10 point-ish things we’re most looking forward to | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep288 | 1-3-25
(00:00) – It’s a new year and we’re excited about all the “point-y” things happening for us in 2025! Give this episode a listen to find out what we’re looking forward to.
(01:07) – One reader’s interesting experience disbanding a United miles pool highlights a possible hack and brings up a few questions…. Learn more about miles-pooling here: https://www.united.com/en/us/mileageplus/miles-pooling/
(04:17) – Can a pool leader leave a miles pool?
(04:35) – Can I leave a miles pool after joining?
(07:25) – Chase United card devaluation: TravelBank credits instead of statement credits
(11:10) – Chase Aeroplan PYB (Pay Yourself Back) Travel limited to 200K
(13:51) – Marriott Choice Benefit 40 night selection expiry Read more about this update here: https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-bonvoy-choice-benefits/
 (16:27) – IHG Ends Annual Lounge Pass Loophole In 2025
(19:52) – Pay taxes via credit card slightly cheaper (starts at 1.75%) but down to 2 processors PayUSATax gone (“We are no longer processing federal tax payments on behalf of the IRS.”) Learn more about paying taxes with a credit card here: https://frequentmiler.com/pay-taxes-via-credit-card/
(25:21) – Greg and Nick’s “Bonvoyed” pick: Hyatt breaks our hearts with Mr & Mrs Smith Read our “Bonvoyed of the year” post here: https://frequentmiler.com/frequent-milers-peoples-choice-bonvoyed-awards-2024-edition/
(26:47) – Readers’ “Bonvoyed” picks…
(28:10) – Our picks for for Deal of the Year Read our “Deal of the Year” post here: https://frequentmiler.com/2024-deal-of-the-year-and-readers-choice-vote/
(29:02) – Readers’ picks for Deal of the Year
(31:01) – Small Luxury Hotels SLH
(33:07) – Preferred hotels & Resorts
(35:30) – Alaska Mileage Plan mixed partner awards
(40:13) – Earning Alaska elite status through award bookings
(42:51) – Alaska premium card
(45:00) – Digging into SAS awards
(47:17) – Finding a great Vacasa redemption (I bought points)
(49:17) – Finding great Capital One Miles deals See the “Deal of the Year” episode here: https://frequentmiler.com/deal-of-the-year-2024-frequent-miler-on-the-air-ep287-12-27-24-podcast/
(52:09) – Getting back into the swing of bank account bonuses
(54:05) – Trying out the AA bus from PHL-ACY.
(58:57) – Would a Delta Gold status be useful for a Korean Air flight booked via Delta miles?