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.

American Cuts Upgrades, Delta Adds More First Class, and Bilt Cash Takes Flight 08/19/2026

American Cuts Upgrades, Delta Adds More First Class, and Bilt Cash Takes Flight 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 home after another exhausting stretch of travel, and Richard has survived Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas—barely. Before getting into the airline news, they recap the Vegas experience, including $25 asparagus, $34 cocktails, increasingly unfriendly casino odds, Bellagio’s surprising food problem, and why “free parking” has somehow become a legitimate Las Vegas selling point. There’s also some fresh Bilt news. Bilt has relaunched its partnership with Blade, allowing members to redeem Bilt Cash for up to two airport helicopter seats per year, along with the ability to use Bilt Points toward Blade flights. Ed also celebrates another year of Accor Platinum status through Bilt’s returning status match. Then it’s time to talk airlines. After some decidedly unimpressive United flights, Ed and Richard discuss American Airlines ending complimentary upgrades into premium economy on select three-cabin domestic routes. Is this actually a meaningful loss for elites—or just another acknowledgement that complimentary upgrades are already disappearing? Delta, meanwhile, is moving hard in the opposite direction when it comes to premium cabin capacity. Some A330-900neos will feature a whopping 56 Delta One suites, while new domestic aircraft will also feature substantially larger first-class cabins. But Richard raises an important question: if airlines add all those premium seats without adding crew, lavatories and galley capacity, will the experience actually feel premium? Plus, Ed recaps his first D23 experience, they revisit last week’s Amanvari controversy after new details emerged, Richard questions what’s happening with Delta’s operational reliability, and Uber One announces an “improvement” that involves… giving members less. 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 ✈️ Bilt Cash takes to the skies Bilt’s revamped Blade partnership Using Bilt Cash for airport helicopter flights Redeeming Bilt Points toward Blade Accor Platinum status returns ✈️ Is Las Vegas getting too expensive? Free parking is now a selling point Resort fees and cheap room rates $25 asparagus and $34 cocktails Why Bellagio can be surprisingly difficult for a quick meal ✈️ United’s aging aircraft problem Broken or nonexistent Wi-Fi Old entertainment systems Why SNA is still a fantastic alternative to LAX ✈️ Ed’s first D23 New Disney attractions Fixing the Yeti New roller coasters The future of Figment Ed’s take on Hyatt Regency Orange County ✈️ The Amanvari controversy gets more complicated New details about the canceled hotel stay What the original story left out Why opening-week hotel reviews remain a bad idea ✈️ American changes complimentary upgrades Premium economy on three-cabin domestic aircraft Routes where free upgrades are disappearing Why Richard thinks chasing status for domestic upgrades is already a losing game ✈️ Delta dramatically expands premium cabins 56 Delta One suites on select A330-900neos Bigger first-class cabins on domestic aircraft The potential problem with lavatories, galleys and staffing Why more premium seats may not mean cheaper premium fares ✈️ What’s happening with Delta? Richard’s recent delays Delta becoming his worst-performing airline this year Another missed Shake Shack burger ✈️ Uber One gives members an “improvement” Ride credits drop from 6% to 5% Why corporate messaging sometimes makes things worse ⏱️ Episode 450 Timestamps 0:48 – Surviving Virtuoso Travel Week and the Vegas heat 2:48 – Bilt Cash can now pay for Blade helicopter flights 5:59 – Vegas prices, free parking and Bellagio’s food problem 14:05 – United’s aging planes, broken Wi-Fi and the convenience of SNA 17:22 – Ed’s first D23 and the biggest Disney announcements 22:48 – New details change the Amanvari hotel controversy 26:14 – American ends some complimentary premium-economy upgrades 31:01 – Delta dramatically increases premium cabin seating 36:24 – Richard asks: What is happening to Delta? 36:49 – Uber One’s unusual definition of an “improvement” /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/42486010

Our Take On The Crazy YouTube Amanvari Kerrfluffle And American Raises Lounge Prices 08/12/2026

Our Take On The Crazy YouTube Amanvari Kerrfluffle And American Raises Lounge Prices 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. Airline lounge access keeps getting more expensive—and Ed and Richard are wondering who is actually paying these prices. This week on Miles To Go, they break down American Airlines’ latest Admirals Club changes, including higher membership prices and a revamped Executive Card. With individual lounge membership now costing hundreds of dollars and family access climbing even higher, the guys debate whether the airline credit card is now the only logical way to buy into the ecosystem. That leads to a broader discussion about whether airport lounges deserve as much weight as they get when travelers evaluate premium credit cards. Crowding, long lines, limited space, and inconsistent food all make Ed question how much real value lounge access adds. Richard also shares a surprise about JetBlue Mint: even on an expensive transcontinental Mint ticket, lounge access still isn’t included unless you’re flying transatlantic. Then the conversation shifts to a brand-new luxury resort cancellation controversy, where a well-known YouTuber arrived only to find his reservation had been canceled at the last minute. Finally, Richard gives an update on his Frontier GoWild Pass—and admits that, despite owning it, he still hasn’t actually managed to use it. 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 ✈️ American Airlines raises lounge prices Admirals Club membership gets more expensive Family access can cost up to four figures Why the Executive Card may be the better path ✈️ AA Executive Card changes Higher annual fee Vacation credits Lyft credit increase AAdvantage Hotels earning More Loyalty Point opportunities ✈️ Are airport lounges overrated? Crowding at Centurion and Chase lounges Limited usefulness at your home airport Why lounge access may not justify a premium annual fee ✈️ JetBlue Mint’s missing lounge perk Transcontinental Mint still doesn’t include lounge access Discounted paid entry instead Why Ed and Richard find the policy surprising ✈️ A luxury hotel opening controversy A reservation canceled the night before arrival Whether a hotel should cancel a reviewer’s stay Why opening-week hotel reviews can be misleading ✈️ Should you stay at a hotel right after it opens? Operational growing pains Incomplete facilities Why both Ed and Richard prefer to wait ✈️ Frontier GoWild Pass update Richard still hasn’t used it Limited availability Why it may work better for retirees, students, or flexible travelers ⏱️ Episode 449 Timestamps 0:48 – Vegas heat, travel week setup, and getting started 2:39 – American Airlines raises Admirals Club pricing 6:38 – AA Executive Card changes and whether it’s worth $695 10:38 – Are airport lounges really worth premium-card annual fees? 12:20 – JetBlue Mint still doesn’t include lounge access on transcon flights 14:06 – M2G passes 9,000 YouTube subscribers 16:53 – Luxury resort cancels a YouTuber’s reservation at the last minute 19:42 – Is reviewing a hotel during opening week actually useful? 21:53 – Frontier launches another GoWild Pass offer 22:34 – Richard’s GoWild Pass update: has he used it yet? /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/42401540

The Chase Lounge Debate, Richard’s Birthday, and Julian’s Very Expensive Honeymoon 08/05/2026

The Chase Lounge Debate, Richard’s Birthday, and Julian’s Very Expensive Honeymoon 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. This week is a little different—and a lot more fun. Ed is joined in person by Richard Kerr, Summer Hull from The Points Guy, and Julian Kheel from Points Path as the group gathers in Las Vegas to celebrate Richard's birthday. Before diving into travel topics, they swap stories about their first meetings, early podcast appearances, and how surprisingly bad they all are at remembering each other. The conversation then turns to one of the hottest topics in premium travel: Chase Lounge access. The group discusses Chase's decision to eliminate Priority Pass access beginning later this month, whether the change will improve crowding, and how much value lounge access actually contributes to an expensive premium credit card. From there, the discussion shifts to premium credit card economics, the Ritz-Carlton Card's hidden value, whether multiple Amex Platinum cards still make sense, and the challenge of assigning real dollar value to annual fees and lounge access. Finally, everyone weighs in on Julian's honeymoon plans, debating destinations, points strategies, and whether his ambitious itinerary is actually realistic. 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 ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Richard's birthday celebration Recording together in Las Vegas How everyone first met Early Miles To Go memories ✈️ Chase Lounge access changes Priority Pass access ends Longer connection access for eligible Chase cardholders Will the lounges become less crowded? ✈️ How much are airport lounges worth? Valuing lounge access Domestic versus international travel Waiting in line for premium lounges ✈️ The Ritz-Carlton Card Chase Lounge access Flexible travel credits Free night certificate value ✈️ Premium credit card annual fees Sapphire Reserve Venture X Amex Platinum Which benefits actually get used? ✈️ Julian's honeymoon planning Africa versus other destinations Luxury hotels and points strategies How many points will it really take? ✈️ When is another premium card worth adding? Sign-up bonuses Transfer bonuses Credit utilization versus annual fees ⏱️ Episode 448 Timestamps 0:47 – Richard's birthday and how everyone first met 5:49 – Chase Lounge access changes explained 8:03 – Will Chase Lounges become as crowded as Centurion Lounges? 10:07 – Summer reviews Capital One Landings at LaGuardia 11:50 – What are premium airport lounges really worth? 13:39 – The hidden value of the Ritz-Carlton Card 14:14 – Is the Sapphire Reserve still worth keeping? 15:34 – How many Amex Platinum cards are too many? 17:02 – Planning Julian's honeymoon with points /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/42328500

These Premium Cabin Awards Still Exist... If You Know Where to Look 07/29/2026

These Premium Cabin Awards Still Exist... If You Know Where to Look 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. This week Ed is joined by Clint Henderson from The Points Guy for a deep dive into some of the best premium-cabin award opportunities still available—and why flexibility is becoming more important than ever. Clint shares several recent bookings that include American's new Philadelphia-Prague route, Cathay Pacific's new Seattle-Hong Kong service, Starlux business class, and Japan Airlines First Class, along with the strategies that made each redemption possible. The conversation also explores why holding a United credit card is becoming increasingly valuable, with cardholders gaining access to dramatically better award pricing than non-cardholders. Later, Ed discusses Bilt's latest Rent Day promotion featuring a status match with Accor Live Limitless, explains why he found significant value from Accor Platinum status in Europe, and closes with a candid discussion about Hyatt's growing list of hotels that no longer accept Suite Upgrade Awards—and why that trend is becoming concerning for Hyatt loyalists. 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 ✈️ Outstanding premium-cabin award bookings American's new Philadelphia–Prague route Cathay Pacific's Seattle–Hong Kong launch Starlux Business Class Japan Airlines First Class Why new route announcements create award opportunities ✈️ Finding award availability Alaska Mileage Plan sweet spots Positioning flights Acting quickly when inventory appears Tools for tracking award space ✈️ United credit card perks Exclusive cardholder award pricing Quest Card benefits Why United's strategy differs from Delta's Is this the future of airline loyalty? ✈️ Points Path Flex Alerts Monitoring every flight on a route Finding hard-to-book awards Slack Community member benefits ✈️ Bilt's Accor status match Matching Bilt Gold and Platinum Benefits of Accor Platinum status Early check-in, late checkout and upgrades Why Europe and Asia travelers should pay attention ✈️ Award pricing inflation Premium cabin pricing Domestic versus international value Why overseas awards remain one of the best uses of miles ✈️ Hyatt's expanding Suite Upgrade Award exclusions More than 100 excluded hotels Hyatt Regency Anchorage joins the list Why Hyatt loyalists are becoming concerned Is Hyatt drifting toward Marriott's model? ⏱️ Episode 447 Timestamps 0:49 – Clint Henderson joins the show 5:23 – Incredible premium-cabin award bookings and new route opportunities 11:43 – Slack Community updates and Points Path Flex Alerts 14:00 – Bilt's new Accor Live Limitless status match 16:50 – Why United credit cards unlock better award pricing 21:41 – Award pricing inflation and where the best value still exists 23:15 – Hyatt's growing Suite Upgrade Award exclusion list 27:36 – Wrapping up and future travel plans /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/42249555

What Are You Actually Supposed To Do With A Hotel Butler? 07/22/2026

What Are You Actually Supposed To Do With A Hotel Butler? 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. Severe weather created another difficult weekend for travelers, and Richard opens the episode with the story of getting his sister home after JetBlue canceled her flight and could not offer another option for several days. The solution involved a train to Baltimore, a Southwest flight and a reminder of why keeping points available for emergencies can be so valuable. Ed then reviews his family’s stay at the MGM Skylofts in Las Vegas, including the spacious two-bedroom accommodations, the aging room features and his lingering question about what guests are actually supposed to ask a hotel butler to do. He and Richard compare Skylofts with Aria Sky Suites and consider whether the additional luxury benefits justify the much higher price. The conversation shifts to the complicated Marriott–MGM relationship. Ed explains why MGM Gold status and direct booking can sometimes beat booking through Marriott, especially when resort fees and restaurant spending are considered. Richard also discovers an especially poor Marriott points redemption: nearly 17,000 points to avoid paying a $30 base room rate while still owing the resort fee. Later, the guys debate the best travel movies ever made, discuss whether Boeing should once again be allowed to certify its own aircraft, answer a listener question about choosing a Tokyo hotel for a short visit and examine why domestic award travel has become so painful for families. 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 ✈️ Weather disruptions and emergency travel planning A canceled JetBlue flight Taking the train to BWI for a Southwest alternative Why points provide an important travel safety net ✈️ Ed’s MGM Skylofts experience The two-bedroom layout Butler service and luxury-hotel benefits Skylofts versus Aria Sky Suites Whether the premium price makes sense ✈️ The Marriott–MGM partnership Booking through Marriott versus MGM Resort fees on Marriott award stays Why MGM Gold can make direct booking more attractive Missing Marriott credit for restaurant charges ✈️ Chase Sapphire Preferred’s 100,000-point offer Why Richard applied again Rebuilding a transferable-points balance Marriott points versus Ultimate Rewards ✈️ The best travel movies Up in the Air Flight The Terminal Planes, Trains and Automobiles Back to the Future Catch Me If You Can ✈️ Boeing and FAA oversight Boeing regaining some aircraft-certification authority Whether Boeing can adequately oversee itself Increasing financial penalties for safety violations ✈️ Choosing a Tokyo hotel for a short trip Park Hyatt Tokyo versus Grand Hyatt Tokyo Why location may matter more than luxury Staying near a convenient subway station ✈️ Marriott and Japan Airlines A new JAL status-match opportunity Potential benefits for Marriott elites Rumors of JAL becoming a Citi transfer partner ✈️ The rising cost of domestic award travel Expensive flights for families Shrinking partner-award opportunities Why domestic points strategies are disappearing ⏱️ Episode 446 Timestamps 0:48 – Weather cancellations and getting Richard’s sister home 2:28 – Ed reviews the MGM Skylofts 6:45 – Marriott points, resort fees and MGM booking strategy 11:26 – Chase Sapphire Preferred’s 100,000-point offer 15:11 – Debating the best travel movies ever 21:58 – Boeing regains aircraft-certification authority 26:08 – Slack Community and Points Path benefits 27:35 – Where to stay during a short Tokyo visit 29:39 – Marriott’s JAL status match and transfer-partner rumors 31:41 – Why domestic award travel is getting so expensive /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/42185560

Is American Airlines Quietly Becoming the Better Choice? 07/15/2026

Is American Airlines Quietly Becoming the Better Choice? 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. Travel doesn't always go according to plan—and this week proves it. Ed and Richard swap stories from a week filled with thunderstorms, flight delays, rental car headaches, and what may be one of the worst Hyatt Place stays either of them has experienced. Richard recounts an unforgettable late-night arrival that included multiple defective rental cars, a chaotic hotel check-in, broken room amenities, and an experience that ultimately prompted him to complete a hotel survey for the first time in years. The conversation also takes a closer look at why American Airlines has quietly become Richard's airline of choice over the past several weeks. Between competitive first-class pricing, consistently excellent onboard service, reliable Wi-Fi, and solid meals, American is making a compelling case while Delta continues to work through operational challenges. Plus, a fascinating discussion about a Lufthansa 787 maintenance mistake, Denver Airport's long-awaited pedestrian tunnels, and Richard's review of the historic Arizona Biltmore. 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 ✈️ Richard's travel nightmare Rental car problems at Atlanta A disastrous Hyatt Place stay Why this finally earned a hotel survey ✈️ American Airlines keeps impressing Competitive first-class pricing Better domestic meal service Reliable Wi-Fi and outstanding crews ✈️ What's happening at Delta? Operational reliability concerns Schedule disruptions How the competitive landscape is shifting ✈️ Lufthansa's 787 maintenance mistake The missing safety pin Why maintenance procedures matter A costly avoidable accident ✈️ Denver Airport's future walkways New pedestrian tunnels Why they're finally being built Whether they'll solve train disruptions ✈️ Arizona Biltmore review Historic resort impressions Citrus Club benefits Surviving 119-degree Phoenix heat ✈️ Slack Community update Points Path Pro discount New Flex Alerts Upcoming member benefits ⏱️ Episode 445 Timestamps 0:47 – Welcome back and summer travel delays 8:08 – Richard's rental car disaster and Hyatt Place horror story 17:30 – Why American Airlines has become Richard's preferred choice 20:49 – Delta's operational challenges and airline strategy 27:22 – Lufthansa 787 nose gear collapse explained 30:09 – Slack Community updates and Points Path benefits 31:00 – Denver Airport's long-awaited pedestrian tunnels 35:10 – Arizona Biltmore review and surviving Phoenix in 119° heat /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/42102670

Here’s Why Airline Pricing Could Get A Lot More Confusing 07/08/2026

Here’s Why Airline Pricing Could Get A Lot More Confusing 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. Summer travel is in full swing, and this week Ed is joined by Julian Kheel to cover everything from Caribbean resorts to airline loyalty strategy. Julian shares his recent stay at Secrets St. Lucia, including why the Preferred Club upgrade is worth considering and how the property has held up following Hyatt's recent award pricing changes. The conversation then shifts to a mid-year elite status check. Ed is once again on pace for top-tier status across multiple airlines and Hyatt, while Julian explains why he's largely stopped chasing elite status in favor of maximizing credit card rewards and transferable value. They also discuss the Department of Transportation's proposal to roll back all-in airline pricing requirements, why both believe the move would make airfare shopping more confusing for travelers, and whether loyalty programs are doing enough to justify increasingly expensive premium credit cards. Plus, a look at new Points Path Flex Alerts, Slack community benefits, and why grab-and-go airport lounges may not be the customer win they're marketed to be. 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 ✈️ Julian reviews Secrets St. Lucia Hyatt award pricing after the devaluation Why Preferred Club is worth the upgrade Boat transfer versus the winding road ✈️ Are Hyatt all-inclusives still a good value? Current award pricing Cash rates versus points When an all-inclusive vacation makes sense ✈️ New Points Path Flex Alerts Tracking an entire day of flights Custom airline and points filters How Flex Alerts differ from Flight Alerts ✈️ Mid-year elite status check Ed's progress toward another year of top-tier airline status Julian's shift away from chasing airline elites Why Hyatt remains the exception ✈️ Credit cards versus loyalty programs Alaska's premium card value Companion certificates and mileage earning Why transferable rewards continue to gain ground ✈️ DOT considers changing airfare pricing rules Rolling back all-in pricing displays Why transparent pricing matters How the proposal could affect travelers ✈️ Are airport lounge grab-and-go options really an upgrade? Crowded lounges Premium card annual fees Whether travelers are actually getting more value ⏱️ Episode 444 Timestamps 6:32 – Julian's stay at Secrets St. Lucia 10:06 – Hyatt award pricing after the recent changes 15:00 – Slack community updates and new Points Path Flex Alerts 19:58 – Ed's mid-year elite status review 24:31 – Julian's approach to airline and hotel status 31:12 – Are loyalty programs becoming less valuable? 34:16 – DOT proposal on airline pricing transparency 41:39 – American's grab-and-go lounge concept 49:19 – Premium credit cards, lounge access, and the future of loyalty /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/42016230

A $2,500-a-Night Wellness Retreat... Was It Worth It? 07/01/2026

A $2,500-a-Night Wellness Retreat... Was It Worth It? Enjoy our 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 shorter episode this week—but no shortage of travel stories. Richard is back from a three-night stay at Miraval Berkshires, and he gives his honest assessment of Hyatt's luxury wellness resort. While the activities, instructors, and relaxation lived up to expectations, the property itself left him wondering whether it's worth the hefty nightly price tag. The conversation compares Miraval Berkshires to the Austin property, discusses how Hyatt's free night certificates work at Miraval, and shares which experiences were actually worth booking. The guys also take a mid-year look at their elite status progress. Richard has intentionally stepped off the airline status treadmill, while Ed reflects on just how difficult it has become for even frequent business travelers to earn enough miles for aspirational family travel. Finally, they close with a candid conversation about life as road warriors, balancing work with family, and why sometimes the hardest part of travel isn't the flights—it's walking away from the people waiting at home. 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 ✈️ Richard's review of Miraval Berkshires Is it worth 65,000 Hyatt points—or $2,500 per night? The biggest strengths and biggest disappointments Why the property grew on him over three days ✈️ How Miraval Berkshires compares to other Miraval resorts Differences from Austin Activities, dining, and property layout Which resort they'd choose next ✈️ Maximizing a Miraval stay Using Hyatt points and free night certificates Activity credits and paid experiences Which classes were actually worth booking ✈️ A look at the new Miraval Red Sea Hyatt's newest wellness destination Introductory pricing Whether either of them would make the trip ✈️ Mid-year elite status check Richard's decision to stop chasing airline status And his progress toward Hyatt Globalist Why loyalty strategies continue to evolve ✈️ Is airline status still worth pursuing? Rising award prices Diminishing returns for frequent flyers Why flexibility is becoming more valuable than loyalty ✈️ The emotional side of business travel Missing Father's Day with family Long stretches away from home Why coming home matters more than ever ⏱️ Episode 443 Timestamps 0:47 – Quick intro and Richard's hectic travel weekend 5:05 – Richard's full review of Miraval Berkshires 8:31 – Activities, dining, and whether the experience justifies the cost 12:11 – Would Richard return to Miraval Berkshires? 15:40 – Hyatt's new Miraval Red Sea property 16:30 – Mid-year elite status check 18:15 – Is airline elite status still worth chasing? 19:22 – Ed reflects on two weeks away from home 21:00 – Missing Father's Day and balancing work with family /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41916065

A Better Business Class, a New Bilt Partner, and Why Air Canada Stands Out 06/24/2026

A Better Business Class, a New Bilt Partner, and Why Air Canada Stands Out 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. Richard is back, fresh off a World Cup match at the Meadowlands, and he’s got plenty to say about the experience—from the surprisingly smooth transportation operation to the electric atmosphere inside the stadium. Meanwhile, Ed finally checks JetBlue Mint off his list and shares why the experience reinforced one of the biggest challenges facing the legacy carriers: delivering a premium product that feels worth the price. The conversation also dives into Bilt’s newest transfer partner, Preferred Hotels, bringing the program back to 25 partners and opening up a new collection of boutique and luxury properties for point redemptions. Plus, a look at Air Canada’s little-known airport cafés, why loyalty programs continue marching toward higher prices, and a potentially lucrative Pays promotion that listeners may want to jump on before it disappears. 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 ✈️ Richard attends a World Cup match • France vs. Senegal at the Meadowlands • New Jersey Transit’s surprisingly smooth operation • Why the overall experience exceeded expectations ✈️ Ed finally flies JetBlue Mint • A321 Mint experience review • Seat, service, and onboard Wi-Fi • Why JetBlue continues to stand out ✈️ The state of airline Wi-Fi • American Airlines free Wi-Fi rollout frustrations • JetBlue’s connectivity advantage • Why reliability still matters ✈️ The power of points and miles • Using miles to stay for an All-Star game • Last-minute flight changes • Why flexibility remains invaluable ✈️ Admirals Club vs. Delta Sky Club • A tale of two lounge experiences • Food quality differences • How the products continue to diverge ✈️ Air Canada’s airport cafés • Complimentary access for elite travelers • Why the concept stands out • Comparing loyalty investments across airlines ✈️ Bilt adds Preferred Hotels • Transfer partner number 25 • One Bilt point to two Preferred points • Boutique hotel redemption opportunities ✈️ Accor Voyager membership • Discounted membership opportunity • Elite night credits • Whether the math works ✈️ Are loyalty programs becoming too expensive? • Inflation in award pricing • The future of airline and hotel currencies • Where value still exists ✈️ A Pays promotion worth watching • Bonus points opportunities • Why it may not last long • Getting value before the offer disappears ⏱️ Episode 442 Timestamps 1:06 – Richard’s World Cup experience at the Meadowlands 7:06 – Ed reviews JetBlue Mint 11:15 – American’s free Wi-Fi rollout frustrations 12:44 – Using points and miles to save an All-Star game trip 15:37 – Admirals Club vs. Delta Sky Club 19:36 – Discovering Air Canada’s airport cafés 23:31 – Are loyalty programs headed in the wrong direction? 28:07 – Bilt adds Preferred Hotels as partner #25 29:57 – Accor Voyager membership opportunity 32:54 – Pays promotion and bonus points opportunity /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41794045

The Golden Age Of Points And Miles Is Over-Or Is It? 06/17/2026

The Golden Age Of Points And Miles Is Over-Or Is 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. Is the golden age of points and miles ending—or is it simply evolving? This week, Ed is joined by Summer Hull and Julian Kheel to break down Chase’s controversial decision to reduce Hyatt transfer ratios for Sapphire Preferred cardholders while maintaining the existing ratio for Sapphire Reserve members. The discussion goes beyond the headline change and explores what it means for the future of transferable points, premium credit cards, and loyalty programs. Is this a one-off adjustment, or the start of a broader trend where transfer ratios vary depending on which card you carry? The team also revisits Bilt 2.0 several months after launch, discussing which features have worked better in practice than they initially expected and how members are adapting to the new ecosystem. Finally, they tackle a question that has been debated for more than a decade: Are we witnessing the end of the golden era of points and miles, or just another chapter in its evolution? 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 changes Hyatt transfer ratios • Sapphire Preferred vs Sapphire Reserve differences • Why the change matters beyond Hyatt • Who is most affected by the new structure ✈️ Is Chase or Hyatt driving the change? • Theories behind the new transfer ratio • What Bilt may tell us in the future • Why everyone is watching closely ✈️ The future of transferable points • Could other partners see different transfer ratios? • Premium card differentiation • Why simplicity may be disappearing ✈️ Is the Sapphire Preferred still worth it? • Who benefits most from the changes • Annual fee considerations • Comparing Preferred and Reserve value ✈️ Bilt 2.0 several months later • Features that proved easier than expected • Mortgage and rent payment experiences • Real-world use of Bilt Cash ✈️ Managing Bilt Cash balances • Rollover limitations • End-of-year planning strategies • Potential redemption opportunities ✈️ Points Path updates • New flexible alerts coming soon • Award repricing opportunities • Benefits available to Slack members ✈️ Is the golden age of points and miles over? • Why this debate never goes away • How loyalty programs continue evolving • Where travelers can still find value ⏱️ Episode 441 Timestamps ⏱️ Episode 441 Timestamps 4:02 – Chase changes Hyatt transfer ratios 7:15 – Who wins and loses from the Sapphire Preferred changes? 10:09 – Is Chase or Hyatt responsible for the new transfer ratio? 16:08 – Are hotel transfers still worth it? 20:50 – Will more transfer partners be affected next? 25:00 – Bilt 2.0: what works better than expected? 29:52 – Planning around Bilt Cash expiration rules 31:27 – Points Path updates and new flexible alerts 33:37 – Is the golden age of points and miles ending? 35:48 – Why premium credit cards keep getting more expensive /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41679850

The Airline Compensation Rules We Think(?) We Wish We Had in the U.S. 06/10/2026

The Airline Compensation Rules We Think(?) We Wish We Had in the U.S. 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. Airline passenger rights are back in the spotlight, and Europe may be making one of the strongest consumer protection programs even stronger. This week, Ed is joined by Julian Kheel from Points Path to discuss proposed updates to EU261 passenger compensation rules, including new requirements that could force airlines to proactively tell travelers when they’re entitled to compensation. They also explore JSX’s new premium route between New York and Florida, whether semi-private flying is becoming more mainstream, and why loyalty programs continue to evolve in unexpected ways. Plus, Alaska Airlines signals interest in expanding its loyalty ecosystem, OneWorld adds a new hotel partnership, American Airlines appears to be making award pricing changes with Air Tahiti Nui, and Delta rolls out a new checked bag benefit that may not be quite as generous as it first appeared. 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 ✈️ EU261 passenger compensation updates • Proposed changes to Europe’s passenger rights rules • Why communication may become a bigger focus • Could the U.S. ever adopt something similar? ✈️ The challenge of airline accountability • What happens when flights are delayed or canceled • Enforcement versus policy • Making passengers whole versus getting them moving ✈️ JSX launches a new New York–Florida route • Teterboro to Naples service begins this fall • The appeal of semi-private flying • Why JSX continues to challenge traditional airlines ✈️ Loyalty programs keep expanding • OneWorld partners with Taj InnerCircle • Extending elite benefits beyond airlines • Why travel ecosystems matter ✈️ American Airlines and Air Tahiti Nui awards • Reports of new dynamic pricing • What travelers are seeing so far • Potential impact on AAdvantage value ✈️ United’s credit card award discounts • Large mileage discounts for cardholders • A powerful acquisition strategy • How it compares to Delta’s approach ✈️ Alaska Airlines wants more flexibility • Discussion around transferable points • Bank of America’s potential role • The upside and downside for Mileage Plan members ✈️ Delta expands checked bag benefits • A second free checked bag for some cardholders • Why the change is more limited than expected • Who stands to benefit most ⏱️ Episode 440 Timestamps 3:35 – EU261 passenger compensation changes explained 7:51 – Should the U.S. adopt similar passenger protections? 12:05 – JSX launches Teterboro–Naples service 18:50 – OneWorld partners with Taj InnerCircle 22:40 – American and Air Tahiti Nui award pricing changes 25:44 – Why partner award pricing may be evolving 27:34 – United’s surprisingly large award discounts for cardholders 29:20 – Slack community and Points Path updates 32:07 – Alaska Airlines discusses transferable points 36:31 – Delta’s new checked bag benefit arrives /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41604145

London Canceled, Frontier’s GoWild Pass, and Pricey Seat Assignments 06/03/2026

London Canceled, Frontier’s GoWild Pass, and Pricey Seat Assignments 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. Sometimes travel planning goes perfectly. Sometimes a sick child cancels an international trip less than 48 hours before departure. This week, Richard shares the story of how a long-planned family trip to London unraveled at the last minute, what he learned while canceling flights, hotels, and activities, and how a father-daughter staycation in New York City helped salvage the weekend. The conversation also dives into using AI to build family travel itineraries, including how Richard used Claude to create a detailed London plan complete with maps, transit instructions, and daily schedules. Ed recounts a frustrating travel day involving delayed flights, rental car headaches, and the challenges of fixing travel disruptions even with top-tier airline status. Plus, Richard takes a chance on Frontier’s GoWild Pass, Ed reports more positive experiences with Hilton Diamond Reserve treatment, and the guys react to a jaw-dropping United seat assignment price for an economy flight to Europe. 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 ✈️ Richard’s canceled London trip • A last-minute illness changes everything • Unwinding flights, hotels, and activities • Lessons from travel plans that fall apart ✈️ A father-daughter New York staycation • Park Hyatt New York • Eloise Tea at The Plaza • Creating travel memories closer to home ✈️ Using AI to build better itineraries • Planning London with Claude • Maps, transit routes, and daily schedules • How AI is changing trip planning ✈️ Why travel disruptions remain frustrating • Flight delays and limited information • Rental car reservation challenges • The reality of fixing travel problems in real time ✈️ Hilton Diamond Reserve update • Additional stays since qualifying • Surprising recognition and amenities • Early impressions of the program ✈️ Frontier’s GoWild Pass experiment • Richard buys the promotional pass • How availability really works • Whether the value proposition holds up ✈️ Alaska’s new Iceland service • Seattle to Reykjavik on a 737 MAX • Narrowbody flights across the Atlantic • Would either of them actually book it? ✈️ Bank of America Preferred Rewards changes • New qualification requirements • Why longtime users may lose value • What it means going forward ✈️ United’s eye-opening seat assignment pricing • Economy Plus pricing to Europe • Standard economy seat costs • The surprising economics of seat selection ⏱️ Episode 439 Timestamps 0:48 – Richard’s London trip is canceled at the last minute 6:12 – What happens when a family trip falls apart 8:34 – The father-daughter New York staycation 10:58 – Using AI to build travel itineraries 17:07 – Travel disruption headaches: delays, rentals, and rebooking 25:48 – Hilton Diamond Reserve delivers another surprise 28:03 – Richard buys Frontier’s GoWild Pass 34:31 – Alaska launches Seattle–Iceland service 37:19 – Bank of America Preferred Rewards changes 38:58 – United’s shocking $329 seat assignment fee /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41518855

Hyatt’s New Award Pricing, 10x Chase Points, and British Airways Fee Increase 05/27/2026

Hyatt’s New Award Pricing, 10x Chase Points, and British Airways Fee Increase 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. Hyatt’s new award pricing is officially here — and travelers are still trying to figure out exactly how bad it is. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Julian Kheel from Points Path to break down Hyatt’s new multi-tier award pricing system, including what changed, which properties were hit hardest, and whether this truly changes the value proposition of Hyatt loyalty. They also discuss where Hyatt still trails competitors — especially around free night certificates and “4th or 5th night free” style benefits — and why the next 12 months could be important for Hyatt’s long-term strategy. From there, the conversation shifts to a surprisingly valuable new Chase offer through the Paze wallet platform, where Sapphire cardholders can currently earn up to 10x Ultimate Rewards points with select merchants. Plus, , Delta may be expanding free checked bag benefits on its credit cards, and Ed shares another frustrating round of United Wi-Fi roulette while waiting for Starlink to expand across the fleet. 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 ✈️ Hyatt’s new award pricing system • Multi-tier pricing officially launches • Which properties increased the most • Why it may impact luxury redemptions more than everyday stays ✈️ Is Hyatt loyalty still worth it? • Why Hyatt still offers strong transfer value • Concerns about aspirational awards getting harder to reach • How loyal travelers may rethink their strategy ✈️ Hyatt’s missing benefits • No free night certificate top-offs • Lack of a 4th or 5th night free benefit • Why competitors may now have an edge ✈️ A valuable new Chase earning opportunity • 10x Ultimate Rewards points through Paze • Which merchants currently qualify • Why this could be huge for some travelers ✈️ Air France’s growing loyalty strategy • Tiffany Funk taking over Flying Blue loyalty • Air France credit card + Bilt partnership discussion • Earning status through rent and mortgage payments ✈️ Delta may expand free checked bags • Reports of 2 free checked bags on Delta Amex cards • Why the economics may make sense for Delta • Potential impact on card signups ✈️ British Airways raises surcharges again • Carrier-imposed fees increasing significantly • Why Avios redemptions continue getting more expensive • How U.S. programs still differ from European carriers ✈️ United’s ongoing Wi-Fi struggles • Starlink rollout reaches ~5% of fleet • Why United Wi-Fi still frustrates frequent flyers • The promise (and risk) of Starlink expansion ⏱️ Episode 438 Timestamps 0:49 – Julian fills in for Richard this week 3:44 – Points Path discounts and award alerts discussion 7:17 – Hyatt’s new award pricing officially launches 10:28 – How much worse are Hyatt awards really? 12:22 – Hyatt’s free night certificate disadvantages 16:44 – What Hyatt may need to add next 21:16 – Amex fraud/security frustrations 27:06 – Tiffany Funk joins Flying Blue loyalty leadership 34:05 – Chase Paze wallet and 10x Ultimate Rewards opportunity 38:40 – British Airways raises surcharges again /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41440105

Digging Into A New AA Card, Hilton Diamond Reserve And Delta Seat Delays 05/20/2026

Digging Into A New AA Card, Hilton Diamond Reserve And Delta Seat Delays 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 new credit card shows up, a new hotel status gets tested, and airline product delays keep dragging on. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard break down Citi’s rollout of the new American Airlines Globe Mastercard, including what happens when your existing Barclays card gets converted — whether you were planning on it or not. They take a closer look at the card’s real value, including its ability to accelerate elite status, and whether the benefits justify the $350 annual fee. From there, the conversation shifts to Hilton’s new Diamond Reserve status, as early real-world data points start to trickle in. Does it actually deliver better upgrades, or is it too early to tell? They also revisit Delta’s ongoing seat certification delays, now stretching years longer than expected, and what that means for aircraft configurations and upgrade opportunities. Plus, a mix of travel updates — from World Cup logistics challenges to Uber dropping Discover cards — and a new personal travel goal that could reshape how Ed approaches trips going forward. https://onemileatatime.com/news/delta-a321neo-flat-beds/ 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 ✈️ Citi’s AA Globe Mastercard rollout Barclays cards being converted automatically Key benefits and $350 annual fee Loyalty point boosts and status acceleration ✈️ Is the AA card actually worth it? Earning structure and flight-based bonuses Companion certificate timing Who this card makes sense for ✈️ Hilton Diamond Reserve status Early real-world upgrade data Why results may vary by property Whether it’s worth chasing ✈️ Hotel upgrade realities How hotel systems handle elite tiers Why even top status isn’t guaranteed What to watch for with confirmed upgrades ✈️ Delta’s ongoing seat certification delays A321neo seat rollout pushed further out Why certification is taking years Impact on premium cabins and upgrades ✈️ Airline Wi-Fi frustrations Continued reliability issues Starlink vs legacy systems Why this still isn’t solved ✈️ World Cup travel logistics in the U.S. High transportation costs Weak hotel demand in some markets Why fan experience may fall short ✈️ Uber drops Discover cards Payment network friction Implications with Capital One changes Rare move in the payments space ✈️ The “Five and Dime” travel goal 5 new destinations + 10 new routes per year Why it’s harder than it sounds Cabo Verde as a potential play ⏱️ Timestamps 0:50 – Intro and opening banter 5:20 – AA Globe Mastercard conversion explained 9:30 – Is the AA card worth $350? 14:30 – Hilton Diamond Reserve early results 18:30 – Why hotel upgrades are inconsistent 22:00 – Delta seat delays stretch even further 25:30 – Airline Wi-Fi frustrations 28:30 – World Cup travel logistics issues 31:30 – Uber drops Discover cards 33:30 – “Five and Dime” travel goal /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41360900

JetBlue Status Match, Sky-High Fares, and Why Southwest Still Impresses 05/13/2026

JetBlue Status Match, Sky-High Fares, and Why Southwest Still Impresses 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. Airfare is getting expensive — sometimes shockingly so. This week on Miles To Go, Richard and Ed break down a surprising set of flight prices, including transcon fares that stretch well into four-figure territoryr. As demand patterns shift and airlines lean into premium seating, travelers are feeling the squeeze — especially on peak travel windows. They also dive into JetBlue’s latest move: a targeted status match aimed at former Spirit Airlines elites. It’s a smart play to capture displaced loyalty, but the path to keeping status may be tougher than it looks. Meanwhile, a real-world travel story highlights something you don’t see every day — Southwest Airlines stepping up with exceptional customer service to get a delayed traveler on an earlier flight when other airlines likely wouldn’t have. Plus, first impressions of a refreshed United breakfast offering (with mixed reviews), new international routes from Seattle, and why some airport lounges are still struggling with overcrowding. 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 ✈️ JetBlue’s status match opportunity Targeting former Spirit elites Mosaic 1 vs Mosaic 2 benefits Why earning status after the match may be difficult ✈️ The reality of airline pricing right now $1,000+ coach fares and $6,000 first class tickets Why long weekend travel is so expensive Demand patterns driving pricing ✈️ Southwest customer service surprise Getting on an earlier flight without a confirmed ticket Why this rarely happens on other airlines Where Southwest still stands out ✈️ United’s updated breakfast offering A healthier approach to onboard meals Hits and misses in execution Why simpler catering may be the future ✈️ Delta’s new Seattle international routes Barcelona and Rome launches Competing with Alaska in Seattle Why these routes may struggle ✈️ Airport lounge overcrowding Priority Pass lounge frustrations in Las Vegas Why crowding still hasn’t been solved The tradeoff between access and experience ✈️ Travel quirks and airline operations Special recovery flights with unique flight numbers How airlines handle cancellations and maintenance A strange diversion story to Wichita ✈️ Disney travel deals return Discounted tickets and hotel rates When Disney can actually feel “affordable” Comparing Disney trips vs cruises ⏱️ Episode 436 Timestamps 0:49 – Intro and travel updates 6:30 – Southwest gets a passenger on an earlier flight 9:20 – United breakfast review (the “chia mystery”) 12:10 – JetBlue status match details 18:30 – Why it’s hard to keep JetBlue status 18:30 – Why it’s hard to keep JetBlue status 21:50 – $1,000 coach and $6,000 first class fares 25:00 – Delta adds Seattle to Europe routes 30:30 – Priority Pass lounge overcrowding in Vegas 32:00 – Unique recovery flight numbers explained 33:00 – Weird diversion story to Wichita /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41280040

Spirit Shuts Down, Delta Stumbles, and Airline “Rescue Fares” Fall Short 05/06/2026

Spirit Shuts Down, Delta Stumbles, and Airline “Rescue Fares” Fall Short 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. It finally happened — Spirit Airlines is gone. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard break down what the shutdown of Spirit Airlines means for travelers, employees, and the broader airline industry. From emotional final flights to stranded passengers scrambling for alternatives, the ripple effects are already being felt — and the response from other airlines hasn’t exactly made things easier. So-called “rescue fares” sound helpful in theory, but in practice, they’ve offered limited relief for travelers trying to rebook last-minute trips. They also explore the bigger picture: what losing a major low-cost carrier means for competition, pricing, and access to travel — especially for families and budget-conscious flyers who relied on Spirit to make trips possible. Meanwhile, Delta is dealing with operational issues of its own, with an unusual spike in cancellations and reliability concerns that highlight how fragile airline operations can be. Plus, real-world travel frustrations — from rideshare chaos at Newark to the rising cost of simply getting to the airport — and why the overall travel experience keeps getting more expensive and more complicated. 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 ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ The end of Spirit Airlines Final flights and emotional send-offs What happens to employees and crews Why Spirit mattered more than people realized ✈️ The real impact on travelers Families and budget travelers losing affordable options Trips that simply won’t happen anymore Why competition matters for pricing ✈️ “Rescue fares” that don’t really help Limited availability and restrictive windows United, Delta, American vs JetBlue approaches Why this was a missed opportunity ✈️ Airlines scrambling to fill the gap JetBlue adding routes immediately Frontier and Breeze stepping in What happens to key markets like Fort Lauderdale ✈️ Delta’s operational struggles Spike in cancellations compared to competitors Staffing and reliability concerns A noticeable shift from Delta’s usual performance ✈️ Empty planes and shifting demand Surprisingly light loads on recent flights Capacity cuts vs soft demand What this could signal for pricing ✈️ The rising cost of travel $130 rides to the airport Why logistics are getting more expensive The hidden costs beyond airfare ✈️ Airline cost-cutting trends Cutting drink service on short flights Potential cuts to premium amenities How airlines are squeezing margins ⏱️ Episode 435 Timestamps 0:48 – Intro and quick travel recap 4:00 – Newark rideshare chaos and rising costs 7:52 – Points Path win: saving 60,000 miles 10:37 – Spirit Airlines officially shuts down 11:17 – Rebooking chaos and lack of real “rescue fares” 13:30 – Why airlines missed a big opportunity 15:57 – Empty flights and surprising demand trends 18:50 – Airlines moving quickly to replace Spirit routes 21:29 – Fort Lauderdale and shifting airline strategy 29:53 – Delta’s cancellation spike and reliability issues ⏱️ Episode 432 Timestamps 0:48 – Welcome back & rough week recap 5:20 – Planning the Hong Kong trip 10:00 – Upgrade strategy and long-haul flight experience 15:00 – Victoria Peak and how it’s changed 20:00 – Big Buddha and Lantau Island experience 25:00 – Hong Kong Disneyland highlights and tips 30:00 – Comparing Hong Kong to past visits 35:00 – Why Hong Kong feels different today 38:30 – 6 flights in 3 days: brutal travel run 43:00 – Airline Wi-Fi failures vs Starlink success /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41176310

Spirit Still Hanging On And A Chase Points Letdown 04/29/2026

Spirit Still Hanging On And A Chase Points Letdown 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. Are low-cost airlines still actually low-cost? This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard revisit the evolving situation around Spirit Airlines and what the future may hold for budget carriers as costs continue to rise. Even if Spirit survives, the bigger question remains: can the ultra-low-cost model still work in today’s environment? That question becomes even more relevant when looking at Frontier’s pricing. Flights that once defined “cheap travel” are creeping closer to legacy airline pricing — raising questions about whether the value gap is disappearing. They also take a closer look at Chase’s Points Boost feature for Sapphire Reserve cardholders. While the headline numbers look appealing, the actual footprint is extremely limited — and may not deliver the value many travelers expect. Plus, a deeper discussion on airline loyalty, why perception still matters more than reality for many travelers, and how new partnerships and offer strategies could shape the next phase of points and miles. 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 ✈️ Spirit Airlines: still in the game? Ongoing uncertainty around Spirit’s future Rising costs and pressure on the low-cost model Why competition still matters for travelers ✈️ Are “cheap flights” disappearing? Frontier pricing trends and rising fares Demand vs cost pressures Why low-cost carriers aren’t as cheap as they used to be ✈️ The perception problem for budget airlines Why travelers still avoid Spirit and Frontier How product differences compare to legacy carriers Frequency and reliability concerns ✈️ Chase Points Boost: good idea, limited value 2.5x redemption headline vs reality Only ~11 properties available Why this feels more like a test than a real benefit ✈️ Airline vs OTA hotel booking strategies Loyalty program incentives vs portal bookings Why direct partnerships (like IHG + ANA) matter The future of travel offer ecosystems ✈️ Loyalty programs are changing Shift from points to targeted offers Why “earn more points” isn’t enough anymore The role of personalization in travel rewards ✈️ Hyatt vs Marriott: does earning more points matter? Big differences in redemption costs Why point value matters more than point totals Where each program shines ⏱️ Episode 434 Timestamps 0:48 – Intro and recording from the NYC office 3:30 – Travel gear: Ridge battery pack review 6:48 – Spirit Airlines update and uncertainty 8:01 – Chase Points Boost: what you actually get 9:53 – Frontier pricing and the “cheap flight” question 10:44 – Rising costs for low-cost carriers 15:00 – Loyalty programs and why people still choose legacy airlines 17:15 – IHG + ANA partnership and loyalty shifts 20:00 – Offer-based loyalty vs traditional points earning 23:47 – Hyatt vs Marriott value comparison /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/41060430

Is an Airline About to Collapse? Plus New Airline Fare Rules 04/22/2026

Is an Airline About to Collapse? Plus New Airline Fare Rules 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 airline industry feels a little shaky right now — and travelers may start to feel it. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard dig into mounting questions around Spirit Airlines and whether the low-cost carrier can survive rising fuel prices and financial pressure. If Spirit disappears, what does that mean for fares, competition, and the broader travel ecosystem? From there, the conversation turns to United’s latest move: introducing “basic” versions of premium cabin tickets. With fewer benefits, no changes, and more restrictions, it’s another step in the ongoing trend of airlines unbundling even their most expensive products. They also break down a surprising airline move — Air Canada pulling out of JFK for the summer — and what that says about costs and demand in the New York market. Finally, a deep dive into a topic every frequent traveler can relate to: the real cost of getting to and from the airport. From Atlanta’s predictable (but expensive) Delta dominance to New York’s chaotic (but competitive) airport ecosystem, they compare what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to major U.S. hubs. 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 ✈️ Spirit Airlines and industry uncertainty Rising fuel prices and financial pressure Bailout rumors and what happens next Why low-cost carriers matter for competition ✈️ Airline consolidation and competition Why the JetBlue–Spirit merger mattered What happens if a low-cost carrier disappears How pricing pressure could change ✈️ United introduces “basic” premium fares Restrictions in business and premium economy No changes, fewer perks, and seat assignment limits Why this could confuse travelers ✈️ The growing complexity of airline pricing Basic Economy lessons repeating at higher tiers Why fare differences are getting harder to track How travelers can avoid mistakes ✈️ Air Canada pulls out of JFK (for now) Cost pressures vs demand Why Newark and LaGuardia may be better options What this signals for airline strategy ✈️ The real cost of airport access Ride-share prices skyrocketing in NYC Why getting to the airport can cost more than your flight Taxi vs rideshare vs public transit tradeoffs ✈️ Atlanta vs New York airports Delta dominance vs multi-airline competition Predictability vs flexibility Which setup is actually better for travelers ✈️ Airport security and infrastructure challenges Atlanta TSA bottlenecks AirTrain and transit frustrations Why airport design still matters ⏱️ Episode 433 Timestamps 0:49 – Opening banter and travel plans 6:08 – Spirit Airlines uncertainty and bailout rumors 10:14 – Why low-cost carriers matter for pricing 11:17 – Air Canada pulling out of JFK 16:01 – Hong Kong follow-up and listener feedback 19:08 – United’s new “basic” business class fares 24:07 – Why Basic Economy keeps expanding 25:04 – Pricing transparency and travel portals 30:27 – Best food options at the Cosmopolitan in Vegas 30:56 – Atlanta vs New York airport comparison /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40973050

Hong Kong Hits Different Now, And Airline Wi-Fi Still Sucks 04/15/2026

Hong Kong Hits Different Now, And Airline Wi-Fi Still Sucks 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. Hong Kong, airline chaos, and one very rough travel week (scroll down for timestamps)! This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard are both back home — barely — after a pair of intense travel stretches. Ed recaps a family trip to Hong Kong, including Disneyland, Victoria Peak, and the Big Buddha… but also shares a deeper take on how the city feels different than it did years ago. From cultural shifts to increasing Westernization, it’s a thoughtful look at a destination many travelers still have on their list. Meanwhile, Richard breaks down a whirlwind three-day, six-flight trip across the U.S. — complete with altitude sickness, broken Wi-Fi, and a reminder of why mileage-run style travel isn’t as fun as it used to be. Plus, a surprising bright spot: Starlink Wi-Fi that actually works — and why that’s becoming more important than ever. 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 Hong Kong trip with mixed impressions • Why the city feels different than before • Cultural shifts and changing traveler experience • Where it still shines (and where it doesn’t) ✈️ Victoria Peak and modern Hong Kong tourism • A much more built-up, commercial experience • Unexpected Western influence at the top • When iconic attractions lose some authenticity ✈️ The Big Buddha and Lantau Island • Cable car experience (and aviation geek bonus views) • What makes it worth the trip • How to plan tickets and avoid long waits ✈️ Hong Kong Disneyland review • What’s unique vs U.S. parks • Best rides and surprises • How to maximize your time (and money) ✈️ A tale of two Disney experiences • Classic Disney confusion vs top-tier service recovery • When things go wrong… and then very right • Why Disney still stands out operationally ✈️ Hong Kong vs the rest of Asia • Comparing to Japan and Taipei • Where it ranks today • Why you may want to visit sooner rather than later ✈️ A brutal multi-city travel run • 6 flights in 3 days across the U.S. • The realities of work travel logistics • Why these trips hit harder than they used to ✈️ Altitude, exhaustion, and travel fatigue • Aspen altitude effects (and a rough night) • Why travel stacking can backfire • Lessons for planning better trips ✈️ Airline Wi-Fi: still broken • Multiple flights with no connectivity • Why this matters more than ever • The real cost of losing a workday ✈️ Starlink shines where others fail • First impressions from regional jets • Streaming, reliability, and performance • Why this could change airline competition ⏱️ Episode 432 Timestamps 0:48 – Welcome back & rough week recap 5:20 – Planning the Hong Kong trip 10:00 – Upgrade strategy and long-haul flight experience 15:00 – Victoria Peak and how it’s changed 20:00 – Big Buddha and Lantau Island experience 25:00 – Hong Kong Disneyland highlights and tips 30:00 – Comparing Hong Kong to past visits 35:00 – Why Hong Kong feels different today 38:30 – 6 flights in 3 days: brutal travel run 43:00 – Airline Wi-Fi failures vs Starlink success /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40892330

A $67 Flight, a $3,200 Disney Cruise, and United’s Big Upgrade Push 04/08/2026

A $67 Flight, a $3,200 Disney Cruise, and United’s Big Upgrade Push 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 cheap flight, a surprisingly good cruise, and a few lessons in finding value along the way. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard are back together and catching up on a whirlwind stretch of travel — from a budget-friendly hop out of the Gulf Coast to a deeply discounted Disney Cruise that delivered far more than expected. They break down how a $67 Spirit flight (plus a clever rental car strategy) beat a $650 alternative, why positioning still matters for both flights and cruises, and how flexibility can unlock outsized value. Onboard, Richard shares a full review of Disney’s newest ship, including what worked, what didn’t, and whether Disney cruises are still worth the premium price. Plus, a quick dive into the Freddie Awards ballot, evolving airline and hotel loyalty value, and Ed’s first experience with United’s new “Elevate” cabin — including what they got right (and what still needs work). Scroll down for show notes! 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 cheaper way to fly (if you’re willing to work for it) $650 flights vs a $67 Spirit ticket Positioning through Pensacola instead of Gulfport Why rental cars can beat rideshares and flights ✈️ The reality of domestic travel costs $110 rides to the airport vs $9 rides in smaller cities Why airport access can be the most expensive part of a trip When convenience is (and isn’t) worth paying for ✈️ A discounted Disney Cruise experience Scoring a 65% off sailing Differences between older and newer ships Where Disney delivers — and where it falls short ✈️ Is Disney Cruise Line worth the price? Premium pricing vs real value When it makes sense for families Comparing Disney to other cruise lines ✈️ Cruise logistics and strategy Why you should never fly in the same day Positioning for cruise departures Avoiding stressful travel days ✈️ Freddie Awards discussion Best airline and hotel programs Where loyalty value still exists Why “utility” matters more than ever ✈️ United’s new “Elevate” seat experience First impressions of the new business class Premium economy improvements Where design choices fall short in real-world use ✈️ The future of airline cabins More premium-heavy aircraft Tradeoffs between comfort and practicality Why execution still matters more than design ⏱️ Episode 431 Timestamps 0:49 – Richard returns and travel recap begins 4:00 – The true cost of getting to the airport 7:28 – Biloxi trip and why it still works as a destination 10:00 – $650 flight vs $67 Spirit alternative 13:42 – Why you should never fly same-day for a cruise 15:00 – Disney Destiny cruise review 20:00 – Where Disney cruises shine (and fall short) 25:00 – Freddie Awards and loyalty program value 30:10 – United’s new Elevate seat experience 36:00 – Final thoughts and upcoming travel chaos /episode/index/show/49b6ca65-cf13-4097-951a-e6da1f2b1ce7/id/40773505

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

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