Frequent Miler on the Air
Earn miles without flying. Frequent Miler is all about getting the most out of the loyalty game. You can easily earn hundreds of thousands of points and miles without traveling, then learn how to use those points towards luxury travel. In this podcast, Frequent Miler founder Greg, and senior author Nick debate current topics in the points & miles world.
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Conquer the impossible: The challenge is on | Ep205 | 6-3-23
06/03/2023
Conquer the impossible: The challenge is on | Ep205 | 6-3-23
The 2023 Frequent Miler team challenge is on. This week, Greg and Nick discuss what we've learned from past challenges and why we can't wait to see what is happening right now.00:00 Inro 00:00 Intro 01:20 Giant Mailbag 07:34 Card Talk: Business Platinum card 24:50 Main Event: Conquering the impossible 26:02 Million Mile Madness 27:28 Necker Island 28:30 40K to Far Away 33:33 3 Cards 3 Continents 38:13 Party of 5 1:15:48 Question of the Week Music credit: Annie Yoder
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How would we spend 1 million dollars? | Ep204 | 5-27-23
05/27/2023
How would we spend 1 million dollars? | Ep204 | 5-27-23
Here are ways to maximize your return on high levels of spend with low levels of effort. 00:00 Intro 00:29 Giant Mailbag 01:56 Giant Mailbag #2 https://frequentmiler.com/cross-brand-amex-referrals-possible/ 04:25 Card Talk: Bank of America Premium Rewards card https://frequentmiler.com/boapr/ https://frequentmiler.com/bank-of-america-rewards/ 19:00 What crazy thing . . . did Choice Privileges do this week? 22:25 Mattress running the numbers: Wyndham summer promo https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-promo-earn-5k-15k-bonus-points-when-staying-2-4-consecutive-nights/ 27:32 Award Talk 27:50 Nordic Choice rebrands as . . . Strawberry? 29:51 Using Wyndham points to book Vacasa https://frequentmiler.com/bargain-luxury-in-hawaii-gregs-wyndham-vacasa-experience/ 35:39 Avianca customer service success https://frequentmiler.com/an-avianca-lifemiles-success-story-thanks-to-screenshots/ 39:38 Frequent Miler Challenge Update https://frequentmiler.com/party-of-5-frequent-milers-2023-team-challenge/ 43:30 Main Event: How would we spend $1 million? 44:29 Bank of America Premium Rewards card with Platinum Honors 46:14 Citi Double Cash or Capital One Venture / Venture X / Spark Miles https://frequentmiler.com/dc/ https://frequentmiler.com/c1vr/ https://frequentmiler.com/venturex/ https://frequentmiler.com/c1smbiz/ 48:34 Multiple welcome bonuses 49:03 Business Platinums 51:36 Venture X for Business https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-launches-spark-travel-elite-250000/ 54:32 Aeroplan Visa https://frequentmiler.com/Aeroplan/ 57:16 Delta Diamond for life https://frequentmiler.com/manufacturing-lifetime-delta-diamond-status/ 59:41 Get elite statuses 59:42 American Airlines elite status https://frequentmiler.com/american-airlines-aadvantage-complete-guide/ 1:01:45 Air Canada Aeroplan elite status 1:02:45 Hyatt elite status 1:04:51 Marriott elite status 1:06:09 IHG elite status 1:07:20 What would Greg do? 1:09:12 What would Nick do? 1:17:30 Question of the Week: Is it possible to get an Amex Business card with a low percentage of business owned? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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The sky has fallen on United MileagePlus. Now what? | Ep203 | 5-20-23
05/20/2023
The sky has fallen on United MileagePlus. Now what? | Ep203 | 5-20-23
United steeply increased the cost of award tickets this week and as a result, United miles are worth less. Fear not --- you have many great options for booking Star Alliance awards moving forward. This week, we discuss your alternatives. Join our email list: 00:00 Intro 00:36 Giant Mailbag: Citi premier *does* have purchase protections 04:13 Award Talk 04:18: Citi adds a new transfer partner (Accor) 08:37 AA slot machine 12:23 United status challenge 17:14 What crazy thing . . did United Mileage Plus do this week? 21:33 Main Event: The sky fallen on United MileagePlus 25:20 United Good News 31:01 What do you do if you like Star Alliance? 32:18 Air Canada Aeroplan 37:38 Avianca LifeMiles 46:35 Singapore KrisFlyer 47:21 Turkish Miles & Smiles 51:50 ANA 59:35 Will other programs follow suit? 1:15:09 How many points per year can one sustainably earn? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Citi's quintessential credit card quartet | Ep202 | 5-13-22
05/13/2023
Citi's quintessential credit card quartet | Ep202 | 5-13-22
Do Citi's unsung heroes make up the quintessential credit card quartet? Greg and Nick discuss the Citi card combo you might want to consider. 00:00 Intro 00:49 Giant Mailbag: Citi updates application rules 04:18 What crazy thing . . . did Hilton do this week? 08:52 Mattress running the numbers: IHG Timeshare offer for 3 nights + 50K points for $199 / $249 13:20 Award Talk: Booking Aer Lingus with Alaska Mileage Plan 20:42 Greg books British Airways via Asia Miles 24:25 Party of 5 Team Challenge 27:57 Main Event: Citi's quintessential credit card quartet 30:30 Card Talk: Citi Premier card 38:35 Card Talk: Citi Double Cash card 44:00 Card Talk: Citi Custom Cash 49:50 Card Talk: Citi Rewards+ 57:00 Downsides of the Citi quartet 1:00:53 Curve card to rule them all 1:10:26 Are people missing the boat on the Citi Quintessential Quartet? 1:15:36 Question of the Week: Is it OK to buy store gift cards with an Amex card? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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How to get insane value from your Amex points | Ep 201 | 5-6-23
05/06/2023
How to get insane value from your Amex points | Ep 201 | 5-6-23
Amex Membership Rewards points can be incredibly valuable when used properly toward flights (with airline transfer partners), but they are awful for those looking to redeem for gift cards. This week, we discuss how you can get so much more value with award travel than you will via redemptions like gift cards, Amazon purchases, etc. Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ 00:00 Intro 01:14 Giant Mailbag 10:34 Mattress running the numbers: Numerous transfer bonuses https://frequentmiler.com/current-point-transfer-bonuses/ 10:53 50% transfer bonus to Marriott from Chase 11:27 25% transfer bonus from Chase to Flying Blue 14:50 25% transfer bonus from Amex to Flying Blue 16:57 15% transfer bonus from Amex to Avianca LifeMiles 19:19 30% transfer bonus from Chase to Virgin Atlantic 22:00 Award Talk 29:22 Seats.aero adds Qsuites finder https://frequentmiler.com/seats-aero/ 30:52 Nick's quick hit JetBlue Mint review 34:33 Challenge Update 37:37 Card Talk: Amex Gold Card https://frequentmiler.com/amxgoldcard/ 48:28 Main Event: How to get insane value from your Amex points 50:10 Paying with points can offer acceptable value only when paying for flights with the Business Gold, Business Platinum, or Business Centurion card 54:18 Domestic US: 7,500 BA Avios to fly on AA or Alaska on short nonstop flights 56:38 Domestic US: Delta via Virgin Atlantic for 7,500 miles on short flights 58:15 Domestic US: Avianca LifeMiles to fly United for 7,500 miles on short and medium-distance flights 1:02:03 Star Alliance economy class to Europe: Avianca LifeMiles for 20K one-way to Northern Europe 1:03:06 SkyTeam economy and premium economy class to Europe via Virgin Atlantic 1:04:46 oneworld premium economy to Japan with British Airways Avios 1:06:43 Business class to Europe on Delta using Virgin Atlantic miles 1:07: 18 Business class to Europe using Iberia Avios 1:08:32 Business class JFK to Lisbon for 35K LifeMiles 1:11:13 Anywhere in the US on Qatar Airways to Doha in business class for 70K 1:12:51 Air Canada Aeroplan examples 1:15:00 ANA Round the world business class award 1:17:51 Lufthansa first class to Europe with Avianca LifeMiles (including how to hack it) 1:20:02 Hacking Cathay Pacific Asia Miles for first class (if it comes back) 1:21:50 First class on ANA via Virgin Atlantic miles 1:34:39 Question of the Week: Nick, did you get elite credit for booking The Signature at MGM via Airbnb? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Bilt IS all that | Ep200 | 4-29-23
04/29/2023
Bilt IS all that | Ep200 | 4-29-23
Bilt Rewards is the real deal. With a great set of transfer partners and ways to earn points whether or not you rent or have the credit card, this program just keeps getting better. This week we discuss why you shouldn't sleep on Bilt Rewards. Intro Oops! Oops: You need 40K AA for Gold Ooops: AA charity donation may have been AOK Ooops: Can't book JetBlue transatlantic with AA miles Ooops: How did we forgret the Ink Business Preferred? Giant Mailbag: That Sapphire Preferred 3x online grocery is better than we said Award Talk Seats.Aero adds support for Aeroplan and Emirates Greg books his annual stay at the Inn at Bay Harbor FM Party of Five Team Challenge Update Mattress Running the Numbers Marriott will offer 40K points for a Homes & Villas booking of 4 nights or longer Bilt Rewards will offer a 100% transfer bonus to Air France Flying Blue on May 1st only Card Talk: Bilt Card Main Event: Bilt IS all that Earn points paying rent Bilt Transfer partners Pay for travel at 1.25cpp Earn points on things other than rent Rent Day Quiz / Promos Points for referring friends Link other credit cards to to Bilt Dining (without the Bilt Mastercard) Link Lyft account to Bilt Rewards account for extra points Is Bilt a no-brainer for renters? Other things you can pay with Bilt (besides rent) Is the Bilt card worth a 5/24 slot? Who is the Bilt Mastercard definitely a bad fit for? If you could only have one credit card, which one would it be? Question of the Week: Avianca award taxes were wrong. What gives? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Amassing American Airlines Miles | Ep199 | 4-22-23
04/22/2023
Amassing American Airlines Miles | Ep199 | 4-22-23
Want piles of American Airlines miles? Here are your best strategies for amassing a massive amount of miles in the valuable AAdvantage rewards program. 00:00 Intro 01:03 Award Talk 01:04 Booking The Signature at MGM Grand via Airbnb 07:10 Roame.Travel adds JetBlue 08:07 Seats.Aero helps Greg find Qsuites availability 09:28 Giant Mailbag: Laddering flights 12:40 Giant Mailbag: Can I transfer Ultimate Rewards to American Airlines miles at a rate of 2:1 right now? 16:10 Card Talk: American Airlines cards 16:55 Citi AAdvantage MileUp card 19:17 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select 22:50 Citibusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select card 23:31 Citi AAdvantage Executive card 28:14 Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red 30:24 Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Silver 36:16 Barclays Aviator Business 38:36 Main Event: Amassing American Airlines miles 38:40 Credit card strategies 49:47 AAdvantage Shopping Portal 53:06 SimplyMiles 56:48 Rewards Network AAdvantage Dining 57:38 Hotels: Rocketmiles / BookAAHotels 1:00:36 Hotel partnership with Hyatt 1:02:46 Car Rentals 1:04:10 Shell partnership 1:04:40 Banking: Bask Bank & Citi Checking bonus 1:10:36 Question of the Week: How can you value Hyatt points more highly than Chase Ultimate Rewards points? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Loyalty Program Changing Fortunes | Ep198 | 4-15-23
04/15/2023
Loyalty Program Changing Fortunes | Ep198 | 4-15-23
Frequent Miler often focuses on determine value in the most objective ways possible, but this week Nick and Greg take a very subjective look at each of the major programs, sharing our thoughts about whether each is trending up or trending down. Subscribe to our email list: 00:00 Intro 01:05 Giant Mailbag 06:50 Card Talk: Chase Sapphire Preferred 19:17 What crazy thing....double header 19:32 What crazy thing....did Hyatt do this week? 22:30 Aeroplan 27:24 Award Talk: British Airways Business Class with AA miles 29:40 Free MSC Cruise 34:35 Seats.Aero adds Emirates 36:08 Main Event: Loyalty program changing fortunes 36:31 American Airlines 40:26 Delta 41:46 Southwest 43:13 United 46:37 Virgin Atlantic 48:27 Alaska 50:50 IHG 54:57 Hyatt 56:06 Marriott 59:20 Hilton 1:00:25 Wyndham 1:02:34 Choice 1:02:58 Radisson Americas 1:04:46 Question of the Week: What's your strategy regarding speculative bookings? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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13 ways to increase credit card spend (and get most of it back) | Ep197 | 4-8-23
04/08/2023
13 ways to increase credit card spend (and get most of it back) | Ep197 | 4-8-23
Big credit card intro bonuses are the fastest way to supercharge your miles and points balances, but how can you meet the minimum spending requirements for multiple new cards per year? Here are 13 ways to increase your spending with no cost or low cost. 1:41 Announcements. Tim Goes Full Time 3:10 Monthly Ask Us Anything 5:42 See Nick live at FTU Washington DC 13:02 Card Talk: Amex Bonvoy Brilliant Card 23:36 Award Talk -Marriott now allows online point transfers 25:38 Helping Maisie book a last-minute business class award to Europe 29:03 Using a soon-expiring IHG Free Night Certificate 32:49 Spirit Status Challenge Update 41:23: Main Event: 13 Ways to increase credit card spend (and get most of it back) 41:41 #1: Don't take "No credit cards" at face value 43:50 #2 Pay your taxes 45:42 #3 Pay bills that don't ordinarily accept a credit card with services like Plastiq and Melio 48:05 #4 Fund college savings or pay student loans 50:14 #5 Make loans through Kiva 55:08 #6 Coordinate events with friends 55:54 #7 Pay bills for friends or family 57:06 #8 Fund new bank accounts 1:00:28 #9 Buy and sell merchandise 1:03:53 #10 Buy and sell gift cards 1:07:27 #11 Buy Visa and Mastercard Gift Cards 1:13:07 #12 Reload reloadable cards 1:16:32 #13 Gambling on riskier business 1:23:31 Question of the Week: How can I use the Hilton Aspire $250 resort credit without staying at a resort? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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The World Unlocked: How the points & miles hobby makes incredible experiences practical | Ep196 | 4-1-23
04/01/2023
The World Unlocked: How the points & miles hobby makes incredible experiences practical | Ep196 | 4-1-23
Award travel unlocks an incredible world of possibility. Where will it take you? This week, we talk about how award travel can unlock more travel and more luxury than you may imagine if you're new to the hobby. We also discuss an opportunity to unlock Hyatt elite status that is only available through 4/1/23. Join our email list: 00:00 Intro 01:07 Award Talk: Expedia destroys the value of Hotels.com reward program 07:48 Card Talk: World of Hyatt Credit Card 18:19 Mattress running the numbers: Bilt promotion to fast track to top-tier Hyatt Globalist status 37:01 Giant Mailbag 42:21 Main Event: The World Unlocked 1:19:42 Question of the Week: You send too many emails. You don't send enough emails. What should I do?
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Doing Hawaii with points | Ep195 | 3-25-23
03/25/2023
Doing Hawaii with points | Ep195 | 3-25-23
Instead of saving money for years to visit Hawaii, save your money and get your flights and hotels covered with just two new credit cards. This week, we talk about how to scratch Hawaii off your bucket list with ease and your best options to make it happen. Join our email list: 00:00 Intro 00:56 Giant Mailbag: IHG Suite Upgrade Clarification 04:36 Frequent Miler Challenge Update 13:46 Card Talk: Wyndham credit cards 29:00 What crazy thing....did Citi do this week? 32:51 Mattress running the numbers: Wyndham portal promotion 39:08 Wyndham points on sale 43:02 Award Talk: A multi-night stay on Hyatt free night certificates 45:21 Award Talk: Marriott bookings before the gloves come off 50:28 Main Event: Doing Hawaii with points 56:38 How to get award flights to Hawaii 56:37 Book with miles directly with the operating airline (AA Web Specials, Delta and United flash sales) 1:03:03 Partner awards: United via Turkish Miles & Smiles 1:07:55 Partner awards: British Airways for Alaska or American 1:08:10 Partner awards: Air France and Virgin Atlantic for Delta 1:08:48 Tools for searching for award flights 1:11:21 Hawaiian miles to upgrade from economy to business class 1:12:38 Lodging 1:13:23 Wyndham 1:13:45 Book Vacasa rentals with Wyndham points 1:17:04 Wyndham points for Wyndham timeshare properties 1:21:46 Hyatt points for Hawaiian accommodations 1:23:35 StayWithPoints 1:28:50 Is Hilton worth it? What about Marriott? 1:34:23 Timeshare deals 1:38:49 Question of the Week: Why is Greg's wallet so full of Citibank cards? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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What's in our wallets? | Ep194 | 3-18-23
03/18/2023
What's in our wallets? | Ep194 | 3-18-23
Since Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Garner won't stop asking, this week we discuss what's in OUR wallets (and why). Find out which cards the two of us carry regularly for each of the major expense categories. Join our email list: Giant Mailbag Card Talk: Hilton Aspire Award Talk Alaska Devalues JAL awards Southwest Wanna Get Away Plus for the win Nick’s quick hit Award Talk triple header LifeMiles Manual Booking success Hotel Nyack MGM “Free” stay Main Event: What’s in our wallets? Greg’s Travel spend card Greg’s dinning card Greg’s grocery card Greg’s gas card Greg’s Office Supply card Greg’s Apple Pay card Greg’s Everywhere Else card Nick’s Travel card Nick’s dining card Nick’s gas card Nick’s Office Supply card Nick’s Google Pay card Nick’s Pharmacy card Nick’s Everywhere else card Greg’s Debit card Question of the Week: What’s the best program for suite upgrades — and what can you do to increase your chances of an upgrade? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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[Fixed] Which is the most rewarding hotel loyalty program? | Ep193 | 3-11-23
03/11/2023
[Fixed] Which is the most rewarding hotel loyalty program? | Ep193 | 3-11-23
The margin between the most and least rewarding hotel loyalty programs is probably smaller than you expect -- and which one is best for you often depends on variables like your status or which card you use. This week, we discuss which programs offer you the most bang for your buck. 00:00 Intro 00:45 Giant Mailbag: Inking success 05:45 Card Talk: IHG Premier and IHG Premier Business cards 12:35 Award Talk 12:37 ANA First class awards via Virgin Atlantic devalued 17:11 Etihad First Class apartments booked 22:35 What crazy thing....did Amex do this week? The Points Parade marches on
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Bright spots in Hyatt's 2023 devaluation (And 5 things Hyatt can do to get off the loyalty naughty list) | Ep192 | 3-4-23
03/04/2023
Bright spots in Hyatt's 2023 devaluation (And 5 things Hyatt can do to get off the loyalty naughty list) | Ep192 | 3-4-23
Hyatt's 2023 category changes mark a devaluation in the eyes of many, but this week we talk about the good news to be gleaned from the latest list and how Hyatt can get back in our good graces in a more meaningful way. Join our email list: FrequentMiler.com/Subscribe 00:00 Intro 00:49 Giant Mailbag 1:45 Card Talk: Chase Ink Business Cash card https://frequentmiler.com/cic/ 12:37 Virgin Atlantic joins SkyTeam 18:40 What crazy thing . . . did Choice Privileges do this week? 22:00 Mattress running the numbers: Is Wyndham's new promo worth a mattress run? https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-promo-stay-3-consecutive-nights-earn-15k-points-2-nights-for-7500-points/ 28:38 Main Event: Bright spots in Hyatt's 2023 devaluation 58:48 Question of the Week: Will that bill in congress end credit card rewards as we know about it? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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How to turn a $95 card into 4 ocean cruises | Ep191 | 2-25-23 [Fixed]
02/25/2023
How to turn a $95 card into 4 ocean cruises | Ep191 | 2-25-23 [Fixed]
A $95 credit card could currently get you 4 (or more!) ocean cruises. This week, we talk about how to set the process in motion and why it could be a great deal. 00:00 Intro 00:50 Giant Mailbag 3:05 Card Talk https://frequentmiler.com/c1v1/ 11:52 Mattress running the numbers & What crazy thing....did Hyatt do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/hyatt-promo-earn-3k-points-every-2-nights-500-points-every-2-nights-in-select-cities/ 19:33 Greg almost books Qantas First Class 22:10 Main Event: How to turn a $95 card into four ocean cruises https://frequentmiler.com/wyndhamearnerbiz/ https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-cruise-for-next-to-nothing/ https://frequentmiler.com/holland-america-cruise-match-program-possible-free-cruise-offer/ https://frequentmiler.com/tips-for-new-cruisers-from-new-cruisers/ https://milestalk.com/the-status-match-merry-go-round-explained-using-both-hotel-and-casino-status-match-opportunities-year-after-year/ 57:44 Question of the Week: Pop quiz -- which chains offer compensation when you get walked? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Travel Hacker's Toolkit | Ep190 | 2-18-23
02/18/2023
Travel Hacker's Toolkit | Ep190 | 2-18-23
There are a lot of great tools for collecting and spending points and miles. This week, we talk about the ones we use most often to maximize our mileage. 00:00 Intro 00:45 Giant Mailbag: Tips from the comments on a fixing a failed attempt at a Platinum triple dip 05:50 What crazy thing....double header! 05:58 What crazy thing . . . did Capital One do this week? 12:03 What crazy thin . . . did Virgin Voyages do this week? 17:23 Mattress running the numbers: New Hilton credit cards 25:48 Main Event: Travel Hacker's Toolkit 26:10 Managing Points: Award Wallet 29:39 Earning miles and points 29:45 Best Offers Page 32:56 Travel Freely 35:23 Tools for meeting minimum spending requirements 35:41 Kiva 36:51 Paying taxes 40:34 Referral bonuses 42:10 spending points 42:22 Flight tools (First up: Flight Connections) 44:49 Google Flights and airline websites 50:28 Point.me and Award Logic 58:00 Seats.Aero 1:01:17 Expert Flyer 1:03:30 Award Nights 1:04:38 Award Mapper 1:06:16 Stay with points 1:08:56 Car Rentals 1:15 Google Maps, Google Flights, Google Hotels, Blog Reviews 1:20:54 Question of the Week: On a partner award, do you always check in with the operating carrier? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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SkyMiles strike back | Ep189 | 2-11-23
02/11/2023
SkyMiles strike back | Ep189 | 2-11-23
Long the laughing stock of the award travel world, recent findings in analyzing award redemption opportunities show that Delta SkyMiles is striking back against popular perception. With a new award discount for cardholders that looks to be as advertised and international business class deals connecting the dots outside of the US, it is possible to get better value out of SkyMiles than you may have otherwise assumed. Join our email list: 00:40 Giant Mailbag 5:04 Mattress Running the Numbers Double-header 5:05 Wyndham Rewards points sale (too late, but good to know) 7:42 Citi to offer 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club 14:06 What crazy thing....did Caesars Rewards do this week? 18:28 Frequent Miler 2023 Team Challenge Update 23:45 Awards we booked this week: Greg books Vacasa 31:05 Awards we booked this week: Gifting Hyatt free night certs 33:30 Main Event: SkyMiles Strikes Back 34:18 15% discount on awards for cardholders 44:53 Opportunities for good value using SkyMiles for premium cabin international awards 57:06 Question of the Week: After Hyatt, which hotel program should be your #2 choice? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Hidden City Ticketing: Techniques, Challenges, and Ethics | Ep188 | 2-4-23
02/04/2023
Hidden City Ticketing: Techniques, Challenges, and Ethics | Ep188 | 2-4-23
Hidden city ticketing could save you a lot of money or miles, but it comes with both challenges and risks. Some find it appealing, others find it unethical. Greg and Nick discuss the details. Join our email list: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Giant Mailbag 05:19 Mattress running the numbers: Now exchange points between Choice and Radisson 13:04 The News: Delta 15% discount on awards for cardholders 18:25 Awards we booked this week: JAL business class for 5 26:00 Main Event: Hidden city ticketing: techniques, challenges, and ethics What is it? 30:25 Drawbacks / warnings 30:36 You can never skip anything but the final segment 33:01 Keep it simple: don't check bags 36:40 Irregular Operations (IRROPS) 39:39 Make sure you qualify for entry to the destination of your ticket 40:40 Techniques to find hidden city ticket opportunities 41:05 Skiplagged 42:36 One more warning: Airlines don't like this practice 45:39 Google Flights 49:17 Use cheap prices as a starting point for looking at awards 52:30 Look at flying to Mexico or maybe Canada 53:04 Look where regions meet 56:01 Mixed-cabin award pricing (Avianca LifeMiles, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and Virgin Atlantic for Air France or KLM) 00:13 Downside of hidden city award tickets 1:01:32 Seats.aero for finding these opportunities 1:03:50 Ethics: Is this practice unethical? 1:18:55 Question of the Week: Is relying on close-in award availability a viable travel strategy, or am I setting myself up for a world of pain? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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First Class for 5: Gambling on Frequent Miler's 2023 Team Challenge | Ep187 | 1-28-23
01/28/2023
First Class for 5: Gambling on Frequent Miler's 2023 Team Challenge | Ep187 | 1-28-23
Do you often read about the luxury travels of bloggers and think "That's nice, but it's not possible to do that with an entire family!"? This week, Greg and Nick decided to bet the Frequent Miler team's reputation as points and miles wizards on our ability to create an amazing trip for not one or two people, but for all five of us. Join our email list: 00:00 Introduction 1:18 Mattress running the numbers: Bilt Rent Day Promo: 100% transfer bonus to Hawaiian Miles 5:45 Mattress running the numbers: Marriott promo for double elite night credits 9:36 Noteworthy news this week Bilt integration with Point.me 12:22 30 Million+ Amex points for readers 17:08 Awards we booked this week, AKA... 17:24 Main Event: First Class for 5. Gambling on Frequent Miler's 2023 challenge. 59:19 Question of the Week: Will Delta protect your booking if you're traveling on two separate tickets booked via Virgin Atlantic? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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The single best $250 credit card wallet for point collectors | Ep186 | 1-21-23
01/21/2023
The single best $250 credit card wallet for point collectors | Ep186 | 1-21-23
What's the strongest transferable points wallet you can muster with just a $250 budget for annual fees? Will Greg or Nick come up with the killer combo -- and can yours beat theirs? 00:00 Intro 00:59 Giant Mailbag 03:32 What crazy thing . . . did Capital One do this week? 09:03 Mattress running the numbers: A potentially lucrative Wyndham promotion 14:06 Main Event: The single-best $250 wallet for point collectors 18:15 Nick's gas station card 18:39 Greg's gas station card 19:12 Greg's grocery cards 20:20 Nick's grocery cards 22:10 Nick's dining card 22:43 Greg's dining card 23:45 Greg's travel card 24:10 Nick's travel card 25:23 Nick's phone and Internet 26:10 Greg's phone and Internet card 27:14 Greg's everywhere else card 28:00 Nick's everywhere else card 28:56 All of the extra cards 33:55 Question of the Week: What's the best card to pay for a $100K cruise? What about $150K in taxes?
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Doing New Zealand with points | Ep185 | 1-14-23
01/14/2023
Doing New Zealand with points | Ep185 | 1-14-23
Fresh off the plane from New Zealand, Greg shares highlights from his trip and we discuss the best ways to fly to and stay in New Zealand using points and miles. Subscribe to our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ 1:06 Giant Mailbag 3:06 What crazy thing . . . did Chase and Aeroplan do this week? 9:47 Mattress running the numbers 15:56 Awards we booked this week 21:35 Main Event: Doing New Zealand with points 23:36 United Polaris mini-review 30:48 Qantas business class mini-review 37:23 Ways to book to NZ on points 42:53 Cheapest way to NZ on points in business class 47:24 How to book impossible awards 49:48 The best program for impossible awards 54:27 What are your options for staying in New Zealand? 54:48 Park Hyatt Auckland 1:03:27 The George (SLH via Hyatt) 1:17:14 Eichardt's Private Hotel (SLH via Hyatt) 1:21:24 The Carlin (SLH via Hyatt) 1:24:36 Other options on points in Queenstown 1:24:57 Holiday Inn Express 1:33:55 Question of the Week: Can you do a free stopover in Honolulu on an Alaska award? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Elite Treats: the best elite benefits in the business | Ep184 | 1-7-23
01/07/2023
Elite Treats: the best elite benefits in the business | Ep184 | 1-7-23
Airline, hotel, and rental car programs treat their best customers to the highest level of recognition. Are the perks worth your loyalty? Which elite benefits are the best in the business? This week, we talk about our favorite elite benefits in each of several categories. Join our email list: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ 00:42 Giant Mailbag 2:43 What crazy thing . . .fourple header! 3:10 What crazy thing . . . did Southwest Airlines do this week? https://frequentmiler.com/southwest-compensating-passengers-25k-points-each-as-a-goodwill-gesture-check-your-email/ 7:28 What crazy things . . . has Marriott done this week? https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-gives-55-elite-night-credits-to-those-with-the-right-card-combination/ 9:47 40K choice benefit free night certificate valid for two years? 10:51 Greg's invisible 40K free night cert https://frequentmiler.com/like-a-thief-in-the-night-watch-out-for-marriotts-latest-naughtiness/ 12:33 Main Event: Elite treats. The best elite benefits int he business. 12:43 Best airline elite benefit https://frequentmiler.com/complete-guide-southwest-companion-pass/ 16:45 Honorable mention via Delta 17:30 Best Hotel elite benefits in the business 17:39 Best on-property benefits 19:58 Best milestone awards 21:42 Best return on spend for top-tier elites 25:11 Best Rental car elite benefit: National free nights https://frequentmiler.com/using-national-free-days-for-one-way-car-rentals-sweet-spot-spotlight/ 27:53 Best casino elite benefits https://frequentmiler.com/caesars-diamond-celebration-dinner/ https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-cruise-for-next-to-nothing/ https://frequentmiler.com/why-you-might-want-to-book-atlantis-while-you-can-via-caesars-diamond-status/ 31:30 Question of the Week Music credit: Annie Yoder
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What as the 2022 Deal of the Year? | Ep183 | 12-31-22
12/31/2022
What as the 2022 Deal of the Year? | Ep183 | 12-31-22
We regularly report on great deals, but this week we discuss the cream of the crop as we try to narrow down the best of the best deals of 2022. Join our email list so you don't miss great deals like these: https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ 00:50 Giant Mailbag 3:55 What crazy thing...did Southwest Airlines do this week? 11:10 Mattress running the numbers: Caution on those end-of-year mattress runs 15:45 Awards we booked this week: Alaska one-way with a stopover on a domestic award 18:50 Main Event: What is the 2022 Deal of the Year? 19:40 Amex Offer for 6% back at Belk 25:16 Capital One Shopping offers for 24-30% back 29:25 Brussels to New York in business class for 25.5K Avianca LifeMiles 30:40 Amex Business Platinum No Lifetime Language offers 33:45 Amex Business Checking 60K offer 36:15 Cruise line status matches 39:58 Ritz-Carlton Visa becomes more valuable for the same annual fee 42:38 United offered business class to many parts of the world for 60K miles one-way 47:00 Narrowing it down and crowning a winner 1:04:09 What are your elite status plans for 2023? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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2022 Bonvoyed Awards | Ep182 | 12-24-22
12/24/2022
2022 Bonvoyed Awards | Ep182 | 12-24-22
This week, we throw regular segments out the window and cover your end of year checklist before diving into the 2022 Bonvoyed Awards, where we discuss which program has Bonvoyed us the worst in 2022. 01:37 Elite status https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-titanium-achieved-heres-how-i-sprinted-to-the-finish/ 06:34 Expiring free night certs https://frequentmiler.com/gift-hotel-points-free-night-certificates-and-award-nights-booked-with-points-rules-by-program/ 13:41 Airline fee credits https://frequentmiler.com/amex-airline-fee-reimbursements-still-works/ 18:36 Now is the time to apply for Amex Platinum cards 20:14 Saks credit https://frequentmiler.com/platinum-card-saks-credit-what-can-you-get-at-saks-with-50/ 24:34 Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection https://frequentmiler.com/find-your-own-fine-hotels-resorts-deals/ 29:12 Dell credits 35:50 2022 Bonvoyed Awards 37:00 Radisson International 38:35 Hilton's war on breakfast 43:17 Emirates 45:17 Delta's Triple Threat 51:39 Capital One Venture X 54:08 American & United 57:18 Chase Pay Yourself Back 1:05:20 Question of the Week: Where is Aalborg? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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American Airlines takes elite gaming to the next level | Ep181 | 12-17-22
12/17/2022
American Airlines takes elite gaming to the next level | Ep181 | 12-17-22
American Airlines clearly is not a player-hater: the newly revamped AAdvantage Loyalty Points program seems to be designed with an eye toward gamification. Gone are the days when George Clooney's character from Up in the Air was the ideal of an airline's best customer because this new program values those of us who earn miles without flying. Listen in to hear us discuss our takeaways form this week's AAdvantage announcement -- and a lot more. Join our email list: 1:00 Giant Mailbag: Thanks for the tip on how to use Dell credits 4:20 What crazy thing....did Capital One do this week? 9:31 Mattress running the numbers: Revamping our Reasonable Redemption Values for hotel points 22:19 Awards we booked this week: Apply Delta Upgrades online 30:26 Main Event: American Airlines takes elite gaming to the next level 1:00:08 Question of the Week: How do you know which hotels are eligible for the Hilton Aspire resort fee credit? A weird reader data point. Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Airline loyalty shake up: Big news from Aeroplan, British Airways, JetBlue and more | Ep180 | 12-10-22
12/10/2022
Airline loyalty shake up: Big news from Aeroplan, British Airways, JetBlue and more | Ep180 | 12-10-22
Aeroplan adds the ability to book Emirates awards, British Airways lets you pay more Avios and less money, JetBlue totally revamps its loyalty program and more. Greg and Nick discuss this week's big loyalty news and more. Join our email list to read even more: FrequentMiler.com/Subscribe 00:28 Giant mailbag: Etihad sweet spot on Asiana 3:16 What crazy thing....did Southwest Airlines do this week? 7:30 Mattress running the numbers: Necker Island is back and there's a 30% transfer bonus. Is it worth it? 18:09 Awards we booked this week: IHG search results weirdness (don't forget to scroll to the bottom!) 20:49 Main Event: Airline loyalty shakeup: Big news from Aeroplan, British Airways, JetBlue, and more 21:05 Aeroplan adds the ability to earn & redeem on Emirates 30:09 British Airways adds option to pay more Avios and less money 36:26 Alaska adds the ability to book El Al online 40:12 JetBlue's new loyalty program 1:01:49 Question of the Week: How long does it take for Marriott elite nights to post when you get a new credit card? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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American Airlines Loyalty Game Hidden Treasures | Ep179 | 12-3-22
12/03/2022
American Airlines Loyalty Game Hidden Treasures | Ep179 | 12-3-22
Get JetBlue Mosaic-like benefits or Alaska elite-like benefits without ever setting foot on a plane with the American Airlines Loyalty Point game. This week Greg and Nick discuss some reasons you may be missing that might make it worth playing the game. 1:11 Giant Mailbag 2:29 What crazy thing....did Capital One Shopping do this week? 5:35 Mattress running the numbers: Should you do the American Airlines elite status fast track if you have Hyatt elite status? 15:50 Awards we booked this week: Hyatt Regency MCO 17:51 American Airlines Loyalty Games Hidden Treasures 44:59 Question of the Week: What is the best card for unbonused spend? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Strange bedfellows and secret alliances | Ep178 | 11-26-22
11/26/2022
Strange bedfellows and secret alliances | Ep178 | 11-26-22
Did you know that Amex partners with United and that your favorite UR card might be the one that indirectly offers Grubhub+? On this week's Frequent Miler on the Air podcast, Greg and Nick discuss some of the strange secret partnerships you can find in your wallet and why they may be of interest. Join our email list: frequentmiler.com/subscribe 1:26 Giant Mailbag 3:25 What crazy thing...did Wyndham do this week? 8:15 Mattress running the numbers: Bilt offers 100% transfer bonus to IHG 12:35 Awards we booked this week 15:45 Strange bedfellows and secret alliances 16:25 Amex Platinum Declared partnership: Disney+, Hulu, ESPN through Digital Entertainment Credit Secret relationship: HBO and Showtime (through Hulu) Secret relationship: Paramount+ (through Walmart+) 19:12 CSR Declared relationship: DoorDash Secret relationship: GrubHub+ (via Lyft Pink) 22:56 Amex Declared relationship: Marriott. Easiest path to Marriott Titanium status Secret relationship: United MileagePlus (for elite status) 28:10 United Declared relationship: Marriott Weird relationship: IHG 31:34 Question of the Week: Can I stack Rakuten and the Capital One Shopping extension? Where do I find my Capital One Shipping money? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Extreme stacking for extreme savings | Ep177 | 11-19-22
11/19/2022
Extreme stacking for extreme savings | Ep177 | 11-19-22
Whether you're doing some holiday shopping or making day-to-day purchases, you want to stack to get as much back as you possible can. Getting the best deals means peeling back a lot of layers. 00:51 Giant Mailbag 5:46 What crazy thing double header First up: What crazy thing did Hyatt do this week? 11:43 What crazy thing did Marriott do this week? 17:05 Mattress running the numbers: Should we GoWild with Frontier? 22:39 Awards we booked this week 26:18 Main Event: Extreme stacking for extreme savings 27:01 How we find good deals 1st: Slickdeals & Slickdeals Live view 29:24 CamelCamelCamel.com 30:58 Shopping Basket Trick 38:19 Shopping Portals 38:45 How portals work 43:48 How do you find a good portal? 49:15 Best Practices for portaling & favorite portals 59:34 Portal referral bonuses 1:01:43 Capital One Shopping (no Capital One credit card required) 1:12:45 Capital One Offers (card required) 1:14:05 Credit Card rewards (welcome bonuses, category bonuses) 1:20:40 Card-linked offers 1:38:18 Question of the Week: In 2 player mode, is it possible to to gift hotel free night certificates so that Player 2's certs can be given to Player 1 to enjoy their elite benefits? Music credit: Annie Yoder
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Award Travel is Free! No, it's not. Does it matter? | Ep 176 | 11-12-22
11/12/2022
Award Travel is Free! No, it's not. Does it matter? | Ep 176 | 11-12-22
Are miles and points free? Do we use them for "free travel"? Does how we earned the miles make the travel more or less free? This week, we talk about costs and trade-offs of "free" travel. Join our email list: 00:43 Giant Mailbag 04:59 What crazy thing....did Barclays do this week? Arrival Plus adds transfer partners 10:44 Mattress Running the Numbers: Why Greg isn't transferring to Aeroplan 16:27 Awards we booked this week Greg: A weak use of a Cat 1-7? Nick: Hyatt suite success 26:20 Main Event: Award travel is free! No, it's not! Does it matter? 27:39 Opportunity Cost 31:16 Redeeming points: is it free? 42:50 When people say "my travel is free", are they talking about the earning or redemption side? 52:55 Is acquisition cost relevant to your redemptions? 1:08:44 Does free matter? What is the Joy of Free worth? 1:20:05 Question of the Week: How can one meet minimum spending requirements on business cards?
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