Point Me To First Class
Devon Gimbel MD
Point Me to First Class is a show for employed professionals, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and business owners with higher-than-average personal and/or business expenses who want to learn to leverage them into credit card points to spend on travel. Your expenses are your greatest untapped asset - but learning how to use them to travel the world doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated.
Each week, Devon Gimbel shares valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points and shows you how to spend them on incredible travel experiences.
Interested in learning more about working with Devon? Visit www.pointmetofirstclass.com to learn more.
This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions like:
How do I earn credit card points and use them for travel?
How can I make my expenses benefit me?
How can I earn as many credit card points for as little spending as possible?
How to maximize value from credit card points.
How to earn credit card points for travel.
Turn credit card points into travel.
Each week, Devon Gimbel shares valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points and shows you how to spend them on incredible travel experiences.
Interested in learning more about working with Devon? Visit www.pointmetofirstclass.com to learn more.
This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions like:
How do I earn credit card points and use them for travel?
How can I make my expenses benefit me?
How can I earn as many credit card points for as little spending as possible?
How to maximize value from credit card points.
How to earn credit card points for travel.
Turn credit card points into travel.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 59min
125. Maximizing the Citi Ecosystem with Dr. Suzy Spadafora
Dr. Suzy Spadafora, a points and miles enthusiast, dives into the often-overlooked Citi points ecosystem. She demystifies the unique advantages of Citi cards compared to competitors, discussing their transfer partners and earning potential. The conversation highlights strategies for maximizing rewards, including booking unique hotel stays and premium cabin travel to Asia. Suzy shares personal experiences and practical tips that make navigating Citi’s complex points landscape a rewarding adventure for both novice and seasoned travelers.
14 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 42min
124. Mid-Year Points Update: What I Burned, Booked & Learned
Discover the incredible possibilities of travel points! The host shares how they booked five international trips in 2025, saving over $150,000. Hear about the memorable experiences flying Emirates First Class and ANA 'The Suite.' Learn key strategies for maximizing points value and tips on flexible travel dates. The highs and lows of each journey are explored, along with insights into award flight booking intricacies. Whether you're planning family trips or dreaming of luxurious getaways, there's plenty of valuable advice for your next adventure!
Jul 7, 2025 • 33min
123. Using Real Estate Spending to Maximize Credit Card Points with Jaina Pallasigui
Join Jaina Pallasigui, a public health professional turned real estate investor, as she reveals how to turn your real estate expenses into unforgettable travel experiences. Discover her strategies for managing short-term rentals, leveraging big-ticket renovations, and using insurance reimbursements to rack up credit card points. Jaina also highlights common pitfalls to avoid and shares insights on blending passive and active investment strategies. Whether you're a seasoned investor or simply looking to maximize spending, her tips are sure to inspire.
51 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 10min
122. Listener Q&A: Adding a Third Points Currency, Booking Emirates First, and Points Regret
Dive into the world of credit card points and travel strategies! Discover whether adding a third currency to your rewards portfolio is worth it. Get practical tips on reallocation of credit lines and maximizing rewards from premium airline bookings. The hosts tackle listener challenges, including overcoming buyer's remorse and optimizing cash back cards. Expect real answers that empower your points decisions, paired with honest insights that clarify the sometimes confusing landscape of travel rewards!
20 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 56min
121. Chase’s New Business Card Just Dropped & The CSR Gets An Update—Here’s Why We’re Not Impressed
In this engaging discussion, Kelly K from The Points and Miles Doc shares her insights on the newly launched Chase business credit card and updates to the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The duo explores the disappointment surrounding the business card's lackluster offerings and how it compares to competitors like Amex and Capital One. They delve into the complexities of the Sapphire Reserve's increased fees and convoluted reward structure, urging listeners to evaluate the real benefits against their travel strategies and spending habits.
30 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 20min
120. The biggest surprises (and letdowns) of 2025 so far
In this discussion, Kelly, The Points and Miles Doc, a sought-after expert on credit card rewards and award travel, shares insights on 2025's major points and miles developments. They uncover notable devaluations and highlight standout programs like Alaska Airlines and Asia Miles. The conversation dives into the new Japan Airlines partnership, customer service's crucial role in financial products, and growing frustrations with major credit cards like Amex and Chase. Listeners will glean strategies to optimize their travel rewards and navigate the evolving landscape.
33 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 29min
119. Alaska Airlines Sweet Spots: Amazing Ways to Use Alaska Miles (That You Might Be Missing)
Discover how to unlock the hidden value of Alaska Airlines miles for your travels! Explore unique award sweet spots both domestically and internationally. Learn strategic booking practices and uncover exclusive routes that will maximize your mileage. Don't miss out on tips for avoiding common pitfalls and enhancing your travel experience. Plus, get excited about an upcoming workshop designed to sharpen your booking skills!
56 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 38min
118. Jet-Set with JAL: Bilt’s Boldest Transfer Partner Yet
Join award travel strategist Ben Komenkul as he unveils the exciting new partnership between Bilt and Japan Airlines. Ben shares tips on maximizing travel rewards, revealing how to fly business class to Japan without breaking the bank. Discover the perks of JAL’s mileage program, including unique stopover allowances, and learn the ins and outs of point transfers. From regional flights to booking with partners like Emirates, this conversation is packed with strategies to unlock premium travel experiences. Ideal for those looking to elevate their travel game!
21 snips
May 26, 2025 • 27min
117. Making Smart Transfer Moves: When Speculative Points Transfers are Worth It (And When They’re Not)
A major transfer pathway for points is closing soon, prompting discussions about whether to move Amex points to Alaska Airlines. Discover a personal strategy for evaluating speculative transfers with a 4-step framework. The episode dives deep into the implications of Hawaiian Airlines ending its partnership with Amex and how to make confident points transfer decisions, even without a specific booking in mind. Perfect for anyone navigating the changing landscape of award travel!
May 19, 2025 • 25min
116. The Award Travel Trick Hiding in Plain Sight: Fifth Freedom Flights
Discover the hidden gem of fifth freedom flights, a unique airline route that can unlock exceptional award space and experiences. Learn how this often-overlooked option allows airlines to connect two foreign countries for incredible travel opportunities. Dive into the historical context of these flights and explore specific routes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Whether you're a frequent flyer or just planning your next trip, fifth freedom flights could be the secret to scoring better premium cabin tickets!
