Explore every episode of the podcast Award Travel 101
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card Credit Rundown | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:45:23 | |
This episode features Mike Zaccheo and Angie Sparks diving deep into the world of credit card statement credits and how to maximize them. The episode begins with a highlight post from member Karen, who detailed her inspiring solo round-the-world trip at age 60, showing how miles, points, and determination can unlock life-changing travel. In news, the hosts cover Flying Blue’s November Promo Rewards offering discounted redemptions from North America to Europe, a 20% Capital One transfer bonus to British Airways, Wells Fargo adding JetBlue as a transfer partner, and a major announcement that Rove Miles will soon support Lufthansa’s Miles & More—its first European transfer option. Angie shares her latest booking spree, spending 1.3 million points to plan a Switzerland and Istanbul trip, while Mike talks about arranging a Key West getaway for family. They also discuss their travel plans for Chicago Seminars weekend. The main topic focuses on using all available card credits—daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual—across popular cards like the Amex Platinum, Amex Gold, Hilton Aspire, and Chase Sapphire Reserve. They break down credits covering everything from Uber, dining, and streaming to resort stays, airline fees, and portal bookings, emphasizing that these perks can dramatically offset annual fees when used strategically. Links to Topics Discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| JetBlue 25 for 25 | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:55:34 | |
Joe returns to host, joined by first-time guest James He and former moderator Eric Holly. The highlight post covers a member’s lost hotel item and how travelers handle forgotten valuables. In the news: Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer devaluation, a new JetBlue–United partnership allowing reciprocal earning and redemptions (with limited premium space), and a rare 25% Chase transfer bonus to Southwest. The team also shares their latest credit card bonuses, milestone progress, and efforts to trim down annual fees. Trip updates include Eric’s California work travel and future Portugal plans, James’ upcoming premium-class flights to Asia, Africa, and Europe, and Joe’s family trip to Atlanta plus speaking appearances at Chicago Seminars and Zorkfest. Main topic: JetBlue’s “25 for 25” challenge. Both Eric and James completed it—visiting 25 JetBlue destinations to earn 350K points and Mosaic 1 status for 25 years. Each spent around $3,500 and built trips around existing plans. They explain how to qualify, eligible flights, and why the long-term rewards make it worthwhile. The episode wraps with tips on status matching and using tools like Plastiq to help meet spend goals. Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Atmos Rewards | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:42:08 | |
Episode 135 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosted by Angie Sparks with Mike Zaccheo, opens with a member story about a mortgage broker advising card closures—sparking near-universal advice to simply find a new broker. In news, they cover the launch of the Alaska Airlines premium card, Frontier’s companion certificates tied to spend, a Southwest temporary Companion Pass promo, and the upcoming Singapore KrisFlyer devaluation. Angie shares updates on her app-o-rama (with mixed results), booking a Caribbean cruise, and setting plans for Switzerland, while Mike reports progress toward his Citi Strata Elite SUB and approval for the new Atmos Summit card. The feature dives into Atmos Rewards, the new combined Alaska–Hawaiian program, with flexible earning options, expanded redemptions, refreshed elite tiers, and a new premium credit card. Award charts and the Companion Fare remain intact, and the episode closes with a tip: don’t be afraid of a “no” when going after new cards—you might be surprised. Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| 2023 Trip Recaps | 08 Dec 2023 | 00:42:16 | |
Angie and Joe talk about their trip highlights from 2023. Angie's big trips were an African safari to a girls trip to Bali & Singapore. Meanwhile Joe went on an epic first class trip to Europe with his dad as well as several family trips.
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| The Lingo | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:50:32 | |
Feel like you are learning a new language? We often get folks saying “please spell out these acronyms” but when it’s the same word over and over again, you need shorthand. Some examples include 5/24, CSR, SUB, and P2. Links to News Discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Building Your Point Balances with Justin Vacula | 24 Nov 2023 | 00:55:13 | |
Justin fell into travel rewards programs accidentally as he was working his way through various casino programs. Listen as he and Joe discuss some of the dead deals of the past to learn more about what you can look for in the future. If you want to hear Part One of this discussion, where Justin interviews Joe, check out the Hurdy Gurdy Podcast. In this particular episode Justin shares how online poker led him to into travel rewards and loyalty programs. If you are in the area you can also join Justin's Greater Philadelphia Miles & Points monthly meetups. You can find some interesting takes on casino rewards, miles & points, and Dave Ramsey on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel YouTube Channel. For everything else, check out the Hurdy Gurdy Travel website. Tip of the week Check out our instructional video on how to use CardPointers with the Company's founder, Emmanuel Crouvisier. Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| How Do You Track All of Your Rewards? | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:44:49 | |
Angie's back to catch up on all of the news and to discuss how we can better manage all of our award programs. Namely a Free AwardWallet subscription. You can also get AwardWallet Plus for more enhanced and time saving features. The Award Travel 101 group also celebrates the milestone of reaching 100K members! Links to News Discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Let's Get Thrifty | 10 Nov 2023 | 00:38:33 | |
Award Travel 101 Podcast partner and founder of Thrifty Traveler Premium, Jared Kamrowski, joins Joe to discuss how Award Travel fundamentally changed his life and experiences. Starting as a broke college student, Jared became a road warrior who learned techniques to improve his travel experiences for less. He and his wife wanted to travel more in their personal lives, so like many of us, he dug more into credit cards and reward programs that helped boost his ability to accomplish many of their goals. Eventually, he started his own site, Thrifty Traveler, sharing some of the tips he'd learned. The blog grew quickly, and he left his job to develop the business further, He hasn't looked back, and has grown the business into a 25 member team who scour the web looking for the best cash and award fares for you. Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Unique and Aspirational Flights | 03 Nov 2023 | 00:47:50 | |
Joe and Mike talk this week about their recent trips plus aspirational flights they have taken or wish to take in the near future including:
Former (defunct)
Links to topics discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Chicago Seminars and Zorkfest Recap | 27 Oct 2023 | 00:46:01 | |
Angie and Joe both met for the first time as Joe was traveling to Angie's hometown, so they both love meetups. This week, Angie went to Chicago Seminars, Joe went out west for Zorkfest. Links to Topics Discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| QSuites, Longest Flight in the World, and Bali | 20 Oct 2023 | 01:04:59 | |
Angie and Allison talk about how she is going on a girls trip to Bali and paying less than $1500 per person compared to $12,000 if they paid cash. Flights on Qatar (QR) for 100k, Singapore (SQ) for 112.5k and Etihad (EK) for 87.5k.
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Underappreciated Award Currencies | 13 Oct 2023 | 00:51:05 | |
Angie's back, and she and Joe jump on the podcast to discuss the state of Amex, their newest bonuses, trip updates, and under appreciated award currencies. There are things for which you should have a basic understanding:
Do your own comparisons and see which cards offer YOU the best returns. Links to topics discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Starting in Award Travel - Meet the Mods (Sophie Keller) | 06 Oct 2023 | 00:47:25 | |
Award Travel mod Sophie and Joe discuss news, their newest cards, trip updates, and how Sophie has transitioned into the travel business.
Links to news discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Destination: Italy | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:51:38 | |
In this episode, Angie and April dive into travel hacks, promotions, and their unforgettable Italian adventures. They highlight a clever mileage-earning strategy from a listener who used a Capital One Shopping portal to rack up over 300,000 miles on a reimbursable business expense—underscoring the value of stacking credit card offers and shopping portals. Travel news includes JetBlue’s launch of a full-service travel portal and new Florida routes from Long Island, United’s Mileage Play promo, and fresh Capital One card offers. April also mentions ongoing promotions from Marriott Homes & Villas, Wyndham, and a status match opportunity via SAS and Scandic. The main segment focuses on Italy, where Angie and April share their luxurious, points-powered itineraries. Angie recounts her first major points trip, which included business class flights and mostly free hotel stays. Her group journey spanned Milan, Florence (with a Cinque Terre day trip), Rome, Pompeii, and Sorrento. April’s recent trip featured Rome and Sardinia, where she stayed at the upscale 7Pines resort and enjoyed boat tours, live music, and gourmet pizza. She flew Volotea and Aeroitalia, noting the latter’s new partnerships with major airlines like Delta and Qatar Airways. Both hosts offer rich travel tips for each destination—from climbing Florence’s Duomo to sunset dinners on the Amalfi Coast—making this episode a treasure trove for anyone planning a dream trip to Italy. Links to Topics Discussed Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| I Quit...to Travel | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:37:41 | |
Angie and Joe are off traveling this week, so Mike takes over the podcast with community member Erin Kilpatrick to discuss her “mid-life renaissance” this year which would not have been possible without award travel. Listen to her journey through Ecuador (Galapagos), Uruguay, England/Wales, Norway, Denmark, Faroe Islands and Sweden along with future plans in Portugal, Turkiye, Brazil, Germany, and Tunisia. By the Numbers Thus Far What Erin Has Learned
Link to more of Erin's story: Mid-life renaissance! Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Skymiles Devaluation & Managing Pre-Trip Chaos | 22 Sep 2023 | 00:45:47 | |
What happens when you're too loyal to a program - are they loyal back? Angie and Joe discuss developments this week, bonuses they've earned, and prepping for travel.
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| The Power of Business Cards | 15 Sep 2023 | 00:50:53 | |
Angie and Joe jump on the podcast to discuss news, their newest card/s, trip updates, and to share the key to unlocking so many more miles/points - BUSINESS CARDS.
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| 40 Cards - Is it Necessary? Will it Ruin You? | 08 Sep 2023 | 00:51:05 | |
Angie is back with Joe to discuss card offers, news, trip updates, and the answer to whether having so many cards will ruin your credit.
Tip of the Week Alec Legg - Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Next Meetup Announcement & Let's Go Crazy with AT in the TC | 01 Sep 2023 | 00:49:18 | |
Mike joins Joe to discuss his newest cards, news, and their most recent trip to educate members on how to ramp up their Award Travel game, the "Let's Go Crazy with AT in the TC. Plus is there a Fiesta in-store?
Tip of the week Our Tip of the Week comes from Mike, who's been updating the Award Travel 101 website. For some of the tools we've produced to answer common questions of group members:
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| What's in Our Wallet | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:51:24 | |
Angie and Joe talk about the cards that they carry on a regular basis and how they leverage each of them to maximize their earnings.
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Favorite Card Perks and Putting Them ALL Together | 18 Aug 2023 | 00:48:23 | |
Angie and Joe are back to discuss their most recent card bonuses, some of their favorite card perks, and how Joe managed to combine multiple card offers/discounts plus earn rewards totaling thousands of dollars! Links to news discussed Putting All The Tricks Together
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Pancakes and Points | 11 Aug 2023 | 00:40:27 | |
This week Mike talks to Eric Holly, moderator for the Award Travel 101 community, protector of northern California, Alaska Airlines aficionado and colloquially appointed Certified Pancake Machine Repair Technician (CPMRT). Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Which Card Offers the Best Travel Protections | 04 Aug 2023 | 00:44:01 | |
In this episode of Award Travel 101, Joe and Angie explore premium credit card travel protections, highlighting features of the Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, and Chase Sapphire Reserve . Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| All the Upgrades & Traveling With Kids Who Have Special Needs | 28 Jul 2023 | 00:47:09 | |
In this episode, Joe chats with his wife Jessica, a Special Education Intervention Specialist their recent trip to the Andaz Mayakoba in Mexico and how we navigated various obstacles.
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| I've Got Points, Now What? | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:40:53 | |
This episode hosted by Mike and Angie , opens with a highlight post from Ira asking about easy, at-home ways to use various Amex statement credits. Angie explains that some, like Dunkin’ and office supply store credits, can be used online, while others, like the dining credit, are best used in person or via services like Grubhub. In the news segment, they cover Chase co-branded card multiplier promos, confirmation that Hawaiian Airlines credit cards will remain available, a recently expired United flash sale to Asia and Oceania, and major Aeroplan program changes starting in 2026, shifting to revenue-based point earning with new status qualifying credits and milestone rewards. In personal updates, both Angie and Mike share recent credit card bonuses, including the Citi Strata Elite 100k in-branch offer, and trip planning changes. Angie rebooked Northeast hotels to leverage Chase Points Boost and Citi Elite’s $300 hotel credit, finalized a rental car for a golf trip, and planned a November “girls’ trip” with possible glamping. Mike lists upcoming travel to Nashville, New Orleans, New York (twice), Texas, and Miami for the AT101 September meetup. The main topic, “I’ve got points—now what?”, addresses people who have amassed rewards but feel overwhelmed deciding how to use them. Angie shares four recent examples, from someone feeling pressure to book the Maldives because “everyone does,” to travelers struggling with cash vs. points decisions, or comparing award flights unfavorably to friends’ paid fares. Mike and Angie discuss how destination choices are often influenced by personal bucket lists or others’ invitations—like Mike’s potential Jamaica trip offered by a friend—and emphasize tailoring redemptions to individual goals, timing, and comfort levels rather than trends. Links to Topics Discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| What Are Points Worth | 21 Jul 2023 | 00:39:29 | |
Angie and Joe share their latest trip updates and sign up bonus bonus acquisitions, including new card offers from Chase, Amex and Barclays. Our highlight segment examines the value of points across various programs using AwardWallet's data, comparing flexible points and airline miles to hotel rewards. Tune in for insights on what points are worth and how to maximize your travel rewards. Links to topics discussed
Our favorite transferrable points
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| LIVE From a Lounge & Is American Airlines Status Worth Chasing | 14 Jul 2023 | 00:46:41 | |
Mike's joining us LIVE from the Polaris Lounge in Newark (EWR), where he discusses the ways to gain lounge access via cards, status, or class of service. Joe and Mike also break away from our normal discussion on credit card offers, asking if it's worthwhile to chase or keep top-tier American Airlines status now that benefits that once were only available to Executive Platinum members are now available to all. Is Platinum Pro the new sweetspot? Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Favorite Airline, Hotel, and Flexible Point (Loyalty) Programs | 07 Jul 2023 | 00:51:35 | |
This week as usual Joe and Angie talk trip updates and the bonuses they received or are working on. Additionally in the highlight feature they discuss their favorite loyalty programs in the following categories:
Also Angie talks about the ever important tactic of "gardening" your reservations. Hotels, flights, car rentals - everything in travel is very dynamic (means ever-changing) right now, and you can likely snag deals by periodically checking over your booked trips for lower prices or last minute award availability. Links to latest news and enhanced offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| First Class Trip to Croatia and Should You Speculatively Transfer Points | 30 Jun 2023 | 00:55:15 | |
Joe talks to Angie this week about his trip to Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Italy with his father. Joe has been planning this trip for some time and discussed it extensively in the group. NEWS & ENHANCED OFFERS
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Crafty Way to See Taylor Swift and Ways to Earn Hotel Free Night Certificates | 23 Jun 2023 | 00:44:34 | |
Allison and Mike are on this week to talk a bit about Taylor Swift and how to earn free night certificates (FNC) from the 4 big hotel brands.
Marriott
Hilton
IHG Links to additional news and enhanced offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Mistakes We've Made | 16 Jun 2023 | 00:45:57 | |
In this episode, we discuss common mistakes travelers make in the points and miles game. Key pitfalls include buying or transferring points from family members, overusing apps without fully understanding the rules, prioritizing airline or program-specific awards over flexible currencies, incurring late charges by not keeping track of due dates, booking travel without considering program flexibility, and chasing elite status without considering the true and opportunity costs involved. Links to news and offers
What you didn't know How many times can I change the name for my Companion Pass with Southwest? Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| The Tools We Use for "Free Travel" | 09 Jun 2023 | 00:41:58 | |
In this episode, we start with our "Post of the Week," where Mike Zaccheo shares exciting news about the new Chase Sapphire Lounge in Boston and the upcoming eight lounges, along with the entrance rules for these lounges. This development adds some renewed value to the Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR) card, which had recently lost some of its appeal. In the news, we discuss reports of Chase shifting credit limits without member approval and Chase Ink cards appearing on personal credit reports, sparking concerns among cardholders. Our main feature highlights the various tools we use to search for award flights, including In-person meetups, Expertflyer, Point.me, Roame.travel, Flight Connections, Straight to the Points, Thrifty Traveler Premium, FlightRadar24, Flightaware, Wikipedia, Google Flights, Open Hotel Alert, Stay With Points, MaxMyPoint, and Awayz. Finally, in "What You Didn't Know," we cover which airlines offer a one-month calendar search for award flights, including United, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, and LifeMiles, with a special note on Virgin Atlantic’s partial availability, which is further explained in a video from Award Travel 201. Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Gorgeous Pictures from Iran and Cards That Earn Status | 02 Jun 2023 | 00:48:04 | |
In this episode we discuss an epic trip from Award Travel 101 member Inga who shared her recent experience visiting Iran, despite a Level 4 travel advisory. In news and offers, we discuss increased Southwest offers with a 30% discount, a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic, and how to gain Frontier status with a rewards card. For trip updates, Angie is dealing with a termite invasion at home, while Joe recounts his recent travels to Atlanta and Chicago, highlighting the rewards and card benefits he leveraged, including free breakfasts, upgraded flights, and substantial point redemptions. Our "What Bonuses Did We Get?" segment where Joe shares his frustration with not being able to charge a planned travel expense to his Amex Biz Gold. The main feature focuses on credit cards that can help earn status with major airlines and hotel chains like American AAdvantage, Delta Skymiles, United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Hyatt World of Hyatt, and Marriott Bonvoy. Finally, in "What You Didn't Know," we share a tip about saving money by paying international bills in the local currency with a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, saving over $200 in the process. Links to news and offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Husband Cashes in All Their Points AND Programs To Book Round The World Flights | 26 May 2023 | 00:37:47 | |
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. Links to news and offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Citi Product Change Rules and Meet the Team: Allison Caraway | 19 May 2023 | 00:42:24 | |
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 offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Ants Marching... On Miles | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:44:49 | |
In Episode 132 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, host Mike Zaccheo is joined by community member Heather Killingbeck to dive into how her passion for the Dave Matthews Band (DMB) intersects with her love of points and miles. Heather shares how a spontaneous trip to a DMB show in Mexico led to meaningful friendships and a realization that she needed to make concert travel more affordable—enter points and miles. She's since used over half a million points, possibly up to a million, to follow the band to iconic venues like The Gorge and even on a European tour, with award redemptions taking her to Amsterdam, Paris, and Lisbon. Her go-to strategy includes the Southwest Companion Pass, Hyatt Globalist perks, and travel hacking tools to make the most of every trip, all while juggling work, family, and parent guilt. The episode also covers major news in the points world: the launch of Citi’s new Strata Elite card with a hefty bonus, luxury perks, and the surprise reintroduction of American Airlines as a 1:1 transfer partner with Citi ThankYou Points. Heather shares recent bonuses she's earned, trip updates including an upcoming return to Baha Mar for Thanksgiving, and her unforgettable award-based travels. From crowdstrike flight chaos to lounge sprints and missed connections that turned into bonus nights, her stories highlight both the joys and unpredictability of award travel. The episode closes on a reflective note, encouraging listeners to "chase the joy," whether through a favorite band, a shared hobby, or the travel communities that make it all possible. Links to Topics Dicussed Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Best Card for Groceries and The Award Travel Community (Cleveland) Meetup | 12 May 2023 | 00:41:08 | |
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 offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Incredible Trip to New Zealand on Points, Plus a Trip to the Freddie Awards | 05 May 2023 | 00:42:26 | |
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. Awards Used
Links to news and offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| How Often Do you Get a New Card | 28 Apr 2023 | 00:38:18 | |
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. Links to news and offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Status Matching for More Value | 21 Apr 2023 | 01:08:13 | |
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 offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Avgeeks, Spreadsheets, & Cheatsheets - Meet the Mods (Mike Zaccheo) | 14 Apr 2023 | 00:56:01 | |
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 Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| When to Part with Points & Angie's Safari Trip | 07 Apr 2023 | 00:53:35 | |
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.
Links to news and offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Sapphire Lounge Opening, New Bonuses, and Meet the Mods: (Jerod Morales) Business Class for SIX | 31 Mar 2023 | 00:46:55 | |
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. Links to news and offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Hyatt Changes, AA Domestic First Class Routes, and Meet the Mods (Jackie Wisniewski) | 24 Mar 2023 | 00:46:13 | |
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. Links to news and offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Get 90,000 Points Before They're Gone & Traveling the World with JT Genter | 17 Mar 2023 | 00:54:34 | |
Our favorite 90,000 point offer is ending soon. Get yours NOW! NEWS & ENHANCED OFFERS
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Tracking Your Points with AwardWallet, Chasing Hyatt Status, & Partner Award Sweetspots | 10 Mar 2023 | 00:43:31 | |
In this episode, we address a listener's question on the pros and cons of booking through Avianca versus Air Canada, discuss recent developments in travel rewards including Korean Air’s brief award chart changes, and share valuable sweet spots with Etihad Guest and Citi Transfer Bonuses. We highlight the latest Hyatt promo for earning bonus points and emphasize the benefits of using AwardWallet to track loyalty programs. Links to news and offers
Should you be using AwardWallet? AwardWallet tracks nearly 700 travel and loyalty programs and offers a variety of tools to enhance your travel and rewards experience. Features include tracking hotel certificates, managing travel itineraries, providing early airline change or cancellation notices, analyzing spending habits to maximize points, and tools to identify retailers for earning additional bonus points. YOU should have AwardWallet, BECAUSE IT'S FREE! AwardWallet+ with more advanced features only costs $30 annually. Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| EU261 Explained | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:34:14 | |
In Episode 131 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, hosts Angie Sparks, Anthony Cave, and Justin Walter kicked things off with a community discussion where member Antha asked whether to use points for a premium cabin on the outbound or return leg of a trip. The consensus leaned toward upgrading the overnight flight for better rest, with 66% of the poll agreeing. The episode also covered a range of updates: Choice Privileges launched a sweepstakes, Hyatt added more Standard and Bunkhouse properties (though with limited Globalist benefits), and Delta is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a slew of SkyMiles promos. Alaska Airlines and Choice Privileges were also named the top travel rewards programs of the year. Meanwhile, all Southwest credit cards underwent significant changes—higher annual fees, reduced benefits, and elevated welcome offers that could help earn the Companion Pass if timed right. In personal updates, Angie closed her BOA Travel Rewards card and debated keeping her WF Autograph Journey. Justin finished a $20K Amex Business Platinum bonus and is planning a trip to Paris, while Anthony just returned from The Hague and is anticipating Alaska’s rumored premium card. The main topic focused on EU261, the European regulation that provides broad passenger rights for delays, cancellations, and other travel disruptions. Both Anthony and Justin praised EU261, calling it one of the most passenger-friendly laws globally and noting that its coverage is often enough to make up for the lack of credit card travel protections when booking flights in Europe. Links to Topics Discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Cruise (on Points), Racking and Stacking, and Keep or Kick it to the Curb | 03 Mar 2023 | 00:56:51 | |
This week's discussion includes tips on earning sign-up bonuses with limited spending for those looking to accumulate points for Singapore travel. Members shared what they collect on their travels and how they display them. Links to news and offers
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| 8 Steps to Better Reward Travel | 24 Feb 2023 | 01:05:20 | |
This week Joe and Angie detail 8 steps to better award travel.
Links to news discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||
| Creating Memories Through Big AND Small Trips | 17 Feb 2023 | 00:58:39 | |
Angie and Joe talk about creating memories through trips big and small. Angie is planning an African Safari (and making several rebookings) while Joe is taking a summer trip to Croatia with his almost 80 year old dad. Recently he also took a trip to Florida with daughter Links to news discussed
Where to Find Us
Our 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! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN. | |||