Award Travel 101

By Award Travel 101 TeamSociety & Culture Education Self-Improvement Places & Travel How To

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Typical duration
49 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Award Travel 101 episodes

May 30, 2025Learning All About CardPointers
In Episode 122 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Cameron Laufer is joined by Emmanuel Crouvisier from CardPointers to discuss the latest news in travel rewards, new credit card offers, and tips for maximizing points. A standout feature of the episode is the deep dive into CardPointers, a tool designed to help users optimize their credit card rewards. Emmanuel explains how CardPointers was born and offers a detailed walk-through of its features, including the “For You,” “Pointers,” and “Offers” tabs, as well as how users can stack rewards and integrate with shopping portals for even more value. The episode also covers security concerns, multiuser features, and how the app’s iOS widgets and desktop browser extension can help users keep track of their points.
The podcast also highlights several important updates in the travel rewards world. This includes devaluations by Citi, where the redemption rate for cashback on the Strata Premier and Prestige cards dropped from 1 cent per point to 0.75 cents, and changes from United Airlines, which have removed instant upgrades for elites on certain fare classes and eliminated the Excursionist perk.
Listeners are also encouraged to take advantage of new credit card offers, such as the 75K Aeroplan card for a $95 annual fee and the 100K American Executive card, both with specific spending requirements. The episode wraps up with some personal travel updates, including Cameron’s upcoming trips to Chicago and Patagonia, and Emmanuel’s recent trip to Jamaica. Lastly, Cameron shares a tip of the week about stacking rewards using Capital One shopping and CardPointers to maximize savings.
Episode Links:
Citi Cash Back Devaluation
Aeroplan Offer
Citi AAdvantage Executive Record High Offer
United Program Changes
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
44 min
May 23, 2025A Magnificent Meet Up
In Episode 121 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo recap a packed week of travel news, personal updates, and a deep dive into the recent "Magnificent Miles Meetup" in Chicago. They highlight a popular Facebook post comparing Andaz Maui and HR Maui, with opinions divided based on points cost and who’s traveling with you. News-wise, they cover Hawaiian Airlines parting ways with Amex, a Citi to Wyndham 25% transfer bonus, Flying Blue dropping Delta award prices for 2026, and Aeroplan offering a 90% bonus on purchased points. Angie shared she’s cutting back on card applications after a denial, while Mike celebrated scoring a 100k Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus.
The main topic focused on the Chicago meetup, where despite weather and travel delays, most attendees made it thanks to their seasoned travel skills. Angie and Mike flew on AA (via Alaska for Mike), and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, using points and benefits like GOH awards and club access. Formal events included a Friday rooftop reception, Saturday learning sessions from travel experts, and a custom improv comedy show Saturday night. Unofficially, attendees self-organized through a Messenger chat for cruises, walking tours, karaoke, and hotel lobby meetups. Looking ahead, a fall meetup is planned with early access for their AT201 group and expanded capacity expected. Their takeaway tip? Always build in extra time to get to the airport—things go wrong!
Links to Topics Discussed
American Express Ending Transfers to Hawiian Airlines
Citi Thank You Points to Wyndham Transfer Bonus
Flying Blue Drops 2026 Delta Award Pricing
Air Canada Aeroplan Buy Points Promotion
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
49 min
May 16, 2025Trip to Slovenia & Croatia
In Episode 120 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike Zaccheo and Angie Sparks cover Angie’s recent trip to Slovenia and Croatia, blending personal travel highlights with timely award travel news. Big community updates include the long-awaited announcement of the 2025 Chicago Seminars (Nov 7–9 at HR ORD), changes to Emirates First Class award access for elites only, and generous summer promotions from Best Western and Marriott Homes & Villas. Hyatt also announced a cap on the number of awards a member can receive via gifting, beginning June 7, 2025. On the personal front, Angie completed spend on her ABG card and is eyeing her next one, while Mike is working up the nerve to have Player 2 call Chase before a bonus expires.
Angie detailed her trip to the Balkans, booked using Turkish Miles & Smiles with a bonus from Citi ThankYou Points. Despite a few travel hiccups, she had an enjoyable experience flying Turkish Airlines and Polaris on the return. Hotels were mostly booked with cash via OTAs, with some offset using Capital One travel credits. Angie and her travel companion rented a car for their road trip, visiting Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, and iconic caves like Postojna, before crossing into Italy and heading down the Istrian coast into Croatia. Highlights included truffle tasting tours, the Roman ruins in Pula, and the stunning Plitvice Lakes. Angie strongly recommends Slovenia for its beauty, affordability, and mild summer weather. Her tip of the week? Always pack a charging brick—especially when facing airport delays.
Link to Topics Discussed
15th Annual Chicago Seminars
Emirates restricts First Class award redemptions
Best Western Points Promotion
Hyatt Restricts Award Gifts
Marriott Homes & Villas Promotion
Emirates Skyward Miles Expiration
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
43 min
May 09, 2025Remaining Sweet Spots
In Episode 119 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike and Maria kick things off with a community highlight from Paul, who shared his unique travel ritual of getting haircuts abroad to experience local culture. This sparked a lively discussion, with other members mentioning grocery stores, tattoos, children’s books, and grooming services as ways to engage with destinations more deeply. The hosts then dove into news: Chase's 100K Sapphire Preferred offer is ending soon, Alaska Airlines added Philippine Airlines as a partner, Amex and Chase paused Emirates transfers temporarily, and Hyatt launched a lucrative promo for Under the Canvas stays.
The main feature covered “Disappearing Sweet Spots” amid ongoing devaluations in award charts. While many programs have raised prices or introduced dynamic pricing (like JAL and Lufthansa), there are still valuable redemptions to be had. ANA’s RTW awards remain competitive, and Cathay Pacific has been reliably releasing premium cabin awards despite eliminating its chart. Maria emphasized the importance of diversifying points currencies to navigate future changes.
The episode closed with a timely tip: use Rakuten’s 15% Big Give Week and the AA shopping portal to stack points on Mother’s Day purchases.
Links to Topics Discussed
Chase Sapphire Preferred Elevated Offer
Alaska Adds Philipine Airlines as a Booking Partner
Chase & Amex Pause Transfers to Emirates
Hyatt Under the Canvas Promo
Maria Points The Way - Cathay & JAL Changes
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
51 min
May 02, 2025Points After Death
In Episode 118 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, host Mike Zaccheo is joined by moderator April Rose. The episode begins with the "Post of the Week," highlighting a discussion on whether obtaining a Real ID before the May 7 deadline is worthwhile, given that some licenses don’t expire for years. Commenters suggested alternatives such as carrying a passport or a Global Entry card for compliance.
The news segment covers updates like Bilt Rewards adding Southwest as a transfer partner, reciprocal checked bag benefits for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines cardholders, and Citi’s devaluation of transfer rates for select loyalty programs.
The episode’s highlight feature addresses a sensitive topic—managing travel points and miles after the passing of a loved one. Mike and April delve into the policies of different loyalty programs, providing a guide for transferring points, including required documentation and potential fees. They also explore creative ways to honor a loved one’s legacy using points, such as taking trips to places they cherished or donating miles to charity. To prepare for such situations proactively, they suggest enrolling in family sharing programs across various airlines and hotel chains. The episode concludes with a tip from April: travelers can text TSA for inquiries on acceptable items when flying.
Links to Topics Discussed
Bilt adds Southwest as a transfer partner
Bilt Rent Day promotions
Alaska-Hawaiian reciprocal bag benefits
Citi reduces transfer ratios
TSA Rules on cremated remains
Text TSA for info
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
37 min
April 25, 2025Award Travel In Retirement
Angie Sparks is joined by special guest Steve Harms, a seasoned award traveler and recent retiree, to explore how retirement reshapes points and miles strategies. Steve shares his journey into the hobby starting in 2020, diving headfirst into earning transferable points, amassing over a dozen cards, and navigating credit card rules like 5/24. He also outlines his wife Cindy’s more cautious but strategic participation, especially given her role as a caregiver for her parents. The couple’s travel patterns and card usage evolved significantly due to caregiving responsibilities and then Steve’s retirement in 2024. Their planning now revolves around minimizing annual fees, maximizing retention offers, and selectively product-changing cards to continue earning bonuses without increasing financial burden.
The main focus of the episode is how retirement impacts travel rewards strategy. Steve recommends applying for high-AF cards and meeting spend thresholds before retiring, when income is more predictable. Post-retirement, tighter budgets mean being more selective, relying on retention bonuses, using tools like CardPointers, and even incorporating cash-back strategies or bonus purchasing to fill gaps. He also shares insights into managing healthcare costs without employer group insurance—touching on COBRA, Medicare, and supplemental plans. For retirees, cards like the no-AF AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard (3% on gas and drugstores, 2% on medical) can be especially valuable. A listener SOS from “Credit Card Jail” also prompted discussion on getting creative with less common banks and targeting no-lifetime-limit Amex offers. Finally, Angie shares a TSA PreCheck tip for fixing boarding pass issues when booking with partner airlines—proving a little persistence can pay off.
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
55 min
April 18, 2025American Airlines Recap
In Episode 116 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie and Cameron dive into key travel news and updates, including a lively community discussion sparked by a member seeking solo travel advice for women. Recommendations ranged from safe bets like Switzerland and Singapore to more debated destinations like Morocco, Mexico City, and Cape Town.
In news, SkyTeam announced lounge access policy changes that include tighter time restrictions and stricter guest access, while Qatar introduced a new “QSuites Guarantee” to compensate for aircraft downgrades. Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are offering point purchase bonuses. Lastly, ANA is phasing out its ultra-cheap round-the-world ticket but now allows one-way awards, opening up new opportunities with low surcharges and excellent value.
The highlight segment focuses on the American Airlines AAdvantage program. Angie and Cameron explore its unique characteristics, like the lack of bank transfer partners, but also its strengths—such as cheap domestic awards and valuable partner redemptions. They also break down the Loyalty Points system and status tiers, which offer incremental rewards from 40K points upward. Earning strategies include credit card bonuses, shopping portals, AA Hotels, and Bask Bank.
The episode wraps with a tip from Cameron on consolidating Southwest flight credits before upcoming program restrictions, helping travelers simplify redemptions and maximize their leftover funds.
Links to Topics Discussed
SkyTeam Lounge Access Policy "Enhancements"
Qatar Q-Suites Guarentee
Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines Buying Points Bonus Offers
ANA Eliminating Round-the-World Ticket
Bask Bank AAdvantage Miles Earning
Combining Southwest Flight Credits
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
56 min
April 11, 2025Destination: Japan
Episode 115 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosted by Mike Zaccheo, features Joe Petrovic's recent return from his second trip to Japan within a year. The "Post of the Week" highlights Maria, a moderator, who utilized the concierge service of her legacy Ritz Carlton card to secure restaurant reservations in Seoul despite language barriers. This episode underscores leveraging unique credit card benefits for hassle-free travel planning.
Among the discussed news topics is the record-high bonus offer for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, ideal for new travelers, and tightened product change rules by Citi, limiting flexibility in switching between card families. Other highlights include updated bonus categories for Chase Freedom and Citi Custom Cash cards and Loganair's adoption of Avios currency, making their often-expensive short flights more accessible.
The episode's main feature dives into Joe's spring trip to Japan to practice Japanese and experience cherry blossom season. His meticulously planned itinerary included flights and luxurious hotel stays leveraged through credit card points and perks. Notable highlights of the trip include exploring Okinawa, Osaka, and Tokyo, indulging in cultural and natural sites like Naminoue Beach, the Umeda Sky Building, and cherry blossom viewing spots.
Finally, the podcast wraps up with travel tips, emphasizing tools like Google Maps and translation apps, learning basic phrases in the local language, and planning extra time to navigate. Whether for seasoned travelers or beginners, the episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring travel tales.
Links to Topics Discussed
Chase Sapphire Preferred Record High Offer
Citi Tightening Product Change Rules
Rotating Quarterly Bonus Categories Reset
Scottish Airline Loganair Adopts Avios Currency
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
1 hr 5 min
April 04, 2025What's It Like to Run a Facebook Group
In Episode 114 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo take listeners behind the scenes of what it's like running a large Facebook community dedicated to points and miles travel. They kick things off with a viral post about Tampa International Airport's humorous rebranding inspired by its iconic flamingo statue, Phoebe. The episode covers major updates in the travel and credit card world, including widely disliked changes to United’s credit card portfolio, the return of National Car Rental’s One Two Free promo, and various hotel promotions from Hyatt and Accor. Angie shares her recent Atlanta trip booked with points and previews plans for a fall leaf-peeping road trip.
The heart of the episode focuses on the daily grind (and occasional chaos) of moderating a massive Facebook group. While most members are helpful and enthusiastic, the hosts explain the challenges of dealing with repeat questions, Facebook's finicky search and tagging systems, and limitations placed by certain banks that restrict how their products can be discussed. They also talk about how the group earns money—mostly through affiliate links and AT201 memberships—and encourage members to support the group by using their links and participating more actively. They wrap up with a reminder not to rely too heavily on autopay and to always double-check credit card payments.
Links to Topics Discussed
United Airlines Card Portfolio Overhaul
National Card Retnal One, Two, free promotion
Hyatt 777 Bonus and other current promotions
Accor Live Limitless bonus point promotion
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
46 min
March 28, 2025Is Hyatt Still Our Favorite?
In Episode 113 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Mike Zaccheo is joined by Angie Sparks to cover recent travel news, community highlights, and updates in the points and miles world. The featured post of the week sparked lively discussion in the Facebook group, where members shared their post-travel routines—from immediately unpacking to leaving bags untouched for days or even storing them in the garage to avoid bedbugs. The news segment touched on Cathay Pacific’s upcoming award chart changes, Chase’s all time high IHG Business card offer, American Airlines' status match targeting dissatisfied Southwest elites, and a slew of ongoing buy points and loyalty promotions.
Angie and Mike also discussed recent personal wins and upcoming trips, including Angie’s plans using the Companion Pass and Mike’s booking for Phoenix and a stay at the Hyatt Regency Times Square. The highlight feature focused on Hyatt's shifting loyalty program—once a favorite but now facing scrutiny due to changes like the loss of SLH, the addition of peak/off peak pricing, and the re-categorization of over 150 properties, many moving up in cost. Are these changes enough to finally make us persue loyalty elsewhere? Or will we (mostly Mike) forever drink from the World of Hyatt Kool-Aid pitcher?
They wrapped up with a tip encouraging listeners to attend local points and miles meetups to exchange knowledge and discover new travel hacks, emphasizing the value of in-person community connections.
Links to Topics Discussed
Cathay Pacific Award Chart Changes
Chase IHG Busines Card Offer
American Airlines Instant Status Pass for Southwest "Elites"
Hyatt Annual Category Changes
Where to Find Us
The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
You can also email us at [email protected]
Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
Reserve tickets to our April 2027 Meetup in Nashville now. award.travel/bna2027
Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!
Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.
49 min

About Award Travel 101

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Award Travel 101 Podcast! Founded in 2013 with just 20 members, the Award Travel 101 Facebook group teaches members how to travel the world using points and miles. Today, a community…