20 Minute Travel

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week American Express announced the death of several of their cards including the Cash Magnet and the popular Everyday cards. With the loss of Everyday, is Amex retooling their lineup in preparation of a new card or are they trying to push customers up to their more expensive Gold card?

In other news the Alaska/Hawaiian merger drama continued this week as transfers from American Express broke briefly, but then came back again. Some terms leave us a bit worried about the future of transfers, but the big question is whether it makes sense to move points now or not. We also discuss China's insane 10,000 drone show, where to use the Hilton Aspire credit, Aeroplan's new 100K welcome offer, 5% categories for the 4th quarter, Hyatt's fall promotion, a tricky Hyatt property and new Amex Offers you want to know about.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Saving money for travel
• 0:39 Alaska/Hawaiian transfer woes and developments
• 2:44 Will Amex to Hawaiian transfers remain & should you transfer now?
• 4:25 One Hyatt’s tricky “mandatory” charge
• 7:10 Chase Aeroplan’s new 100K welcome offer
• 8:30 RIP to Amex Everyday cards
• 10:05 Will Amex replace the Everyday cards in their lineup?
• 11:20 4th quarter 5% Categories for Chase, Citi and Discover
• 13:24 Hyatt’s new fall promotion is sort of terrible
• 14:37 Hilton Aspire Resort Credit - How to use it & where it works
• 15:56 New Amex Offers for Marriott, Hilton, Lowe’s & Google Pay
• 17:35 China’s INSANE 10,000 drone show

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week Alaska Airlines closed on their merger with Hawaiian Airlines. The government laid out a ton of rules for the new airline to follow including keeping the value of points and allowing points to be transferred 1:1 between programs. This has opened up some opportunities to get Alaska miles as Amex is now basically a transfer partner.

In other news tons of new increased card offers dropped this week including Southwest, Hilton and Marriott. We also discuss the new way to change your Southwest companion and the best strategy to get two years of the Companion Pass with these new offers. Other topics include: The Top Gun bar in San Diego, a suspended soccer field in China, how Citi is going hard for the AA card business, Jetblue's new lounges and how to get free points or coffee from Starbucks and Marriott

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Hangovers are temporary travel meme
• 0:32 Alaska now a defacto Membership Rewards transfer partner
• 2:15 Government lays down several rules for Alaska merger
• 4:07 JetBlue announces airport lounges coming to two major airports
• 5:14 JetBlue’s new premium credit card?
• 6:03 Visiting the Top Gun bar in San Diego
• 8:31 Other takeaways from Mark’s San Diego trip
• 9:41 Southwest increased offers & companion pass strategy
• 12:03 Increased offers for Hilton cards as well
• 12:59 Playing the Amex upgrade/downgrade game
• 13:57 Bonvoy Business 5 free night offer returns
• 14:45 Citi is going hard for the AA credit card business
• 16:28 Big payday coming for American Airlines?
• 17:43 How to change your Southwest Companion online
• 18:38 Starbucks/Marriott partnership - Free points or coffee!
• 21:00 Suspended Chinese soccer field 600 feet above the ground

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) 

https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week Southwest continued on its path towards huge changes with the announcement of a shakeup on their board. 6 members will leave and the chairman will retire as they move to make more money and change their model. Will this change the Southwest culture forever?

In other travel news some very popular benefits with Capital One and American Express are being changed, removed or downgraded. Specifically we are seeing changes with Priority Pass restaurants and Uber credits. Do you use these popular benefits? Other topics discussed include: hotel room oddities, strange room service, Carlsbad Caverns, the Concorde and supersonic jets, Hyatt's Guest of Honor double dipping and the MGM/Marriott transfers are a bit strange.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Standing up on an airplane
• 1:19 Cheetohs destroying Carlsbad Caverns
• 2:39 Why Carlsbad Caverns and New Mexico are underrated
• 3:51 Huge shakeup at Southwest - 6 board members leaving
• 6:18 Hotel room oddities - Strange things left behind
• 7:33 Room service craziness - Caviar hot dog?
• 8:30 Venture X Business losing Priority Pass restaurants
• 10:24 Why AAdvantage business accounts are surprisingly valuable
• 12:03 Marriott/MGM Rewards transfers are live…with a quirk
• 12:53 Hyatt Globalist double dipping in 2024
• 14:40 Changes coming to American Express Uber credits
• 16:22 Quick RebateKey payment update
• 17:00  A closer look at the Concorde and its Droop Snoot
• 18:39 The future of Supersonic travel and why its coming back

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $200+ payment via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $6 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) 

https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week the DOT announced they are going to be investigating the major U.S. airlines and their loyalty programs to ensure consumers are being protected. These programs have become huge profit centers for the airlines, but should they be investigated and exactly what will come from it?

In other news a new Tik Tok trend is holding up airport security lines. Is it a problem or a fun fad? We also discuss the "Gates of Hell", a new 4% cash back card, Chase's 90K Ink offer, how to save on your cell phone bill, RebateKey issues, redeeming your Dunkin' credit and parents stealing their children's credit to travel.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 The age old problem of the travel hacker
• 0:51 Department of Transportation investigating airline loyalty programs
• 3:07 Are points & miles a form of savings?
• 4:19 Insane story - Parents opening credit cards in child’s name to travel
• 5:50 How to protect yourself from others using your credit
• 7:11 New Tik Tok trend - Organizing your TSA bin?
• 8:28 Another reason not to participate in this new trend
• 9:49 Chase Ink Business Unlimited - increased 90K offer
• 11:16 US Bank’s insane new 4% cash back card
• 12:45 Why ramping up spending at US Bank is tough
• 14:04 RebateKey - What is it and a warning about receiving payments
• 17:03 How to redeem the $7 Dunkin’ credit the right way
• 18:55 New Chase Offers including T-Mobile, Turo, Marriott and more
• 20:45 Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $200+ payment via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $6 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) 

https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week an insane Tik Tok trend took off that invited people to take advantage of a "glitch" with Chase ATMs to score money. Chase says it amounted to fraud and people have had their bank accounts wiped out. Are these trends fundamentally changing our society?

In other news Wells Fargo may be implementing a tough new 5/24 rule that is similar to Chase. When did it start and what do we know? We also discuss: Chinese ghost cities, Bilt's new Walgreen integration, a meltdown at Denver airport, a new targeted Hyatt promo and why you should be aware of location tracking when posting to social media.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Perfect travel hacker meme
• 1:00 Social media travel posts and location tracking
• 3:05 Meltdown at Denver International Airport
• 6:07 Is hotel loyalty dying as brands choose owners over customers?
• 7:50 Why hotels are playing games with elite benefits more than ever
• 9:54 Chase Tik Tok trend - Glitch or fraud?
• 12:01 How Tik Tok has changed culture and how people do business
• 13:21 Wells Fargo implements their own 5/24 rule?
• 14:38 Last remind for Chase Ink Preferred 120K offer
• 15:03 Targeted Hyatt promo - 1K+ bonus per night
• 16:37 Bilt’s new Walgreen partnership - Cool HSA integration & bonus points
• 18:28 A look at Chinese ghost cities
• 20:17 Why many Chinese Ghost cities don’t stay abandoned

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $200+ payment via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $6 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) 

https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week Chase is making some big changes to their Ink business products. This includes the end of one of the best offers of the year with the 120K Ink Preferred offer coming to an end very soon. The bank is also cutting back their referral offers in half, but you still have a little bit of time. Should you tell friends about a better deal or cash in on a referral that pays you and gives them less?

In other news with the Amex to Hawaiian Airlines transfer bonus coming to an end, is this the time to gamble on the future Alaska merger? Find out why you might want to transfer points before the end of the month. We also discuss Europeans vs. Americans, more trouble for Boeing, travel alarms, Bilt's September Rent Day and new immersive sports venues that will make your jaw drop.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Travel alarm realities
• 0:55 Boeing’s problems continue - 777X grounded during testing
• 3:01 15 Thoughts on America from a European perspective
• 4:04 Why a singular experience in America isn’t the whole truth
• 6:42 Behind Shawn’s Washington/Idaho trip
• 8:46 Visiting Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Silverwood & Flying Allegiant
• 11:49 Ink Business Preferred 120K welcome offer coming to an end
• 12:41 Chase cuts referral offer in half on Ink business cards
• 13:55 The hidden Southwest card perk you didn’t know about
• 15:20 Gambling on the Hawaiian Airlines 20% transfer bonus for Alaska?
• 16:22 How much should you transfer to Hawaiian with the hopes of it becoming Alaska
• 19:16 Bilt’s September Rent Day - 2 Transfer bonuses
• 20:59 Great Bilt redemption - One Bite Pizza Festival
• 22:10 New immersive sports/bar/stadium venues

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $200+ payment via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $6 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) 

https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week we saw a number of notable credit card offers that are worth considering. We dive into recent Amex "no lifetime language" offers for both the Platinum and Gold cards plus the World of Hyatt Business card and the Citi AA Platinum card. We also discuss a huge $2K bonus that may be worth pursuing, but isn't for everyone.

In other news Southwest has made waves with their Hawaii expansion these past few years, but it isn't all going according to plan. We also discuss AA stranding passengers, a great Southwest customer service story, Royal Caribbean's simulated train at sea, Hilton's new promotions and how men and women differ in their approaches to travel.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Men vs. women when it comes to packing for a trip
• 1:23 A look at Southwest in Hawaii - Poor inter-island performance?
• 3:34 How Southwest’s Hawaii flights might be changing in the coming year
• 4:20 Getting stuck in a terminal - AA strands passengers in the Bahamas
• 5:38 Should airlines have better “stranded passenger” policies?
• 6:50 Do people sensationalize travel issues?
• 7:42 Southwest comes through with unheard of service during irregular operations
• 10:05 What are American Express “no lifetime language” offers?
• 10:59 Amex Gold no lifetime language offer details
• 11:53 Amex Platinum card no lifetime language offer details
• 13:23 How to score an increased 75K offer for the Citi AA Platinum card
• 14:35 World of Hyatt Business card 75K offer - Which Hyatt card is best?
• 15:50 Capital One Spark Cash Plus - Huge $2K welcome offer
• 17:10 How to earn 50X AA miles for donating to cancer research
• 18:40 Hilton’s new power up promo - 2,500 bonus points on all stays
• 19:44 Hilton/Lyft partnership - Earn bonus Hilton Honors points on Lyft rides
• 20:53 Cool “S” - Royal Railway Utopia station - Simulated train experience at sea

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $200+ payment via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $6 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) 

https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week Spirit Airlines finally evolved into a more normal carrier with the introduction of their new fare buckets. Depending on what you choose you can get anything from a basic fare all the way up to the equivalent of domestic First Class, but will this end up costing consumers more in the end or is it a good thing?

In other news American Express has some good card offers out right now including two increased Bonvoy offers and a very good deal on the Blue Business Plus without lifetime language. We also discuss crazy travel influencers, the Brazil plane crash, a new VR waterslide, timeshare presentations from home and Hyatt/AA's new status match offers.

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Over the top travel influencers
• 0:44 Crazy plane crash in Brazil
• 2:07 Airline safety in different countries - Something to worry about?
• 2:58 Spirit’s new fare buckets are now live - No more low cost carrier?
• 4:01 Will Spirit’s new fare system ending up costing customers more
• 6:00 Increased offers for Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant - 185K welcome offer
• 7:47 Bonvoy Bevy Amex 155K welcome offer
• 8:35 Amex Blue Business Plus 50K no lifetime language offer & lower spend
• 10:26 Hyatt hotel demands customer signs a contract to get compensation
• 11:35 Why you may not want to deal with a hotel directly to ask for compensation
• 13:55 Get 50K Bonvoy points in your pajamas - Great virtual timeshare presentation offer
• 15:51 Why timeshare presentations can be an incredible path towards discounted trips & points
• 16:51 Hyatt/American airlines status match offers
• 18:35 Don’t sleep on status match merry-go-rounds
• 19:17 Cool new VR waterslide

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $200+ payment via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $6 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) 

https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week brought a lot of bad news in the travel space as Delta continued to struggle from their meltdown. We also learned about some potentially negative changes to Amex Gold and Bilt's Rent Day. To pile on, Southwest announced a ton of major changes as well, although these might be seen as positive by a lot of people. Bye bye cattle call boarding!

In other news Wyndham has a great new promo where you can buy points at an insane discount. We also discuss "surveillance pricing" and why you don't want it, insane travel surcharges, the worst motel brands in America and a Dubai party jet you have to see!

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 Hilarious Olympics social media trend
• 1:11 United windfall? $2500 vouchers to get off of the airplane
• 2:21 Our best airline voucher scores
• 3:18 Should you accept an airline voucher or push for cash & voucher gotchas
• 4:21 United’s very unfriendly Basic Economy policy - Getting worse or better?
• 6:14 Does United need to change their approach to keep up with their competitors
• 7:27 Airline social media scams - Be aware
• 9:01 Why you have to be on your toes at all times in 2024
• 9:49 Bilt’s take on their recent Rent Day devaluation
• 11:30 How Bilt is reallocating their marketing budget after these changes
• 12:27 Why the recent changes hurts the math on pursuing Bilt status
• 13:33 Easy $200 bonus - Melio offering bonus on first payment
• 15:29 6 new bank transfer bonuses - Up to 70% more
• 16:36 Largest urban zipline in the world
• 17:33 Different safety protocols when traveling

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $200+ payment via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $6 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

This week brought a lot of bad news in the travel space as Delta continued to struggle from their meltdown. We also learned about some potentially negative changes to Amex Gold and Bilt's Rent Day. To pile on, Southwest announced a ton of major changes as well, although these might be seen as positive by a lot of people. Bye bye cattle call boarding!

In other news Wyndham has a great new promo where you can buy points at an insane discount. We also discuss "surveillance pricing" and why you don't want it, insane travel surcharges, the worst motel brands in America and a Dubai party jet you have to see!

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 The insanity of travel surcharges
• 0:47 Government fighting back against “surveillance pricing”
• 2:00 How surveillance pricing is predatory and unfair for consumers
• 3:06 Southwest’s historic changes - No more “cattle call”
• 4:30 Why many customers are upset with Southwest’s announced changes
• 5:50 Follow up on Delta’s insane meltdown - Still not fully recovered
• 7:10 Why we need more airline passenger protections in the United States
• 8:43 Amex Gold refresh - New credits and higher annual fee
• 9:42 Amex Gold earnings and other changes
• 10:42 What is going on with Amex’s iconic brand image?
• 11:32 Bilt neuters Rent Day with new low limits
• 12:57 Why Bilt made big changes to their most popular promotion
• 14:52 Wyndham’s incredible Super 8 50th anniversary promotion
• 16:46 Interesting Wyndham marketing & worst hotel brands in America
• 18:30 Insane Dubai party jet
• 19:39 Mile High Club & Boeing’s new 777 private jet

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].