Frequent Miler on the Air

In today's Frequent Miler on the Air episode, Greg bypasses 5/24, Nick flies a donut plane towards earning status and 350,000 miles, and we run the numbers on Turkish's million mile promo.

Giant Mailbag

(01:58) - Virgin Atlantic substantially increases fees on award tickets. But one door closes, another opens.

Read more about Virgin Atlantic increasing fees on award tickets here.

Card News

(04:17) - Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ Card approved over 5/24

Bonvoyed

(09:46) - Chase Ink Business Premier®: Effective October 7th, 2025, you will be eligible to receive referral bonus awa...

What are "Chase points boosts"? In this episode, we'll explain and evaluate this new system for establishing the value of Chase Travel ℠ bookings.

(00:21) - Explaining a few confusing elements

Learn more about this here.

(03:30) - Chase points boosts (flights)

(04:50) - What does a points boost mean for flights?

(09:19) - As far as flights are concerned, is this a good change?

(13:59) - Chase points boosts (hotels)

(14:08) - The Edit hotels

(18:41) - As far as hotels are concerned, is this a good change?

Vi...

JetBlue is offering 350,000 points plus 25 years of elite status if you fly JetBlue to 25 destinations before the end of the year. Today we'll look at that promotion a little more closely, but we'll also hear from a "nerdy dad", and will hear about some crazy credit card approvals. 

(01:04) - John the Nerdy Dad sends a shoutout to his teenage kids

(03:36) - Chase Sapphire Preferred offer

(04:59) - Chase Sapphire Reserve now available through referrals

(07:32) - Chase approves despite user selection of "no" on the popup

(12:21) - Citi ThankYou transfer bonuses t...

Updated new cardmember bonus offers just came out for the newly-refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve card (consumer version) and the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business. Everyone's talking about it...but are they worth pursuing for everyone?

You can read more about these offers here.

(00:52) - Chase Sapphire Reserve welcome offer: 100K points + promo credit good for up to $500 towards a single Chase Travel℠ booking after $5K spend in 3 months

(02:01) - There are some things to keep in mind about that $500 promo credit

(07:20) - Is this worth pursuing for some people?

(11:12...

Today we'll talk about how Chase is breaking up the family (rule), we'll discuss whether American Express is high when introducing "as high as" offers, and we'll talk about how Chase has made the Chase Sapphire Reserve card harder to explain and harder and recommend.

(01:27) -  How to move Avios between British Airways, Qatar, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Finnair

(04:56) - Major refresh coming to The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express "later this year"

Read more about this here.

(10:53) - The Business Platinum Card® from...

Chase is out with new details about their Sapphire Reserve for business card...and there are a few ways our predictions from last week were way off. Today, we'll talk about how we were wrong about the Sapphire Reserve for Business card.

The real Sapphire Reserve for Business

Find our predictions episode here: https://frequentmiler.com/predicting-the-sapphire-business-card-frequent-miler-on-the-air-ep310-6-13-25/

(01:03) - $795 fee, free employee cards, and earning rate details...

(02:32) - Major perks of the card

(06:51) - Major "coupon-like" credits of the card

Visit giftcards.com/reservebusiness here.<...

*Our apologies for the occasional connection issues with Nick's audio*

What the heck does "Mattress Cycling the Hyatt Numbers" mean? We'll find out in today's episode. We'll also talk about using online chat with Hyatt to get your way, and we'll predict the details of the new Chase Sapphire Business card.

(01:25) - Did we just beat a Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast?

Listen to Tim's origin story episode here.

(02:51) - You can now move your Chase credit lines between cards online

(05:26) - Capital One Spark Cash: $1500 after $15K in 3 months. $95 annual...

What do you do when you don't have enough hotel miles? And why aren't we letting all 100K Vacay competitors use Chase points? We answered these and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube which first aired on June 4th, 2025.

(07:36) - ​​What is your favorite all inclusive you've stayed at? I've been to Punta Cana but want to try other locations.

(10:14) - Do you keep the points when you PC Wells Fargo cards? For example if you PC to the no longer available Visa signature card can you then use the...

On today's Frequent Miler on the Air, we look at 2 cards offering 5 free nights, we recall the 5 ways we've been Bonvoyed recently, and we announce the 2025 Frequent Miler team challenge! 

(01:41) - We learn how to pronounce Dugroz

(02:53) - "...any tools or shortcuts you use to quickly size up a biz class product without opening 6 tabs and a YouTube black hole? I know equipment swaps happen, but I’d love to avoid turning every redemption into a minor research thesis."

(09:05) - Best Offers Card Exploration Tool (Beta)

Try out our card exploration too...

Greg and Nick recently both flew the same Etihad First Class route between Paris and Abu Dhabi in the first class apartments. Greg flew the morning flight from Paris to Abu Dhabi and Nick flew the reverse, an evening flight. Which one was a better experience?

(00:51) - Why did Nick pick the evening flight that he picked?

(01:40) - When using American Airline miles, availability is tough.

(03:40) - What makes Etihad first class apartments special?

(06:33) - Greg thinks the route isn't long enough to enjoy all the perks if you're also trying...

Today we learn that we're all wrong about Wyndham, we discuss some miscellaneous tips to save on flights, we hear from someone who's traveling the world one day at a time, and much more...

(03:07) - "I got the Chase Ink Cash last summer and immediately tested to see if YouTube TV would qualify for the 5x Ultimate Rewards points. ...it didn't."

(05:07) - Use Walmart scan and go and it may code as an online grocery expense for 3x on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

(08:05) - One listener opened a card to get a...

We've been gradually telling the "origin stories" of each team member in Frequent mIler. Today, we'll talk about how Tim came to join Frequent Miler.

(00:52) - How did Tim get started in miles and points?

(02:12) - Around 16 or 17, Tim and his brother planned out a series of roadtrips to try to see beyond their Midwestern home.

(06:24) - To prepare for his honeymoon years later, Tim volunteered for medical research studies to raise money. His goal: take his new wife to the top 5 places she wanted to see. (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France...

This week we'll lean about the "ultimate life hack", we'll gripe about how we're being Bonvoyed every which way, and we'll debate: is the points and miles game dead?

(01:14) - Listeners respond to our "Points for the next generation" podcast Ep306 with some great life hacks...

You can find our "Points for the next generation" podcast Ep306 here.

(08:53) - Nick's schedule change story

Read more about Nick's schedule change story here.

(16:17) - The Blackjack Apprenticeship Podcast

Find our guest appearance on the Blackjack Apprenticeship podcast "AP Life...

Without warning, Hilton increased its top standard room rate for many hotels, which follows a big increase in December last year. Most increased around 5K points, but some much more, especially at the high end.

(00:27) - Hilton increased top standard room rate for many hotels, which follows a big increase in December last year

(05:23) - A few examples for high end properties impacted

(06:30) - How serious of a devaluation is this?

(13:56) - Have we lost faith with Hilton?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points an...

In today's episode we'll talk about how you can still book Emirate first class awards, we'll discuss Spirit Airlines is going premium, and we'll look at how you can prepare your kids for points and miles.

(01:29) - Does anyone else feel like American Express' customer service is above and beyond the rest?

(09:33) - Chase Instacart benefits on many cards

(17:07) - Buy Marriott Points for as low as 0.89 cents each (or maybe lower)

Read more about buying Marriott points here.

(23:33) - Emirates restricting first class availability to elite members from 5/12/25<...

How would we use that 100K bonus, and which vacation home rental platform has the best value? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on May 7th, 2025.

(03:54) - ​​Hi! Q for Stephen: what’s your credit card strategy now that you’ve moved? For everyone: If you lived outside the US but could still have US credit cards, which cards would you keep?

(06:45) - ​​Last month, y'all outlined how many cards you open each year- often 12-20. How many do you close each year?

(10:23) - ​​I don’t know if...

Takeaways:

In today's episode, we'll talk about how The Standard is coming to Hyatt...(but we're too old for it). Nick will enlighten Greg about the fact that Air France flies to French Polynesia, and we'll talk through our recent award booking stories.

(01:24) - A correction about the Delta Business Gold card (with a $150 hotel credit, not $200 as mentioned in the episode).

(02:23) - Would a speculative Discover Miles card be worth it for the 3x everywhere for the first year, with the chance that those all become transferable to C1 miles when the merger goes through?<...

In today's episode, we'll talk about why we like the Rakuten shopping portal and also discuss a great new trick Rakuten has up its sleeve...

(00:42) - What is a shopping portal?

(01:15) - Choose cash back or Amex Membership Rewards points (must link Amex card)

(02:55) - Great refer-a-friend promos ($40/4K)

(04:08) - Frequent 10x, 15x, 20x promotions

(04:43) - Portal includes travel sites like IHG, Marriott, Choice, Hertz, Avis, Expedia, some airlines

(05:13) - Double dip with hotel / car rewards / airline miles etc.

(06:38) - In-store offers

(07:08...

In today's episode, we're schooled about Wells Fargo cards, we learn about earning points on your mortgage, and we talk about how you can take the sting out of Southwest's customer unfriendly changes.

(01:03) - Listeners give us more ideas about making a great Wells Fargo Wallet

Find our episode "A World-Class Wells Fargo Wallet" here.

(08:20) - Mesa Homeowners Card: Earn transferable points on mortgage payments

(14:20) - Goldbelly no longer selling $10 gift cards (minimum is $25)

(16:06) - Read about maximizing your "coupon" credits from American Express here.

(16:15) - Capital...

There are credit cards that help make your points actually more valuable, just by having the credit card on hand. You can find all of the cards discussed on this show on our Best Offers page. 

(00:40) - United: Discounted awards, ability to upgrade

(01:38) - Delta: 15% discount

(01:54) - JetBlue 10% rebate

(02:20) - Aeroplan: 1.25 PYB, better award pricing

(02:55) - Avianca Lifemiles Elite: Comes with Lifemiles+ Lite (10% discount on awards)

(04:09) - Spirit points pooling

(04:58) - IHG: 4th night free (& 10% back old card)

(06:00...

We tend to ignore Wells Fargo cards because there are so many other great credit cards out there, but they actually do have some compelling cards out there. In today's episode we'll discuss which ones you might want in your wallet.

(01:47) - Re: Clarifying our "Beyond 100K Sapphire Preferred" episode, which you can read more about here.

(19:33) - Bigger Capital One VentureX Business Card offer via private banker

Listen to the podcast episode about the public Capital One VentureX Business card offer here.

(22:49) - Citi decreasing redemption rates on emirates starting 7/27<...

The Capital One Venture X Business card is out with a massive welcome bonus of 750K points...but the devil is in the details. Is this card really worth it?

(00:27) - Capital One Venture X Business card details

Read our Capital One Venture X Business card review here.

(03:47) - The welcome bonus is broken down into two pieces: 150K after $30K in 3 months, then 200K after $200K ($170K more) in 6 months

(04:52) - What's the total earnings with 2x for spend?

(05:25) - Is it worth it?

Visit https://fr...

If you just got 100K points from a brand new travel rewards card, you should know a few things to help make sure you're earning even more points, saving money, and getting great value. Plus we'll also look at "Amex referral reformatory rescinded" and how to earn points on RENT with any credit card.

(01:30) - One reader shares a success story using the "email the GM" strategy...

(03:37) - Capital One Venture X Business Card: Up to 350K Miles

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X Business Card here.

(06:55...

On a recent podcast episode, we talked about all the important considerations when you're just getting start in the points and miles game. But in this episode, we'll go one step further and talk about which credit cards you might want to consider as someone just getting started.

(00:10) - Listen to our "Getting started with points & miles" Ep298 here.

(01:12) - Some of the things you might ideally look for are: great welcome bonuses, transferable points, a good way to use points without transferring, and maybe a card that's good for everyday spend...

(02:00...

In this episode, we highlight the credit cards that are becoming "collectables", we had a heated debate about "Strawberry season", discuss changes from ANA and Alaska Airlines, and share tips for saving on your domestic flights.

(01:29) - Delta Sky Club access with multiple American Express platinum cards in your name...

(06:40) - [Expired] Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K (Read more about this offer here)

(07:58) - United Business 125K ...

(08:59) - Citi Rewards+ no longer available new OR for product changes

(12:05...

How can you find rooms for 4 in Scotland? Is Bilt worth it if your rent's only $1500? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on April 2nd, 2025. (03:29) -  ​​If you guys could only have cards from one issuer, which would you choose?

(11:09) -  ​​What's your thought on how long the us bank 4% card could stay alive?

(12:04) -  Do you guys have a comprehensive list of when each type of point expires? For example United Travel Bank expires 5 years after purchasing, Hyatt points i think expire 2 years if no activity et...

There are some creative ways to use airline miles to fly further with less miles. In other words, you can see more and spend less. We'll talk about these fun tricks in today's episode.

(01:00) - The validity of Etihad Guest Miles will be extended by 18 months based on qualifying member flight activity. We thought this means you have to credit paid flights to Etihad to extend your miles...but is that true?

(04:20) - How do you handle domestic positioning flights?

See our "Tips for booking positioning flights" episode 253 here.

(09:30) - Amex targ...

There's been a trend where credit card issuers increase annual fees on rewards cards, and attempt to make up for it by adding credits and rebates for somewhat random things (which often require a lot of mental effort and organization to put to use.) Today, we'll speculate how far this trend is going to go...

(01:03) - Recent history of couponization

(05:51) - Expected refresh of Platinum card

Check out the Coffee Break episode 47 where we discussed an expected refresh here, or read more about even more refreshed Platinum card predictions here.

(06:43...

A few years ago American Express introduced this kind of model for their Platinum card where they increased their annual fee, but attempted to make up for it by offering a whole collection of credits and rebates that could be valuable if you did the work to make use of them and happened to have natural needs for them. In other words, these new benefits felt a lot like coupons, thus introducing the nickname for these kinds of card benefits. Now, United seems to be taking a page from American Express' book by "couponizing" their credit cards.

(02:02...

Wyndham is having an excellent point sale that lasts until April 15th (2025). Read more about it here or listen to this episode for details. 

(01:15) - Wyndham point sale: Through April 15th, if you buy 3,000 or more points, you get up to an 80% bonus.

(01:47) - Simultaneously, all 3 Wyndham Earner cards have increased welcome bonuses

Learn more about the increased bonuses for all 3 Wyndham credit cards here.

(02:55) - Vacasa Vacation Rental

Learn about Wyndham and Vacasa here.

(05:55) - Wyndham Grand

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get upd...

Winning the game doesn't have to be hard. Points & miles is like complicated board game -- seems overwhelming at first. But the rewards for winning are incredible. In today's main event we'll show you how to get started.

(02:09) - Tyler writes in about success with Chase travel insurance

Read more about Chase Sapphire Reserve & Ritz-Carlton cards' excellent travel protections here.

(03:58) - Bilt rent payment method is changing - read more about it here.

(07:27) - Chase biz cards: Pre-approved offers showing when logged in - read more about it here.

(09:43...

(00:10) - In this episode we talk about the airline rewards programs and hotel rewards programs that seem to be changing in value. Some of them are going up in value and some are going down. 

(00:42) - Alaska Mileage Plan miles are going up in value

(02:08) - Southwest points are going down

Listen to our episode about these Southwest changes here.

(02:45) - Avianca Lifemiles are going down

(04:43) - Hilton points are going up

(06:12) - Hyatt points are going down

(10:36) - Which transferable points are going up o...

Bilt Rewards is a program that became famous for giving you rewards for your rent payments, but these days there are many ways to earn Bilt rewards. In this episode, we'll pay special attention to how you might want to use your Bilt points.

(01:15) - John writes in with a correction for Nick's statement that there's a "zero percent chance" the tax payment won't count toward the bonus.

(06:57) - Andrew writes in about applying for an Amex card by opening up a Private Browser and searching for the card there can bring up a higher...

What do we think are the best hotel programs for outsized value? Have we noticed some of the same Alaska Airlines quirks that our listeners have? What have our experiences with the EVA Air program been (if any)? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on March 5th, 2025.

00:40 - What's the most meaningful miles and points trip you've had?

03:16 - Inspired by Nick’s “falling in love with Alaska” post… Let’s play a miles themed version of the old FMK game (the acronym will make sense in a momen...

Starting May 28 of this year, Southwest will be making some major changes to the things we've known and loved. For example Most people will be losing free checked bags on Southwest starting May 28 of this year, they'll be introducing basic economy, flight credits will now expire (after 6-12 months depending on what type of fare you bought) and the value of points will become much more variable.

(01:49) - Commenter Brad says: "I’m an accountant who completely understands the math of cutting expenses or raising revenues to increase profit... I don’t understand, though, what the business stra...

In today's episode we'll talk about how American Airlines out-crazies Citi, Southwest out-bonvoys Marriott, and we'll talk about what we think are the 5 best award search tools that make it much easier to find those coveted awards.

(01:25) - One reader shares their concerns about tax payments made by an American Express card not counting towards sign up bonus spending.

(05:28) - Read more about paying taxes with a credit card here and check out our podcast Episode239 about paying taxes to earn rewards.

(05:45) - Capital One Venture X Business cards have a Rideshare Protection...

Word on the street is the Amex Platinum card is going to be "refreshed" which may mean new benefits, new cost, new rebates, and more. In this episode, we'll make some predictions about what we might see.

(01:06) - Predicting the Refreshed Platinum Card annual fee

(02:55) - Earning rate change?

(04:04) - Coupon changes?

(06:49) - Will the airline incidental fees credit change?

(11:57) - Perk changes?

Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us o...

Hilton credit cards come loaded with perks that CAN BE worth more than the card's annual fee IF you use them well. On today's show, we discuss how we use these credits.

(01:06) - Hilton points for the win that all starts with the Venture X credit card promo to enter into the special access raffle to buy Taylor Swift tickets.

(06:24) - This person was trying to use up a $200 Hilton resort credit for themself and their player 2 account, booking on December 31st for a date beyond the expiration.

(09:39) - Hilton has a bad...

With a $350 annual fee, the Delta Platinum credit card is not cheap. But like most of these more expensive cards, it comes with perks and credits that help off-set that cost. Since Greg has this card, we'll find out how he makes use of these various perks and credits.

Learn more about the Delta Platinum card here and the Delta Platinum Business card here.

(00:15) - $350

(00:55) - 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only)

(02:22) - Annual $2,500 MQD Headstart

(04:49) - Companion ticket each year upon card...