MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!
The fun side of miles, points and travel! Hosted by Shawn Coomer and Mark Ostermann, MTM Travel dives into the points hobby & the lifestyle of travel with topical conversations and plenty of laughs along the way. Mark & Shawn have a combined 18 years of experience covering these topics on Miles to Memories and Travel on Points and are cohosts of the popular MtM Vegas Youtube Show on the Miles to Memories Vegas channel. They also host the 20 Minute Travel news show on this same feed where you can keep up with the latest deals, news and happenings.
Cardless No More, Earn Amex Points With A Chase Card, Dueling Coastal Trips & Hyatt House Woes
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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.Cap One's Giant 400K Bonus, Misleading Travel Ads, MGM Goes Iconic & Insane Food Presentations!
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Episode Description
This week several new card offers came out along with some that are ending. MGM launched their interesting Iconic card which gives you a path towards spending to higher status in a much better way. Capital One also released a 350K/400K offer that isn't for the faint of heart while IHG's record 200K bonus is ending soon. In other #news digital arrival cards are spreading across the world and one of the most popular t...Last Minute "Free" Trip to Europe, Economy vs. Business, Having 6 Hilton Cards & An Epic Detour
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark discuss last minute plans including Shawn's "free" cruise and his upcoming trip to Europe. Economy vs. business, flying into other airports, repositioning and calculating fuel surcharges are all factors, but what is the best option? We also discuss why you may want tons of Hilton credit cards and the headache they bring, Shawn's upcoming visit to Epic Universe, picking Orlando hotels and why Frontier status...
250K Bonus + Kicker, Hilton's Best U.S. Redemption, Safety of Helicopters & "Free" Money from Wells!
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Episode Description
This week several increased card offers came out including a new version of Amex's popular "no lifetime language" Business Platinum offer. Find out how to see if you are targeted for 250K points plus a new type of kicker. Other offers include Marriott's new hybrid 3 nights + 50K and AA's 75K business card. In other news Brazil now has an e-visa but we will show you how to get it. We also discuss: food at the M...AA Does Good, Madness of Apps, Chinese Social Media Response & Universal's Epic Expansion!
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark follow up on Mark's AA status match "battle" including a great resolution and some tips if you are in the same position. They also discuss the prevalence of service apps and how they just aren't working out, Universal's crazy expansions including their brand new Epic Universe theme park and Universal Studios Great Britain plus how Chinese manufacturers are taking to social media to fight back...
Big Amex Downgrades, Airline Status Matches Galore, Chase's HUGE Deal & Travel Treasure Hunting!
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Episode Description
This week we learned of some expected changes coming to the American Express Business Platinum card. With the addition of Hilton credits last year, we have now seen a downgrade to other popular benefits including the Dell credit. Is it worth getting and keeping after all of this? In other news Chase has released an increased value offer for some cardholders using Chase Travel. This is good and you'll want to see if you are t...Battling with AA, Easy $200 Offer + Mark & Shawn Do Vegas!
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark go over their recent weekend adventures in Vegas which includes many off the Strip sights plus the Capital One lounge, New York New York hotel and a lot more. They also discuss Mark's epic battle brewing with American Airlines, an easy $200 offer that also supports the show plus how amazing service can still exist in 2025.
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Hyatt's Casino Bonanza, United's New Hotness, Chase Sapphire 100K Online & More Bad Southwest News!
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Episode Description
This week Chase & United launched all new revamped credit cards top to bottom. In addition to increased welcome offers they raised the prices on their annual fees and added a bunch of other perks. Should you pick up one of the new Chase United cards and which offer is best? Plus how should you deal with the new "coupons" they offer. In other news Southwest's new pricing is coming online and the news isn't good. W...Baha Mar Paradise or Overpriced - Staying for "Free" in Nassau, Water Park, Room Review & More!
Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark discuss Mark's recent family Spring Break trip to Baha Mar in Nassau. This new aged megaresort has just about everything for the family but it comes at a cost. We'll discuss how you can save with miles & points at Baha Mar plus what to expect with the rooms, beaches, water park and more. Plus is this the perfect casino destination and how can you save big with elite status. Everything you need to know to decide if Bahamas is worth your time or not.
Crazy Spring Break Audible, Last Minute DFW Flights, Hotels & Activities + Getting Chase Aeroplan
Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn is joined by Joe Cheung to discuss his recent application for the Aeroplan card and how Joe is planning on taking his family to the European Christmas markets. The bulk of the show focuses on Shawn's Spring Break trip which included a same day audible from a road trip to a Dallas Fort Worth adventure. We discuss all of the bookings for the trip, how Shawn pulled it off on the same day, what the new Capital One lounge in Vegas looks like, things to do with kids...
Hyatt Elite Carveouts, US Bank's 4% Mistake, Hotel Ice Hack, Up to 185K Bonvoy & Debit Rewards Cards
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Episode Description
This week we learned that Hyatt has changed their terms to give another property an exemption from honoring elite benefits. With their exclusion list growing longer and longer is this a move in the wrong direction? Is Hyatt's growth coming at the cost of a consistent loyalty program? In other news American Express released increased offers for two of the Marriott cards where you can get a welcome offer up to 185K. We also discuss: U...Hyatt's Chicago Problem, Destroying Southwest's Brand, Reevaluating Lounge Certs & Bahamas Preview!
Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark dive into some of the changes Southwest announced after our previous show. It's far worse than anyone imagined including cuts in benefits, no free bags, basic economy and more. Are they destroying the brand or will it grow from this bigger and better than ever?
We also discuss Mark's upcoming trip to Baha Mar and what options are left for points on the island. Other topics discussed include: Hyatt's Chicago hotel problem, why 2025 is the time to reevaluate some perks and why you should...
Southwest's Devaluation & Betrayal, Nintendo Livery, Mileage Broker Warning & Cap One Fine Dining?
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Episode Description
This week Southwest knocked the socks off of their customers in the worst way possible with a gutting of points earnings followed by tons of other changes. We also discuss: mileage broker businesses, JetBlue's Nintendo livery, card deals from Wyndham and FlyingBlue, 5% Chase PayPal, a hack to get free drinks and the Lululemon strategy for picking where to stay in a new city. Episode Guide 0:00 The perfect “free” travel hack 0:39 Mileage broker warning - Cheap at a...Southwest Airlines Huge Devaluation, Ending Daylight Savings & Universal's Epic Year
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark are joined by Joe Cheung to discuss the recent Southwest Airlines devaluation that was a shock to everyone. What has Southwest changed and what does it mean for loyal Southwest fliers? Is this the death of uniqueness in corporate America and will Southwest be worth flying after these changes?
We also discuss Daylight Saving T...
Carnival in Rio De Janeiro! Flights, Hotels, Points Redemptions & Tips + Is It Safe?
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Mark debriefs his recent trip to Rio for Carnival. We go over the logistics of the trip including hotel and flight redemptions to discuss where to stay and where to avoid. Plus what are the best things to do in Rio, how is it to experience Carnival, is it safe and should you put Rio on your places to v...
Hilton Free Nights Are Back, Capital One Discover Strategy, AA's Free WiFi & Credit Card "Art"?
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Episode Description
This week American Express and Hilton released increased offers on most of their cobranded cards. Specifically the Surpass and the no annual fee card have great welcome offers which include a free night cert. These certs are so valuable, but is now the right time to pick up one of these cards? In other news American Airlines is trialing free WiFi. Is free internet on all airplanes in our future? We also discuss a Capital O...Hyatt's Brutal Award Changes, Shutdowns Galore, Best New Airport Lounge & White Lotus Holidome?
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Episode Description
This week Hyatt released their annual hotel category changes and they are about as brutal as we have seen in years. While no new categories are being introduced, many of the most popular properties are increasing in price including a ton to category 8. A lot of lower category hotels are moving up as well. Is there any good news? In other news lounges were the talk this week with the Amex Centurion Charlotte having a h...Shutdowns Galore, Newly Unlocked Fear of Flying, Self Upgrading to First Class & Sad Influencers!
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark discuss the recent aviation disasters and the wider conversation about the safety of air travel. Is flying more dangerous than before, are there more crashes and is the FAA being cutback. Plus what else are we considering when deciding whether to fly or not?
In other news tons of people received shutdowns from American A...
Surviving Scammers, Rich Timeshare Deal, Delta's Increased Offers & Uber's Foreign Exchange "Trap"
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Episode Description
This week Uber was in the news for a couple of reasons. First off, they are adding a foreign exchange fee, but you don't want to get caught in the trap. Find out how to save yourself from the fee and to ensure you are always getting the best deal. We also follow up on the Clear/Uber deal which was a mess this week after a sudden cancelation and refunds. In other news the D...Wild Marriott Indifference, Memories & The Dividends of Travel & Previewing Rio Carnival
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark discuss a recent Marriott experience a friend of theirs ran into. Sometimes indifferent service can make or break a stay and sometimes hotels just don't think of the customer's perspective when fixing issues. Something small can often feel much bigger. We also discuss the idea of travel and how memories are more of a deposit for l...
Chase's Big Bank Error, Hyatt Expands Again, BA Rug Pull, Disappointing Lounges & Whirlyball!
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Episode Description
This week a lot of credit card news is happening as Chase is currently running increased welcome offers for the United Business and IHG personal cards. We break down the offers including which you should probably avoid. We also discuss the details of JetBlue's new premium credit card which is confusing, not very valuable and probably not for most people. In other news we go over some of the best practices to avoid credit card a...The Art of Complaining, Hyatt vs. Marriott, MTM Diamond Slots Open, Creepy Hotel Software & JW Marriott Las Vegas Review
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark discuss their recent weekend trips including more Hilton payment headaches for Mark and a last minute cert redemption at the JW Marriott Las Vegas for Shawn. How do these hotels measure up and is the JW Marriott in Vegas worth staying at even though it isn't on the Strip? We also dive more into the decline in front desk customer service and...
JetBlue's Weird Premium Card, United/IHG Offers, DCA Tragedy, Bank Bonus Challenge & 737 Hotel Room!
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Episode Description
This week a lot of credit card news is happening as Chase is currently running increased welcome offers for the United Business and IHG personal cards. We break down the offers including which you should probably avoid. We also discuss the details of JetBlue's new premium credit card which is confusing, not very valuable and probably not for most people. In other news we go over some of the best practices to avoid credit card a...Jetblue's Terrible New Card, Winning on Spirit Again + Minneapolis (Mall of America, Hyatt & More!
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark are joined by Joe Cheung to discuss what is going on this week. They start with a discussion of the recently released JetBlue Premier card which has to be one of the most underwhelming new premium cards to come along ever. They also discuss Mark's trip to Minneapolis which included visits to the Ice Carnival and Mall of America plus why Joe is continuing to...
Southwest Is A Real Airline, New Marriott Bonvoy Offers, Alaska Partner Headaches & Flying 800+ MPH!
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Episode Description
This week Southwest announced a huge milestone as part of their huge recent transformation. For the first time they have added an international interline partner with the addition of Iceland Air. Soon you'll be able to connect on to Iceland and Europe, but the airline isn't done yet with another partner coming soon. Are they turning into a "real" airline? In other news Alaska continues to have problems showing phantom award availability on some of t...Hawaii for "Free"! - Disney's Aulani, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Issues, North Shore, Pearl Harbor & More
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Episode Description
On this episode of the podcast we dive into Shawn's recent trip to Oahu which included stays at Disney's Aulani in a 2 bedroom villa and the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. We'll go over the hotels including who should and shouldn't stay at Aulani plus some of the issues Shawn ran into at the Hyatt Regency. We also discuss visiting the North Shore, Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, plenty of snorkeling and everything else we did...
Hilton's New Terms, Hyatt Disappoints, Finding the Best Amex Deals, Redwood Train & UK Backtracks!
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Episode Description
This week Hilton was in the news as they added some terms that change the way lounge access is given to elites. Specifically they excluded some hotels, but is this really new or are they just updating policies that have already existed? Plus which elite status actually gets you guaranteed lounge access? In other news the UK has backtracked a bit on their e-visa and transit passengers. Find out what you need to know if y...2025 Trip Planning, More Award Headaches & Don't Underestimate Children
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Episode Description
On this episode of the podcast we dive into our 2025 trip planning including some of the headaches we are facing booking big trips for ourselves and others. We also dive a bit more into family travel, the pains of homeschooling, not underestimating children and some of the places we are eyeing to visit in the upcoming year.
Links:
Point.me (Shawn's referral) Seats.aero (Shawn's referral)Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20...
Another Devaluation, Hyatt's Troubling Direction, New Card Offers, Mean Airport Trick & Chase 5-7X!
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Episode Description
This week Hyatt was in the news a lot as their credit cards came in window for higher offers while they added Venetian as a new partner. We go over the details of the card offers including why you may not want to jump on this round. We also go into detail of the Venetian partnership explaining the benefits and what Hyatt customers get in terms of benefits and value when booking at Venetian. Hint...Leveling Up Your Award Game, Tips & Tools of the Trade, Timeshare Warnings & Airbnb Letdown
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Episode Description
In this conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss various aspects of travel planning, including their upcoming trips, the pros and cons of timeshares, the debate between using Airbnb versus hotels, and the intricacies of booking award travel. They also touch on the use of travel tools and why being cheap isn't always the best option.
The episode ends with some discussion of Phuket which Shawn calls the Cancun of Thailand. Find out where...
Quitting Hyatt Globalist, Amex 100K + 15X, Paying Taxes with Credit Cards & Suite Trick Killed!
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Episode Description
This week Hyatt is in the news as they killed a long used suite trick that recently moved online. Why did they kill it and should they have? We also go in depth on our pursuits for Hyatt Globalist and why Mark is giving up on the status. The truth is maybe you should too. In other news a very lucrative Amex Platinum 100K + 15X offer is out and we'll show you how to get i...Epic Trip - Disastrous Cancelation, Bangkok on NYE, Hotel Reviews & Hating Singapore Business Class!
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Episode Description
In this episode of MTM Travel, Mark shares his recent trip to Asia, detailing the chaos of his travel plans, the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok, and the unique culinary experiences he encountered. From disastrous flight cancelations and changes to exploring local culture, Mark's journey is filled with insights and tips for travelers.
During the trip Mark visited Bangkok and Singapore and stayed in the Conrad Centennial and Hyatt Regency Bangkok. He reviews...
New Year's Eve Travel, Park Hyatt New York, Update on Hyatt/Rio & Disney's Tricky Free Dining!
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel, Shawn is joined by Joe Cheung as Mark is traveling around Asia. The two discuss various timely topics including Disney's free dining offer, Joe's travel experiences in New Jersey, skiing with family, and their New Year's Eve adventures in New York City. They also share insights about Park Hyatt New York and shopping at the insane American Dream mall, highlighting the differences in shopping experiences and the challenges...
Government Travel Crackdowns, Southwest's New Seat Game, Chase Freedom Turns 15 & Best Trips of 2024
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Episode Description
This week the government began cracking down on a few things in the travel/finance space. First, they are targeting resort and other junk fees with new rules that will help consumers a lot. The government is also suing many of the big banks and Zelle over the service. Will this end up with better consumer protections? In other news Chase Freedom turns 15 this year, but is their celebration worth actually pursuing? We also discuss o...Huge Miles & Points Pitfalls & Hilton's Big Devaluation
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss many of the pitfalls of earning in the miles & points hobby. Shawn discusses his reselling efforts over the years and how difficult they have become. What is worth doing in 2025 and what pitfalls should you be aware of when pursuing other avenues of earning?
We also discuss Hilton's big devaluation which includes higher prices and multiple tiers for the first time plus Mark's...
Amex's Surprise New Perk, More Boeing Concern, New Luxury Hyatts & Alaska's New Premium Card!
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Episode Description
This week American Express released a new surprise perk for Business Platinum cardholders that is quite interesting. Starting now you can get a $200 annual credit for Hilton (broken up quarterly), so what is the best way to maximize this new perk. And does the new Amex Business Platinum Hilton credit mean something else will be going away? In other news Alaska Airlines is getting ready to launch a premium card but is it really worth p...Award Strategies Gone Wrong, Bahamas Hack, Traveler Dilemma & End of Year Credits & Procrastination!
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss their end of year strategies as they maximize credits and plan for 2025. Shawn takes the approach of procrastination while Mark does it a different way. The two also discuss their upcoming Spring Break planning including why the Bahamas can be good or bad plus why they both value returning to places vs. only visiting new.
Episode Guide
0:00 End of year procrastination...Citi's Giant Exclusive Deal, Waldorf NYC Opening, Hyatt Tech Improves & ThankYou to AA Transfers?
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Episode Description
This week the news broke that Citi has secured the exclusive rights to market AA co-branded credit cards beginning in 2026. What will this mean for Barclays cardholders and will anything change under this new partnership? We also discuss whether ThankYou to AAdvantage points transfers might be coming. In other news Virgin has brought back their popular cruise deals but with a catch and some quirks. We also discuss: avoiding the low cost carrier middle seat, H...Airline Bag Fee Commissions, Dueling Road Trips, Chicago Holidays Done Right & Thompson Disappoints!
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Episode Description
On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss their dueling weekend road trips. Shawn headed down to Long Beach for an MTM Diamond meetup while Mark checked out all of the holiday celebrations happening in Chicago. The two discuss the importance of meetups, how low cost carriers are enticing higher bag fees, getting 200K offer FOMO, why the Thompson Chicago is ruined and all of the cool holiday themed stuff you can do...
TMT News - Amex Fraud Warning, United's Huge Investment, Explaining "No Lifetime Language" & Big Deal Returns!
Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube!
Episode Description
This week there are a couple of new Amex "no lifetime language" offers floating around including a huge 200K Business Gold version. We go over the details and explain exactly how these offers work and why you probably want to take advantage of them. We also explain Amex's application rules, the popup and your best overall strategy for dealing with th...
