Award Travel 101

This week's episode dives into a lively discussion from our group post of the week: Reva humorously asks if anyone needs a "free husband" after her own husband cashed in all their points to pay a bill! We explore what you would do in this situation and if there's any way to recover those points. Our main feature dives deep into planning Round-The-World (RTW) trips using carriers like Asia Miles, ANA, Aeroplan, and British Airways, highlighting key rules, segment limitations, and unique program idiosyncrasies. Lastly, in our "What You Didn't Know" segment, we offer a tip on avoiding cancellation fees: check if there’s been a schedule change that allows for a free cancellation or consider changing the ticket to a different date, as all carriers have different policies regarding schedule changes.Links to news and offersCiti 25% transfer bonus to Flying Blue through 6/17Amex Hilton cards all have enhanced offersUnited Increases the cost of AwardsPurchase Lifemiles for 1.32 cents or Aeroplan miles for 1.24 cents each. Is it worth it?Where to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

In this podcast episode, Award Travel 101 community manager Allison Caraway shares her journey into travel and loyalty programs, discussing her experiences traveling with family, her favorite programs, and her ongoing plans for a trip to Singapore and Bali with friends she met through the community.The "Question of the Week" comes from Eric, who asks about maximizing bonuses on his Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card without closing it. The hosts discuss Citi's product change rules and options, such as the AA MileUp, Double Cash, Custom Cash, and Rewards+ cards, each offering different earning strategies. Allison shares her own success using Citi points for a Turkish Business class flight.Trip updates are shared, with Allison's plans including visits to several baseball stadiums, Belize, Minneapolis, Bali, and more. Joe discusses his recent bookings, including a premium suite with Hyatt points, flights with Delta Skymiles and Southwest Rapid Rewards, and using expiring Marriott and Hyatt free night awards for various stays. He also shares tips on booking premium economy seats for less than economy using a trick known within the community.Finally, Allison provides a "Tip of the Day" on using the AA Award Map to optimize award bookings. The episode offers a mix of personal stories, practical tips, and updates on maximizing travel rewards.Links to news and offersAmerican Airlines Now Offering Mileage Discount When Booking Round-Trip AwardsIHG Business 165KMaximize Chase Ultimate RewardsCiti Product Change RulesAA MileUp - can help you earn AAdvantage miles 2x faster through Grocery store spendDouble Cash - 2x on everythingCustom Cash - 5x earnings on top eligible spend category each billing cycleRewards+ - 2x groceries/gas up to $6k annually. See how Allison flew Turkish Business class for 29K ThankYou Points.Citi no-fee optionsWhere to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

In this podcast episode, the "Post of the Week" focuses on Award Travel 101 group member Maggie's engaging post asking about best card for Grocery spend. The overwhelming consensus among members favored the American Express Gold Card, but other popular options included the Citi Premier, Chase Freedom Flex (during certain quarters), Citi Custom Cash, Amex Blue Cash Preferred, and more, each offering various rewards rates and benefits.The episode highlights the benefits of attending Award Travel meetups, such as our recent one in Cleveland where you can network, learn new strategies, and discover exclusive tips not widely shared. They also mention Rakuten is having it’s "Big Give Week", a promotion for high shopping portal bonuses, encouraging listeners to stay informed about such deals through their community.Links to news and offersEnhanced Ultimate Reward points on our most recommended beginner cardCapital One Venture One zero annual fee cardHow to earn elite status with credit cardsWhy should one attend an Award Travel meetup?Where to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

In this podcast episode, Joe and Mike discuss various topics related to award travel and recent promotions. They feature a trip report by Award Travel 101 member Nicole, who shares how she creatively used expiring Marriott Free Night Awards along with other points and miles for a trip to trip to New Zealand.They also cover news such as Hyatt's acquisition of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, a recent United Polaris booking frenzy which prompted trips to Australia.Additionally, the hosts recap their recent travels, including Mike's family trip to the Grand Canyon, and preview future trips. Lastly Joe details his experience at the results of the Freddie Awards, celebrating standout performers in travel loyalty programs, with Marriott and Aeroplan receiving top honors across several categories. See more in the Award Travel 101 Community. Awards UsedMarriott Free Night Award certificate.55K Alaska miles +$51 per person 65K AA miles + $47.27 per person (one card bonus could net those miles)Links to news and offersMarriott Free Night Award certificate.Hyatt Acquisition of Mr. & Mrs. SmithHyatt Bonus Journeys - 3K points every 2 nights Where to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

Angie and Joe dive into a topic raised in post by Award Travel 101 member, Scott "How often do y’all apply for a new credit card?" They discuss the importance of timing when applying for cards to maximize rewards and avoid negatively impacting credit scores. Angie and Joe share their personal strategies, including considering factors like credit score impact, sign-up bonuses, spending requirements, and how often they apply for new cards to stay within a safe range. They also explore the pros and cons of applying for multiple cards within a short period versus spacing out applications.Links to news and offersHow to Book Emirates 1st ClassNew (and enhanced) Chase Sapphire Preferred Welcome Offer. See why we recommend this card so highly.New Choice SweetspotsApplication RulesWhere to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

In this episode Angie and Joe discuss strategies for leveraging their elite status across different loyalty programs. They share tips on how to maximize benefits by matching status from one program to another and how to navigate the process effectively. They also provide insights into their personal experiences, discussing the value of elite status in travel, hotels, and casinos. Links to news and offersMarriott Online Transfer toolCiti AA Personal CardANA cuts fuel surcharges by 40%-(Angie not familiar with ANA, Joe?)Wyndham Vacation Rental Condos in the US Bookable for Just 7,500 Points Per Night25% Transfer Bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Air France/KLM Flying Blue and 30% Transfer Bonus When Transferring American Express Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors through May 15Joe's Atlantic City status match "merry-go-round" Where to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

This week Joe celebrates his 3 year anniversary leading the Award Travel 101  community. He talks with group moderator Mike Zaccheo about his background, passion for aviation, affinity for spreadsheets and his tips  for being based near small non-hub airports. Moral of the story is when in doubt, chart it out and never fear a layover!Where to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

This week Angie and Joe discuss Award Travel 101 member Jessie's post about having a hard time parting with points. Jessie says she has plenty but the award space she needs are overpriced due to peak dates. Weighing using points for non-ideal redemptions verses earning them on cash tickets can stresses us out! However as we and often our kids get older we would like to try and make as many memories as possible so sometimes less than ideal redemptions might be for the best.Angie is also finally back from her long awaited, much reschedule African safari trip so she discusses the highs, lows, things to do differently and how to use points on a $$$$ trip.Lounge Hopping and Flying KLMTarangire National Park and more from TanzaniaNgongoro Crater, Ndutu Plains, Game Drive, SerengetiZanzibar & Bush PlanePark Hyatt ZanzibarQSuites for the return homeWrap-up (How everything was booked)Links to news and offersAre you eligible for a business card?What if you're not approved?How did Angie accidentally earn the Southwest Companion Pass? Do you know ALL of the ways to earn it?What 80K AAdvantage miles can bookWhere to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

In this episode's highlight, we meet Jerod Morales, a seasoned travel rewards expert, to discuss his journey into the world of loyalty programs, starting with his first card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Jerod shares insights on using rewards to offset the high costs of family travel, recounting a memorable experience of booking a Business Class flight for six on Singapore Airlines’ 5th Freedom route from Houston to Manchester. He discusses his preferred travel style and favorite programs, including Ultimate Rewards, World of Hyatt, British Airways, and Southwest Rapid Rewards. Jerod also reveals his upcoming travel plans and shares valuable tips for saving, such as using T-Mobile for international travel and clearing U.S. customs in Dublin, which is especially helpful when traveling with family.Links to news and offersDetails Of New Chase “Sapphire Terrace” At Austin AirportWhat are the new 5X Freedom categories? Bask raises Increases interest rate payout on savings accounts again! Brex Rewards devaluation - most of us were fired anyway, but will others follow suit?Where to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

In this episode's main feature, we meet Jackie Wisniewski, one of the standout moderators in the travel community. We dive into her background and how she became a key figure in the group, sharing stories about how her and Joe first met and some of her memorable travel highlights. Jackie discusses her preferred travel style, her favorite loyalty programs, and her personal preference between window and aisle seats. She also shares her favorite booking experiences and her strengths in navigating the travel rewards world. Jackie wraps up by revealing her upcoming travel plans and what she's most excited about for these future adventures.Lastly Jackie shares her favorite tip... build your network.Links to news and offersBest way to fly lie-flat AA First Class domestically3/1 is reset day for American Airlines status. See how to re-earn AAdvantage status.Hyatt category changes - 214 up 158 down.United Business CardWhere to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.