MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week as we are getting ready for the Amex Platinum refresh we ponder whether you should pick up a new Business Platinum before the changes take effect. We also discuss: the new 90K Chase Ink bonuses, when you should grab the 100K Southwest offer for a companion pass, whether the pass is worth it, how long it is taking for online passport renewal, cash prices effecting award rates and why Japan award space is wide open.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:26 The joys of the twin cities 5:50 Shawn’s trip update - Last minute Japan availability 8:40 Online passport renewal data points - Government efficiency? 11:08 Hotel cash prices lowering - award prices stay high? 15:25 Mainland China payment apps and rideshare 17:33 Should you get an Amex Business Platinum before the refresh? 25:00 Chase Ink 90K/$900 offers - As good as it gets? 28:33 Southwest 100K offers expiring this week 31:45 The darkside of the Southwest Companion Pass? 36:15 Is the Southwest Companion Pass going away - Too good to be true? Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Frontier status match (MTM affiliate link) - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a Episode Description This week Southwest announced a positive change for once! WiFi has been getting cheaper on planes over the years, but most still charge. That has been changing and Southwest will finally bring free internet to their planes. When will this happen and how long will it be before every airline offers free internet in the skies?   In other news Hyatt has a couple of cool new promos, but one of them has a new twist. Should we be weary of travel apps and all of the data tracking or is that just life in 2025? We also discuss: Mario Kart in real life, why AA is flying 20 empty transatlantic legs and how you can score an easy $200 bonus offer from our partner Melio.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 2:05 More free WiFi on planes - Southwest drops new perk 6:37 Why AA is flying 20 empty transatlantic legs 10:50 New Hyatt promos - with a troubling twist? 13:23 Why companies are trying to force us into using their apps 17:27 The big consumer data problem in 2025 21:23 Battle of Chase Sapphires - A surprising result? 28:42 Mario Kart in real life! Links Melio Offer (affiliate link) - https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam  Mario Kart - https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a64188246/vietnam-downhill-karting-spot-mario-kart-dreams/ Southwest WiFi - https://milestomemories.com/southwest-rapid-rewards-members-will-get-free-wi-fi/ AA empty flights - https://onemileatatime.com/news/american-flying-empty-airbus-a321neo-across-atlantic/ Hyatt new property - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-new-hotel-promo/ Hyatt app promo - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-regency-promo/ CSR vs CSP - https://travel-on-points.com/your-next-card-csp-or-csr/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Frontier status match (MTM affiliate link) - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a Episode Description This week even more leaks emerged for the pending refresh of the Amex Platinum cards coming later in September. Previously we learned that they may be adding big hotel credits, but now we know even more. What merchants could be added, how will these credits stack up and will these cards be worth $900 when all is said and done?   In other news Frontier has returned with their easiest status match opportunity yet. This could save you big even on a single roundtrip flight, but does the airline deserve all of their hate? We also discuss: Hampton's search for a new Waffle Boss, changing tastes on Doubletree cookies and how Hyatt is being sued after taking tons of points from members.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 4:03 Frontier’s new status match may be the easiest ever 8:00 Why people need to stop sleeping on the low cost carriers 11:25 Hampton is searching for a new Waffle Boss - Win 1 Million points! 16:10 The Priceline days & hotel revenue management 22:15 Hyatt’s attack on fraud in China - Did they overstep? 28:20 More Amex Platinum rumors - Big credits coming 33:33 New Platinum is worth it and not worth it at the same time Links Frontier Status Match - https://www.frontierstatusmatch.com/?fpr=xf83a Hampton Waffle contest - https://www.hamptonwaffleflavorcontest.com/ Hyatt lawsuit - https://viewfromthewing.com/customers-sue-after-hyatt-bans-accounts-for-buying-fake-hotel-nights-as-shortcut-to-elite-status/ Amex Platinum rumors - https://milestomemories.com/amex-platinum-card-getting-resy-and-lululemon-credits/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week Alaska finally released the details of their new post-merger loyalty program Atmos Rewards. This new program comes with different ways to earn, milestones and other unique perks, but they also launched a new premium credit card that takes it further. Is Alaska's new loyalty program a good thing, how is this airline growing up and should you grab their new premium credit card offering with its big bonus?   In other news Cracker Barrel was in the news this week because of a brand refresh. Is this getting more difficult in 2025 and what trends are we seeing in the travel space? We also discuss: Chase's strange welcome offer decision, more free cruises in 2025 and how Shawn's upcoming China trip is changing...again.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:40 Shawn’s China trip headaches & ninja skills 3:04 Free cruise updates - Is this still working in 2025? 11:06 Debating Chase’s weird new welcome offer - Why? 16:33 Alaska launches brand new Atmos Rewards 21:00 Rebrands in 2025 - Cracker Barrel, etc. 28:17 New Atmos Rewards Summit card - Is this a card you should get now? 33:22 Alaska’s choice for unique perks makes this new card/program a winner? Links Atmos - https://travel-on-points.com/atmos-rewards-summit-visa-credit-card-review/ https://travel-on-points.com/alaska-hawaiian-atmos-rewards/ https://travel-on-points.com/atmos-soccer-goals-promo/   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week American Express accidentally leaked some of the new benefits that Platinum cardholders can enjoy when the cards get their refresh next month. We know the fees are going up for both the personal and business Amex Platinum, but what are they adding and is this leaked benefit good enough to justify keeping the card or will they have to do more?   In other news Chase is sunsetting their popular Sapphire Reserve 100K + $500 offer while at the same time losing on of their bigger transfer partners. Has Chase dropped the ball in the transfer partner realm? We also talk about some crazy and unique attractions from around the world and how the new Southwest continues to anger customers.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:22 Travel plans blown up! 5:22 The new Southwest continues to go viral 8:54 Big Amex leak - What’s coming to the Platinum card next month? 12:55 Is the new Amex Platinum FHR benefit as good as it sounds? 17:25 Chase loses a big transfer partner - Time to make some moves? 24:46 Sapphire Reserve 100K + $500 ending date announced 27:39 Crazy Chinese tourist attraction + wild things around the world Links Italy waterpark - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EcP3uACvszQ Plat leak - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-platinum-fhr-credit/ Chinese conveyor - https://youtube.com/shorts/UTmiMTh0TXU?si=7wT65NCX6tB8HOtF Chase losing a partner - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-ultimate-rewards-transfers-to-emirates-ending/   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week Chase surprised some of their top cardholders with a perk that is unadvertised. Why don't we get more of this kind of stuff? We also discuss: how to check if you are targeted for an AA/Hyatt match, whether those matches are worth pursuing, our childhood bucket lists, the melancholy of travel & time plus Shawn discusses his big passport mistake.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 8:35 No good deed goes unpunished 10:10 EV Rebates going away - Is now the time to look at a lease deal? 13:21 The melancholy of time & travel 17:16 Chase’s unexpected Aeroplan 5K bonus for Sapphire Reserve 19:54 Air Canada is a surprising airline 22:16 Hyatt and AA bring back targeted status matches 27:11 Pursuing AA status through spend - Is it worth it? 29:12 China trip planning follow up - Awards still haven’t recovered 33:23 Shawn’s passport conundrum 37:28 Achieving the inner child’s bucket list   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week Citi finally brought their new premium credit card to market. While many of the leaks were true, does this card measure up to its competition and will it drive further loyalty. Plus Citi added transfers from ThankYou to American Airlines, but is it as good as it sounds and will it drive sign-ups for this card? Most importantly should you get it?   Joe Cheung also joins us to discuss his recent near miss on a welcome offer and how he still managed to save it. Are grace periods a thing? We also discuss international tipping culture as Americans and how we may be expected to tip when traveling even if locals aren't. Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:27 Royal Caribbean battling back - Loophole closed for viral hack 9:26 Why the future of cruise loyalty says a lot about where we are heading 15:35 Hyatt’s Brand Explorer grows to 7 free nights and 35 brands! 21:55 How hotel design has evolved & why it isn’t always good 31:05 United’s cardholder award sale - Tahiti anyone? 33:45 Ninja tricks - Stacking deals/perks for a VIP tripCiti Strata Elite - https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-strata-elite-credit-card Royal Caribbean drinks - https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-tightens-policy-on-drink-package/182785 United sale - https://travel-on-points.com/united-credit-cardmembers-award-sale/   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Sorry for the error on the Monday upload. Here is the fixed episode. Enjoy! Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week Citi finally brought their new premium credit card to market. While many of the leaks were true, does this card measure up to its competition and will it drive further loyalty. Plus Citi added transfers from ThankYou to American Airlines, but is it as good as it sounds and will it drive sign-ups for this card? Most importantly should you get it?   Joe Cheung also joins us to discuss his recent near miss on a welcome offer and how he still managed to save it. Are grace periods a thing? We also discuss international tipping culture as Americans and how we may be expected to tip when traveling even if locals aren't. Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:23 Being stuck in AA banned account hell 4:10 Citi Strata Elite launches & bonus - Is this a good premium card 11:08 Citi adds AA as transfer partner - Is this a gamechanger? 18:32 Did Citi have bad timing with Strata Elite or was it the perfect time? 24:39 Almost missing a welcome offer and grace periods on spend 28:36 How American tipping culture is spreading & how its awkward when traveling Citi Strata Elite - https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-strata-elite-credit-card Tipping OMAAT - https://onemileatatime.com/insights/tipping-abroad-american/   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week Citi was in the news for a few reasons. First, they have upped their transfer ratio to Accor by 2X. This might not last, but it is quite valuable. Citi also is planning to launch their new premium Strata credit card next week. While not all of the details are known, tons of rumors have leaked and we'll dive into what this card can be and how it competes with Chase, Amex and Capital One.   In other news more and more travel providers are using AI tools to crack down on travelers, but sometimes they backfire. We look at a couple of these tools and what you need to know. We also discuss: Amex's new sidecar lounge concept, how premium credit cards probably aren't worth it and why Amex is trying to make their benefits easier to use.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 2:52 Citi’s Accor transfer mistake? 6:27 Citi’s new premium credit card is coming very very soon 10:45 The rumored benefits for Citi’s new card 16:28 The year of the premium credit card? 18:35 Amex’s new Sidecar lounge - The lounge boom 23:42 Amex’s earnings dive-in - Less breakage & slow bookings? 30:15 A new easier way to connect on international flights 35:14 AI tools and travel - Smoke detectors, Hertz scanners - Reliable? Smoke detector situation - https://x.com/_zachgriff/status/1945959030851035223?s=46&t=B9kWNUIY21TRZnc8tXrfRQ Hertz scanners - https://www.thedrive.com/news/how-to-stop-hertzs-ai-rental-car-damage-scanners-from-screwing-you DFW connection - https://viewfromthewing.com/american-airlines-makes-history-connecting-passengers-arriving-in-u-s-now-skip-security-and-customs-in-new-trial/ Amex earnings breakdown - https://viewfromthewing.com/amex-ceo-admits-we-made-benefits-hard-to-use-on-purpose-now-reveals-plan-for-even-higher-fees/ Citi Strate Elite rumors - https://milestalk.com/updated-citi-strata-elite-details-launch-date-bonus-annual-au-fee-bonus-categories-benefits/   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week Bilt dropped a huge bombshell with the announcement that they are leaving Wells Fargo and growing their card portfolio. With three new cards coming and a new bank behind them, will Bilt take their rewards program to the next level and what kinds of perks could we see with their new premium offering?   In other #news Hyatt has a new offer on their credit card, but it might not actually be better than the old one. We also discuss fearful activities while traveling, why sweating could cause problems at TSA and why bank IT is still a nightmare in 2025.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:21 Pushing your “fear” limits while traveling 5:40 Another thing to worry about while crossing through TSA 9:03 YouTube travel inspiration for kids and adults 15:44 Hyatt’s new card offer - Is it really better than the normal offer? 19:56 Debating the value of Hyatt free night certs 26:03 US Bank IT fiasco - In 2025? 32:04 Bilt grows up - New bank and 3 new cards coming   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week JetBlue released a very interesting promotion for their 25th birthday. In addition to earning up to 350K bonus miles, you can earn 25 years of Mosaic status as well. How many hoops do you have to jump through and does this make economic sense. More importantly do you have the time to invest into this lucrative deal?   In other news Chase launched their Sapphire Business card last week along with a ton of new rules. How are the rules being enforced and which customers has a "bank error" in their favor? We also discuss: how Shawn accidentally beat jetlag, Hyatt Regency at JFK, the Savannah Bananas and how some people missed out on Amex transfers to Hawaiian.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel & 4th of July 5:24 More bad Chase rules 8:48 Shawn’s Korean Air conundrum 13:01 How partner devaluations lower overall values of bank points 16:07 Why Accor is even better than we expected - Citi transfer bonus? 23:44 Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen review 31:13 Visiting Playa Del Carmen, ruins, what to see & better than Cancun? 34:15 Why all-inclusives have become more popular than ever 36:20 Andaz Mayakoba and other takeaways   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week JetBlue released a very interesting promotion for their 25th birthday. In addition to earning up to 350K bonus miles, you can earn 25 years of Mosaic status as well. How many hoops do you have to jump through and does this make economic sense. More importantly do you have the time to invest into this lucrative deal?   In other news Chase launched their Sapphire Business card last week along with a ton of new rules. How are the rules being enforced and which customers has a "bank error" in their favor? We also discuss: how Shawn accidentally beat jetlag, Hyatt Regency at JFK, the Savannah Bananas and how some people missed out on Amex transfers to Hawaiian.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:24 Last minute Amex to Hawaiian/Alaska transfers - How much did we do? 5:00 Mark's Savannah Bananas experience 11:20 How Shawn accidentally beat jetlag 16:22 Hyatt Regency at JFK review - Good airport option? 24:00 How Chase is enforcing their new Sapphire rules 30:13 JetBlue's crazy 350K promo - Worth pursuing?   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Chase is relaunching their Sapphire Reserve premium credit card along with an all-new business option. On this show we deep dive into the new cards including all of the perks and the very enticing welcome bonuses. Unfortunately the new Sapphire Reserve card comes with new application rules, a popup and less potential in the long term for earning welcome offers. Which card should you get, which perks make the most sense and what happens to current cardholders?   We also discuss Amex Business Platinum losing a valuable perk plus how much the annual fee might be after it is refreshed later this year. Are people over the move to higher annual fees and coupons or will we see more of this from other banks and what the heck has happened to Citi?   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:20 Amex teases upcoming Platinum changes, higher fees & loss of a benefit 3:23 New Sapphire Reserve launches with tough new Chase application rules 7:53 Why Chase’s new rules may not roll out to all cards 10:35 How the new Chase “popup” works 11:51 Diving into 100K + $500 bonus on Chase Sapphire Reserve + new benefits, fee and overall value 22:54 Sapphire Reserve Business 200K welcome offer 26:55 Big spend bonuses - IHG & Southwest status - worth it? 29:24 How the new Sapphire Reserve perks work for current cardholders 35:05 Are people getting tired of higher annual fees and “couponing”?   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Chase confirmed that there will be changes this Summer to the Sapphire Reserve card. While we have covered the rumors before, this is the first time we have confirmation. What will be changing, when can we expect to know more and what should you do. Plus Chase also dropped a bombshell indicating a new Sapphire Reserve business card is coming as well. This should be a good opportunity.   In other news Mark shares from his Orlando adventures which included an incredible timeshare deal, an interesting presentation and a lot of red flags along the way. We discuss what you should consider with timeshares in general and why you probably want to consider taking them up on offers including discounted rooms, gift cards and more. We also discuss Hyatt's killer new promo, Shawn's European adventures and why skipping the line is so satisfying. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Capital One announced some big changes to lounge access for Venture X cardholders. Like before the new rules are a bit different for the personal and business cards, however everything is getting cutback. Bye bye free guest access for most. Are these cards still worth it?   Shawn also details some of the most interesting hotels of his trip including the Park Hyatt Zurich and Hyatt Place Zurich. Is the Hyatt Place a better hotel than the Park Hyatt? He also discusses a lovely Hyatt that feels like an old German grandmother's house, one of the coolest castles in the world and how knowing your travel limits is easier said than done. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:01 How European hotels are just different than America - Are we idiots? 4:40 How a Best Western delivered a huge surprise 11:10 Capital One’s huge upcoming changes to lounge access 18:36 European rental car debacle update & how to protect yourself 24:01 Visiting Zurich - The best Hyatt Place in the world? 29:00 Park Hyatt Zurich - Is it really worth $1600 or 45K points? 34:21 The quirkiest Hyatt hotel in Europe? 39:31 How much travel is enough? You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Shawn is in Europe and he discusses a little of his trip including the Hyatt Regency Cologne, a couple of cool cathedrals and more. He also discusses how Capital One Travel and Hopper may have scammed him on his car rental booking and why you probably shouldn't use them. Other topics discussed include: Americans and geography, the recent Bilt/Accor deal and avoiding groupthink and why you might get banned for sharing your rule breaking hacks on the internet. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  Episode Guide 2:16 Do Americans know geography? 6:57 Bilt Rent Day “groupthink” & why Accor is great 13:44 Capital One Travel ripoff car rental & how to deal with “things gone wrong” 22:05 Hyatt Regency Cologne review - Great rooms & location 26:15 Mark’s painful Universal tickets 31:17 Credit card chip in your fingernail? 33:30 Why you shouldn’t share your grey area hacks online 34:50 NoMad hotels coming to Detroit’s coolest building You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Universal Epic Universe opened its doors. As the first major theme park to open in the United States since 2001 it is a big deal, but if you aren't a huge theme park nerd should it be on your radar? Joe attended the Epic Universe media preview while Shawn went as a normal guest. You can listen to a more in depth nerdy conversation about the park on this week's Disney Deciphered, but on this show we discuss what it was like doing the media preview, what sort of hype is promised, how it affects your views plus what we both think of the park and how Shawn's real guest experience different from Joe's VIP tours.   We also discuss some of Joe's plans for his upcoming Japan family trip plus why business class one way and economy the other isn't just a way to save points. It could be a way to save your kids! :) Episode Guide   Episode Guide   0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:41 Locking down Korea/Japan for the Summer - Family rates, finding a compatible traveling family, international driving permits & business class vs. economy 12:20 Why it isn't always about traveling for "free" 16:30 What it's like doing press trips - Behind the Epic Universe VIP opening 23:35 The coolest part of the Epic Universe media experience 32:36 Is Epic Universe the culmination of themed entertainment in 2025? 42:15 Universal vs. Disney and Epic Universe for the miles & points normie   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Shawn and Mark discuss some interesting items in the news. Amex is now offering perks for downgrading cards, but there is a catch. They also discuss the end of Amex to Alaska via Hawaiian and how Hilton's recent devaluation is shocking in many ways. Are Hilton's points worth anything and why their certs have become even better.   In other news Shawn goes over his upcoming trip to Europe including how the itinerary is shaping up last minute and why this way of booking works. He goes over his nonstop last minute business class redemption for 3, some of the other quirks of the trip and why it is exciting planning this stuff at the last minute versus a year in advance.   Episode Guide   0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 1:15 The great Amex to Hawaiian to Alaska debate & end date 6:13 The cash value of points & how to use them properly 13:00 Last minute business class to Germany for 3! 18:10 European road trip, theme parks, culture & PH Zurich debate 26:25 Booking early or last minute - What is the best points strategy? 29:08 Amex “paying” customers to downgrade cards? 39:25 Hilton’s Devaluation - Max points way up Links https://travel-on-points.com/membership-rewards-transfers-to-alaska-airlines/ https://travel-on-points.com/hilton-honors-devaluation/ https://travel-on-points.com/amex-downgrade-bonus-offers/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Mark and Shawn discuss a number of interesting topics in the travel realm including the rumored upcoming changes to Chase's premium flagship card Sapphire Reserve. As part of the rumors the fee is going way up and some benefits are being cut, but they are adding a lot. If this rumor proves true will this card be worth pursuing?   We also discuss the overall rejection of airport lounges in the travel space. Are weary travelers just too picky or have lounges jumped the shark? Shawn shares his real world "lounge skipping" experience along with how it was to fly on day one of Real ID. To close it out we discuss the fallout from a viral Frontier agent video and why Maho Beach in St. Martin is one of the cooler places to visit.   Episode Guide   0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:22 Hyatt implements new rules on award transfers 4:46 Huge Chase Sapphire Reserve rumor - Higher fee & tons of “coupons” 13:19 REAL ID doomsday didn’t happen - Shawn’s experience 17:43 The airport lounge backlash 25:36 Viral Frontier video - Reinforces their reputation? 31:10 AA flight experience - 2 different ends of the spectrum 35:52 Maho Beach in St. Martin - Why its so cool for aviation enthusiasts and beyond Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week Mark and Shawn crossed paths to head towards opposite coasts for miles & points meetups. On this show they'll discuss their respective trips to Monterrey, CA and Virginia Beach, VA including the hotels and what they enjoyed along the way. Shawn also provides a tip for getting your digital priority pass quickly, Cardless has gotten much better, Rakuten is giving Amex points for getting a Chase card and why Mark likes Hilton Garden Inn.   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!