6,000 points to booking business class flights to Japan or New Zealand at unbeatable rates. They also explore Virgin Atlantic’s recent program changes, how to use their partnerships to your benefit, and share real-life examples of trips that can be booked in 2025. Finally, you’ll learn why Virgin Atlantic is a must-know program for affordable family travel and once-in-a-lifetime trips. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out in the points and miles space, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club should be on your radar. Tune in to this episode for tips to help you turn your points into unforgettable adventures with this program. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings00:41 Travel Plans and Antarctica Adventure02:18 Bucket List Travel Experiences04:50 Virgin Atlantic Travel Club Overview13:05 Earning Virgin Points18:23 Redeeming Virgin Points25:16 Changes to Virgin Atlantic Program30:22 Maximizing Virgin Atlantic Points30:36 Award Seat Availability and Elite Status Perks31:39 Economy and Premium Economy Redemptions39:34 Sweet Spots for Virgin Atlantic Redemptions39:41 Partner Airlines and Award Charts54:15 Tips for Booking with Virgin Atlantic58:38 Conclusion and Additional Resources Links and Resources from this Episode: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Your Ultimate Guide Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Award Charts The Complete Guide to Virgin Atlantic Companion Seats Take our free points and miles courseOur Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)My10x: Manage your points and miles in one placeLet us book your next award flight for youUpgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel ProgramGet free, personalized advice on choosing your next card10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today Stay Connected:Join our Community: 10xTravel InsidersFollow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblogWatch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

Discover the game-changing My10x Redemption Tracker designed to revolutionize how you manage your travel rewards. The hosts share personal stories about maximizing points for incredible trips, including tales from Australia and Portugal. With fun insights on overcoming the spreadsheet struggle, they highlight the user-friendly features of the tracker. Plus, listeners can learn about engaging community feedback and an exciting giveaway opportunity tied to travel logging. Tune in to level up your travel planning and redemption strategies!

Dive into the wild world of airline etiquette where the great seat recline debate sparks fierce opinions! Discover if barefoot passengers should be tolerated and who truly claims the coveted middle armrest. The discussion also tackles the art of using overhead bins, standing when the seatbelt sign is off, and in-flight behavior like headphone usage. With personal anecdotes and pet peeves shared, this conversation offers a hilarious yet insightful guide to navigating the unwritten rules of air travel!

Distance-based awards programs may seem like a thing of the past, but not for Alaska Airlines! In this episode, Travis is joining Bryce to uncover the unique details and perks of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.Bryce and Travis jump into a discussion on the unique aspects of Alaska's Mileage Plan, including its distance-based earning structure, a rarity in an industry that’s largely shifted to revenue-based systems. They break down the best ways to earn Alaska miles and discuss the program’s key partnerships with American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.They also share examples of how to maximize the value of your miles and cover recent changes to Alaska's program, the mileage expiration policy, and the program's standout features that make it a favorite among frequent flyers.If you're a frequent domestic traveler, this episode will inspire you to take full advantage of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.Tune in and get ready to take off with Alaska!In this episode:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:03 Travis's Trip to The Seychelles04:39 Bryce's Portugal Adventure06:44 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Overview16:30 Earning Alaska Miles22:53 Caution on Transferring Points26:30 Alaska Airlines Credit Cards Overview26:37 Earning Alaska Miles27:35 Redeeming Alaska Miles27:56 Alaska's Partner Airlines29:00 Domestic Award Tickets30:18 International Award Tickets37:37 Pro Tips for Alaska Miles42:32 Sweet Spots for Alaska Miles47:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks and Resources from this Episode:Take our free points and miles courseOur Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)My10x: Manage your points and miles in one placeLet us book your next award flight for youUpgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel ProgramGet free, personalized advice on choosing your next card10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member todayStay Connected:Join our Community: 10xTravel InsidersFollow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblogWatch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravelSubscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

Explore the thrilling 2024 travel landscape as the hosts reveal their top picks for airline loyalty programs, highlighting Air France and United Airlines. Discover the best redemptions, including luxurious business class options with ANA and Qatar Airways. They share fun superlatives, from family-friendly benefits to hilarious 'worst dining experiences.' Tune in for insights on new hotel features, tips for novice travelers, and creative strategies to maximize your travel points!

Reflecting on a year filled with travel victories, the hosts highlight their favorite trips and the biggest lessons learned from points management mishaps. As they set ambitious goals for 2025, including Hyatt Globalist status and more business class travels, they predict exciting trends like better award pricing and increased trips to Thailand, especially with new seasons of popular shows stirring up interest. Tune in for strategies, resolutions, and a light-hearted take on the ever-growing travel bucket list!

Discover how to make family travel exciting without breaking the bank! The hosts share essential tips for booking award flights for families and maximizing hotel redemptions. Learn how to tackle school schedules and manage car seat challenges when traveling with kids. Plus, hear personal anecdotes about thrilling trips to Costa Rica and plans for future adventures in Europe and Japan. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, there are plenty of actionable insights to elevate your family travel experience!