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In this episode, Richard Kerr from Bilt shares insights into the company's evolving role in the loyalty and neighborhood ecosystem, the strategic moves in travel and loyalty programs, and the future of premium travel and technology integration. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:52 Bilt's Evolution and Strategic Focus 04:12 The Bilt Ecosystem and Neighborhood Marketplace 06:56 Loyalty Program Resources and Industry Scale 09:49 The Future of Premium Travel and Aircraft Innovations 15:03 Data Use and Privacy in Bilt's Platform 20:03 The Role of Mistakes and Fast Innovation Culture 24:50 Industry Trends and Loyalty Program Strategies 30:04 The Next Phase of Bilt and Industry Outlook —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  Bilt's transformation from a card company to a neighborhood ecosystem The role of data in enhancing neighborhood and travel experiences Strategic partnerships with airlines and hotels The shift towards premium travel and luxury experiences The importance of speed and innovation in loyalty programs The impact of industry resources and organizational scale Keywords loyalty programs, Bilt ecosystem, travel hacking, miles and points, premium travel, loyalty partnerships, data use, travel innovation, airline alliances, hotel loyalty

Trevor and Tom recap a multi-country, multi-generational family trip built around Trevor’s youngest nephew’s “once in a lifetime” journey. The episode covers Japan, Thailand, Italy and a quick stop in Toronto, with a strong mix of award travel, food, and cultural sightseeing. We talk through some of the challenges of coordinating such a trip, how we called a few audibles, and pushed ourselves to see things that we hadn’t experienced before. This one is less a polished travel guide than a real trip log with practical lessons, standout hotels, a few booking wins, and some honest misses. If you care about premium cabin value, family award travel, and what actually works on a fast-moving round-the-world itinerary, there’s a lot here. Key Points From This Episode: 03:01 - How the Japan itinerary came together after the older nephew’s trip 04:16 - Four-seat award booking chaos and ticketing fixes 05:40 - Japan Airlines Chicago to Narita on the older 787 product 08:34 - Family food wins and trying new things on board 09:53 - Narrow seats, mini-cabin privacy, and arrival timing fatigue 12:07 - Hyatt Regency Tokyo’s updated feel and gold-heavy lobby 13:14 - A huge sushi tasting menu and the sea urchin disaster 15:22 - Rope-dropping the Pokemon and Nintendo floors in Shibuya 18:10 - Shibuya crossing and the city’s crowd-control rhythm 19:36 - Apple Maps, station exits, and train-car precision in Tokyo 23:21 - Lounge food hits, especially the katsu pork sandwich 25:09 - Akihabara card shops and deep childhood nostalgia 28:13 - Omi beef tasting menu and the most polished meal of the trip 34:13 - Flying south to Hiroshima and checking into Hilton Hiroshima 35:29 - Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the emotional weight of the visit 39:11 - Hiroshima okonomiyaki, wandering pedestrian streets, and lunch plans 47:23 - Miyajima, the floating torii gate, and the ferry experience 53:09 - Himeji Castle’s original structure and careful preservation 58:52 - Osaka Castle as a more museum-like castle experience 63:56 - Osaka to Bangkok on a short overnight and KIX’s scale 67:07 - Bangkok arrival logistics and the Grand Hyatt Erawan reset 69:47 - Why Bangkok remains one of the best value luxury hotel cities 71:01 - Massage, reflexology, and a repeat spa visit 71:44 - Din Tai Fung twice and why the family kept going back 73:49 - Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the elephant pants tourist uniform 76:46 - Condor award value on paper and the Bangkok to Frankfurt routing 77:29 - Bangkok’s new satellite terminal and lounge hopping 81:54 - Condor business class in practice: seat, food, and service misses 88:28 - Lufthansa lounge access ending for Amex cards and Trevor’s timing luck 95:40 - The Tribune in Rome, stairs, and hotel comfort versus accessibility 98:18 - Vatican tour highlights, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica 102:13 - The hop on hop off bus that did not work well in Rome 113:43 - Rome to Milan on Frecciarossa and why the station scale stood out 116:30 - Milan gelato, the Last Supper tour, and the climate-controlled viewing room 126:00 - Leaving Europe via Frankfurt, EES, and the Brussels connection plan 129:31 - Wheelchair logistics in Brussels and making the United connection 131:39 - United Polaris to Washington and losing Trevor’s Google Pixel 135:44 - Final reflections on Japan, family, nostalgia, and wanting to go back —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  In this episode: Trevor explains how the trip came together as a three-generation family journey, with his brother, father, and nephew all joining at different points. In this episode: Booking four award seats to Japan turned into a major planning exercise, including seat changes, typo fixes, and a long multi-reservation refund process. In this episode: Japan was the emotional center of the trip, with Tokyo food, Pokemon and Nintendo stops, Shibuya, Akihabara, and a strong nostalgia thread around gaming and collectibles. In this episode: The Japan Airlines flight from Chicago to Narita was solid but dated, with a narrow staggered business class seat, good service, and widely appreciated Häagen-Dazs. In this episode: Tokyo highlights included the Hyatt Regency Tokyo, a major sushi tasting menu, a memorable Omi beef omakase-style dinner, and a strong lounge experience with katsu pork sandwich praise. In this episode: Hiroshima was framed as the most solemn stop, especially the Peace Memorial, followed by okonomiyaki, a lounge crowd-control scene, and a ferry day to Miyajima’s floating torii gate. In this episode: Himeji Castle and Osaka Castle showed two very different sides of Japanese heritage, with Himeji’s original wooden structure and Osaka’s museum-like reconstruction. In this episode: Bangkok served as a reset and recharge stop, centered on the Grand Hyatt Erawan, massage treatments, Din Tai Fung, the Grand Palace, and some easy access to the city. In this episode: Condor from Bangkok to Frankfurt was the clear low point, with poor seat design, weak food, uncomfortable bedding, and a cabin experience Trevor would not repeat. In this episode: Rome and Milan finished the trip with heavy sightseeing and food, including the Vatican, the Last Supper, Rome’s major landmarks, and a strong use case for discounted dining via TheFork. In this episode: The trip closed with a Europe-to-US routing through Brussels and Washington, including a near-miss at the airport, a lost Google Pixel, and a very positive United Polaris return. In this episode: The family thread mattered throughout, especially Trevor’s father using mobility assistance when needed, the nephew discovering Japan through his own interests, and the whole group sharing food and nostalgia. Keywords Travel, Family Travel, Japan, Tokyo, Bangkok, Thailand, Rome, Italy, Milan, Condor, Japan Airlines, Multi-generational travel

Stick around at the end for an extra clip from a patreon show! 0:20 Citi announces JAL as 1:1 Transfer Partner for Strate Premier and Elite The rumor has come true 1:1 on their higher end cards 30% transfer bonus between now and October 24 to celebrate Discuss what we think of this Will this put pressure on Capital one to match 1:1 Plenty of places to earn JAL miles now.   Aligns with JAL’s guidance that they want to double the number of miles they issue by 2030 (source, in Japanese)   10:32 Citi Strata Elite Retention Offers This card seems to have been populated with retention offers now (wasn’t before) 12,500 TYP -or- $100 statement credit for $2k spend per month for 3 months Limiting to one Strata welcome bonus lifetime (across their entire Strata product family)? 14:20 Chase Sapphire Reserve Personal 10 Year Anniversary Direct Link Chase celebrates 10 years of this card with strange collection of perks, each leaving me slightly concerned they’ll not work as I hope.. DoorDash NEW: $15 monthly promo on any qualifying DoorDash order (starts Oct 1, 2026) Two $10 promos each month for groceries, daily essentials and more (is normal takeout included?) Offers (require activation) Cardmembers who activate the following Chase Offers®, then complete payment on the partner’s website by Dec. 14, 2026 will get: $250 back on $1,000 Miraval/Alila (would this work in person?) $200 back on $200 JSX semi-private jet (what if the jet is fully private?) $125 back on $500 Sixt premium car rental (would this work for a standard car rental?) $350 back on $1,500 Wander exceptional vacation home (what if it’s just a regular vacation home?) $125 back on $500 IHG (US only, expires earlier than the rest, Oct 16) 18:52 Chase Sapphire Reserve *Business* Increasing The Edit Credits to 4x $250 Starting Jan 1, 2027 (visible in T&Cs online) Still requires 2-night minimum stay Still requires paying cash (rather than points) for minimum of $250 of each stay For some reason I thought this was broken up into 6-month increments, but I think you can use these all at once, so you could conceivable book an 8-night stay by stringing together four 2-night stays But $250 off 2-night stays at expensive The Edit hotels doesn’t seem like a very good discount 🙁 23:36 Chase 70% Transfer Bonus to Marriott Have seen utility in this for both Marriott bookings (in ideal situations) and for transfers to airlines for miles With JAL news at the top end of the show might not be worth doing vs. using TYP 25:36 Amex 175k Personal Platinum NLL (̶l̶i̶n̶k̶ ̶now dead) These come and go and seem to appear when Amex needs new cardholders This lasted just 3-4 days before being pulled Does indeed bypass lifetime language and can auto approve and include a sign up bonus even if you have had the card in the past.  Shutdown risk? Are these legitimate?  Patreon Show Exerpt: 28:10 SF Trip Report, or: How Sonesta is taking over our worlds Sam: Family trip Talked about this quick getaway and how the hotel was a sticking point Ended up seeing some hotel collection options with 3rd night free. This helped eliminate the issue of overshoot on a 2 night stay combined with not wanting to string multiple stays together.  Settled on The Clift hotel which just so happens to be a Sonesta property.  Was in Union Square and my wife was not happy about hearing that. Booked with a Schwab platinum that had ~700 in FHR credits. Hotel was about $710 plus $120 in incidental tax and fees when we check in.  Robert: Booked via work, stayed at the Sonesta Silicon Valley 5 nights.  33:02 Sam Outbound: AA booked with 4,500 Alaska miles.  Interesting wrinkle, this flight earned 500 Alaska status points which I wasn’t expecting. Apparently award travel earns this.  Booked and selected more space seats because of my wife’s AA status.  Never split the record locator to try to get an upgrade. Decided it wasn’t worth it.  55 minute flight, left at 10pm, arrived 11:20pm Flight about 60% full. 9pm went out full but a regional jet. Uber pickup was better this time because I assumed a longer wait than the app showed, and I knew how long the walk was.  Still not on the Waymo Airport pickup list :(  37:15 Robert Outbound: JetBlue EvenMore Room Mosaic 1 can now select EvenMore Room seats 36 hours prior to departure This can strike at odd times of day and sneak up on you, and often creates dilemma of whether you want middle seat up front, a window/aisle with nobody currently showing next to you etc Ended up getting a window seat on a packed flight Pushed back on time, sat on tarmac for an hour, returned to gate for mechanical, ended up departing 2.5 hours late 8.5 hours in Economy is unpleasant, but they wanted a lot more for Mint than I was willing to pay 45:06 The Clift, a Royal Sonesta Hotel This is a brand I know NOTHING about. In fact I had no idea there are 20+ of these around the country, including one in Kauai.  Prior to the stay I did the same Hilton Diamond status match as Robert. In about 3 days I was matched to Platinum with Sonesta.  At checkin my status was recognized by………a broken link between the hotel and TravelPass.  The hotel is nice, I think it is absolutely better than the two hilton options in the area, and it sits a little further north and west than those hotels.  I’d compare it to a Westin Brand.  325 or so rooms, renovated down to the studs in 2020-2021. Retained a lot of charm from the original hotel built over 100 years ago, including the lobby bar.  Amex Hotel Collection $100 credit recognized and stacked with some $10 daily credit. Be careful, the lobby bar is closed Sunday and Monday Everyone was impressed with Union square. Higher end shopping than we remember and plenty of foot traffic with visitors walking the streets even as late as midnight. Felt very safe to be out and about.  Even the hotel is minimizing the Sonesta wording:  47:37 Robert Hotel: Sonesta Silicon Valley A week after stay, I still haven’t received credit for the stay. What a joke of a program. Was mildly entertained by the notion of flexing my Sonesta Travel Pass Platinum status on this work trip Used to be an independent hotel, remodeled then rebranded as a Sonesta in 2018 It’s not a particularly nice hotel, slightly worse than the not-so-nice Sheraton nearby Interacting with Sonesta’s loyalty program relative to this stay left me appreciating what Marriott/Hilton/Hyatt do. Sonesta felt downright amateurish to me. Stay was booked by corporate travel I logged into my Sonesta travel pass to see if I could confirm the dates, but my reservation didn’t show up I tried to add my confirmation number to my Sonesta Travel Pass account online. You can’t do that. Their site doesn’t support it. Says to fill out a form to contact them: I fill out the form and immediately get an email back telling me to visit their website or call 1-800-REDLION (ha!) Figured I’d call the hotel directly rather than mousing around with some flimsy corporate phone tree. Guy answered right up, confirmed my dates of travel, and while I had him on the phone had him add my loyalty number. Upon arrival, after briskly checking in I asked if my loyalty number was on file. Desk agent said it was not, but then added it.

Summary Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle compare two very different cruise experiences, one on Norwegian in the Caribbean and one on Princess in Europe. The episode is useful if you care about cruise line differences, private islands, food quality, port logistics, and how loyalty status and onboard programs can change the experience. We discuss why one trip was relaxing but disappointing on food, while the other delivered stronger dining, better port stops, and a more polished overall experience. Trevor also shares several practical travel notes from hotels, airports, lounges, and transfers along the way. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 - Cruise update intro and why they have not talked cruises in a while 02:29 - Norwegian Getaway weekend itinerary out of Miami 03:49 - Club Suite booking and what the cabin actually included 05:04 - Relaxing family trip, but the food was a major problem 07:05 - Great Stirrup Key’s docked arrival versus tendering 08:25 - Why Great Stirrup Key exceeded expectations 10:02 - Island layout, pool area, bars, and food walk to the beach 12:27 - Main criticism of Norwegian food quality 13:27 - Great Stirrup Key expansion and the private island arms race 14:30 - Cruise pricing, early booking, and supply and demand 17:18 - Caribbean cruise competition across major ports 19:07 - European cruise setup: Lyon, EasyJet, and Athens 21:14 - EasyJet delay, airport breakfast, and free onboard purchases 24:41 - Grand Hyatt Athens and elite status value 27:57 - Transfer to Piraeus and boarding the Sun Princess 29:14 - Princess Sphere Class and why the line feels more premium 30:28 - Dining on Princess, including the Crown Grill 31:47 - Princess casino policy and how it differs from Norwegian 33:07 - Princess points, free drinks, and better comp opportunities 34:48 - Santorini excursion and the risk of tendering there 36:27 - Bar Montenegro and why Kotor is the more interesting stop 39:33 - Corfu, old town, and Prince Philip connection 41:41 - Messina, the clock tower show, and arancini 43:50 - Cannoli in Sicily and why fresh-to-order matters 46:09 - Sicily, Catania, and why the island deserves more time 48:30 - Barcelona departure, airport lounges, and Priority Pass meals 50:44 - Emirates Gold, Priority Pass, and keeping card benefits alive 52:44 - Air France return, mobility assistance, and smooth immigration 54:46 - Charles de Gaulle heat and Europe’s air conditioning problem 56:24 - Final thoughts on Princess, medallion tech, and Alaska plans —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  Trevor’s quick weekend Norwegian cruise out of Miami on the Norwegian Getaway, with Nassau and Great Stirrup Key as the two stops Why the Norwegian booking was unusual: paid cash, weekend timing, and a Club Suite that was cheaper than an ocean view cabin The biggest downside of the Norwegian trip: consistently poor food, with meals ranging from mediocre to borderline inedible Great Stirrup Key as a major bright spot, especially after the switch from tendering to docking How Great Stirrup Key compares with CocoCay in layout, walking distance, pool design, bars, and food access The broader cruise market discussion about pricing, booking early versus waiting, and why Caribbean cruises feel like an arms race Trevor’s Mediterranean cruise on Princess out of Athens, with stops in Santorini, Bar Montenegro, Corfu, Messina, and Barcelona Travel logistics before the Princess cruise, including Lyon, EasyJet, Athens, the Grand Hyatt Athens, and port transfers Why Princess felt stronger on food, casino perks, and onboard technology than Norwegian The value of Princess’s medallion system, including cabin-door unlocking and shipmate location features Keywords Travel, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Travel Tips, Cruising, Caribbean, European Cruising.

Note: Video of this episode can be found on Youtube and Spotify. Summary Join us as we explore the fascinating world of international travel, airline management, and unique travel experiences with John Ryan. Discover insights into Asia trips, airline operations, and travel tips that will inspire your next adventure. Follow along an extensive journey through China and Mongolia, sharing travel tips, airline insights, and cultural experiences. Our guest, an avid traveler and miles enthusiast, provides valuable advice for navigating Chinese cities, using local apps, and maximizing travel rewards. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to John Ryan and Travel Background 00:10 John's Involvement with FTU and Travel Communities 41:19 Flight from Chengdu to Guangzhou and delays 42:25 Weather and airspace considerations in China 43:19 Main hubs of Chinese airlines and fleet details 44:01 City hopping in China: Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Qingdao 48:02 Staying at the Park Hyatt in Nanjing and hotel experiences 50:03 Traveling in Ulan Batar and city logistics 01:06:29 Highlights in Beijing: The Great Wall and historical sites 01:10:50 Cultural influences and local food in Mongolia 01:13:09 Flying on MIAT and airline fleet insights 01:17:18 Traveling between cities: flights and high-speed rail 01:20:15 How to connect with the guest and final thoughts Reference: Lunch at the 747 Cafe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPVnP6UOUnM —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  Asia travel experiences including China, Mongolia, and Singapore Insights into airline operations and management, including airline partnerships and secondary airports Travel hacks and tips for navigating airports and airlines Personal stories of travel adventures and unique experiences The impact of geopolitical issues on travel routes and airline choices Chinese airline industry and fleet details Traveling in Chinese secondary cities Using local apps like Alipay and WeChat High-speed rail travel in China Hotel experiences in China and Mongolia Cultural insights and local food experiences Traveling with limited Mandarin skills Maximizing travel rewards and points Navigating traffic and city logistics in Ulan Batar Unique experiences like the Gobi Desert tour Keywords Travel, Airlines, Asia, Travel Tips, Airline Management, Travel Experiences, Frequent Flyer, Airport Lounges, Travel Hacks China travel, Mongolia trip, airline tips, Chinese apps, travel hacking, city hopping, high-speed rail, hotel reviews, travel tips

Join Trevor and Tom as Tom shares his ‘forced adventures,’ hotel and restaurant experiences as he tries to avoid the dreaded expiration of hotel certificates, all while exploring Chicago and New York City. Discover how to turn last-minute travel plans into memorable adventures. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Travel Stories and Hotel Certs 02:03 Using Hotel Certificates Before They Expire 03:59 Trip to Chicago: Saint Regis and Lowe's Hotel 08:54 Exploring Chicago Neighborhoods and Hotel Views 15:04 Crossing Chicago's Lower and Upper Wacker 20:01 Travel Mishaps: Shoe Print and Suitcase Repair 25:16 NYC Hotel Stay at The Standard Highline 35:01 Dining Experiences in New York: French Restaurants and Bagels 45:03 Nightlife and Sports Events in NYC 55:00 Reflections on Travel and Hotel Loyalty Reference: The Standard Highline, New York - https://www.standardhotels.com/new-york Gallagher's Steakhouse, NYC - https://www.gallaghersnysteakhouse.com Apollo Bagels, NYC - https://www.apollobagels.com Lowe's Hotel, Chicago - https://www.theloweshotel.com Saint Regis Chicago - https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chist-the-st-regis-chicago/ Delmonico's, NYC - https://www.delmonicos.com —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  Hotel certificate strategies and expiration management Chicago hotel experience at Saint Regis and Lowe's Hotel New York City hotel stay at The Standard Highline Travel planning and last-minute booking tips Experiences with hotel amenities and service quality Keywords travel stories, hotel certificates, Chicago, New York, travel tips, hotel reviews, travel hacks

Join us as Tom recounts his incredible journey to the Maldives, navigating multiple modes of travel, airport experiences, and the joys of luxury in this remote paradise. Discover tips, travel hacks, and the beauty of Maldives through detailed travel tales. Join us as we explore luxury travel experiences, points strategies, and airport lounge insights with Tom, a seasoned traveler to the Maldives. Discover how to maximize your miles, find value in hotel stays, and navigate airport amenities like a pro. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Journey to Middle Earth and Beyond 02:59 The Maldives Experience 06:10 Travel Logistics and Layovers 09:04 Exploring Boston's Airport Lounges 12:02 Flight Experiences and Aircraft Diversity 14:59 Dining and Lounge Access 18:06 Airline Fleet Insights 23:33 Lufthansa's Business Model and Fleet Decisions 25:47 Transatlantic Flight Experiences 30:09 Barcelona Layover Dilemmas 32:11 Entry-Exit System Challenges in Europe 39:04 Barcelona Airport Lounge Experience 43:06 Flying Qatar Airways Business Class 48:05 Travel Experiences and Upgrades 51:50 Arrival in the Maldives 54:02 Local Cuisine and Cultural Insights 01:00:11 Journey to Park Hyatt Hadaha 01:02:35 Accommodations at Park Hyatt 01:09:37 Snorkeling Adventures and Marine Life 01:11:14 Dining Experiences and Meal Plans 01:15:31 Dining Experiences and Special Events 01:19:57 Final Thoughts on Park Hyatt and Staff Recognition 01:22:23 Transitioning to the Next Destination 01:22:49 Staying at Ocean Grand and Local Experiences 01:24:11 Exploring the New Terminal at Male, Maldives 01:29:49 Comparing Business Class Lounges 01:33:01 Flight Experience with Etihad 01:37:01 Layover at Heathrow and Hotel Stay 01:39:41 Travel Experiences and Lounge Reviews 01:43:29 Dining Options and Food Quality in Lounges 01:44:59 Economy Class Insights and Flight Experiences 01:47:55 Special Meal Choices and Regrets 01:50:44 Duty-Free Shopping and Airline Policies 01:53:50 Cultural Observations on Smoking and Vaping 01:57:21 Final Thoughts on Travel and Future Plans Reference: The best complaint letter —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  Multiple modes of travel to Maldives (air, sea, land) Airport lounge experiences and tips Travel challenges and solutions in dense airports Luxury travel experiences in Qatar and Maldives Travel planning and efficiency tips Travel points and miles strategies Luxury hotel and villa experiences in Maldives Airport lounge reviews and amenities Travel planning and itinerary optimization In-flight service and meal experiences Keywords Maldives travel, airport lounges, travel hacks, luxury travel, flight experience, Maldives islands, travel tips, airport tips, travel stories luxury travel, frequent flyer, hotel reviews, airport lounges, Maldives, points hacking, travel tips, airline reviews

Episode 80: Show Notes Summary In this episode, Trevor breaks down his summer getaway to France, diving into flight experiences, trip planning logistics, and what it's like navigating international journeys during the busiest time of year. He provides a comprehensive walkthrough of his time in Paris, Reims, and Disneyland Paris, offering valuable advice on securing reservations, managing the theme parks, and getting the most out of your budget. Listen in for actionable strategies designed to help you streamline your next European vacation and Disney adventure.  Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 01:06 Travel Planning and Last-Minute Adjustments 03:12 The Decision to Visit Disneyland Paris 05:58 Utilizing Airline Miles and Points 07:13 Flight Experience with Lufthansa 12:44 Arrival and First Impressions in Frankfurt 21:23 Navigating Frankfurt Airport and First Class Terminal 26:06 Navigating European Airports: Challenges and Tips 30:56 Experiencing France: Travel Insights and Recommendations 47:13 Disneyland Paris: Planning and Experiences 52:56 The Magic of Rope Dropping 56:20 Meeting Elsa and Anna: A Magical Encounter 58:19 Navigating Mechanical Issues at Disneyland 01:00:07 Food and Beverage Experiences at Disneyland Paris 01:01:56 The Future of Disneyland Paris: Expansions and New Attractions 01:04:20 Reflections on the Disneyland Experience 01:08:00 Exploring Reims: A Champagne Adventure 01:12:30 Dining Experiences in Reims 01:14:43 Concluding Thoughts on the Trip Resources Lufthansa First Class - https://www.lufthansa.com Charles de Gaulle Airport - https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/accessing-and-moving-around-the-airport Disneyland Paris - https://www.disneylandparis.com ExpertFlyer - https://www.expertflyer.com Air France - https://www.airfrance.com Disneyland Paris Official Site - https://www.disneylandparis.com/ Amex Platinum Benefits - https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card-benefits/platinum-card/ Reims Champagne Tours - https://www.champagne-tour.com/ Joe Chung's Travel Tips - https://joechung.com/ Epcot Frozen Ever After Ride - https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/frozen-ever-after/ Disneyland Paris Instagram Accounts - https://www.instagram.com/search/?q=disneylandparis Champagne Houses in Epernay - https://www.epernay.com/ Yelp Paris Food & Drink - https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=food&find_loc=Paris —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  Tactics for Last-Minute Bookings and Trip Planning Evaluating European Airline Services and Airport Lounges Navigating Customs, Airport Procedures, and Flight Delays Organizing a Family Trip to France: Planning and Logistics Assessing Carrier Quality, Cabin Amenities, and Paris Recommendations Disneyland Paris: Proven Guide for Planning and Park Advice Touring Reims and the Historic Champagne Region Value Maximization and Strategic Travel Booking Methods Efficient Park Overviews and Ride Management Tactics Keywords Travel, France, Lufthansa First Class, Charles de Gaulle, Disneyland Paris, travel tips, airline experience, airport lounges, European travel, trip planning, Disneyland Paris, Paris trip, Reims, Champagne, Travel tips, Park planning, Travel hacks

Episode 79: Show Notes Note: Video of this is available on Youtube/Spotify Summary Join Trevor Mountcastle and Tom Kim as we welcome Joe Petrovic to talk Japan explore the intricacies of booking Japan Airlines award flights, navigating ANA and JAL websites, and maximizing travel rewards for international trips. Our guest, Joe Petrovic, shares expert tips on award availability, transfer strategies, and cultural insights for Japan travel.  Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to Japan Travel with Joe Petrovic 01:25 Exploring ANA and JAL Booking Strategies 06:30 Understanding JAL Mileage Bank and Transfer Options 10:11 Experiences on Japan Airlines: Business and First Class 12:19 Domestic Flights and Unique Cabin Configurations 14:56 Traveling with Family: Cultural Interests and Experiences 15:40 Challenges in Award Availability and Fuel Surcharges 21:18 Connecting Itineraries and Alternative Routes 23:28 Cultural Integration in Japan Airlines Service 27:01 Luxury Offerings: Wine, Whiskey, and In-Flight Purchases 27:16 Exploring Japan's Travel Options 29:09 Osaka: A Gateway to Japan 34:09 Travel Tips for Japan 39:00 Currency and Payment Insights 42:17 Navigating Japan's Transportation System 49:39 Maximizing Travel Rewards 50:59 Personal Travel Experiences and Insights Resources  Japan Airlines (JAL) - https://www.jal.co.jp/en/ ANA (All Nippon Airways) - https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/ JAL Mileage Bank - https://www.jal.co.jp/en/jmb/ Finair Miles (Finnair) - https://www.finnair.com/us-en/awards Chase Ultimate Rewards - https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/ultimate-rewards Capital One Miles - https://www.capitalone.com/digital/points-miles/ Marriott Bonvoy - https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/rewards.mi SmartEX App for Shinkansen tickets - https://www.smart-ex.jp/en/ Japan Web Immigration Portal - https://www.japan.travel/en/us/information/japan-web/ 7-Eleven Japan - https://www.sej.co.jp/ Suica Card - https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  Award booking strategies for Japan Airlines and partners Navigating ANA and JAL award availability and website quirks Transfer strategies for maximizing miles from Chase, Capital One, and Marriott Tips for booking domestic and international flights within Japan Cultural tips and travel hacks for Japan travelers Keywords Japan Airlines, ANA, award travel, miles, points, Japan, travel tips, airline awards, transfer bonuses, travel rewards

Summary Join Trevor Mountcastle and Tom Kim as they reminisce about the golden age of airlines, sharing personal travel stories, airline history, and insights into how service standards and loyalty programs have evolved over the years. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Nostalgia for Continental Airlines 04:21 Gordon Bethune's Impact on Continental 08:27 Memorable Travel Stories with Continental 12:10 Experiences of Upgrades and Amenities 16:00 Comparing Past and Present Airline Experiences 22:15 The In-Flight Experience: A Journey Through Airline Catering 27:44 Nostalgia in Air Travel: The Comfort of Cookies and Warm Nuts 32:21 The Evolution of Airline Culture: From First Class to Economy 38:55 The Changing Landscape of Air Travel: A Reflection on Experiences 43:50 Finding Value in Air Travel: Deals and Discounts in Today's Market 48:48 Exploring Accommodation Options in the Maldives 51:53 Maximizing Resort Time and Transfers 54:09 Flight Connections and Layover Strategies 56:48 Navigating Flight Cancellations and Rebooking 01:00:12 Future Travel Plans and Destinations 01:07:20 Finding Value in Business Class Flights 01:08:44 Planning Efficient Travel Itineraries Resources Continental Airlines - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Airlines Gordon Bethune - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Bethune United Airlines - https://www.united.com Delta Air Lines - https://www.delta.com Qatar Airways - https://www.qatarairways.com Cathay Pacific - https://www.cathaypacific.com Avianca - https://www.avianca.com Star Alliance - https://www.staralliance.com SkyTeam - https://skyteam.com —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  History of Continental Airlines Impact of airline mergers Evolution of in-flight service and amenities Keywords airline history, travel stories, airline service, loyalty programs, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, travel tips

Talking Freddie Awards and so much more with Ed Pizzarello Episode 77: Show Notes Note: Video versions are on Youtube and Spotify In this episode, we sit down with Ed Pizzarello to dive deep into the evolving landscape of loyalty programs, Freddie awards (don’t forget to go to vote.freddieawards.com to make sure your voice is heard!), and the latest shifts in Las Vegas. From maximizing your miles to uncovering affordable Sin City gems, we offer a comprehensive look at the travel industry. This is a wide ranging discussion that even includes navigating the streets of Hong Kong and Taipei, airline fleet innovations, and the inevitable tangents of gold that we love to take.. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Freddie Awards 01:47 The History and Importance of the Freddie Awards 04:04 Voter Dynamics and Brand Loyalty in the Freddie Awards 06:14 Regional Voting Trends and Airline Perceptions 08:31 The Value of Loyalty Programs Across Regions 09:57 The Legacy of Sir Freddie Laker 12:17 The Impact of Points and Miles on Travel 13:52 Redemption Ability and Airline Value Changes 15:55 The Evolution of Miles and Points Programs 18:03 The Shift in Airline Preferences 19:30 The Best Loyalty Credit Cards Today 21:39 Maximizing Value from Loyalty Programs 23:43 Expectations in Family Travel 24:14 Trends in the Freddie Awards and Loyalty Programs 28:22 The Evolution of Loyalty Programs 31:53 The K-Shaped Economy and Its Impact on Travel 37:43 Vegas Trends: The Changing Landscape 57:46 Reinventing Vegas: Affordability and Culinary Delights 58:43 Exploring Culinary Delights in Vegas 01:02:39 Reflections on Hong Kong's Changing Atmosphere 01:24:49 United Airlines Innovations and Fleet Improvements 01:27:50 Premium Economy Experience and Customer Comfort 01:31:18 Demand for Premium Seats and Catering Quality 01:38:17 Customer Loyalty and Airline Business Strategies —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  The History and Importance of the Freddie Awards The Evolution of Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs Vegas Trends: The Changing Landscape, Affordability, and Hong Kong’s Shifting Atmosphere Cultural Insights and Comparative Travel: Taipei vs. Hong Kong United Airlines Innovations, Fleet Improvements, and the Passenger Experience Airline Business Strategies: Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Value Keywords: Pizza in Motion, Miles to Go Podcast, Freddie Awards, loyalty programs, Vegas trends, miles and points, Freddie Awards, airline loyalty, hotel pro

This Episode with video can be found on Youtube and Spotify. Join Trevor Mountcastle and Tom Kim as they explore two contrasting cruises, delving into ship design, ports of call, dining experiences, and onboard entertainment. Discover insights into cruise ship architecture, port highlights like Grand Turk, and tips for maximizing onboard casino and dining value. Join us as we explore the latest in cruise ship amenities, ports of call, and insider tips for maximizing your cruise experience on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. From dining highlights to port adventures, discover how this ship sets a new standard in cruising luxury. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction 02:05 Exploring the Star Princess 10:01 Dining Experiences on the Star Princess 18:04 Entertainment and Casino Insights 25:56 Ports of Call: Grand Turk and Beyond 31:42 Exploring Grand Turk: Beaches and Local Cuisine 34:59 Reflections on Star Princess: A Relaxing Cruise Experience 35:45 Introduction to Icon of the Seas: A New Era of Cruising 36:46 Neighborhoods and Amenities: Icon's Unique Features 39:21 Entertainment Highlights: Aqua Shows and Ice Rinks 43:32 Dining Delights: Specialty Restaurants and Buffets 50:31 Main Dining Room Experience: Lobster Nights and Quality 53:50 Casino Adventures: Gambling on the Icon 57:37 Ports of Call: Costa Maya and Cozumel Insights 01:00:18 Exploring Honduras: Authentic Experiences vs. Cruise Ports 01:04:03 Cozumel Adventures: Snorkeling and Local Delights 01:08:23 Coco Cay: The Ultimate Private Island Experience 01:19:29 Managing a Large Group: The Cruise Director Role 01:30:44 Final Thoughts on Icon of the Seas: A Memorable Journey —---------------- Key Topics for Episode Discussion Post:  Ship design and architecture of Star Princess and Icon of the Seas Ports of call including Nassau, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove Onboard dining experiences, specialty restaurants, and buffet insights Icon of the Seas amenities and dining options Cruise ports: Costa Maya, Cozumel, Honduras, Coco Cay Cruise planning and port excursions Ship design and passenger distribution Dining tips and onboard experiences

Note: This episode can be viewed with video on Youtube/Spotify. Summary In this episode, Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle welcome back Nick from The Frequent Miler to discuss the latest strategies in the award travel world. Nick breaks down his family’s massive undertaking of the JetBlue 25-for-25 promotion, his nuanced take on the Hyatt award chart changes, and his favorite tools for finding the best flight redemptions, including a surprising hack for Southwest Airlines. Key Points From This Episode: 0:00 – Introduction Tom and Trevor welcome back Nick. Brief catch-up on Nick’s recent travel adventures since his last appearance. 0:43 – The JetBlue 25-for-25 Family Challenge How Nick completed the challenge for his entire family of four. The logic behind securing 25 years of airline status for his young children. Strategy: Using Amex Membership Rewards points and the Business Platinum 35% rebate to fund the flights. Leveraging partner bookings like Etihad Guest for high-value JetBlue redemptions. 7:16 – Hyatt Award Chart Changes: To Panic or Not? Nick’s take on the recent devaluation: Why Hyatt remains the strongest hotel currency despite the hit to top-tier redemptions. The strategy of speculative bookings for "bucket list" properties like Park Hyatt Kyoto before price hikes. Comparing the rising cash rates of luxury hotels to the increasing point requirements. 18:25 – Aeroplan and the Current State of Flight Awards The pros and cons of Air Canada’s Aeroplan, including their massive partner network. The frustration of dynamic pricing with partners like United. The difficulty of finding award space to Asia in the current travel climate. 23:14 – Advanced Award Searching & The "Condor Hack" Using Alaska Airlines to book Condor with a stopover in Frankfurt en route to Bangkok. Nick’s favorite tools: AwardTool, Seats.Aero, and the Points Path Chrome extension. Autopilot: A new tool for automatically repricing paid flights for credits. 29:16 – Southwest Airlines Strategies & IT Glitches The shift to assigned seating and the impact on Southwest's value proposition. A bizarre IT glitch: Why Nick’s 8-year-old son could see award seats that Nick (a premium cardholder) could not. The benefits of the Southwest Priority and Performance Business cards. 36:00 – Family Travel: World-Schooling & The Librea Tar Pits Nick’s experience homeschooling his kids for a quarter while traveling to the Bahamas, Los Angeles, and French Polynesia. The educational value of travel: From the aquariums in Atlantis to prehistoric history in LA. 41:40 – The Casino Status Match & Free Cruises ul class="wp-block-list

We're back with a quick, fun, episode about three credit cards (plus a few extra side discussions). Enjoy! 0:21 Heightened Amex Marriott Bonvoy Offers Brilliant: 200k for $6k in 6 months ($650 AF) Bevy: 175k for $5k in 6 months ($250 AF) Business: 5x 50k certs for $9k in 6 months ($125 AF) Available through referral Good write-up from Tim at FM with table summarizing supposed Chase cards that can limit eligibility of Amex welcome offers Bonus: Marriott Bonvoy Certs Can Now Be Topped off w/25k 05:40 Chase Hyatt Business 80,000 Direct Link $10k min spend in 3 months $195 AF not waived first year 5 elite qualifying nights per $10k spend (better than 2 per $5k of personal version) Available through referral IS subject to 5/24 08:21 GolfCard thegolfcard.com HT OffByOne, DoC post, Forbes piece from Fall 2025 20,000 points after spending $4k in 3 months $250 AF not waived the first year Points are redeemable with partners "Might be one of the worst cards we've ever talked about on this show." Coupon book with partners Has a waitlist, issued by Celtic Bank

Note: This episode can be viewed with video on youtube/Spotify. Summary In this episode, Trevor and Tom analyze Hyatt's award chart changes, share tips on maximizing hotel stays, explore interesting flight deals, and discuss strategies for earning and using miles effectively. Key Points From This Episode: 00:00 Hyatt Devaluation Discussion 05:31 Adapting to New Hyatt Strategies 11:53 Exploring Aspirational Hyatt Properties 18:19 Maintaining Globalist Status Amid Changes 28:30 Exploring Global Destinations 34:21 Partnerships and New Opportunities in Travel 39:57 Miles and More: A Hidden Gem for Travelers Keywords Hyatt award chart, travel hacking, hotel points, flight deals, miles strategies, award availability, travel tips Resources Hyatt Award Chart Details - https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/awards Miles and More Program - https://www.miles-and-more.com Porter Airlines - https://www.flyporter.com Etihad Airways - https://www.etihad.com Qatar Airways Q Suites - https://www.qatarairways.com Google Maps Explorer - https://maps.google.com/explore