Monte Carlo Luxury, a Helicopter Surprise, and Southwest's Status Match

Watch Us On YouTube! Richard is back from Monte Carlo with stories from one of the most luxurious travel experiences of his life. From staying at the legendary Hotel de Paris to attending the Forbes Travel Guide Summit alongside some of the biggest names in luxury hospitality, this trip delivered everything from incredible views to jaw-dropping hotel suites. But the most memorable moment of the trip didn't involve luxury hotels — it involved a surprise helicopter ride that didn't exactly go as planned. Back home, Ed and Richard also break down a new Southwest status match opportunity that could be worth a look, why the FAA is limiting flights at Chicago O'Hare this summer, and how travelers should be thinking about flexible points with the latest Bilt transfer bonus to Japan Airlines. Plus: a quick comparison between Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme and a boutique Paris hotel that may offer better value. Scroll down for timestamps and details. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ Richard is back from Monte Carlo with stories from one of the most luxurious travel experiences of his life. From staying at the legendary Hotel de Paris to attending the Forbes Travel Guide Summit alongside some of the biggest names in luxury hospitality, this trip delivered everything from incredible views to jaw-dropping hotel suites. But the most memorable moment of the trip didn't involve luxury hotels — it involved a surprise helicopter ride that didn't exactly go as planned. Back home, Ed and Richard also break down a new Southwest status match opportunity that could be worth a look, why the FAA is limiting flights at Chicago O'Hare this summer, and how travelers should be thinking about flexible points with the latest Bilt transfer bonus to Japan Airlines. Plus: a quick comparison between Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme and a boutique Paris hotel that may offer better value. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode   ✈️ Monte Carlo Luxury Travel Experience • Forbes Travel Guide Summit in Monaco • Staying at the legendary Hotel de Paris • Inside the world of ultra-luxury hotels and travel   ✈️ The Helicopter Surprise That Didn't Go As Planned • Blade helicopter transfer from Monaco to Nice • When a surprise turns into a panic moment • Lessons learned about travel surprises   ✈️ Paris Hotel Comparison • Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme experience • Boutique hotel alternatives in Paris • When luxury points redemptions are worth it   ✈️ Southwest Status Match Opportunity • A-List and A-List Preferred match details • What benefits you get with Southwest status • Whether it's worth pursuing ✈️ FAA Limiting Flights at Chicago O'Hare • Why the FAA is stepping in • Taxi times and congestion problems • What it means for summer travel ✈️ Bilt Points and JAL Transfer Bonus • Using Bilt points for Japan Airlines awards • When transfer bonuses are worth it • The risk of mileage expiration rules