Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss!

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Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss!

Hosted by road warrior and travel expert Ed Pizza, the Miles to Go podcast serves up travel tips, news and reviews you can't afford to miss! Whether you're a points and miles newbie looking to book a dream vacation or you log 100k + miles a year and want the low down on new properties routes and planes, we're bringing you the world's top travel experts and bloggers to share their knowledge and insights with you.

  1. 300

    JetBlue Status Match, Sky-High Fares, and Why Southwest Still Impresses

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Airfare is getting expensive — sometimes shockingly so. This week on Miles To Go, Richard and Ed break down a surprising set of flight prices, including transcon fares that stretch well into four-figure territoryr. As demand patterns shift and airlines lean into premium seating, travelers are feeling the squeeze — especially on peak travel windows. They also dive into JetBlue's latest move: a targeted status match aimed at former Spirit Airlines elites. It's a smart play to capture displaced loyalty, but the path to keeping status may be tougher than it looks. Meanwhile, a real-world travel story highlights something you don't see every day — Southwest Airlines stepping up with exceptional customer service to get a delayed traveler on an earlier flight when other airlines likely wouldn't have. Plus, first impressions of a refreshed United breakfast offering (with mixed reviews), new international routes from Seattle, and why some airport lounges are still struggling with overcrowding. 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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ JetBlue's status match opportunity Targeting former Spirit elites Mosaic 1 vs Mosaic 2 benefits Why earning status after the match may be difficult ✈️ The reality of airline pricing right now $1,000+ coach fares and $6,000 first class tickets Why long weekend travel is so expensive Demand patterns driving pricing ✈️ Southwest customer service surprise Getting on an earlier flight without a confirmed ticket Why this rarely happens on other airlines Where Southwest still stands out ✈️ United's updated breakfast offering A healthier approach to onboard meals Hits and misses in execution Why simpler catering may be the future ✈️ Delta's new Seattle international routes Barcelona and Rome launches Competing with Alaska in Seattle Why these routes may struggle ✈️ Airport lounge overcrowding Priority Pass lounge frustrations in Las Vegas Why crowding still hasn't been solved The tradeoff between access and experience ✈️ Travel quirks and airline operations Special recovery flights with unique flight numbers How airlines handle cancellations and maintenance A strange diversion story to Wichita ✈️ Disney travel deals return Discounted tickets and hotel rates When Disney can actually feel "affordable" Comparing Disney trips vs cruises ⏱️ Episode 436 Timestamps  0:49 – Intro and travel updates 6:30 – Southwest gets a passenger on an earlier flight 9:20 – United breakfast review (the "chia mystery") 12:10 – JetBlue status match details 18:30 – Why it's hard to keep JetBlue status 18:30 – Why it's hard to keep JetBlue status 21:50 – $1,000 coach and $6,000 first class fares 25:00 – Delta adds Seattle to Europe routes 30:30 – Priority Pass lounge overcrowding in Vegas 32:00 – Unique recovery flight numbers explained 33:00 – Weird diversion story to Wichita            

  2. 299

    Spirit Shuts Down, Delta Stumbles, and Airline "Rescue Fares" Fall Short

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. It finally happened — Spirit Airlines is gone. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard break down what the shutdown of Spirit Airlines means for travelers, employees, and the broader airline industry. From emotional final flights to stranded passengers scrambling for alternatives, the ripple effects are already being felt — and the response from other airlines hasn't exactly made things easier. So-called "rescue fares" sound helpful in theory, but in practice, they've offered limited relief for travelers trying to rebook last-minute trips. They also explore the bigger picture: what losing a major low-cost carrier means for competition, pricing, and access to travel — especially for families and budget-conscious flyers who relied on Spirit to make trips possible. Meanwhile, Delta is dealing with operational issues of its own, with an unusual spike in cancellations and reliability concerns that highlight how fragile airline operations can be. Plus, real-world travel frustrations — from rideshare chaos at Newark to the rising cost of simply getting to the airport — and why the overall travel experience keeps getting more expensive and more complicated. 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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode   ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ The end of Spirit Airlines Final flights and emotional send-offs What happens to employees and crews Why Spirit mattered more than people realized ✈️ The real impact on travelers Families and budget travelers losing affordable options Trips that simply won't happen anymore Why competition matters for pricing ✈️ "Rescue fares" that don't really help Limited availability and restrictive windows United, Delta, American vs JetBlue approaches Why this was a missed opportunity ✈️ Airlines scrambling to fill the gap JetBlue adding routes immediately Frontier and Breeze stepping in What happens to key markets like Fort Lauderdale ✈️ Delta's operational struggles Spike in cancellations compared to competitors Staffing and reliability concerns A noticeable shift from Delta's usual performance ✈️ Empty planes and shifting demand Surprisingly light loads on recent flights Capacity cuts vs soft demand What this could signal for pricing ✈️ The rising cost of travel $130 rides to the airport Why logistics are getting more expensive The hidden costs beyond airfare ✈️ Airline cost-cutting trends Cutting drink service on short flights Potential cuts to premium amenities How airlines are squeezing margins ⏱️ Episode 435 Timestamps  0:48 – Intro and quick travel recap 4:00 – Newark rideshare chaos and rising costs 7:52 – Points Path win: saving 60,000 miles 10:37 – Spirit Airlines officially shuts down 11:17 – Rebooking chaos and lack of real "rescue fares" 13:30 – Why airlines missed a big opportunity 15:57 – Empty flights and surprising demand trends 18:50 – Airlines moving quickly to replace Spirit routes 21:29 – Fort Lauderdale and shifting airline strategy 29:53 – Delta's cancellation spike and reliability issues             ⏱️ Episode 432 Timestamps 0:48 – Welcome back & rough week recap 5:20 – Planning the Hong Kong trip 10:00 – Upgrade strategy and long-haul flight experience 15:00 – Victoria Peak and how it's changed 20:00 – Big Buddha and Lantau Island experience 25:00 – Hong Kong Disneyland highlights and tips 30:00 – Comparing Hong Kong to past visits 35:00 – Why Hong Kong feels different today 38:30 – 6 flights in 3 days: brutal travel run 43:00 – Airline Wi-Fi failures vs Starlink success

  3. 298

    Spirit Still Hanging On And A Chase Points Letdown

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Are low-cost airlines still actually low-cost? This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard revisit the evolving situation around Spirit Airlines and what the future may hold for budget carriers as costs continue to rise. Even if Spirit survives, the bigger question remains: can the ultra-low-cost model still work in today's environment? That question becomes even more relevant when looking at Frontier's pricing. Flights that once defined "cheap travel" are creeping closer to legacy airline pricing — raising questions about whether the value gap is disappearing. They also take a closer look at Chase's Points Boost feature for Sapphire Reserve cardholders. While the headline numbers look appealing, the actual footprint is extremely limited — and may not deliver the value many travelers expect. Plus, a deeper discussion on airline loyalty, why perception still matters more than reality for many travelers, and how new partnerships and offer strategies could shape the next phase of points and miles. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun 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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Spirit Airlines: still in the game? Ongoing uncertainty around Spirit's future Rising costs and pressure on the low-cost model Why competition still matters for travelers ✈️ Are "cheap flights" disappearing? Frontier pricing trends and rising fares Demand vs cost pressures Why low-cost carriers aren't as cheap as they used to be ✈️ The perception problem for budget airlines Why travelers still avoid Spirit and Frontier How product differences compare to legacy carriers Frequency and reliability concerns ✈️ Chase Points Boost: good idea, limited value 2.5x redemption headline vs reality Only ~11 properties available Why this feels more like a test than a real benefit ✈️ Airline vs OTA hotel booking strategies Loyalty program incentives vs portal bookings Why direct partnerships (like IHG + ANA) matter The future of travel offer ecosystems ✈️ Loyalty programs are changing Shift from points to targeted offers Why "earn more points" isn't enough anymore The role of personalization in travel rewards ✈️ Hyatt vs Marriott: does earning more points matter? Big differences in redemption costs Why point value matters more than point totals Where each program shines ⏱️ Episode 434 Timestamps  0:48 – Intro and recording from the NYC office 3:30 – Travel gear: Ridge battery pack review 6:48 – Spirit Airlines update and uncertainty 8:01 – Chase Points Boost: what you actually get 9:53 – Frontier pricing and the "cheap flight" question 10:44 – Rising costs for low-cost carriers 15:00 – Loyalty programs and why people still choose legacy airlines 17:15 – IHG + ANA partnership and loyalty shifts 20:00 – Offer-based loyalty vs traditional points earning 23:47 – Hyatt vs Marriott value comparison

  4. 297

    Is an Airline About to Collapse? Plus New Airline Fare Rules

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. The airline industry feels a little shaky right now — and travelers may start to feel it. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard dig into mounting questions around Spirit Airlines and whether the low-cost carrier can survive rising fuel prices and financial pressure. If Spirit disappears, what does that mean for fares, competition, and the broader travel ecosystem? From there, the conversation turns to United's latest move: introducing "basic" versions of premium cabin tickets. With fewer benefits, no changes, and more restrictions, it's another step in the ongoing trend of airlines unbundling even their most expensive products. They also break down a surprising airline move — Air Canada pulling out of JFK for the summer — and what that says about costs and demand in the New York market. Finally, a deep dive into a topic every frequent traveler can relate to: the real cost of getting to and from the airport. From Atlanta's predictable (but expensive) Delta dominance to New York's chaotic (but competitive) airport ecosystem, they compare what works — and what doesn't — when it comes to major U.S. hubs. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun 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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Spirit Airlines and industry uncertainty Rising fuel prices and financial pressure Bailout rumors and what happens next Why low-cost carriers matter for competition ✈️ Airline consolidation and competition Why the JetBlue–Spirit merger mattered What happens if a low-cost carrier disappears How pricing pressure could change ✈️ United introduces "basic" premium fares Restrictions in business and premium economy No changes, fewer perks, and seat assignment limits Why this could confuse travelers ✈️ The growing complexity of airline pricing Basic Economy lessons repeating at higher tiers Why fare differences are getting harder to track How travelers can avoid mistakes ✈️ Air Canada pulls out of JFK (for now) Cost pressures vs demand Why Newark and LaGuardia may be better options What this signals for airline strategy ✈️ The real cost of airport access Ride-share prices skyrocketing in NYC Why getting to the airport can cost more than your flight Taxi vs rideshare vs public transit tradeoffs ✈️ Atlanta vs New York airports Delta dominance vs multi-airline competition Predictability vs flexibility Which setup is actually better for travelers ✈️ Airport security and infrastructure challenges Atlanta TSA bottlenecks AirTrain and transit frustrations Why airport design still matters ⏱️ Episode 433 Timestamps 0:49 – Opening banter and travel plans 6:08 – Spirit Airlines uncertainty and bailout rumors 10:14 – Why low-cost carriers matter for pricing 11:17 – Air Canada pulling out of JFK 16:01 – Hong Kong follow-up and listener feedback 19:08 – United's new "basic" business class fares 24:07 – Why Basic Economy keeps expanding 25:04 – Pricing transparency and travel portals 30:27 – Best food options at the Cosmopolitan in Vegas 30:56 – Atlanta vs New York airport comparison

  5. 296

    Hong Kong Hits Different Now, And Airline Wi-Fi Still Sucks

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Hong Kong, airline chaos, and one very rough travel week (scroll down for timestamps)! This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard are both back home — barely — after a pair of intense travel stretches. Ed recaps a family trip to Hong Kong, including Disneyland, Victoria Peak, and the Big Buddha… but also shares a deeper take on how the city feels different than it did years ago. From cultural shifts to increasing Westernization, it's a thoughtful look at a destination many travelers still have on their list. Meanwhile, Richard breaks down a whirlwind three-day, six-flight trip across the U.S. — complete with altitude sickness, broken Wi-Fi, and a reminder of why mileage-run style travel isn't as fun as it used to be. Plus, a surprising bright spot: Starlink Wi-Fi that actually works — and why that's becoming more important than ever. 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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A Hong Kong trip with mixed impressions • Why the city feels different than before • Cultural shifts and changing traveler experience • Where it still shines (and where it doesn't) ✈️ Victoria Peak and modern Hong Kong tourism • A much more built-up, commercial experience • Unexpected Western influence at the top • When iconic attractions lose some authenticity ✈️ The Big Buddha and Lantau Island • Cable car experience (and aviation geek bonus views) • What makes it worth the trip • How to plan tickets and avoid long waits ✈️ Hong Kong Disneyland review • What's unique vs U.S. parks • Best rides and surprises • How to maximize your time (and money) ✈️ A tale of two Disney experiences • Classic Disney confusion vs top-tier service recovery • When things go wrong… and then very right • Why Disney still stands out operationally ✈️ Hong Kong vs the rest of Asia • Comparing to Japan and Taipei • Where it ranks today • Why you may want to visit sooner rather than later ✈️ A brutal multi-city travel run • 6 flights in 3 days across the U.S. • The realities of work travel logistics • Why these trips hit harder than they used to ✈️ Altitude, exhaustion, and travel fatigue • Aspen altitude effects (and a rough night) • Why travel stacking can backfire • Lessons for planning better trips ✈️ Airline Wi-Fi: still broken • Multiple flights with no connectivity • Why this matters more than ever • The real cost of losing a workday ✈️ Starlink shines where others fail • First impressions from regional jets • Streaming, reliability, and performance • Why this could change airline competition ⏱️ Episode 432 Timestamps 0:48 – Welcome back & rough week recap 5:20 – Planning the Hong Kong trip 10:00 – Upgrade strategy and long-haul flight experience 15:00 – Victoria Peak and how it's changed 20:00 – Big Buddha and Lantau Island experience 25:00 – Hong Kong Disneyland highlights and tips 30:00 – Comparing Hong Kong to past visits 35:00 – Why Hong Kong feels different today 38:30 – 6 flights in 3 days: brutal travel run 43:00 – Airline Wi-Fi failures vs Starlink success

  6. 295

    A $67 Flight, a $3,200 Disney Cruise, and United's Big Upgrade Push

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A cheap flight, a surprisingly good cruise, and a few lessons in finding value along the way. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard are back together and catching up on a whirlwind stretch of travel — from a budget-friendly hop out of the Gulf Coast to a deeply discounted Disney Cruise that delivered far more than expected. They break down how a $67 Spirit flight (plus a clever rental car strategy) beat a $650 alternative, why positioning still matters for both flights and cruises, and how flexibility can unlock outsized value. Onboard, Richard shares a full review of Disney's newest ship, including what worked, what didn't, and whether Disney cruises are still worth the premium price. Plus, a quick dive into the Freddie Awards ballot, evolving airline and hotel loyalty value, and Ed's first experience with United's new "Elevate" cabin — including what they got right (and what still needs work). Scroll down for show notes! 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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A cheaper way to fly (if you're willing to work for it) $650 flights vs a $67 Spirit ticket Positioning through Pensacola instead of Gulfport Why rental cars can beat rideshares and flights ✈️ The reality of domestic travel costs $110 rides to the airport vs $9 rides in smaller cities Why airport access can be the most expensive part of a trip When convenience is (and isn't) worth paying for ✈️ A discounted Disney Cruise experience Scoring a 65% off sailing Differences between older and newer ships Where Disney delivers — and where it falls short ✈️ Is Disney Cruise Line worth the price? Premium pricing vs real value When it makes sense for families Comparing Disney to other cruise lines ✈️ Cruise logistics and strategy Why you should never fly in the same day Positioning for cruise departures Avoiding stressful travel days ✈️ Freddie Awards discussion Best airline and hotel programs Where loyalty value still exists Why "utility" matters more than ever ✈️ United's new "Elevate" seat experience First impressions of the new business class Premium economy improvements Where design choices fall short in real-world use ✈️ The future of airline cabins More premium-heavy aircraft Tradeoffs between comfort and practicality Why execution still matters more than design ⏱️ Episode 431 Timestamps  0:49 – Richard returns and travel recap begins 4:00 – The true cost of getting to the airport 7:28 – Biloxi trip and why it still works as a destination 10:00 – $650 flight vs $67 Spirit alternative 13:42 – Why you should never fly same-day for a cruise 15:00 – Disney Destiny cruise review 20:00 – Where Disney cruises shine (and fall short) 25:00 – Freddie Awards and loyalty program value 30:10 – United's new Elevate seat experience 36:00 – Final thoughts and upcoming travel chaos

  7. 294

    When an Award Ticket Isn't Really a Ticket… and a Trip Falls Apart

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A dream trip to Africa… that never happened. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Clint Henderson to break down a perfectly planned award redemption that unraveled at the last minute — and the key lesson every traveler needs to understand: a reservation is not the same as a ticket. From award space that never properly ticketed to last-minute chaos at the airport, this episode dives into one of the most common (and costly) mistakes in points and miles travel. They also discuss the ongoing TSA staffing challenges and how airport operations are being impacted, plus United Airlines' latest push into more premium-heavy aircraft — from new seat configurations to upgraded regional jets. And of course, a reminder of why flexibility with points and miles can save you when travel plans go sideways.   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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A dream Africa redemption falls apart Etihad award space and booking through American Flights that never properly ticketed Why last-minute issues forced a full cancellation ✈️ The critical mistake: reservation vs ticket What "on request" really means How to confirm your ticket is actually issued Why this happens more often than you think ✈️ TSA disruptions and airport chaos Security delays impacting travel decisions Why timing matters more than ever Planning around unpredictable airport conditions ✈️ United's push into premium travel More premium-heavy aircraft configurations New seat concepts and onboard experience How United compares to Delta and American ✈️ The reality of elite status today Upgrade challenges in hub markets The declining value of some loyalty perks What actually matters for frequent travelers ✈️ The value of flexibility with points Canceling award tickets with minimal penalties Why transferable points are key Booking backup options across programs ✈️ Travel tech and tools Points Path alerts and tracking award prices Why monitoring your bookings matters Tools that help avoid costly mistakes ✈️ Upcoming travel plans and strategies Planning future international trips Balancing aspirational travel with practicality Making smarter booking decisions ⏱️ Episode 430 Timestamps 0:47 – Clint joins and the Africa trip setup 2:53 – The Etihad award redemption opportunity 5:28 – When the itinerary starts falling apart 9:57 – The key lesson: reservation vs ticket 12:13 – United 1K challenge and elite status realities 13:46 – Why upgrades are harder than ever 18:06 – United's new premium-heavy aircraft strategy 21:23 – How American and Delta compare on premium seating 24:12 – Starlink and the future of in-flight Wi-Fi 27:20 – Will the upgrade to Hong Kong clear?  

  8. 293

    When a Dream Trip Falls Apart — and How Points Saved It

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A dream spring break in Hawaii… that lasted barely two days. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Summer Hull (Mommy Points) to break down a trip that went sideways fast — from relaxing poolside plans in Hawaii to emergency weather alerts that forced a same-day decision to leave the island. What followed was a real-time travel pivot: rebooking flights, finding a new destination, and rebuilding a vacation on the fly using points, miles, and every available credit. The result? A last-minute shift to Disneyland, complete with creative booking strategies, stacked credits, and a reminder of why flexibility is everything in modern travel. Plus, a discussion on the new Disney credit card, lounge access strategies, and how to think about backup plans when travel doesn't go as expected.   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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A Hawaii trip cut short Severe weather alerts and flooding concerns Deciding to leave after just two nights Why waiting it out wasn't an option ✈️ Rebooking flights in real time Finding last-minute award availability Booking multiple backup flights across programs Why flexible points made the difference ✈️ The pivot to Disneyland Choosing a new destination on the fly Booking hotels using Bilt credits and points Saving money with stacked travel credits ✈️ Smart strategies for travel disruptions Why you should always have backup options Using multiple airline programs for flexibility The value of transferable points currencies ✈️ Disneyland Hotel and DVC tower review Room quality, location, and amenities Pool, dining, and overall experience When Disney hotels are worth the cost ✈️ The new Disney Inspire credit card $300+ in potential annual value Statement credits and earning structure Who this card makes sense for ✈️ Lounge access and Sidecar discussion The 90-minute lounge access debate Turning lounge space faster vs guest experience Whether this model works long-term ✈️ Planning future travel Booking trips years in advance Balancing ambitious trips with simpler vacations Why flexibility matters more than ever   ⏱️ Episode 429 Timestamps 0:48 – Summer joins the show and trip setup 4:05 – Arriving in Hawaii and early warning signs 6:23 – Severe weather alerts and decision to leave 10:17 – Booking last-minute flights out of Hawaii 13:01 – Pivoting to Disneyland and rebuilding the trip 18:04 – Disneyland Hotel and DVC tower experience 21:43 – Why flexible points made this trip possible 24:39 – Points Path and monitoring award pricing 26:06 – New Disney Inspire credit card breakdown 30:18 – Sidecar lounge debate and access rules

  9. 292

    AMEX's Sidecar Lounge, Marriott Tweaks Certificate, And A Question About Tipping

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Ed and Richard are back on home turf this week, kicking things off with a small milestone for the podcast: crossing 5,000 YouTube subscribers and continuing to grow the audience across video and audio platforms. From there, Ed shares his experience visiting American Express's new Sidecar lounge concept in Las Vegas, a much smaller lounge designed for short visits. The service and food impressed — but the strict 90-minute access rule raises questions about how useful the concept really is. The discussion then turns to loyalty program updates. Marriott is increasing the flexibility of its free night certificates, allowing members to top them off with more points than before — a change that could make certificates significantly easier to use at higher-end properties. They also break down a new welcome offer on the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, and whether the increased bonus is enough to offset rising award prices. Finally, Richard brings a mystery topic to the show that sparks a lively debate: should travelers tip hotel housekeeping? The conversation dives into tipping culture, hotel labor practices, and where the line should be between employer responsibility and guest generosity. 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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Podcast milestone Miles To Go passes 5,000 YouTube subscribers Why the video audience continues growing Meeting listeners in airport lounges ✈️ Amex's new Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas A smaller lounge concept with limited seating Fast service and made-to-order food The controversial 90-minute entry rule ✈️ Marriott certificate flexibility changes Top-off limit increasing from 15k to 25k points What that means for 35k, 50k, and 85k certificates Whether hotels will adjust award pricing in response ✈️ New World of Hyatt Business Card offer 80,000-point welcome bonus after $10k spend How it compares to previous offers The impact of rising Hyatt award prices ✈️ The hotel housekeeping tipping debate Should guests tip housekeeping? Why tipping culture has expanded The argument for hotels paying higher wages ✈️ Travel updates and upcoming trips Biloxi March Madness trip A whirlwind LA–DC–Vegas itinerary Upcoming travel schedules and bonus content plans ⏱️ Episode 428 Timestamps 0:50 – Podcast intro and YouTube milestone 3:30 – Running into listeners in airport lounges 5:00 – Flighty data and flying the same plane multiple times 7:30 – Ed's "overnight to Chicago" travel strategy 9:50 – Inside the new Amex Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas 13:40 – Food, service, and the 90-minute access rule 16:50 – Marriott increasing certificate top-off limits 19:45 – New Hyatt Business Card welcome offer 22:50 – Richard's mystery topic: tipping hotel housekeeping 28:30 – Upcoming travel and bonus episode plans

  10. 291

    Airport Chaos, a New Chase Transfer Partner, and the End of a United Aircraft Era

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. The Final Two Pennies is back! This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard cover a wide mix of travel news, loyalty program updates, and airline industry quirks. They start with a discussion about ExpertFlyer's latest changes and price increases, and what the once-essential airline tool still offers travelers today. From there, the conversation shifts to loyalty programs and the Freddie Awards ballot, including which airline and hotel programs are actually rewarding their elite members. They also break down Chase's newest transfer partner, Wyndham Rewards, and whether the partnership adds real value for points collectors. Plus: the explosion of airport lounges, airline catering issues at Heathrow, United retiring one of its oldest aircraft types, and why airport operations sometimes spiral out of control even at the world's busiest hubs. Finally, Ed shares a personal travel milestone as his daughter takes her first international trip on her own. 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/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ ExpertFlyer's changes and price increase • What the new features actually add • Whether the service is still worth paying for • How travelers use it today   ✈️ Freddie Awards ballot discussion • Best hotel elite programs • Best airline elite recognition • The loyalty credit cards delivering the most value   ✈️ Chase adds Wyndham as a transfer partner • What Wyndham Rewards offers • Where the program can still deliver value • Whether Ultimate Rewards transfers make sense   ✈️ Airport lounges: have we reached peak lounge? • New lounges opening across the U.S. • Why travelers are starting to care less • How credit cards drive lounge expansion   ✈️ American Airlines catering issues in London • Why meals are being catered from the U.S. • How it's impacting premium cabin service • What likely caused the disruption ✈️ United retiring its domestic 777 fleet • Why these planes were unique • Their massive seat count and aging cabins • What replaces them in the future   ✈️ Airport operations meltdowns • Why weather still disrupts major hubs • How capacity limits affect operations • Why delays can spiral quickly   ✈️ The Final Two Pennies • Ed's daughter takes her first solo international trip • How points made it possible • Why travel confidence matters   ⏱️ Episode 427 Timestamps 0:49 – Travel news kickoff and current aviation headlines 8:09 – ExpertFlyer changes and whether it's still useful 10:00 – Freddie Awards: best hotel elite programs 12:35 – Best airline elite programs discussion 13:40 – Best loyalty credit cards and flexible points 17:15 – Are airport lounges becoming too crowded? 24:50 – American Airlines' Heathrow catering disruption 27:50 – Chase adds Wyndham as a transfer partner 31:55 – United's aging domestic 777 fleet nearing retirement 43:20 – Final Two Pennies: a first solo international trip https://vote.freddieawards.com/vote/2026 https://liveandletsfly.com/expertflyer-new-features-elite-tier-pricing/ https://milestomemories.com/delta-sky-club-at-denver-international-airport-now-open/  https://onemileatatime.com/news/american-airlines-london-heathrow-catering-issues/  https://upgradedpoints.com/news/marriott-gift-cards-in-mobile-app/  https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202603/12333/ https://onemileatatime.com/deals/chase-wyndham-transfer-bonus/ https://crankyflier.com/2026/03/05/the-united-b777-200s-are-living-on-borrowed-time/  https://onemileatatime.com/news/storm-delta-meltdown-atlanta-passengers-trapped-planes/  

  11. 290

    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      

  12. 289

    Loyalty Shakeups: United Tweaks Mileage Plus, Hyatt Rumors, and American Surprises

    Watch Us On YouTube! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! ***At time of distribution, TSA PreCheck is operational, though Global Entry remains shuttered. United is making adjustments to MileagePlus — and while they're not dramatic, they're definitely impactful. This week, Ed and Julian break down what's changing on the earning side, how credit cards factor in, and whether these updates actually move the needle for everyday travelers. From there, the conversation shifts to Hyatt after a detailed (but ultimately false) rumor sparked debate about a premium credit card and new award categories. Could something like this still happen? And what would it mean for Globalist members? Plus, an unexpected development in the Chase Travel portal: American Airlines flights are now showing up with Points Boost pricing. What does that mean for Chase cardholders — and could this signal a bigger shift in airline partnerships? And yes, somewhere in the background….the U.S. men's hockey team wins Olympic gold in hockey during the broadcast. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ United MileagePlus Changes Lower base earning rates without a United credit card Slightly higher earning with a co-branded card Basic Economy no longer earning miles (without a card) Who should (and shouldn't) consider a United card ✈️ Credit Cards vs Transferable Points Why flexible currencies may still win Opportunity cost of airline spend When a United card actually makes sense ✈️ Hyatt Premium Card Rumor (Debunked) The proposed $795 card details Category 9 and 10 award talk Would this have flooded Globalist status? Why Hyatt will likely evolve anyway ✈️ Points Boost and American Airlines AA flights appearing in Chase Travel How Points Boost changes redemption math What this could mean for airline partnerships ✈️ TSA PreCheck & Travel Friction Reports of possible program suspension Throughput vs security concerns Why consistency matters for travelers ✈️ Points Path Founders Club Update New Google Flights interface Points Wallet feature 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'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/ ⏱️ Episode 425 Timestamps 0:00 – Hockey chaos and cold open 4:00 – United Mileage Plus earning changes explained 9:30 – Credit card impact and who benefits 14:45 – Should you get a United card now? 19:20 – Basic Economy changes and flexibility tradeoffs 23:45 – Hyatt premium card rumor breakdown 29:10 – Would a new card create too many Globalists? 33:30 – American Airlines flights in Chase Points Boost 38:40 – TSA PreCheck concerns and travel impact 41:45 – Points Path Founders Club updates

  13. 288

    Chase Hotel Pricing Questions, Frontier Shrinks, and Delta's First Class Surprise

    Watch Us On YouTube! Chase hotel pricing questions are making the rounds again — and Richard pulls back the curtain on what's actually happening behind the scenes. From net rates and commissionable pricing to why some portals appear more expensive than others, this week's episode digs into the messy reality of hotel distribution and why blanket conclusions rarely tell the full story. From there, the aviation nerd side comes out: United gets a new operations dashboard that geeks will love, Frontier makes a bold move by returning 24 planes to its lessor, and Delta prepares to temporarily fly A321neos with 44 first-class seats before eventually installing lie-flat suites. Plus, EVA Air launches new service between Washington Dulles and Taipei — a long-haul route that opens up some interesting award possibilities. 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/ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE ✈️ Chase Hotel Pricing Questions • Why portal rates don't always match hotel direct pricing • Net rates vs commissionable rates explained • Why comparing total all-in pricing matters • When luxury program rates (FHR, Virtuoso, etc.) actually make sense ✈️ United's New Aviation Dashboard • Real-time fleet and hub operations data • Why aviation geeks will love it • Whether airlines care about public tracking tools ✈️ Frontier Returns 24 Planes • What it means to give aircraft back to a lessor • Shrinking to profitability • Concentrating routes to improve performance ✈️ Delta's A321neo First Class Surprise • 44 first-class seats (temporarily) • Eventually just 16 lie-flat suites • What this says about premium demand ✈️ EVA Air Launches IAD–Taipei • Nearly 16-hour nonstop • Award pricing opportunities • Why Asia continues expanding in North America EPISODE 424 TIMESTAMPS 0:49 – Opening banter and Delta Boston–Honolulu award pricing shock 4:00 – SkyMiles pricing vs cash fares to Hawaii 8:27 – Delta vs Hawaiian/Alaska comparisons 13:40 – Chase hotel pricing discrepancies explained 18:29 – Luxury program rates vs prepaid member rates 25:00 – United's new "Blue Board" dashboard 27:45 – Frontier returning 24 aircraft 31:15 – EVA Air launching IAD–Taipei  35:00 – Delta A321neo with 44 first-class seats 38:40 – Is flying in the back getting worse?  

  14. 287

    More Air India & Boeing Questions, Frontier Free Miles, and Why You Always Need a Backup Flight

    Watch Us On YouTube! Air India and Boeing are back in the headlines, and the questions aren't getting smaller. This week, Ed and Richard break down what we know — and what we don't — about the latest fuel switch reporting, what responsibility lies with Boeing versus airline operations, and why early narratives in aviation stories are often incomplete. From there, things get lighter: Frontier is giving away 5,000 miles (yes, really), Hyatt launches a new promotion that's worth a closer look, Aeroplan adds ITA Airways as a partner, and we revisit one of the most important lessons in modern travel: always have a backup flight plan. If irregular operations have taught us anything lately, it's that flexibility isn't optional anymore. 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/ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE More Air India and Boeing questions What's being reported about fuel switches Where Boeing responsibility starts and stops Why early aviation reporting can be misleading Frontier's 5,000 mile giveaway How the promotion works Who should (and shouldn't) care Why free miles aren't always free Hyatt's latest promotion What Bonus Journeys is offering When this promo actually makes sense Comparing Hyatt vs Marriott value Aeroplan adds ITA Airways Why this is bigger than it sounds Routing and redemption implications How this expands Star Alliance strategy Why you always need a backup flight What happens during irregular ops Same-day backup strategy How points give you more flexibility The bigger travel takeaway Airline reliability trends Why flexibility beats loyalty Planning for chaos instead of perfection EPISODE 423 TIMESTAMPS 0:47 – Welcome and setting the stage 3:05 – Air India fuel switch reporting explained 8:22 – Boeing responsibility versus airline operations 13:40 – Why early aviation stories can mislead 17:18 – Frontier's 5,000 free miles promotion 21:04 – Hyatt's new promotion: worth it or not? 26:33 – Aeroplan adds ITA Airways 31:15 – Why you should always have a backup flight 36:02 – Using points for flexibility during irregular ops    

  15. 286

    Frontier Wants to Do What? And What If Airlines Went a Different Direction With Fees?

    Watch Us On YouTube! Frontier Airlines has a new idea, and… yeah, it's a lot. This week, RIchard is back and they are joined again by Julian to unpack Frontier's proposal to board planes using stairs, what that says about ultra-low-cost carrier economics, and why the airline experience keeps drifting further away from what passengers actually want. From there, the conversation turns to fees — bag fees, seat fees, priority fees — and a bigger question: what if airlines went in a completely different direction instead of charging for checked bags? The group also dives into United's premium seat expansion plans, whether transcon flying is getting better or worse, and how airlines keep optimizing everything except the customer experience. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Frontier's latest boarding idea • Why Frontier wants to use stairs instead of jet bridges • What this says about ULCC cost structures • What do the guys think about this idea? ✈️ The real problem with airline fees • How bag fees shape passenger behavior • Why airlines are addicted to à-la-carte pricing • Whether a simpler pricing model could actually work   ✈️ What if airlines tried something different? • Bundled pricing vs unbundled chaos • Lessons airlines refuse to learn • Why customer goodwill still matters   ✈️ United's premium seat push • More premium seats, fewer regular ones • What this means for transcon flyers • Paying more for a worse experience   ✈️ Airline optimization gone too far • Boarding, seating, and operational tradeoffs • Why airlines keep chasing the wrong metrics • The widening gap between airline math and passenger reality   Timestamps:  0:45 – Welcome back & setting the stage 3:12 – Frontier's stair-boarding idea explained 7:18 – Why this tells you everything about ULCC economics 11:42 – Bag fees and unintended passenger behavior 16:05 – What if airlines charged for carry-on bags instead? 21:30 – Why airlines won't give up fee revenue 25:44 – United's premium seat expansion plans 30:18 – Transcon flying: better seats, worse value 34:52 – Airline optimization vs passenger experience   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/

  16. 285

    Bilt Cash Explained, Heathrow Finally Gets It Right, and the Truth About Free Airline Wi-Fi

    Watch Us On YouTube! Scroll down for timestamps and details. Much to the disappointment of thousands of M2G fans around the world, Julian Kheel is back with Ed this week as they dig deeper into Bilt Cash, now that Bilt has finally filled in some of the missing details. They break down what works, what's confusing, and why expiration rules might actually limit how much spend ends up on the card. From there, the conversation shifts to travel news: Heathrow quietly becoming one of the easiest international airports to clear security, American Airlines' messy rollout of "free" Wi-Fi, Delta's long-awaited plan to replace coffin-class seats (eventually), and why JetBlue continues to embarrass the legacy carriers on connectivity. Plus, a reminder about a 15% Miles To Go listener discount on one of our favorite award-search tools. 🎧 Listener Discount Miles To Go listeners can enjoy 15% off Points Path Pro using the code M2G at checkout. 👉 https://pointspath.com/pricing ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ More clarity on Bilt Cash • Monthly credits, lifestyle perks, and dining options • The points accelerator (boost) explained • Why the system is powerful — but still complicated ✈️ The biggest issue with Bilt Cash • Expiration rules and limited rollover • Why this may actually reduce spend for heavy users • How Bilt could fix it ✈️ Heathrow security finally modernizes • No more strict liquid limits • Laptops stay in bags • Why the UK is quietly beating the U.S. on airport security ✈️ Free airline Wi-Fi… sort of • American Airlines' rollout problems • Why communication matters as much as technology • Concerns about bandwidth as Wi-Fi adoption grows ✈️ JetBlue, United, and Starlink • What JetBlue proves is possible • Early Starlink impressions • Why "working Wi-Fi" shouldn't be this hard ✈️ Delta's coffin-class replacement is coming (eventually) • Why the 787 is great news • Why 2031 is… not • Paying more miles for an inferior product ✈️ Points Path update & listener discount • Free vs Pro features • New tools coming soon • 15% off with code M2G ⏱️ Episode 421 Timestamps 0:49 – Welcome back & Julian returns to the show 5:29 – Bilt fills in the gaps on Bilt Cash 7:40 – Monthly credits, menus, and the points accelerator 11:08 – The biggest flaw: expiration and rollover limits 16:44 – Heathrow drops liquid limits and laptop rules 22:51 – Why the U.S. still lags on airport security 23:45 – American Airlines' "free" Wi-Fi rollout problems 26:59 – JetBlue, Starlink, and whether free Wi-Fi can actually work 30:28 – Points Path features + 15% MTG listener discount 34:21 – Delta's coffin-class replacement… arriving in 2031   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/

  17. 284

    Bilt Changes (Again), A Bad United Idea And A Discount On One Of Our Favorite Travel Tools

    Watch Us On YouTube!   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/

  18. 283

    Bilt Card 2.0 Is Here: Five Bananas, Bilt Cash, and New Cards Explained

    Watch Us On YouTube! Big changes are coming to Bilt — and yes, it involves bananas. 🍌 This week, Ed is joined by Kerr to break down Bilt Card 2.0, the introduction of Bilt Cash, and why the program is evolving now. They walk through the reasoning behind the changes, explain how the new two-currency system works, and dig into the value proposition of all three new cards — Blue, Obsidian, and Palladium. If you've been confused, skeptical, excited, or nervously clutching your five bananas… this episode is for you. ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode   ✈️ Why Bilt is changing now • The "five banana" problem explained • Why devaluing points was not an option • How Bilt thinks about long-term sustainability   ✈️ Introducing Bilt Cash • Why Bilt added a second currency • How Bilt Cash works alongside Bilt points • Flexibility vs forced redemptions   ✈️ Earning & using Bilt Cash   • 4% Bilt Cash back on non-rent spend • Unlocking points on rent or mortgage • Transfer bonuses, fitness, travel, and neighborhood perks   ✈️ Card-by-card breakdown   • Bilt Blue – no annual fee, transferable points • Bilt Obsidian – grocery or dining choice, hotel credit • Bilt Palladium – 3.3x effective earning, lounge access, elite status   ✈️ The math behind the Palladium card   • How spend converts into points • Why Kerr says it's his top-of-wallet card • Who this card is — and isn't — for   ✈️ What happens next • Launch week expectations • Feedback from the community • Why this is just the beginning of Bilt Cash 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/  

  19. 282

    Hot, Flaming Dumpster Fire: Our 2025 Travel Year in Numbers

    Watch Us On YouTube! It's that time of year again. Ed and Kerr crack open Flighty, pull up the spreadsheets (mentally), and relive a very messy 2025 in travel. From 113 flights and 184,000 miles to delayed planes, aging aircraft, loyalty status debates, and questionable late-night routing decisions, this episode breaks down what actually happened on the road — and what we're changing in 2026. Spoiler: one year was a mess. The other was a hot, flaming dumpster fire. 🔥✈️ 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/ ⏱️ Episode Timestamps (Apple Podcasts Order) 0:50 – Welcome & setting the stage for our 2025 travel recap 2:29 – Kerr's year by the numbers: flights, miles, airlines, and airports 2:51 – Ed's busiest travel year ever: 113 flights & 184,000 miles 5:39 – Delay stats, Flighty frustrations, and airline reliability breakdown 7:27 – Aircraft nerd corner: oldest planes, newest planes, and repeat tail numbers 10:07 – The destinations map: Europe, Asia, Hawaii… but still no South America 12:04 – A brutal mistake: middle seat in Polaris on a polar route 14:07 – Loyalty recap: Delta, United, American, Hyatt, Marriott & Hilton status 19:29 – Was loyalty worth it? When blind loyalty stops making sense 27:08 – Looking ahead to 2026: loyalty plans, credit cards, and travel strategy

  20. 281

    Best & Worst Airports: Everything You Never Wanted To Know About Ed & Richard

    Watch Us On YouTube! On this year-end episode of The Miles To Go Podcast, Ed Pizza and Richard Kerr ditch the news and answer rapid-fire travel questions that get way more personal than expected. They talk about places we wouldn't return to, where they want to go in 2026, their nerdiest "every trip" habits, and their hottest airport takes—best and worst. 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/    

  21. 280

    Harsh Changes To Chase Sapphire Reserve And AA Basic Economy

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, Ed and Richard cover a packed slate of breaking travel and loyalty news that matters for road warriors. We dig into Chase Sapphire Reserve, which rolled out splashy new redemption options this summer only to quietly walk back its headline-grabbing 2¢-per-point Points Boost just months later. What does this mean for a card with a nearly $800 annual fee, and is it still worth holding?  American Airlines quietly eliminated mileage and Loyalty Point earning on Basic Economy fares, raising big questions about who AA is actually trying to reward—and whether Basic Economy is now little more than a stripped-down cash fare. Plus, we talk about Bilt's newest transfer partner—Spirit Airlines—and why the data shows there's real demand for low-cost carrier redemptions, including Big Front Seat value. Add in holiday travel chaos, turbulence stories, and a few airline rants, and it's a full episode you won't want to miss. Finally, Mesa appears to be shutting down, leaving cardholders scrambling to figure out what happens to their points. Richard shares lessons learned about startup loyalty programs and when it makes sense to cash out early. 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/    

  22. 279

    United PlusPoints Overhaul

    Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. On this week's show:  ✅ Bilt expands beyond rent: there's a new way to earn bonus points/miles when paying your mortgage, including new opportunities tied to certain United co-branded cards. ✈️ United PlusPoints changes: upgrades on award tickets are coming, but dynamic PlusPoints pricing is on the horizon—good news and bad news for United elites. 🇪🇺 EU entry system rollout: the new electronic entry setup is starting to go live, and early reports suggest… complications. 🍵 And then… matcha. Richard goes into why matcha is everywhere (and why he's over it). 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/    

  23. 278

    Is Frontier's Latest Status Offer Worth It?

    Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. In this week's episode of the Miles to Go podcast, Ed is joined in person by Julian Keel from Points Path with Richard Kerr checking in fresh off a Disney cruise. We kick things off with the breaking news everyone in our Slack community has been waiting for: Was Julian really reinstated by Uber… and did it last more than one ride? Then Richard gives a brutally honest review of his Disney Dream holiday sailing—including the chaos of a packed holiday sailing. We also dig into: • A targeted Frontier elite status offer that can get you to Gold or even Platinum (with companion benefits) for far less than you'd expect • Whether United quietly walked back their close-in award surcharge, and why United miles keep losing value • Why American and Alaska are increasingly where the sweet spots are hiding for North American awards • Some insane Thrifty Traveler Premium business class deals, like Delta One to Australia and Avios to Europe that lined up perfectly with Bilt Rent Day's 100% transfer bonus • Julian also shares some news from Points Path 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/    

  24. 277

    The Flight Booking Trick Everyone Is Talking About

    Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. On this week's Miles to Go podcast powered by Thrifty Traveler, Richard is fresh off his first trip to Dublin and a huge Ireland vs. South Africa rugby match at Aviva Stadium, while I've just come back from the chaos of Las Vegas during F1 weekend. We're also digging into a listener question about a Delta gift card Black Friday promo and wrapping up with why booking airline tickets through Bilt has quietly become one of the smartest moves in points and miles. In this episode: Richard's impressions of Dublin and why it's such an easy first-timer's European city Whether a Delta gift card promo is worth it when you're essentially giving the airline an interest-free loan What F1 weekend in Las Vegas is actually like if you don't attend the race—and why merch lines were hours long How to double dip on earning airline miles and Bilt points by booking flights the smart way Why old "never book through a third party" advice doesn't really apply when you're using Bilt's NDC connections 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/    

  25. 276

    Black Friday Special On Our Favorite Award Service & 2026 Award Travel Outlook

    Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code M2G50 for 50% off a new Thrifty Traveler subscription! Thrifty Traveler is also offering 50% off for existing customers who want to add-on their hotel subscription service. Hilton just adjusted its loyalty program, lowering requirements for Gold & Diamond and added a brand-new top tier: Diamond Reserve. Is it worth $18K in spend and 80 nights a year? Richard walks through a last-minute work trip to Dublin, booking United Polaris on the ultra-short Newark–Dublin hop, plus a quirky Hyatt Centric Liberties "prepaid" card glitch that almost canceled his stay. Then Ed tags in Kyle Potter from Thrifty Traveler to break down their Black Friday sale, what they're seeing in the award space, and whether Delta's huge SkyMiles sale to Europe is a canary in the coal mine for 2026 award pricing. 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/    

  26. 275

    Marrakesh Tips & Tricks

    Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. On this week's Miles to Go podcast, powered by our friends at Thrifty Traveler, Ed is just back from a whirlwind 18-hour stop in Marrakesh and Richard is finally back in the co-host chair. Ed breaks down what it's really like to stay in a riad inside the Medina, how chaotic (or not) the souks feel, and whether Morocco deserves a spot on your must-visit list. Then the guys pivot into a big batch of Bilt news: the now-official Rakuten partnership and what it could mean to earn points on your mortgage starting next year. Along the way, they get into ugly Vegas convention fares, surviving the world's shortest red-eyes, and a few killer Thrifty Traveler Premium deals.   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/    

  27. 274

    Hilton's New Elite Tier & Reward Impacts of the Visa/MC Settlement

    Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. Coming to you from Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹—with Julian Keel of PointsPath sitting in for Richard Kerr. This week we dig into the rumored new Hilton elite tier (80 nights / ~$18,000 in spend), whether it actually "makes the juice worth the squeeze," and what benefits would have to look like to matter. We also unpack the Visa/Mastercard settlement with merchants—could lower interchange and card acceptance rules change points & miles (or raise fares)? Plus: Uber credits not applying (again), Julian's infamous Uber ban, current U.S. flight disruptions, and a big PointsPath milestone: 100,000 users.   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/    

  28. 273

    Rapid-fire Travel Topics: The Government Shutdown, Best Business Credit Cards, and More!

    Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. On this week's Miles to Go episode — powered by Thrifty Traveler — Ed and Richard are diving into the potential government shutdown and asking: will TSA or the FAA melt down before our next show? Richard's fresh off a trip to Toronto and shares what it's really like flying Porter Airlines into Billy Bishop Airport. The guys also tackle: • 💺 JetBlue's future — Is a merger with United, Alaska, or Southwest on the horizon? • 🌏 Delta's Asia comeback — New flights rumored for Singapore and Manila • 💳 The best business credit card right now — which one wins between Chase, Amex, and Capital One? • 💰 A brand-new Southwest debit card • 🏨 Hilton's quiet rollback on award rates (including the Conrad Orlando at Evermore) • 🚗 Is Rove Miles too good to be true?   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/    

  29. 272

    Is American's New Credit Card Worth It?

    Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. This week on the Miles to Go podcast, we're breaking down some recent travel and announcements, including: 🚄 Amtrak - Is it worth it in the Northeast? 🏨 Resorts World Vegas - Ed's favorite spot to stay on the Strip 🏠 Bilt Cash - Bilt's replacement for Milestone Rewards 💸 Venmo Integration - Earn points when you pay friends ✈️ Etihad Rent Day Transfer Bonus 💳 American's new AAdvantage Globe Mastercard   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/    

  30. 271

    Breaking Down the Hyatt Card's Innovative Sign-Up Bonus

    Watch Us On YouTube! On this week's episode of Miles to Go Podcast: 🏰 Disneyland vs. Disney World – VIP tour impressions, Oogie Boogie Bash thoughts, and Halloween candy overload 🛫 United 737 MAX 8 – Why Richard says "never again" after a rough transcon 📦 Bilt x GoPuff – What the new Bilt Home Delivery partnership means for your points 🏨 Hyatt's new elite promo – Double nights through Jan 2026 for new credit card holders 🧳 Marriott's latest offer – Is 2,025 points per stay worth your time? 💺 JetBlue loyalty cuts – Fewer perks, bad timing… what are they thinking? 🎢 Community meetup highlights – Guardians ride takeover + welcoming new Slack members   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/    

  31. 270

    10 Rapid-Fire Travel Topics in 30 Minutes!

    Watch Us On YouTube! After an epic weekend at Disneyland with the Slack community, Ed and Richard are back—and they're covering 10 hot topics in under 30 minutes, Pardon the Interruption style. 🧳 Topics include: 1. ✈️ Etihad's new partnership with Bilt 2. 🏨 Are hotel promos dead in 2025? 3. 🍔 Is the Delta Shake Shack burger the least-worst meal in the sky? 4. 💳 What's the best co-brand credit card right now? 5.🧍‍♂️ Is Southwest boarding chaos here to stay? 6. 🔌 Will TSA or air traffic control disruptions ruin fall travel? 7. 🏨 First thoughts on Hilton's new Outset Collection 8. 🏯 Will Kyoto's $132/night luxury tax deter travelers? (Link: https://onemileatatime.com/news/kyoto-hotel-taxes/) 9. ✈️ Will Spirit Airlines survive until 2027? 10. 💸 Alaska's companion pass gets nerfed—does it still have value? 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/    

  32. 269

    She Spent $50,000 on a Credit Card — Was It Worth It?

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on The Miles to Go Podcast, Ed is back home (for now) and joined by Summer Hull from The Points Guy for a lively deep dive into credit cards, elite status, and travel strategy. Summer opens up about her bold move—charging $50,000 on her United card—and breaks down whether it was a smart play or a little bit crazy. We get into how that decision helped her earn United Platinum status, plus how she maximized bonus awards and upgrades along the way. Ed also shares an update on his long-running Capital One credit card drama, which (finally!) has a resolution, and reveals which premium cards he's cutting from his wallet—and why. Then Summer gives us her insider reviews of two beautiful resorts you'll want on your radar: 🏝 Secrets St. Lucia Resort — a new Hyatt all-inclusive in the Caribbean 🏙 Hyatt Regency Times Square — a refreshed, family-friendly base for Broadway lovers. All that, plus a few laughs about Richard's NYC geography, Topo Chico sponsorship dreams, and where the next Miles to Go meetup will be! 🎧 Topics this week include: • Smart vs. crazy credit-card spending strategies • Earning elite status with United cards • Amex Platinum vs. CapOne Venture X vs. Chase Ink Preferred • Secrets St. Lucia Resort review • Hyatt Regency Times Square review • Credit-card decluttering and travel-card best practices 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/    

  33. 268

    Is Travel Demand Slowing Down in 2025?

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, we break down several wild developments across the travel world alongside Julian Kheel of Points Path! Topics include: • Sweet biz-class deal to Africa—how we found it and why it was a no-brainer. • American Airlines joins the touchless TSA PreCheck game—what it is and why you should care. • Southwest's radical shift: introducing checked bag fees and removing same-day changes for elites. • Solo traveler surcharge? A few airlines rolled out (then pulled back) pricing that charges solo travelers more than pairs—here's what's really happening. • Listener Q&A: How much time do you actually need for an international connection? Plus: a lively NYC check-in, Spirit vs. JetBlue fares to Florida, Disney Cruise holiday discounts, Vegas hotel softness, and a quick update on Points Path. 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/    

  34. 267

    Is The $895 Amex Platinum Card Too Expensive?

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on the Miles to Go Podcast, Ed and Richard are actually both home for once. 🎧 Topics this week include: • Booking economy vs. business for long-haul flights • TSA PreCheck Touchless confusion • Booking your wife in economy or business on international flights • Universal Orlando coaster tragedy • Amex Platinum & Business Platinum changes • Delta's newest international routes Ed Correction: The Fine Hotels & Resorts credits are available to use for one-night stays. 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/    

  35. 266

    Breaking Down Citi's New Credit Card And Ed's A Dork

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week, Ed and Richard discuss the latest travel topics of the week, including: Reflections on 9/11 Aviation fun at DorkFest Citi's new Strata Elite Credit Card, with 1:1 American Airlines transfers Hilton's crazy devaluation Wild brand shakeups at the Thompson brand Vegas sundry shop pricing An update on Ed's Capital One lockout 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/    

  36. 265

    Taking Phone Calls On Airplanes And Emirates Bans Kids From First Class Awards

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week, Ed and Richard discuss the latest travel topics of the week, including: Ed's charging woes with his new Rivian Should flight attendants stop a passenger's in-flight phone call? The benefits of living in NYC and flying to Orange County, California United's A321LXR Seat Map Should you sign up for the Amex Platinum before the fee increase? Frontier's GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly pass Alaska's international aspirations from Seattle. Lisbon's funicular tragedy Emirates' new policy on children using awards to travel in first class 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/    

  37. 264

    The Miles To Go Podcast Hits 400 Episodes!

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, Ed and Richard reminisce on Episode 400 of the podcast! Richard settles into the new recording location of New York City, and Ed battles the Vegas dayclub scene from his room at the Venetian. Milestones discussed: Episode 50: Richard Kerr was a special guest in his first appearance on the pod. The topic? What's Going Right In the World of Miles and Points Episode 100: Gary Leff was on to discuss the change to Peak and Off-Peak Hyatt redemptions as well as Scott Kirby joining United as CEO. Ed and Richard discuss if the changes are good years later.  Episode 168: The one where they Richard and Ed recorded at Daddy Joe's  Episode 200: Richard was a guest on the show after a Disney marathon charity event. They talk about the credit cards mentioned in that episode: Venture X and the Hyatt Business card.  Episode 300: The "Fantastic 4" of Ed, Richard, Julian, and Summer discussed Marriott's Bonvoy Brilliant card and how Richard would never get the card.  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/    

  38. 263

    It's Time To Pay Attention To Alaska's New Loyalty Program, Atmos

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, Ed and Richard discuss Alaska Airlines' new loyalty program, Atmos, and their new luxury credit card. Plus, Richard details the latest Rent Day promotion for September. And finally, Ed details some more credit card woes in a recurring segment, "Credit Card Catastrophe." 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/    

  39. 262

    Wizz Air Review: Should You Book This Low Cost Carrier?

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, Ed recaps his Wizz Air flight- was it worth the price? Richard has an interesting TSA Experience to fill us in on. And, United adjusts their cancellation rules for flyers, and a Slack listener has noticed an interesting pricing pattern for flights- is it time to start using a VPN? Finally, Ed and Richard discuss an airport they've never heard of before recording. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun: Support the show by signing up for Bilt Rewards through my referral link! 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/    

  40. 261

    Ed's Trip to Rome and Listener Questions Answered!

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, Ed and Richard are in the same room at the Bellagio Las Vegas, chatting about Ed's recent trip to Rome. See Ed's thoughts on the value of the Accor Hotels loyalty program, the newest feature from Bilt, Home Away From Home, as well as a few listener questions answered from the Slack community. Link for Ed's Rome Tours:    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/

  41. 260

    How To Save Thousands in Europe Using Bilt Points

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, Richard is back from his long-delayed family trip to Denmark, and he's got stories—from Lego House, farm stays with ostriches, to scoring a business class flight deal that's only possible with Bilt Rewards. In this episode: 🧱 Exploring Lego House and Legoland Billund 🏰 Staying at the Castle Hotel at Legoland and Danish farm 🎢 Why Tivoli Gardens was magical (and a must for Disney fans!) 🏨 Kerr's experience with Accor Hotels 🧾 Is the Copenhagen Card worth it? 💳 And… Ed's Battle with Chase Continues Support the show by signing up for Bilt Rewards through my referral link: https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=zXs1uaensMU&offerid=1802707.2&type=3&subid=0 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/

  42. 259

    How AI Will Change The Way We Book Travel

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week on the Miles To Go Podcast, we're broadcasting from Deep Creek Lake with special guest co-host Clint Henderson of The Points Guy! Richard Kerr may be out of the studio, but Clint fills the hot seat (literally—he turned off his A/C to record) to dish on his recent travel adventures and industry insights. Here's what we cover in this jam-packed episode: ✅ Flying the brand-new American Airlines Business Class on the 787-9 Dreamliner ✅ Exploring Slovenia—from Ljubljana to Lake Bled (and why it's a must-visit in Europe!) ✅ KLM Business Class on Cityhopper & collecting Delft Blue houses ✅ Credit card drama: Ed's Chase Sapphire saga ✅ Behind-the-scenes scoop from Google Travel on AI pricing models & basic economy filters ✅ Ed's Hertz customer service frustrations 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/

  43. 258

    Ed Goes To Sardinia And Hyatt Improves Award Search

    Watch Us On YouTube!   Richard and Ed are back from trips to different continents to discuss their travels. Ed returned home from a family trip to London and Sardinia, and discusses using Bilt's amazing transfer bonus to Accor to save big on his trip. The AI tool Perplexity can be used to automate your Amex Offers- reach out to [email protected] for help on getting it set up! And Ed and Richard dig in live to test Hyatt's newly-improved award search, which allows members to see live award availability for hotels worldwide. 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/    

  44. 257

    Ultimate Guide to Bilt Rewards | Is This The Best Loyalty Program?

    Watch Us On YouTube! In this week's episode, Richard and Ed deep dive into the Bilt Rewards program. It's more than just a credit card- it's an entire loyalty ecosystem! Hear all the ins and outs of the program, including how to maximize earning Bilt points, Bilt status, Rent Day strategies, and even a look into the near future of the program. Sign up for Bilt Rewards here! 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/    

  45. 256

    How To Save Time and Money At Tokyo Disneyland!

    Watch Us On YouTube! We're finally detailing Ed's exciting trip to Tokyo Disneyland. Are the official Disney hotels worth the price? Plus, there are some new Chase referral bonus rules to be aware of. Air France is increasing the value of its elite status- a rarity in the points and miles world! A dad jumped off the Disney Dream to save his child- Ed has some thoughts! Ritz-Carlton has some business woes, and so does Spirit Airlines! Plus, all the banter you know and love in this week's episode. 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/    

  46. 255

    Middle Seat: Rules of Engagement

    Watch Us On YouTube! This week, we're answering the tough question: who owns the armrest in the middle seat? A flight attendant announcement has Ed all fired up.  Weather woes plague Ed and Richard this week- how did Ed get to NYC?? Ed has a hotel review of the Standard High Line, one of the newest Hyatt properties to join the portfolio. Richard jumps on the soapbox to let the world know what he thinks about bank portals. And finally, there are two fun promos from airlines this week- we'll discuss the latest from Turkish Airlines and JetBlue.  (Richard's cheat sheet for Turkish challenge) 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/    

  47. 254

    Chase And AMEX Cut Credit Card Benefits

    Chase and Amex make big changes to their credit card benefits. Are they still worth holding after their devaluation? Emirates transfers return to flexible points currencies, after some backend work from the airline. The airline still has some fun 5th Freedom routes around the world that award travelers should be aware of! Chase Sapphire Reserve is now available for applications, with a "refreshed" slate of benefits, and a higher annual fee. And, with Chase refreshing their top-tier card offering, what changes are in store for the Amex Platinum card in 2025?  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/  

  48. 253

    Chase Sapphire Reserve Makes Biggest Ever Changes!

    Watch us on YouTube! Chase Sapphire Reserve is making big changes. Should this card be in your wallet or is it time to set it aside? American Airlines is getting rid of their upgrade award chart and moving to dynamic pricing. Why is this so bad for travelers? Jetblue has a pretty incredible status match offer right now, with the opportunity to status match from almost all US airlines. Richard and Ed take a moment to reflect on the tragic loss of life in the recent Air India crash. And, they also talk about a travel writer who was removed from an airplane for moving another passenger's bag. #chasesapphirereserve #americanairlines #jetblue #statusmatch #creditcards 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/    

  49. 252

    Up To 50% Off Award Flights!

    Watch us on YouTube! Richard got the chance to stay at one of the new Standard Hotels in NYC. Take a look at his first experience, including the upgrade he scored on his stay. Capital One made some big changes to lounge access. This will impact all Venture cardholders starting next year. These are changes you need to know about if you hold one of these cards. Alaska Airlines has some new promo awards to incredible destinations around the world. Rome, Bangkok, Lisbon and more! They're launching nonstop service between Seattle and Rome, and also have a great new credit card offer that can help get you to all of these destinations. There's a targeted Chase offer for $100 off a hotel stay when booked through Chase travel. And, Hyatt has rolled out new promo tracking in their app that drastically improves the visibility of all the various promos franchisees are available. #standardhotels #capitalone #capitalonelounge #alaskaairlines #rome   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/    

  50. 251

    Are Higher Fares For Solo Travel Here To Stay?

    Watch us on YouTube! Southwest Airlines officially launched bag fees this week. At the same time, they also took away free same-day changes on some fares for top-tier elite members. It has not been a good week for Southwest customers. Both Richard and Ed scored a great business class deal to Africa on Etihad. Did you get in on this deal? American Airlines is getting into the Touchless ID Precheck game. Have you signed up yet? Airlines rolled out different fares if you're traveling on your own versus with someone else. Some airlines quickly rolled it back. What are your opinions? Is this unfair? We also answer a listener question, how long to transfer internationally in Toronto? #southwestairlines #etihad_airways #americanairlines #tsaprecheck 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/    

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Hosted by road warrior and travel expert Ed Pizza, the Miles to Go podcast serves up travel tips, news and reviews you can't afford to miss! Whether you're a points and miles newbie looking to book a dream vacation or you log 100k + miles a year and want the low down on new properties routes and planes, we're bringing you the world's top travel experts and bloggers to share their knowledge and insights with you.

HOSTED BY

Ed Pizza, Richard Kerr

Produced by Ed Pizza

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