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

Episode Description

This week American Express released a new surprise perk for Business Platinum cardholders that is quite interesting. Starting now you can get a $200 annual credit for Hilton (broken up quarterly), so what is the best way to maximize this new perk. And does the new Amex Business Platinum Hilton credit mean something else will be going away?   In other news Alaska Airlines is getting ready to launch a premium card but is it really worth pursuing? We also discuss a new hotel travel trend, the longest train journey in the world, Hyatt's upcoming luxury hotels, how to save every month on YouTube TV and why spending $900 on a hotel is actually saving money.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 “Naked Flying” - The new viral travel trend
• 0:58 Waldorf NYC is more expensive than we thought
• 3:00 Another Boeing whistleblower - Using defective parts?
• 5:48 Hyatt opening 50 new luxury hotels in next few years
• 8:26 Amex Business Platinum adds surprising Hilton credit
• 10:50 Alaska Airlines premium credit card is coming
• 13:04 How booking a $900 hotel actually saved Mark money
• 15:44 How to save money every month on YouTube TV
• 18:00 Streaming deals, ad supported tiers and expensive programming
• 19:46 The longest train journey in the world

Links

• Travel trend - https://www.timesnownews.com/travel/news/naked-flying-is-the-latest-travel-trend-going-viral-and-it-is-helping-people-save-a-lot-of-money-article-116366033
• Boeing whistleblower - https://fortune.com/2024/12/09/boeing-whistleblower-sam-mohawk-broken-parts-airplane-safety-culture-737-max/
• Hyatt luxury - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-luxury-hotel-expansion/
• Amex Hilton credit - https://milestomemories.com/amex-business-platinum-new-200-hilton-credit/
• Premium Alaska - https://milestomemories.com/alaska-airlines-launching-new-premium-card-in-2025/
• Universal FHR - https://travel-on-points.com/universal-orlando-hotels-with-express-pass/
• Save on YouTube TV - https://travel-on-points.com/save-money-on-youtube-tv/
• Longest train - https://www.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/rbycyb/the_new_longest_possible_train_journey_in_the/

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]. 

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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

Episode Description

On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss their end of year strategies as they maximize credits and plan for 2025. Shawn takes the approach of procrastination while Mark does it a different way. The two also discuss their upcoming Spring Break planning including why the Bahamas can be good or bad plus why they both value returning to places vs. only visiting new.

Episode Guide

• 0:00 End of year procrastination - What we are doing to close out our credits, cards, etc.
• 6:01 Spring Break dilemma - Return or visit new places
• 13:35 Debating Bahamas + Atlantis “hack”
• 20:27 When flight award booking strategies go wrong
• 28:42 Best card or programs for traveling to China

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

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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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

 

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

Episode Description

This week the news broke that Citi has secured the exclusive rights to market AA co-branded credit cards beginning in 2026. What will this mean for Barclays cardholders and will anything change under this new partnership? We also discuss whether ThankYou to AAdvantage points transfers might be coming.   In other news Virgin has brought back their popular cruise deals but with a catch and some quirks. We also discuss: avoiding the low cost carrier middle seat, Hyatt's cool new tech for using suite upgrades, all of the available transfer bonuses, the opening of Waldorf NYC and how Hilton has done a great job lately with their luxury properties.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 Travelers viral hack for avoiding a middle seat on low cost carriers
• 1:22 Waldorf Astoria NYC is reopening and bookable - Insane prices?
• 3:50 How Hilton is doing a great job with their luxury properties
• 5:50 Virgin Voyages releases more points specials with a catch
• 8:24 Virgin’s quirky booking process & tips for booking
• 10:15 Citi’s huge score - Exclusive AA partner in 2026
• 11:52 Will Citi add AA as a ThankYou transfer partner?
• 14:10 Why Citi’s ThankYou lineup is worth looking at
• 15:27 All of the currently available transfer bonuses - Up to 70% more
• 16:50 Why you shouldn’t speculatively transfer points with a bonus
• 17:52 Hyatt adds suite upgrades & more for to online booking
• 19:41 Cool “S” - Chicago Christmas bar popups

Links

• Middle seat hack - https://www.foxnews.com/travel/travelers-viral-flight-booking-hack-avoid-dreaded-middle-seat-ignites-debate
• Waldorf NYC - https://milestomemories.com/waldorf-astoria-new-york-to-reopen-after-eight-years/
• Virgin points specials - https://travel-on-points.com/book-virgin-voyages-with-points/ https://travel-on-points.com/how-to-book-virgin-voyages-with-points/
• Citi AA partnership - https://milestomemories.com/citi-will-become-exclusive-issuer-of-aadvantage-cards/
• Hyatt tech - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-suite-upgrade-awards/

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!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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

Episode Description

On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss their dueling weekend road trips. Shawn headed down to Long Beach for an MTM Diamond meetup while Mark checked out all of the holiday celebrations happening in Chicago. The two discuss the importance of meetups, how low cost carriers are enticing higher bag fees, getting 200K offer FOMO, why the Thompson Chicago is ruined and all of the cool holiday themed stuff you can do in Chicago.

Episode Guide

• 0:00 Dueling weekend roadtrips
• 1:08 MTM Diamond Long Beach meetup & why they are so important
• 5:09 FOMO and grabbing the 200K Amex Business Gold offer 8:42 Low cost carriers fleecing customers - Commissions on baggage fees
• 15:37 Chicago road trip - Disappointment with the Thompson
• 31:19 Chicago Christmas markets & incredible holiday themed bars

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

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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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

 

Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube! 

Episode Description

This week there are a couple of new Amex "no lifetime language" offers floating around including a huge 200K Business Gold version. We go over the details and explain exactly how these offers work and why you probably want to take advantage of them. We also explain Amex's application rules, the popup and your best overall strategy for dealing with the bank.   In other news an ongoing fraud has been going on with Amex Business Gold cards and small charges. What should you do if you fall victim? We also discuss Etihad's 10 new routes, the new British Airways first class seat, sketchy travel hacks, United's $16 million training center, the return of Target's most popular deal and where you can find the North America Holiday Train.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 Sketchy travel hacks
• 0:51 United’s new $16 million training facility
• 2:18 Etihad announces 10 new routes including big US city
• 3:41 Longer trip for flight experience vs. shorter flight
• 4:36 British Airways unveils new first class seat
• 5:20 Explaining Amex “no lifetime language” offers
• 7:45 Amex Business Gold 200K targeted offer
• 8:39 Blue Business Plus 75K targeted offers - 0% APR?
• 9:57 Target 10% off gift card deal returns for 2024
• 11:55 Target Circle program value and shutdowns
• 13:16 Amex Business Gold fraudulent charges - What you need to know
• 16:16 Cool “S” - North America Holiday Train

Links

• Sketchy hacks - https://www.reddit.com/r/TravelHacks/comments/1g3rr4y/sketchiest_travel_tips_that_you_know/
• United training - https://apigateway.agilitypr.com/distributions/history/b2fc48a4-0b2b-4f50-b08d-8a5b173666ca?recipientId=f59514db-7cc4-4966-8178-a569b271d584
• Etihad 10 new routes - https://milestomemories.com/etihad-adds-direct-route-to-atlanta/
• BA First Class seat - https://milestomemories.com/british-airways-unveils-brand-new-first-class-seat/
• 200K Amex NLL - https://milestomemories.com/200k-amex-business-gold-offer/
• Blue Business Plus NLL - https://travel-on-points.com/targeted-75k-blue-business-plus-cash-offer/
• Amex fraud problems - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-business-gold-facebook-advertising-fraud/
• Target 10% - https://travel-on-points.com/10-off-target-gift-cards/
• North America Holiday Train - https://www.cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain

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!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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

Episode Description

In this conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss their experiences with credit card rewards, particularly focusing on Chase's loyalty program and the gifts received for long-term cardholding. They delve into the evolution of credit card rewards, the importance of social engineering in banking, and a recent controversial case involving Citibank's account closure of a high-profile customer. The discussion also touches on the allure and perks of the American Express black card, highlighting the differences in customer service and experience for high-spending clients.

The two also discuss more on Shawn's redemption decision to Hawaii, Mark's small town weekend trip, Chicago Christmas markets and how Black Friday went.

Episode Guide

• 0:00 Chase cardholder gifts & debating their rules & product changes over the years
• 10:51 Citibank shuts down customer, takes 29 million ThankYou points
• 14:55 The best card for high net worth/big spenders?
• 19:21 Squeezing in multiple Hawaiian islands to a trip?
• 24:00 Bank travel portals & behind their redemption rates
• 27:28 Universal Orlando free Express pass - Mark's recent booking experience with FHR
• 30:38 Visiting the Chicago Christmas markets

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
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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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

 

Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube! 

Episode Description

This week many reports were coming from Chase applicants about a tightening when it comes to credit card reconsideration. We discuss exactly what is happening, what you should do and why a tried and true strategy is worth pursuing in getting that big Chase card approval!   In other news Hilton has another big property score, this time adding a popular hotel to their Curio collection. We also discuss big new offers for Alaska and Avianca, strange Cardless rules, Allegiant's biggest expansion ever, easy timeshare points & why riding mountain/alpine coasters is some really cool "s".   Episode Guide

• 0:00 The epic eating problem every traveler faces
• 0:38 Evermore Resort joining Hilton as Curio
• 2:28 Allegiant’s biggest expansion ever - 44 new routes
• 4:33 New Alaska Airlines 75K mile public offer
• 5:43 Avianca LifeMiles Elite 120K welcome offer
• 6:33 The quirky thing about signing up for a Cardless card
• 8:35 Chase cracking down on reconsideration
• 10:15 The evolution of Chase reconsideration & why they may be tightening
• 11:58 Easy 75K Hilton timeshare offer
• 13:38 How to find your unclaimed property
• 15:33 Bilt’s new home purchasing tool - Earn big points
• 17:36 The changing landscape of realtor fees & what to look for
• 18:47 Alpine/Mountain coasters around the world

Links

• Evermore Hilton - https://travel-on-points.com/evermore-orlando-resort-joining-hilton/
• Allegiant expansion - https://milestomemories.com/major-expansion-for-allegiant/
• Alaska 75K - https://secure.bankofamerica.com/apply-credit-cards/public/instant-credit/#/single-page/
• Avianca Elite 120K - https://www.lifemiles.com/discover/landing-page/avianca-lifemiles-creditcard-promo
• Chase reconsideration woes - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-denying-reconsideration/
• Hilton timeshare - https://milestomemories.com/new-hilton-timeshare-offer-5/
• Unclaimed property - https://travel-on-points.com/how-to-claim-unclaimed-property/
• Bilt Home - https://travel-on-points.com/earn-bilt-points-when-purchasing-a-home/
• Alpine coasters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1-r4KVBPIA
•  https://x.com/TheFigen_/status/1836052840562708593

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!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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

Episode Description

In this conversation, Shawn and Mark delve into the intricacies of flying with Southwest Airlines, discussing the challenges of check-in and boarding processes. In the wake of a troubling story of a government going after a blogger, they also share personal anecdotes about their experiences with airline reviews, the risks of criticizing travel services, and the complexities of customer service interactions.   Also discussed is a miles conundrum Shawn is running into with his trip to Hawaii in January. The age old question of whether to use the points you have or transfer other ones. A simple answer but a question nonetheless. Finally the show finishes with a breakdown of the best budget hotel breakfasts and why there is one clear winner.   Best Limited Service Breakfast video - https://youtu.be/f870CDZw8mo?si=gbWWWsYjXvthT7F8

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
• Podcast

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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

 

Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube! 

Episode Description

This week Spirit Airlines finally filed for bankruptcy following several failed merger attempts and sales. While the airline plans to stay in business, should you avoid them until the bankruptcy is settled? What does this mean for tickets, miles, etc. and if we lose Spirit what will the overall effect be on the airline industry?   In other news several new end of year card offers have dropped including increased offers for United cards and some outside the box thinking with Southwest's offers. We also discuss the Capital One Spark $750 welcome offer, how to score a 750 free and easy Bonvoy points, the craziness of blob jumping, when all of the new Chase Sapphire lounges are opening and how those gate agents trick you.   Episode Guide

• 0:00 When the gate agent lies to you
• 1:08 Spirit Airlines files bankruptcy
• 2:50 Should you avoid flying Spirit because of the bankruptcy
• 4:26 Capital One Spark Cash $750 welcome offer
• 6:05 New Southwest card offers - Cash back?
• 7:55 How banks are thinking outside of the box with their welcome offers
• 10:04 United’s increased end of year welcome offers
• 11:30 The one perk that might make you want to have a United credit card
• 12:17 4 new Hyatt promos - Anything good?
• 14:03 Get 750 Marriott Bonvoy points by linking Uber
• 15:01 More Hawaiian/Alaska points transfer woes
• 16:22 Chase Sapphire Lounge opening dates for many cities announced
• 18:57 Blob jumping - Fun travel activity?

Links

• Empty bins - https://x.com/jonathankennell/status/1857385339951722843
• Spirit bankruptcy - https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/11/18/spirit-airlines-files-bankruptcy-protection.html
• Hyatt promos - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-holiday-promotions/
• Marriott Uber - https://milestomemories.com/link-marriott-and-uber-accounts/
• Alaska woes - https://travel-on-points.com/hawaiian-airlines-blocking-membership-rewards-transfers/
• Sapphire expansion - https://milestomemories.com/chase-sapphire-lounge-by-the-club-adds-more-locations/
• Blob jumping - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=UalRPS&v=1281980536516434&rdid=FCQtpSE1wjlLwqXs

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!

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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

Episode Description

In this conversation, Mark and Shawn discuss the potential bankruptcy of Spirit Airlines and the implications for low-cost carriers in the U.S. They explore the challenges faced by these airlines, including management issues and competition. The discussion then shifts to Mark's frustrating experience with American Airlines regarding a flight booking, highlighting the inefficiencies in customer service.   Other topics discussed include: the benefits of car leasing and a huge Chase bank error in Shawn's favor, how Mark has rolled into 5 years of Hilton Diamond status, why you should wait on Founderscard for Caesars Diamond status and how you can make some easy money with our exclusive Melio partner offer.

Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed!

• Youtube
• Podcast

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!

Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that.

Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License