Fly Free MD

In today's episode I discuss why I signed up for 3 new cards in one day...and why I'm thinking about signing player 2 up for even more cards. Grab your Hawaiian Airlines Credit Cards while you still can. And, don't miss out on the opportunity to transfer your American Express points to the very valuable Alaskan Airlines Mileage plan!

Tis the night before Grand Hyatt Kauai, and all through the house, everyone is going to bed early, except me, for I have an amazing offer to tell you about! The Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K sign up bonus is back!

The Fly Free MD podcast is back to discuss huge changes to the Southwest Airline Program. No more bags fly free, no more open seating, and more! Is this even really Southwest anymore?

In this episode we mourn the loss of the Hyatt-MGM partnership but celebrate the birth of the Marriot-MGM Partnership. But not so fast, the benefits from this partnership aren't quiet what they seem. 

We also discuss finally taking advantage of a bunch of free Vegas benefits that we scored through an Atlantic City Status Match adventure. But even with nearly $1800 worth of free hotel stays, free play and food, Vegas still hits the wallet pretty hard. 

In today’s episode we review a few scenarios which can lead to stress, maybe even panic, while traveling. What do you do if you’re traveling overseas and your passport is lost or stolen? What if you show up to the airport and find that the wrong name is on the airline ticket? And what do you do if you find yourself on the wrong side of airport security…in the middle of a warzone?

3:00 US Personal Checking Account Bonus: Promo Code: 2023DEC

7:00 US Personal Savings Account Bonus…A lump of coal

10:00 Lost ID while traveling

20:00 Wrong name on airline ticket

30:30 Wrong side of Airport Security

As this year comes to an end, what are some things on the to do lists of those in the points and miles hobby? To start off, we review the importance of using any calendar year based credit card benefits. We discuss the opportunity to triple dip on benefits with strategically signing up for certain cards this time of year. The end of the year is also a great time to be thinking about the Southwest Companion Pass. Lastly, check your progress on securing status for next year, now is the time to make sure you meet the requirements!

Southwest Airlines has one of the best values in all of airline loyalty programs, in their Companion Pass. To maximize the value of the Companion Pass, timing is key...and now is the time! Score the companion pass early in 2024 and you could have a companion joining you for every Southwest flight over the next 2 years, for FREE!

If you decide to get a Chase Southwest credit card in pursuit of the companion pass, consider using my referral link. I've ensured that it is the best available offer (I don't share my links if it isn't the best deal for you) and I'll get a bonus for referring you!

Link to Southwest Credit Card Bonus Offers:
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/226N/HRZ3GAUAN9

Episode 33: 3rd Quarter Review 

In this episode I take a look at how the third quarter of 2023 has gone. Chase and Amex  have been very generous to us this first quarter, allowing us to rack up over $6,800 worth of points just by putting our everyday spending on cards offering amazing sign up bonuses. An additional $500 from bank bonuses brings the second quarter total to $7,300! Stay tuned to the end of the show as we review some recent AmEx offers and tips on how to find hidden offers. 

Links:

Chase Ink Preferred 100K offer

Marriott Boundless offer 5 x 50K FNC

AmEx Business Platinum 150K offer

Episode 32: Keeper Cards-- Chase Ultimate Reward & Hotel Edition

In today’s episode we review Chase’s lineup of Ultimate Reward generating credit cards and their hotel co-branded cards asking the question, is it a keeper card? Keeper cards return more value each year than their annual fee costs. We also discuss retention offers, the impact on your credit score closing cards may have and end with the super-secret ultimate chase keeper card!

Intro & review- 1:00

Your annual fee just hit, now what? 2:30

Ultimate Reward Generating Cards- 7:30

Hyatt Cards- 11:00

Marriott Cards- 12:30

IHG Cards- 14:00

Ultimate Secret Chase Keeper Card- 15:30

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Sign-up Bonus

5 x 50K Free Night Certificates after spending $5,000 in 3 months

In this episode we review some recent changes with the American Express Platinum cards, including changes which may make it harder to receive the card's sign up bonus. We discuss loopholes to try if you have or have had a platinum card and want to get another one while still getting the bonus.