Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss!

Hosted by road warrior and travel expert Ed Pizza, the Miles to Go podcast serves up travel tips, news and reviews you can't afford to miss! Whether you're a points and miles newbie looking to book a dream vacation or you log 100k + miles a year and want the low down on new properties routes and planes, we're bringing you the world's top travel experts and bloggers to share their knowledge and insights with you.

When an Award Ticket Isn’t Really a Ticket… and a Trip Falls Apart 04/01/2026

When an Award Ticket Isn’t Really a Ticket… and a Trip Falls Apart Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A dream trip to Africa… that never happened. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Clint Henderson to break down a perfectly planned award redemption that unraveled at the last minute — and the key lesson every traveler needs to understand: a reservation is not the same as a ticket. From award space that never properly ticketed to last-minute chaos at the airport, this episode dives into one of the most common (and costly) mistakes in points and miles travel. They also discuss the ongoing TSA staffing challenges and how airport operations are being impacted, plus United Airlines’ latest push into more premium-heavy aircraft — from new seat configurations to upgraded regional jets. And of course, a reminder of why flexibility with points and miles can save you when travel plans go sideways. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A dream Africa redemption falls apart Etihad award space and booking through American Flights that never properly ticketed Why last-minute issues forced a full cancellation ✈️ The critical mistake: reservation vs ticket What “on request” really means How to confirm your ticket is actually issued Why this happens more often than you think ✈️ TSA disruptions and airport chaos Security delays impacting travel decisions Why timing matters more than ever Planning around unpredictable airport conditions ✈️ United’s push into premium travel More premium-heavy aircraft configurations New seat concepts and onboard experience How United compares to Delta and American ✈️ The reality of elite status today Upgrade challenges in hub markets The declining value of some loyalty perks What actually matters for frequent travelers ✈️ The value of flexibility with points Canceling award tickets with minimal penalties Why transferable points are key Booking backup options across programs ✈️ Travel tech and tools Points Path alerts and tracking award prices Why monitoring your bookings matters Tools that help avoid costly mistakes ✈️ Upcoming travel plans and strategies Planning future international trips Balancing aspirational travel with practicality Making smarter booking decisions ⏱️ Episode 430 Timestamps 0:47 – Clint joins and the Africa trip setup 2:53 – The Etihad award redemption opportunity 5:28 – When the itinerary starts falling apart 9:57 – The key lesson: reservation vs ticket 12:13 – United 1K challenge and elite status realities 13:46 – Why upgrades are harder than ever 18:06 – United’s new premium-heavy aircraft strategy 21:23 – How American and Delta compare on premium seating 24:12 – Starlink and the future of in-flight Wi-Fi 27:20 – Will the upgrade to Hong Kong clear? /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40697660

When a Dream Trip Falls Apart — and How Points Saved It 03/25/2026

When a Dream Trip Falls Apart — and How Points Saved It Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A dream spring break in Hawaii… that lasted barely two days. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Summer Hull (Mommy Points) to break down a trip that went sideways fast — from relaxing poolside plans in Hawaii to emergency weather alerts that forced a same-day decision to leave the island. What followed was a real-time travel pivot: rebooking flights, finding a new destination, and rebuilding a vacation on the fly using points, miles, and every available credit. The result? A last-minute shift to Disneyland, complete with creative booking strategies, stacked credits, and a reminder of why flexibility is everything in modern travel. Plus, a discussion on the new Disney credit card, lounge access strategies, and how to think about backup plans when travel doesn’t go as expected. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A Hawaii trip cut short Severe weather alerts and flooding concerns Deciding to leave after just two nights Why waiting it out wasn’t an option ✈️ Rebooking flights in real time Finding last-minute award availability Booking multiple backup flights across programs Why flexible points made the difference ✈️ The pivot to Disneyland Choosing a new destination on the fly Booking hotels using Bilt credits and points Saving money with stacked travel credits ✈️ Smart strategies for travel disruptions Why you should always have backup options Using multiple airline programs for flexibility The value of transferable points currencies ✈️ Disneyland Hotel and DVC tower review Room quality, location, and amenities Pool, dining, and overall experience When Disney hotels are worth the cost ✈️ The new Disney Inspire credit card $300+ in potential annual value Statement credits and earning structure Who this card makes sense for ✈️ Lounge access and Sidecar discussion The 90-minute lounge access debate Turning lounge space faster vs guest experience Whether this model works long-term ✈️ Planning future travel Booking trips years in advance Balancing ambitious trips with simpler vacations Why flexibility matters more than ever ⏱️ Episode 429 Timestamps 0:48 – Summer joins the show and trip setup 4:05 – Arriving in Hawaii and early warning signs 6:23 – Severe weather alerts and decision to leave 10:17 – Booking last-minute flights out of Hawaii 13:01 – Pivoting to Disneyland and rebuilding the trip 18:04 – Disneyland Hotel and DVC tower experience 21:43 – Why flexible points made this trip possible 24:39 – Points Path and monitoring award pricing 26:06 – New Disney Inspire credit card breakdown 30:18 – Sidecar lounge debate and access rules /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40624580

AMEX's Sidecar Lounge, Marriott Tweaks Certificate, And A Question About Tipping 03/19/2026

AMEX's Sidecar Lounge, Marriott Tweaks Certificate, And A Question About Tipping Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Ed and Richard are back on home turf this week, kicking things off with a small milestone for the podcast: crossing 5,000 YouTube subscribers and continuing to grow the audience across video and audio platforms. From there, Ed shares his experience visiting American Express’s new Sidecar lounge concept in Las Vegas, a much smaller lounge designed for short visits. The service and food impressed — but the strict 90-minute access rule raises questions about how useful the concept really is. The discussion then turns to loyalty program updates. Marriott is increasing the flexibility of its free night certificates, allowing members to top them off with more points than before — a change that could make certificates significantly easier to use at higher-end properties. They also break down a new welcome offer on the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, and whether the increased bonus is enough to offset rising award prices. Finally, Richard brings a mystery topic to the show that sparks a lively debate: should travelers tip hotel housekeeping? The conversation dives into tipping culture, hotel labor practices, and where the line should be between employer responsibility and guest generosity. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Podcast milestone Miles To Go passes 5,000 YouTube subscribers Why the video audience continues growing Meeting listeners in airport lounges ✈️ Amex’s new Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas A smaller lounge concept with limited seating Fast service and made-to-order food The controversial 90-minute entry rule ✈️ Marriott certificate flexibility changes Top-off limit increasing from 15k to 25k points What that means for 35k, 50k, and 85k certificates Whether hotels will adjust award pricing in response ✈️ New World of Hyatt Business Card offer 80,000-point welcome bonus after $10k spend How it compares to previous offers The impact of rising Hyatt award prices ✈️ The hotel housekeeping tipping debate Should guests tip housekeeping? Why tipping culture has expanded The argument for hotels paying higher wages ✈️ Travel updates and upcoming trips Biloxi March Madness trip A whirlwind LA–DC–Vegas itinerary Upcoming travel schedules and bonus content plans ⏱️ Episode 428 Timestamps 0:50 – Podcast intro and YouTube milestone 3:30 – Running into listeners in airport lounges 5:00 – Flighty data and flying the same plane multiple times 7:30 – Ed’s “overnight to Chicago” travel strategy 9:50 – Inside the new Amex Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas 13:40 – Food, service, and the 90-minute access rule 16:50 – Marriott increasing certificate top-off limits 19:45 – New Hyatt Business Card welcome offer 22:50 – Richard’s mystery topic: tipping hotel housekeeping 28:30 – Upcoming travel and bonus episode plans /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40519075

Airport Chaos, a New Chase Transfer Partner, and the End of a United Aircraft Era 03/11/2026

Airport Chaos, a New Chase Transfer Partner, and the End of a United Aircraft Era Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. The Final Two Pennies is back! This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard cover a wide mix of travel news, loyalty program updates, and airline industry quirks. They start with a discussion about ExpertFlyer’s latest changes and price increases, and what the once-essential airline tool still offers travelers today. From there, the conversation shifts to loyalty programs and the Freddie Awards ballot, including which airline and hotel programs are actually rewarding their elite members. They also break down Chase’s newest transfer partner, Wyndham Rewards, and whether the partnership adds real value for points collectors. Plus: the explosion of airport lounges, airline catering issues at Heathrow, United retiring one of its oldest aircraft types, and why airport operations sometimes spiral out of control even at the world’s busiest hubs. Finally, Ed shares a personal travel milestone as his daughter takes her first international trip on her own. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ ExpertFlyer’s changes and price increase • What the new features actually add • Whether the service is still worth paying for • How travelers use it today ✈️ Freddie Awards ballot discussion • Best hotel elite programs • Best airline elite recognition • The loyalty credit cards delivering the most value ✈️ Chase adds Wyndham as a transfer partner • What Wyndham Rewards offers • Where the program can still deliver value • Whether Ultimate Rewards transfers make sense ✈️ Airport lounges: have we reached peak lounge? • New lounges opening across the U.S. • Why travelers are starting to care less • How credit cards drive lounge expansion ✈️ American Airlines catering issues in London • Why meals are being catered from the U.S. • How it’s impacting premium cabin service • What likely caused the disruption ✈️ United retiring its domestic 777 fleet • Why these planes were unique • Their massive seat count and aging cabins • What replaces them in the future ✈️ Airport operations meltdowns • Why weather still disrupts major hubs • How capacity limits affect operations • Why delays can spiral quickly ✈️ The Final Two Pennies • Ed’s daughter takes her first solo international trip • How points made it possible • Why travel confidence matters ⏱️ Episode 427 Timestamps 0:49 – Travel news kickoff and current aviation headlines 8:09 – ExpertFlyer changes and whether it’s still useful 10:00 – Freddie Awards: best hotel elite programs 12:35 – Best airline elite programs discussion 13:40 – Best loyalty credit cards and flexible points 17:15 – Are airport lounges becoming too crowded? 24:50 – American Airlines’ Heathrow catering disruption 27:50 – Chase adds Wyndham as a transfer partner 31:55 – United’s aging domestic 777 fleet nearing retirement 43:20 – Final Two Pennies: a first solo international trip /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40405245

Monte Carlo Luxury, a Helicopter Surprise, and Southwest’s Status Match 03/04/2026

Monte Carlo Luxury, a Helicopter Surprise, and Southwest’s Status Match Richard is back from Monte Carlo with stories from one of the most luxurious travel experiences of his life. From staying at the legendary Hotel de Paris to attending the Forbes Travel Guide Summit alongside some of the biggest names in luxury hospitality, this trip delivered everything from incredible views to jaw-dropping hotel suites. But the most memorable moment of the trip didn’t involve luxury hotels — it involved a surprise helicopter ride that didn’t exactly go as planned. Back home, Ed and Richard also break down a new Southwest status match opportunity that could be worth a look, why the FAA is limiting flights at Chicago O’Hare this summer, and how travelers should be thinking about flexible points with the latest Bilt transfer bonus to Japan Airlines. Plus: a quick comparison between Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme and a boutique Paris hotel that may offer better value. Scroll down for timestamps and details. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: Richard is back from Monte Carlo with stories from one of the most luxurious travel experiences of his life. From staying at the legendary Hotel de Paris to attending the Forbes Travel Guide Summit alongside some of the biggest names in luxury hospitality, this trip delivered everything from incredible views to jaw-dropping hotel suites. But the most memorable moment of the trip didn’t involve luxury hotels — it involved a surprise helicopter ride that didn’t exactly go as planned. Back home, Ed and Richard also break down a new Southwest status match opportunity that could be worth a look, why the FAA is limiting flights at Chicago O’Hare this summer, and how travelers should be thinking about flexible points with the latest Bilt transfer bonus to Japan Airlines. Plus: a quick comparison between Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme and a boutique Paris hotel that may offer better value. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Monte Carlo Luxury Travel Experience • Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Monaco • Staying at the legendary Hotel de Paris • Inside the world of ultra-luxury hotels and travel ✈️ The Helicopter Surprise That Didn’t Go As Planned • Blade helicopter transfer from Monaco to Nice • When a surprise turns into a panic moment • Lessons learned about travel surprises ✈️ Paris Hotel Comparison • Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme experience • Boutique hotel alternatives in Paris • When luxury points redemptions are worth it ✈️ Southwest Status Match Opportunity • A-List and A-List Preferred match details • What benefits you get with Southwest status • Whether it’s worth pursuing ✈️ FAA Limiting Flights at Chicago O’Hare • Why the FAA is stepping in • Taxi times and congestion problems • What it means for summer travel ✈️ Bilt Points and JAL Transfer Bonus • Using Bilt points for Japan Airlines awards • When transfer bonuses are worth it • The risk of mileage expiration rules /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40313135

Loyalty Shakeups: United Tweaks Mileage Plus, Hyatt Rumors, and American Surprises 02/25/2026

Loyalty Shakeups: United Tweaks Mileage Plus, Hyatt Rumors, and American Surprises If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! ***At time of distribution, TSA PreCheck is operational, though Global Entry remains shuttered. United is making adjustments to MileagePlus — and while they’re not dramatic, they’re definitely impactful. This week, Ed and Julian break down what’s changing on the earning side, how credit cards factor in, and whether these updates actually move the needle for everyday travelers. From there, the conversation shifts to Hyatt after a detailed (but ultimately false) rumor sparked debate about a premium credit card and new award categories. Could something like this still happen? And what would it mean for Globalist members? Plus, an unexpected development in the Chase Travel portal: American Airlines flights are now showing up with Points Boost pricing. What does that mean for Chase cardholders — and could this signal a bigger shift in airline partnerships? And yes, somewhere in the background….the U.S. men's hockey team wins Olympic gold in hockey during the broadcast. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ United MileagePlus Changes Lower base earning rates without a United credit card Slightly higher earning with a co-branded card Basic Economy no longer earning miles (without a card) Who should (and shouldn’t) consider a United card ✈️ Credit Cards vs Transferable Points Why flexible currencies may still win Opportunity cost of airline spend When a United card actually makes sense ✈️ Hyatt Premium Card Rumor (Debunked) The proposed $795 card details Category 9 and 10 award talk Would this have flooded Globalist status? Why Hyatt will likely evolve anyway ✈️ Points Boost and American Airlines AA flights appearing in Chase Travel How Points Boost changes redemption math What this could mean for airline partnerships ✈️ TSA PreCheck & Travel Friction Reports of possible program suspension Throughput vs security concerns Why consistency matters for travelers ✈️ Points Path Founders Club Update New Google Flights interface Points Wallet feature Scroll down for timestamps and details. If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: ⏱️ Episode 425 Timestamps 0:00 – Hockey chaos and cold open 4:00 – United Mileage Plus earning changes explained 9:30 – Credit card impact and who benefits 14:45 – Should you get a United card now? 19:20 – Basic Economy changes and flexibility tradeoffs 23:45 – Hyatt premium card rumor breakdown 29:10 – Would a new card create too many Globalists? 33:30 – American Airlines flights in Chase Points Boost 38:40 – TSA PreCheck concerns and travel impact 41:45 – Points Path Founders Club updates /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40231100

Chase Hotel Pricing Questions, Frontier Shrinks, and Delta’s First Class Surprise 02/18/2026

Chase Hotel Pricing Questions, Frontier Shrinks, and Delta’s First Class Surprise Chase hotel pricing questions are making the rounds again — and Richard pulls back the curtain on what’s actually happening behind the scenes. From net rates and commissionable pricing to why some portals appear more expensive than others, this week’s episode digs into the messy reality of hotel distribution and why blanket conclusions rarely tell the full story. From there, the aviation nerd side comes out: United gets a new operations dashboard that geeks will love, Frontier makes a bold move by returning 24 planes to its lessor, and Delta prepares to temporarily fly A321neos with 44 first-class seats before eventually installing lie-flat suites. Plus, EVA Air launches new service between Washington Dulles and Taipei — a long-haul route that opens up some interesting award possibilities. Scroll down for timestamps and details. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE ✈️ Chase Hotel Pricing Questions • Why portal rates don’t always match hotel direct pricing • Net rates vs commissionable rates explained • Why comparing total all-in pricing matters • When luxury program rates (FHR, Virtuoso, etc.) actually make sense ✈️ United’s New Aviation Dashboard • Real-time fleet and hub operations data • Why aviation geeks will love it • Whether airlines care about public tracking tools ✈️ Frontier Returns 24 Planes • What it means to give aircraft back to a lessor • Shrinking to profitability • Concentrating routes to improve performance ✈️ Delta’s A321neo First Class Surprise • 44 first-class seats (temporarily) • Eventually just 16 lie-flat suites • What this says about premium demand ✈️ EVA Air Launches IAD–Taipei • Nearly 16-hour nonstop • Award pricing opportunities • Why Asia continues expanding in North America EPISODE 424 TIMESTAMPS 0:49 – Opening banter and Delta Boston–Honolulu award pricing shock 4:00 – SkyMiles pricing vs cash fares to Hawaii 8:27 – Delta vs Hawaiian/Alaska comparisons 13:40 – Chase hotel pricing discrepancies explained 18:29 – Luxury program rates vs prepaid member rates 25:00 – United’s new “Blue Board” dashboard 27:45 – Frontier returning 24 aircraft 31:15 – EVA Air launching IAD–Taipei 35:00 – Delta A321neo with 44 first-class seats 38:40 – Is flying in the back getting worse? /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40153925

More Air India & Boeing Questions, Frontier Free Miles, and Why You Always Need a Backup Flight 02/11/2026

More Air India & Boeing Questions, Frontier Free Miles, and Why You Always Need a Backup Flight Air India and Boeing are back in the headlines, and the questions aren’t getting smaller. This week, Ed and Richard break down what we know — and what we don’t — about the latest fuel switch reporting, what responsibility lies with Boeing versus airline operations, and why early narratives in aviation stories are often incomplete. From there, things get lighter: Frontier is giving away 5,000 miles (yes, really), Hyatt launches a new promotion that’s worth a closer look, Aeroplan adds ITA Airways as a partner, and we revisit one of the most important lessons in modern travel: always have a backup flight plan. If irregular operations have taught us anything lately, it’s that flexibility isn’t optional anymore. Scroll down for timestamps and details. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE More Air India and Boeing questions What’s being reported about fuel switches Where Boeing responsibility starts and stops Why early aviation reporting can be misleading Frontier’s 5,000 mile giveaway How the promotion works Who should (and shouldn’t) care Why free miles aren’t always free Hyatt’s latest promotion What Bonus Journeys is offering When this promo actually makes sense Comparing Hyatt vs Marriott value Aeroplan adds ITA Airways Why this is bigger than it sounds Routing and redemption implications How this expands Star Alliance strategy Why you always need a backup flight What happens during irregular ops Same-day backup strategy How points give you more flexibility The bigger travel takeaway Airline reliability trends Why flexibility beats loyalty Planning for chaos instead of perfection EPISODE 423 TIMESTAMPS 0:47 – Welcome and setting the stage 3:05 – Air India fuel switch reporting explained 8:22 – Boeing responsibility versus airline operations 13:40 – Why early aviation stories can mislead 17:18 – Frontier’s 5,000 free miles promotion 21:04 – Hyatt’s new promotion: worth it or not? 26:33 – Aeroplan adds ITA Airways 31:15 – Why you should always have a backup flight 36:02 – Using points for flexibility during irregular ops /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40075050

Frontier Wants to Do What? And What If Airlines Went a Different Direction With Fees? 02/04/2026

Frontier Wants to Do What? And What If Airlines Went a Different Direction With Fees? Frontier Airlines has a new idea, and… yeah, it’s a lot. This week, RIchard is back and they are joined again by Julian to unpack Frontier’s proposal to board planes using stairs, what that says about ultra-low-cost carrier economics, and why the airline experience keeps drifting further away from what passengers actually want. From there, the conversation turns to fees — bag fees, seat fees, priority fees — and a bigger question: what if airlines went in a completely different direction instead of charging for checked bags? The group also dives into United’s premium seat expansion plans, whether transcon flying is getting better or worse, and how airlines keep optimizing everything except the customer experience. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Frontier’s latest boarding idea • Why Frontier wants to use stairs instead of jet bridges • What this says about ULCC cost structures • What do the guys think about this idea? ✈️ The real problem with airline fees • How bag fees shape passenger behavior • Why airlines are addicted to à-la-carte pricing • Whether a simpler pricing model could actually work ✈️ What if airlines tried something different? • Bundled pricing vs unbundled chaos • Lessons airlines refuse to learn • Why customer goodwill still matters ✈️ United’s premium seat push • More premium seats, fewer regular ones • What this means for transcon flyers • Paying more for a worse experience ✈️ Airline optimization gone too far • Boarding, seating, and operational tradeoffs • Why airlines keep chasing the wrong metrics • The widening gap between airline math and passenger reality Timestamps: 0:45 – Welcome back & setting the stage 3:12 – Frontier’s stair-boarding idea explained 7:18 – Why this tells you everything about ULCC economics 11:42 – Bag fees and unintended passenger behavior 16:05 – What if airlines charged for carry-on bags instead? 21:30 – Why airlines won’t give up fee revenue 25:44 – United’s premium seat expansion plans 30:18 – Transcon flying: better seats, worse value 34:52 – Airline optimization vs passenger experience Scroll down for timestamps and details. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/39994070

Bilt Cash Explained, Heathrow Finally Gets It Right, and the Truth About Free Airline Wi-Fi 01/28/2026

Bilt Cash Explained, Heathrow Finally Gets It Right, and the Truth About Free Airline Wi-Fi Scroll down for timestamps and details. Much to the disappointment of thousands of M2G fans around the world, Julian Kheel is back with Ed this week as they dig deeper into Bilt Cash, now that Bilt has finally filled in some of the missing details. They break down what works, what’s confusing, and why expiration rules might actually limit how much spend ends up on the card. From there, the conversation shifts to travel news: Heathrow quietly becoming one of the easiest international airports to clear security, American Airlines’ messy rollout of “free” Wi-Fi, Delta’s long-awaited plan to replace coffin-class seats (eventually), and why JetBlue continues to embarrass the legacy carriers on connectivity. Plus, a reminder about a 15% Miles To Go listener discount on one of our favorite award-search tools. 🎧 Listener Discount Miles To Go listeners can enjoy 15% off Points Path Pro using the code M2G at checkout. 👉 ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ More clarity on Bilt Cash • Monthly credits, lifestyle perks, and dining options • The points accelerator (boost) explained • Why the system is powerful — but still complicated ✈️ The biggest issue with Bilt Cash • Expiration rules and limited rollover • Why this may actually reduce spend for heavy users • How Bilt could fix it ✈️ Heathrow security finally modernizes • No more strict liquid limits • Laptops stay in bags • Why the UK is quietly beating the U.S. on airport security ✈️ Free airline Wi-Fi… sort of • American Airlines’ rollout problems • Why communication matters as much as technology • Concerns about bandwidth as Wi-Fi adoption grows ✈️ JetBlue, United, and Starlink • What JetBlue proves is possible • Early Starlink impressions • Why “working Wi-Fi” shouldn’t be this hard ✈️ Delta’s coffin-class replacement is coming (eventually) • Why the 787 is great news • Why 2031 is… not • Paying more miles for an inferior product ✈️ Points Path update & listener discount • Free vs Pro features • New tools coming soon • 15% off with code M2G ⏱️ Episode 421 Timestamps 0:49 – Welcome back & Julian returns to the show 5:29 – Bilt fills in the gaps on Bilt Cash 7:40 – Monthly credits, menus, and the points accelerator 11:08 – The biggest flaw: expiration and rollover limits 16:44 – Heathrow drops liquid limits and laptop rules 22:51 – Why the U.S. still lags on airport security 23:45 – American Airlines’ “free” Wi-Fi rollout problems 26:59 – JetBlue, Starlink, and whether free Wi-Fi can actually work 30:28 – Points Path features + 15% MTG listener discount 34:21 – Delta’s coffin-class replacement… arriving in 2031 If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/39911970

Bilt Changes (Again), A Bad United Idea And A Discount On One Of Our Favorite Travel Tools 01/21/2026

Bilt Card 2.0 Is Here: Five Bananas, Bilt Cash, and New Cards Explained 01/14/2026

Bilt Card 2.0 Is Here: Five Bananas, Bilt Cash, and New Cards Explained Big changes are coming to Bilt — and yes, it involves bananas. 🍌 This week, Ed is joined by Kerr to break down Bilt Card 2.0, the introduction of Bilt Cash, and why the program is evolving now. They walk through the reasoning behind the changes, explain how the new two-currency system works, and dig into the value proposition of all three new cards — Blue, Obsidian, and Palladium. If you’ve been confused, skeptical, excited, or nervously clutching your five bananas… this episode is for you. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Why Bilt is changing now • The “five banana” problem explained • Why devaluing points was not an option • How Bilt thinks about long-term sustainability ✈️ Introducing Bilt Cash • Why Bilt added a second currency • How Bilt Cash works alongside Bilt points • Flexibility vs forced redemptions ✈️ Earning & using Bilt Cash • 4% Bilt Cash back on non-rent spend • Unlocking points on rent or mortgage • Transfer bonuses, fitness, travel, and neighborhood perks ✈️ Card-by-card breakdown • Bilt Blue – no annual fee, transferable points • Bilt Obsidian – grocery or dining choice, hotel credit • Bilt Palladium – 3.3x effective earning, lounge access, elite status ✈️ The math behind the Palladium card • How spend converts into points • Why Kerr says it’s his top-of-wallet card • Who this card is — and isn’t — for ✈️ What happens next • Launch week expectations • Feedback from the community • Why this is just the beginning of Bilt Cash Scroll down for timestamps and details. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/39728330

Hot, Flaming Dumpster Fire: Our 2025 Travel Year in Numbers 01/07/2026

Hot, Flaming Dumpster Fire: Our 2025 Travel Year in Numbers It’s that time of year again. Ed and Kerr crack open Flighty, pull up the spreadsheets (mentally), and relive a very messy 2025 in travel. From 113 flights and 184,000 miles to delayed planes, aging aircraft, loyalty status debates, and questionable late-night routing decisions, this episode breaks down what actually happened on the road — and what we’re changing in 2026. Spoiler: one year was a mess. The other was a hot, flaming dumpster fire. 🔥✈️ Scroll down for timestamps and details. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: ⏱️ Episode Timestamps (Apple Podcasts Order) 0:50 – Welcome & setting the stage for our 2025 travel recap 2:29 – Kerr’s year by the numbers: flights, miles, airlines, and airports 2:51 – Ed’s busiest travel year ever: 113 flights & 184,000 miles 5:39 – Delay stats, Flighty frustrations, and airline reliability breakdown 7:27 – Aircraft nerd corner: oldest planes, newest planes, and repeat tail numbers 10:07 – The destinations map: Europe, Asia, Hawaii… but still no South America 12:04 – A brutal mistake: middle seat in Polaris on a polar route 14:07 – Loyalty recap: Delta, United, American, Hyatt, Marriott & Hilton status 19:29 – Was loyalty worth it? When blind loyalty stops making sense 27:08 – Looking ahead to 2026: loyalty plans, credit cards, and travel strategy /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/39638765

Best & Worst Airports: Everything You Never Wanted To Know About Ed & Richard 12/31/2025

Harsh Changes To Chase Sapphire Reserve And AA Basic Economy 12/24/2025

Harsh Changes To Chase Sapphire Reserve And AA Basic Economy This week on Miles to Go, Ed and Richard cover a packed slate of breaking travel and loyalty news that matters for road warriors. We dig into Chase Sapphire Reserve, which rolled out splashy new redemption options this summer only to quietly walk back its headline-grabbing 2¢-per-point Points Boost just months later. What does this mean for a card with a nearly $800 annual fee, and is it still worth holding? American Airlines quietly eliminated mileage and Loyalty Point earning on Basic Economy fares, raising big questions about who AA is actually trying to reward—and whether Basic Economy is now little more than a stripped-down cash fare. Plus, we talk about Bilt’s newest transfer partner—Spirit Airlines—and why the data shows there’s real demand for low-cost carrier redemptions, including Big Front Seat value. Add in holiday travel chaos, turbulence stories, and a few airline rants, and it’s a full episode you won’t want to miss. Finally, Mesa appears to be shutting down, leaving cardholders scrambling to figure out what happens to their points. Richard shares lessons learned about startup loyalty programs and when it makes sense to cash out early. If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/39528005

United PlusPoints Overhaul 12/17/2025

Is Frontier's Latest Status Offer Worth It? 12/10/2025

The Flight Booking Trick Everyone Is Talking About 12/03/2025

Black Friday Special On Our Favorite Award Service & 2026 Award Travel Outlook 11/26/2025

Marrakesh Tips & Tricks 11/19/2025

Hilton’s New Elite Tier & Reward Impacts of the Visa/MC Settlement 11/12/2025

Rapid-fire Travel Topics: The Government Shutdown, Best Business Credit Cards, and More! 11/05/2025

Is American's New Credit Card Worth It? 10/29/2025

Breaking Down the Hyatt Card's Innovative Sign-Up Bonus 10/22/2025

10 Rapid-Fire Travel Topics in 30 Minutes! 10/16/2025

She Spent $50,000 on a Credit Card — Was It Worth It? 10/08/2025

She Spent $50,000 on a Credit Card — Was It Worth It? This week on The Miles to Go Podcast, Ed is back home (for now) and joined by Summer Hull from The Points Guy for a lively deep dive into credit cards, elite status, and travel strategy. Summer opens up about her bold move—charging $50,000 on her United card—and breaks down whether it was a smart play or a little bit crazy. We get into how that decision helped her earn United Platinum status, plus how she maximized bonus awards and upgrades along the way. Ed also shares an update on his long-running Capital One credit card drama, which (finally!) has a resolution, and reveals which premium cards he’s cutting from his wallet—and why. Then Summer gives us her insider reviews of two beautiful resorts you’ll want on your radar: 🏝 Secrets St. Lucia Resort — a new Hyatt all-inclusive in the Caribbean 🏙 Hyatt Regency Times Square — a refreshed, family-friendly base for Broadway lovers. All that, plus a few laughs about Richard’s NYC geography, Topo Chico sponsorship dreams, and where the next Miles to Go meetup will be! 🎧 Topics this week include: • Smart vs. crazy credit-card spending strategies • Earning elite status with United cards • Amex Platinum vs. CapOne Venture X vs. Chase Ink Preferred • Secrets St. Lucia Resort review • Hyatt Regency Times Square review • Credit-card decluttering and travel-card best practices If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you’ll take a moment to . That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community. Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: TikTok: Ed Pizza: Richard Kerr: /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/38510395

Is Travel Demand Slowing Down in 2025? 10/01/2025

Is The $895 Amex Platinum Card Too Expensive? 09/24/2025

Breaking Down Citi's New Credit Card And Ed's A Dork 09/17/2025

Taking Phone Calls On Airplanes And Emirates Bans Kids From First Class Awards 09/10/2025

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