
MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!
The fun side of miles, points and travel! Hosted by Shawn Coomer and Mark Ostermann, MTM Travel dives into the points hobby & the lifestyle of travel with topical conversations and plenty of laughs along the way.
Mark & Shawn have a combined 18 years of experience covering these topics on Miles to Memories and Travel on Points and are cohosts of the popular MtM Vegas Youtube Show on the Miles to Memories Vegas channel. They also host the 20 Minute Travel news show on this same feed where you can keep up with the latest deals, news and happenings.
Latest episodes

Nov 18, 2024 • 42min
Chase Bank Error in Our Favor, 5 Years of Hilton Diamond for Free & Spirit Goes Bankrupt!
Hear about the potential bankruptcy of Spirit Airlines and the challenges facing low-cost carriers in the U.S. Mark shares his frustrating experience with American Airlines, shedding light on customer service woes. Discover how a huge Chase bank error benefited Shawn and Mark's windfall of 5 years of Hilton Diamond status. They also explore the complexities of car leasing and payment solutions like Melio, while teasing adventures in Vegas and off-roading with various electric vehicles.

Nov 13, 2024 • 22min
TMT News - Marriott Bonvoyed in Reverse, AA's Strict New Rules, Caesars Diamond Lost Alaska 100K & Downgrading!
This week dives into some travel hot topics! Discover what Caesars Diamond status loss means for loyalty seekers. American Airlines introduces stricter policies to enhance passenger experiences. Alaska Airlines tempts with a massive 100K card offer. Explore Hyatt's expanding all-inclusive resorts and how Marriott is adjusting its loyalty program. Plus, hear about a bizarre car rental incident that had the police involved. Learn why downgrading credit cards might be a savvy strategy in the ever-evolving travel rewards landscape!

Nov 11, 2024 • 48min
Caribbean Luxury in Orlando, Universal On-Property Hacks & Tips & Meta Smartglasses Travel Review!
Episode Description In this conversation, Shawn & Mark are joined by Joe Cheung to discuss their recent trips to Orlando, focusing on their recent experiences at various hotels, particularly the Conrad Orlando, Universal's Royal Pacific and the Hyatt Regency at the airport. They share travel tips, flight stories, and insights into the amenities and services offered at these properties. The conversation highlights the unique features of the Conrad, including its insane lagoon pool and dining options, while also touching on the value of using hotel points for stays. Is it enjoyable visiting Orlando without visiting theme parks? We also dive into Shawn's recent stay at the Royal Pacific which was completely paid for with Delta points. What are the advantages of staying at Universal's Royal Pacific Hotel, particularly the Express Pass benefits, and how does the overall experience compare to Disney. The discussion concludes with alternative attractions in Orlando, such as Fun Spot and what is coming like Universal's 3rd park Epic Universe. Conrad Orlando tour from Jackson Jetsetting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1j2cVQHLmg Watch Joe on Disney Deciphered - https://www.youtube.com/@disneydeciphered Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV). 21+. Physically present in MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit req. Max. $50 issued in Casino Credits for select games that are non-withdrawable and expire in 7 days (168 hours). Terms: goldennuggetcasino.com/welcome. Ends 12/1/24 at 11:59PM ET. Sponsored by GNOG.

Nov 8, 2024 • 22min
Venetian Layoffs, A's Stadium Financing Plan, Caesars Palace Removal & Leaked Delano Transition Info
Don’t miss out on the Vegas experience! Download the Golden Nugget Casino app today! Sign-up using https://gnogc.co/m2m or through my promo code M2M Episode Description In this conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss various aspects of travel, including airline experiences, travel insurance, airport layouts, and the dynamics of the miles and points hobby. Shawn recently went to SLC for the day and he shares his experiences doing a same day turn on Frontier and walking the new SLC terminal building. Mark previews his Orlando trip and the two discuss travel insurance in the wake of possible changes to Chase's card protections. Finally the two are joined by David Ocamb from the Ocamb Group to go over some interesting data collected about the miles & points hobby. We dive into who you are, what makes you tick and why people shouldn't get caught in FOMO. Fascinating data that you don't want to miss! Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV). 21+. Physically present in MI/NJ/PA/WV only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit req. Max. $50 issued in Casino Credits for select games that are non-withdrawable and expire in 7 days (168 hours). Terms: goldennuggetcasino.com/welcome. Ends 12/1/24 at 11:59PM ET. Sponsored by GNOG.

Nov 4, 2024 • 48min
Best Hyatt Category 1-4, Chicago Christmas Markets, Getting Ready for Q4 & Shawn's Sad Redeye!
Episode Description In this conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss various aspects of travel, including airline experiences, travel insurance, airport layouts, and the dynamics of the miles and points hobby. Shawn recently went to SLC for the day and he shares his experiences doing a same day turn on Frontier and walking the new SLC terminal building. Mark previews his Orlando trip and the two discuss travel insurance in the wake of possible changes to Chase's card protections. Finally the two are joined by David Ocamb from the Ocamb Group to go over some interesting data collected about the miles & points hobby. We dive into who you are, what makes you tick and why people shouldn't get caught in FOMO. Fascinating data that you don't want to miss! Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Oct 30, 2024 • 19min
TMT News - Juicy Chase Card Rumor, AA's Cheater Tech, Spirit Frontier Merger & America's Most Insane Pool!
Get ready for some juicy travel rumors! There's speculation about a new premium Chase card offering and what perks it might include. In airline news, Spirit and Frontier are eyeing an exciting merger, while American Airlines introduces tech to tackle line cutters. Plus, hear about a Delta employee's questionable side hustle! Dive into the quirks of Citi's ThankYou Points and discover America’s most insane pool at Evermore Resort. Travel trends are transforming, and you won’t want to miss this discussion!

Oct 28, 2024 • 44min
Airline Seat Fee Scams, Chase Insurance Changes & Fascinating Survey Data Behind the Points Hobby!
Episode Description In this conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss various aspects of travel, including airline experiences, travel insurance, airport layouts, and the dynamics of the miles and points hobby. Shawn recently went to SLC for the day and he shares his experiences doing a same day turn on Frontier and walking the new SLC terminal building. Mark previews his Orlando trip and the two discuss travel insurance in the wake of possible changes to Chase's card protections. Finally the two are joined by David Ocamb from the Ocamb Group to go over some interesting data collected about the miles & points hobby. We dive into who you are, what makes you tick and why people shouldn't get caught in FOMO. Fascinating data that you don't want to miss! Episode Guide 0:00 The “scam” of airline seat fees and assignments 3:10 Previewing Mark’s Orlando trip 5:01 One day trip to Salt Lake City - Frontier same day turn 9:20 Why the new Salt Lake City airport terminal kind of sucks 13:30 Changes to Chase card insurance protections? 16:40 Travel insurance strategies & “self insurance” 24:34 Diving into the miles & points hobby demographics data 28:00 Some of our biggest surprises from the survey data 36:40 How much time are people spending & other key takeaways Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

Oct 23, 2024 • 20min
TMT News - Big Alaska Mileage Play, Easy 20K Amex, Travel Trolling, Real Mario Kart & Transfer Bonus Overload!
Dive into the latest travel strategies, including exciting ways to secure that coveted empty middle seat on flights. Discover how house sitting can save you money while exploring new places. Get the scoop on lucrative Amex offers that could net you 20K points and dive into the fascinating merger of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines loyalty programs. Plus, find out how to engage in playful rival fan trolling and the new gamified Mario Kart racing experiences awaiting you on your next trip!

Oct 21, 2024 • 47min
Spooky Time in Salem, Alaska Air Changes & Wins & Disney's New Theme Park at Sea
Join a thrilling journey to Salem, Massachusetts, where Halloween legacy meets delicious local food! Discover the juicy details about Alaska Airlines' loyalty program shake-ups, including how to earn miles with award flights. Reflect on the digital parenting lessons sparked by a teen's phone dreams. Plus, get the scoop on Disney's spectacular new cruise ship that feels like a theme park at sea! Between humor-filled travel tales and insights on modern challenges, this conversation is packed with fun and fascinating travel nuggets.

Oct 16, 2024 • 22min
TMT News - Huge Hyatt AA Changes, Uber's Pricing Games, Bank Bonus Windfall & Capital One Lounge "Hack"
This week brings some exciting updates from American Airlines and Hyatt, with new milestone rewards replacing old points systems. Uber's pricing tactics raise eyebrows, hinting at charges that may disadvantage users with Uber Cash. Learn how to fast track into Capital One lounges and snag incredible credit card offers. Discover the secrets of travel rewards, including a companion pass strategy. Lastly, explore the enchanting Hammond Castle and its architectural allure, blending travel with history!