The Upgraded Points Podcast

Upgraded Points
  • 4.4 (41)
  • 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. 45m ago ·  Video

    Is Elite Status Actually Worth It? We Asked Our Whole Team.

    Elite status sounds glamorous until you do the math. In this episode, Chris and Katie dig into whether airline and hotel elite status is actually worth chasing in 2026, pulling in honest and often conflicting takes from across the Upgraded Points team. Lori makes the case for low-level Oneworld status abroad. Ryan thinks most airline status is overrated. Ben says it depends on your situation. Jamie says status isn't worth it until it really is. Plus, a giveaway winner shares how a Hilton Be My Guest certificate landed her a room at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria New York with a cash value of $4,200 for one night. (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 67 (01:23) - Chris Broke a Millennial Stereotype (03:59) - Hotel Distil in Louisville (07:20) - 1-Year-Anniversary Giveaway Winner (10:51) - Is Airline Elite Status Worth It? (18:07) - Is Hotel Elite Status Worth It? (27:30) - Listener Question UP Team’s Mid-Year Elite Status Update: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/up-team-elite-status-updates-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/

  2. Jul 13 ·  Video

    Inside Virgin Red: The Loyalty Program That Goes Way Beyond Flying

    Most U.S. travelers are familiar with Virgin Atlantic but have no idea what Virgin Red actually is or how it connects to the broader Virgin ecosystem. This episode fixes that. Katie sat down with Andrea Burchett, Chief Loyalty Officer at Virgin Group, for a deep dive into the program that ties Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Voyages, and Virgin Hotels all together under one points currency. Virgin Red's inaugural Points Index report found that 77% of members used points to book a vacation they otherwise wouldn't have taken, and redemptions jumped 18% year over year. So the program is clearly doing something right. They cover how Virgin Red points work, what the Points Index data actually reveals about how Americans are using their points, the underrated experience platform, the future of Virgin Hotels, and why a U.S. traveler who has never touched the Virgin ecosystem should seriously consider it. Repeated Delays at Hyatt Regency Rome Central Leave Travelers Scrambling — Againhttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-regency-rome-central-delays/How to Redeem Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/how-to-redeem-virgin-atlantic-miles/Virgin Red Loyalty Program Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/virgin-red-loyalty-program-review/✈️ 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. Jul 6 ·  Video

    Hawaii on Points: Where To Splurge and Where To Save

    Hawaii is one of the most rewarding points destinations out there, but hotel prices vary wildly depending on which island you're on and where you stay. In this episode, Chris and Katie go island by island through Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and Oahu, breaking down the best steal and splurge hotel options at each one with real cash prices and current points costs. From the Hampton Inn Maui North Shore at 65,000 Hilton points to the Grand Wailea Waldorf Astoria at 110,000, the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort at under $500 a night to the Grand Hyatt Kauai, the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island, and everything in between on Oahu, including the Hyatt Place Waikiki, Hilton Hawaiian Village, and the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay. Plus Bilt Rewards just added Preferred Hotels and Resorts as a transfer partner at a 1:2 ratio, and Chris shares his take on the new Universal Kids Resort. (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 65 (01:12) - Universal Kids Resort (04:59) - New Bilt Transfer Partner (06:04) - Wyndham Award Chart Expansion (10:05) - Maui hotels (15:13) - Kauai hotels (21:09) - The Big Island hotels (25:02) - Oahu hotels (33:10) - Listener Question Universal Kids Resort:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/first-look-universal-kids-resort/Bilt Adds Preferred Hotels:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/bilt-rewards-adds-preferred-hotels-transfer-partner/Wyndham Expands Award Chart: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wyndham-rewards-adding-fourth-award-tier/Family Vacation in Hawaii on Points: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hawaii-family-vacation-points-miles/Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-waikiki-review/Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/grand-wailea-waldorf-astoria-resort-whats-new-review/Hyatt Regency Maui Resort: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-maui-resort-spa-review/Hilton Hawaiian Village: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hilton-hawaiian-village-waikiki-beach-resort-review/Hilton Waikoloa Village: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hilton-waikoloa-village-review/Andaz Maui: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/andaz-maui-at-wailea-resort-review/How I Choose Which Hyatt Hotel To Book in Honolulu [Comparing Points, Amenities, Location] https://upgradedpoints.com/news/comparing-hyatt-hotels-waikiki/ ✈️ 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/

  4. Jun 29 ·  Video

    Step by Step: How To Book Your First International Award Flight

    Booking your first international award flight feels overwhelming until you understand the process. In this episode, Chris and Katie break it down into 4 repeatable steps that work every time, regardless of which airline you're flying, which points program you're using, or which cabin you're booking. Before the main segment, Chris shares how moving to Brazil 16 years ago got him into points and miles, and Katie talks about one of her first big international redemptions, a round-trip to Tanzania and Kenya on Ethiopian Airlines business class for 176,000 United miles and just $78 in taxes and fees. Then it's the four-step process, plus a listener question about whether Hilton Honors points are actually worth it for a casual hotel guest. (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 64 (01:11) - Origin Story (08:44) - Step 1 (10:14) - Step 2 (13:08) - Step 3 (14:19) - Step 4 (18:29) - Listener Question Best Current Welcome Offers: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/sign-up-bonuses/Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/beginners/Best Points and Miles Tools: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/points-and-miles-tools-expert-recommendations/✈️ 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. Jun 22 ·  Video

    How To Spend 100K Chase Points (Real Examples, Bookable Now)

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred just launched a 100,000-point welcome offer, and we're showing you exactly what to do with it. Chris and Katie walk through 6 real trip examples built around 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, with real redemption rates, real flights, and real hotels, so you can go book it yourself. Hawaii on Southwest with Hyatt nights in Waikiki. Walt Disney World at a Deluxe hotel. A Caribbean getaway at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Puerto Rico. An all-inclusive in Puerto Vallarta. Four nights in Panama City. City escapes to Chicago and Denver. Brazil in business class via Virgin Atlantic. And an ANA business class trip to Japan. If you just applied for the Chase Sapphire Preferred or you're sitting on a big stash of Ultimate Rewards points, this episode is for you. (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 63 (01:15) - Hilton Honors Sale (03:19) - Alaska Airlines Fees (07:30) - Chase 100K Bonus (08:18) - Hawaii (11:40) - Disney World (14:08) - Caribbean or Central America (18:47) - Brazil (20:35) - City Escapes (23:33) - Japan Chase Sapphire Preferred 2026 Changes: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-changes-2026/Chase Devalues World of Hyatt Transfer Ratio for Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred Cardholders:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-devalues-hyatt-transfer-ratio-some-cardholders/Buy Hilton Points With a 100% Bonus: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/buy-hilton-honors-points/Alaska Airlines Is Raising Partner Booking Fees: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-airlines-partner-fee-increase-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/

  6. Jun 15 ·  Video

    Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Gets a 100K Offer and a Major Refresh

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card just got its biggest refresh in years, along with a 100,000-point welcome offer! That's a lot to unpack. Before the main segment, Chris covers a major Choice Privileges devaluation that hit Japan hard, with some properties jumping by as much as 200% in points cost overnight. Katie shares a W Seattle stay booked through Chase The Edit, what worked, what didn't, and whether it's worth rebooking this year. Then it's the main event. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a new limited-time offer, new earning categories including 3x on gas, EV charging, and vacation rentals at Airbnb and Vrbo, a doubled hotel credit, Global Entry coverage, and more. Most of it is genuinely great news. But there's one change buried in the refresh that has Chris and Katie fired up. The transfer rate to World of Hyatt is dropping from 1:1 to 4:3, a 25% devaluation that changes the math for a lot of cardholders. 😟 (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 62 (01:09) - Choice Devaluation (02:13) - Seattle Hotels (08:35) - Chase Sapphire Preferred 100k Welcome Offer (09:14) - Chase Sapphire Preferred New Benefits (11:10) - Chase Sapphire Preferred Existing Benefits (13:27) - Chase Sapphire Preferred Removing Benefits (15:55) - Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth it? Chase Sapphire Preferred’s All-Time Best 100K Welcome Offer Is Back Againhttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-100k-bonus-2026/Chase Sapphire Preferred 2026 Changes: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-changes-2026/Chase Devalues World of Hyatt Transfer Ratio for Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred Cardholders: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-devalues-hyatt-transfer-ratio-some-cardholders/Choice Privileges Devaluation:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/choice-privileges-devaluation-japan/✈️ 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/

    Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Gets a 100K Offer and a Major Refresh

  7. Jun 8 ·  Video

    Inside Alaska Airlines' New Business Class Suites to London

    Alaska Airlines just completed its first-ever flight to London, and Katie was on board in business class. In this episode, she breaks down the full experience, from two Seattle airport lounges to the brand new suites product on the 787-9 Dreamliner, full doors, Filson bedding and amenity kits, Salt and Straw ice cream sundaes at 35,000 feet, and an honest take on everything from the food to the sleep experience. She also shares a first look at the stunning new Admiralty Arch Hotel in London, a review of the One Aldwych Hotel in Covent Garden bookable through Chase The Edit, and an honest take on American Airlines' premium economy on the way home. Chris covers a new Universal theme park and the Kimpton Social Password for the summer before the main segment. Chapters: (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 61 (00:59) - Universal Kids Resort (01:45) - Kimpton Social Password (03:45) - Waldorf Astoria London (07:40) - Centurion Lounge Seattle (13:55) - Alaska SEA-LHR (23:05) - One Adlwych Hotel in London (25:16) - American Airlines Premium Economy (31:48) - Listener Question: CSP Alaska Airlines Launches Its First-Ever Flight to London:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-airlines-seattle-london-inaugural/Alaska Airlines’ New Lounge in Seattle Will Open in 2027:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-global-lounge-seattle/Universal Kids Resort Opens July 1https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-kids-resort-opening-soon/Kimpton Social Password https://upgradedpoints.com/news/kimpton-social-password/✈️ 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. Jun 1 ·  Video

    5 Tips for Booking Summer Travel Before It's Too Late

    Summer 2026 is here, and award space is already thinning fast. If you haven't booked yet, you're not too late, but the window is closing. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down five tips you can act on right now to lock in your summer travel before the best options disappear. Plus, Chris shares how his family made the most of a trip to Universal Epic Universe and whether it's worth it as a multi-generational vacation. (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 60 (00:52) - Universal Epic Universe (09:00) - Summer Travel Tip #1 (09:51) - Summer Travel Tip #2 (13:05) - Summer Travel Tip #3 (13:39) - Summer Travel Tip #4 (15:38) - Summer Travel Tip #5 (19:50) - Listener Question: Family-friendly Resort 5 Smart Alternatives to Crowded Summer Destinations in 2026:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/summer-2026-vacation-destinations/Epic Universe Overview: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-epic-universe-first-look/Inside Helios Grand Hotel:https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-helios-grand-hotel-sneak-peek/Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana vs. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-ziva-los-cabos-vs-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/Kimpton Seafire Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/kimpton-seafire-resort-spa-in-grand-cayman-review/Dreams Bahia Mita Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/dreams-bahia-mita-surf-spa-resort-review/Conrad Evermore Review:https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-orlando-review/How This Hyatt Perk Saved Me Hundreds on a World Cup Hotelhttps://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-free-night-certificate-world-cup/✈️ 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
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Upgraded Points
  • Show Website
    The Upgraded Points Podcast

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