This week the 10xTravel team tackles the most controversial topics in air travel. From the great seat recline debate to the dreaded barefoot passenger, Travis, Bryce, and Emily discuss the most shocking faux pas they've come across in their own travels.

Should you put your personal item in the overhead bin? Is it okay to take off your shoes? And who really gets the middle armrest? Tune in as Travis, Bryce, and Emily share their pet peeves, hot takes, and a few tips to practice your best plane etiquette on your next flight.

Got a strong opinion of your own? Let us know in the comments!

Enter the Redemption Tracker Giveaway!

00:00 Introduction: Travis Takes The Lead

01:55 Episode Overview and Travel Faux Pas

04:14 Airline Seat and Cabin Etiquette

04:25 The Great Seat Recline Debate

08:59 Middle Seat Armrest Dilemma

10:36 Barefoot on Planes: Yay or Nay?

15:52 Overhead Bin Etiquette

21:32 Standing Up When the Seatbelt Sign Turns Off

22:53 Gate Lice and Boarding Procedures

27:02 In-Flight Behaviors: Headphones and More

31:18 Headphones and In-Flight Entertainment

32:24 Flighty App and Flight Tracking Fun

34:16 Window Shade Etiquette: Short Haul vs Long Haul

42:40 Airport Security Line Etiquette

45:55 Food and Drink Etiquette on Planes

51:00 Lounge Etiquette and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take our free points and miles course

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

2025 Meetup Dates:

Houston: April 12th

Chicago: April 13th

Columbus, OH: May 17th

San Diego: June 27th

San Francisco: June 28th

Seattle: June 29th

DC: October 10th

Tampa: October 11th

Atlanta: October 12th

More information for the meetups can be found here: http://10xtravel.com/events

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

Distance-based awards programs may seem like a thing of the past, but not for Alaska Airlines! In this episode, Travis is joining Bryce to uncover the unique details and perks of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

Bryce and Travis jump into a discussion on the unique aspects of Alaska's Mileage Plan, including its distance-based earning structure, a rarity in an industry that’s largely shifted to revenue-based systems. They break down the best ways to earn Alaska miles and discuss the program’s key partnerships with American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

They also share examples of how to maximize the value of your miles and cover recent changes to Alaska's program, the mileage expiration policy, and the program's standout features that make it a favorite among frequent flyers.If you're a frequent domestic traveler, this episode will inspire you to take full advantage of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

Tune in and get ready to take off with Alaska!

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:03 Travis's Trip to The Seychelles
04:39 Bryce's Portugal Adventure
06:44 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Overview
16:30 Earning Alaska Miles
22:53 Caution on Transferring Points
26:30 Alaska Airlines Credit Cards Overview
26:37 Earning Alaska Miles
27:35 Redeeming Alaska Miles
27:56 Alaska's Partner Airlines
29:00 Domestic Award Tickets
30:18 International Award Tickets
37:37 Pro Tips for Alaska Miles
42:32 Sweet Spots for Alaska Miles
47:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take our free points and miles course
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Podcast produced by MicMoguls.

In this episode of Takeoff by 10xTravel, Bryce and Travis share their top travel superlatives for 2024, diving into the best of airline and hotel loyalty programs, redemptions, lounges, and more.

Bryce and Travis discuss their top picks for airline loyalty programs, with Bryce favoring Air France’s Flying Blue for its family-friendly benefits and Travis backing United for its extensive partner network. They also discuss the most improved programs, with Alaska Airlines and Virgin Atlantic leading the charge. For redemptions, they highlight international airline perks like ANA business class to Japan and Qatar Qsuites.

They cover everything from unsexy redemptions to family-friendly loyalty programs. Bryce and Travis wrap up the episode with fun categories like “Worst Dining Experience” and “End of an Era Award.” Join them to see which programs made their 2024 superlative lists and see if you agree.

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
02:22 Course Refresh and My10x Tool
03:32 Superlatives and Awards Overview
06:43 Best Airline Loyalty Program 2024
12:23 Most Improved Loyalty Program 2024
18:28 Best Redemption Sweet Spot 2024
22:08 Most Reliable Airline for Award Availability
26:05 Best International Airline Cabin
32:21 Top Bucket List Airline Redemption 2024
34:24 Most Exciting New Hotel Bookable with Points
38:28 Best Value Destination Bookable with Points
42:52 Best Unsexy Redemption
46:26 Most Exciting New Feature or Trend
51:30 Best Program for Newbies
54:43 Best Family Friendly Loyalty Program
56:28 Best Airport Lounge Experience
01:01:09 Saddest Lounge Experience
01:04:19 MVP of the Year
01:07:14 Worst Dining Experience
01:11:25 Fun Superlative Awards
01:17:00 Join 10xTravel+ for Exclusive Benefits

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take our free points and miles course
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available. (edited) 

It's officially 2025, and in this episode Bryce and Travis are sharing their points and miles reflections, accomplishments, and resolutions for the New Year!

Bryce and Travis start by discussing their major highlights from 2024, including some fantastic trips and notable points wins. They also each share their biggest learnings and mistakes over the past year and what they would have done differently.

Looking ahead, Bryce and Travis outline their 2025 points and miles goals, from achieving Hyatt Globalist status to potentially pursuing more business class bookings. They also share predictions for industry trends in 2025, speculating about better award pricing between North America and Europe and increased travel to Thailand with the impending release of White Lotus Season 3.

Start the year off right and tune into this episode packed with valuable lessons and insightful forecasts for what's to come in 2025!

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:55 Housekeeping and Updates
01:36 Reflecting on 2024 Resolutions
04:12 Card Portfolio Adjustments
12:09 Travel Highlights of 2024
15:33 Biggest Mistakes of 2024
20:59 Lessons Learned and 2025 Resolutions
29:43 Unconventional Resolutions and Final Thoughts
35:57 Engage with Us: Share Your Resolutions
36:37 New Card Strategy for 2025
37:28 Travel Habits and Points Strategy
40:54 Upcoming Travel Plans for 2025
41:11 Travis' Travel Plans for 2025
49:11 Bryce's Travel Plans for 2025
55:23 Predictions for Points and Miles in 2025
01:05:33 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead
01:06:22 Join 10xTravel+ for Exclusive Benefits

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take our free points and miles course
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean sacrifice, especially when you know how to leverage points and miles for the whole family! In this episode, host Bryce is joined by seasoned family travelers Katie and Raya, who share their wealth of knowledge about navigating the world of points and miles with kids in tow.

Throughout the episode, Raya, Katie, and Bryce share essential tips and strategies for booking award flights for families, maximizing hotel redemptions, and preparing for long flights with kids. From tackling school schedules to managing car seat challenges, Katie and Raya break down practical advice to make family travel smoother and more enjoyable.

Hear about their highlight trips, upcoming plans, and how they strategically earn points to keep traveling as a family without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a parent looking to plan your next getaway or just starting your points journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your family travel game.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Special Guests

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Stay Connected:

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Known for its flexibility and valuable redemption options, Flying Blue is quickly becoming a favorite among points enthusiasts.

In this episode, Bryce, Travis, and Matt take you on a deep dive into Flying Blue, Air France, and KLM’s loyalty program. Tune in and learn how to score incredible deals on Europe flights with Flying Blue Promo Rewards, why it’s so easy to earn Flying Blue Miles, some of the best sweet spots in economy and business class, and more!

In this episode:

(00:00) What is Flying Blue?

(13:49) Stopover Benefit

(18:54) Flying Blue Award Pricing and Fees

(29:33) Sweet Spot Strategies

(36:09) Flying Blue Destinations

(40:48) French Caribbean and Tahiti

(51:28) Insider Community Discussion

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue Program: Your Ultimate Guide

How We’d Use 100k Flying Blue Miles

Take our free points and miles course

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Japan is on everyone’s bucket list—and for good reason. With world-class food, fascinating culture, and a blend of ancient and modern cities, it’s a dream destination for travelers. But how can you make the long-haul trip to Japan without spending a fortune?

In this episode, Bryce and Travis walk you through everything you need to know to fly to Japan using points and miles. From luxury options like flying business class in ANA’s “The Room” to budget-friendly economy seats, you’ll learn the most efficient ways to book award travel, including the best programs, transfer partners, and tools to use. Plus, they share hotel recommendations that cater to every budget, from iconic luxury properties to mid-range stays, all bookable with points.

In this episode:

(00:00) Traveling to Japan With Points

(08:22) Flying to Japan With ANA

(17:16) Best Business Class Options for Japan

(28:00) Booking Japan Flights With Partner Airlines

(38:55) Alternative Options for Flying to Japan

(49:27) Luxury and Budget Options in Japan

Best Ways to Visit Japan with Points and Miles

ANA Mileage Club: Everything You Need to Know

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: Everything You Need to Know

Exploring Japan with the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

Podcast: From Credit Repair to ANA First Class: A 10xTravel Success Story

Two-Card Trip: Explore the Wonder of Japan

Take our free points and miles course

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

You already know how valuable Southwest’s 2-for-1 Companion Pass is. But what’s the best way to fully unlock that value?

Well, it depends on who you ask…

In this episode, the team goes head to head as they debate the best trips to take with your Southwest Companion pass. Should you take your travel partner on a luxurious island escape, a charming city break, or something in between? Listen as Bryce, Travis, and Matt each make their case for the very best ways to maximize the value of your Southwest Companion Pass and help us crown a winner!

In this episode:

(00:00) Southwest Companion Pass Trip Ideas

(03:56) Southwest Companion Pass Booking Tips

(12:54) Washington DC Travel and Accommodations

(20:24) Transportation Options and Travel Tips

(28:03) Luxury Costa Rica Hyatt Resort

(40:45) Southwest Travel Tips and Comparison

Links and Resources from this Episode:

How to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Amazing Places to Visit with the Southwest Companion Pass 

Take our free points and miles course

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) 

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube 

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

Private Suites. Double Beds. Caviar. And that’s just the beginning…

Considered by many travelers (and Skytrax) to be the best business class in the world, Qatar Airways’ Qsuites can be a tough ticket to book on points and miles. Fortunately, today’s episode will tell you how to do just that.

Listen as Bryce, Matt, and Travis discuss their own luxurious experiences flying in QSuites, whether or not the double bed is worth the hype, and how to avoid the nightmare of getting switched to a non-QSuite aircraft at the last minute. If you’ve got Qatar Airways QSuites on your business class bucket list, you won’t want to miss this episode!

In this episode:

(0:00:00) Why QSuites feel more like flying first class class than business class.

(0:13:11) Learn about the best seat selection for optimal comfort.

(0:18:51) Discover tips for booking QSuites with points and miles.

(0:30:40) Understand Qatar Airways’ extensive route coverage and partnerships.

(0:39:00) Maximize your lounge experience during Middle Eastern layovers.

(0:48:10) Join our community of points and miles enthusiasts for free.

Links and Resources from this Episode:

How to Combine Avios points 

Take our free points and miles course  

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) 

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube  http://www.youtube.com/@10xTravel

Let us book your next award flight for you  

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today 

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure.

A 2-for-1 plane ticket that lets you bring a friend on your next trip? Nope, it’s not too good to be true. It’s the Southwest Companion Pass, and we’re telling you exactly how to get it.

In this episode, Bryce, Emily, and Travis delve into the easiest ways to easily earn and maximize this industry-leading companion pass. From the importance of strategically timing your spending to choosing the right cards, you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and secure your own Southwest Companion Pass in no time!

In this episode:

(00:00) Southwest Companion Pass Benefit Guide

(03:50) Understanding the restrictions of the pass, changing your companion

(13:56) Earning the Companion Pass – two different methods

(24:38) Maximizing Pass Benefits

(32:44) Strategies for Using the Pass

(49:52) Maximizing Southwest Companion Pass Value

(55:26) Optimizing Benefits

(43:12) Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:

How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass  

Take our free points and miles course 

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly) 

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place 

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube 

Let us book your next award flight for you 

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program 

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card 

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:

Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders

Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog

Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel

Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

 Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.