MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Shawn Coomer & Mark Ostermann
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

The fun side of miles, points and travel! Hosted by Shawn Coomer and Mark Ostermann, MTM Travel dives into the points hobby & the lifestyle of travel with topical conversations and plenty of laughs along the way. Mark & Shawn have a combined 18 years of experience covering these topics on Miles to Memories and Travel on Points and are cohosts of the popular MtM Vegas Youtube Show on the Miles to Memories Vegas channel. They also host the 20 Minute Travel news show on this same feed where you can keep up with the latest deals, news and happenings.

  1. Amex's Surprise New Perk, More Boeing Concern, New Luxury Hyatts & Alaska's New Premium Card!

    3 DAYS AGO

    Amex's Surprise New Perk, More Boeing Concern, New Luxury Hyatts & Alaska's New Premium Card!

    Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week American Express released a new surprise perk for Business Platinum cardholders that is quite interesting. Starting now you can get a $200 annual credit for Hilton (broken up quarterly), so what is the best way to maximize this new perk. And does the new Amex Business Platinum Hilton credit mean something else will be going away?   In other news Alaska Airlines is getting ready to launch a premium card but is it really worth pursuing? We also discuss a new hotel travel trend, the longest train journey in the world, Hyatt's upcoming luxury hotels, how to save every month on YouTube TV and why spending $900 on a hotel is actually saving money.   Episode Guide 0:00 “Naked Flying” - The new viral travel trend 0:58 Waldorf NYC is more expensive than we thought 3:00 Another Boeing whistleblower - Using defective parts? 5:48 Hyatt opening 50 new luxury hotels in next few years 8:26 Amex Business Platinum adds surprising Hilton credit 10:50 Alaska Airlines premium credit card is coming 13:04 How booking a $900 hotel actually saved Mark money 15:44 How to save money every month on YouTube TV 18:00 Streaming deals, ad supported tiers and expensive programming 19:46 The longest train journey in the world Links Travel trend - https://www.timesnownews.com/travel/news/naked-flying-is-the-latest-travel-trend-going-viral-and-it-is-helping-people-save-a-lot-of-money-article-116366033 Boeing whistleblower - https://fortune.com/2024/12/09/boeing-whistleblower-sam-mohawk-broken-parts-airplane-safety-culture-737-max/ Hyatt luxury - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-luxury-hotel-expansion/ Amex Hilton credit - https://milestomemories.com/amex-business-platinum-new-200-hilton-credit/ Premium Alaska - https://milestomemories.com/alaska-airlines-launching-new-premium-card-in-2025/ Universal FHR - https://travel-on-points.com/universal-orlando-hotels-with-express-pass/ Save on YouTube TV - https://travel-on-points.com/save-money-on-youtube-tv/ Longest train - https://www.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/rbycyb/the_new_longest_possible_train_journey_in_the/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    22 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    Award Strategies Gone Wrong, Bahamas Hack, Traveler Dilemma & End of Year Credits & Procrastination!

    Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss their end of year strategies as they maximize credits and plan for 2025. Shawn takes the approach of procrastination while Mark does it a different way. The two also discuss their upcoming Spring Break planning including why the Bahamas can be good or bad plus why they both value returning to places vs. only visiting new. Episode Guide 0:00 End of year procrastination - What we are doing to close out our credits, cards, etc. 6:01 Spring Break dilemma - Return or visit new places 13:35 Debating Bahamas + Atlantis “hack” 20:27 When flight award booking strategies go wrong 28:42 Best card or programs for traveling to China Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    32 min
  3. Citi's Giant Exclusive Deal, Waldorf NYC Opening, Hyatt Tech Improves & ThankYou to AA Transfers?

    11 DEC

    Citi's Giant Exclusive Deal, Waldorf NYC Opening, Hyatt Tech Improves & ThankYou to AA Transfers?

    Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description This week the news broke that Citi has secured the exclusive rights to market AA co-branded credit cards beginning in 2026. What will this mean for Barclays cardholders and will anything change under this new partnership? We also discuss whether ThankYou to AAdvantage points transfers might be coming.   In other news Virgin has brought back their popular cruise deals but with a catch and some quirks. We also discuss: avoiding the low cost carrier middle seat, Hyatt's cool new tech for using suite upgrades, all of the available transfer bonuses, the opening of Waldorf NYC and how Hilton has done a great job lately with their luxury properties.   Episode Guide 0:00 Travelers viral hack for avoiding a middle seat on low cost carriers 1:22 Waldorf Astoria NYC is reopening and bookable - Insane prices? 3:50 How Hilton is doing a great job with their luxury properties 5:50 Virgin Voyages releases more points specials with a catch 8:24 Virgin’s quirky booking process & tips for booking 10:15 Citi’s huge score - Exclusive AA partner in 2026 11:52 Will Citi add AA as a ThankYou transfer partner? 14:10 Why Citi’s ThankYou lineup is worth looking at 15:27 All of the currently available transfer bonuses - Up to 70% more 16:50 Why you shouldn’t speculatively transfer points with a bonus 17:52 Hyatt adds suite upgrades & more for to online booking 19:41 Cool “S” - Chicago Christmas bar popups Links Middle seat hack - https://www.foxnews.com/travel/travelers-viral-flight-booking-hack-avoid-dreaded-middle-seat-ignites-debate Waldorf NYC - https://milestomemories.com/waldorf-astoria-new-york-to-reopen-after-eight-years/ Virgin points specials - https://travel-on-points.com/book-virgin-voyages-with-points/ https://travel-on-points.com/how-to-book-virgin-voyages-with-points/ Citi AA partnership - https://milestomemories.com/citi-will-become-exclusive-issuer-of-aadvantage-cards/ Hyatt tech - https://travel-on-points.com/hyatt-suite-upgrade-awards/ Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    22 min

  4. 9 DEC

    Airline Bag Fee Commissions, Dueling Road Trips, Chicago Holidays Done Right & Thompson Disappoints!

    Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn & Mark discuss their dueling weekend road trips. Shawn headed down to Long Beach for an MTM Diamond meetup while Mark checked out all of the holiday celebrations happening in Chicago. The two discuss the importance of meetups, how low cost carriers are enticing higher bag fees, getting 200K offer FOMO, why the Thompson Chicago is ruined and all of the cool holiday themed stuff you can do in Chicago. Episode Guide 0:00 Dueling weekend roadtrips 1:08 MTM Diamond Long Beach meetup & why they are so important 5:09 FOMO and grabbing the 200K Amex Business Gold offer 8:42 Low cost carriers fleecing customers - Commissions on baggage fees 15:37 Chicago road trip - Disappointment with the Thompson 31:19 Chicago Christmas markets & incredible holiday themed bars Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    41 min
  5. TMT News - Amex Fraud Warning, United's Huge Investment, Explaining "No Lifetime Language" & Big Deal Returns!

    4 DEC

    TMT News - Amex Fraud Warning, United's Huge Investment, Explaining "No Lifetime Language" & Big Deal Returns!

    Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube!  Episode Description This week there are a couple of new Amex "no lifetime language" offers floating around including a huge 200K Business Gold version. We go over the details and explain exactly how these offers work and why you probably want to take advantage of them. We also explain Amex's application rules, the popup and your best overall strategy for dealing with the bank.   In other news an ongoing fraud has been going on with Amex Business Gold cards and small charges. What should you do if you fall victim? We also discuss Etihad's 10 new routes, the new British Airways first class seat, sketchy travel hacks, United's $16 million training center, the return of Target's most popular deal and where you can find the North America Holiday Train.   Episode Guide 0:00 Sketchy travel hacks 0:51 United’s new $16 million training facility 2:18 Etihad announces 10 new routes including big US city 3:41 Longer trip for flight experience vs. shorter flight 4:36 British Airways unveils new first class seat 5:20 Explaining Amex “no lifetime language” offers 7:45 Amex Business Gold 200K targeted offer 8:39 Blue Business Plus 75K targeted offers - 0% APR? 9:57 Target 10% off gift card deal returns for 2024 11:55 Target Circle program value and shutdowns 13:16 Amex Business Gold fraudulent charges - What you need to know 16:16 Cool “S” - North America Holiday Train Links Sketchy hacks - https://www.reddit.com/r/TravelHacks/comments/1g3rr4y/sketchiest_travel_tips_that_you_know/ United training - https://apigateway.agilitypr.com/distributions/history/b2fc48a4-0b2b-4f50-b08d-8a5b173666ca?recipientId=f59514db-7cc4-4966-8178-a569b271d584 Etihad 10 new routes - https://milestomemories.com/etihad-adds-direct-route-to-atlanta/ BA First Class seat - https://milestomemories.com/british-airways-unveils-brand-new-first-class-seat/ 200K Amex NLL - https://milestomemories.com/200k-amex-business-gold-offer/ Blue Business Plus NLL - https://travel-on-points.com/targeted-75k-blue-business-plus-cash-offer/ Amex fraud problems - https://travel-on-points.com/amex-business-gold-facebook-advertising-fraud/ Target 10% - https://travel-on-points.com/10-off-target-gift-cards/ North America Holiday Train - https://www.cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    19 min

  6. 2 DEC

    Citibank 29 Million Points Shutdown, Chase Cardholder Gifts, Squeezing in Maui & Chicago Xmas Market

    Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description In this conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss their experiences with credit card rewards, particularly focusing on Chase's loyalty program and the gifts received for long-term cardholding. They delve into the evolution of credit card rewards, the importance of social engineering in banking, and a recent controversial case involving Citibank's account closure of a high-profile customer. The discussion also touches on the allure and perks of the American Express black card, highlighting the differences in customer service and experience for high-spending clients. The two also discuss more on Shawn's redemption decision to Hawaii, Mark's small town weekend trip, Chicago Christmas markets and how Black Friday went. Episode Guide 0:00 Chase cardholder gifts & debating their rules & product changes over the years 10:51 Citibank shuts down customer, takes 29 million ThankYou points 14:55 The best card for high net worth/big spenders? 19:21 Squeezing in multiple Hawaiian islands to a trip? 24:00 Bank travel portals & behind their redemption rates 27:28 Universal Orlando free Express pass - Mark's recent booking experience with FHR 30:38 Visiting the Chicago Christmas markets Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    37 min
  7. TMT News - Chase Reconsideration Crackdown, Hilton's Big Score, Easy Timeshare Points & Big Card Offers!

    27 NOV

    TMT News - Chase Reconsideration Crackdown, Hilton's Big Score, Easy Timeshare Points & Big Card Offers!

    Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube!  Episode Description This week many reports were coming from Chase applicants about a tightening when it comes to credit card reconsideration. We discuss exactly what is happening, what you should do and why a tried and true strategy is worth pursuing in getting that big Chase card approval!   In other news Hilton has another big property score, this time adding a popular hotel to their Curio collection. We also discuss big new offers for Alaska and Avianca, strange Cardless rules, Allegiant's biggest expansion ever, easy timeshare points & why riding mountain/alpine coasters is some really cool "s".   Episode Guide 0:00 The epic eating problem every traveler faces 0:38 Evermore Resort joining Hilton as Curio 2:28 Allegiant’s biggest expansion ever - 44 new routes 4:33 New Alaska Airlines 75K mile public offer 5:43 Avianca LifeMiles Elite 120K welcome offer 6:33 The quirky thing about signing up for a Cardless card 8:35 Chase cracking down on reconsideration 10:15 The evolution of Chase reconsideration & why they may be tightening 11:58 Easy 75K Hilton timeshare offer 13:38 How to find your unclaimed property 15:33 Bilt’s new home purchasing tool - Earn big points 17:36 The changing landscape of realtor fees & what to look for 18:47 Alpine/Mountain coasters around the world Links Evermore Hilton - https://travel-on-points.com/evermore-orlando-resort-joining-hilton/ Allegiant expansion - https://milestomemories.com/major-expansion-for-allegiant/ Alaska 75K - https://secure.bankofamerica.com/apply-credit-cards/public/instant-credit/#/single-page/ Avianca Elite 120K - https://www.lifemiles.com/discover/landing-page/avianca-lifemiles-creditcard-promo Chase reconsideration woes - https://travel-on-points.com/chase-denying-reconsideration/ Hilton timeshare - https://milestomemories.com/new-hilton-timeshare-offer-5/ Unclaimed property - https://travel-on-points.com/how-to-claim-unclaimed-property/ Bilt Home - https://travel-on-points.com/earn-bilt-points-when-purchasing-a-home/ Alpine coasters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1-r4KVBPIA  https://x.com/TheFigen_/status/1836052840562708593 Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    22 min

  8. 25 NOV

    Southwest Woes, Mileage Booking Conundrum, Egypt Against A Blogger & Best Budget Hotel Breakfast!

    Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description In this conversation, Shawn and Mark delve into the intricacies of flying with Southwest Airlines, discussing the challenges of check-in and boarding processes. In the wake of a troubling story of a government going after a blogger, they also share personal anecdotes about their experiences with airline reviews, the risks of criticizing travel services, and the complexities of customer service interactions.   Also discussed is a miles conundrum Shawn is running into with his trip to Hawaii in January. The age old question of whether to use the points you have or transfer other ones. A simple answer but a question nonetheless. Finally the show finishes with a breakdown of the best budget hotel breakfasts and why there is one clear winner.   Best Limited Service Breakfast video - https://youtu.be/f870CDZw8mo?si=gbWWWsYjXvthT7F8 Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Melio Offer Terms: This is a business to business payment platform - no personal bills / payments. The offer is for new accounts only. If you sign up using the 20 Minute Travel link new members will get $200 cash back after making a $2000+ in payments via Melio pay. Gal from Melio will reach out to finalize the details of your payment. That is $60 in processing fees for a $200 bonus! After signing up and making your first payment with a vendor you will want to upload your bank info to your Melio account. Do it as the receiving method so you have a checking account set up to receive payments. You will then receive an email from (Gal) Melio saying you are eligible for the $200 bonus and it will tell you to set up your receiving method, or you can share your bank information if you prefer that. Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The fun side of miles, points and travel! Hosted by Shawn Coomer and Mark Ostermann, MTM Travel dives into the points hobby & the lifestyle of travel with topical conversations and plenty of laughs along the way. Mark & Shawn have a combined 18 years of experience covering these topics on Miles to Memories and Travel on Points and are cohosts of the popular MtM Vegas Youtube Show on the Miles to Memories Vegas channel. They also host the 20 Minute Travel news show on this same feed where you can keep up with the latest deals, news and happenings.

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