Award Travel 101

  • Autor: Vários
  • Narrador: Vários
  • Editora: Podcast
  • Duração: 92:55:28
  • Mais informações

Informações:

Sinopse

Welcome to the Award Travel 101 Podcast! Founded in 2013 by Richard Kerr, the Award Travel 101 Facebook group teaches members how to travel the world using points and miles. Today, a community of over 50,000 people from around the world share, teach and learn how to travel anywhere on any budget. More than just a recap on award travel news and strategy, the Award Travel 101 Podcast offers a glimpse into the stories and lives of our members.

Episódios

  • Love It or Leave It

    08/11/2024 Duração: 42min

    This week Mike reconnects with Erin Kilpatrick, a former corporate worker who has embraced the nomadic lifestyle, which she detailed in Episode 35.Erin shares her recent travels in Guatemala, where she’s enjoying the local culture and maximizing her rewards points. The main topic, "Love It or Leave It," focuses on evaluating credit cards and deciding which ones to keep or let go, particularly for maximizing travel rewards.The Award Travel 1-on-1 consultation service, which Erin has recently joined to provide personalized guidance on award travel strategies is discussed. These sessions cover the basics of points and miles, award search methods, and credit card strategies. Mike and Erin conduct a mock consultation to give listeners a feel for what to expect, focusing on their own credit card strategies and goals while giving reminders like how to calculate 5/24. Erin, for instance, considers dropping her Hilton Surpass card due to changing travel needs, while Mike contemplates parting ways with his Ch

  • Passing the Torch

    01/11/2024 Duração: 53min

    Todays episode is a special one. It starts off with the routine discussion of the news of the week, including a favorite offer on the Chase Ink Business Unlimited card and adjustments to elite status benefits of the Alaska Mileage Plan program. Angie heads off to India, Joe will be attending Zorkfest and Mike is planning his next crazy adventure which will involve visiting 6 European countries in 3 days. Joe reflects on the journey of managing the Award Travel 101 (AT101) community, particularly the challenges of leading it through the pandemic and its evolution over the years. Highlights from the past years are shared, including community meetups, family travel, and milestones achieved, like earning Hyatt Globalist status and managing the podcast's relaunch.Most significantly, Joe has a big announcement and Angie and Mike share their future plans of expanding the AT101 community with initiatives such as creating a merchandise store, continuing to host meetups, and cultivating the AT201 group for advance

  • Award Travel 101; Who We Are

    25/10/2024 Duração: 48min

    In this podcast episode, strategist David Ocamb, delves into the AT101 community's identity and the challenges people face in the points and miles hobby. Key news includes Alaska Airlines' changes to its upgrade policies, opportunities for luxurious travel to Europe, and Virgin Atlantic transfer bonuses. The highlight feature focuses on Ocamb’s research project on the AT101 community. The study aimed to understand the community better through surveys and interviews, revealing key findings, such as feelings of imposter syndrome among members. The majority of respondents feel they know less than other members, especially when comparing their travel experiences. Social media influences perceptions, with many feeling left out due to influencers' luxurious lifestyles. Interestingly, the community is predominantly female, which David and Joe take pride in. The project will continue to track trends and insights in future surveys.Where to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To bo

  • History of Award Travel 101

    18/10/2024 Duração: 52min

    In Episode 90 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, former team admins Toni Perkins Southam and John Hartnagel join Joe to discuss the history of the community. Member Bess asks about using a credit card for a car down payment. The hosts also give a shoutout to Cardpointers, one of our favorite tools for maximizing credit card offers. Grab your discounted membership using the link above! They also dive into various travel rewards news, including changes to the Hyatt and AAdvantage partnership, and discuss the potential value of the increased Sapphire Preferred offer.Joe, John and Toni share updates on their own travel plans and points redemptions, including spending Hilton Honors points on a Presidential Suite in Hiroshima and discussing options for upcoming holidays and spring break. Finally, they reflect on the growth of the Award Travel 101 community, tracing its history back to 2014, founded by Richard Kerr to the present, where Joe celebrates his upcoming five-year anniversary with the team.Links to Topics Di

  • Giving Back

    11/10/2024 Duração: 48min

    In this episode Jackie Wisniewski, a former Award Travel team member, and Joe's first hire joins him to discuss her journey in the award travel community and her commitment to helping others. Her latest contributions include organizing events like the Chicago Seminars, which raised substantial funds for charity. Joe reflects on how she’s earned 20-30 million rewards points over the last six years and has used them for charitable causes, helping friends and family, and supporting community members. He also frequently helps others by giving away awards, assisting with award searches, and keeping his DMs open to answer questions from the community.The episode follows the theme of paying it forward with the post of the week from Erin Hurd, which highlights her story of using her Southwest Performance Business card’s WiFi credits to make random passengers' flights better. Alongside these anecdotes, the episode covers news about Hyatt’s free night awards, 15k award flights to Europe, and Virgin Atlantic F

  • Meet The Mods - Maria

    04/10/2024 Duração: 38min

    In this episode, Mike talks to Award Travel 101 moderator Maria Fung who discusses various travel rewards topics and updates. They feature Ira's mistake of using the wrong credit card, despite labeling them. News includes Hawaiian/Alaska mileage transfers, changes at Southwest (such as new seats and legroom options), and Bilt's October Rent Day promotion. Mike and Maria also share recent trip updates, including Mike’s upcoming flights and Maria’s travels to Los Cabos, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. The highlight feature is an interview with Maria, focusing on her introduction to travel rewards, her favorite redemption (Venice), and her tips for booking. Maria has a passion for family travel but also enjoys taking solo trips. Maria's tip of the week encourages travelers to stay open to all options. Links to topics discussed:Hawaiian/ Alaska 1:1 Transfer is Live. As of airtime you can still also transfer from Amex Membership Rewards to Hawaiian Airlines (then on to Alaska)Southwest Airlines ChangesNo mo

  • From Award Travel Hobby to Career

    27/09/2024 Duração: 44min

    Mike and Joe are on the podcast this week with special guest, former Award Travel 101 moderator and current NerdWallet editor Erin Hurd.They discuss the post of the week, from Travel Grumps 101 member Paige, who was surprised to find her Global Entry revoked without any clear reason, despite having not been guilty of any customs violations or illegal activities. Joe has particular insight in this matter having gone through it himself.In travel news, JetBlue is entering the lounge business, and the Hawaiian-Alaska Airlines merger is progressing with 1:1 point transfers between the programs expected within a month. Also provided is a recap the 14th Annual Chicago Seminars where Joe, Mike and Erin met up with 500 other points and miles aficionados to talk strategy and learn tips from over 50 speakers.In the feature segment special guest Erin Hurd focuses on her transition from hobby to full-time work in the award travel space, covering personal growth, favorite reward programs, and future trends in the industry.

  • The Key to Getting the Best Offers... Your Credit Score

    20/09/2024 Duração: 54min

    Episode 86 hosted by Angie and Joe kicks off with a member's concern about Priority Pass lounge overcrowding due to cardholders bringing in multiple guests. This prompts a discussion about potential guest limitations to improve the lounge experience for all.The news segment covers a variety of travel-related updates, including how to renew Global Entry membership quickly, finding partner award flight availability, and new Amex credit restrictions. They also highlight opportunities to earn bonus rewards, such as 5 free nights with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card and elevated Delta Amex card offers.The main feature focuses on building healthy credit to maximize points and miles. They offer tips like paying accounts on time, keeping credit utilization under 30%, and maintaining a mix of credit types. The hosts explain the differences between FICO and VantageScore models, the impact of opening and closing credit cards on scores, and share a personal story where travel rewards saved a mem

  • Meet The Mods - Justin Walter

    13/09/2024 Duração: 36min

    This week we feature another installment of “Meet the Mods” Angie talks with Justin Walter who shared his journey into the points and miles hobby, which started in 2021 after being inspired by fellow enthusiast Justin Vacula. His first major redemption, staying at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, got him hooked, and he now prefers traveling in business class, especially for international trips. One of his favorite redemptions was flying Virgin Upper Class from JFK to London using Flying Blue miles. He’s now looking forward to his upcoming trip to Japan, where he’ll experience JAL’s first class. Justin’s tip of the week is to always work on hitting minimum spending requirements to continue building points, as it's essential to unlock valuable rewards.Links to news discussedChase Ink Unlimited new elevated bonusSAS joining Skyteam, now bookable via Delta and Flying BlueAmerican Airlines switching to dynamic pricing on Fiji AirlinesIHG is back with another airline partnership. Lufthansa Miles & More Amex launched

  • Challenging the Norms

    06/09/2024 Duração: 52min

    In this episode the Award Travel 101 podcast, "Book Early, Book Often" Mike and "Backup" Joe share their latest strategies and news updates. Mike discusses his recent approval for the Hawaiian Airlines personal card and transferring 100,000 MR points with a 20% bonus, taking inspiration from Greg and Nick at Frequent Miler. Joe shares his success with a 250K Business Platinum card and his travel plans, including a status match trip to Atlantic City and a booking for a concert using a Hyatt certificate.The hosts also challenge conventional travel norms, encouraging listeners to make decisions that suit their personal preferences. Mike emphasizes not fearing layovers, ignoring the obsession over credit card rules like 5/24, dismissing the "CPP Police" and not blindly following popular travel trends. Joe adds that fringe options like lesser-known airlines or using cash when it makes sense can often provide better value than sticking to mainstream choices. He also reminds listeners t

  • Chicago Seminars; Second City, but First in Points and Miles

    30/08/2024 Duração: 44min

    We are less than a month away from this year’s Chicago Seminars, the oldest and largest gathering of points and miles aficionados. Joe and Mike talk about the event and give a preview of lectures both Joe and I will be giving. There is also a survey  Also discussed are strategies to prepare for a potential Alaska and Hawaiian airlines merger now that the USDOJ has green lighted the deal. Lastly should we be putting more focus on the Marriott Bonvoy program and it's mid-tier Platinum status? Our moderator Maria thinks so.Links to Topics DiscussedIncreased Ink welcome offer coming to an endChoice Hotels Adds New Sweet Spot Rewards starting at 5k pointsBilt Rewards Hawaiian Airlines Transfer PartnershipPermanently Ends How To Create a Travel Rewards Credit Card Strategy for FamiliesPodcast Episode 19 - The Tools of TravelVisit the Chicago Seminars site for tickets. Use code MikeZCS10Discount for $10 offAward Travel Survey Date to be compiled and presented at Chicago Seminars.Where to Find Us For questions,

  • Out to SEA Meetup

    23/08/2024 Duração: 50min

    Meetups are one of our favorite aspects of this hobby which allow us to interact in person with those who share our same passion/obsession. Angie and Mike are fresh off the latest Award Travel 101 meetup in Seattle where they interreacted with almost 50 other members of the community. They detail the experiences of the weekend and reiterate the benefits of attending meetups and how sometimes it's nice to converse with others who suffer the same affliction as you.Links to topics discussedFontinebleau Las Vegas Status MatchCurrent Capital One Spark Business Offer5 issuers raise Global Entry credit to match fee increaseQatar Avios Devaluation, significantly affects American and Alaska domestic US award.Amex announces forthcoming Centurion Lounge in Salt Lake City (SLC)Photos from the OUT to SEA meetup in Seattle (Award Travel 101 Facebook Group)Where to Find Us For questions, you can join us in the free 110,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. Y

  • Meet The Mods - April Rose

    16/08/2024 Duração: 31min

    As part of our "Meet The Mods" series Mike talks with April about her background, travel style and of course love of Hyatt. They also discuss the nuances of being native New Yorkers where it's seemingly required to vacation in Florida nearly every year. Further discussion ensues about important credos such as " book early, book often" and "the phone eats first."Links to Topics DiscussedHyatt PromosHyatt Fast Track, trough AA status matchEnhanced offers on Amex Bonvoy CardsRooms.aero compared to other hotel award search enginesWhere to Find Us For questions, you can join us in the free 110,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at [email protected] Our next meetup will be announced soon. Visit the Award Travel Meetups page for details once announced. Support the AT101 Podcast/CommunityTechnical Note: If you encounter an error trying to listen on Apple Podcasts, please turn OFF your VPN if you

  • How to Talk to Muggles

    09/08/2024 Duração: 48min

    If you have been around this space for awhile you'll inevitably run into issues dealing with "muggles" or those unwise in the magical arts of award travel. Angie and Mike talk about the type of muggles we meet and how to best converse with them without sounding like a crazy person.Links to topics discussedUnder the Canvas Joins World of Hyatt (Correction: Under the Canvas properties are located NEAR, National Parks, not within their boundaries.)Flash” 70% transfer bonus from Chase to Marriott (through August 15)Amex MR 30% Transfer Bonus to AviosAmex MR 20% Transfer Bonus to Hawaiian"Pepe Silvia" It's Always Sunny In PhiladelphiaWhere to Find Us For questions, you can join us in the free 110,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at [email protected] Our next meetup will be announced soon. Visit the Award Travel Meetups page for details once announced. Support the AT101 Podcast/CommunityTechnical

  • Around-the-World Adventures

    02/08/2024 Duração: 50min

    This week Mike talks with Joe who has just logged his latest entry in his "Summer of Travel" logbook by traveling Japan Air Lines Business Class JFK to Toyko, intra-Asia flights to Korea and back. Then the culmination of Etihad business and first class from Tokyo to Abu Dhabi back to JFK. Hyatt and FHR stays throughout.Links to Topics Discussed:Southwest Eliminating Hallmark Open Seating Policy, plus other changes in the works.Amex Gold Card Changes, $75 AF increase, more "coupon book" creditsWorld of Hyatt, how most of Joe's hotel bookings were madeAmex Fine Hotels & Resorts Program, where some other bookings were made through.Where to Find Us For questions, you can join us in the free 110,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at [email protected] Our next meetup will be announced soon. Visit the Award Travel Meetups page for details once announced. Support the AT101 Podcast/CommunityTechnical No

  • Meet The Mods - Cameron Laufer

    26/07/2024 Duração: 34min

    Angie talks with new moderator and Ohio native Cameron about his background, travel style and favorite trips. He details his passion for travel for both himself and to show his family the world and how points and miles made it all possible.Links to topics discussed:Temporarily can not can book AF/KLM through Virgin (until August)New Amex Centurion Lounge at DCAElevated Capital One Venture Welcome Offer- 75k +$250 statement credit for $4k spend.Charles Schwab Amex Platinum Cash Out Limit ChangesWhere to Find Us For questions, you can join us in the free 110,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at [email protected] Our next meetup will be announced soon. Visit the Award Travel Meetups page for details once announced. Support the AT101 Podcast/CommunityTechnical Note: If you encounter an error trying to listen on Apple Podcasts, please turn OFF your VPN if you are using one.

  • Life Changes

    19/07/2024 Duração: 43min

     In this week's episode Mike and Angie discuss some of the recent hotel card offers then get into the main feature of handling major changes in their life such as a new house and a new job and how it affects their award travel strategy. Links to Topics Discussed in This Week's Episode:Chase Ink Preferred 120k OfferIHG Premier Card 5 Free Night Award offerChase Bonvoy Bold mediocre refreshChase Sapphire Reserve giving 3 months of Bonvoy Gold status... mehHilton rolls out 400 more SLH properties. Some good deals are to be foundDouble points on stays at Hyatt Place/Hyatt House Post of the WeekMember David talks about mobile phone service abroad.Where to Find Us For questions, you can join us in the free 110,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at [email protected] Our next meetup will be announced soon. Visit the Award Travel Meetups page for details once announced. Support the AT101 Podcast/CommunityTechnical Note: I

  • Halfway Point - Where Have We Been, Where are We Going?

    12/07/2024 Duração: 43min

    It's now July, and we're more than half-way through 2024. In this episode, we're reviewing what we've done through the year to this point, along with some of the trips and places we've been able to book thanks to Award Travel!Post of the weekFrom this long-time community member, Joe. Have you heard of this guy? Do you take time to recharge with your significant other?NewsVirgin targets another Award SweetspotBA Executive Club Stealth DevaluationFlying Blue Calendar TrickBask Bank AAdvantage Bonussee post in Award Travel 101 community where I broke down "the math."For a full transcript of topics, visit the AwardWallet Blog Where to Find Us For questions, you can join us in the free 110,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at [email protected] Our next meetup will be announced soon. Visit the Award Travel Meetups page for details once announced. Support the AT101 Podcast/CommunityTechnical No

  • Our Airport Lounge Obsession

    05/07/2024 Duração: 35min

    Award Travel 101 moderator, digital nomad and foodie Anthony Cave talks with Mike about his background, what got him into award travel and how he found living a nomadic life was more cost effective and fulfilling.Later on Mike and Anthony discuss their love of airport lounges, their most/least favorites and the best ways to access them.Links to news and topics discussed:Flying Blue status match for U.S. residents Alaska status match until the end of 2025Chase Freedom Flex Q3 Bonus CategoriesMore Escape Lounges Join Priority PassSpacious Delta One Lounge at JFK T4 is OpenCapital One Lounge Coming to JFKStrawberry Hotels Summer PassQatar Airlines CardBest Lounge Cards:Chase United Club- Best for Star Alliance fliers plus some great perksCiti AAdvantage Executive - Best for oneworld fliersAmex Platinum - Amex Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs and PWhere to Find Us For questions, you can join us in the free 110,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also

  • Boneheaded Mistakes

    28/06/2024 Duração: 42min

    In this episode, Angie and Joe cover news of the week along with mistakes we’ve made or we’ve seen friends and family make.Links to Topics DiscussedLifeMiles showing $1,000+ fees on awards (even in economy)Virgin Atlantic is having a 40% off award sale!No notice devaluation of Choice hotelsAeroplan has (again) paused points expirationWhere to Find Us For questions, you can join us in the free 110,000+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at [email protected] Our next meetup will be announced soon. Visit the Award Travel Meetups page for details once announced. Support the AT101 Podcast/CommunityTechnical Note: If you encounter an error trying to listen on Apple Podcasts, please turn OFF your VPN if you are using one.

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