We are less than a month away from this year’s Chicago Seminars, the oldest and largest gathering of points and miles aficionados. Joe and Mike talk about the event and give a preview of lectures both Joe and I will be giving. There is also a survey 

Also discussed are strategies to prepare for a potential Alaska and Hawaiian airlines merger now that the USDOJ has green lighted the deal. Lastly should we be putting more focus on the Marriott Bonvoy program and it's mid-tier Platinum status? Our moderator Maria thinks so.

Links to Topics Discussed

• Increased Ink welcome offer coming to an end
• Choice Hotels Adds New Sweet Spot Rewards starting at 5k points
• Bilt Rewards Hawaiian Airlines Transfer PartnershipPermanently Ends 
• How To Create a Travel Rewards Credit Card Strategy for Families
• Podcast Episode 19 - The Tools of Travel
• Visit the Chicago Seminars site for tickets. Use code MikeZCS10Discount for $10 off
• Award Travel Survey Date to be compiled and presented at Chicago Seminars.

Where to Find Us

1. The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
2. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
3. You can also email us at [email protected]
4. Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
5. Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026

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