Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss!

Ed Pizza, Richard Kerr
  • 4.4 (378)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hosted by road warrior and travel expert Ed Pizza, the Miles to Go podcast serves up travel tips, news and reviews you can't afford to miss! Whether you're a points and miles newbie looking to book a dream vacation or you log 100k + miles a year and want the low down on new properties routes and planes, we're bringing you the world's top travel experts and bloggers to share their knowledge and insights with you.

  1. Spirit Shuts Down, Delta Stumbles, and Airline "Rescue Fares" Fall Short

    4D AGO

    Spirit Shuts Down, Delta Stumbles, and Airline "Rescue Fares" Fall Short

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. It finally happened — Spirit Airlines is gone. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard break down what the shutdown of Spirit Airlines means for travelers, employees, and the broader airline industry. From emotional final flights to stranded passengers scrambling for alternatives, the ripple effects are already being felt — and the response from other airlines hasn't exactly made things easier. So-called "rescue fares" sound helpful in theory, but in practice, they've offered limited relief for travelers trying to rebook last-minute trips. They also explore the bigger picture: what losing a major low-cost carrier means for competition, pricing, and access to travel — especially for families and budget-conscious flyers who relied on Spirit to make trips possible. Meanwhile, Delta is dealing with operational issues of its own, with an unusual spike in cancellations and reliability concerns that highlight how fragile airline operations can be. Plus, real-world travel frustrations — from rideshare chaos at Newark to the rising cost of simply getting to the airport — and why the overall travel experience keeps getting more expensive and more complicated. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode   ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ The end of Spirit Airlines Final flights and emotional send-offs What happens to employees and crews Why Spirit mattered more than people realized ✈️ The real impact on travelers Families and budget travelers losing affordable options Trips that simply won't happen anymore Why competition matters for pricing ✈️ "Rescue fares" that don't really help Limited availability and restrictive windows United, Delta, American vs JetBlue approaches Why this was a missed opportunity ✈️ Airlines scrambling to fill the gap JetBlue adding routes immediately Frontier and Breeze stepping in What happens to key markets like Fort Lauderdale ✈️ Delta's operational struggles Spike in cancellations compared to competitors Staffing and reliability concerns A noticeable shift from Delta's usual performance ✈️ Empty planes and shifting demand Surprisingly light loads on recent flights Capacity cuts vs soft demand What this could signal for pricing ✈️ The rising cost of travel $130 rides to the airport Why logistics are getting more expensive The hidden costs beyond airfare ✈️ Airline cost-cutting trends Cutting drink service on short flights Potential cuts to premium amenities How airlines are squeezing margins ⏱️ Episode 435 Timestamps  0:48 – Intro and quick travel recap 4:00 – Newark rideshare chaos and rising costs 7:52 – Points Path win: saving 60,000 miles 10:37 – Spirit Airlines officially shuts down 11:17 – Rebooking chaos and lack of real "rescue fares" 13:30 – Why airlines missed a big opportunity 15:57 – Empty flights and surprising demand trends 18:50 – Airlines moving quickly to replace Spirit routes 21:29 – Fort Lauderdale and shifting airline strategy 29:53 – Delta's cancellation spike and reliability issues             ⏱️ Episode 432 Timestamps 0:48 – Welcome back & rough week recap 5:20 – Planning the Hong Kong trip 10:00 – Upgrade strategy and long-haul flight experience 15:00 – Victoria Peak and how it's changed 20:00 – Big Buddha and Lantau Island experience 25:00 – Hong Kong Disneyland highlights and tips 30:00 – Comparing Hong Kong to past visits 35:00 – Why Hong Kong feels different today 38:30 – 6 flights in 3 days: brutal travel run 43:00 – Airline Wi-Fi failures vs Starlink success

    34 min

  2. APR 29

    Spirit Still Hanging On And A Chase Points Letdown

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Are low-cost airlines still actually low-cost? This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard revisit the evolving situation around Spirit Airlines and what the future may hold for budget carriers as costs continue to rise. Even if Spirit survives, the bigger question remains: can the ultra-low-cost model still work in today's environment? That question becomes even more relevant when looking at Frontier's pricing. Flights that once defined "cheap travel" are creeping closer to legacy airline pricing — raising questions about whether the value gap is disappearing. They also take a closer look at Chase's Points Boost feature for Sapphire Reserve cardholders. While the headline numbers look appealing, the actual footprint is extremely limited — and may not deliver the value many travelers expect. Plus, a deeper discussion on airline loyalty, why perception still matters more than reality for many travelers, and how new partnerships and offer strategies could shape the next phase of points and miles. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Spirit Airlines: still in the game? Ongoing uncertainty around Spirit's future Rising costs and pressure on the low-cost model Why competition still matters for travelers ✈️ Are "cheap flights" disappearing? Frontier pricing trends and rising fares Demand vs cost pressures Why low-cost carriers aren't as cheap as they used to be ✈️ The perception problem for budget airlines Why travelers still avoid Spirit and Frontier How product differences compare to legacy carriers Frequency and reliability concerns ✈️ Chase Points Boost: good idea, limited value 2.5x redemption headline vs reality Only ~11 properties available Why this feels more like a test than a real benefit ✈️ Airline vs OTA hotel booking strategies Loyalty program incentives vs portal bookings Why direct partnerships (like IHG + ANA) matter The future of travel offer ecosystems ✈️ Loyalty programs are changing Shift from points to targeted offers Why "earn more points" isn't enough anymore The role of personalization in travel rewards ✈️ Hyatt vs Marriott: does earning more points matter? Big differences in redemption costs Why point value matters more than point totals Where each program shines ⏱️ Episode 434 Timestamps  0:48 – Intro and recording from the NYC office 3:30 – Travel gear: Ridge battery pack review 6:48 – Spirit Airlines update and uncertainty 8:01 – Chase Points Boost: what you actually get 9:53 – Frontier pricing and the "cheap flight" question 10:44 – Rising costs for low-cost carriers 15:00 – Loyalty programs and why people still choose legacy airlines 17:15 – IHG + ANA partnership and loyalty shifts 20:00 – Offer-based loyalty vs traditional points earning 23:47 – Hyatt vs Marriott value comparison

    33 min
  3. Is an Airline About to Collapse? Plus New Airline Fare Rules

    APR 22

    Is an Airline About to Collapse? Plus New Airline Fare Rules

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. The airline industry feels a little shaky right now — and travelers may start to feel it. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard dig into mounting questions around Spirit Airlines and whether the low-cost carrier can survive rising fuel prices and financial pressure. If Spirit disappears, what does that mean for fares, competition, and the broader travel ecosystem? From there, the conversation turns to United's latest move: introducing "basic" versions of premium cabin tickets. With fewer benefits, no changes, and more restrictions, it's another step in the ongoing trend of airlines unbundling even their most expensive products. They also break down a surprising airline move — Air Canada pulling out of JFK for the summer — and what that says about costs and demand in the New York market. Finally, a deep dive into a topic every frequent traveler can relate to: the real cost of getting to and from the airport. From Atlanta's predictable (but expensive) Delta dominance to New York's chaotic (but competitive) airport ecosystem, they compare what works — and what doesn't — when it comes to major U.S. hubs. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Spirit Airlines and industry uncertainty Rising fuel prices and financial pressure Bailout rumors and what happens next Why low-cost carriers matter for competition ✈️ Airline consolidation and competition Why the JetBlue–Spirit merger mattered What happens if a low-cost carrier disappears How pricing pressure could change ✈️ United introduces "basic" premium fares Restrictions in business and premium economy No changes, fewer perks, and seat assignment limits Why this could confuse travelers ✈️ The growing complexity of airline pricing Basic Economy lessons repeating at higher tiers Why fare differences are getting harder to track How travelers can avoid mistakes ✈️ Air Canada pulls out of JFK (for now) Cost pressures vs demand Why Newark and LaGuardia may be better options What this signals for airline strategy ✈️ The real cost of airport access Ride-share prices skyrocketing in NYC Why getting to the airport can cost more than your flight Taxi vs rideshare vs public transit tradeoffs ✈️ Atlanta vs New York airports Delta dominance vs multi-airline competition Predictability vs flexibility Which setup is actually better for travelers ✈️ Airport security and infrastructure challenges Atlanta TSA bottlenecks AirTrain and transit frustrations Why airport design still matters ⏱️ Episode 433 Timestamps 0:49 – Opening banter and travel plans 6:08 – Spirit Airlines uncertainty and bailout rumors 10:14 – Why low-cost carriers matter for pricing 11:17 – Air Canada pulling out of JFK 16:01 – Hong Kong follow-up and listener feedback 19:08 – United's new "basic" business class fares 24:07 – Why Basic Economy keeps expanding 25:04 – Pricing transparency and travel portals 30:27 – Best food options at the Cosmopolitan in Vegas 30:56 – Atlanta vs New York airport comparison

    44 min
  4. Hong Kong Hits Different Now, And Airline Wi-Fi Still Sucks

    APR 15

    Hong Kong Hits Different Now, And Airline Wi-Fi Still Sucks

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Hong Kong, airline chaos, and one very rough travel week (scroll down for timestamps)! This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard are both back home — barely — after a pair of intense travel stretches. Ed recaps a family trip to Hong Kong, including Disneyland, Victoria Peak, and the Big Buddha… but also shares a deeper take on how the city feels different than it did years ago. From cultural shifts to increasing Westernization, it's a thoughtful look at a destination many travelers still have on their list. Meanwhile, Richard breaks down a whirlwind three-day, six-flight trip across the U.S. — complete with altitude sickness, broken Wi-Fi, and a reminder of why mileage-run style travel isn't as fun as it used to be. Plus, a surprising bright spot: Starlink Wi-Fi that actually works — and why that's becoming more important than ever. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A Hong Kong trip with mixed impressions • Why the city feels different than before • Cultural shifts and changing traveler experience • Where it still shines (and where it doesn't) ✈️ Victoria Peak and modern Hong Kong tourism • A much more built-up, commercial experience • Unexpected Western influence at the top • When iconic attractions lose some authenticity ✈️ The Big Buddha and Lantau Island • Cable car experience (and aviation geek bonus views) • What makes it worth the trip • How to plan tickets and avoid long waits ✈️ Hong Kong Disneyland review • What's unique vs U.S. parks • Best rides and surprises • How to maximize your time (and money) ✈️ A tale of two Disney experiences • Classic Disney confusion vs top-tier service recovery • When things go wrong… and then very right • Why Disney still stands out operationally ✈️ Hong Kong vs the rest of Asia • Comparing to Japan and Taipei • Where it ranks today • Why you may want to visit sooner rather than later ✈️ A brutal multi-city travel run • 6 flights in 3 days across the U.S. • The realities of work travel logistics • Why these trips hit harder than they used to ✈️ Altitude, exhaustion, and travel fatigue • Aspen altitude effects (and a rough night) • Why travel stacking can backfire • Lessons for planning better trips ✈️ Airline Wi-Fi: still broken • Multiple flights with no connectivity • Why this matters more than ever • The real cost of losing a workday ✈️ Starlink shines where others fail • First impressions from regional jets • Streaming, reliability, and performance • Why this could change airline competition ⏱️ Episode 432 Timestamps 0:48 – Welcome back & rough week recap 5:20 – Planning the Hong Kong trip 10:00 – Upgrade strategy and long-haul flight experience 15:00 – Victoria Peak and how it's changed 20:00 – Big Buddha and Lantau Island experience 25:00 – Hong Kong Disneyland highlights and tips 30:00 – Comparing Hong Kong to past visits 35:00 – Why Hong Kong feels different today 38:30 – 6 flights in 3 days: brutal travel run 43:00 – Airline Wi-Fi failures vs Starlink success

    50 min
  5. A $67 Flight, a $3,200 Disney Cruise, and United's Big Upgrade Push

    APR 8

    A $67 Flight, a $3,200 Disney Cruise, and United's Big Upgrade Push

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A cheap flight, a surprisingly good cruise, and a few lessons in finding value along the way. This week on Miles To Go, Ed and Richard are back together and catching up on a whirlwind stretch of travel — from a budget-friendly hop out of the Gulf Coast to a deeply discounted Disney Cruise that delivered far more than expected. They break down how a $67 Spirit flight (plus a clever rental car strategy) beat a $650 alternative, why positioning still matters for both flights and cruises, and how flexibility can unlock outsized value. Onboard, Richard shares a full review of Disney's newest ship, including what worked, what didn't, and whether Disney cruises are still worth the premium price. Plus, a quick dive into the Freddie Awards ballot, evolving airline and hotel loyalty value, and Ed's first experience with United's new "Elevate" cabin — including what they got right (and what still needs work). Scroll down for show notes! Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A cheaper way to fly (if you're willing to work for it) $650 flights vs a $67 Spirit ticket Positioning through Pensacola instead of Gulfport Why rental cars can beat rideshares and flights ✈️ The reality of domestic travel costs $110 rides to the airport vs $9 rides in smaller cities Why airport access can be the most expensive part of a trip When convenience is (and isn't) worth paying for ✈️ A discounted Disney Cruise experience Scoring a 65% off sailing Differences between older and newer ships Where Disney delivers — and where it falls short ✈️ Is Disney Cruise Line worth the price? Premium pricing vs real value When it makes sense for families Comparing Disney to other cruise lines ✈️ Cruise logistics and strategy Why you should never fly in the same day Positioning for cruise departures Avoiding stressful travel days ✈️ Freddie Awards discussion Best airline and hotel programs Where loyalty value still exists Why "utility" matters more than ever ✈️ United's new "Elevate" seat experience First impressions of the new business class Premium economy improvements Where design choices fall short in real-world use ✈️ The future of airline cabins More premium-heavy aircraft Tradeoffs between comfort and practicality Why execution still matters more than design ⏱️ Episode 431 Timestamps  0:49 – Richard returns and travel recap begins 4:00 – The true cost of getting to the airport 7:28 – Biloxi trip and why it still works as a destination 10:00 – $650 flight vs $67 Spirit alternative 13:42 – Why you should never fly same-day for a cruise 15:00 – Disney Destiny cruise review 20:00 – Where Disney cruises shine (and fall short) 25:00 – Freddie Awards and loyalty program value 30:10 – United's new Elevate seat experience 36:00 – Final thoughts and upcoming travel chaos

    47 min
  6. When an Award Ticket Isn't Really a Ticket… and a Trip Falls Apart

    APR 1

    When an Award Ticket Isn't Really a Ticket… and a Trip Falls Apart

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A dream trip to Africa… that never happened. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Clint Henderson to break down a perfectly planned award redemption that unraveled at the last minute — and the key lesson every traveler needs to understand: a reservation is not the same as a ticket. From award space that never properly ticketed to last-minute chaos at the airport, this episode dives into one of the most common (and costly) mistakes in points and miles travel. They also discuss the ongoing TSA staffing challenges and how airport operations are being impacted, plus United Airlines' latest push into more premium-heavy aircraft — from new seat configurations to upgraded regional jets. And of course, a reminder of why flexibility with points and miles can save you when travel plans go sideways.   Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A dream Africa redemption falls apart Etihad award space and booking through American Flights that never properly ticketed Why last-minute issues forced a full cancellation ✈️ The critical mistake: reservation vs ticket What "on request" really means How to confirm your ticket is actually issued Why this happens more often than you think ✈️ TSA disruptions and airport chaos Security delays impacting travel decisions Why timing matters more than ever Planning around unpredictable airport conditions ✈️ United's push into premium travel More premium-heavy aircraft configurations New seat concepts and onboard experience How United compares to Delta and American ✈️ The reality of elite status today Upgrade challenges in hub markets The declining value of some loyalty perks What actually matters for frequent travelers ✈️ The value of flexibility with points Canceling award tickets with minimal penalties Why transferable points are key Booking backup options across programs ✈️ Travel tech and tools Points Path alerts and tracking award prices Why monitoring your bookings matters Tools that help avoid costly mistakes ✈️ Upcoming travel plans and strategies Planning future international trips Balancing aspirational travel with practicality Making smarter booking decisions ⏱️ Episode 430 Timestamps 0:47 – Clint joins and the Africa trip setup 2:53 – The Etihad award redemption opportunity 5:28 – When the itinerary starts falling apart 9:57 – The key lesson: reservation vs ticket 12:13 – United 1K challenge and elite status realities 13:46 – Why upgrades are harder than ever 18:06 – United's new premium-heavy aircraft strategy 21:23 – How American and Delta compare on premium seating 24:12 – Starlink and the future of in-flight Wi-Fi 27:20 – Will the upgrade to Hong Kong clear?

    30 min
  7. When a Dream Trip Falls Apart — and How Points Saved It

    MAR 25

    When a Dream Trip Falls Apart — and How Points Saved It

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. A dream spring break in Hawaii… that lasted barely two days. This week on Miles To Go, Ed is joined by Summer Hull (Mommy Points) to break down a trip that went sideways fast — from relaxing poolside plans in Hawaii to emergency weather alerts that forced a same-day decision to leave the island. What followed was a real-time travel pivot: rebooking flights, finding a new destination, and rebuilding a vacation on the fly using points, miles, and every available credit. The result? A last-minute shift to Disneyland, complete with creative booking strategies, stacked credits, and a reminder of why flexibility is everything in modern travel. Plus, a discussion on the new Disney credit card, lounge access strategies, and how to think about backup plans when travel doesn't go as expected.   Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ A Hawaii trip cut short Severe weather alerts and flooding concerns Deciding to leave after just two nights Why waiting it out wasn't an option ✈️ Rebooking flights in real time Finding last-minute award availability Booking multiple backup flights across programs Why flexible points made the difference ✈️ The pivot to Disneyland Choosing a new destination on the fly Booking hotels using Bilt credits and points Saving money with stacked travel credits ✈️ Smart strategies for travel disruptions Why you should always have backup options Using multiple airline programs for flexibility The value of transferable points currencies ✈️ Disneyland Hotel and DVC tower review Room quality, location, and amenities Pool, dining, and overall experience When Disney hotels are worth the cost ✈️ The new Disney Inspire credit card $300+ in potential annual value Statement credits and earning structure Who this card makes sense for ✈️ Lounge access and Sidecar discussion The 90-minute lounge access debate Turning lounge space faster vs guest experience Whether this model works long-term ✈️ Planning future travel Booking trips years in advance Balancing ambitious trips with simpler vacations Why flexibility matters more than ever   ⏱️ Episode 429 Timestamps 0:48 – Summer joins the show and trip setup 4:05 – Arriving in Hawaii and early warning signs 6:23 – Severe weather alerts and decision to leave 10:17 – Booking last-minute flights out of Hawaii 13:01 – Pivoting to Disneyland and rebuilding the trip 18:04 – Disneyland Hotel and DVC tower experience 21:43 – Why flexible points made this trip possible 24:39 – Points Path and monitoring award pricing 26:06 – New Disney Inspire credit card breakdown 30:18 – Sidecar lounge debate and access rules

    36 min
  8. AMEX's Sidecar Lounge, Marriott Tweaks Certificate, And A Question About Tipping

    MAR 19

    AMEX's Sidecar Lounge, Marriott Tweaks Certificate, And A Question About Tipping

    Watch Us On YouTube! Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro. Ed and Richard are back on home turf this week, kicking things off with a small milestone for the podcast: crossing 5,000 YouTube subscribers and continuing to grow the audience across video and audio platforms. From there, Ed shares his experience visiting American Express's new Sidecar lounge concept in Las Vegas, a much smaller lounge designed for short visits. The service and food impressed — but the strict 90-minute access rule raises questions about how useful the concept really is. The discussion then turns to loyalty program updates. Marriott is increasing the flexibility of its free night certificates, allowing members to top them off with more points than before — a change that could make certificates significantly easier to use at higher-end properties. They also break down a new welcome offer on the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, and whether the increased bonus is enough to offset rising award prices. Finally, Richard brings a mystery topic to the show that sparks a lively debate: should travelers tip hotel housekeeping? The conversation dives into tipping culture, hotel labor practices, and where the line should be between employer responsibility and guest generosity. Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show! If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways. Monthly access Annual access Personal consultation plus annual access We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month. Follow Us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milestogopodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/ Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/ ✈️ What We Cover in This Episode ✈️ Podcast milestone Miles To Go passes 5,000 YouTube subscribers Why the video audience continues growing Meeting listeners in airport lounges ✈️ Amex's new Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas A smaller lounge concept with limited seating Fast service and made-to-order food The controversial 90-minute entry rule ✈️ Marriott certificate flexibility changes Top-off limit increasing from 15k to 25k points What that means for 35k, 50k, and 85k certificates Whether hotels will adjust award pricing in response ✈️ New World of Hyatt Business Card offer 80,000-point welcome bonus after $10k spend How it compares to previous offers The impact of rising Hyatt award prices ✈️ The hotel housekeeping tipping debate Should guests tip housekeeping? Why tipping culture has expanded The argument for hotels paying higher wages ✈️ Travel updates and upcoming trips Biloxi March Madness trip A whirlwind LA–DC–Vegas itinerary Upcoming travel schedules and bonus content plans ⏱️ Episode 428 Timestamps 0:50 – Podcast intro and YouTube milestone 3:30 – Running into listeners in airport lounges 5:00 – Flighty data and flying the same plane multiple times 7:30 – Ed's "overnight to Chicago" travel strategy 9:50 – Inside the new Amex Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas 13:40 – Food, service, and the 90-minute access rule 16:50 – Marriott increasing certificate top-off limits 19:45 – New Hyatt Business Card welcome offer 22:50 – Richard's mystery topic: tipping hotel housekeeping 28:30 – Upcoming travel and bonus episode plans

    33 min
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4.4
out of 5
378 Ratings

About

Hosted by road warrior and travel expert Ed Pizza, the Miles to Go podcast serves up travel tips, news and reviews you can't afford to miss! Whether you're a points and miles newbie looking to book a dream vacation or you log 100k + miles a year and want the low down on new properties routes and planes, we're bringing you the world's top travel experts and bloggers to share their knowledge and insights with you.

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