The Upgraded Points podcast

25:54

Not sure where to start when planning a Disney vacation? We have tips to help you save on hotels, food, tickets, and more. Plus, we sat down with experts at planDisney to help you plan your next trip to see Mickey Mouse. Chris and Katie also discuss customer service at Virgin Atlantic, the little-known Air Canada Rogue airline, and the massive 100,000 welcome bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Chris tells us about his recent experience on Air Canada Rogue, and Katie had a great customer service experience with Virgin Atlantic. Next, Chris speaks to planDisney experts about the travel planning hacks you should consider when booking your next Disney trip. Finally, Chris and Katie discuss the exciting new Chase Sapphire Preferred card welcome bonus and, as always, answer your travel questions. For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below: [0:00] Introduction [0:47] Chris recently flew Air Canada Rogue, which is the low-cost carrier of Air Canada. His flight on Delta was delayed, so he ultimately chose to cancel and switch to an Air Canada Rogue flight to Montreal for $100. [5:19] Katie called Virgin Atlantic to change a KLM flight and faced resistance in her first call, but had a great customer experience on her second call. Hang up and call again, HUCA! [8:07] In a clip of an interview with planDisney panelists Christine and Matt, Chris asks about what makes planDisney special, mistakes people make while planning Disney trips, and more. [11:31] The My Disney Experience app is a helpful first step for Disney travelers, along with visiting the Special Offers page. You can watch the full interview on the Upgraded Points YouTube Channel. [14:46] The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a massive welcome offer of 100,000 bonus points with only a $95 annual fee. This is a $1,250 minimum value! Chase Sapphire Preferred 100k Welcome Offer: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-card-100k-bonus/ [19:38] When you book a Hyatt hotel with points, you do not have to pay any resort fees. [20:13] Can you apply for a new Chase Sapphire Preferred card if you already have one to get the new welcome bonus? You cannot, but there are ways around it as long as you have not gotten a welcome bonus from a Chase Sapphire card in the past 48 months, nor applied for 5 or more cards in the past 24 months. You can downgrade your card, wait about a week, and then apply again. Are you eligible for the Chase Sapphire Preferred welcome bonus? https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-100k-bonus-points-requirements/ [23:30] One listener asks about flying into New York the day of a flight to Japan to save on hotels. Chris advises against this to minimize the risk of missing the Japan flight in the case of a delay. Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on the Upgraded Points website. Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ Upgraded Points Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod Upgraded Points Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints…

The Upgraded Points Podcast

1
First Look at the New Universal Epic Universe Theme Park in Orlando 38:47

7 days ago38:47

38:47

Should you believe the hype behind the new Epic Universe theme park? And should you be buying points as a casual traveler? In today’s episode of the Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris and Katie discuss the new Universal Epic Universe theme park, the Universal Terra Luna and Helios Grand resorts, sign-up bonuses, and more. Plus, find out about the lesser-known Mexican city that will become a go-to travel destination in the coming years. Chris and Katie begin by discussing Katie’s trip to Mazatlan, where she stayed at Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort. Next, they discuss the new Universal hotels and the new Epic Universe theme park, as well as the best places to stay in Orlando with points when visiting Universal or Disney. Finally, Chris and Katie answer your questions on sign-on bonuses and buying points. For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below: [0:00] Introduction [0:32] Katie recently went to Mexico again, and this time she visited Mazatlan. It is a lesser-known city that Katie believes will become a go-to destination in the coming years. [2:40] Katie stayed at Dreams Mazatlan, which is currently a category B in the Hyatt rewards chart. For 17,000 to 23,000 points a night, every room at the all-inclusive property was oceanfront. [10:10] Chris recently stayed at the Universal Terra Luna, which is a themed budget-friendly hotel in Orlando. [12:02] Chris also got to tour the luxury Helios Grand hotel, which will be located inside Epic Universe. He says it will be a five-star hotel and has 360° views of the surrounding park. . Sneak Peek: Inside Universal Helios Grand Hotel: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-helios-grand-hotel-sneak-peek/ [15:36] Epic Universe itself is a very impressive park, with “portals” transporting people between five different worlds. First Look: Universal Epic Universe: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-epic-universe-first-look/ [18:57] The Celestial World has a roller coaster called Stardust Racers that is a dual-track coaster. It was very fast and extreme, and is in the running for Chris’ favorite roller coaster. 5 Must-Know Tips From the Universal Epic Universe Media Preview: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/tips-universal-epic-universe/ [23:14] Where are the best hotels to book for planning a trip to Universal? Staying on property is going to be your best option if you don’t plan on leaving the parks much, and hotels like the Terra Luna offer great prices. You can also stay at hotels like the Hard Rock that offer express passes. How to Visit Universal Studios for Cheap by Using Points & Miles: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/universal-studios-for-cheap-with-points/ [27:24] It can be challenging to buy theme park tickets at a discount. Chris likes to go through Undercover Tourist for tickets in cash, which is well-known and sometimes gives discounts. Those tickets also code as travel on your credit card. Undercover Tourist Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/undercover-tourist-review/ [29:17] How can you continue to get points as a solo points player? Katie says there isn’t a big difference between playing as a solo player or with another player. In ten-plus years of points and miles, Katie has not run out of sign-up bonuses to earn. [34:27] Should you be buying points? It can make sense to buy points, but for casual travelers, it is difficult to know if you are getting a good deal. Points can be devalued at any moment, so it is ideal to have a specific goal in mind. Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on the Upgraded Points website. Submit questions or comments for the show to podcast@upgradedpoints.com Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod Upgraded Points Channel: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints…

The Upgraded Points Podcast

1
Premium Economy: Steal or Scam? 28:59

14 days ago28:59

28:59

Is premium economy worth it, or is it just another way for airlines to charge you more for economy? In today’s episode of Upgraded Points, Chris and Katie discuss premium economy, the new Delta Sky Club lounge in Atlanta, and answer listener questions to help you get the most out of your points and miles. Chris and Katie begin by discussing their experiences and opinions on premium economy. Originally hesitant about premium economy, Chris and Katie say the product is popular for a reason. Next, they discuss the new Delta Sky Club in Atlanta. They give listeners different ways to get into a Delta Sky Club as well as alternatives to the Delta Sky Club in Atlanta. Finally, Chris and Katie answer listener questions on booking for someone else with points and the difference between flexible and fixed points. Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below: [0:00] Introduction [1:10] Chris recently flew from Miami to Rio on American Airlines Premium Economy. Premium economy was slightly more expensive, but was a much better product than economy. [3:27] Katie notes that sometimes premium economy is ideal if you need to book seats for a larger number of people. [8:01] Katie was just in Atlanta for the new Delta Sky Club opening. This is the first new Atlanta Sky Club opening in nine years, and it is the largest lounge there by volume. [11:46] At the back of the lounge, there is a large buffet on both sides with a beautiful vine design behind it. The lounge was designed this was specifically to help with the flow of traffic. [14:00] How can you access the Delta Sky Club? The easiest way is with an American Express Platinum Card, which will get you ten visits. If you need more visits, you can get the Delta Sky Miles Reserve Card for fifteen visits. [15:43] Additionally, if you are flying Delta One or flying internationally as a diamond, platinum, or gold member flying in Delta One or Premium Select, you can get access. [20:00] Other lounges in the Atlanta airport include the Centurion Lounge as well as some basic Priority Pass lounges. [22:45] Can you use points to book travel for someone else? For flights, it’s very easy; you can just use the name of the person who will be flying. For hotels, it’s a little more complicated. You can try adding them as a guest, but some hotels may not let your guest check in without you. For Marriott, you have to call. [26:13] What is the difference between transferable points and fixed miles points? A flexible point is a point you earn with a bank directly. Flexible points can be transferred wherever you want to use them. On the other hand, fixed points apply only to the airline or hotel chain with which you earn them. Learn more about how to get into the Delta Sky Club . Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on the Upgraded Points website. Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter…

The Upgraded Points Podcast

1
The Best Puerto Vallarta Travel Deals 31:42

21 days ago31:42

31:42

Puerto Vallarta is an increasingly popular travel destination, with natural beauty, great food, and lots of great resorts to choose from. In this episode of Upgraded Points, Chris and Katie go through their top Puerto Vallarta hotels to stay at with points, including options for Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, and more, including options for families and adults. Chris and Katie also answer listener questions to simplify your travel card experience. Katie and Chris begin by discussing their recent travels — both used points to book impressive deals recently. Next, they discuss Katie’s stay at three Puerto Vallarta hotels, and move into a conversation on the best Puerto Vallarta hotels to book with points. Finally, Katie and Chris answer listener-submitted questions on the best card for a traveler who does is not interested in using multiple cards, and the best card without an annual fee. For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below: [1:30] Katie just had an amazing booking — 5.99 cents per point on Hyatt Points for Hyatt Place in Pittsburgh. [4:38] Chris was in Sao Paulo in Brazil recently at its new W. With points, Chris was able to get a $600/night room for only 38,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. [6:32] Katie went to Puerto Vallarta and stayed at three different hotels. She started at the Westin Puerto Vallarta. [12:00] Next, Katie stayed at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta, which was bigger and livelier. [14:20] The last stop was the W Punta de Mita, which was a quieter and more secluded resort. [20:42] Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination right now, and there are many hotels you can stay at and use points. W Punta de Mita is a great option, St. Regis Punta Mita for Marriott Points and The Conrad Punta de Mita for Hilton Points. [22:22] The Westin Puerto Vallarta will become an all-inclusive in 2026. [24:19] If you want to keep it simple, Katie says the Capitol One Venture X is the best single credit card for a traveler to get if they plan on only getting one. [28:24] Another listener asks about the best ways to avoid annual fees with travel credit cards. Chris found the US Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, which has lounge access and no annual fee. Read about the best Puerto Vallarta hotels to stay at with points: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/best-puerto-vallarta-hotels-to-book-with-points/ Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on the Upgraded Points website. Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints…

The Upgraded Points Podcast

1
Is Southwest Going South? 21:52

28 days ago21:52

21:52

How do you get free bags on Southwest now? How about Southwest alternatives? And is the Southwest Companion Pass still the best deal out there? On the this debut episode of Upgraded Points, expert travelers Katie Corrigan Seemann and Christopher Hassan answer these questions and more to help you get the most bang for your buck when you travel. Katie and Chris start by discussing their recent travels — Chris recently stayed at the best resort in Orlando for families, and Katie visited Palm Springs and La Quinta. Next, Katie and Chris discuss recent changes to Southwest’s policies, most notably ending its policy allowing travellers to check two bags for free. Learn how to navigate these changes and travel like a pro! For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below: [0:43] Chris just got back from Orlando, where he stayed at the Conrad, which is a part of the Evermore Resort. He says the Conrad might be the best family resort in Orlando. [2:00] The Conrad is a Hilton resort, and staying there 90,000 points each night. Chris and his wife also got $400 off through their Amex cards. [3:19] Katie recently stayed at The Hyatt at Palm Springs, where she used free night certificates. Afterwards, Katie went to La Quinta, which is about forty minutes away. She stayed at La Quinta Resort & Club. [7:07] Southwest is making some big changes. For one, travelers will earn less points with their paid fares. [8:20] On May 28th, Southwest will be removing their two free checked bags. Points will begin to expire after a year, and the value of those points will fluctuate. [11:23] There are still ways to fly with free bags on Southwest. Starting on May 20th, you can get one free checked bag if you are an A-list member or a Southwest credit card holder. [13:58] Through June 30th, you can get an A-list status match on American Airlines for four months. On Delta, you can get a status match to gold or platinum medallion for Southwest A-list and A-list preferred members respectively. The Delta matches last until September 30th. [16:17] As of right now, a majority of travelers will get the best possible deal from the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows you to add an additional traveler for only the cost of the additional taxes and fees. However, Katie thinks that the companion pass is likely to change. [18:45] Moving on to audience questions, one reader asks about booking on Japan Airlines. Chris recommends using alerts to catch the best deals. Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on the Upgraded Points website. Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints…

The Upgraded Points Podcast

1
The Upgraded Points Podcast Trailer 1:01

5 weeks ago1:01