Miles & Points Daily Podcast

4h ago

Marriott's most exclusive elite status is exposed - the invitation-only Cobalt Elite tier that's so secret we don't even know how many members exist. Plus, discover why a Marriott property posted a blunt sign about bottled water that reveals a bigger problem with elite benefits. United pours real investment into their Polaris wine program while Delta and American wage a Champagne war. We break down the math on when you should actually redeem points versus paying cash for hotels, explore new transfer bonuses offering up to 70% extra points, and cover the opening of Rosewood's newest French Alps property. Subscribe to Miles & Points Daily Newsletter 👉🏼 https://milesandpointsdaily.com/ Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - Chase American Express American Express Business Rakuten Bilt Rewards Capital One Ramp

1d ago

A Marriott Titanium elite member is out over $5,000 after a prepaid Sonder booking through Marriott.com went sideways following bankruptcy. We break down exactly what went wrong and how to protect yourself from similar situations. Plus, Philippine Airlines debuts its new A350-1000 with the world's tightest economy configuration for a full-service carrier, and Marriott introduces in-app tipping while junk fees continue to spread. Essential listening for anyone making prepaid hotel bookings or planning long-haul flights to Asia. Subscribe to Miles & Points Daily Newsletter 👉🏼 https://milesandpointsdaily.com/ Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - Chase American Express American Express Business Rakuten Bilt Rewards Capital One Ramp

2d ago

Chase announces major improvements to the Sapphire Reserve card starting in 2026, including simplified hotel credits and expanded dining benefits. American Airlines addresses privacy issues on their new A321XLR business class and reveals exciting international routes to Edinburgh. Singapore Airlines offers 30% off award redemptions to select destinations, and we cover new promotions from Hilton, Marriott, and incredible South America award deals starting at just 12,000 points. Plus, updates on American's lounge refresh and important credit card bonus category reminders. Subscribe to Miles & Points Daily Newsletter 👉🏼 https://milesandpointsdaily.com/ Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - Chase American Express American Express Business Rakuten Bilt Rewards Capital One Ramp

5d ago

British Airways Club implemented significant award devaluation on December 15th, with increases of 8-14% across all Oneworld partners including American, Alaska, and Japan Airlines. Hyatt is offering a limited-time 20% discount on points purchases through December 20th, while IHG is selling status for cardholders through year-end. A troubling account fraud incident with Lufthansa Miles & More highlights security concerns, while Spirit and Frontier are reportedly back in merger discussions. Plus, discover why Luxair's business class soft product on their Luxembourg-Dubai route is impressing premium travelers. Subscribe to Miles & Points Daily Newsletter 👉🏼 https://milesandpointsdaily.com/ Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - Chase American Express American Express Business Rakuten Bilt Rewards Capital One Ramp

6d ago

Chase has made significant changes to The Edit hotel program less than six months after launch, reducing redemption values from a guaranteed 2 cents per point to as low as 1.65 cents at many properties. We also cover Frontier Airlines' sudden CEO departure, Alaska Airlines accelerating its free Starlink Wi-Fi rollout across the fleet, and JetBlue's concrete timeline for installing its new 'Mini Mint' first class product starting in mid-2026. Plus, Chase Freedom cards are offering elevated Q1 2026 bonus categories including up to 7% back on dining. Subscribe to Miles & Points Daily Newsletter 👉🏼 https://milesandpointsdaily.com/ Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - Chase American Express American Express Business Rakuten Bilt Rewards Capital One Ramp

Dec 14

All Mesa Homeowners credit card accounts were abruptly closed on December 12th, leaving cardholders scrambling to redeem their points. We also cover Gary Leff's strategy for justifying $2,680 in annual premium card fees, a limited-time 50% discount on CardPointers memberships through December 25th, and United's historic first nonstop flight from San Francisco to Adelaide. Plus, learn about fee-free Visa gift cards at Staples through December 20th and which Priority Pass memberships offer the best restaurant access and guest privileges. Subscribe to Miles & Points Daily Newsletter 👉🏼 https://milesandpointsdaily.com/ Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - Chase American Express American Express Business Rakuten Bilt Rewards Capital One Ramp

Dec 13

The Mesa Homeowners Card has completely shut down without warning, leaving cardholders scrambling to salvage their points at drastically reduced values. We cover urgent redemption strategies before it's too late, plus Spirit Airlines faces imminent shutdown concerns as competitors prepare contingency plans. On a brighter note, learn how to double-dip on Citi Strata Elite travel credits and save thousands of points booking United flights through Aeroplan. We also discuss American Airlines' new narrowbody business class suites and a limited-time Chase Freedom Unlimited bonus ending January 15th. Subscribe to Miles & Points Daily Newsletter 👉🏼 https://milesandpointsdaily.com/ Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - Chase American Express American Express Business Rakuten Bilt Rewards Capital One Ramp

Dec 12

Alaska Airlines has a costly IT glitch affecting award bookings from London to Seattle, incorrectly charging around $500 in fuel surcharges on top of 150,000 miles. Plus, discover Southwest's secret infinite legroom seats (16A and 16F) that cost nothing extra, learn why premium credit card choice depends entirely on your personal travel habits, and get the details on Aer Lingus's new Pittsburgh route and Air France's upcoming Heathrow lounge. We'll also cover the new Citi Strata Elite 100,000-point welcome bonus and American's A321XLR debut with Flagship Suites. Subscribe to Miles & Points Daily Newsletter 👉🏼 https://milesandpointsdaily.com/ Thanks to Hotel Redemptions and Award Travel Finder for sponsoring this episode! Support us - Chase American Express American Express Business Rakuten Bilt Rewards Capital One Ramp