Point Me To First Class

Devan Sullivan is the younger of the two Pointsisters. They help their clients check off their travel bucket lists, flying in style and comfort to far-flung destinations like Australia, South Africa, Japan and more. Devan herself has taken two Around the World ANA trips in 2024 alone, including a seven-week delayed honeymoon and a four-week adventure, ending with a Taylor Swift concert. In this episode, Devan breaks down everything you need to know to book your own ANA Around the World ticket. She explains the complex routing rules, how to find award space, the best ways to get the most value, and common pitfalls to avoid. Even if you're a points and miles veteran, I guarantee you'll learn something new from Devan's deep knowledge of this unique award. And if you're new to points and miles, this episode will open your eyes to what's possible. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/ana-around-the-world-ticket-devan-sullivan Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

My guest this week returning to the podcast is points expert Traci Siegel, a non-practicing attorney who has been using miles and points to travel around the US and the world with her family of four since 2011. She's been teaching friends how to hack their families' travel for years, and now she teaches her followers how to expand their travel budgets through her Instagram. Tune in this week as we dive into the world of airport lounges. We discuss how lounges can transform your travel experience, share what we believe makes a truly great airport lounge that's truly worth your time, and explore how to maximize your lounge experience for smoother, more enjoyable travel. Most importantly, you'll learn how you can access more airport lounges by choosing the right credit cards. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/airport-lounges-using-credit-cards-traci-siegel Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

In this episode, I dive deep into the implications of the Alaska-Hawaiian merger and explore how you can now effectively transfer your Amex points to Alaska Airlines via Hawaiian Airlines. This is a game-changer for anyone looking to book high-value award flights on Alaska and its partner airlines. Discover the three partner award flights that I'm most excited about booking with my newly acquired Alaska miles, as well as some honorable mentions that you won't want to miss. I reveal exactly how many Amex points I transferred to Alaska via Hawaiian Airlines and discuss why doing the same might be a terrible idea for you. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/amex-to-alaska-3-business-class-award-redemptions Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

There's one tropical dream destination that makes its way onto many points enthusiasts' wish lists: Bora Bora. I have a fantastic guest on today's show who just returned from an incredible anniversary trip to this iconic paradise, flying business class on points, and she's here to spill all the details. Dr. Chandani DeZure is a returning guest to the podcast. She's a Board-Certified Pediatrician and a mother of two living in California, and she's been on some truly amazing trips since she started maximizing points for travel way back in 2014. Tune in this week as Chandani and I dive into everything from overwater bungalows and stunning sunsets to the best ways to book, budget and plan your own getaway to Bora Bora. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/planning-bora-bora-getaway-dr-chandani-dezure Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Kristin Addis, the creator of Be My Travel Muse, shares her extensive travel expertise, having explored 65 countries with her young son. She reveals how to make family travel enjoyable using credit card points and offers insight on the best airlines and gear for kids. Kristin dives into tips for smoother journeys, from choosing the right strollers to keeping toddlers entertained on long flights. She emphasizes the transformative power of travel for children and offers practical advice to create unforgettable experiences for families.

Dr. Kipp Lassetter is a physician and tech entrepreneur with a distinguished background in emergency medicine and healthcare IT. Currently, Dr. Kipp is focused on revolutionizing the real estate industry as the founder of RBN, a startup dedicated to rewarding consumers with valuable points when they buy or sell a home with a top local realtor. Tune in this week as RBN co-founder and CEO Dr. Kipp Lassetter joins me to explain how to earn points on the purchase or sale of your home. He explains how this program works, the unique ways you can use RBN points, and how you can squeeze extra value out of them. If you have a home purchase or sale on the horizon, you won't want to miss this. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/points-real-estate-transactions-dr-kipp-lassetter Get your digital ticket for the Points Made Easy conference here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/PMTFCconference Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Melissa Parsons, MD, is a recently retired Board-Certified Pediatrician and now a life coach who helps amazing women learn to love their lives. Today, however, she's here to talk about how she booked a phenomenal trip just two months in advance, getting amazing deals in the process. While not everything went perfectly to plan— from a record-breaking heatwave in Barcelona to an uncomfortable train ride— Dr. Melissa and John had the opportunity to enjoy world-renowned cuisine, stunning art, and iconic architecture. Dr. Melissa shares how she made it happen and offers unique travel tips for planning your own dream trip to Spain. Get full show notes and more information here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/blog/dream-empty-nest-trip-spain-using-points-dr-melissa-parsons Get your digital ticket for the Points Made Easy conference here: https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/PMTFCconference Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Join Ben Komenkul, founder of Ben’s Big Deal and a travel rewards expert with over 10 years of experience. He dives into the key differences between using points for hotel stays versus flight bookings. Discover the true value of various hotel point currencies and practical tips for selecting the right hotel brand. Ben also reveals how to earn great treatment from hotels—even without elite status—and shares strategies to maximize the value of free night certificates. Elevate your hotel award game with his expert advice!

Dr. Suzy Spadafora, a points and miles enthusiast who has opened over 30 rewards credit cards, shares her secrets for maximizing credit card retention offers. She discusses effective strategies to negotiate waived fees, statement credits, and bonus points when calling banks. Suzy reveals her process for evaluating which cards to keep and the mistakes to avoid during retention calls. She even offers her exact script for requesting retention offers and explains the differences in generosity among issuers.

Kelly, known as the Points and Miles Doc, brings her expertise to discuss Capital One's points system. She dives into the evolution of Capital One’s offerings, highlighting the Venture and Venture X cards as travel rewards powerhouses. Exploring the strengths and weaknesses of Capital One's credit cards, they discuss strategies for maximizing points, including the standout advantage of the Business Venture X card. Kelly also shares tips on navigating the credit approval process and unlocking hidden travel rewards with valuable partnerships.