US Bank Real-Time Rewards are good, not great
I’ve seen a few posts from folks lately about US Bank’s introduction of so-called “Real-Time Rewards,” which allow you to book travel reservations with your card directly instead..
Discomfort matters little when you’re happy
When I tell people I took a 9 hour train across Sri Lanka, half of the time standing on the jam-packed car without air conditioning, almost unable to move an inch, the reactions ..
My 10 Favorite SPG Low Category Redemptions
SPG is my favorite program for low category hotel redemptions. They have the most such properties that are interesting throughout the world – even in Western Europe, as you’ll s..
Summer Suggestions: Amalfi Coast
Welcome to my new series, Summer Suggestions, where I recommend places for you to visit this summer because we can’t! While I’ll offer some ideas about how to get there,
Estimate Your Personal Breakage Rate
“Sam, the funniest thing happened, I was cleaning my car and I found an old unopened $500 VGC. Hilarious, right?”
No. Not hilarious.
Or maybe you’ve cleaned out a drawer and found
Using bank points to book cash flights and travel: a primer
The miles and points game has definitely changed over the past few years. These days, you may get more value using points to book cash flights instead of stressing searching
How worried should Delta American Express cardholders be about RAT?
I’ve been watching with interest as datapoints have rolled in of American Express signup bonuses being denied to people who meet the minimum spend requirement with manufactured s..
Episode 76 – Hyatt Globalist thoughts and best ways to earn Ultimate Rewards with FQF
Episode Description
Free-quent Flyer returns to talk thoughts on Hyatt Globalist status and solid ways of earning Ultimate Rewards..
Amex Hilton ASCEND 75k Upgrade Offer – No Lifetime Clause
Some people, including myself, are seeing a 75k offer for upgrading their no-annual fee Amex Hilton Honors card to the $95 annual fee Ascend card (aka Surpass refresh). Importan..
Quick Hits: Get a Chase Disney Debit card for a free meet and greet
Rachel Berkey, a moderator at the Award Travel 101 Facebook group, inspired me with this tip. One of the benefits touted with the Chase Disney credit card is a free meet and
Flying Alone with Preschoolers – Tips and tricks for a successful trip
In my last post, I detailed my (mostly) successful experience flying alone with my two young children, which went much better than my first attempt. If you’re flying alone with
Flying Alone with Preschoolers – my latest experience
About a year ago, I told myself my attempt at flying alone with preschoolers or toddlers probably sufficiently broke me to the point of avoiding traveling alone with the kids.
Data Point – Amex Gives You Extra Time to Complete Spending Requirements
I’ve now had 2 cases where I didn’t complete a spending requirement on an Amex card until 15-20 days after the official deadline, but the bonus posted automatically anyway. I th..
Some recent redemptions, from good to mediocre
I usually try to write up a post for each award trip I take, both to share my thinking about my points and miles strategy and to keep myself honest
My Experience as Hilton Diamond – Meh
The “meh” is compared to the easy-to-obtain Gold status. I’ve been Hilton Diamond for 2 years. During this time, I’ve had the following stays booked from my Diamond account:
- 2..
Immediately Extend the Expiration Date of AA Miles (For Free)
United and American Airlines are the two major U.S. carriers still clinging to archaic mileage expiration policies. 4 years ago I covered a way to stop United miles from expirin..
Singapore Airlines – Meh
Singapore Airlines has a reputation as one of the best airlines in the world. I’ve flown them a few times over the years and have never been too impressed. A few days ago, I fl..
Can you use this one weird old trick to get more value from World of Hyatt Globalist status?
Last year in one of my subscribers-only newsletters I suggested the possibility that you could enjoy the benefits of top-tier World of Hyatt Globalist status after the official e..
Cathay Pacific First Class: Bad Sleep, Good Everything Else
Ever since AA increased first class award price to Asia zone 2 from 67,500 to 110,000 miles, I’ve opted for business class across the Pacific. Today I was reunited with Cathay P..
Tips/Tricks: Hotels With An Infant
Today’s the second Family Travel Tips/Tricks post here on Milenomics. I’m writing this series for new parents who want to keep traveling with their new Little Ones (LOs). When my
Arriving in HKG? Use the Priority Pass ARRIVAL Lounge
This is just a quick note that the Plaza Premium Arrival Lounge in Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 2 is now part of Priority Pass. That wasn’t always the case – I know ..
East Coast / West Coast: Travel to Hawaii With Miles (West Coast Edition)
Today we’ll start a new series here on Milenomics. East Coast / West Coast will be an occasional series where Robert and I discuss something related to points and miles
Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort – the Ultimate Low Category Luxury
I’ve stayed at a lot of nice hotels. So when something stands out these days, it’s saying something. Le Meridien (“LM”) Chiang Rai is such a standout for me – a genuine 5 star ..