End of Year Marriott elite plans | Coffee Break Ep76 | 11-4-25

You have until the end of the year to earn the number of elite nights required for the elite level you're aiming for, so it's time to start thinking strategically!(00:58) - Which status levels are worth targeting?Read more about which Marriott elite benefits apply and when here.(03:23) - Shortcuts (You can read more about this here.)(05:11) - Learn more about Marriott credit card eligibility here.(08:42) - Nick's plan(12:25) - Greg's planVisit 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 on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

In this episode of Frequent Miler on the Air, we'll reveal a trick for booking 2 people at single-person award rates, Wyndham & Vacasa are breaking up and breaking our hearts, and we'll talk about how to triple dip towards thousands of dollars in credits.Giant Mailbag(01:11) - Our listener uses a second browser to grab two seats at a low price...Card News(04:56) - Wells Fargo Autograph & Autograph Journey: Transfer 1 to 1 to JetBlue(07:49) - PSA: Grandfathered Sapphire Reserve cardholders (pre June 23): start using your new coupons. (Read more about this here)(08:58) - Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card has a limited-time Turo benefit; $30 per rental, up to $180 in the next 12 monthsCrazy Thing(11:47) - Hilton makes their crappy promo slightly less crappyMattress Running the Numbers(14:41) - Hyatt: Earn 3K bonus points per night at Hyatt Vacation Club properties(Read more about this here)Caution: Resort fees are NOT waived for Globalists at Hyatt Vacation Club properties(Read more about this here)Bonvoyed Triple Header(20:07) - T-Mobile ends autopay discount workaround for credit cards (re: Biz Plat $10/mo credit) (Read more about this here)(24:22) - Increased Air France / KLM Flying Blue taxes and fees ($489 one-way departing Paris)(Read more about this here)(26:40) - Wyndham/Vacasa endingRead more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/wyndham-rewards-vacasa-partnership-ends-december-1st/Main Event: Triple dipping credit card coupons(33:46) - Double dip vs Triple dip vs Trip dip variation(38:14) - When cancelling/downgrading, the annual fee may be refunded/waived depending on when you cancel or downgrade:(41:20) - Read more here: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/annual-fee-refund-rules-for-each-card-issuer/)(41:40) - Amex Consumer Platinum examples...(44:02) - Coupons are not really worth face value(47:45) - Chase Sapphire Reserve examples...(50:30) - Citi Strata Elite examples...(54:37) - Delta SkyMiles® Platinum examples...Question of the Week(58:32) - Is there still value in keeping the Bilt credit card?Subscribe and FollowVisit 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 on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Back in June, Chase introduced the new Chase Sapphire Reserve® card with a higher annual fee. Our initial reactions were mixed and a little disappointed because the card was no longer a no-brainer, broadly applicable card in our view. Now that we've had some time, has our opinion changed?(01:53) - High-level view of the card updates(04:15) - Initially, Greg felt like this card would work for him, but not for the casual cardholder. Does he still feel that way?(10:53) - How does Nick feel about it?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 on social media.Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

As it nears the end of the year, it's time to assess Hyatt elite progress. In today's Frequent Miler on the air podcast episode, we'll focus on how to bridge the gap to the next level of Hyatt status. But we'll also talk about United & JetBlue tying their knot tighter, and how Wyndham's crappy coupon book doesn't add up.Giant Mailbag(01:21) - "We just wanted to say how much we have enjoyed the 100K Vacay challenge..."Card News(04:42) - Hawaiian card's $100 annual companion discounts & 50% companion discounts now redeemable on Alaska flights. Learn more about this here.(07:53) - Citi launches new $350 American Airlines AAdvantage Globe credit card, which you can read more about here.(09:13) - United Debit Card Coming (to join SouthWest & Wyndham debit cards)(13:40) - American Express Business Gold® adds $150 Squarespace CreditBonvoyed(15:27) - Wyndham Rewards Insider (More about it here)Crazy Thing(17:22) - Wyndham's Bad MathAwards, Points, and More(21:21) - United & JetBlue: Now reciprocal earn & burn is live(34:18) - JetBlue Mosaic changes (Learn more about them here)(40:35) - Bilt Rewards updates(44:34) - Learn more about Bilt's doing away with Milestone Rewards, which you can read about here.(47:45) - Chase offering 25% transfer bonus to Southwest through Nov 6Main Event: Hyatt: End of year elite planning(50:23) - Why we care(53:32) - Elite levels and Milestones(1:09:00) - Shortcuts(1:13:50) - Learn more about World of Hyatt adding double elite nights to welcome offer here: https://frequentmiler.com/world-of-hyatt-credit-card-temporarily-adds-extra-elite-credit-to-offer/(1:16:33) - Stack with other promos. Ex: Earn 3x Hyatt points on 2+ night stays for 90 days after registration (targeted) (Learn more about this here: https://frequentmiler.com/earn-3x-hyatt-points-on-2-night-stays-targeted/)(1:20:29) - Nick's plans(1:24:09) - Greg's plansQuestion of the Week(1:34:44) - How do you evaluate whether positioning is worth it?Subscribe and FollowVisit 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 on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder

Citi is out with a new mid-tier card called the AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® with a $350 annual fee. We expected a lot from this card, but found it ultimately disappointing.(00:50) - Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® basics(02:04) - Perks, coupons, and elite boost(04:44) - Is this the replacement for Barclays $195 Aviator Silver card?(06:31) - Hear our discussion about the Barclays Aviator Silver card here(14:15) - Which card is better? (Or which card is for which kind of motivation?) (18:06) - There are folks earning status through AA hotels - could the Globe card be exciting for those people?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 on social media.Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

On today's Frequent Miler on the Air Podcast we'll discuss how to fly with 1 free human companion and 1 pet companion for a full year, or how to fly with a free human companion for two years, or how to get 350,000 points and elite status for 25 years!Giant Mailbag(01:15) - "I wanted to share some insights on the Mesa card based on my experience..."Learn more about the Mesa Homeonwers card here.100K Vacay Challenge(07:36) - Stephen won both judges' vote and the popular vote!(09:05) - Tim posted his full itinerary here: 7 nights in London and Norway for 100,000 points: Mountains, fjords and ferries&nbsp;Card News(10:02) - 5K bonus points for Atmos Summit card waitlisters extended(11:59) - Citi Strata Elite 100K offer now public ($6K spend required)Learn more about the Citi Strata Elite offer here.Bonvoyed(13:02) - Alaska tanks the utility of its “Famous Companion Fare”(16:55) - No notice: Atmos changes award chart for Alaska &amp; Hawaiian flightsRead more about this no-notice change here.Awards, Points, and More(19:15) - Alaska Atmos to improve earn rates on premium cabin partner bookingsLearn more about this here.(25:04) - Rove launches Loyalty Eligible hotel stays; earn both Rove Miles &amp; hotel pointsLearn more about this here.And consider signing up for Rove to get 500 free miles here.(31:53) - United Mile Play offersLearn more about new targeted United Mile Play offers here.And read about Nick's recent experience here.(35:47) - Rakuten: Best Ever 5K Membership Rewards / $50 referral bonus for both sides [Extended to 12/31]Learn more about this here.(37:54) - Rumor: Rakuten:Bilt(39:36) - UseYourCredits: Track coupons, use their handy mapsLearn more about the handy maps here.(42:18) - Find Preferred Hotels bookable with points (New interactive map!)Find the interacitive map here.Main Event: 5 cool points &amp; miles opportunities expiring soon(45:31) - Buy United miles for 1.36 or 1.44 cents each (or keep your Wyndham points from expiring) [Act fast: Oct 21]Learn more about<a href="https://frequentmiler.com/stack-3-promos-to-buy-united-miles-for-1-44-cents-each-or-less/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

(00:49) - Background of Frommer's Travel guides and Frommer's Travel Show(04:25) - What makes Frommer's Travel guides different from other guides and travel websites?(05:39) - How is AI changing the landscape of travel guides?(08:01) - Hidden gems with free activities may not get the presence on Google that places with paid activities will(09:47) - When did Pauline get interested in joining her father's business?(11:45) - Frommer's NYC 2026 Guide(13:42) - Dynamic pricing for the city's top attractions(15:49) - When does a sightseeing pass make sense?(16:53) - How to get better deals on vacation rentals(19:30) - Tips for hotel dealsVisit&nbsp;https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe&nbsp;to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

This podcast was recorded live on October 8th, at 9 pm ET during our 100K Vacay Annual Challenge final livestream. In that livestream we did our final scoring of Nick and Stephen's trips and crowned the 100K Vacay winner! You'll hear that livestream now, as part of this podcast episode.(You'll notice some audio quality issues with Nick's mic this week - our apologies!) Giant Mailbag(00:39) - "Hi Greg. I know your 100K Vacay trip was meant to set the benchmark, but I would love to read a post of a trip you would have done if you were competing for real to beat the other contestants. I’m sure you could have had an amazing trip that blew the other contestants away."Main Event(02:55) - Overview of challenge and rules(09:58) - Greg's benchmark trip, highs and lows(11:48) - Stephen's highest highs and lowest lows(18:15) - Nick's highest highs and lowest lows(33:03) - Here are some of the things you all flagged as dubious(38:13) - Flight deals revealed(47:09) - Other airport tricks revealed(55:11) - Hotel deals revealed(1:07:54) - Crowning the 100K Vacay winner!Questions of the Week(1:34:04) - If it weren't for this exact challenge, would you have wanted to do the trip you did? Would you recommend your exact itinerary to the rest of us?(1:37:30) - What is the hand that lost Nick the poker tournament?Subscribe and FollowVisit&nbsp;https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/&nbsp;to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by&nbsp;Annie Yoder

Last week, Greg completed his benchmark trip using 100K Chase Ultimate Rewards points for an incredible vacation in Malta. Shortly after he returned, Tim, Nick and Stephen set out to try and out-shine his trip using 100K of the transferable points they chose to compete with. Unfortunately Tim's trip came to an early end due to an unavoidable need back home, so Nick and Stephen were left to tackle the challenge themselves. With a return deadline by the October 8th 9pm final live check-in, our more than half way finished.This podcast episode features the full midstream live check-in where we heard trip recaps from both of our competitors and gave out grade scores for how they're doing in each main scoring category so far: Destination Wow, Applicability, Value, and Style.(00:24) - What is 100K Vacay?(01:31) - The Peppers summarize their travels so far, from JFK to London to Munich's Oktoberfest(06:42) - Nick summarizes his trip from Boston to Madrid to Malaga, where he had to rebook his flight from Madrid to Malaga, but then eventually made it to the Caminito del Rey cliffside hike(15:02) - Is Nick nervous about the budget?(16:56) - Greg and Carrie assign grades for the "Destination Wow" category for the Peppers(22:16) - Greg and Carrie assign grades for the "Destination Wow" category for Nick(25:57) - Greg and Carrie assign grades for the "Applicability" category for the Peppers(30:00) - Greg and Carrie assign grades for the "Applicability" category for Nick(32:02) - Greg and Carrie assign grades for the "Value" category for the Peppers(34:37) - Greg and Carrie assign grades for the "Value" category for Nick(36:55) - Greg and Carrie assign grades for the "Style" category for the Peppers(38:55) - Greg and Carrie assign grades for the "Style" category for Nick(40:02) - That leaves the Peppers just ahead of Nick in every category except for "Style" so far(41:08) - Budget usage so far(43:06) - What was the highlight and lowlight for everyone?(49:34) - Greg, are you surprised everyone flew to Europe?(53:13) - What's been the biggest obstacle with your bookings so far?Visit&nbsp;https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe&nbsp;to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads

Greg's benchmark trip is done, and that means it's time for the 100K Vacay team challenge to begin! In this episode, you'll get a chance to listen to the kick-off live stream that aired on October 1st at 9 pm Eastern Time and reviewed all the things that went well (and could have gone better) with Greg's 100K Vacay benchmark trip to Malta.(01:14) - Here's the timeline of the challenge (starting with the October 1st live kick off).(03:14) - What is 100K Vacay?(03:54) - What's the deal with Greg's benchmark trip? Why isn't he being judged?(06:26) - Greg's benchmark trip - what was it and how did he do?(28:20) - Greg's final totals for his trip and why he scored himself a B+You can read Greg's trip journal here.(35:43) - How do our competitors feel? What are they confident about, and what are they less confident about?(53:08) - How do Nick and Stephen feel about the fact that Tim's already hit the ground running?(1:00:35) - Redemption on VS in Europe is distance-based, not considering layovers (something you advocated). Is it worth the extra time to save some miles due to layovers in AMS or CDG?(1:03:01) - How did you end up in Business Class on Air Serbia? I never even heard of it before.(1:04:29) - How was the breakfast at the Hyatt Centric Malta? Did they have local food?(1:04:27) - Did any of your trips take advantage of mileage transfer bonuses?(1:05:32) - How was the breakfast at the Hyatt Centric Malta? Was there local food?(1:06:25) - Was there anything you would do differently?Subscribe and FollowVisit&nbsp;https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/&nbsp;to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by&nbsp;Annie Yoder