Our favorite travel gear | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep323 | 9-12-25

In today's podcast episode, we're sharing our favorite travel gear (like Nick's Japanese nail clippers), and we'll explain why a UK power adapter is especially useful, and why we carry backpacks in our backpacks.Giant Mailbag(01:18) - One reader writes in about their first big redemption(03:14) - Preferred Hotels &amp; Resorts safari lodges, bookable with iPrefer points, hiccups and allRead more about Preferred Hotels &amp; Resorts with points here.(07:28) - Mother and son plan a 9-country, 1-month itinerary booked on pointsMain Event: Our favorite travel gear(11:40) - Which backpacks and go bags do we like best?(17:57) - Our favorite luggage and toiletries(33:38) - Which tech gear do we keep in our backpacks?(45:50) - Why we carry backpacks inside of backpacks(48:28) - Travel Wallet(52:25) - Misc weather gear(58:45) - Miscellaneous clothing tipsQuestion of the Week(1:05:40) - When deciding between an option that costs more miles and less cash, or more cash and fewer miles...how do you decide?Want some of these products for yourself?Disclosure: With the following product links, Frequent Miler will earn a commission for qualifying purchases.Greg's Tumi backpack:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/4gvAiiLGreg's Briggs &amp; Riley carry on suitcase:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/4mcnG1iPacking cubes with compression zipper (similar to cubes Greg uses):&nbsp;https://amzn.to/4ghB5ncGreg's toiletry bag:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/45ZR3PwNick Stick (for shaving cuts):&nbsp;https://amzn.to/3KhkX9kGreg's travel-size antiperspirant roll-on:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/3JZzIgXGreg's tiny usb-c charging brick:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/46v7sM1Greg's magsafe wireless charging battery:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/462ad7xInternational power adapter that won't fall out of wall socket:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/3VhirlU&nbsp;(this is not one we have, but it looks useful!)UK adapter: good for staying put in airplane power sockets (Greg uses similar item):&nbsp;https://amzn.to/45ZyICeKindle paperwhite (Greg has an older model):&nbsp;https://amzn.to/3VhirlUGreg's portable laptop stand:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/4gli9nRGreg's magnetic phone holders for selfie photos and videos:Clamp style:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/3Im3wUDSuction cup:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/4nstX9VGreg &amp; Nick's backpack inside backpack:&nbsp;https://amzn.to/47BUcq1Greg's passport wallet:&nbsp;<a href="https://amzn.to/4mZHQwy" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

What are you spending on annual fees? What's the holy grail of first-class suites? We answered these and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on September 3rd, 2025.(00:37) - As banks tighten up on credit card approvals, I’m sure many have received a denial for “lack of recent installment loan information.” Has anybody taken out a loan to improve their odds? To me, it makes sense to take out a loan where interest is &lt;$50 if it means getting approved for even 1 more card per year with a large bonus. Would love to hear thoughts/experiences.See our application rules by issuer guide here: https://frequentmiler.com/complete-guide-to-credit-card-application-rules-by-bank/​​(04:28) - Recently canceled a stay at Calala Island inside the cancellation window and sadly had 225,000 Hilton Honors points taken away. Have any of you ever forgotten to cancel an award in time and had to pay the price?(08:49) - There are good and bad business class products, sometimes even within the same carrier(depending on plane/route). How do you quickly filter out the bad options when doing award searches and alerts?(12:24) - How many airports do you have, Nick?(15:54) - If the Chase Ink Business Premier® train shuts down, what would be the team's strategy to earn more Chase points?(16:48) - Greg- is that the complete Delft house collection behind you, or is there more??(19:46) - ​​Am I using award tools wrong? I set alerts and sometimes get emails for them, but the awards always seem to be gone by the time I check them an hour or two later. Not sure what to do differently(21:44) - What are your 5/24 strategies? Do you always stay under? If/when you do go over, how much do you go over, and do you bunch the applications or do you spread them out?(26:51) - ​Which credit travel portals or travel booking portals have you confirmed that will still earn you your hotel points?(30:27) - After listening to the last Coffee Break, you can freely transfer Chase UR points between spouses after setting it up. Correct?See our How-to video for transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to others in your household here: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-move-chase-ultimate-rewards-points-within-your-household-video/&nbsp;(31:58) - How do we ask questions?(32:31) - ​​What’s going on with Citi and suddenly freezing already approved Strata Elite accounts?(33:08) - Hi guys! Are there times when you buy points?(34:29) - There are a lot of reports of Chase telling people that the sign-up bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is now once per lifetime. Did you hear anything on this?(35:34) - Have Greg / Nick changed their evaluations of Alaska Atmos vs AA miles after the removal announcement of Singapore and LATAM awards?(39:00) - Y'all have all flown some epic flights to Asia… what’s your all-time favorite way to get to Asia? Looking to book a trip to hit Tokyo/Shanghai/Hong Kong(40:30) - What exactly does a CSR Authorized User get besides their own Priority Pass access?(41:58) - Any tips for improving approval odds with Citi? Recently denied for the AA personal card. I do have a Costco card that I have not been using, but other than that, no Citi cards. Thanks!(43:05) - What is your holy grail of a first-class suite? Emrites? Etihad? JAL?(47:04) - Nick, I’m curious if you continued on with casino status matching in Atlantic City? I still have Bally's Superstar and am now eligible to rematch at Hard Rock/Ocean. Curious if you’ve done so yet(49:40) - What are...

In today's podcast episode, Kathy tells us why the Frequent Miler team challenges are her favorite time of the year, and we discuss how transfer bonuses have already changed the 100K Vacay game.Giant Mailbag(01:50) - Two listeners share their experiences with the recent cancellation of the Honolulu to Boston route through Hawaiian Airlines.(09:11) - One listener tells us the annual challenge is her favorite time of the year...JetBlue 25/25 Update(11:33) - Nick and his family have 20+ destinationsCard News(16:55) - Updated guide to ultra-premium credit card travel protectionsMattress Running the Numbers(23:52) - Rovemiles promoBonvoyed(31:07) - Bummer: Alaska losing award partnerships with LATAM and Singapore on 10/1(33:40) - Avios transfers between British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus are suspendedAwards, Points, and More(37:32) - Bilt status match to Virgin Voyages(40:00) - GHA Discovery (hotel program) status match from many hotel/airline/cruise programs: https://frequentmiler.com/gha-discovery-hotel-program-status-match-from-many-hotel-airline-cruise-programs/Main Event: 100K Vacay: Resetting the odds due to transfer bonuses(45:12) - Challenge overview(50:02) - 100K Vacay Schedule announced(57:15) - Original Odds (without knowing about transfer bonuses): 1. Tim, 2. Stephen, 3. Nick(1:01:42) - Planning Phase Transfer Bonuses(1:29:46) - Original prediction: (re: Nick) I can almost guarantee that he’s going to make some 100K magic happen in a way that no one can predict. Despite the odds, I’m betting Nick will take home the crown. What's the new prediction?Question of the Week(1:36:53) - Should we change the RRV for Alaska and Chase based on the things they've recently lost?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

Back in June, Chase released an updated version of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card. Those who already had the card before that date found themselves in a sort of limbo with the old features of the card, and with new features set to trigger on October 26th. If that's you, here are some things you may want to do to prepare for that upcoming transition.(00:21) - An updated Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card was introduced on June 23, 2025. Anyone who obtained their Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card before that is in a transition state through October 26(01:00) - Features before Oct 26...(02:01) - Features you'll have access to starting Oct 26...(10:10) - What might you want to do to prepare for October 26th?(13:09) - What is Nick going to do?(15:44) - What is Greg going to do?(17:56) - What to do if you're a new Sapphire Reserve cardholder...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

In this podcast episode, we'll talk about Frontier's Million Mile Match, we'll get tripped up by The Seattle Seahawks 12s, and we'll debate which loyalty program is better: American Airlines' AAdvantage program or Alaska's Atmos program.Giant Mailbag(01:26) - Lisa gives us an update about the question of whether or not she had a no-show fee when she cancelled her 2 LifeMiles flights.Mattress Running the Numbers(05:05) - Frontier Match your MilesRead more about Frontier Match your Miles here.Bonvoyed(13:13) - Wyndham/VacasaAwards, Points, and More(17:02) - Delta 12Status is back: Washington state residents earn 1 SkyMile for every Seahawks passing yard(19:06) - Delta not changing elite requirements in 2026(22:25) - Condor flights now bookable with JetBlue points (54K biz class from east coast to FRA; ~100K from west coast)Read more about Condor flights with JetBlue points here.Main Event: American Airlines AAdvantage vs Alaska Atmos(25:15) - Similar programs(31:25) - Earning Redeemable Miles(38:27) - Elite Status(54:29) - Using Miles(1:05:53) - Final Word?Question of the Week(1:13:23) - Questions about rebooking options with Hawaiian Airlines with a route termination.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

Alaska's out with a new premium card: The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Card. In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about what we like and dislike about it.Alaska’s intriguing premium rewards card(00:31) - Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite card quick detailsYou can read more about this card here: https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-summit-visa-premium-card-heres-the-details/(02:19) - Points sharing: Share your points with up to ten additional Atmos™ Rewards members.(06:00) - What's not to like? (the ~bad stuff)(07:31) - The good stuff...(10:23) - Nick's take: Is it right for him?(14:03) - Greg's take: Is it right for him?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

In today's podcast episode, we unlock the LifeMiles mystery, look at Etihad's magical mystery refund policy, and examine 7 surprising oddities of Alaska's new rewards program, "Atmos".&nbsp;Giant Mailbag(02:02) - LifeMiles cancellationsCard News(11:23) - Chase will be ending the ability to transfer Ultimate Rewards Points to Emirates Skywards as of 10/16/25.(15:20) - 400 properties added to Amex Fine Hotels &amp; Resorts and The Hotel CollectionAwards, Points, and More(18:20) - Nick: Canceling Etihad awards(29:38) - Accessing the Admirals Club with Strata Elite passes(32:36) - Frontier Gold for $69 through 2026 (maybe available through 9/9/25)Main Event: 7 Big Atmos Oddities (Alaska's new rewards program)(35:15) - Alaska MileagePlan is now Atmos Rewards(37:18) - The big picture(42:37) - Choose how you earn (coming in 2026)(53:29)&nbsp;- Top status (Titanium) will offer complimentary international business class upgrades(57:02) - Summit Visa Infinite Surprises/Oddities: Global Companion AwardsLearn more about Alaska’s Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card here: https://frequentmiler.com/alaskas-atmos-rewards-summit-visa-infinite-card-review/(1:05:39) - Summit Visa Infinite Surprises/Oddities: Free Points sharing(1:07:52) - Summit Visa Infinite Surprises/Oddities: $50 Instant Travel Delay Credit(1:11:13) - Summit Visa Infinite Surprises/Oddities: Exclusive Lounge Bar Program: 2 complimentary signature cocktails or a selection from the elevated bar menu upon showing your Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card(1:13:07) - Summit Visa Infinite Surprises/Oddities: 3x International spendQuestion of the Week(1:17:20) - Are Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card holders getting charged more for The Edit by Chase Travel℠ bookings than Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card holders?&nbsp;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

Another day, another premium credit card is making changes - this time, we've heard rumors that the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards are both getting increased annual fees and other changes.$900 Platinum card. Worth it?(00:24) - Expensive changes are coming for Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards(01:47) - Some changes on the coupon side of things have leaked...(03:55) - Perks that appear on both cards (business and personal)Read our post on what works for your airline incidental fee reimbursements here.(05:31) - Perks on the (Consumer) Amex Platinum card(06:23) - Perks on the Amex Business Platinum(07:43) - Do these perks sound worth it for the new, higher annual fee?(18:58) - Learn more about MaxFHR here.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

In today's podcast episode, we'll talk about whether or not Hertz will put Nick in jail, how Greg's British Airways flight was saved by Delta, and Marriott's "Brilliant" potential new business card line-up.Giant Mailbag(03:02) - Catch Greg on these podcasts: Chris Hutchins / All the Hacks: Top Airline &amp; Hotel Transfer Partners to Maximize Your Points(03:42) - Point me to first class (Devon): What Credit Card Points Are Really Worth in 2025(04:18) - Many people wrote in with examples of where an International Driver's Permit is required (Japan, Italy, etc)See episode 318 about The Rental Car Game hereCard News(07:28) - Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offer (100K + promo credit good for up to $500 towards a single Chase Travel℠ booking after $5K spend in 3 months) ending soon.Crazy Thing DOUBLE HEADER(09:36) - Alaska: Atmos Rewards(15:14) - A reader has a strange Lifemiles story to report...Nick's JetBlue 25for25 Update(18:52) - Marriott Day Use Rate: Got lounge access, earned elite night credit (and points)(20:30) - Edgar Hotel Martha's Vineyard: Undeniably Choice in some ways, but great room &amp; value.(23:37) - Lounge access reminders worth a mention: Ritz card gets unlimited visits &amp; guests at Sapphire Lounges. Use the Ritz card, not Priority Pass, for access. Amex Platinum cardholders get Escape Lounge with 2 guests. We've used Escape lounges at SJU, PVD, FLL, and PBI on this trip. Of those, only PVD is on Priority Pass (so remember to check for these!).(26:53) - Couldn't check in online for Etihad-booked flight ACK-LGA (expected -- no birthdays for P1 &amp; P2). Got it fixed at the BOS Mosaic check-in area. Ended up being a quick fix. Glad they could do it at BOS because time was tight at ACK.(30:27) - Nick's Hertz rental (even if you only have the first part of the story -- it's entertaining!)Awards, Points, and More(36:14) - Air Canada Aeroplan program updates (mileage and status earning changes)(44:51) - Greg's positioning flight to Boston for the British Airways first class flight(49:01) - Greg flies AA Flagship Preferred Suites LHR to ORD(51:21) - If Uber to the airport seems expensive, try switching your airline(54:43) - New Reasonable Redemption Values (RRVs)Main Event: Marriott's rumored business cards(1:03:51) - The following is based on surveys, not announced changes...(1:05:18) - Amex Bonvoy Business card(1:13:28) - Amex Marriott Bevy Business(1:20:22) - The Rumored Amex Bonvoy Brilliant BusinessQuestion of the Week(1:28:22) - Which hotel-branded credit card is the best?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

Is the Grand Hyatt Kauai worth 45K? We answered this and many other questions on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on August 6th, 2025.(00:42) - How do you typically like to get around a city that you’re visiting, especially internationally? Are you more likely to take a taxi or Uber to get to places, take public transit, or do you prefer to just walk everywhere?(05:43) - To circumvent Hilton’s minimum length of award stay requirements (e.g., WA Pedregal) — has anyone tried booking more nights than needed, then asking Hilton to remove nights from the stay?(07:18) - What is a question that you would ask someone who is interviewing for a job at Frequent Miler?(16:22) - You can find each of our origin stories here:https://frequentmiler.com/about-frequent-miler/)(16:44) - ​​Give us a peek behind the curtain: What is a typical day/week for the Frequent Miler&nbsp;team?(23:42) - Do you think the custom cash will survive having ThankYou points transfers?(25:34) - Now that Citi transfers to AA, where does Citi rank among the transferable points programs?(28:06) - For the JetBlue 25 for 25, does anyone have datapoints on how fast you get the 150k point after 15 destinations?(29:52) - How would you re-evaluate the value of your Chase/Bilt if you were able to get a family &amp; friends discount on Hyatt cash stays?(31:54) - Hi team! What card are you recommending to people who aren’t really in the game but got the CSR years ago and now want a different card?(37:50) - Head-to-head match-up, Citi Strata Elite or the new Alaska Premium card?(39:17) - ​​Any thoughts on Kenya Airways' new program and the Status Match opportunity that was announced earlier this week?(41:40) - ​​When Frequent Miler finds a unicorn fare or incredible deal, what is the quickest way that Frequent Miler gets that information to those who follow you so we can book it?(45:46) - ​​Grand Hyatt Kauai is now 45k for the basic room with 2 adults and 2 kids. I have a guest of honor available to me. Is the property worth that rate for 4 nights???(50:44) - Which card is better to downgrade, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, both of which have a $95 AF?