There's A LOT going on in the world of travel right now. (Then again, when isn't there?) This week, Joe decides to talk about some of the headlines catching his eyes, including some unfriendly changes from CLEAR, MGM's brand new partnership with Marriott, some new Sign-Up bonuses to keep an eye out for, and a word to the wise when you're on the fence about redeeming your points.

To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email [email protected].

Timestamps:

1:28 - TSA requiring CLEAR passengers to provide ID.

3:43 - Adios AA/JetBlue Alliance!

7:14 - Southwest biz card signup bonus... It's Big!

8:15 - Chase Ink Business Preferred lower signup bonus requirement.... Also Big!

9:28 - Raddison Americas/Choice Merger Begins

12:34 - MGM Dumps Hyatt, Teams up with Marriott

19:54 - Breezin' (Airways) into Florida in a big way!

21:13 - AAdvantage Executive Card.... not providing any new advantages.

24:40 - AAdvantage in Bus Security? AA drops security requirement on select Landline routes.

27:01 - More United Flights to Asia

28:36 - British Airways switching to rev-based model... and it's good?

30:10 - Final Thoughts.

This week, Joe dives into one of the new programs on the block in Capital One and its miles program. While it's a straight forward program, it also does provide significant value, whether you do redeem the miles as statement credit, or transfer to its travel partners! In addition, the new rewards earnings on their cards help put it toe to toe with its competitors.

To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email [email protected].

1:20 - United salvaging its operations meltdown, offering 30,000 points for some impacted customers.

3:34 - New Transfer Bonuses!

5:17 - Limited Time 5X Southwest Points on Dining, Gas, Groceries! (Only for Select SW Cardholders.)

6:27 - AA files appeal to keep Northeast Alliance alive.

8:07 - European Air Traffic Control Strike Looming

9:07 - Earn Bonus Hyatt Points at New Properties

9:46 - How United messed up (and did nothing, beyond a refund) our vacation, and how AA saved it.

13:08 - Intro to Capital One Miles, and how they've quickly made strides.

14:45 - How to earn Capital One Miles, and what Venture cards you can choose from!

17:10 - The Capital One card that Joe can't live without.

20:56 - Other Capital One cards worth considering.

24:24 - How to use your Capital One miles.

32:12 - Final Thoughts.

This week, Joe welcomes his Fiancee Emily on the program as they've talked about how their travel habits have changed since they've been together, what airline programs they love and loathe, and what's next in their travel future together!

To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email [email protected].

Timestamps:

1:54 - Meet Emily!

4:40 - When do we use points and what do we redeem our points on?

5:51 - First Trip Together

8:13 - Difference between traveling together vs. traveling at all.

9:47 - Thoughts on the first flights together.

14:39 - Where we've been together

15:50 - Emily's Best and Worst Flight Experiences.

18:30 - Emily's Love for Lounges.

24:11 - Our jetBlue JFK Fiasco.

27:03 - Emily's Top Carriers from Best to Worst.

32:01 - Emily's Top Carriers from Best to Worst.

37:17 - Why we book as early as we can.

39:19 - Best lesson learned so far.

This week, it's all about American Express and how to earn & redeem Membership Rewards points. We talk about which cards to use when, what makes the most sense in your wallet and why you technically can get paid to have it's highest value card, despite the high annual fee!

To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email [email protected].

Timestamps:

2:20 - Amex Green Card - Highest Signup Bonus Ever!

4:37 - Transfer Bonuses Abound!

8:35 - Delta Expands LaGuardia Flights Out West.... With a Twist.

10:24 - Annual Fee Anxiety

10:55 - Platinum Personal (And Business) Card Breakdowns

17:34 - I Love Goooollllllddddd (Card).

19:31 - Green Card Breakdown

21:22 - Blue Business Plus Breakdown

22:15 - How to keep and use (or not use) your Membership Rewards Points

31:16 - Final Thoughts

This week, Joe dives in to talk about what his points and miles strategies are right now, along with what's hanging out in his wallet presently, and what's to come in (or out of) it for the future.

To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email [email protected]

TimeStamps:

2:21 - New Chase Freedom Flex Categories

3:56 - Free Texting and WiFi Access on ALL Major Airlines?! (If you have T-Mobile)

4:39 - New HIGH Signup Bonuses for Delta Amex Cards (If you'd like an offer, shoot me an email for a referral!)

6:58 - Route Expansions! (LATAM to Atlanta) (American Battling Alaska in Miami)

9:18 - Why and how does Joe have a ridiculous amount of points?

11:15 - Core "Daily Driver" Cards

19:15 - Honorable Mention Cards

25:15 - The "Sock Drawer" Gang

29:45 - My Big Strategies

33:39 - Additional Edits

This week, Joe talks about a program and airline he's flown more than anyone else, Southwest Airlines and its Rapid Rewards program. Love them or hate them, they have one of the more unique airlines and frequent flyer programs out there today - thanks to it's seating policy, two free checked bags, numerous non-stop options in major cities, and a rapid fan base that continues to grow. Joe talks about how to earn Rapid Reward points via flying and spending, his experiences, along with why it could (or could not be) a great option for you, should you be looking for an airline to align with.

To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email [email protected].

Timestamps:

2:37 - What is Southwest Rapid Rewards?

3:25 - How much is a Rapid Reward point worth?

4:55 - Quirks of Southwest, and how to get in the "A Group".

7:51 - How do you earn Rapid Reward Points?

16:34 - How to redeem for flights.

19:45 - Companion Pass? Tell me more!

22:11 - How to earn elite status. (A-List and A-List Preferred)

28:41 - Final Thoughts

Chase Ultimate Rewards has been a longtime leader in the points and miles game thanks to their transfer partners, it's flexibility to use their points, and the ability to get one of their many card options for both personal and business credit cards to rack up and use their rewards. This episode goes into a deep dive on each card product, the program in & of itself, and best strategies to redeem your Chase points to.

To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email [email protected]

Timestamps:

2:07 - What are Ultimate Rewards Points? Which cards can I use to get them?

8:09 - What about Small Business Cards?

11:50 - How to maximize your points in the Chase Travel portal.

15:55 - The BEST use of your Ultimate Rewards Points.

(Credit to ThePointsGuy.com for Points Valuations.)

The world of points and miles can be quite overwhelming to newbies out there, especially with as many programs from credit card issuers, airlines, and hotels, it's hard to make sense of which points are the right points to accrue and use. On this episode, we'll talk about how to get started and questions you should ask yourself before starting off on your points and miles journey.

To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email [email protected]

TimeStamps:

2:17 - Where do you want to go?

5:31 - Why your travel goals and dreams may change. (And so do the programs.)

6:50 - Where are the major airports near you?

10:52 - What's in your wallet right now?

12:40 - Why you shouldn't fear annual fees.

15:40 - Think about your spending habits and how they can play in your points strategy.

17:07 - Are you looking to churn and burn your points... or save them?

19:05 - How much are you willing to spend.... within your means?

Welcome to this first episode of To The Points! The show designed to help you get on the way to your next getaway utilizing points and miles!

In this episode, Joe discusses on how he got started on his points and miles journey, why goals and aspirations for travel change over time, and what this show will do to help you earn and use points and miles for your next getaway.

To connect with Joe, or if you have any questions regarding some of the strategies used on this episode, email [email protected]

Timestamps:

0:25 - Introduction/What's this show all about?

2:22 - How Joe got started in points and miles.

8:01 - The "EuroDream" of 2020.

10:05 - COVID-19 Hold/Pivoting.

12:25 - Love and Points/New Goals and Vacations to Come.

13:45 - Questions to ask yourself/It's a marathon, not a race.