MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Episode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe discuss some recent targeted Amex Offers for Marriott and Hilton cards that might just be the best we have seen. From big multipliers to free nights, Amex is really incentivizing cardholders to spend. We also discuss Chase's strange new luxury travel portal, why you shouldn't overlook Choice Hotels and all of the cool luxury properti...

Episode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe recap the latest Diamond meetup in Orlando. They also discuss Alaska's huge announcement and acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines plus Joe chimes in on the Hyatt changes announced last week. Episode Notes 0:00 - MtM Diamond meetup recap and thoughts 7:50 - Hyatt changes 20:19 - Alaska buys Hawaiian 26:47 - Marriott/Celebrity 30:20 - Amex...

Episode Description Disclosure: Hyatt invited me to their headquarters in Chicago to learn about this announcement. They provided my room, meals and flights, but did not dictate how this news is covered. On this episode Shawn discusses the  big changes coming to the World of Hyatt program in 2024. He flew to Hyatt's headquarters in Chicago to get all of the details and shares them here with you! S...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss a recently announced devaluation by Southwest Airlines. As a revenue based program should they devalue their points? They also discuss some of the concerning changes with Amex, how you can earn thousands of bonus points with portal bonuses right now, some positive United changes and the points & travel rules we don't mind following. Episode...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss even more consolidation happening in the travel realm. Similar to hotels and airlines we are seeing two major amusement park operators join forces, but will it be good for consumers? They also discuss the return of a good 3 free night Marriott offer, how Bonvoy is making a popular perk better, custom liveries and the top 50 travel destinati...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the recent tragic storm in Acapulco and how people are being impacted. They also look at some big targeted Chase offers, detail how Wyndham devalued Vacasa redemptions and Shawn reviews the Andaz Papagayo in Costa Rica. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss some recent changes in the hotel space. These include Hyatt's Home & Hideaways launching, Chase expanding their Luxury hotel collection and Citi adding a transfer partner that may actually present a great value. On the loyalty front just as Delta backtracked some of their many negative changes to SkyMiles, Southwest announced tweaks to thei...

Episode Description On this episode Mark Ostermann returns to the show to discuss his recent trip to New York which was driven by a very lucrative timeshare offer. He discusses what it was like to deal with the presentation and how he earned 150K points in about 15 minutes. He also dives into Roosevelt Island, the Conrad Midtown and how New York feels a bit different these days. Other topics discu...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn is joined by Jason Lawenda of Mobius Journeys to discuss the hobby and luxury travel. Jason is a luxury travel adviser who has built a business helping others in the miles & points hobby book travel. We discuss whether becoming a travel agent is the "ultimate travel hack", why you might want to look at premium hotel programs like Impresario and Prive plus...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and joe discuss the targeted 4th quarter spending offers across Chase cards. These offers come with up to 10X points so it is definitely worth checking to see what you have been targeted for. Other topics discussed include: the evolution of family seating policies, Hyatt's expansion to vacation rentals, how resort fees are becoming more transparent, the ne...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss why 0% APR offers can be something to look for and how Shawn grabbed a quick 75K Membership Rewards on a no annual fee card. They also discuss the return of Chase Ink 90K offers, Global Entry's new app and why it probably isn't important, more info on the Chicago Seminars and 10 words that are ruined by the miles & points hobby. Episode Not...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the recent hacks of many of the major Las Vegas casinos. Both Caesars and MGM suffered cyberattacks, but what has the reality been on the ground and should it affect your decision to go to Vegas? They also go into the details of the brand new Fontainebleau Las Vegas megaresort including when it is opening and why it has been under construct...

Episode Description On this episode of the podcast Shawn and Joe discuss so some of the quirks of Air Canada plus a recap of the MtM Diamond meetup in Vancouver. They also discuss links for increased Chase Ink offers, remembering 9/11, United's new narrowbody business class, Marriott's soft landing, what JetBlue is doing to merge with Spirit and Hyatt's new survey that teases a premium credit card...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss some new Hilton Amex no lifetime language offers and ponder how their lounges have changed in the past few years. They also discuss whether 30 nights on a cruise ship is a dream or a nightmare, how Priority Pass is getting more expensive and why even the most seasoned flyers can become overwhelmed with fear. Episode Notes 4:20 - Air Canada...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss the quirky new Cathay Pacific First Class seat that is coming to the 777-9. It is sure to be a popular product when it launches. They also discuss how JetBlue will raise fares after the Spirit merger and why divisive people are hurting the miles and points hobby. Episode Notes 10:28 - Cathay Pacific new first class seats 15:28 - Jetblue rai...

Episode Description In this episode Shawn and Joe discuss some of the latest news in the space including a hidden city ticketing lawsuit from AA and whether the practice should be allowed or not. They also discuss the negative changes coming to Amex Plat, Hilton's new fall promo, using gift cards to buy gift cards and why Frontier is being sued over their all you can fly pass. Episode Notes 9:46 -...

Episode Description In this episode Joe is back from his epic trip to Oceania (how do you pronounce that!?) We discuss his experience at the Women's World Cup, visiting hobbits, why Sydney felt like visiting Asia and a whole lot more. Plus - thoughts on Air New Zealand's Skycouch and what Joe would do differently next time. Enjoy! Episode Notes 3:26 - How being a wandering nomad is different from...

Episode Description In this episode Shawn is joined by MtM Contributor PDX Deals Guy to talk about his two recent trips to Europe and the many miles & points redemptions along the way. From a Virgin Voyages cruise using Membership Rewards to exploring Budapest, he got around. We discuss Heidelberg, Budapest, Kotor, Split and Dubrovnik along with his flights, hotels and that big red cruise ship.  E...

Episode Description In this episode Shawn is joined by MtM Contributor Benjy Harmon to discuss his recent travels including some of the nicer domestic lounges and AA's super unique Flagship First. Other topics discussed include: why the Air France credit card is worth a look, the Starlux Alaska Airlines booking frenzy, Choice and Radisson joining together and how FI can make for cheaper travel.  E...

Episode Description In this episode Shawn and Joe discuss new legislation that may end up killing credit cards rewards. Is this something to worry about and would it be better for customers? Other topics discussed include: Joe's Star Wars hotel experience, ranking hotel points based on desirability, automated customer service and AI plus an airline phone scam you probably need to hear about. Episo...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn is joined once again by MtM Contributor PDX Deals Guy . They discuss the big news of Marriott taking over as MGM's partner in Vegas, a big Southwest card offer with an interesting way to earn the companion pass, how Prime Day was and how you can save now, United's new domestic First Class seat and buying a car now plus how you can potentially hack a lease....

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss how to use those lucrative Amazon Pay with Points deals that surface around Prime Day. They also discuss another devaluation, new Chase spending offers and exactly what is happening with the Chicago Seminars plus where you can see Shawn speak. Episode Notes 0:00 - Summer travel updates and discussion 11:35 - Chicago seminars 19:13 - Amazon...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss an interesting travel study that shows more and more people are relying on travel rewards than ever before. They also discuss a person getting banned by Hilton for complaining, new Hyatt Amex Offers and how Prime Day is right around the corner. Episode Notes 9:20 - Barclays survey 15:59 - Hilton clawback 20:07 - Hyatt AMEX Offers 22:56 - Pr...

Episode Description On this episode Shawn and Joe discuss cruising to Norway, London hotels for families and how Shawn and family ended their 7 week adventure. They also discuss an interesting article arguing against travel, struggling with a costly business class upgrade, a great AA card offer, Southwest extending their popular deal and how to grab $10 in free Lyft credit. Episode Notes 2:20 - Wr...

Episode Description On this episode Mark Ostermann returns to chat with Shawn and Joe about his recent 40th birthday trip which packed a ton of stuff into just a few days. Mark will talk about achieving his dream of going to the Faroe Islands, whether the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is worth it, Copenhagen vs. Amsterdam and some of the incredible sights (and bars) along the way. Plus find out how he go...