The Upgraded Points Podcast

Upgraded Points
  • 4.5 (48)
  • 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. 1d ago ·  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/

  2. 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/

  3. 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/

  4. 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/

  5. 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/

  6. Jul 27 ·  Video

    Would You Rather: Travel Edition (We Don't Agree on Anything)

    Amex just changed the rules for Centurion Lounge access, and we're breaking it down before diving into the main event. As of July 8, guests must be on the same flight as the cardholder, and layover visits are now capped at 5 hours before departure. Then it's the Would You Rather: Travel Edition. Business class on a budget airline or economy on Singapore Airlines. Free room upgrade or free breakfast every stay. Perfect weather on every trip or never a flight delay again. 500k Chase points or 500k Hilton points. Chris and Katie go head-to-head across four rounds and don't agree on much. Plus, Katie shares her lost passport story and exactly what travelers should do if it happens to them. (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 68 (01:07) - Centurion Lounge Access Changes (02:58) - Katie’s Lost Passport (14:08) - Budget vs. Premium Airline (15:37) - Lounge Access or Travel Credit (16:50) - 1 Big Trip vs. 4 Small Trips (18:23) - Nonstop vs. Connecting (19:00) - 500k Points (21:02) - Missed flight or Lost Luggage (22:48) - First Class (25:31) - Upgrade vs. Breakfast (27:00) - Location (28:50) - Lounge or Line (30:18) - Window or Aisle Seat (35:53) - Solo Travel vs. Group Travel How to Replace a Lost Passport: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/replace-lost-passport-before-trip/ Amex Tightens Centurion Lounge Access Rules: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-centurion-lounge-new-entry-rules-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/

  7. Jul 20 ·  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/

  8. 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/

See All (74)

Trailer

4.5
out of 5
48 Ratings

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
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Upgraded Points
  • Show Website
    The Upgraded Points Podcast

You Might Also Like