In Episode 21 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss recent news in the world of miles and points, in addition to answering listeners’ questions. The Frugal Flyer team shares details about their upcoming 'Miles and Pints' event in Calgary in September, upcoming changes to the Aeroplan program, and reviews the new WestJet Business Credit Card and National Bank World Elite MasterCard offers. This episode also covers the record-high offer on the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card and the introduction of CLEAR+ for Canadians. They wrap up by answering listener questions about closing credit cards, spending in Europe, preferred carry-on luggage brands, and leveraging the Marriott Bonvoy and Singapore Airlines status match opportunity.
In Episode 20 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss whether chasing airline elite status is worth it. They discuss the general benefits of airline elite status, including early boarding, free checked bags, lounge access, priority services, and more. The team examines how many of these benefits can be replicated through credit card perks, highlighting various Canadian credit cards that offer similar privileges. They also look at benefits that cannot be replaced by credit cards, such as earning more points while flying and alliance-wide benefits. Furthermore, they explore shortcuts to achieving elite status and share their perspectives on the value airline elite status brings when considering personal travel habits.
In Episode 19 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss recent news in the world of miles and points, in addition to answering listeners’ questions. The miles and points news that is discussed includes Hyatt's new award calendar feature, a new Aspire Lounge at Montreal International Airport, and how to utilize Alaska Miles for Porter flights. The episode also covers how you can buy Porter Airlines status with AIR MILES, how Nova Credit is no more, and how Citibank recently added American Airlines as a transfer partner. The team also answers listener questions about annual fee credit cards for students and achieving Super Elite 100K status without flying.
In Episode 18 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Reed from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss everything you need to know about navigating, getting approved for, and using business credit cards. The team explains and dispels the most notable myths surrounding business credit cards, while also providing tips and guidance on how to apply for a business credit card. They briefly touch on how business credit cards are different in the United States, in addition to some of their favorite US-based business credit cards. They also share their favorite business credit cards in Canada, based on current welcome bonuses, benefits, and earning rates. The episode wraps up with a segment where the team answers listeners' questions related to American Express Canada card approvals and bonuses.
In this episode of Miles Ahead Deep Dives, Daniel, Reed, and Josh delve into the intricacies of the Refundable Hotel Trick, a strategy used by Canadian travel enthusiasts to convert reward points into cash or statement credits. They explore the nuanced process of booking and refunding travel arrangements to redeem points, the potential risks, and the specifics of using this trick with various Canadian bank reward programs. The episode also covers redeeming annual travel credits via this method, as well as the pitfalls and considerations to keep in mind.
In Episode 16 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, Josh, Quentin, Kirin, and Reed from FrugalFlyer.ca talk about how the world of miles and points has changed in recent years. The team delves into the history of the Canadian miles and points game, comparing pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic changes in the market. There is an in-depth discussion about the shift to dynamic pricing, changes in welcome bonuses, the rise and fall of specific loyalty programs, and strategies to maximize points. The team also shares their thoughts as to what the future of miles and points holds, and if they think it still is a hobby worth starting today.
In this episode of Miles Ahead: Deep Dives, Danny, Josh, and Jeff from FrugalFlyer.ca explore the intricacies of Aeroplan Flight Award changes. They discuss the various fees associated with changing or canceling award tickets, including specific charges for economy and premium fares. The team also outlines scenarios where travelers can change their itineraries for free, such as in cases of major schedule disruptions. They delve into strategies for maximizing flexibility, including how to leverage the Aeroplan self-accommodation tool and the benefits of booking flexible fares or achieving Aeroplan Super Elite status when it comes to utilizing flight award changes.
In Episode 14 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, Josh, Quentin, Kirin, and Reed from FrugalFlyer.ca open their wallets (and sock drawers) to share the credit cards they use regularly and learn about the value they receive from these cards. The team shares details on what cards they carry in their wallets for daily use with a focus on maximizing rewards and benefits. They also provide insight into the cards they keep in their sock drawer purely for benefits like free hotel nights and airport lounge access. The episode concludes with a reader question where the team offers advice on optimizing travel comfort from Montreal to Tokyo using the power of miles and points.
In this episode of Miles Ahead Deep Dives, Danny, Josh, and Jeff from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss everything there is to know about American Express Canada's Transfer Partners. They discuss what transfer partners are and highlight the most valuable frequent flyer and hotel loyalty program transfer partners for Canadians, such as Air Canada Aeroplan and British Airways Avios. The episode delves into American Express Membership Rewards transfer ratios and how to maximize value from transfer bonuses and high-value redemptions.
In Episode 12 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Josh, Jeff, and Andy from FrugalFlyer.ca cover all the details as to how to shortcut your way to Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status. The team reviews the various levels of Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, focusing on the most valuable and meaningful levels of Platinum Elite status and Titanium Elite status. They share the benefits they receive from their status, how they earn it, and why it is worth the time for Marriott Bonvoy members to chase status to improve their hotel stays. The episode wraps up with questions from listeners about credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and which cards to use when traveling abroad.
In the inaugural episode of Miles Ahead Deep Dives, Josh, Reed, and Daniel from FrugalFlyer.ca delve into the details of the WestJet Companion Voucher, a benefit for members of the WestJet Rewards Loyalty Program. They explain what WestJet Companion vouchers are, how to earn them primarily through WestJet co-branded credit cards and elite status milestones, and the cost and restrictions associated with them. The episode also covers tips on maximizing the value of these vouchers, their best use cases, and alternative use opportunities for solo travelers.
In Episode 10 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Josh, Danny, Kirin, and Jeff discuss the steps to go from a miles and points beginner to a points hero. Starting with the basics, the team covers how to determine what kind of points are best to earn, in addition to how you can leverage product switching to earn even more miles and points. How to evaluate welcome bonuses plays a key part in becoming a points hero, and the team also discusses how they work backward when making their redemptions. Plus, they focus on a few credit cards that are worth adding to your wallet sooner rather than later as a result of the benefits they provide. The episode wraps up with questions from listeners about search tools for award flights and the extended perks of the Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Cards.
In Episode 9 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Reed, Danny, Kirin, and Andy explore various strategies to access airport lounges, focusing on types like paid access, airline, bank, and first-class lounges. They discuss entry methods including credit cards, elite status, and pay-to-access options, including how Canadians can access airport lounges for free. The Frugal Flyer team reflects on their favorite redemptions, the best miles and points earning opportunities, and the biggest changes in miles and points in 2024. Looking ahead, the team makes predictions for what might be coming for miles and points in 2025. The episode wraps up with a listener question about leveraging foreign transactions for status with the Chase Aeroplan card.
In Episode 8 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Josh, Danny, and Quentin discuss navigating the world of miles and points while focusing on strategies for earning and redeeming points with a partner or as a household. The Frugal Flyer team covers several key topics about earning points with a plus one, including the power of adding another person to this hobby, strategies for working with a player two who might not be as comfortable with miles and points, and collecting points through optimal credit card referrals. They also discuss the intricacies of hotel loyalty programs and status benefits, as well as effective ways to combine points across various programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt. Additional insights include leveraging U.S. credit card programs such as American Express and Chase, and tips for when to use authorized user cards versus signing up for separate credit cards. The episode concludes with a listener question about finding partner award space on Air Canada Aeroplan for a trip to Munich.
In Episode 7 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Reed, Josh, Danny, and Jeff discuss the unique world of US credit cards and everything Canadians need to know about how they can access and benefit from these cards. The Frugal Flyer team guides listeners through the process of obtaining an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), a US address, and a US bank account to get started with US credit cards. They also discuss the benefits of US credit cards and how they can often be significantly more beneficial than those offered in Canada. The episode concludes with listener questions on redeeming Aeroplan points for Star Alliance flights, RBC Avion strategies, and assessing a unique RBC banking offer.
In Episode 6 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Reed, Josh, Jeff, and Quentin dive deep into the world of hotel loyalty programs, featuring a detailed analysis of the big three programs including Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt. Throughout the episode, the team explores strategies for maximizing points earnings in hotel loyalty programs, redemption opportunities, and the value that hotel program elite statuses can offer to travelers. The episode wraps up with a rapid-fire review of listener-submitted questions on Avios, Aeroplan, Alaska Miles, and US credit cards.
In Episode 5 of Miles Ahead: the Canadian Points Podcast, Reed, Josh, Danny, and Kirin dive deep into the Air Canada Aeroplan loyalty program and kick it off with a segment containing Aeroplan trivia. Throughout the episode, the discussion covers the basics of what Aeroplan is, how Canadians can earn Aeroplan points using various Canadian and U.S. credit cards, the best ways to redeem Aeroplan points, and the specifics of Aeroplan status tiers and associated benefits. The episode also features audience questions and personal anecdotes from the Frugal Flyer team about their experiences with Aeroplan redemptions and flights.
In Episode 4 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Reed, Josh, Daniel, and Jeff explore the Avios program in depth. The episode begins with a new segment, 'What's That Credit Card?', where the group guesses a featured credit card with aspects of the credit card hinted at by Reed. The team discusses the basics of the Avios program and how Canadians can best earn Avios points, with a focus on RBC and American Express credit cards. From there, the team explores the various frequent flyer programs within Avios: British Airways Executive Club, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, Finnair Plus, and Iberia Plus. The team shares various tips and unique redemption opportunities, including transfer bonuses and sweet spots for each Avios program. The episode wraps up a discussion surrounding a listener's question about the value proposition of Air Canada Aeroplan versus competitor programs in Canada.
In Episode 3 of the 'Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast,' hosts Reed, Josh, Jeff, and the new contributor Kirin Tsang discuss the intricacies of redeeming miles and points for travel. The focus is primarily on flights but also touches on hotel redemptions. The hosts share their standout points redemptions, emphasizing strategies for booking award flights, navigating dynamic pricing, and finding value in partner airline redemptions. They delve into the use of free night certificates and bank-affiliated points programs, advising on when to redeem these points and maximizing potential value. The episode aims to guide listeners on how to creatively and effectively use their miles and points for various types of travel.
In Episode 2 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Reed, Josh, Danny, and Quentin continue the conversation on the basics of earning miles and points. To kick it off, everyone shares their favorite credit card in their wallet and the reasons for their choice. The conversation covers earning strategies, including leveraging welcome bonuses, meeting minimum spend requirements, and maximizing category spending. The team also explores non-traditional methods of earning points, such as shopping through loyalty portals and credit card referrals, while providing tips on organizing credit cards and maintaining a good credit score. The team takes a look at the recent contrasting news of WestJet’s new “UltraBasic” fare class and Air Canada offering complimentary beer and wine for the remainder of 2024. The episode concludes with listener questions on optimizing credit card use and balancing welcome bonuses with long-term financial health.