A Magnificent Meet Up

In Episode 121 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo recap a packed week of travel news, personal updates, and a deep dive into the recent "Magnificent Miles Meetup" in Chicago. They highlight a popular Facebook post comparing Andaz Maui and HR Maui, with opinions divided based on points cost and who’s traveling with you. News-wise, they cover Hawaiian Airlines parting ways with Amex, a Citi to Wyndham 25% transfer bonus, Flying Blue dropping Delta award prices for 2026, and Aeroplan offering a 90% bonus on purchased points. Angie shared she’s cutting back on card applications after a denial, while Mike celebrated scoring a 100k Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus.The main topic focused on the Chicago meetup, where despite weather and travel delays, most attendees made it thanks to their seasoned travel skills. Angie and Mike flew on AA (via Alaska for Mike), and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, using points and benefits like GOH awards and club access. Formal events included a Friday rooftop reception, Saturday learning sessions from travel experts, and a custom improv comedy show Saturday night. Unofficially, attendees self-organized through a Messenger chat for cruises, walking tours, karaoke, and hotel lobby meetups. Looking ahead, a fall meetup is planned with early access for their AT201 group and expanded capacity expected. Their takeaway tip? Always build in extra time to get to the airport—things go wrong!Links to Topics DiscussedAmerican Express Ending Transfers to Hawiian AirlinesCiti Thank You Points to Wyndham Transfer BonusFlying Blue Drops 2026 Delta Award PricingAir Canada Aeroplan Buy Points PromotionWhere to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at [email protected] your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Late Summer 2026 Meetup in Milwaukee now. award.travel/mke2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.