The Upgraded Points Podcast

Upgraded Points
  • 4.5 (49)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Want to travel more and spend less? Every week, Upgraded Points provides expert insights, travel hacks, and the latest industry news to help you maximize your points and miles like a pro. Hosted by Chris Hassan and Katie Corrigan Seemann, travel experts at Upgraded Points, this podcast breaks down the best strategies for booking luxury flights, scoring hotel upgrades, and making every trip unforgettable — all without breaking the bank. Expect insider tips, real-world trip breakdowns, and answers to your biggest travel questions. Whether you're a points and miles beginner or a seasoned expert, we’ll help you travel smarter, save money, and unlock next-level adventures. Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com Subscribe now and Travel Different.

  1. 8h ago ·  Video

    Your End-of-Year Points Checklist (Don't Let These Credits Expire)

    With just 3 months left in the year, now is the time to audit every credit card benefit, free night certificate, and elite status threshold before December 31 resets everything. In this episode, Chris and Katie go through the full end-of-year checklist for points travelers. Annual credits expiring December 31 across Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Delta cards, Citi, Bilt, and Bank of America. Free night certificates tied to calendar year spend thresholds, hotel and airline elite status qualification deadlines, Southwest Companion Pass, and how to start planning now for a strong 2027. Plus, Katie reviews the Andaz 5th Avenue in New York, Chris covers the new Gateside by TSA PreCheck, and we answer a listener's question about the best airport strategy for a family of four near EWR. Creators & Guests Katie Corrigan Seemann - Host Christopher Hassan - Host (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 76 (01:11) - Gateside by TSA PreCheck (03:54) - Andaz 5th Avenue in New York City (12:21) - Amex Platinum Card (13:07) - Chase Sapphire Reserve (14:10) - American Airlines Executive Card (16:32) - Hilton Honors credit cards (18:18) - Delta credit cards (19:17) - Citi credit cards (20:13) - Bilt credit cards (20:43) - Bank of America credit cards (21:02) - Hotel free night certificates (22:55) - Southwest Companion Pass (24:44) - Listener question 2026 Annual Statement Credits:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/2026-annual-credit-card-statement-credits/Chase Sapphire Reserve Hotel Credits in 2026: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-hotel-credit-updates-2026/How to Use the Delta Stays Credits: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/amex-delta-gold-platinum-reserve-delta-stays-credit/New TSA PreCheck Perk: Access Departure Gates Without a Ticket: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/gateside-by-tsa-precheck/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164📲 Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

  2. Sep 14 ·  Video

    Southwest Is Making Big Moves. Here's What's Coming.

    Southwest is making some of the biggest moves the airline has seen in years. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down everything that's been announced, starting with Southwest's first-ever airport lounges debuting in late 2027 with at least 11 locations planned. The first four are Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville, and Chase is involved in the development, which means a new premium Southwest credit card is coming alongside them. They also cover Southwest's growing list of international airline partners, now at 11 total after a new interline agreement with LOT Polish Airlines launched September 1, and what that actually means for booking international itineraries. Plus, Chris shares his third year at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, Katie revisits the Aruba Marriott after its full room renovation, and a listener question about booking flights to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup, with Chris answering from personal experience. Southwest Airport Lounges Are Coming in 2027: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/southwest-airlines-first-airport-lounges/Southwest Adds New Airline Partner: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/southwest-airlines-partnership-lot-polish/Aruba Marriott Resort Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/aruba-marriott-resort-stellaris-casino-review/What To Expect at Universal Halloween Horror Nights 2026https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-halloween-horror-nights-2026/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164📲 Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

  3. Sep 7 ·  Video

    How to Maximize Points and Miles on Cruises

    Cruises represent one of the most underutilized opportunities in the points and miles world. In this episode, Chris and Katie cover every way to earn more points on cruise bookings, the best credit cards for cruise spend, how to stack points through airline and hotel portals like Chase Travel and AmexTravel.com, and why cruise line credit cards almost never make sense. Then the big question: can you actually book a cruise with points, and when does it make sense? They break down the value per point across Virgin Voyages, United Cruises, Marriott, and the brand-new Hilton and Explora Journeys partnership. The honest answer might surprise you. Plus, Chris shares a car rental story that is a reminder to always film your rental before you drive off the lot. Best Ways to Book Cruises With Points and Miles: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/cruises/best-ways-to-book-a-cruise-using-points-and-miles/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/cruises/best-ways-to-book-a-cruise-using-points-and-miles/https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/cruises/best-ways-to-book-a-cruise-using-points-and-miles/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164📲 Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

  4. Aug 31 ·  Video

    What We've Been Up To: Boston, Barcelona, Rome, and a Solar Eclipse Cruise

    We've been busy. Let’s get caught up together. Chris and Katie cover a packed stretch of recent travel including Chris’ stay at the InterContinental Boston by IHG, Katie's American Airlines premium economy flights to Barcelona and Rome booked with Alaska Atmos Rewards points, a Kimpton Barcelona stay through Chase The Edit with a tourist tax surprise, a walking tour of Barcelona, a Vespa tour through Rome, and a Sun Princess cruise specifically planned around a solar eclipse that had other ideas. Along the way, Chris tests CLEAR Concierge for the first time and breaks down who it's actually worth $180 for. And Katie shares a Chase Sapphire Lounge lesson that will save you from getting turned away at the door Hyatt Regency Rome Delays Opening: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-regency-rome-central-delays/What is CLEAR Concierge Service?: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/clear-plus-new-concierge-service/Try CLEAR Concierge Free: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/free-clear-concierge-promo-code/Is American Airlines premium economy worth it? https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/american-airlines-premium-economy/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164📲 Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

  5. Aug 24 ·  Video

    Our Biggest Points Mistakes (That You're Probably Making Too)

    Every points traveler has made mistakes. This episode is our honest debrief. Before the main segment, Katie shares why Chris convinced her to get the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, how she and her husband both got one on the same day, and why she's already finding it easy to justify the annual fee. Plus, a smart strategy for couples looking to align free night certificates. Then Chris and Katie go through the points and travel decisions they genuinely regret. Not setting up two-factor authentication and getting an account hacked. Not realizing that points are worth different amounts in different programs. Forgetting about card benefits until it's too late, and so much more No sugarcoating. Just honest mistakes, real stories, and lessons worth learning before you make them yourself. How to Use Capital One Shopping: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/capital-one-shopping/$80 Capital One Referral Offer: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/capital-one-shopping-referral/Hilton Aspire Card Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/hilton-honors-american-express-aspire-card/How I Lost Out on 65k AAdvantage Miles: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/how-i-lost-65k-aadvantage-miles/How I Lost 90k Delta SkyMiles by Not Reading the Fine Print: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/not-eligible-amex-sign-up-bonus/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164📲 Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

  6. Aug 17 ·  Video

    What's In Our Wallet? How We Actually Use Our Credit Cards

    Everyone talks about which cards to get. This episode is about which cards we actually use and why. Before the main segment, Chris and Katie share their latest travel updates, then conduct a full wallet audit, breaking down every card they carry across eight spending categories: travel and transit, dining and groceries, phone, utilities, internet, streaming, gas, and everything else. Chris makes the case for keeping the Citi Prestige® Card in 2026, explains why the Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold Card don't make sense for someone living abroad, and walks through how hotel cards earn their keep beyond just the points. Katie breaks down her American Express® Business Gold Card setup, why she kept the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card after the Chase Sapphire Reserve® changes, and how she's stacking Loyalty Points on everything else with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. Plus, the case for doing your own annual wallet audit. Chapters: 00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 7101:08 Paze06:20 Travel Cards11:50 Dining Cards16:10 Utilities Cards18:39 Gas & EV Charging Paze Spend $10 Get $10 Promotion: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/paze-cash-back-promotion/Best Welcome Offers Right Now: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/sign-up-bonuses/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164📲 Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

  7. Aug 10 ·  Video

    Citi AAdvantage Executive Card Refresh: Worth It or Time to Cancel?

    The AA Executive Card just got a new name, a $100 annual fee increase, and a handful of new benefits. Chris and Katie both carry this card and break down exactly what changed, what's staying the same, what's being cut, and whether the math still works at $695 a year. Citi and American Airlines Give the AAdvantage Executive Card New Perks and a Higher Annual Feehttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/aadvantage-executive-card-refresh-2026/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164📲 Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

  8. Aug 3 ·  Video

    Are Chase Sapphire Lounges Worth the Hype?

    Chase just opened their ninth Sapphire Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth, and we got an early look before it officially opened. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down everything inside the new DFW lounge, the first whiskey bar in the network, Texas-inspired food, a grab-and-go section, spa access, and a family room with local touches throughout. Then they zoom out to cover the full Chase Sapphire Lounge network. After this episode was recorded, changes to the Chase Sapphire Lounge policies were announced. Beginning August 15, 2026, Priority Pass members will no longer have once-per-year complimentary access to Chase Sapphire Lounges. Additionally, beginning on August 15, passengers traveling on same-day layovers can access the lounges within 5 hours of their scheduled departure time. All the details can be found here: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-lounges-leaving-priority-pass-loungekey/Plus, Chris reviews the brand new Kimpton Era Midtown in New York, booked with IHG points, and Katie's passport is finally back. First Look at the New Chase Sapphire Lounge at DFW Airport: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-lounge-dallas-dfw-first-look/Full List of Chase Sapphire Lounge Locations: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airports/chase-sapphire-lounge-by-the-club/Save 25% on a Roame Subscription With Code UP25: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/roame-promo-code-save-25/Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is the Best Lounge Card for Families: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-best-lounge-card-for-families/✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164📲 Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints📲 Follow us  on TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

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About

Want to travel more and spend less? Every week, Upgraded Points provides expert insights, travel hacks, and the latest industry news to help you maximize your points and miles like a pro. Hosted by Chris Hassan and Katie Corrigan Seemann, travel experts at Upgraded Points, this podcast breaks down the best strategies for booking luxury flights, scoring hotel upgrades, and making every trip unforgettable — all without breaking the bank. Expect insider tips, real-world trip breakdowns, and answers to your biggest travel questions. Whether you're a points and miles beginner or a seasoned expert, we’ll help you travel smarter, save money, and unlock next-level adventures. Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com Subscribe now and Travel Different.

Information

  • Creator
    Upgraded Points
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Upgraded Points
  • Show Website
    The Upgraded Points Podcast

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