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Episode Description

This week American Express released their long awaited refresh for both their personal and business Platinum cards. On this show we will dive into both cards, what we lost, what we gained, the fees, the welcome offers and more. Is this a win for Amex, should you avoid these almost $900 annual fee cards and what does the future of the premium card market look like? We'll be back next week with a regular show, but enjoy this deep dive including why you might not want to get your Platinum card right this second.

Links

• Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

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Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

This week as we are getting ready for the Amex Platinum refresh we ponder whether you should pick up a new Business Platinum before the changes take effect. We also discuss: the new 90K Chase Ink bonuses, when you should grab the 100K Southwest offer for a companion pass, whether the pass is worth it, how long it is taking for online passport renewal, cash prices effecting award rates and why Japan award space is wide open.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 0:26 The joys of the twin cities
• 5:50 Shawn’s trip update - Last minute Japan availability
• 8:40 Online passport renewal data points - Government efficiency?
• 11:08 Hotel cash prices lowering - award prices stay high?
• 15:25 Mainland China payment apps and rideshare
• 17:33 Should you get an Amex Business Platinum before the refresh?
• 25:00 Chase Ink 90K/$900 offers - As good as it gets?
• 28:33 Southwest 100K offers expiring this week
• 31:45 The darkside of the Southwest Companion Pass?
• 36:15 Is the Southwest Companion Pass going away - Too good to be true?

Links

• Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

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]. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com

Frontier status match (MTM affiliate link) - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a

Episode Description

This week Southwest announced a positive change for once! WiFi has been getting cheaper on planes over the years, but most still charge. That has been changing and Southwest will finally bring free internet to their planes. When will this happen and how long will it be before every airline offers free internet in the skies?   In other news Hyatt has a couple of cool new promos, but one of them has a new twist. Should we be weary of travel apps and all of the data tracking or is that just life in 2025? We also discuss: Mario Kart in real life, why AA is flying 20 empty transatlantic legs and how you can score an easy $200 bonus offer from our partner Melio.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 2:05 More free WiFi on planes - Southwest drops new perk
• 6:37 Why AA is flying 20 empty transatlantic legs
• 10:50 New Hyatt promos - with a troubling twist?
• 13:23 Why companies are trying to force us into using their apps
• 17:27 The big consumer data problem in 2025
• 21:23 Battle of Chase Sapphires - A surprising result?
• 28:42 Mario Kart in real life!

Links

• Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam
•  Mario Kart - https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a64188246/vietnam-downhill-karting-spot-mario-kart-dreams/
• Southwest WiFi - https://milestomemories.com/southwest-rapid-rewards-members-will-get-free-wi-fi/
• AA empty flights - https://onemileatatime.com/news/american-flying-empty-airbus-a321neo-across-atlantic/
• Hyatt new property - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-new-hotel-promo/
• Hyatt app promo - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-regency-promo/
• CSR vs CSP - https://travel-on-points.com/your-next-card-csp-or-csr/

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]. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com

Frontier status match (MTM affiliate link) - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a

Episode Description

This week even more leaks emerged for the pending refresh of the Amex Platinum cards coming later in September. Previously we learned that they may be adding big hotel credits, but now we know even more. What merchants could be added, how will these credits stack up and will these cards be worth $900 when all is said and done?   In other news Frontier has returned with their easiest status match opportunity yet. This could save you big even on a single roundtrip flight, but does the airline deserve all of their hate? We also discuss: Hampton's search for a new Waffle Boss, changing tastes on Doubletree cookies and how Hyatt is being sued after taking tons of points from members.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 4:03 Frontier’s new status match may be the easiest ever
• 8:00 Why people need to stop sleeping on the low cost carriers
• 11:25 Hampton is searching for a new Waffle Boss - Win 1 Million points!
• 16:10 The Priceline days & hotel revenue management
• 22:15 Hyatt’s attack on fraud in China - Did they overstep?
• 28:20 More Amex Platinum rumors - Big credits coming
• 33:33 New Platinum is worth it and not worth it at the same time

Links

• Frontier Status Match - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a
• Hampton Waffle contest - https://www.hamptonwaffleflavorcontest.com/
• Hyatt lawsuit - https://viewfromthewing.com/customers-sue-after-hyatt-bans-accounts-for-buying-fake-hotel-nights-as-shortcut-to-elite-status/
• Amex Platinum rumors - https://milestomemories.com/amex-platinum-card-getting-resy-and-lululemon-credits/

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]. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com

Episode Description

This week Alaska finally released the details of their new post-merger loyalty program Atmos Rewards. This new program comes with different ways to earn, milestones and other unique perks, but they also launched a new premium credit card that takes it further. Is Alaska's new loyalty program a good thing, how is this airline growing up and should you grab their new premium credit card offering with its big bonus?   In other news Cracker Barrel was in the news this week because of a brand refresh. Is this getting more difficult in 2025 and what trends are we seeing in the travel space? We also discuss: Chase's strange welcome offer decision, more free cruises in 2025 and how Shawn's upcoming China trip is changing...again.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 0:40 Shawn’s China trip headaches & ninja skills
• 3:04 Free cruise updates - Is this still working in 2025?
• 11:06 Debating Chase’s weird new welcome offer - Why?
• 16:33 Alaska launches brand new Atmos Rewards
• 21:00 Rebrands in 2025 - Cracker Barrel, etc.
• 28:17 New Atmos Rewards Summit card - Is this a card you should get now?
• 33:22 Alaska’s choice for unique perks makes this new card/program a winner?

Links

• Atmos - https://travel-on-points.com/atmos-rewards-summit-visa-credit-card-review/
• https://travel-on-points.com/alaska-hawaiian-atmos-rewards/
• https://travel-on-points.com/atmos-soccer-goals-promo/

  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]. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com

Episode Description

This week American Express accidentally leaked some of the new benefits that Platinum cardholders can enjoy when the cards get their refresh next month. We know the fees are going up for both the personal and business Amex Platinum, but what are they adding and is this leaked benefit good enough to justify keeping the card or will they have to do more?   In other news Chase is sunsetting their popular Sapphire Reserve 100K + $500 offer while at the same time losing on of their bigger transfer partners. Has Chase dropped the ball in the transfer partner realm? We also talk about some crazy and unique attractions from around the world and how the new Southwest continues to anger customers.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 0:22 Travel plans blown up!
• 5:22 The new Southwest continues to go viral
• 8:54 Big Amex leak - What’s coming to the Platinum card next month?
• 12:55 Is the new Amex Platinum FHR benefit as good as it sounds?
• 17:25 Chase loses a big transfer partner - Time to make some moves?
• 24:46 Sapphire Reserve 100K + $500 ending date announced
• 27:39 Crazy Chinese tourist attraction + wild things around the world

Links

• Italy waterpark - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EcP3uACvszQ
• Plat leak - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-platinum-fhr-credit/
• Chinese conveyor - https://youtube.com/shorts/UTmiMTh0TXU?si=7wT65NCX6tB8HOtF
• Chase losing a partner - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-ultimate-rewards-transfers-to-emirates-ending/

  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]. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com

Episode Description

This week Chase surprised some of their top cardholders with a perk that is unadvertised. Why don't we get more of this kind of stuff? We also discuss: how to check if you are targeted for an AA/Hyatt match, whether those matches are worth pursuing, our childhood bucket lists, the melancholy of travel & time plus Shawn discusses his big passport mistake.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 8:35 No good deed goes unpunished
• 10:10 EV Rebates going away - Is now the time to look at a lease deal?
• 13:21 The melancholy of time & travel
• 17:16 Chase’s unexpected Aeroplan 5K bonus for Sapphire Reserve
• 19:54 Air Canada is a surprising airline
• 22:16 Hyatt and AA bring back targeted status matches
• 27:11 Pursuing AA status through spend - Is it worth it?
• 29:12 China trip planning follow up - Awards still haven’t recovered
• 33:23 Shawn’s passport conundrum
• 37:28 Achieving the inner child’s bucket list

  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]. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com

Episode Description

This week Citi finally brought their new premium credit card to market. While many of the leaks were true, does this card measure up to its competition and will it drive further loyalty. Plus Citi added transfers from ThankYou to American Airlines, but is it as good as it sounds and will it drive sign-ups for this card? Most importantly should you get it?   Joe Cheung also joins us to discuss his recent near miss on a welcome offer and how he still managed to save it. Are grace periods a thing? We also discuss international tipping culture as Americans and how we may be expected to tip when traveling even if locals aren't. Episode Guide

• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 1:27 Royal Caribbean battling back - Loophole closed for viral hack
• 9:26 Why the future of cruise loyalty says a lot about where we are heading
• 15:35 Hyatt’s Brand Explorer grows to 7 free nights and 35 brands!
• 21:55 How hotel design has evolved & why it isn’t always good
• 31:05 United’s cardholder award sale - Tahiti anyone?
• 33:45 Ninja tricks - Stacking deals/perks for a VIP tripCiti Strata Elite - https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-strata-elite-credit-card

Royal Caribbean drinks - https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-tightens-policy-on-drink-package/182785 United sale - https://travel-on-points.com/united-credit-cardmembers-award-sale/   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]. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Sorry for the error on the Monday upload. Here is the fixed episode. Enjoy!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com

Episode Description

This week Citi finally brought their new premium credit card to market. While many of the leaks were true, does this card measure up to its competition and will it drive further loyalty. Plus Citi added transfers from ThankYou to American Airlines, but is it as good as it sounds and will it drive sign-ups for this card? Most importantly should you get it?   Joe Cheung also joins us to discuss his recent near miss on a welcome offer and how he still managed to save it. Are grace periods a thing? We also discuss international tipping culture as Americans and how we may be expected to tip when traveling even if locals aren't. Episode Guide

• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 0:23 Being stuck in AA banned account hell
• 4:10 Citi Strata Elite launches & bonus - Is this a good premium card
• 11:08 Citi adds AA as transfer partner - Is this a gamechanger?
• 18:32 Did Citi have bad timing with Strata Elite or was it the perfect time?
• 24:39 Almost missing a welcome offer and grace periods on spend
• 28:36 How American tipping culture is spreading & how its awkward when traveling

Citi Strata Elite - https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-strata-elite-credit-card Tipping OMAAT - https://onemileatatime.com/insights/tipping-abroad-american/   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]. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com

Episode Description

This week Citi was in the news for a few reasons. First, they have upped their transfer ratio to Accor by 2X. This might not last, but it is quite valuable. Citi also is planning to launch their new premium Strata credit card next week. While not all of the details are known, tons of rumors have leaked and we'll dive into what this card can be and how it competes with Chase, Amex and Capital One.   In other news more and more travel providers are using AI tools to crack down on travelers, but sometimes they backfire. We look at a couple of these tools and what you need to know. We also discuss: Amex's new sidecar lounge concept, how premium credit cards probably aren't worth it and why Amex is trying to make their benefits easier to use.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
• 2:52 Citi’s Accor transfer mistake?
• 6:27 Citi’s new premium credit card is coming very very soon
• 10:45 The rumored benefits for Citi’s new card
• 16:28 The year of the premium credit card?
• 18:35 Amex’s new Sidecar lounge - The lounge boom
• 23:42 Amex’s earnings dive-in - Less breakage & slow bookings?
• 30:15 A new easier way to connect on international flights
• 35:14 AI tools and travel - Smoke detectors, Hertz scanners - Reliable?

Smoke detector situation - https://x.com/_zachgriff/status/1945959030851035223?s=46&t=B9kWNUIY21TRZnc8tXrfRQ Hertz scanners - https://www.thedrive.com/news/how-to-stop-hertzs-ai-rental-car-damage-scanners-from-screwing-you DFW connection - https://viewfromthewing.com/american-airlines-makes-history-connecting-passengers-arriving-in-u-s-now-skip-security-and-customs-in-new-trial/ Amex earnings breakdown - https://viewfromthewing.com/amex-ceo-admits-we-made-benefits-hard-to-use-on-purpose-now-reveals-plan-for-even-higher-fees/ Citi Strate Elite rumors - https://milestalk.com/updated-citi-strata-elite-details-launch-date-bonus-annual-au-fee-bonus-categories-benefits/   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]. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!