The BoldlyGo Podcast: Revolutionizing Your Journey

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

In this episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre Coke welcomes back points and miles expert Devon Gimbel for a fascinating conversation about rethinking loyalty programs and the surprising benefits of airline elite status. After years of focusing primarily on Hyatt Globalist status, Devon completely changed her approach in 2026, strategically pursuing American Airlines Platinum Pro, Bilt Platinum, and Air France Flying Blue Platinum. She explains why these programs deserve a closer look, how family travel has influenced her decisions, and why the real value of status often extends far beyond complimentary upgrades.

The conversation explores how Devon maintains Hyatt Globalist through a combination of hotel stays and credit card spending, why American Airlines Platinum Pro is particularly valuable for its Oneworld Emerald benefits, and how Bilt Platinum became the foundation of an entirely new airline status strategy. By leveraging a Bilt status match, the Air France KLM credit card, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel purchases, Devon managed to reach Flying Blue Platinum status in just three months.

The results were remarkable. When comparing business class award availability between Chicago and major European hubs, Devon found only 35 dates with at least one saver-level seat through her comparison search. However, after logging into her Flying Blue Platinum account, she found 184 dates with availability for at least four passengers. A similar search from Los Angeles revealed an equally dramatic difference, opening up possibilities for families who previously struggled to find multiple business class award seats on the same flight.

DeAndre and Devon also break down the actual costs of pursuing elite status, the benefits that can make those investments worthwhile, and the strategies Devon is considering to maintain Flying Blue Platinum in future years. More importantly, they challenge experienced travelers to reconsider the assumptions guiding their points and miles strategies. As loyalty programs continue to evolve, the opportunities that once seemed unnecessary might become some of the most valuable tools in your travel arsenal.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro: Is Airline Elite Status Becoming Essential for Award Travelers?

(03:00) Meet Devon Gimbel: From Physician to Points and Miles Expert

(06:00) Why Devon Completely Rethought Airline Elite Status

(12:00) The Four Loyalty Status Levels Devon Prioritized in 2026

(17:30) How Devon Maintains Hyatt Globalist With Stays and Credit Card Spending

(23:00) Why American Airlines Platinum Pro Is the Oneworld Sweet Spot

(26:00) Oneworld Emerald Benefits: Free Seat Selection and Family Travel Savings

(35:00) Why Bilt Platinum Became a Major Part of Devon's Strategy

(40:00) Airlines Are Restricting Business Class Award Availability

(48:30) Flying Blue Platinum Benefits and Air France La Première Access

(53:00) Bilt Platinum to Flying Blue Gold: The Status Match Strategy

(56:00) Earning Flying Blue XP With Credit Cards and Sustainable Aviation Fuel

(60:00) How Devon Earned Flying Blue Platinum in Just Three Months

(61:15) 184 vs. 35: The Massive Difference in Business Class Award Availability

(65:00) Maintaining Flying Blue Platinum and Rethinking Your Points Strategy

Key Highlights:

• Airline Elite Status May Be More Valuable Than You Think: Certain airline programs offer meaningful benefits beyond upgrades, including expanded award availability, waived fees, and greater booking flexibility.
• Flying Blue Platinum Unlocks More Award Availability: Devon found 184 dates with at least four business class award seats from Chicago to Europe through her Platinum account, compared with just 35 dates showing at least one saver seat in her comparison search.
• Los Angeles Shows a Similar Difference: Her searches revealed 121 dates with availability for at least four passengers through Flying Blue Platinum, compared with only seven dates with saver-level availability in her comparison search.
• Flying Blue Platinum in Just Three Months: Devon used a combination of Bilt Platinum status, a Flying Blue status match, credit card benefits, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel purchases to reach Platinum status in approximately three months.
• Bilt Platinum Was the Key: Matching Bilt Platinum to Flying Blue Gold helped Devon bypass part of the traditional qualification process and significantly reduce the remaining requirements.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel Can Earn Elite Status: Devon spent approximately $2,200 to $2,300 on qualifying Sustainable Aviation Fuel purchases to accelerate her Flying Blue Platinum qualification.
• Flying Blue Platinum Offers Additional Benefits: Beyond award availability, Platinum members can benefit from complimentary seat selection, waived award change and cancellation fees, and increased booking flexibility.
• Hyatt Globalist Remains a Priority: Devon has maintained Hyatt Globalist since 2021 by combining approximately 30 to 35 hotel nights annually with elite qualifying nights earned through credit card spending.
• American Airlines Platinum Pro Is a Sweet Spot: The status provides Oneworld Emerald benefits, including valuable advantages when flying partner airlines such as British Airways and Qatar Airways.
• Family Travel Makes Status More Valuable: Complimentary seat selection, reduced fees, and access to multiple business class award seats can create substantial savings for families traveling together.
• Elite Status Is an Investment: Devon recommends evaluating the financial costs, spending requirements, and opportunity costs against the benefits travelers will realistically use.
• Maintaining Platinum May Be Easier: Once Flying Blue Platinum is achieved, the annual requalification requirement is 300 Experience Points, and XP rollover or qualifying credit card activity may help.

Resources:

• Become a BoldlyGo Member on Patreon
• DeAndre’s Rakuten $50 Bonus Invite
• Join Symphony today
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Check out our Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo Blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Get Creddy for 50% off the Annual & Lifetime Plans
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

Connect with Devon Gimbel:

• Instagram: pointmeto_firstclass
• Website: Point Me to First Class
• Facebook: PointMeToFirstClass
• Podcast: Point Me to First Class

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

This week's Quick Hits kicks off with DeAndre Coke reflecting on an incredible weekend at Points Travel Festival Chicago, where he connected with BoldlyGo community members, hosted an unforgettable group dinner, and spoke to a packed room of points and miles enthusiasts. After sharing a helpful clarification about Hyatt's current bonus points promotion, he dives into some major loyalty program changes, starting with Rove adding JetBlue TrueBlue as a new 1:1 transfer partner with a limited-time 20% bonus. Bilt has also added JetBlue, raising speculation about a potentially massive Rent Day transfer bonus.

The biggest news comes from Southwest Airlines, which is making a significant change to its popular Companion Pass program. Starting in 2027, credit card welcome bonuses will no longer count toward earning the Companion Pass. Instead, travelers will need to qualify through Southwest's new Platinum Elite status, requiring 140,000 qualifying points or 100 flights. However, there's still one final opportunity to take advantage of the existing credit card strategy by opening an eligible Southwest card before December 2. Southwest is also introducing new international award partners, including Etihad, Icelandair, and China Airlines.

Elsewhere, World of Hyatt members can now transfer points between accounts online, while Explorist and Globalist members have access to an Air Canada Aeroplan elite status challenge. Japan Airlines has launched a 30% award discount, creating opportunities to book economy flights between Japan and North America for fewer than 19,000 miles or business class flights between Japan and Europe for as little as 38,500 miles. Combined with current Citi ThankYou and Rove transfer bonuses, these deals could become even more attractive. DeAndre also covers a potential change to how the IRS processes credit card payments and exciting new Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines nonstop routes from Seattle to Osaka and Tahiti, both scheduled to launch in 2027.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro: Points Travel Festival Chicago and the BoldlyGo Community

(02:45) Hyatt's 3,000 Bonus Points Promotion Explained

(04:02) Rove and Bilt Add JetBlue as a Transfer Partner

(05:03) Southwest's Major Companion Pass Changes for 2027

(06:12) Southwest Adds New International Award Partners

(06:32) Hyatt and Aeroplan Introduce an Elite Status Challenge

(08:00) Hyatt Finally Allows Online Points Transfers

(08:34) Japan Airlines Award Sale and Massive Transfer Bonuses

(09:50) IRS Credit Card Payment Changes

(11:00) New Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Routes to Osaka and Tahiti

Key takeaways:

• Southwest Companion Pass Changes in 2027: Credit card welcome bonuses will no longer count toward earning the Companion Pass. Travelers will instead need Platinum Elite status, requiring 140,000 qualifying points or 100 flights.
• One Final Companion Pass Opportunity: Opening an eligible Southwest credit card by December 2 could still allow travelers to use the welcome bonus toward a Companion Pass valid through the end of 2027.
• Southwest Adds International Award Partners: Etihad, Icelandair, and China Airlines are joining Southwest's international award partner lineup, creating new potential redemption opportunities.
• Rove Adds JetBlue TrueBlue: Rove now supports 1:1 transfers to JetBlue with a 20% transfer bonus through November 14.
• Bilt Adds JetBlue: Bilt has introduced JetBlue as a 1:1 transfer partner. DeAndre speculates that a future Rent Day promotion could feature an unusually large JetBlue transfer bonus, although nothing has been confirmed.
• Hyatt's 3,000 Point Promotion Is More Flexible Than Expected: Members earn 3,000 bonus points for every three qualifying nights in total, even when those nights are spread across different stays, up to 36,000 bonus points.
• Hyatt and Aeroplan Status Challenge: Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members can enroll in a 90-day Air Canada elite status challenge. Eligible paid flights are required, and participants do not receive temporary status during the challenge.
• Hyatt Finally Allows Online Points Transfers: Members can now transfer Hyatt points between accounts online, with separate annual limits of 525,000 points sent and received.
• Japan Airlines Award Sale: JAL is offering a 30% discount on select awards, including Japan to North America economy flights for under 19,000 miles and Japan to Europe business class for as little as 38,500 miles one way. Bookings must be made by October 31, with restrictions and potential fuel surcharges.
• Citi and Rove Transfer Bonuses: Citi ThankYou is offering a 30% transfer bonus to Japan Airlines through October 24, while Rove is offering a 50% bonus through October 31, potentially reducing the points needed for discounted JAL awards.
• IRS Credit Card Payment Changes: A newly published rule allows the IRS to contract directly with card processors, although fees would still apply and no implementation date has been announced.
• New Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Routes: New nonstop Seattle to Osaka service is planned for May 2027, followed by Seattle to Papeete, Tahiti, in June 2027. Both routes are expected to use Hawaiian Airlines A330 aircraft with lie-flat business class seats.

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Resources:

• Become a BoldlyGo Member on Patreon
• Rakuten $50 Bonus Invite
• Join Symphony today
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Get Creddy for 50% off the Annual & Lifetime Plans
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

What if a shopping portal promotion could earn you 400,000 airline miles, or a personal loan you paid off almost immediately could generate another 33,000 points? This week, DeAndre Coke welcomes Taylor Hecht, a pharmacist, passionate traveler, and points and miles enthusiast who has built an incredible travel lifestyle around creative earning strategies, calculated risks, and maximizing every available vacation day. From her early adventures in pharmacy school to flying Qatar Airways Qsuites and Emirates First Class, Taylor shares how she and her husband have made travel a priority without letting points dictate where they go.

One highlight of the conversation is Taylor's recent trip to the Dolomites in northern Italy. She explains how she built the itinerary around an Emirates business-class redemption from New York to Milan, upgraded to First Class with points, and paired award stays with carefully chosen cash bookings at hotels truly worth the splurge. From Lake Como to the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Dolomites, Taylor makes a compelling case for using points to reduce the cost of a trip rather than expecting every part of the experience to be free. She also explains why positioning flights, planning far in advance, and understanding airline partnerships have become essential to her strategy.

Then things get interesting. Taylor breaks down how a British Airways shopping portal promotion offering 250 Avios per dollar at Kate Spade resulted in approximately 400,000 Avios after a roughly $1,600 purchase. She also shares how a targeted Barclays personal loan offer let her earn 33,000 Alaska Atmos points for about $18 in interest after quickly repaying the loan. Beyond these unusual earning opportunities, the conversation explores the importance of welcome bonuses, shopping portals, smart financial decisions, and knowing when a promotion is worth pursuing.

The episode wraps with practical advice on taking better travel photos, making the most of limited PTO, and building a travel calendar around work and family commitments. Taylor explains how she and her husband combine purchased vacation days, unpaid leave, holiday weekends, and shorter trips to make room for multiple adventures every year. Her biggest takeaway is simple: points and miles should support the life you want to live, not force you into trips or redemptions that don't fit your goals.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro: 400K Airline Miles From Kate Spade and 33K Points From a Loan?!

(02:50) Meet Taylor Hecht: From Pharmacy School to World Travel

(07:15) Taylor's Points and Miles Philosophy and Planning Trips Years Ahead

(11:45) Traveling as a Couple and Falling in Love With Qatar Qsuites

(15:25) Why the Best Redemption Isn't Always the Highest Cents Per Point

(17:30) Planning the Ultimate Dolomites and Lake Como Trip

(19:30) Booking Emirates Business Class and Upgrading to First Class

(25:30) Exploring the Dolomites, Renting a Car and Choosing Hotels

(29:30) Why Positioning Flights Can Unlock Better Award Redemptions

(34:00) Calculated Risks and the 400,000 Avios Kate Spade Promotion

(41:30) How a $33,000 Barclays Loan Earned 33,000 Atmos Points

(48:50) Taylor's Best Advice for Earning and Redeeming Points

(51:10) Simple Travel Photography Tips for Better Vacation Pictures

(53:20) Maximizing PTO With Purchased Vacation Days and Unpaid Leave

(56:00) Where to Follow Taylor and Her Final Travel Philosophy

Key Highlights:

• 400,000 Avios From Kate Spade: Taylor took advantage of a British Airways shopping portal promotion offering 250 Avios per dollar at Kate Spade. A purchase of approximately $1,600 eventually earned her around 400,000 Avios.
• 33,000 Atmos Points From a Personal Loan: A targeted Barclays offer awarded one Atmos point per dollar borrowed. Taylor took out a $33,000 loan, repaid it almost immediately, and earned 33,000 points while paying approximately $18 in interest. This was a specific targeted opportunity, not a broadly available or risk-free strategy.
• Prioritize Experiences Over Redemption Values: Taylor doesn't chase the highest cents-per-point number on every booking. Her goal is to make points stretch further while still enjoying the hotels, destinations, and activities she actually wants.
• Plan Travel Far in Advance: She often plans trips a year or more ahead, working backward from available PTO and preferred travel dates to determine which points and miles she needs to earn.
• Positioning Flights Unlock Better Awards: Even though Charlotte is an American Airlines hub, Taylor regularly positions to cities like New York, Washington, Atlanta, and Miami to access better international premium cabin redemptions.
• Emirates First Class to Milan: Taylor and her husband booked Emirates business class from JFK to Milan for 87,000 points per person plus approximately $102 in taxes and fees, then upgraded to First Class for an additional 39,000 points each at check-in.
• The Dolomites Are Worth the Splurge: Taylor combined points hotels, free night certificates, and paid luxury stays during her northern Italy adventure, including a bucket list hotel experience that inspired the entire trip.
• Hotel Points Aren't Always the Best Choice: In destinations with limited award availability, paying cash for a special property can be more rewarding than forcing a points redemption that doesn't fit the itinerary.
• Shopping Portals Can Be Extremely Valuable: Taylor regularly checks Rakuten, Capital One Offers, and other shopping portals before purchases, using spending she already planned to earn additional rewards.
• Learn Transfer Partners and Airline Alliances: Understanding how airline partnerships work can open up better redemptions and help travelers recognize valuable opportunities when they appear.
• Maximize Every PTO Day: Taylor and her husband use purchased vacation days, unpaid leave, and carefully planned holiday weekends to fit several major vacations and shorter trips into their schedules.
• Travel Photography Doesn't Require Expensive Gear: Simple techniques like cleaning your phone lens, using the rear camera, shooting at 0.5x when appropriate, and taking photos during golden hour can dramatically improve travel pictures.
• Points Should Fit Your Lifestyle: Taylor's philosophy is to make points and miles work for her travel goals, finances, and schedule rather than changing those priorities to chase a particular redemption.

Resources:

• Become a BoldlyGo Member on Patreon
• DeAndre’s Rakuten $50 Bonus Invite
• Join Symphony today
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Check out our Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo Blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Get Creddy for 50% off the Annual & Lifetime Plans
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

Connect with Taylor Hecht:

• Instagram: @wherethehechts
• TikTok: @wherethehechts

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

In this YouTube bonus episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre Coke and Taryn trade luxury hotels and resorts for a completely different kind of adventure: exploring New Zealand by campervan. As the final chapter of their month-long honeymoon, they take on their first motorhome road trip, discovering the freedom, challenges, and unexpected realities of traveling with their accommodations on wheels.

The episode begins with their decision to rent a premium campervan from Wilderness Motorhomes. DeAndre explains why they chose a more comfortable vehicle with a fixed bed, private bathroom, kitchen, plenty of storage, and unlimited Wi-Fi. He also walks through the rental process, vehicle orientation, insurance considerations, and practical details that first time campervan travelers should understand before hitting the road.

Once the journey begins, the learning curve becomes real. Driving on the left side of the road, navigating narrow mountain highways, managing roundabouts, and crossing one lane bridges all require extra attention. DeAndre also shares their experience taking the Interislander ferry between New Zealand's islands, along with the importance of booking ferry crossings and campsites well in advance.

Beyond the driving, the episode explores what daily campervan life actually looks like, from preparing meals and organizing personal belongings to managing water tanks, electricity, waste disposal, and campground facilities. DeAndre highlights how the CamperMate app made finding campsites and essential services much easier, while their rental company's support helped simplify the experience.

Ultimately, the biggest lesson wasn't about operating the campervan. It was about slowing down. Their ambitious itinerary left less time to enjoy certain destinations, but the experience gave them a new appreciation for road trips, flexibility, and traveling at their own pace. By the end, DeAndre explains why campervan travel offered a memorable alternative to traditional hotel stays and became a fitting conclusion to their New Zealand honeymoon.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro: Our New Zealand Campervan Adventure Begins

(02:57) Why We Chose Wilderness Motorhomes

(03:57) Campervan Rental Costs & What's Included

(04:32) Pickup Process & Vehicle Orientation

(06:05) Inside Our Campervan: Layout & Features

(08:43) Driving on the Left Side of the Road

(10:20) Navigating New Zealand's Roads, Parking & Safety

(12:47) Driving Times & One-Lane Bridges

(14:42) Booking the Interislander Ferry

(16:06) Campsites, Freedom Camping & Overnight Stays

(18:30) The Best App for Campervan Travel

(20:15) Returning the Campervan: What to Expect

(21:47) Our Biggest Road Trip Planning Regret

(22:56) Final Thoughts: Is Campervan Travel Worth It?

Key takeaways:

• Choose the right campervan: A comfortable layout, fixed bed, bathroom, and adequate storage make a major difference.
• Prepare for driving challenges: Left side driving, narrow roads, roundabouts, and one lane bridges require extra attention.
• Allow more travel time: Mountain roads and campervan driving can make journeys longer than navigation apps suggest.
• Book campsites and ferries early: Popular locations and Interislander crossings require advance planning.
• CamperMate is essential: The app helps locate campsites, dump stations, facilities, and traveler reviews.
• Understand daily maintenance: Water refills, waste disposal, electricity, and organizing the vehicle become part of the routine.
• Don't overpack the itinerary: More time in fewer destinations creates a more relaxed and rewarding road trip.
• Campervan travel is worth trying: The flexibility, scenery, and shared experience made it a memorable honeymoon adventure.

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Resources:

• Our Complete 2-Week New Zealand Itinerary
• Campervan Rental in New Zealand: What You Need to Know (YT vlog)
• Become a BoldlyGo Member on Patreon
• DeAndre’s Rakuten $50 Bonus Invite
• Join Symphony today
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Check out our Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo Blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Get Creddy for 50% off the Annual & Lifetime Plans
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

This week's Quick Hits comes straight from the Admirals Club lounge in Honolulu, where DeAndre Coke is wrapping up an incredible Hawaii anniversary trip before heading to Points Travel Festival Chicago. Before diving into the latest points and miles news, he shares a special shoutout to BoldlyGo listeners Dan and Megan, whom he met at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Then it's straight into several important credit card, hotel, and airline loyalty updates, starting with an opportunity to earn 15,000 American Airlines miles through the AAdvantage Business program and an extended promotion that could help Citi AAdvantage Business cardholders earn elite status faster.

The biggest potential shakeup involves the American Express Platinum Card. Information reportedly discovered on an Amex test server suggests the card could add a $250 Airbnb Experiences credit while introducing a two-night minimum stay requirement for its hotel credit starting in 2027. DeAndre explains why this rumored change could make the benefit significantly harder to maximize, especially for travelers who currently stack credits across multiple cards for single-night hotel stays. Meanwhile, United Airlines is moving toward a spending-focused elite status system by eliminating flight segments as a qualification path, and Chase has clarified that elite night credits from certain IHG credit cards can stack, potentially giving cardholders 35 elite nights annually before checking into a hotel.

Other updates include Marriott testing an upgrade waitlist inside its app, Cathay Pacific temporarily suspending Japan Airlines award bookings through Asia Miles, targeted 75,000 point Chase Sapphire Reserve upgrade offers, and reports that Lululemon gift card purchases may no longer trigger the Amex Platinum quarterly credit. DeAndre closes with a preview of the upcoming Chicago conference, the BoldlyGo Miami meetup, and more Hawaii travel content coming soon.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro: Recording From Honolulu and a BoldlyGo Community Shoutout

(01:10) Earn 15,000 American Airlines Miles With AAdvantage Business

(01:54) Citi AAdvantage Business Cardholders Can Double Up on Loyalty Points

(03:03) Marriott Tests an In-App Hotel Upgrade Waitlist

(03:17) Cathay Pacific Suspends Japan Airlines Award Bookings

(03:27) Targeted 75K Chase Sapphire Reserve Upgrade Offers

(04:17) Amex Platinum Rumors: Airbnb Credit and Two-Night Hotel Minimum

(05:40) United Airlines Eliminates Flight Segments for Elite Status

(06:39) IHG Credit Cards Can Stack Up to 35 Elite Nights Annually

(07:24) Amex Lululemon Gift Card Changes and Final Travel Updates

Key takeaways:

• 15,000 Free AAdvantage Business Miles: New members can register for the free AAdvantage Business program using promo code GET15K by October 31 to receive 15,000 bonus miles without additional activity, according to the offer discussed.
• Citi AAdvantage Business Loyalty Points: An extended targeted promotion through 2028 allows eligible primary cardholders to earn matching Loyalty Points from authorized user spending, while authorized users also earn Loyalty Points.
• Marriott Tests Upgrade Visibility: Marriott is testing an in-app upgrade list that allows Gold Elite members and above to see their position before arrival, with plans to expand to more properties in the United States and Canada.
• Cathay Pacific Suspends JAL Awards: Asia Miles redemptions on Japan Airlines have been temporarily suspended, although previously issued award tickets remain valid.
• 75K Chase Sapphire Upgrade Offers: Some Sapphire Preferred cardholders are receiving targeted offers of 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points for upgrading to the Sapphire Reserve and spending $4,000 by December 15.
• Amex Platinum Changes Are Rumored: The Platinum Card could introduce a $250 Airbnb Experiences credit while requiring a minimum two-night stay for its hotel credit starting in 2027. These changes have not been confirmed.
• United Changes Elite Status Qualification: United is moving away from flight segment qualification and toward Premier Qualifying Points, making spending an even more important factor in earning elite status.
• IHG Credit Card Elite Nights Stack: Chase has reportedly clarified that qualifying elite night credits from the IHG Premier Select and IHG Business cards can stack, potentially providing 35 elite nights per year.
• IHG Milestone Rewards Become More Accessible: Those stacked elite nights can count toward milestone rewards, potentially helping cardholders unlock benefits such as suite upgrades and lounge membership.
• Lululemon Gift Card Warning: Reports suggest that in-store Lululemon gift card purchases may no longer trigger the Amex Platinum $75 quarterly credit, so cardholders should be cautious about relying on this method.

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Resources:

• Become a BoldlyGo Member on Patreon
• Rakuten $50 Bonus Invite
• Join Symphony today
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Get Creddy for 50% off the Annual & Lifetime Plans
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

Malta may be small enough to explore by car in just a few hours, but there's a lot more to this Mediterranean destination than its size suggests. In Part 2 of their Turkey, Malta, and Switzerland trip recap, DeAndre and Taryn share everything they learned during four days in Malta, from navigating left-side driving and choosing the right hotel to discovering beautiful beaches, historic cities, incredible restaurants, and some unforgettable experiences on the water. They break down their stay at Hyatt Regency Malta, including how they booked a suite using 54,000 Hyatt points, and explain why the location, dining scene, and easy access to nightlife made it a great base for exploring the island.

The adventure continues with a diving trip to Gozo, a private boat excursion to the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, and visits to Mdina and Valletta. Along the way, DeAndre and Taryn share practical advice on renting a car, using Bolt, avoiding parking fines, planning a shorter private boat tour instead of a crowded group excursion, and making the most of Malta's food and cocktail scene. They also explain why four days felt like enough time for their visit, even though Malta has enough history, beaches, and activities to fill a much longer trip.

From Malta, they turn their journey home into a three-night stopover in Zurich using Air Canada Aeroplan, adding the stop for just 5,000 points per person. They stay at the Park Hyatt Zurich with Chase points, take the train to explore Lucerne, enjoy Swiss fondue and Zurich's cocktail bars, and discover firsthand how expensive Switzerland can be. Finally, they share their experience flying SWISS business class back to New York, a redemption worth approximately $13,000 in cash that cost them 140,000 points plus $260. Between the incredible value of their flights, the challenges of navigating unfamiliar destinations, and the experiences they would repeat or skip, this episode is packed with practical advice for planning a memorable multi-country trip using points and miles.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro: Malta Travel Guide and Our 10,000 Point Switzerland Stopover

(03:02) Arriving in Malta: First Impressions, Heat and Humidity

(05:00) Driving in Malta: Left-Side Traffic, Parking and Using Bolt

(11:45) Hyatt Regency Malta: Booking a Suite With Chase Points

(16:40) Hyatt Regency vs. Hyatt Centric Malta: Location, Rooms and Benefits

(24:15) Visiting Gozo: Ferry Logistics and Scuba Diving

(28:10) Private Boat Tour to Malta's Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon

(32:10) Exploring Historic Mdina and Valletta

(36:15) Malta's Best Cocktail Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife

(47:00) How Many Days Do You Actually Need in Malta?

(49:00) Adding a Three-Night Zurich Stopover for Just 10K Aeroplan Points

(52:00) Park Hyatt Zurich: Points Booking, Globalist Benefits and High Prices

(58:00) Lucerne Day Trip, Swiss Fondue and Zurich's Cocktail Scene

(68:10) SWISS Business Class: Our $13,000 Flight for 140K Points

(74:00) Final Flight Changes and Our Complete Trip Takeaways

Key Highlights:

• Four Days in Malta Worked Well: DeAndre and Taryn found four days sufficient to enjoy several of Malta's highlights, although the island offers enough history and activities for a week or more.
• Driving Requires Preparation: Malta drives on the left, and narrow roads, roundabouts, parking restrictions, and speed cameras can make renting a car more stressful than expected.
• Hyatt Regency Malta Offers Great Points Value: Their four-night suite stay would have cost approximately $2,000 but was booked for 54,000 Hyatt points transferred from Chase.
• Gozo Is Worth Considering for Diving: Their experience with Scuba Kings was positive, although they felt that travelers staying on Malta's main island could find excellent diving options without making the ferry journey.
• A Private Blue Lagoon Tour Can Be Worth It: Their private boat excursion covered the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in approximately two hours, avoiding the crowds and longer itineraries of larger group tours.
• Don't Skip Mdina and Valletta: Mdina offers incredible historic architecture and a medieval atmosphere, while Valletta delivers beautiful streets, waterfront views, and a fantastic cocktail scene.
• Malta Has an Impressive Food Scene: From Japanese cuisine and mezcal bars to caviar, oysters, and fine dining, Malta exceeded their expectations for food and nightlife.
• Aeroplan Stopovers Add Incredible Value: They added a three-night Zurich stopover to their journey home for just 10,000 additional Aeroplan points total, making it possible to explore Switzerland without booking a completely separate award itinerary.
• Zurich Is Extremely Expensive: Dining, drinks, hotels, and everyday purchases were significantly more expensive than in Malta or Turkey, making points bookings and Hyatt Globalist benefits especially useful.
• Park Hyatt Zurich on Points: Their three-night stay cost 135,000 Hyatt points instead of about $3,268 in cash, though the hotel experience didn't fully meet their expectations.
• Lucerne Is an Excellent Day Trip: A scenic train journey from Zurich brought them to Lucerne, where they enjoyed beautiful architecture, waterfront scenery, and traditional Swiss fondue.
• SWISS Business Class Was a Valuable Redemption: Their return flight cost 140,000 points plus $260 for two passengers instead of approximately $13,000 in cash, delivering over nine cents per point in value.
• Flexibility Matters When Booking Awards: Their return positioning flight plans changed, showing why travelers should understand airline cancellation policies and compare rebooking costs against keeping an existing award.

Resources:

• Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon Boat tour
• Become a BoldlyGo Member on Patreon
• DeAndre’s Rakuten $50 Bonus Invite
• Join Symphony today
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Check out our Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo Blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Get Creddy for 50% off the Annual & Lifetime Plans
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

This week's Quick Hits comes straight from Maui, where DeAndre and Taryn are celebrating their first wedding anniversary at the Andaz Maui at Wailea. Between diving, enjoying their ocean view suite, and preparing for the next stops in Kauai and Oahu, DeAndre catches up on some major developments in the points and miles world. First up is an exciting update to Creddy, the credit card benefits tracking app that the BoldlyGo community helped beta test. Creddy now offers optional Plaid integration that can automatically connect credit cards and track eligible benefits, potentially eliminating much of the manual work involved in managing multiple cards. DeAndre also highlights several October transfer bonuses, including Rove bonuses to Japan Airlines, Flying Blue, and Qatar Airways Avios, along with new American Express transfer promotions.

The biggest news is a major change to Bilt Rewards. Starting January 1, Bilt's transfer ratio to World of Hyatt will drop from 1:1 to 4:3, meaning a 60,000 point Hyatt redemption will require 80,000 Bilt points instead of 60,000. DeAndre explains why this is particularly frustrating alongside Hyatt's recent award pricing increases and why Chase may become an even more important source of Hyatt points. On the positive side, Hyatt has returned to Capital One Shopping and Capital One Offers, creating opportunities to earn additional rewards on eligible direct bookings.

There is also great news for families using Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards, with a new program offering 20% of points back on eligible award tickets booked for children ages 12 and under. DeAndre wraps up with American Airlines introducing Cash & Miles bookings and two luxury Hilton properties in Mexico transitioning to all-inclusive resorts, potentially creating exciting opportunities for Hilton free night certificate holders.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro: Celebrating Our Anniversary at Andaz Maui

(01:38) Hawaii Trip Plans and Points Travel Festival Chicago

(02:12) Creddy Adds Automatic Credit Card Benefits Tracking With Plaid

(04:14) October Transfer Bonuses From Rove and American Express

(05:20) Bilt's Major World of Hyatt Transfer Devaluation

(07:10) Hyatt Returns to Capital One Shopping and Offers

(07:57) Alaska Atmos Rewards Introduces 20% Back on Kids' Award Flights

(08:54) American Airlines Launches Cash & Miles Bookings

(09:35) Waldorf Astoria and Conrad in Mexico Go All-Inclusive

(10:20) Hawaii Updates and BoldlyGo's Chicago Conference Crew

Key takeaways:

• Creddy Adds Automatic Tracking: Creddy now offers optional Plaid integration to connect credit card accounts and automatically track benefits and credits. BoldlyGo community members can still receive 50% off annual and lifetime plans.
• Rove Transfer Bonuses: Rove is offering 50% bonus transfers to Japan Airlines, 40% to Air France KLM Flying Blue, and 35% to Qatar Airways Avios through the end of October.
• Amex Transfer Bonuses: American Express has a 25% transfer bonus to Flying Blue through October 30 and a 20% bonus to Aeromexico through October 31.
• Bilt Devalues Hyatt Transfers: Starting January 1, Bilt Rewards transfers to World of Hyatt will change from 1:1 to 4:3, reducing the value of Bilt points for Hyatt redemptions.
• No Exception for Premium Bilt Cards: Unlike Chase's approach, Bilt's new Hyatt transfer ratio will apply even to premium Palladium cardholders.
• Hyatt Returns to Capital One Shopping: Hyatt bookings are once again available through Capital One Shopping and Capital One Offers, allowing eligible travelers to earn additional rewards while booking directly with Hyatt.
• Alaska Atmos Rewards Family Benefit: Members of the Families on the Go community can receive 20% of points back on eligible award tickets for children ages 12 and under, including qualifying partner airline redemptions.
• American Airlines Cash & Miles: American Airlines is introducing flexible Cash & Miles bookings, although DeAndre cautions that these redemptions may not provide the best value.
• Hilton Goes All-Inclusive in Mexico: Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya transitioned to all-inclusive resorts on October 1, creating potentially valuable opportunities for Hilton Honors members.
• BoldlyGo in Hawaii: DeAndre shares a preview of their anniversary stay at Andaz Maui before continuing to Grand Hyatt Kauai, Ritz-Carlton Waikiki, and Points Travel Festival Chicago.

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Resources:

• Become a BoldlyGo Member on Patreon
• Rakuten $50 Bonus Invite
• Join Symphony today
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Get Creddy for 50% off the Annual & Lifetime Plans
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

Cappadocia may be famous for its sunrise hot air balloons, but planning the perfect trip takes more strategy than simply booking a flight and showing up. In Part 1 of their Turkey, Malta, and Switzerland trip recap, DeAndre and Taryn break down their entire Cappadocia experience, including how stranded Turkish Airlines miles inspired the trip, how they used points and credit card benefits to save thousands of dollars, and the lessons they learned after weather nearly ruined one of their biggest bucket list experiences.

The trip started with Turkish Airlines business class from JFK to Istanbul, followed by an overnight airport stay before continuing to Cappadocia. Once there, DeAndre and Taryn stayed at the incredible Argos in Cappadocia, a cave hotel where Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts credits helped significantly reduce their out-of-pocket cost. They share their thoughts on Turkish food and wine, the hotel's underground caves and spa, the best areas to stay, and the activities that made Cappadocia feel like much more than a destination built around balloons.

The biggest lesson came from the hot air balloon experience itself. Their original flight was canceled because of weather, and conditions remained bad the following morning. Because they had intentionally left multiple mornings available, they eventually got the experience they traveled all that way for. They explain why travelers should plan at least three mornings in Cappadocia, why the earliest sunrise flight matters, what the balloon ride actually feels like, and why having backup activities can turn a canceled flight into another memorable day. From horseback riding through Cappadocia's valleys to Turkish Night, shopping, local food, and watching Balloon Fest, this episode is a practical guide to building a Cappadocia itinerary that does not depend on everything going perfectly.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro: The Biggest Mistake You Can Make Planning Cappadocia

(03:05) How Turkey, Malta and Switzerland Became One Trip

(06:32) The Full Route and Our $27,000 Trip Breakdown

(07:40) Using Virgin Atlantic Points for Our Positioning Flight

(10:30) Flying Turkish Airlines Business Class From JFK to Istanbul

(15:11) Turkish Airlines Baggage Rules and What Caught Us Off Guard

(17:07) Overnight at Istanbul Airport and the YOTEL Strategy

(22:00) Arriving in Cappadocia and Staying at Argos Cave Hotel

(26:18) Turkish Food, Wine and Why Cappadocia Surprised Us

(32:18) How to Plan Your Cappadocia Itinerary

(36:00) Our Hot Air Balloon Flight Gets Canceled

(39:07) Why You Need at Least Three Mornings in Cappadocia

(41:00) What Flying in a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Is Actually Like

(45:00) Why You Should Always Book the Sunrise Balloon Flight

(50:00) Horseback Riding, Turkish Night, Shopping and More Cappadocia Experiences

Key Highlights:

• Plan Multiple Mornings: DeAndre and Taryn recommend having at least three mornings in Cappadocia if riding in a hot air balloon is a major reason for the trip.
• Balloon Flights Can Be Canceled: Weather and wind can cancel flights with very little notice, and consecutive cancellation days are absolutely possible.
• Book the Sunrise Flight: They strongly recommend the earliest balloon departure instead of a later morning flight. The sunrise, colors, and hundreds of balloons in the sky are a huge part of the experience.
• Stranded Miles Created the Trip: Around 65,000 Turkish Airlines miles from a previous phantom award booking were approaching expiration, giving them the push to finally plan Turkey.
• $27K Trip for a Fraction of the Cost: The complete Turkey, Malta, and Switzerland itinerary had an estimated cash price of roughly $27,000. They used approximately 518,000 points plus $742 in cash, producing about 5.08 cents per point in value.
• Positioning With Virgin Atlantic: Their Norfolk to JFK positioning flight cost 12,000 Virgin Atlantic points plus $11 instead of roughly $607 in cash.
• Turkish Airlines Business Class Delivered: Despite the older 2-3-2 configuration, they enjoyed the food and service and would happily fly the product again.
• Watch Turkish Baggage Rules: Turkish Airlines was stricter about carry-on weight than they were accustomed to in the United States, resulting in DeAndre having to check his carry-on.
• Istanbul Airport Strategy Matters: For an overnight connection, they used the landside YOTEL inside Istanbul Airport rather than making the lengthy trip into the city.
• Amex Credits Saved Hundreds: At Argos in Cappadocia, they stacked Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits across multiple eligible Platinum cards to reduce the cost of their cave hotel stay.
• Cappadocia Is More Than Balloons: Horseback riding, underground caves, scenic valleys, Turkish Night, shopping, food, wine, and simply watching the balloons from the ground all added to the experience.
• Have a Backup Plan: When their balloon flight was canceled, they turned the morning into a photoshoot and continued exploring instead of allowing the cancellation to ruin the day.
• The Balloon Ride Lived Up to the Hype: Despite years of anticipation, the actual flight exceeded expectations and felt like much more than simply checking off a bucket list item.

Resources:

• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Cappadocia Airport Transfer
• Cappadocia Photoshoot with Flying Dress
• Become a BoldlyGo Member on Patreon
• DeAndre’s Rakuten $50 Bonus Invite
• Join Symphony today
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Check out our Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo Blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre & Taryn:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGo.Travels

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

In this YouTube bonus episode of the BoldlyGo Podcast, DeAndre Coke and Taryn take on one of New Zealand's most iconic experiences: a fly, cruise, fly adventure from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Instead of spending 12 to 13 hours traveling by road, they turn the excursion into an unforgettable five-hour journey across the Southern Alps and through one of the most dramatic landscapes of their entire honeymoon.

The experience comes with a premium price tag of around $900 for two people, covering scenic flights in both directions and a two-and-a-half-hour Milford Sound cruise. DeAndre explains why they chose to spend more on the experience, how saving money on flights and luxury hotels with points and miles gave them more room in their travel budget, and why booking several months ahead is especially important during peak season.

The adventure begins aboard a small Cessna with individual window seats for every passenger. The 45 minute flight becomes an attraction of its own, offering aerial views of glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, mountain ranges, valleys, and even Lord of the Rings filming locations that would be impossible to experience the same way from the road.

Once in Milford Sound, they board the cruise and share practical advice for getting the best views, including heading straight to the upper deck and packing for wind, mist, and rapidly changing conditions. DeAndre also explains why rain isn't necessarily bad news at Milford Sound, since it can create hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the surrounding mountains.

By the end, the verdict is clear: the fly, cruise, fly option wasn't simply a faster way to reach Milford Sound. The flights became two of the most memorable parts of the excursion, making the premium price worthwhile and giving them perspectives they could never have experienced by road or water alone.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Seeing Milford Sound From Above

(01:07) Our Fly, Cruise, Fly Plan

(01:45) Road Trip vs. Scenic Flight

(02:45) Booking the Experience & What It Costs

(04:26) Weather, Cancellations & Rescheduling

(05:44) Check In & Pre Flight Briefing

(06:21) Flying Over the Southern Alps

(08:41) Arriving at Milford Sound

(09:08) How to Get the Best Cruise Views

(09:55) What to Pack for Milford Sound

(11:15) Why Rain Can Make Milford Sound Better

(12:13) Scenic Return Flight to Queenstown

(13:27) Essential Milford Sound Planning Tips

(14:24) Final Verdict: Was It Worth $900?

Key takeaways:

• Flying saves major time: The experience takes about five hours compared with a 12 to 13 hour road trip.
• The flight is part of the adventure: Glaciers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and mountain views make the journey unforgettable.
• Book early: Scenic flights have limited availability and can fill months ahead during peak season.
• Weather matters: Flight operations depend heavily on conditions, so itinerary flexibility is important.
• Head straight to the upper deck: Getting there early provides some of the best unobstructed cruise views.
• Pack for changing conditions: Wind, rain, waterfall spray, and cooler temperatures can appear quickly.
• Rain can make Milford Sound better: Wet weather creates dramatic temporary waterfalls throughout the fjord.
• The $900 price was worth it: The combination of two scenic flights and the cruise delivered one of their favorite honeymoon experiences.

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Resources:

• We Spent $900 on Milford Sound’s Fly–Cruise–Fly — Worth It? (YT vlog)
• Best Way to See Milford Sound? Fly Into It (Blog Review)
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Check out our Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo Blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.

Smart Travel Podcast

This week’s Quick Hits kicks off with the Southwest Companion Pass season officially underway, giving travelers a chance to start planning one of the most valuable companion benefits in domestic travel. DeAndre also covers a new Hyatt promotion offering 3,000 bonus points for every three qualifying nights, targeted Southwest members unexpectedly receiving 5,000 Rapid Rewards points, and a useful American Airlines app feature that can automatically move travelers into a preferred window or aisle seat when one becomes available.

One of the biggest updates comes from Alaska Airlines and Atmos Rewards. Members can now choose how they want to earn rewards based on miles flown, ticket price, or flight segments for flights beginning January 1. Alaska also announced that eligible Bank of America cardholders will eventually be able to transfer points into Atmos Rewards, with a new debit card and upgrades to the Atmos Rewards Visa Business Card also on the way. Hilton is making news too, with a 10,000 point promotion and rumors of an even higher elite status tier called Black Diamond.

The episode wraps with several opportunities for point travelers. Chase may be preparing to add Qantas and Cathay Pacific as 1:1 transfer partners, while some Sapphire Preferred cardholders are seeing targeted 75,000 point offers to upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve. Even bigger for families, Philippine Airlines is showing as many as eight business class award seats on some flights to Manila, while American Airlines has strong award availability to Peru with as many as seven seats on select dates. DeAndre also shares updates on the BoldlyGo community ahead of Points Travel Festival Chicago and previews his upcoming anniversary trip to Hawaii.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro: A Thank You to the BoldlyGo Community

(01:05) Southwest Companion Pass Season Is Officially Here

(02:13) Hyatt's New 3,000 Point Bonus Promotion

(02:59) Southwest Is Giving Some Members 5,000 Free Points

(03:39) American Airlines Can Now Automatically Find You a Better Seat

(04:52) Major Alaska Airlines and Atmos Rewards Changes

(06:09) Hilton Promotion and the Rumored Black Diamond Status Tier

(07:45) Chase Could Add Qantas and Cathay Pacific as Transfer Partners

(07:58) Targeted 75K Sapphire Reserve Upgrade Offers

(08:34) Up to 8 Business Class Award Seats to Asia and 7 Seats to Peru

Key takeaways:

• Southwest Companion Pass Season: Now is the time to start planning a Companion Pass strategy, which lets a designated companion fly for only the applicable taxes and fees.
• Hyatt Bonus Points: Hyatt is offering 3,000 bonus points for every three qualifying nights, with the opportunity to earn up to 36,000 bonus points.
• Free Southwest Points: Some Rapid Rewards members have unexpectedly received 5,000 bonus points with no registration, spending, or flight requirement.
• American's Automatic Seat Changes: AAdvantage members on eligible single passenger reservations can set seat preferences and have the app automatically move them when a qualifying preferred seat becomes available.
• Big Atmos Rewards Changes: Alaska members can choose to earn based on miles flown, ticket price, or flight segments for eligible flights beginning January 1.
• Bank of America to Atmos: Eligible Bank of America cardholders are expected to gain the ability to transfer points to Atmos Rewards starting in 2027.
• Hilton Black Diamond Rumor: Leaked information suggests Hilton could be testing an even more exclusive elite status tier above its existing levels, although Hilton has not officially confirmed it.
• New Chase Transfer Partners? Reports suggest Qantas and Cathay Pacific could potentially become 1:1 Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners.
• 75K Sapphire Upgrade Offer: Some Sapphire Preferred cardholders are being targeted for 75,000 points to upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve after meeting the required spending.
• Huge Family Award Availability: Some Philippine Airlines flights are showing up to eight business class award seats to Manila, while select American Airlines flights to Peru are showing as many as seven award seats.

Need Global Travel Insurance? We recommend World Nomads

• Get a travel insurance quote here

Resources:

• Become a BoldlyGo Member on Patreon
• Rakuten $50 Bonus Invite
• Join Symphony today
• BoldlyGo LIVE! Miami 5-7 Registration
• Podcast Library
• Become a BoldlyGo blog contributor
• Start here to learn how to unlock nearly free travel
• Sign up for our newsletter!
• BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group

Some of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:

Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored links

• Get Autopilot: Never Overpay for a Flight or Hotel Again
• Card Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)
• Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)
• Travel Freely
• Point.me
• FlightConnections.com
• Thrifty Traveler Premium
• LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
• Use coupon code "BOLDYGO" for a 50% discount!

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

• Instagram: BoldlyGo.world
• TikTok: BoldlyGo.world
• Website: BoldlyGo.world
• YouTube: BoldlyGoWorld
• YouTube: BoldlyGoTravels

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.