#226: From optimizing travel and rewards to new ways to earn points, Chris shares some recent tactics he's picked up on upgrades and award travel. He also covers some flight deals, airline changes, Mother's Day gift ideas, and reflects on recent podcast episodes.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/optimizing-vacations-and-new-ways-to-earn-points⁠

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Resources Mentioned

Vacation Homes

ATH Hotel Upgrade Program (Password: Perks | Tutorial)

Lanai

Maui

NordVPN: 4 months free here

United’s MileagePlus Program Showing More Awards if You Change This 1 Setting

Flight Award Search Tools

Southwest Assigned Seating

Business Payment Platforms

Last Call: 100k Welcome Bonus Offer

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Real ID: Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

ATH Podcast

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(02:00) Finding Accommodation in Hawaii

(05:37) Overlooked Hotel Upgrade Options

(13:05) Strategy to Book Flights to Hawaii: Cash vs. Points

(20:44) Chris' Experience Flying Hawaiian Business Class

(22:48) The Impact of Having Starlink on Your Flight

(25:04) Review of Four Seasons Lanai

(29:29) The Experience at Montage Kapalua Bay

(34:28) Underrated Hotel Perks

(39:58) Why Chris Is a Big Fan of Hawaiian Airlines

(42:13) Follow-Up to Lounge Access Episode #224

(43:07) Why You Should Use a VPN to Book Flights

(44:29) Flight Award Inventory Trick

(45:21) Upgrading Credit Cards for Bonuses and Free Nights

(46:51) Weird Emirates Updates

(48:10) Big Southwest Changes

(52:18) Updates from Bilt

(55:03) Leveraging Business Expenses

(57:05) Exciting Credit Card Welcome Offers

(58:44) Mother's Day Gift Ideas

(1:01:27) Reminder: Real ID Deadline

(1:02:20) Feedback on Oral Health Episode #225

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