Frequent Miler on the Air - podcast cover

Frequent Miler on the Air

Greg Davis-Keanfrequentmiler.com
Earn miles without flying. Frequent Miler is all about getting the most out of the loyalty game. You can easily earn hundreds of thousands of points and miles without traveling, then learn how to use those points towards luxury travel. In this podcast, Frequent Miler founder Greg, and senior author Nick debate current topics in the points & miles world.

Episodes

The 5 Best Award Search Tools | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep296 | 3-7-25

In today's episode we'll talk about how American Airlines out-crazies Citi, Southwest out-bonvoys Marriott, and we'll talk about what we think are the 5 best award search tools that make it much easier to find those coveted awards. (01:25) - One reader shares their concerns about tax payments made by an American Express card not counting towards sign up bonus spending. (05:28) - Read more about paying taxes with a credit card here and check out our podcast Episode239 about paying taxes to earn r...

Mar 07, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 296

Predicting the Refreshed Platinum Card | Coffee Break Ep47 | 3-4-25

Word on the street is the Amex Platinum card is going to be "refreshed" which may mean new benefits, new cost, new rebates, and more. In this episode, we'll make some predictions about what we might see. (01:06) - Predicting the Refreshed Platinum Card annual fee (02:55) - Earning rate change? (04:04) - Coupon changes? (06:49) - Will the airline incidental fees credit change? (11:57) - Perk changes? Visit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe to get updated on in-depth points and miles content lik...

Mar 04, 202518 min

How we use our Hilton credit card perks | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep295 | 2-28-25

Hilton credit cards come loaded with perks that CAN BE worth more than the card's annual fee IF you use them well. On today's show, we discuss how we use these credits. (01:06) - Hilton points for the win that all starts with the Venture X credit card promo to enter into the special access raffle to buy Taylor Swift tickets. (06:24) - This person was trying to use up a $200 Hilton resort credit for themself and their player 2 account, booking on December 31st for a date beyond the expiration. (0...

Feb 28, 202538 minEp. 295

How Greg uses his Delta Platinum credit card perks | Coffee Break Ep46 | 2-25-25

With a $350 annual fee, the Delta Platinum credit card is not cheap. But like most of these more expensive cards, it comes with perks and credits that help off-set that cost. Since Greg has this card, we'll find out how he makes use of these various perks and credits. Learn more about the Delta Platinum card here and the Delta Platinum Business card here. (00:15) - $350 (00:55) - 15% off when using miles to book an award flight (Delta metal only) (02:22) - Annual $2,500 MQD Headstart (04:49) - C...

Feb 25, 202519 min

How we use our Amex Platinum coupon book credits | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep294 | 2-21-25

On this week's episode, we talk about our Capital One mistake, how Uber has tried to "Bonvoy" us, and the many ways we use our Platinum credit card credits. (01:27) - OOPS: Capital One doesn't transfer to JetBlue like we implied (02:33) - BUT...then this week Capital One announced they ARE adding JetBlue as a transfer partner, (but at horrible rates) (05:24) - Hotel transfer bonuses, yay or nay? (10:29) - Uber adding 1.5% charge to rides abroad – here’s how to avoid overpaying Read more about th...

Feb 21, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 294

How we use our Amex Gold Card coupon credits | Coffee Break Ep45 | 2-14-25

The American Express Gold Card has a $325 annual fee, but it offers up to $424 of value in credits. Here we'll talk about how we make sure to put those credits to use. Read more about maximizing American Express credit card rebates and credits here. (01:07) - $325 annual fee Find out more about the Amex Gold Card here. (01:19) - Category bonuses (01:42) - How do Greg and Nick use those category bonuses? (03:12) - Up to $424 in credits (or as we like to call them, "coupons"). (03:28) - Resy: $50 ...

Feb 14, 202519 min

Would you pay more for fully refundable rewards? What do you do with pets when you travel? These questions and more | Ask Us Anything, Live Ep72 | 2-5-25

Would you pay more for fully refundable rewards? What do you do with pets when you travel? These questions and more came up in our Ask Us Anything, Live Ep72, originally broadcast live on 2-5-25. (04:31 ) - Who were our most-helpful followers for the Million Mile Madness challenge? These followers will be eligible for prizes for their help! (13:31 ) - How would you structure your credit card strategy with a P2? See our podcast episode about 2-player strategies here. (17:45 ) - Frequent Miler is ...

Feb 11, 202559 min

Capital One: Get more for your Double Miles | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep293 | 2-7-25

On today's episode the fellas chat about how to get the Southwest Companion Pass with just one card, whether or not your Marriott points just became more valuable, and how to get great value out of Capital One miles. (01:17) - One of our younger readers talks about a huge award booking success, all achieved without pro award booking tools. (05:40) - Quick overview of the Million Mile Madness challenge Watch our Ask Us Anything, Live here. Rewatch the entire Million Mile Madness Challenge in one ...

Feb 07, 202559 minEp. 293

How Hilton can win our loyalty | Coffee Break Ep44 | 2-4-25

We love how Hilton incorporates partners like SLH and Autocamp for example. But there are things we don't love about Hilton too. Today we'll talk about the ways they could win our loyalty. (00:00) - We love how Hilton incorporates partners: SLH and Autocamp for example (00:25) - But here's what we don't love... (04:18) - Greg's suggestions for Hilton (05:04) - Hilton's meaningful milestone benefits start way too late (at 40 nights) (06:36) - Milestone benefits of early check-in certificates woul...

Feb 04, 202510 min

Points & Miles 2 Player Mode | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep292 | 1-31-25

On this episode, we'll talk about a crazy new premium credit card, we'll debate double elite night hotel promotions to see if they're mattress run worthy, talk about a nice new way to use JetBlue points, and discuss how to double your rewards with a partner. (01:15) - One reader writes in about booking their family with roundtrip business class flights to Australia for Christmas and New Years!!! (05:00) - New JetBlue Premier Card... Learn more about the premier card here. (12:13) - IHG Premier o...

Jan 31, 202556 minEp. 292

World of Hyatt is broken. Here's how to fix it. | Coffee Break Ep43 | 1-28-25

World of Hyatt has been a favorite amongst points and miles enthusiasts for years. You can use your points for excellent properties at typically excellent values and the elite benefits are actually valuable. But...they're far from perfect, especially more recently. Not to worry - we have some suggestions for what they can do to get back on track. (00:10) - Has been a great program for years Read our Hyatt wishlist here. (02:20) - Long term problem: limited number of hotels (04:29) - But they've ...

Jan 28, 202514 min

Rocking Shopping Portals for Huge Rewards | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep291 | 1-24-25

In today's episode we'll discuss what's up with Hilton gift cards, we'll intensely debate Virgin Atlantic award charts, cover 2 different points millionaire promos, then finally, we'll tell you how to earns tons of rewards through shopping portals. (01:29) - One reader reports on their success with the Southwest Companion Pass with just one of the Southwest business cards when it had the elevated 120k offer. Read more about the companion pass here. (04:29) - Chase Bonvoy Bold: now features Chase...

Jan 24, 20252 hr 33 minEp. 291

What's in Our Wallets? (Jan 2025) | Coffee Break Ep42 | 1-21-25

Greg and Nick have a LOT of cards between the two of them and they can't possibly carry all of them in their real-life physical wallets. What happens instead is that they tend to rotate the cards in their wallets based on what the current bonuses are, whether or not there are cards they're trying to reach a spend requirement on...and...whether or not they can find the physical card. In this episode, they'll cover the major real-life spend categories and which cards they're carrying for those pur...

Jan 21, 202518 min

Your ticket to the Delta Sky Club | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep290 | 1-17-25

In this episode, Greg and Nick will look at 4 ways to access Delta Sky Clubs, they'll reveal a hot reader tip for a free stay in Atlantis in the Bahamas, and they'll discuss the Air France / KLM Flying Blue devaluation. Check out the full episode below. (01:28) - It seems like a lot of people are running into issues lately with using the $200 platinum credit for Fine Hotels and Resorts. (07:03) - United TravelBank glitch (now resolved) [Reported on Reddit] (09:50) - Air France KLM Flying Blue aw...

Jan 17, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 290

Our Marriott Bonvoy Wishlist | Coffee Break Ep41 | 1-14-25

In today's podcast episode Greg and Nick will talk about the things they wish Marriott would add to their program to make it a really great program. They argue these things shouldn't even have to cost Marriott that much to implement. Read more about our Marriott Bonvoy Wishlist here. (01:24) - Fix the Platinum Elite free breakfast benefit Find our resource for figuring out whether or not you get free breakfast here. (05:00) - Clear Nightly Upgrade Awards from the time of booking (08:21) - Remove...

Jan 14, 202513 min

Airline Elite Status via Hotel Stays | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep289 | 1-10-25

There are a few ways now where you can earn elite status on airlines entirely through hotel stays! This is sort of a new development that we're excited to discuss in today's podcast. (01:32) - Whoops: Forgot United offers elite earnings on award tickets (UA flights only) Find episode 288 here . (04:09) - IHG Choice Benefit annual lounge membership trick worked this year (05:58) - One reader finds a way to get an offer to upgrade back to Amex Platinum for 50K bonus points after 2K spend. (08:03) ...

Jan 10, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 289

Greg's experience booking a Preferred Hotel with Choice points | Coffee Break Ep40 | 1-7-25

You can book Preferred Hotels with Choice Privileges points, (which has a 1:2 transfer rate from Citi Thank You points), or Preferred Hotel points (which has a 1:4 transfer rate from Citi Thank You points). There are reasons to book with one points over another, but is this worth doing? Greg's recent experience booking a Preferred Hotel with Choice points can help shed some light on the question. (01:24) - The Seagate Hotel & Spa Delray Beach Florida (01:48) - Different booking options... (05:17...

Jan 07, 202520 min

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? ...

Jan 03, 20251 hr 4 min

When are points better than cash & vice versa? | Coffee Break Ep39 | 12-31-24

The Smartly Credit Card (with opportunity for up to 4% cash back everywhere) has us wondering...when should you value cash back over other points and miles or transferable currency rewards? (00:26) - Smartly Credit Card: Up to 4% cash back Learn more about the Smartly card here. (01:21) - Using 2x everywhere points card is like buying points for 2 cents each (05:12) - So, is cash the final answer? No! (09:07) - So what's the ideal strategy? (13:36) - Learn more about the Hyatt milestone spending...

Dec 31, 202417 min

Deal of the Year 2024 | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep287 | 12-27-24

What are the best miles and points deals we've seen in 2024, and which deals came out above the rest? In today's episode of Frequent Miler on the Air, we'll decide what we think the best miles and points deal of 2024 was. (01:05) - Feedback about Greg's "Frequent Miler’s 2024 State of the Business Report" Read Greg's "Frequent Miler’s 2024 State of the Business Report" here. (08:12) - Additional datapoints regarding possible Atlantis stays for after February 1st (12:14) - Greg's Marriott Mattres...

Dec 27, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 287

Alaska / Hawaiian credit card strategy - which card should you get now? | Coffee Break Ep38 | 12-24-24 | Podcast

In today's episode, we're going to be considering the Alaska / Hawaiian credit card strategy and asking the question: which card should you get now, if any? (01:38) - Current lineup of Alaksa / Hawaiian credit cards (02:17) - Learn more about the Bank of America Alaska Consumer card here: https://frequentmiler.com/AS/ (02:34) - ...and the Bank of America Alaska Business card here: https://frequentmiler.com/ASbiz/ (02:46) - Learn more about the Barclays Hawaiian Consumer card here: https://freque...

Dec 24, 202418 min

The 2024 Bonvoyed Awards | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep286 | 12-20-24

Today we'll take a look back at the year and talk about what loyalty programs have done to us instead of for us. This is for the loyalty grinches! (01:07) - Revisiting a question we'd answered previously about whether or not several domestic flights a month would be enough for earning status. (06:18) - One reader has some information to share about the Atlantis property they booked now (before their Caesar's Diamond status disappears) for a stay in the future... Read more about booking the Atlan...

Dec 20, 20242 hr 36 minEp. 286

Up to 4% Back Everywhere: US Bank's Smartly Card | Card Talk Ep10 | 12-19-24

Us Bank's Smartly Visa Signature card has no annual fee but also no welcome bonus. Even so, because of a benefit from their savings account which can increase earnings on the card, it's worth a discussion on today's Card Talk episode. (00:21) - What are the basics of the U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card Learn more about this card here. (01:06) - You can increase earning with a U.S. Bank Smartly Savings account and have certain amounts deposited w/ US Bank... (02:53) - You'll need a Smartl...

Dec 19, 202418 min

Alaska's fascinating premium card (Coming Summer 2025) | Coffee Break Ep37 | 12-17-24

Alaska has announced that a premium card is coming in the Summer of 2025. They've given us just little bits of information so far, but in this episode, we'll talk about what those details are. (01:03) - Pre-register by 12/31/24. Get 500 miles now, 5K extra miles later if/when you sign up for card. (01:44) - Basic details...annual fee of $395 and earn Global Companion Award Certificates (05:20) - Receive waived award ticket fees ($12.50 partner award fee, not surcharges) (05:42) - Earn 3x miles o...

Dec 17, 202416 min

Greg & Nick's Favorite 2024 Awards | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep285 | 12-13-24

In this episode, Greg and Nick review some of the hotel and flight awards that stood out for each of them in 2024 so they can determine the best of the best for their 2024 award travels. (01:06) - Bilt buy house benefit correction See the previous episode where Greg talked about the Bilt buy house benefit here. Read more about the Bilt Buy House benefit here. (02:42) - Greg's latest experience booking Preferred hotels with Choice points See the previous episode here. (10:17) - Greg: "You’re a SA...

Dec 13, 20242 hr 34 minEp. 285

Taking AAdvantage of AA's New MonogAAmy | Coffee Break Ep36 | 12-10-24

Citi recently announced that they will become the exclusive issuer of American Airlines AAdvantage credit cards in the United States, starting in 2026. What does that really mean for points and miles enthusiasts, and how can we take maximum advantage? (Or shall we say "AAdvantage"?)( Read more about the AA / Citi news here. (00:26) - Citi will become the exclusive issuer AAdvantage credit cards in the U.S. starting in 2026. (01:41) - We wonder if maybe AA will become a transfer partner of Citi T...

Dec 10, 202420 min

Preparing For The End of 2024 | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep284 | 12-6-24

There are a lot of things in the points and miles world that kind of come to a head at the end of the year, so you'll want to know what you should be taking care of here at the end of 2024. And of course, read our end of year checklist for 2024 here. (01:30) - What happens when a Choice Rewards hotel booking has no record of your reservation, but the points are missing? (07:32) - Preferred Hotels now bookable with iPrefer points (16:34) - Amex 40% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic (21:31) - Earn...

Dec 06, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 284

Predicting the next credit card collectibles | Coffee Break Ep35 | 12-3-24

There are credit cards out there which are not available new, but are still supported for those who already have them. In this episode, we have a prediction about a few cards that will soon be this kind of "collectible" card. (00:26) - What is a credit card collectible? (01:20) - Chase IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card Learn more about the Chase IHG Rewards Club Select Card here. (02:15) - Citi Prestige Learn more about the Citi Prestige card here. (04:43) - Capital One Venture One card (08:02...

Dec 03, 202421 min

10 frequent flyer-ish things we're thankful for | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep283 | 11-29-24

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we're chatting about the 10 "Frequent Flyer-ish" things we're thankful for! (01:01) - A reader shares all the ways their recent trip was impacted by Frequent Miler tips! (02:58) - It in the hands of SAS now! (05:50) - Wyndham Biz drops Caesar's match Read about changes to casino status-matching for free cruises here. (09:38) - Avianca LifeMiles Elite Card: Up to 120K miles Read more about this card bonus here. (12:10) - Bonvoy Brilliant cardholder “Luxury Experienc...

Nov 29, 20241 hr 16 minEp. 283

Million Mile Madness' home stretch. It's all over but the voting | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep282 | 11-22-24

Greg, Nick, and Stephen are spent the last two weeks competing to satisfy the SAS EuroBonus Millionaire promo with the most style, affordability, and speed. If you've been following along by reading their journal posts, you know that this was a much harder task than they bargained for and they relied on reader input along the way. We've got some cool prizes planned for the reader who was most helpful including certificates to cover five free Hilton hotel nights and more! But to determine that wi...

Nov 22, 20241 hr 26 minEp. 282