The Upgraded Points Podcast

Upgraded Points
  • 4.4 (46)
  • 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

    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/

  2. 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/

  3. 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/

  4. 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/

  5. 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/

  6. 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/

  7. 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/

  8. 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/

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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
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Upgraded Points
  • Show Website
    The Upgraded Points Podcast

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