Frequent Miler on the Air

(00:00) - Ever wanted to gift a free hotel night to someone else? In today's episode of Frequent Miler on the Air we'll discuss the ways you can do this! 

(01:18) - In response to Greg's post "Hilton Honors is winning me over, but I’d like one more enhancement…" one reader wonders, "Does Hilton pay influencers to do this?" (Read that post here: https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-honors-is-winning-me-over-but-id-like-one-more-enhancement/ (Mailbag) 

(03:55) - Updating Card Talk 

(05:40) - American Express Gold Card changes go live, including increased annual fee, new "white gold" option, Dunkin' and Resy credits, and more... (Card News)

Read more about the American Express Gold Card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxGoldCard/

Catch our episode about the "rumored" Amex changes here: https://frequentmiler.com/podcast-rumored-amex-gold-card-changes-good-or-bad-coffee-break-ep19-7-23-24/

 (10:08) - Wells Fargo Attune gives 4% for Amazon.com purchases! (Card News)

(11:38) - "Southwest Airlines Redeye Flights Coming… Finally!" (Crazy Thing) 

(14:31) - Southwest will soon offer assigned & premium seating (Crazy Thing)

(17:04) - What is the "Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy" promo? Earn 25k bonus points on 4+ night packages Read more about this Marriott Bonvoy promo here: https://frequentmiler.com/vacations-by-marriott-bonvoy-promo-earn-25k-bonus-points-on-4-night-packages/ (Mattress Running the Numbers)

(23:51) - What are the Citi transfer bonuses through August 17th, 2024? (Award Talk) 

(27:53) - Find award space for incredible SLH properties like Calala Island and Grand Hotel Victoria Lake Como, using tools like Rooms.Aero or MaxMyPoint to set alerts (Award Talk) 

Read more about using these tools to find availability at properties like the Grand Hotel Victoria Lake Como here: https://frequentmiler.com/grand-hotel-victoria-lake-como-has-wide-open-availability/

(30:21) - Autoslash triggers Altitude Reserve's Real Time Mobile Rewards RTMR (Award Talk) Read more about Altitude Reserve's Real Time Mobile Rewards here: https://frequentmiler.com/us-bank-real-time-mobile-rewards-what-works-where/

 Main Event: How to gift free hotel nights

(32:51) - How to gift someone your free hotel night certificates or award nights Read more about gifting hotel nights here: https://frequentmiler.com/gift-hotel-points-free-night-certificates-and-award-nights-booked-with-points-rules-by-program/

(34:19) - Can you gift someone your hotel points? Which programs allow it and which programs don't? 

(39:39) - Can you book a hotel night for someone else, using your points? Which programs allow it and which programs don't?

(46:52) - Can you gift a hotel free night certificate to someone else? Which programs allow it and which programs don't? 

(52:17) - Which hotel rewards program is the best for gifting nights with someone else?

(55:44) - If someone hears something on the podcast they want more information about, where do they find more information? (Question of the Week) 

Subscribe and Follow Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

The Amex Gold Card is about to change. In this episode we'll review the current details for this card, the changes we predict to see, and whether those changes are good or bad.

(01:05) - Current card details

Learn more about the Amex Gold Card here

(02:13) - What's (allegedly) changing?

(04:50) - What might be good about these changes?

(07:51) - Is it still worth recommending?

(15:20) - Which card do we recommend instead for good rewards on grocery and dining?

Read more about the Capital One Savor One card here and the Citi Strata Premier here

(18:09) - But don't necessarily go out and cancel the card after you hear this...

Visit frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

There are a bunch of hotel credit card offers that are bigger than usual right now, some of them pretty surprising. That's what we'll discuss in this episode of Frequent Miler on the Air.

(01:20) - Booking Hilton stays with a mix of points and a free night award - just watch for a 3 night minimum. (Mail Bag)

(05:32) - Read how to find SLH hotels bookable with Hilton points and free night certificates using Rooms.aero here

(06:29) - At least TWO FM followers got the Wyndham Hotel Pass! (What Crazy Thing)

(09:48) - Marriott Bonvoy promotion for credit card holders (Mattress Running the Numbers)

(15:51) - Hertz hurts so good (Award Talk)

(19:52) - Virgin Atlantic points can't book Air France / KLM "due to a system issue" (Award Talk)

(22:22) - JetBlue to introduce Mini-Mint (regional first class). 2026 (Award Talk)

(24:45) - Cancelling SLH stays booked via Hyatt: You have to email (but even though they responded after the deadline, I had no penalty and got points back) (Award Talk)

(29:30) - RRVs (Award Talk)

(42:10) - Hotel Credit Card Big Offers

(46:19) - Sonesta - Read more about the Sonesta card here

(49:26) - IHG - Read more about the IHG One Rewards Premier card here

(56:07) - Bonvoy Bold - Read more about the Bonvoy Bold card here

(57:30) - Find our "Are you eligible for a new Marriott card" chart here

(1:00:20) - Hilton offers - Read more about the Hilton Surpass card here, and the fee free Hilton card here 

(1:08:13) - Choice - Read more about the Choice card here and the Choice Select card here 

(1: 12:06) - How to max amex multi referrals (Question of the Week)

(01:37) - Carrie saw Greg speak at Chicago Seminars in 2013 - the topic was Million Mile Madness.

(02:10) - The next summer (2014) Drew and Carrie were invited to the "Ann Arbor Art Fair Do". While in Ann Arbor, they met Greg for kayaking.

(05:02) - Over the next few years, Carrie periodically did freelance projects for Greg (including an infographic about Redbird, layout design for the card page, editing YouTube videos for Greg's Necker Island visit, etc.)

Read more about Greg and Carrie's Necker Island video partnership here: https://frequentmiler.com/necker-island-blogging-bloopers/ and read about how Greg booked Necker Island on points here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-book-a-free-week-on-necker-island/

(07:33) - After selling TIF in 2019, Carrie half-jokingly (but not joking at all), asked Greg if FM needed a web designer.

(09:12) - Greg decided he was actually interested, but by then Carrie had started a UX/UI course and was considering that. The indecision was brief - by early 2020 she was part of the team.

(10:17) - Here's a link to our Best Offers Page: https://frequentmiler.com/best-credit-card-sign-up-offers/

(14:19) - Carrie's first impressions

Visit frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Hilton has brought on their partner Small Luxury Hotels of the World which has been a bit more exciting than we expected it would be. In today's Frequent Miler on the Air episode we'll discuss more.

(01:07) - a note about the alliteration in "pop-up prison" vs "pop-up jail" (Mail Bag)

(02:56) - IHG Premier 60K certs (Card Talk)

Read more about the IHG Premier 60K cert offer here: https://frequentmiler.com/chase-ihg-premier-card-best-ever-offer-5-60k-free-night-certificates/

(08:37) - Greg booked AA to fly to London and it didn't go very smoothly... (Crazy Thing) 

Read about Greg's recent AAdventures (or misadventures) here: https://frequentmiler.com/my-aadventures-aatempting-to-fly-aa-to-london/

(21:38) - Escape lounge on arrival (Award Talk)

(26:19) - Digging in to fare class info when booking via Chase (Award Talk)

(32:28) - Overview: ~400 SLH hotels bookable through Hilton

(38:09) - Some SLH hotels have suites defined as standard rooms

(39:30) - Gold and Diamond members: space-available room upgrades and continental breakfast for up to two guests.

(42:01) - Excellent Hilton point value possible through SLH

(44:19) - Free night certs & 5th Night Free awards apply to SLH

(47:21) - How to get points

(1:01:50) - How to get free night certs

Read more about the Hilton Aspire card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AmxHiltonAspire/

(1:04:25) - Read more about the Hilton Surpass card here: https://frequentmiler.com/hilton-honors-american-express-surpass-card/

(1:09:08) - How to find SLH award availability

(1:12:21) - Visit Rooms.aero here: https://rooms.aero/

(1:20:59) - Does the Chase Freedom Unlimited card double offer calculate even points that were transferred out?  (Question of the week)

In addition to our regular weekly podcast, we also host an Ask Us Anything Live on YouTube once a month where the Frequent Miler team answers listener questions about points, miles, rewards cards, and whatever else comes to mind. 

(01:25) - How do I know how much my points and miles are worth (and are all points and miles worth the same?)

(06:04) - I switched an upcoming trip to take a better flight the next day, which means I have to change Hilton/Hertz reservations. Both of them will re-price to higher costs than before. Any way to avoid? ​​

(08:07) - What’s your prediction for the next points devaluation? (10:33) - Thoughts on new turkish card?

(12:22) - ​​question for Nick I am product changing from my Marriott Boundless to Ritz carlton card. I receive my fna on August 3rd each year. when is the best time to product change? Hoping to get both certs.

(15:45) - If I rent a car with VentureX annual credit (at C1 portal), do I get the VX primary rental insurance on this rental?

(16:03) - When is good time to upgrade Hilton Surpass into Aspire in order to receive FNC from Surpass and then from Aspire?

​​(18:40) - Hi FM Team, which recent miles and points devaluation (Virgin Atlantic, Choice, etc.) has been the most disappointing for you? Happy Fourth of July!

(25:25) - ​​Are there any Hotel programs that combine Personal & Credit Card Nights together to get you Elite Status?

(28:05) - ​​Re: the new Schwab rule of only 1 million points cashed out at 1.1 and then .08 after. Are there good strategies for those who have high Rakuten spend turned into AmEx?

(30:36) - Most banks have been declining my credit card applications, mostly citing too many hard pulls on the credit report. What should my next move be to maximize points earnings?

(35:02) - how is Wells Fargo household sharing works? can I share between P2 cashback to P1 Autograph points?

(37:37) - How would you guys book business class award tickets from the US to Vietnam, I am on the east cost but happy to go to the west coast.

(40:50) - ​​a while back on the podcast a mailbag e-mail asked about a resource/deep dive on downgrading paths for cards. Any update on when that might be coming??

(42:08) - ​​I have Southwest companion pass and 170k points. Can you guys recommend me any good destination(s)?

(47:08) - ​​Nick, any tips for enjoying traveling with young kids? Our kids are 3 years and 3 months, and we feel like all travel outside family visits is on hold for at least a few years.

(52:37) - have you guys ever take a chance of ANA waitlist?

(54:02) - Flying Blue: can you reprice your flights if they go down in price due to promo rewards? can you add a free stopover on KLM operated flights as well?

(55:44) - ​​Any thoughts on the new Attune card from WF? There are some interesting categories, such as bookstores (Amazon), Sporting good stores (gun stores, ammo, shooting ranges), Barbers, nail salons, Ski...

(58:12) - Any recs for backpacks/luggage? Appreciate your tips and credit card advice!!

The Amex Platinum card has had great welcome bonuses for a while now, but it's a very expensive card. Are there reasons to keep the card once the annual fee comes due? That's what we'll discuss in today's Frequent Miler on the Air episode.

(01:36) - Online chat for immediate Avios refunds? (Mailbag)

(05:26) - Wells Fargo Attune Card (Card Talk)

Read more about the Attune card here.

(17:49) - Hyatt promo: Earn 1k bonus points + double elite nights at 15 Florida properties (Mattress Running the Numbers)

(23:46) - Virgin kills Delta One deal (Award Talk)

(28:39) - Interesting notes about Spirit awards (Award Talk)

Read more about Nick's Spirit discoveries here.

Read more about the Amex Platinum card here.

(34:25) - Become elite

(37:01) - Enhance your travel experiences

(40:57) - Earn $200 back on prepaid hotel bookings each year

Read more about FHR credits here: https://frequentmiler.com/maxfhr-an-awesome-new-way-to-help-use-your-200-fine-hotels-resorts-credits/

(44:28) - Earn $200 in Airline Fee Credits each calendar year

(46:08) - Use $200 in Uber credits each calendar year

(48:53) - Get $20 per month back in rebates on select digital entertainment services

(51:27) - Earn up to $100 per year in rebates at Saks Fifth Avenue

(55:18) - Get Walmart+ for Free

(56:53) - Earn 5x for airfare and prepaid hotels

(57:21) - Refer friends

(1:05:37) - Hyatt dummy-booking offer... why is no one talking about this offer?

Sonesta is a hotel chain with more than 1100 properties that we haven't paid much attention to until Tim wrote a recent post about the Sonesta Travel Pass, a program that sort of came out of nowhere. In this week's Coffee Break episode, we'll chat more about why you shouldn't siesta on Sonesta!

(01:24) - Sonesta Travel Pass Basics

(04:04) - Elite Status

(06:49) - Shortcuts to elite status

(11:22) - Points from paid stays

(13:08) - Sonesta Travel Pass credit card

Read more about the Sonesta card here.

(15:58) - Final thoughts... are we excited about this?

Visit frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Amex has long had rules against getting a new welcome bonus for a card you’ve had before. Now, they’ve expanded those rules to include "families" of cards. In this episode we'll help you navigate this confusing and tedious concept.

(01:31) - With pointsyeah a reader found an interesting redemption for ANA first class... but found a great discount for “suffering” in economy to HND. (Mailbag)

Read more about Avianca LifeMiles’ awesome mixed-cabin award pricing - First Class for less

(05:15) - Southwest Companion Pass with one business card (Card Talk)

Find out more about the Southwest Premier Business Card here

Find out more about the Southwest Performance Business card here

(18:14) - Bilt rent day promo (Award Talk)

(19:42) - Alaska Airlines transfer bonus, up to 100% (Award Talk)

Read more about the Alaska / Bilt transfer bonus here

(24:18) - Alaska Airlines status match (Award Talk)

(29:20) - Bilt Neighborhood dining (Award Talk)

(32:09) - Hilton adds more SLH properties (Award Talk)

(37:50) - Choice removes 35K cap on their points prices in the US (Award Talk)

(39:22) - We've updated some of our RRVs (Award Talk)

(44:46) - Use Virgin points to book AF/KLM (Award Talk)

(50:23) - Fiji airways to adopt AAdvantage miles (Award Talk)

(52:09) - Read more about Greg’s Predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

(54:55) - Read more about Nick’s predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

(56:27) - Read more about Stephen’s Predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

(58:38) - Read more about Tim’s Predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

(1:01:27) - Read more about Carrie’s Predictions here (2024 Predictions Half-Way Check Point)

(1:03:24) - About Amex's "Pop-Up Prison"

(1:06:58) - Family types

(1:09:08) - How to find the rules. Look for "Offer Terms"

(1:12:16) - Skirting the pop-up prison

(1:18:01) - What sites do you like the best, apart from your own? (Question of the Week)

On a previous Coffee Break episode, we talked about the Frequent Miler origin story – Greg’s story. This week, we'll learn about Nick's origin story with the Frequent Miler team.

(00:47) -Super quick recap of next 5 years from the start of the blog

Greg posted a "Help Wanted" for full time employee, which you can read here

(02:21) - How Nick got into miles and points

(12:09) - Nick discovers Frequent Miler at an FTU

(13:58) - Greg and Nick meet in person at another FTU

(16:37) - Nick's wife convinces him to apply for the Frequent Miler position

(17:10) - More details about Greg's help wanted post and the hiring process

(20:42) - Greg was hoping to find someone who knew more about redemption than he did

Visit here to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.

Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads