Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

Note: This episode can be viewed with video on youtube/Spotify. Summary In this episode, Trevor and Tom analyze Hyatt's award chart changes, share tips on maximizing hotel stays, explore interesting flight deals, and discuss strategies for earning and using miles effectively. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Hyatt Devaluation Discussion 05:31 Adapting to New Hyatt Strategies 11:53 Exploring Aspirational Hyatt Properties 18:19 Maintaining Globalist Status Amid Changes 28:30 Exploring Global Destinations 34:21 Partnerships and New Opportunities in Travel 39:57 Miles and More: A Hidden Gem for Travelers Keywords Hyatt award chart, travel hacking, hotel points, flight deals, miles strategies, award availability, travel tips Resources Hyatt Award Chart Details - https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/awards Miles and More Program - https://www.miles-and-more.com Porter Airlines - https://www.flyporter.com Etihad Airways - https://www.etihad.com Qatar Airways Q Suites - https://www.qatarairways.com Google Maps Explorer - https://maps.google.com/explore

0:21 Bilt JAL Transfer Bonus Normally 1:1, heightened for March 1 “rent day” Staying on-brand-complicated the amount of bonus varies depending on your Bilt status and use of Bilt Cash to further heighten the bonus So it’s 25-125% on March 1 JAL 1:1 BILT transfer partner is great, long term Need to have space aligned in both directions Miles expire 3 years (HARD expiry, no way to extend) Speculative…. Probably not for me.  $135 Bilt cash to unlock 25% additional uplift 05:38 Chase Sapphire WHOOP Offer This is an Offer, not a recurring benefit of the card (as of now, one-time) Offer must be activated first on Chase Direct Link from Whoop for more info $359 back on $359 on Sapphire Reserve, $100 back on $149 on Sapphire Preferred Ends 5/12/2026 10:07 Hyatt Award Chart Changes Direct Link to new award chart New award chart still tops out at Category 8, but now has 5 levels of demand within each category (previously 3) Means a standard room can be as cheap as 3,000/nt OR as much as 75,000/nt (Cat 8, Top demand) OR 110,000 (Cat 8 Premium Suite Top demand) Digital point sharing! What’s the upshot here? For me, as long as the program continues to offer solid value (2+ cpp most of the time, occasionally 3+ cpp) I’m still happy. 17:17 Chase Adds Wyndham as 1:1 Transfer Partner Citi also transfers to Wyndham, has a 25% bonus through March 21, 2026 Reason to even mention this is curiosity about whether Wyndham   is at all compelling anymore with the demise of Vacasa? Wyndham has hotels! (did you know?) And plenty of vacation rentals 15k - 30k per night, can make sense.  Again, speculatively doesn’t likely make sense.  21:04 BofA Preferred Rewards Press Release / Direct Link $1M is the new $100k: Now need $1M for 75% uplift on credit card earning Preferred: $30k - $100k 25% uplift on qualifying credit card rewards Preferred Plus: $100k - $1M 50% uplift (was 75%) Premier: $1M+ 75% uplift (was also 75%) Subscription credit for debit charges: $8/mo for Preferred Plus, $15/mo for Premier Expanded Access to Lifestyle Benefits Preferred Honors tier: Automotive savings on brands like BMW, Lexus, Audi, Volvo; access to arts and entertainments moments, including major league sports, concerts, Broadway shows, and opera; and premium travel experiences with partners including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Virgin Hotels, and Sixt. Premier tier: Tier-exclusive luxury offers with Backroads, The Eden Residence Club, Mercedes, Sollis Health, and Blacklane, as well as curated private events, such as the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, Lamborghini, and CULTURED magazine. Starts May 2026, but uplift may stick around for existing customers: “Some benefits, like the credit card rewards bonus and no-fee safe deposit boxes, may be subject to change. If this applies to you, you'll keep your Preferred Rewards benefits for at least 6 months (after May 2026) 26:25 BOS-HNL Non-Stop Returns Direct Link On Delta, in “Winter” Also MSP-OGG Better to have an option than not! I’m hopeful they’ll have good uptake and expand this to more of the year. I think there’s demand for one non-stop BOS-Hawaii year-round (not two). If that’s Delta rather than Hawaiian, so be it? Robert: “Thanks for joining us for this week. For a more in-depth discussion about points miles visit us at patreon.com/milenomics. There you’ll get a special link to listen to additional content, right in your mobile podcast app or on your computer, where we speak more freely about topics like these. Sam: “As always you can catch us on social media. I’m @milenomics and Robert is @robertdwyer. Until then we’ll see you on the site.”

Note: Video of this episode can be found on Youtube and Spotify! Coming soon to Apple Podcasts. In this episode, hosts Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle recount Trevor’s recent New Years trip to Australia that included visits to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. They discuss the challenges of booking flights using points and miles, the varying experiences with American Airlines and Qantas business class, and the highlights of their stay in Brisbane, including the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The conversation also covers their New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney, exploring local attractions like the Opera House and The Rocks, and the unique culinary experiences they encountered. The hosts also discuss Melbourne and her beautiful markets and the Australian Open. They discuss the challenges of booking travel during peak times, the logistics of traveling with family, including limited mobility considerations, and how we chose specific flight experiences to mitigate those logistical challenges, such as the importance of non-stop flights. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Australian Adventure 00:47 Planning the Trip: Points and Miles Challenges 04:55 Flight Experience: Comfort and Crew Dynamics 11:27 Arrival in Australia: First Impressions 17:55 Hotel Experience: Hyatt Regency Brisbane 21:21 Wildlife Encounters: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary 26:37 Exploring Brisbane: Markets and Local Culture 27:47 Traveling to Gold Coast: A Budget-Friendly Choice 31:04 Accessibility Challenges in Air Travel 31:22 Packing Light for a Long Trip 34:56 Choosing Accommodations: From Hyatt to Apartments 36:28 New Year's Eve in Manly: A Family Celebration 44:11 Transitioning to Hyatt Regency: A Familiar Stay 48:10 Exploring Sydney: New Experiences and Local Markets 50:49 Cultural Experiences: A Visit to the Opera House 51:40 Experiencing the Sydney Opera House 52:46 Traveling to Melbourne: A New Adventure 53:52 Hotel Experiences and Upgrades 55:32 Booking Strategies for Travel 59:07 Exploring Melbourne: Markets and Local Culture 01:00:38 Weather Challenges in Melbourne 01:04:34 Dining Experiences and Service Culture 01:11:07 Unexpected Adventures at the Australian Open 01:16:56 Experiencing Sporting Events with Low Friction 01:19:07 Navigating Travel Logistics and Flight Changes 01:22:33 Dining Experiences in Airports 01:26:31 First Class Lounge Experience at Qantas 01:27:30 Reflections on Long-Haul Flights 01:34:15 Desire to Return to Australia and Future Travel Plans 01:36:51 The Value of Nonstop Flights

A Guys Trip to Malta Centered Around Lounge Hopping Episode 72: Show Notes Summary In this episode, hosts Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle share their travel experiences centered around an impromptu trip to Malta, highlighting their lounge hopping adventures. They discuss their flight itinerary, the luxurious Polaris Lounge in Chicago, and the Frankfurt First Class Lounge, emphasizing the importance of these experiences in enhancing their travel. The conversation also touches on their arrival in Malta, exploring the historical city of Valletta, and the unique aspects of their journey, including unexpected encounters and the cultural richness of Malta. In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent trip to Malta, including their experiences exploring the Old Town, the beaches, and their flight with British Airways to Gatwick. They share insights on navigating Gatwick to Heathrow, hotel booking strategies, and their extensive lounge hopping at Heathrow Terminal 3, highlighting the pros and cons of various lounges including the Centurion, British Airways, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the trip's focus on lounges and the missed opportunities for outdoor exploration in Malta. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Lounge Hopping: The Trip's Driving Force 02:00 Flight Itinerary and Booking Process 03:25 Experiencing the Polaris Lounge 11:44 Lufthansa First Class Experience 21:17 Frankfurt Lounge Experience 27:37 Arrival in Malta and Hotel Lounge Review 29:38 Navigating the Airport Experience 31:57 Dining in the Skies: European Airlines 34:52 Hotel Comparisons: Regency vs. Centric 35:43 Exploring Malta: A Densely Populated Gem 36:46 Valletta: The Old Town Experience 40:45 Cruise and Maintenance: Malta's Unique Position 42:50 Gatwick to Heathrow: A Smooth Transition 46:42 Dining at Hyatt Place: A Pleasant Surprise 51:43 Lounge Hopping at Heathrow Terminal 3 53:36 The Changing Landscape of Airport Lounges 54:48 Lounge Hopping Experience 01:01:09 The Qantas Lounge Highlights 01:06:13 Cathay Pacific Lounge Experience 01:09:43 Flight Experience and Upgrades 01:22:13 Reflections on the Trip 01:23:33 NEWCHAPTER

Note: The video of this episode can be found on Youtube or Spotify Summary In this episode of Travel Stories, hosts Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle welcome Gary Leff, of View From the Wing and the Freddie Awards to the show. We discuss memorable experiences in travel, the evolution of airline loyalty programs, the changing landscape of airline upgrades, and the impact of status on travel experiences. The conversation also delves into family travel, personal travel stories, and the value of travel experiences. Gary shares his insights on the future of airline loyalty programs and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey rather than cramming everything into one trip. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Travel Stories and Guest Background 03:07 Memorable Experiences at Frequent Traveler University 05:46 The Evolution of Airline Loyalty Programs 09:01 The Changing Landscape of Upgrades and Entitlement 11:54 The Shift in Value Proposition for Frequent Flyers 14:29 The Future of Loyalty Programs and Personalization 17:30 Recognition and Emotional Connections in Loyalty Programs 20:23 Gamification and Customer Engagement Strategies 29:51 Navigating Credit Card Value and Offers 37:49 The Future of Co-Branded Credit Cards 54:31 Traveling with Family: A New Perspective 01:00:24 Shifting Travel Preferences and Experiences 01:03:14 Traveling with Kids: Strategies and Challenges 01:09:58 Memorable Travel Experiences: Stories from the Road 01:15:02 The Value of Travel: Understanding Different Cultures 01:21:08 Reflections on Travel: The Good and the Bad 01:25:33 Favorite Travel Deals: A Look Back at Opportunities

Festivus 2025 Episode 70: Show Notes Keywords Festivus, travel, airlines, loyalty programs, grievances, travel stories, miles, points, travel achievements, travel miracles Summary Our Annual Festivus Tradition continues! In this episode, we celebrate Festivus with special guest JT Genter, discussing our travel experiences. We air our grievances with airlines and loyalty programs, we share our feats of strength and celebrate our Festivus miracles. Break out your festivus pole and join us as we reflect on the past year. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Intros 03:53 Airing of Grievances 28:18 Feats of Strength 56:42 Festivus Miracles 01:11:44 Wrapping Up

Episode 69: Show Notes Trevor and Thomas are the ultimate travel friends, and part of what makes their trips so memorable is that they both maximize the journey as much as the destination! Today on Travel Stories, we are doing something a little bit different; we are breaking down the ins and outs of planning a guy’s trip so that you, too, can make your next trip about the journey, not just the destination! In this episode, you’ll hear all about how Thomas and Trevor decided where to go on this trip, some of their award searching strategies, the breakthrough that led to their location decision, and so much more! We delve into their lounge experiences before Thomas tells us about his disappointing trip home and the obstacles they faced with regard to hotel availability. They even talk about the three different award tickets they ended up with on this trip. Finally, our hosts tell us why so many of their trips are planned ‘at the last minute’ and how they each use their miles differently. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Episode: [01:04] Today’s topic: what planning a guy’s trip looks like and why we’re talking about this. [04:24] Deciding where to go on this trip and how wide our aperture was for it. [08:19] The power of using multi-city codes on Seats.aero and how we do award searching. [12:35] The breakthrough that came from a Seats.aero alert and ultimately choosing Malta. [17:42] Their lounge crawl at London Terminal Three and their other lounge experiences. [19:19] An overview of the heartbreak they experienced when booking their trip home.  [23:45] The importance of looking at different currencies when booking trips.  [28:12] The obstacles that Trevor and Thomas ran into when booking hotels.  [36:51] How they ended up with three different award tickets on this trip.  [40:22] Some of the other trips we are planning and why there is always so much uncertainty. [43:00] Why the value of miles is so unique to the person and how we use them differently. 

Episode 68: Show Notes Keywords Mediterranean cruise, Delta One, travel experiences, family travel, cruise ports, Royal Caribbean, Allure of the Seas, travel tips, Barcelona, Sorrento, La Spezia, cruise, European cruising, cruise dining experience, service recovery, Mediterranean ports, travel tips, Emirates flight, travel inconveniences Summary In this episode, Trevor shares his recent family trip to Europe, highlighting their experiences flying Delta One, cruising on the Allure of the Seas, and exploring various Mediterranean ports. The conversation covers the challenges and joys of traveling with family, the dining experiences on the cruise, and the unique adventures in cities like Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Sorrento. Trevor reflects on the importance of planning and balancing exploration with relaxation during family travels. Key Points From This Episode: 01:54 JFK's Delta One Lounge 09:11 Getting to Barcelona 12:44 Onboard the Allure of the Seas after its drydock 17:25 Ports of Call 30:15 Civitavecchia is not very close to Rome 38:14 Allure of the Seas Entertainment 45:14 Main Dining Disappointment 55:18 Why Med Cruises Make Sense 01:00:04 A quick hop to Milan on a Singapore Fifth Freedom Flight 01:03:21 Acqui Terme Overnight and Milan Touring 01:07:45 Protests in Milan 01:12:40 Emirates Fifth Freedom Flight Home and Wrapping Up

Episode 67: Show Notes When longtime traveler Michael Rubiano arrived in Kathmandu, he expected another bucket-list trip built on miles, status perks, and curiosity. Instead, he found himself trapped in a city on fire. In this unforgettable Travel Stories episode, Michael retraces how a points-fueled getaway turned into a life-threatening crisis as political protests erupted across Nepal. He shares the eerie calm before the chaos, the moment hotel staff fled the kitchen, and the tension of watching fires burn from his 14th-floor room. Michael also reflects on the experiences that shaped his calm under pressure, what it was like being in a hotel under lockdown, his harrowing trip to the airport, and how he navigated the escalating danger. From the professionalism of Hyatt staff who sheltered guests, to the quiet fear of watching smoke rise from his window, his story reveals how trust, adaptability, and human kindness can carry us through the unexpected. Tune in to hear about Michael’s unbelievable experience and a powerful reminder of how fragile and profound travel can be. Key Points From This Episode: [00:42] Introducing Michael Rubiano, the concept of a MegaDo (an in-person gathering of travel aficionados), and the type of trips they do together. [04:13] An overview of Flyertalk, its history, and how it was created for flyer communities. [08:01] Reaching lifetime elite status, Michael’s first experiences of MegaDos, the most valuable loyalty programs, and how being on the West Coast influences his travel choices. [15:52] What drove Michael's decision to travel to Nepal, including Hyatt loyalty incentives and his four travel principles. [20:14] He explains his route via Cathay Pacific and how Nepal fit all his travel criteria. [24:29] Arriving in Kathmandu and reflections on privilege and safety abroad. [29:56] Michael’s experience exploring Kathmandu, getting a feel of the city, and taking a flight over the Himalayas, before the crisis. [36:23] A timeline of the protests in Nepal: Michael recounts the start of the unrest, how the protests quickly escalated, fires erupted, and curfews began. [45:59] Michael’s hotel lockdown experience, the escalating crisis, and his mindset throughout. [51:53] Preparations to evacuate and his detailed planning of what to carry and what to leave. [58:29] Rebooking his flight, his failed attempts to leave, and his tense journey to the airport. [01:10:50] The exceptional support shown by the Hyatt staff during the crisis, the relief Michael felt when he was in the air, and his surreal experience in Bangkok. [01:13:16] Reflections on the human side of travel and how crises like these reshape your perspective. [01:19:34] Learn about Michael’s work as a luxury travel advisor and how to get in touch. Quotes: “[A MegaDo] is a gathering of frequent flyer aficionados talking about miles points and going behind the scenes in places that you don't normally get to see in an airplane, in an airport, in a hotel.” — Michael Rubiano [03:51] “I've been lots of places, not everywhere, but lots of places, and I'm always seeking the new and the novel.” — Michael Rubiano [18:03] “I get an email from the STEP program, saying, ‘Beware that there are protests in the southern part of the city, near Parliament, and you might want to avoid the area.’ Okay, I wasn't anywhere near there. I was in the southwest part of the city. I wasn't getting involved in any protests.” — Michael Rubiano [40:58] “In the protests that were taking place on that Monday, — 19 people were killed, which set everything ablaze.” — Michael Rubiano [42:30] “A mob mentality takes on a life of its own. What started out as protests about corruption and nepotism and lack of job opportunities, lack of economic opportunity blew up, and all of a sudden you don't know which end is up.” — Michael Rubiano [48:53] “In my mind, if hotel staff are bolting out of the kitchen, I'd better get up back to my 14th-floor room. That is the first time that I said, ‘Okay, the danger is getting close to home.’” — Michael Rubiano [49:59] “When I went down to breakfast the next day at the hotel, I made sure to take my backpack, because what happens if something happens and I can't get back up to the 14th floor? So that backpack went with me everywhere.” — Michael Rubiano [58:14] “The hotel staff of the Hyatt Centric [were still] taking care of us when they had their own families and other worries to be concerned with. They were always making sure that we had food. They were still doing room service!” — Michael Rubiano [01:11:07] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Michael Rubiano email Michael Rubiano on Instagram Flyertalk The Flight Deal Hyatt Centric Cathay Pacific Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X The Milenomics Podcast Network

Episode 66: Show Notes In this episode, we sit down with seasoned traveler Paul to hear how his family’s mother-daughter trip availed him the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most premium cabins, lounges, and first-class travel experiences. Paul tells us about the Swiss First Class he flew his wife and daughter on after a last-minute Lufthansa cancellation; how he flew Emirates’ stunning 777 “Game Changer”, and the A380 First Class with onboard shower and bar. Find out about Qatar’s A380 First with champagne and lounge bar, and Paul’s series of memorable stopovers from his solo trip. He also shares insights into booking strategies, compares service and food across carriers, and unpacks the pros and cons of the Al Safwa lounge in Doha. You’ll also hear about his adventures into the desert, Etihad’s new terminal with chauffeur service, and lessons any miles and points traveler can use for aspirational awards. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: [0:03:00] How Paul’s reroute landed his family unexpectedly in Swiss First after a cancellation. [0:10:38] Paul’s solo trip without the family, what surprised him about the American Airlines’ lounge, and his thoughts on the LOT’s lounge in Chicago. [0:17:25] What makes Emirates’ 777 ‘Game Changer’ cabin stand out, how he swapped seats for more privacy, and the type of menu and amenities Emirates First has to offer.  [0:34:35] Hear how a free Dubai stopover turned into a city visit, comparison of two Emirates First lounge experiences, and a last-minute booking change. [0:42:00] Emirates’ A380 First, showering on his flight, the food, and how the overall experience compared to other first-class flights. [0:49:26] Paul’s Bangkok stopover at the Grand Hyatt, why it is great for a short stay, and his impressions of the Qatar Premium Lounge in Bangkok. [0:53:26] Qatar’s A380 First with champagne, unique bar hangouts, and the premium service on the way to Doha. [0:58:15] Highlights of a 20-hour Doha layover, desert dunes tour, his Hyatt Regency stay, and why the Al Safwa First Lounge feels more like a museum. [1:03:40] How a short Qsuite flight between Doha and Dubai still delivers a full meal and luxury service, and what he appreciated about the new Abu Dhabi terminal. [1:13:55] Why he had an issue with the massage Etihad lounge offers, his early flight back to Toronto, and the amenity kits he got.  [1:25:05] Why Etihad first class is not comparable to other airlines, his arrival back home, and takeaway booking hacks. Quotes: “I think if my wife and I ever want to fly Emirates, I would probably go ahead and get the [the loyalty program] and book directly into first class and not take a risk on upgrades being available.” — Paul [0:42:29] “In my opinion, you can never go wrong with pre-ordering [meals].” — @tmount [0:56:00] “It was actually plenty of space using Etihad miles to [fly] to Toronto because I think people are less interested in flying it to Toronto than New York.” — Paul [1:16:45] “[Etihad] has come down, so poorly, and it’s really sad to see because I want to see a third meaningful airline.” — @tmount [1:20:36] “The hard product sells you on booking the experience, and the soft product keeps you coming back for more.” — @tmount [1:27:15] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Empty Nester Miles American Airlines Admirals Club® LOT Business Lounge Chicago JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Qatar Premium Lounge Bangkok Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha Al Safwa First Lounge Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X  The Milenomics Podcast Network

Episode 65: Show Notes Today on the show, we welcome Justin Vacula, who takes us through an introduction to a master's in maximizing gambling opportunities from a points and miles perspective. Justin is an accomplished travel ‘hacker’ and host of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, among other achievements. In our conversation today, we delve into the cross between miles, points, and gambling, unpack the advantages of using casino cards, when it’s a good time to sign up for these cards, and dive into a discussion on how Caesar’s credit cards stack up against MGM cards. Justin breaks down all things Vegas, what you need to know about the ground truth, how Vegas is like Disney World for adults, why he doesn’t interact with minibars, and why there will ultimately be some work involved to maximize your trip. He gives insights into his phone army and how to play different games on different phones to get points. We also hear about his contributions to various travel-related conferences, how to prepare for Zorkfest, why Dave Ramsey is not accurate for everyone, and why he strives to educate people to make informed choices about the positives and negatives of loyalty programs. For all this, and more, including his experience gambling on the seas, be sure to start listening now.  Key Points From This Episode: [00:45] We are introduced to today’s guest, Justin Vacula. [02:30] Travel hacking: the cross between miles, points, and gambling. [03:45] Leveraging different gambling loyalties: how to utilize them uniquely. [05:30] What a 2-5% advantage means when you load a card. [07:00] Justin breaks down his online blackjack strategy. [09:10] The advantages of using recently released casino cards. [13:00] A good time to sign up for these cards: start planning out for 2026. [14:05] How Caesar’s credit cards stack up against the MGM cards. [16:10] A PSA on the Wyndam card. [17:25] We talk all things Vegas: the ground truth. [21:10] Justin’s phone army: playing different games on different phones to get points. [27:00] His personal rule: do not interact with minibars. [28:09] Vegas as an adult version of Disney World: sacrifice to maximize. [31:25] Justin’s contributions through conferences. [35:45] Preparing for Zorkfest. [37:30] Travel interfering with other travel: a nice problem to have. [39:30] Why Dave Ramsey is not accurate for everyone. [42:00] The importance of educating people on the positives and negatives of loyalty programs: make an informed choice. [42:50] Justin shares his experience gambling on the seas (on cruise ships). [47:30] How to get a hold of Justin’s content. Quotes: “There are lots of intersections between miles, points, and gambling, and I’ve been saying for years that it’s valuable to have status, to earn status, and there are many creative ways to do that without actually gambling [and] playing on the square.” — @justinvacula [0:02:37]  “Of course, we know, the answer to everything is more credit cards!” — @justinvacula [0:13:41] “For years I’ve been saying, ‘Have backup methods and have status’ in other ways.’” — @justinvacula [0:16:34] “I think Vegas is one of the cheapest places to travel to. [There’s] tons of value, tons to do, [and] lots of free entertainment!” — @justinvacula [0:18:24] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Epic Guys Trip 2.0 with Geoff and Joey Episode 64: Show Notes. Buckle up, because in this episode of Travel Stories, Geoff and Joey are back to share their recent epic guys’ trip to watch Formula 1 in Montreal with TK and Trevor! Listening in, you’ll hear us break down the three different race days, the types of tickets, our experiences of practice day and qualifying day, and so much more! We delve into what seats we think are the best and how to navigate the food situation before discussing whether we would return or not. We even share our dinner experience at Au Pied de Cochon. Finally, you’ll hear about our interesting trip out of Montreal by train. You don’t want to miss this one, so be sure to tune in now!  Key Points From This Episode: [00:44] Welcoming Geoff and Joey back to the show to host. [02:23] Why TK, Trevor, Geoff, and Joey went to Montreal recently.  [04:02] An explanation of what happens at a Formula 1 racetrack. [05:46] A breakdown of the different Formula 1 ticket styles. [08:41] What our experiences were like on Friday, practice day.  [15:36] Qualifying day, the incredible seats we had, and the food at the race.   [26:44] Whether we will go back to F1 Montreal or not, and what the Hyatt was like.  [32:20] Our dinner experience at Au Pied de Cochon: what we liked and didn’t like.  [36:05] What it was like to travel out of Montreal by train. Quotes: “You can have any experience you like at an F1 race and curate it to your desires and your budget.” — Geoff [07:57] “I actually liked our seats on Saturday the most [and they] didn’t have hospitality.” — @joeyredmond [10:39] “I think Montreal was really great value, and for me, one of the best ways to dip my toe into the Formula 1 experience.” — @TktweetsKim [28:18] “The food was good, I thought the overall experience was good, [and] the wifi was strong. Sometimes we take that for granted on trains.” — @tmount [37:30] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X  Joey Redmond Joey Redmond on X Liberty Media Au Pied de Cochon The Milenomics Podcast Network

An Icelandic Cruise Episode 63: Show Notes In mild protest against our usual summer holiday trend, Tom decided to go on a big trip, and today, we unpack everything he experienced on his Icelandic cruise aboard the Holland America Rotterdam. We begin with Tom’s transatlantic flight in economy (the horror!) before learning about local transport options when traveling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. Tom goes on to deliver an overview of the Holland America cruise line as we hear about the on-board food quality, housekeeping and safety protocols, how they live entertainment measures up against Royal Caribbean’s benchmark, and everything you need to know about the Holland America casino. We also unpack multiple chance encounters Tom had with familiar faces, as well as his highlights from the ports and tourist attractions he visited. To end, Tom details his journey home on a low-cost carrier airline, and Trevor offers a sneak peek into his upcoming cruise on one of the Mediterranean’s largest vessels.       Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] How Tom’s summer trip began with a transatlantic flight in economy to Amsterdam.    [06:43] Getting to port: How he traveled from Amsterdam to Rotterdam.    [15:16] An overview of the Holland America Rotterdam.   [16:18] Food quality on board, how the main dining room works, and housekeeping protocols.  [20:18] How the live entertainment measures up against the Royal Caribbean benchmark.   [23:01] Chance encounters with familiar faces, sharing points and rewards, and gift cards.  [29:21] Highlights of the Holland America casino. [33:48] The ports and attractions Tom visited, starting with Norway and ending in Iceland.   [45:08] Departing from Keflavík International Airport on a low-cost carrier.  [48:40] Tom’s final thoughts on Holland America, and a peek at Trevor’s upcoming cruise.  Quotes: “For a six-hour flight across the Atlantic, the economy experience was not bad at all. It was very reasonable and pretty comfortable. Lately, all my transatlantic flights have been economy, one stop over the Atlantic, and they’ve been working out so far.” — @TktweetsKim [05:18] “The quality of food was very high, and we only did complimentary food; we didn’t go to any specialty restaurants.” — @TktweetsKim [16:48] “One of the things that always separates a cruise experience from almost any other vacation experience [is] the ability to have a meal at the same time, with the same waiter, [and] at the same table. You get this feeling like you’re a local by the second or third day.” — @tmount [17:51] “The live music was good, and if you’re a music lover, you’ll probably find something to enjoy. [However], if you’re looking for an ice show or acrobatics or a Broadway musical, I don’t think you’re going to find it on Holland America.” — @TktweetsKim [21:58] “I’m so glad I didn’t have to buy too much in Iceland because everything is expensive there.” — @TktweetsKim [42:21] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Holland America Rotterdam KLM Royal Dutch Airlines  Winmatch365 Chase Sapphire Airport Lounges 

Episode 62: Show Notes Friend of the show, Han Chicago, is fast becoming one of our most frequent and favorite guests, and today he joins Trevor and Tom to reminisce about his recent transatlantic trip. First, Han walks us through Ben Schlappig’s Lufthansa debacle before explaining how another travel aficionado, Matthew Klint, influenced his itinerary for his transatlantic Memorial Day weekend trip. Then, we learn why Han travelled not once but twice across the Atlantic on the same trip, how airlines change aircrafts without alerting passengers causing booking and seating complications, why flying economy across the Atlantic is a better option now than ever before, the ins and out of the Delta One Lounge at JFK, and Han’s short stay in London. Trevor, Tom, and Han all share similar negative experiences of the Frankfurt airport, and after trying to ascertain why Frankfurt is one of Europe’s least pleasant airports, they all agree that Lufthansa First Class is better in the air than on the ground. We also discuss the new T5 train at O’Hare International Airport, what American Airlines is getting wrong with their new 787 flagship seats, the standout moments from Han’s transatlantic journey, and everything that our guest has planned for the near future. To end, we unpack Boeing’s never-ending woes, Han’s final thoughts on JetBlue’s transatlantic product, and what the future of aviation may hold in terms of Business and First Class layouts.     Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:00] Han Chicago shares important travel news about Ben Schlappig and Lufthansa.    [0:10:00] The way Matthew Klint influenced Han’s transatlantic Memorial Day weekend trip.   [0:15:21] How one transatlantic trip became two, and being “Qatared” onto a lesser aircraft.     [0:18:17] Why transatlantic trips in economy are more appealing today than ever before.    [0:20:40] The Delta One Lounge at JFK, a short London stay, and travelling from Heathrow.  [0:32:50] Frankfurt versus Munich, and comparing aircraft to address airline inconsistencies.  [0:43:16] Han’s highs and lows from his time at Frankfurt airport.    [0:55:15] Why Lufthansa First Class is a better in-air experience compared to on the ground.  [1:02:28] Landing at O’Hare, the new T5 train, and American Airlines’ 787 flagship seats.    [1:10:35] The flight from Frankfurt to Munich and other standout moments from Han’s trip. [1:14:20] Acquisitions and everything else our guest has planned for his future.   [1:16:42] Unpacking Boeing’s persistent woes. [1:22:48] Han’s review of JetBlue’s transatlantic product.   [1:29:24] The future of aviation: A new era of Business and First Class products. Quotes: “The devil’s in the details on some of these partner programs.” — @tmount [0:16:14] “Guys, to me, [the Delta One Lounge at JFK] is one of the best lounges in the US, and it can rival a lot of lounges overseas, too.” — @hanchicago [0:20:54] “I’m trying to fly all the A380s on all the airlines that still fly them. After Lufthansa, the only one I think I have left now is Korean [Air].” — @hanchicago [0:31:43] “Frankfurt is one of the least pleasant airports in Europe. Considering you’ve got Charles de Gaulle and Heathrow included there, that’s saying something.” — @TktweetsKim [0:44:57] “Luckily, I made all my connections. So many times, I could’ve missed something; something could’ve gone wrong. That’s definitely happened to me on these ki

We're back! We cut this show as the last segment of a Patreon Episode, and are releasing it here a little delayed for everyone to listen. 0:21 Main Topic: Airline Miles vs Bank Points 0:52 Set the stage: Why is this an important discussion. Every major bank has a bank point. Chase UR, Amex MR, Citi TYP, WF Rewards, BofA Rewards, US Bank….  Most of these can be cashed out for pennies (or fractions of) OR can be used in the bank run travel portal for more than a penny.  Finally some of these can be transferred to airlines as airline miles. These have completely different booking methods and tools, along with a varied amount of value based on the flight or hotel booked.  Maximizing value for these miles is a key to earning back the time and money we spend to earn the miles. Example: It almost never makes sense to cash out MR at .6 cents. (news story) 5:51 Bank Point bookings Benefits: Cancel and points can just come back Need to book a refundable fare, eating away the value Open to booking across all alliances and even airlines that have no native point or alliance.  As long as it is in the portal you can book it. Sometimes phone agents can see even more.   1:1 pricing for most airline tickets.  Airline bookings are elite benefit eligible and earn miles Hotel bookings are now allowing loyalty numbers to sometimes be added for elite benefits 13:09 Airline Miles Benefits:  Massive flexibility for most domestic carrier programs. Cancel as close in as you’d like. Great for provisional flights Value is not pegged to the dollar cost of a flight, in some cases this results in fantastic values.  Economy fares can be incredibly valuable uses of miles if you’re interested in them for long haul flights.  Newer tools make searching easier, but still a hurdle 19:44 Airline Mile Weaknesses Pricing is highly dynamic and the programs are each unique and have complex rules and booking channels.  There need to be reasonably priced award seats or your miles can become worth less than a bank point.  Orphaned miles have no benefit outside of the program they’re in.  Phantom space. Business class fares for more than 2 people become increasingly difficult to book.  Some dates and destinations are effectively blocked out Large learning curve.  24:27 Bank point Weaknesses Limited upside potential, each program caps the value somewhere between 1.25 and 2 cents per point Hotel prices can be inflated, reducing the value earned by the points The ability to book anything depends on the bank point portal, which sometimes is less robust that a native airline/hotel portal or even an OTA like booking.com The card associated with the uplift needs to remain open for the points to have uplift. This is impractical for some, and costly if annual fees cannot be eradicated.  31:01 Airline Mile Uses that don’t get enough Discussion KLM/AF have <20,000 mile ($200 worth of points) nonstop flights one way

Episode 61: Show Notes The World Expo 2025 took place in Osaka, Japan, and Tom and Trevor had the pleasure of bumping into their old friend, Brennan Anderson. Brennan was our first-ever guest on this podcast, and we are thrilled to have him back as he walks us through his experience in Osaka. Brennan begins by explaining why he and his family chose to travel to the Osaka Expo before detailing how the Expo met most of his high expectations. After listing the various names that the World Expo is known as, we examine the level of research and planning needed to enjoy the Expo to the fullest, the problems we had with the complicated ticketing system, the highs and lows of Brennan’s three days at the Expo, and appreciation for the sheer size of the Osaka installment. Then, we hear our guest’s thoughts about traveling with a one-year-old, his general food experience at the Expo, his advice for when and where to shop as a tourist, and highlights from the rest of his time in Osaka and Japan. We also marvel at Japan’s kid-friendliness, general accessibility, and incredible nationwide hospitality. To end, Brennan details his travel itinerary including the airlines, cities, hotels, and transportation options he utilized, and shares his final thoughts on traveling in Japan.          Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] Welcoming Brennan Anderson back to the show – our very first guest on this podcast.  [01:30] Understanding what drew him to visit the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan. [02:33] Whether the Expo met his expectations, and the Expo’s various name iterations. [04:25] The level of planning and research needed to explore and enjoy the Expo fully.    [07:30] Fallouts from an unnecessarily complicated ticketing system.   [11:11] Brennan walks us through the highs and lows of his three-day Expo experience.  [12:15] The Saudi Arabia pavilion, the size of the Osaka Expo, and the Australian pavilion.  [16:03] Brennan’s thoughts on traveling and navigating the Expo with a one-year-old.  [18:52] His food experience, a hilarious baby food mix-up, and his advice for when to shop.  [26:12] Highlights from his time in Osaka when he and his family explored the city.  [27:04] Praise for Japan’s kid-friendliness and general accessibility.   [29:08] The train to Tokyo, food in Japan, and Japanese hospitality.    [35:59] Brennan’s travel itinerary – airlines, cities, public transport, and hotels.  [38:59] The ins and outs of the Conrad Osaka, and attendance numbers at this year’s Expo.  [44:30] Final thoughts on traveling in Japan and Expo Osaka, 2025.   Quotes: “The Osaka Expo was huge.” — Brennan Anderson [13:58] “We’re learning how to travel with a baby. – You can’t do as much as you can without kids, but seeing things through his eyes and what he pays attention to as a one-year-old is really rewarding.” — Brennan Anderson [16:18] “Japan, in general, is very kid-friendly [and] very accessible.” — Brennan Anderson [16:41] “It’s one of those things that kind of connects you to an area. It’s great when your kids are able to make friends with somebody local and run around for a little bit. It really just feels like a local experience. It’s a lot of fun.” — Brennan Anderson [27:56] “Everything we had was delicious. Neither my wife nor I are really that big on Japanese food, but we really loved everything we had.” — Brennan Anderson [31:27] “Everybody was just so friendly, so hospitable, and really just made you feel at home.” — Brennan Anderson [32:30]</

Episode 60: Show Notes This year, only one of us had a Memorial Day trip, at least on a plane, and this episode is all about that! This trip also marks Trevor’s family’s first international long-haul trip since January of this year. From their experience at the Centurion Lounge at Washington, DC’s Reagan-National airport, to managing flights with a toddler, Trevor shares the highlights. We start with Tom’s fishing trip to Chesapeake before diving into Trevor’s vacation, which began on a boat and continued with a JetBlue flight to Madrid via Boston. He talks about lounge experiences, including Capital One and Chase Sapphire, and offers tips for handling naps and meals in-flight. In Madrid, Trevor shares why this visit topped previous ones, from the Thompson hotel to great food. The family then flew to Valencia on Air Europa, explored major sites, stayed at Palacio Santa Clara, enjoyed paella, visited the zoo, and saw local protests. The trip ended with a stop in Frankfurt and a return to New York on a Spontaneous Escapes deal from Singapore Airlines. Tune in to learn what he enjoyed most, what he would do differently, and what he most recommends to listeners.  Key Points From This Episode: [00:42] Tom’s fishing trip to Chesapeake and the beginning of Trevor’s Memorial Day vacation on a boat. [04:33] Trevor and his family’s experience of their first long-haul flight since January.  [09:15] Capital One Landing Lounges, the Jet Blue trip to Boston, and his experience at the Chase Sapphire Lounges. [16:30] The Jet Blue Trip to Madrid, timing his daughter’s naps, and meal logistics on Jet Blue.  [22:55] Why this experience of Madrid was even better than before and his experience of The Thompson. [24:37] Dining experiences in Madrid, parks, and other activities Trevor’s family enjoyed. [28:48] Highlights and lowlights of Valencia which Trevor travelled to on Air Europa.  [33:15] Three incredible architectural sites his family was able to see. [38:26] Staying at the art hotel, Palacio Santa Clara, eating paella in Valencia, and a visit to the zoo. [47:15] Coming across protests in Valencia and visiting the old market before flying to Frankfurt. [51:54] The Valencia Airport and flying Lufthansa to Frankfurt. [56:08] What Trevor is considering for his next trip to Madrid and what he loved about it. [58:25] Taking the Spontaneous Escapes Offer from Singapore and getting back to New York.  Quotes: “One of the great advantages of travel is to be able to see some of mankind’s amazing achievements in the arts, and architecture is definitely one of them.” — @TktweetsKim [38:17] “Valencia is known for [its] paella, and it is truly incredible.” — @tmount [39:47] “If you’re going to Spain, put Valencia on your list, and if you’ve got kids, put the Bioparc in Valencia on your list.” — @tmount [46:24] “The city is just so incredibly walkable in Madrid.” — @tmount [56:37] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Hyatt Regency Madrid Biopic Valencia Puerto de Indias Palacio Santa Clara </

Around the World with Hello Kitty Episode 59: Show Notes. When EVA Air released its Hello Kitty livery on a 777-300ER, we just knew we had to hop on! Today, 10 years later, we reflect on our EVA Air Hello Kitty trip and why this particular adventure is still one of our most memorable. We discuss how we became aware of the Hello Kitty jet, the near-disaster of our first connection, and the wonder of our in-flight experience with Hello Kitty branding, literally, everywhere!  Then, we examine our itinerary, which included stops in Taiwan, Bangkok, Vientiane, Laos, and Singapore, before detailing our experience of the Crowne Plaza Vientiane and other attractions Laos had to offer. We also learn of Tom’s unlikely affair with beer, his aversion to Thai foot massages, why we’re definitely going to do an entire Fifth Freedom Flight episode, and why taxis in Singapore may have saved Trevor’s marriage. To end, we share fond—and socially unacceptable— memories of the entire Lufthansa First-Class (drink!) service, and we rank our Hello Kitty trip as a complete travel experience worthy of high praise.       Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] Setting the tone and reintroducing the Drinking Word of the Day. [02:25] Why our Hello Kitty trip from 10 years ago is one of our most memorable adventures.  [03:25] How we found EVA Air’s Hello Kitty jet, and our first boarding debacle.   [07:29] Our onboard experience – so much better than the average 777 flight!   [10:59] Unpacking our slog of an itinerary, and everything we remember about Taipei.  [15:00] Flying to Bangkok and Laos, the Crowne Plaza Vientiane, and activities in Laos.   [21:15] The COPE Visitor Centre, the Mekong River, and beer with ice cubes. [27:25] A rooftop bar in Bangkok, Thai foot massages, and a Freedom Flight to Singapore.     [31:13] Why taxis are a better option than mass transit in Singapore.   [33:30] Lufthansa First-Class (drink!), and the most interesting purser we’ve encountered.  [40:03] More love for everything Lufthansa First-Class (drink!) has to offer.  [43:34] The joys of having a premium experience in the final leg of your trip.  [45:14] Ranking our Hello Kitty trip: A wonderful experience from beginning to end.   Quotes: “Everything was Hello Kitty. You had the Hello Kitty-imprinted butter. You had Hello Kitty signage everywhere. Even the toilet paper in the lavatory was Hello Kitty.” — @tmount [08:31] “That’s probably the only airline experience that I’ve ever had that has been so complete. It was almost like a Disney World-type experience where they just had everything right; everything aligned to Hello Kitty. I was really impressed with that.” — @tmount [09:09] “Any lounge that provides ice cream – they get an extra star automatically.” — @TktweetsKim [14:43] “I am absolutely not a beer drinker. I actually usually detest the beverage – [but] for the weather, for the environment, [Beerlao] was just the best beverage.” — @TktweetsKim [24:22] “I cannot think of a bad Cathay flight that I’ve flown.” — @TktweetsKim [29:37] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: EVA Air  EVA Air | Hello Kitty Jet

No Way Home Episode 58: Show Notes. Planning the trips are getting harder and harder. The way home often becomes more challenging, with many more constraining factors. This episode we’re unpacking why. We begin with our examples of going on trips without planning the route home before exploring the limiting factors that make the trip home a daunting prospect. We throw some tangents in along the way including a discussion of Fifth Freedom Flights, the current state of airline alliances, the merits of flying non-premium over the Atlantic, and why “unicorn” destinations are harder to visit now than ever before. We also look inward to see how our miles and points behavior limits our choices, how procrastination paralysis leads to incomplete bookings, why alternative routes home when flying may not be an answer, and TK’s troubling cruise moment when looking for a way back home. We end with an oddity that Tom has latched onto and how this may affect your September travel plans, and we discuss why a lack of airport arrival lounges compounds the woes of traveling home.  Key Points From This Episode: [00:00] Our conclusion: Planning the trip home is much harder than it should be.  [01:30] Examples of our partial trip syndrome – travelling without a way back home. [04:01] Limiting factors: Analysis paralysis, and more reasons why going home is harder.  [08:35] Unpacking Freedom Flights and why we’ll dedicate an entire episode to these.   [11:06] Why the world, in all its expanse, is still widely unattainable for travel.  [12:29] The current state of airline alliances, and the airlines we’d like to try for the first time.  [18:09] Revisiting the merits of flying economy on transatlantic flights.  [19:23] Why it’s becoming even more difficult to visit “unicorn” destinations.  [22:02] How our miles and points experience makes it harder to make decisions.   [23:40] Procrastination paralysis, our upcoming trip to Spain, and incomplete bookings. [27:39] How pushing hard for the exact travel experience you want limits your other options.  [29:32] What to do when you’re stuck; exploring alternatives to finding your way home.  [31:08] How TK was almost thwarted from a cruise back home.  [37:52] An oddity TK has picked up on, and what this means for September travel.  [44:30] The role of airport lounges in making decisions about going home.    Quotes: “This has been an unspoken rule, where we’re always seeming to have a lot more difficulty figuring out how we’re getting home than how we get there.” — @TktweetsKim [01:16] “The world is our oyster, but it’s really not when you think about it. South America is almost unattainable at this time.” — @tmount [11:08] “It’s possible to fly non-premium over the Atlantic.” — @TktweetsKim [19:04] “On your way home, you want that experience. You really want that enjoyment to continue. That’s why I prefer not to fly economy over the Atlantic because I feel like the flight home is an extension of the vacation.” — @tmount [21:31] “A guy can dream. If we don’t dream, then we have nothing to aspire to.” — @tmount [24:39] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Lufthansa  Delta One®  p

Episode 57: Show Notes. Sometimes you just need to do some travel banter! And who better to do it with than TravelZork Travel’s Michael Trager? In today’s conversation, we discuss our recent travel experiences and dig into the nitty gritty of points, upgrades, flight paths, and so much more. To kick things off, we hear all about Michael’s recent trip to Madrid and the benefits of American Airlines' ConciergeKey status, which Michael has access to thanks to his wife, Ellen! We then discuss optimal flight paths to Europe from different parts of the US, why JetBlue is on the naughty list this week, and how to optimize your next trip to Vegas. Next, we explore the flagship lounge and dining experience on different airlines, before discussing why it sometimes makes sense to pay for travel (because you can’t do everything on points) and the exceptional cases where we break our own rules. We also dive into Marriott points and benefits, including getting the fifth night free, the challenges of hotel hopping, and the importance of a positive arrival experience; especially if you have your family in tow. Finally, Michael tells us the essential details and updates for ZorkFest 2025, including the festival’s four-star accommodation, their new miles and points labs, their epic foodie and beverage dining experience, the speakers they have lined up, and much more. Be sure to tune in to hear the full scope of our travel banter conversation with Michael Trager! Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:49] Introducing TravelZork Travel’s Michael Trager. [00:03:17] All the details of Michael’s visit to Madrid. [00:06:00] The benefits of having ConciergeKey status. [00:12:07] Debating the value of a premium economy cabin. [00:16:09] Optimizing your flight from different parts of the US to Europe. [00:21:09] Reasons why JetBlue is on the Naughty list this week. [00:29:43] Why is Michael saying farewell to his trip to Greece this summer. [00:31:26] Getting special awards and upgrades with American Airlines. [00:34:17] Key considerations for optimizing your trip to Vegas. [00:35:17] Getting access to the flagship lounge and dining. [00:41:38] Words of appreciation for connoisseur classes. [00:44:26] How to balance point accumulation and spending. [00:49:31] Tips for navigating Marriott points and benefits, including fifth night free. [00:53:49] The challenges of hotel hopping and the benefits of a good arrival experience. [00:58:18] Our thoughts on The White Lotus and tourism. [00:59:46] Getting information right in travel content. [01:01:43] Your guide to a positive arrival experience. [01:09:42] Details and Updates for ZorkFest 2025. [01:15:24] ZorkFest events: dining, live podcasting, master classes, hotel bookings, and private gaming experiences. [01:18:03] The speaking lineup you can expect from this year’s ZorkFest. [01:20:22] Booking, tickets, and hotel information. [01:22:12] What makes ZorkFest such a unique, unmissable event. [01:25:16] Lessons you can expect to learn on casino loyalty and risk management. [01:36:11] Why Michael refers to himself as an American Airlines fanboy. [01:40:52] Where you can find Michael online. [01:43:07] Parting words for today’s travel banter. Quotes: “The amount of trouble to position to JFK and then to leave, like, three, four, five, six, hours between the flight to then get a lie flat seat for a flight that maybe is six hours of which maybe, if all of the stars align, you get four hours of sleep. And that's like, if you're really lucky.” — Michael Trager [17:33]