Optimizing Vacations, New Ways to Earn Points, Airline Changes and More

All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

#226: From optimizing travel and rewards to new ways to earn points, Chris shares some recent tactics he's picked up on upgrades and award travel. He also covers some flight deals, airline changes, Mother's Day gift ideas, and reflects on recent podcast episodes.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/optimizing-vacations-and-new-ways-to-earn-points⁠

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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals

Resources Mentioned

Vacation Homes

• Pacaso: Free early access and $2,500+ in closing credits here
• THIRDHOME
• Exclusive Resorts

ATH Hotel Upgrade Program (Password: Perks | Tutorial)

Lanai

• Four Seasons Resort
• Sensei

Maui

• Montage Kapalua Bay
• Maui Nui: 20% off with code ALLTHEHACKS
• Merriman's: Point Menu | Monkeypod Kitchen

NordVPN: 4 months free here

United’s MileagePlus Program Showing More Awards if You Change This 1 Setting

Flight Award Search Tools

• point.me: 20% off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS20
• AwardTool: $20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS
• Seats.Aero

Southwest Assigned Seating

Business Payment Platforms

• Plastiq ← my referral
• Melio ← my referral
• Zil Money

Last Call: 100k Welcome Bonus Offer

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

• Ratio Coffee Machines
• Storyworth: $10 off here
• Aura Frames: $35 off + free shipping with code ATH
• Zeel: $25 off here
• Initial Necklaces: Gorjana Wilder Necklace | Maya Brenner

Real ID: Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

ATH Podcast

• Ep #224: Airport Lounges: Getting In, Hidden Perks and Expert Tips with Kevin Song
• Ep #225: Optimize Your Oral Health for a Longer Life with Dr. Mark Burhenne
• Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: [email protected]
• Submit a question for the next AMA here

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(02:00) Finding Accommodation in Hawaii

(05:37) Overlooked Hotel Upgrade Options

(13:05) Strategy to Book Flights to Hawaii: Cash vs. Points

(20:44) Chris' Experience Flying Hawaiian Business Class

(22:48) The Impact of Having Starlink on Your Flight

(25:04) Review of Four Seasons Lanai

(29:29) The Experience at Montage Kapalua Bay

(34:28) Underrated Hotel Perks

(39:58) Why Chris Is a Big Fan of Hawaiian Airlines

(42:13) Follow-Up to Lounge Access Episode #224

(43:07) Why You Should Use a VPN to Book Flights

(44:29) Flight Award Inventory Trick

(45:21) Upgrading Credit Cards for Bonuses and Free Nights

(46:51) Weird Emirates Updates

(48:10) Big Southwest Changes

(52:18) Updates from Bilt

(55:03) Leveraging Business Expenses

(57:05) Exciting Credit Card Welcome Offers

(58:44) Mother's Day Gift Ideas

(1:01:27) Reminder: Real ID Deadline

(1:02:20) Feedback on Oral Health Episode #225

Connect with Chris

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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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