S3, E3: Reward Programs

Travel loyalty programs can be quite intricate, but they are definitely worth getting involved with. In this week’s episode of Unpacked, we dive into the top programs, recent updates, and tips for maximizing every single point.

Transcript

Aislyn: I’m Aislyn Greene, and this is Unpacked, the podcast where we tackle one challenging travel topic each week. Today’s episode focuses on travel loyalty programs—think airline miles, hotel points, and, yes, credit cards. You don’t have to be a meticulous tracker of points to make progress in this area.

You can leave the detailed tracking to our guest, Paul Rubio. He’s an expert in points and rewards, writing about these subjects and more for Dinogo.com. He’s here to discuss the current industry landscape, which programs are currently the best, and how to navigate this world without losing yourself in endless points blogs.

Just a heads up, things are about to get a bit technical. If you find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the end, don’t worry! I’ll provide plenty of resources in the show notes. So pour yourself a glass of wine, settle in, and prepare for your masterclass on loyalty programs.

Aislyn: Paul, it’s great to have you back on Unpacked. We’re thrilled to see you here today.

Paul: Thank you! I’m really looking forward to being here again.

Aislyn: Let’s take a moment to discuss your background. I can see your suitcase and what looks like a map, which feels very fitting for our travel theme.

Paul: I set it up a bit like this for the occasion, so you wouldn’t catch a glimpse of my kitchen. I have plenty of suitcases, both large and small. One of the fun things I do for Dinogo is review luggage. The ones behind me are more for show; they aren’t part of my reviews. But—if I may shamelessly promote my suitcase reviews on the website—you can check out detailed insights on my Rimowa, Tumi, and a few more coming soon.

Aislyn: That’s fantastic! I have my suitcase in view too, but it’s hidden under a dust cover.

Paul: Oh, cool!

Aislyn: Look at us, two travel enthusiasts! Maybe one day we’ll chat about suitcases, but today our focus is on travel loyalty programs, which is such a vast, intricate, and fascinating topic.

Paul: Absolutely, it’s quite a large and complicated subject.

Aislyn: What’s your story? Can you share how you got started in this field and what your areas of expertise are?

Paul: It’s a bit like credit cards—I pretty much hold every card available—

Aislyn: Which we discussed last season.

Paul: I’m a member of nearly every major airline and hotel loyalty program, both domestic and international, since my college days. Additionally, I’ve enrolled most of my family members in the key programs. Remember, joining these programs costs you nothing. All frequent flyer and loyalty programs are free to sign up for, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Since COVID, many programs have adjusted their policies, and points and miles no longer expire.

You can, for instance, accumulate these miles in 2024 and forget about them. By 2027, when you fly a random airline for the second time, voilà—you’ll already have some points, and perhaps enough to redeem something worthwhile. They won’t just vanish if left in your account for years.

I’ve found success with loyalty programs because I’m type A and keep a spreadsheet of all my loyalty program numbers and passwords. For those who aren’t spreadsheet enthusiasts, there’s an app called AwardWallet where you can enter all your details, and it will track everything for you.

Aislyn: That’s fantastic! What a clever idea.

Paul: It may sound daunting at first—like, “Join 10 different loyalty programs?”—but you can handle it all from one platform. That makes it really manageable.

Aislyn: Exactly! And as you mentioned, since they’re free, there’s no downside. Unlike credit cards, where you might want to be selective, you can sign up for all of them—

Paul: Right! You won’t be hit with an annual fee next year and think, “Oh no, what have I done?”

Aislyn: Yes, just remember not to click on “subscribe to the newsletter,” right?

Paul: Right. Although, ours is an exception. Just be sure to opt out of marketing communications to avoid receiving about 10 emails every week.

Aislyn: Yes, absolutely. At the start, you mentioned how complex these programs can be, and it seems like so much has changed in this space. So, where do we stand in 2024? Have things improved? Are we in a better situation now?

Paul: That’s a big question—whether loyalty programs have improved. I’ll keep it brief. Overall, loyalty programs in 2024 are not as good as they were in previous years. This decline has been happening for a while, but it’s become a hot topic now because of the travel boom. With everyone traveling again, there’s been chaos at airports and a surge in lounge access requests.

People are becoming more aware of what it means to be part of these programs. While the downward trend continues, the changes from 2023 to 2024 aren’t drastically negative. Sure, there have been some unfavorable adjustments, some things have remained the same, and a few are even positive. We can discuss those in more detail later. Looking back five years, it required more points to book flights, and achieving elite status has become tougher. However, there are still chances to make the most of it, so don’t lose hope.

Aislyn: Got it. So it’s still worth signing up for all of them.

Paul: Definitely go for it.

Aislyn: Download the app.

Paul: Absolutely, still go for it. Don't hesitate.

Aislyn: Why would you insist on that, especially for someone thinking, “This seems overwhelming to handle”?

Paul: Because you can often score free flights and complimentary hotel stays more easily than you realize. It may not happen during peak times like holidays or summer breaks, which are popular for travel, but there are still plenty of chances. For instance, I’m heading to Mexico with my cousin in a couple of weeks.

She hadn't signed up for the American Airlines program. Since we were flying with American, I had her enroll, allowing us to claim retroactive credit for a flight she took a couple of months earlier. After our trips to Mexico, she’ll likely have around 9,000 American Airlines Advantage points in her account, which could often earn her a domestic one-way ticket. Who wouldn’t want a free flight? It only took 30 seconds to sign up and add her number. That’s all it took. So yes, it’s definitely worth it, especially since the landscape keeps evolving. Good deals are still out there.

Aislyn: Exactly! And if you’re traveling anyway, why not earn some rewards, right? Even if it takes a while to accumulate enough for a free flight.

Paul: Absolutely.

Aislyn: For those who might not be familiar or are just starting out, what are the main categories of loyalty programs?

Paul: The primary loyalty programs are associated with hotels and airlines, but point programs offered by credit card companies also count as loyalty programs. The credit card programs are the simplest; you automatically become part of the loyalty program by having the card. Prominent examples include American Express, Chase, and Capital One.

These credit cards come with rewards programs that let you earn points based on your spending, with bonus points available for higher expenditures. Examples include travel cards like the Platinum and Gold cards from American Express, Capital One Venture X from Capital One, and Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve. With these cards, A) you accumulate points, and B) you can redeem them by transferring them to partner loyalty programs with hotels and airlines.

Additionally, they offer VIP perks for cardholders, making you feel appreciated as a customer. For instance, last month, I attended Art Basel in Miami Beach—one of the largest art fairs worldwide—and enjoyed access to exclusive events simply for being a cardholder of these cards as part of their loyalty program.

I had the chance to attend a private dinner with José Andrés, the renowned chef, for just $125 as a Capital One Venture X rewards cardholder. The dinner took place in a beautifully designed venue, complete with unlimited Laurent-Perrier champagne and a three-course meal prepared by the chef himself. I also went to concerts featuring Miguel and Becky G through Chase, which cost 20,000 points for a ticket, including all food and drinks.

Many people don’t realize that these premium credit cards have loyalty features built into them. It’s not just about the signup bonuses or lounge access; they also have their own hotel programs. For instance, American Express offers Fine Hotels and Resorts, while Capital One features the Premier Collection. When booking through their portals, you often receive perks like a $100 experience credit and late checkout. However, if you use these credit card programs, you cannot earn miles from the hotel’s own loyalty programs.

That’s a quick overview of credit cards. You know I’m really passionate about my credit cards.

Aislyn: We’ll include a link to the episode where you discussed credit cards and all your—so you can find all the resources in the show notes.

Paul: Great! For listeners who are new to this space, hotel and airline loyalty programs can differ significantly from one another. It’s essential to identify which programs to stay loyal to in 2024.

Keep in mind that the years for qualifying for elite status differ by program. For hotels, it’s typically based on calendar years. The same goes for Southwest and United, whose elite status qualifying years run from January 1st to December 31st. However, Delta’s qualifying year is from February 1st to January 31st, while American’s runs from March 1st to February 28th. I know it can get confusing, but generally, if you earn elite status in a qualifying year, you’ll retain it for the remainder of that year and the following one.

Personally, my highest status is with American Airlines. I’ve already achieved my status for this qualifying year, meaning I’ll maintain it until February 28th, 2025.

Aislyn: So it really does provide a long-lasting benefit.

Paul: It really extends your benefits. You enjoy the full qualifying year during which you earn status, plus an additional 365 days afterward. Once you achieve that status, it often becomes easier to maintain it, as you earn bonus percentages for every stay or flight, which accelerates the accumulation of the qualifying points needed for elite status the following year.

We’ve gone from zero to a hundred in no time, so it feels a bit overwhelming—

Aislyn: Yeah, absolutely not.

Paul: —If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I’ve written several articles covering everything we’re discussing, breaking it down in a straightforward way. It will just require a bit of reading and effort. This is a broad overview, ranging from the basics to advanced topics, but you can always dive back into the specifics.

Aislyn: This is your masterclass! Let’s start with hotels. If you’ve either sorted out your credit cards or you’re not using them but want to join a hotel loyalty program, which ones would you suggest, particularly for 2024?

Paul: Alright, I’ll begin with some good news: hotel loyalty programs haven’t faced the same level of devastation as airline programs. While there have been some devaluations—particularly with the value of points for redeeming free nights, especially with Marriott Bonvoy—it's not as dire as the situation in the airline industry. We have four major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and IHG One Rewards. Marriott Bonvoy is the largest and most well-known, but I don’t consider it the best, especially for newcomers.

Aislyn: What makes you say that?

Paul: Well, if you reach the highest status with them, which demands a significant number of nights and a lot of spending, you’ll have an incredible experience with Marriott. However, to achieve that status, you almost need to be someone who lives in hotels, or—

Aislyn: A genuine business traveler.

Paul: Exactly, a genuine business traveler, or someone who stays in hotels even more frequently than the typical business traveler.

Aislyn: Wow.

Paul: For those who are relatively new to this, I highly recommend considering World of Hyatt or Hilton Honors. While World of Hyatt may not be as large as some competitors, it’s my top choice for hotel loyalty programs, no contest. To achieve the highest status with Hyatt, you need just 60 nights, which is a significant difference compared to Marriott’s 100 nights. The benefits of elite status with Hyatt are arguably the best, and their points offer the highest value among all hotel and airline loyalty programs.

For instance, I’m looking to redeem some World of Hyatt points for a stay at the Park Hyatt Vendome in Paris. I checked this morning, and for a night in June, it would cost me 1,900 euros or around $2,100 in cash, but I can book it for just 45,000 World of Hyatt points. In contrast, if I wanted to stay at a similar hotel under Marriott Bonvoy, it would likely require around 200,000 points, given that their points tend to be valued at closer to 1 cent each.

Aislyn: Wow.

Paul: To reiterate for those new to this, remember that each program operates differently, and each has its own points or miles that should be treated as distinct currencies. Just as the dollar, peso, and euro aren’t equivalent, neither are the loyalty points.

One of the aspects I really appreciate about the World of Hyatt program is their milestone rewards, introduced in 2024. This means you're not just earning elite status with fantastic benefits as you progress; you're also being rewarded along the way. They've had milestone rewards for a while, but the entire program has been revamped. These rewards include perks like free night stays, bonus points, and suite upgrades.

There are numerous rewards to explore. As we mentioned earlier, I recently published an article titled “Everything You Need to Know About Hyatt’s Loyalty Program Changes for 2024,” which you can find linked in the show notes. It came out a few weeks ago, so be sure to check it out.

Aislyn: What perks do you get once you achieve elite status with Hyatt, and how can you earn points? Is it solely through stays?

Paul: You can earn points not only through stays but also by spending on their credit cards. World of Hyatt offers both business and personal cards that provide a boost toward elite status. For instance, you can earn five qualifying nights with these cards. Currently, the offer is around 60,000 points after spending approximately $5,000 or $6,000 within six months, though offers do change frequently.

Another excellent way to earn World of Hyatt points, which I personally favor, is through the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards. When you accumulate points through their Ultimate Rewards program, you can transfer those points to various loyalty programs, including World of Hyatt.

If you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the bonus can be as high as 80,000 points during promotions, or the standard offer of 60,000 points. Once you've accumulated those points, you can transfer the entire amount to World of Hyatt at a one-to-one ratio. Plus, with elite status, one of my favorite perks is the almost guaranteed late checkout.

Aislyn: Oh, that’s great!

Paul: Fortunately, I have Globalist status, which grants me suite upgrades when available. This means that if there’s an unoccupied suite in the hotel, it’s mine, even if I booked the lowest rate or paid with miles. It's an incredible benefit to receive the best room.

Aislyn: And Globalist is the highest tier?

Paul: Yes, Globalist status is achieved after staying 60 nights. Additionally, if you have the World of Hyatt card, you automatically receive the first level of status along with five qualifying nights. If you plan on spending multiple nights throughout the year, I highly recommend going with World of Hyatt.

If you don’t have extensive travel plans but still want the perks of elite status, consider the Hilton Honors program. With their credit card, you can easily achieve top status. The Hilton Aspire card grants you Diamond status, the highest tier, allowing for significant upgrades. You also receive a $50 credit per person for each night at any Waldorf or Conrad hotel, totaling $100 for two guests, which is fantastic. Plus, you may enjoy late checkout, depending on the property, all just for being a cardholder.

However, that card is pricey, around $500. If that’s too steep, you might want to look at the Hilton Surpass card, which costs $150 a year and offers a range of benefits that help offset the fee. This card gives you automatic Gold status, complete with its own set of perks. Additionally, the Platinum card from American Express, one of our favorites at Dinogo, provides automatic Gold status with both Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors once you enroll.

Essentially, by holding a Platinum card, you can gain hotel status in both of those major programs without any additional effort.

Aislyn: Are there any other strategies you recommend for travelers looking to maximize these programs in 2024, especially if they’re already members? I have accounts with both World of Hyatt and Marriott and just collect points randomly. However, I've found my Hyatt points quite useful lately.

I somehow accumulated a good number and recently booked a night in Sacramento, which worked out really well. They’ve been very handy!

Paul: Absolutely. I recommend keeping an eye on marketing emails—while you don’t want to be overwhelmed with them, some can be valuable if you’re committed to a loyalty program. For instance, I recently earned 3,000 bonus points from Hyatt just by signing up for a promotion this quarter. If you stay three nights, even with points, they’ll reward you with those bonus points. These little promotions can really add up. Also, watch out for transfer bonuses when moving points from credit cards to hotel loyalty programs.

For example, American Express frequently offers a deal with Hilton where you can earn about 2.8 Hilton points for each American Express point. That accumulation happens fast, so definitely stay alert for those offers.

Aislyn: Got it. So, it’s best not to completely unsubscribe from those emails.

Paul: Exactly, don’t unsubscribe entirely.

Aislyn: . . . on to airlines. Hotels seem a bit more optimistic and clearer. Airlines, on the other hand, have had a tougher year.

Paul: Yes, indeed.

Aislyn: So, what’s the current state of airlines in 2024?

Paul: Well, airline programs claim to be simplifying, but they’ve actually grown more complex, each with its own system. This year, the major U.S. airlines—American, Southwest, Delta, and United—represent about 70% of the market.

We have some good news for Southwest, but Delta is facing negative reports, and United has some minor positive updates. It’s essential to understand the good, the bad, and the ugly in navigating this landscape.

If you’re based near a hub for a particular airline or alliance, that’s usually your best bet for elite status since they have a significant presence. However, sometimes it’s wise to consider an airline with the second-largest presence at your airport. For instance, if you’re flying Delta from Atlanta, the competition is fierce with top elites, so they’re more likely to snag those coveted complimentary upgrades.

Achieving top status is unlikely if you're flying from that hub. Additionally, when we delve into the specific programs, both United and Delta base their elite status on spending—covering flights with their partners and seat upgrades. To reach the highest tiers, you'll need to spend tens of thousands of dollars. This system favors business travelers with company cards that have no spending limits, allowing them to maximize their benefits.

However, for those footing the bill themselves, like me, I prefer American Airlines. They operate a program called Loyalty Points, which, while complicated, allows you to accumulate points toward elite status without needing to fly at all.

I do fly American frequently, but if I relied solely on flights, I would only have Gold status. Thanks to American's more flexible Loyalty Points program, I’ve achieved Executive Platinum, their top status. How? Primarily because I hold their credit card, which provides status boosts.

For instance, reaching 50,000 points grants you a 10,000 point bonus, and another 10,000 points at 90,000. You can earn points through their shopping portal and a program called Simply Miles. Yes, you’ll need to sign up for these to access free business classes and similar rewards.

Recently, there have been various rewards networks bundled under loyalty programs. Simply Miles, for example, works with any MasterCard; just register your card to earn points in your American Airlines account for specific transactions. They recently ran a promotion where a $50 donation to Conservation International netted you 1,750 loyalty points—equivalent to spending a significant amount with other airlines.

So, with a $50 donation, you can do this three times. Through that, I accrued over 5,000 points, and since I already support Conservation International, it was a win-win. I've accumulated tons of points; I did most of my holiday shopping through their portal and ended up with 9,000 points because they sometimes offer 10 points for every dollar spent. All these little things add up! I earn far more miles through American’s affiliate network than from actual flights. For someone funding their own travel and not looking to spend $50,000 on flights, the American Airlines program stands out among the major carriers.

Aislyn: Got it.

Paul: Regarding Southwest, they’re simplifying the path to elite status in 2024, which is fantastic news. They’ve reduced the number of qualifying segments needed for elite status. We love Southwest for its equal treatment of passengers, but honestly, elite status doesn't offer much benefit. You're not going to get business class because it doesn't exist, and you already get free bags. So, for Southwest, elite status is somewhat underwhelming. A-List Preferred members do get two complimentary drinks per flight, and A-List members enjoy free same-day standby. A-List Preferred also provides free Wi-Fi, though it’s limited, so we should keep that in perspective.

Aislyn: I understand. Yeah.

Paul: It's important to note that Southwest's A-List program isn't the same as the Companion Pass, which is their buy-one-get-one offer. While you earn points for both when flying, the Companion Pass is surprisingly easier to obtain. By signing up for two of their cards—one personal and one business—you can gather enough points to qualify.

Because those welcome points contribute to earning a Companion Pass but don’t count toward elite status, you can actually secure a Companion Pass quite quickly. However, achieving elite status may take a bit longer. So while there’s some good news from Southwest, it’s still somewhat underwhelming overall.

Aislyn: I get it. It might not be a top priority unless it’s the only airline available for you.

Paul: True, but I genuinely appreciate what Southwest brings to the table for their passengers.

Aislyn: Last year, there was some mention of changes in Delta’s program that you hinted at earlier, but they quickly retracted those changes.

Paul: Exactly.

Aislyn: What do you think prompted them to reverse those changes?

Paul: Well, they faced intense backlash from customers. The reality is, other airlines have implemented similar changes in the past without as much fuss. For Delta, it was just a case of poor timing. This year, it seems everyone has become quite savvy about loyalty programs and airport lounges, thinking they know it all.

Plus, Delta had already devalued SkyMiles a few years ago, particularly for international flights, which upset many people, but there was little outcry then. So when they announced these new changes, it felt like a double blow—adjusting elite status requirements alongside modifications to lounge access.

Paul: They likely thought, "Let’s just get it all out there and deal with it at once." The changes to elite status were set for 2024, while the lounge policy shifts weren't going to take effect until 2025. They just decided to disclose everything simultaneously.

As a result, people were understandably frustrated. However, in an article I wrote in early December, I noted that while United announced some changes, they haven’t implemented any negative adjustments this year. Interestingly, achieving the initial Silver status with United is now more challenging than with Delta’s new system. So, despite all the Delta criticism, their program remains easier for attaining status compared to United.

Aislyn: So it sounds like it was really just a public relations blunder.

Paul: Exactly, a PR blunder. And the timing was crucial because right now, everyone is paying attention. Two years ago, there wasn't as much scrutiny because people had accumulated so many points during COVID without using them. It was almost like they had play money—they thought, "Oh, I can spend these points without a second thought." But now, with inflation affecting everything, people are becoming more cautious. They're saying, "Hold on, I want to preserve those points. I need my elite status!"

Aislyn: "These are my valuable points. Where's my access to the lounge?"

Paul: Right! I believe Delta ended up taking the blame for issues that are widespread in the industry. It was overwhelming when they made all those announcements at once. However, they were quick to adapt and made some significant adjustments, making the situation much more favorable than their initial overhaul plans suggested.

Aislyn: So, are those changes still scheduled for 2024 and 2025?

Paul: Starting in 2024, Delta will adopt a single metric for qualifying, which will be the medallion qualifying dollars. If you have a Delta Reserve card and spend around $3,500 on Delta—I'm not entirely sure if it’s $3,500 or $4,000—you’ll receive a status boost that will grant you your status.

Additionally, I mentioned that United announced no changes to elite status but did introduce some positive adjustments in how elite status can be earned. While not groundbreaking, it was well-timed. They took advantage of Delta's misfortune to say, “Look at us, we’re doing fine!”

They’re offering more qualifying points to those who spend on their co-branded cards. However, with the new spending requirements, you might need to shell out $100,000 to reach elite status solely through spending, which is quite excessive. Nevertheless, it was a smart PR move.

Aislyn: Where do you see Alaska Airlines in all of this?

Paul: Alaska is undergoing several changes. I’m waiting to see if the merger with Hawaiian goes through. In 2024, Alaska will adjust their mileage redemption levels, meaning that the miles will lose some of their value.

Now that they’ve joined the oneworld Alliance last year, the synergies between American, Alaska, and soon hopefully Hawaiian are substantial. If you’re in that market, it’s definitely beneficial. I have a soft spot for Alaska Airlines, and I receive a buy one, get one free certificate annually just for holding their credit card—thanks to my extensive collection of credit cards—but I rarely use it since I live on the East Coast and don’t have many chances to fly with them. Still, they offer a great program and genuinely care for their customers, though things are rapidly evolving with their oneworld membership.

This situation could shift dramatically depending on the developments with Hawaiian Airlines, as their program is certainly less favorable than Alaska’s. It remains to be seen which program will prevail and how everything will unfold, but this will likely be a major story as we head into 2025.

Aislyn: Absolutely! Being based on the West Coast, I fly Alaska frequently, and my mom used to be a flight attendant with Horizon, their subsidiary. I’m eager to see how this plays out. I really hope they maintain the Alaska program because it’s quite solid.

Paul: I completely agree! Plus, they serve some fantastic beers from the region—Seattle, Portland, and even Alaska brews are all amazing.

Aislyn: I know! They have this delightful Stowaway [cocktail]—a superb Old Fashioned that’s available on every flight. It’s my go-to drink.

Paul: I really hope they don’t eliminate it.

Aislyn: We’ve discussed a lot about programs and optimizing them. Do you think purchasing points or miles is ever a good idea? I keep getting offers, like 50% off, and there are some enticing email promotions, but from my viewpoint, it never seems worth it.

Paul: If you’re a beginner, I’d suggest steering clear. However, I believe in buying points and miles at the right time and with the right programs. We have two articles on this topic—one about buying airline points and another about buying hotel points. I find it less risky to purchase hotel points, especially with IHG One Rewards and Hilton. When they go on sale, they can be as low as 50 cents a point, and you can often redeem those points for more than that. So it tends to be a cost-effective option.

Another reason I like buying points in those programs, if I haven’t accumulated enough myself, is their fantastic offers. For Hilton, if you’re a member with even the lowest elite status, or if you hold an elite status through the Capital One Platinum card, they have a promotion where you get the fifth night free when you book five nights. So, if a hotel costs 90,000 points per night, you pay 360,000 points for five nights instead of 450,000, which is amazing. If you’re buying those points at 50 cents each, that totals $1,800.

Additionally, when you book with points, you avoid resort fees. I’ve done this, purchasing points for $1,800 for a five-night stay that would have otherwise cost $6,000 or $7,000. Just be sure that the dates are available for booking with points and that it makes financial sense.

Acquiring points can be a bit more complex. I generally don’t recommend purchasing most airline points since they often sell at a premium above market value. If you’re just a few points short for a ticket, it might be worth considering. Personally, I sometimes buy American Airlines points because they partner with my favorite airline, Qatar Airways, which offers the incredible Q Suite.

Recently, I managed to book a round trip from Miami to Johannesburg for just 140,000 points.

Aislyn: Wow!

Paul: Yes, buying those points set me back around $2,700. However, the ticket would have cost $10,000 if I had bought it outright, which I definitely wouldn’t have done!

Aislyn: Absolutely, that makes perfect sense.

Paul: The economy ticket was priced at around $1,500. I thought, "I could purchase points and fly business class for $2,700 instead. That’s a no-brainer!" So, there are times when it makes sense to buy points, and we have articles that explain the details.

Aislyn: How do you determine the value of a point?

Paul: I calculate it on my own, but yes, there’s a lot of information available online. Just search for how various blogs assess point values. Some points have fixed values, like JetBlue and Southwest, which are tied to the dollar and don’t fluctuate much. However, with other programs, values can vary. For example, World of Hyatt has a high-value currency; you might find that staying at Park Hyatt Vendome for 45,000 points is worth about $2,100, giving you over 4 cents per point. In contrast, a similar Marriott hotel might cost 200,000 points, equating to just 1 cent per point. You can do the calculations yourself, but there’s plenty of information out there regarding the value of different programs, so you don’t really need to.

Aislyn: It’s a lot to take in! What do you think people often misunderstand about loyalty programs, or what are your biggest pet peeves regarding them?

Paul: One key point to remember is that not all points and miles are the same—they function as distinct currencies. Just because you spend 10,000 points in one program doesn’t mean you’ll receive an equivalent benefit with 10,000 points in another. It doesn’t work that way.

Many people mistakenly believe they can only join one loyalty program, but that's not true—they can and should join multiple programs. I’m a member of all of them! Just manage the spam unless you want to catch those great promotions. Additionally, folks often think they’re limited to domestic programs, but there are numerous fantastic international loyalty programs available.

Take Air France, KLM, and Flying Blue, for instance; that’s my top choice for an international program. I love them because they partner with many credit card loyalty programs, allowing transfers from Chase, Capital One, or Amex to Air France Flying Blue. They frequently offer transfer promotions, such as a 25 percent bonus.

For example, transferring one American Airlines point can yield 1.25 Flying Blue points. They often offer business class flights from Miami to Paris for just 70,000 miles one way, whereas Delta might charge you between 300,000 and 400,000 points for the same route. But through Air France, KLM, Flying Blue, it's only 70,000 points.

Aislyn: So, before transferring points, can you check the costs on Air France? Like, see how much it would cost in points compared to Delta? Is that part of your decision-making process?

Paul: Absolutely. Regarding point value, those in credit card and loyalty programs are typically the most valuable because they offer flexibility. As long as your card remains active, those points won’t expire, and you can transfer them whenever necessary.

Absolutely! If you have a destination in mind, I highly recommend checking the official website of the frequent flyer or hotel loyalty program to confirm that what you're seeking is available for points before making any transfers.

You can certainly handle that on your own, but there are also helpful services available. One of them is Point.me, which is fantastic if you have specific dates in mind. It will give you a quick answer on whether your plans are feasible. Just enter your round-trip details from point A to point B, the desired dates, and class preference, and it will show you which award program offers the best points deal.

It provides a comprehensive overview from airlines like American Airlines to Air France, KLM, and Air Canada, letting you know the best option for your points.

Aislyn: That sounds amazing!

Paul: I know, right?

Aislyn: Wow.

Paul: There's another resource we have an article about. I also wrote about that. And then there's another one—

Aislyn: —the show notes are going to be full—

Paul: —called Going With Points, which I absolutely love. I set alerts for fantastic points deals on flights, and I get notifications whenever they pop up.

That's actually how I managed to snag that Qatar Airways ticket to Africa a few weeks ago. There hadn't been any Q Suite reward seats available for nearly a year, but I received a notification from Going With Points that a bunch of seats had just opened up. I quickly grabbed some miles and booked the tickets right away.

Aislyn: So, what do you envision for the future of loyalty programs? Where do you think it's all heading?

Paul: To revisit our earlier conversation, it's been on a downward slope. I feel that from 2023 to 2024, despite the uproar surrounding Delta, things have remained quite stable. Unfortunately, I believe we'll see more gradual erosion of these programs over the years.

Aislyn: Definitely.

Paul: But you need to familiarize yourself with your specific program and find ways to adapt. I used to be loyal to US Airways before transitioning to American. I thought, “How will I manage with American?” But I figured it out, and then American introduced the Loyalty Points program, and I adapted to that as well.

You just have to be flexible and stay updated with our articles on Dinogo.com, where we frequently report on these exciting developments. Plus, tune into podcasts like this one to help steer you in the right direction, and you’ll have access to all the linked articles for deeper dives into every topic we've discussed—

Aislyn: Get your PhD.

Paul: Yes, pursue your PhD. However, I anticipate that next year will bring significant updates regarding Alaska, Hawaiian Air, and the implications of those changes, especially concerning the oneworld Alliance, which will certainly affect American. We'll have to wait and see.

Aislyn: The trickle-down effect.

Paul: We can’t foresee the future. I wish I could say things will keep improving, but, honestly, I have my doubts.

Aislyn: They might just surprise us, though.

Paul: Absolutely. I truly hope so.

Aislyn: Go Alaska! You’ve got this.

Paul: I believe so. We all appreciate being rewarded for our loyalty in all aspects of life. This is a tangible way to gain benefits for being loyal, so it’s definitely worth pursuing. And, as I always mention, don’t hesitate to get a credit card to enhance your elite status or gain an edge. It’s the simplest and completely legal way to boost your rewards.

Aislyn: Alright. Let’s steer clear of discussing illegal methods on this podcast.

Paul: No, definitely not. We won’t go there.

Aislyn: And that was Paul Rubio, everyone. Just a quick note: we recorded this episode in late December, and at that time, there were no updates on American Airlines’ loyalty program to share. However, since then, a few positive changes have been announced. I’ll link to the article Paul wrote about that in the show notes. As I mentioned earlier, we’ll also provide links to stories covering all the topics discussed today, along with his social media profiles. Now, let’s pour another glass of wine and dive into our work.

Next week, we’ll return with a London tour company featuring a uniquely special type of guide.

Ready for more discoveries? Head over to Dinogo.com and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and X. You can find us at @Dinogomedia. If you enjoyed today’s journey, I hope you’ll join us again for more captivating stories. Subscribing makes it easy! Also, please rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platforms, as it helps other travelers discover us. If you have any questions or topic suggestions, feel free to reach out at Dinogo.com/feedback or email us at unpacked@Dinogo.com.

This has been Unpacked, a production of Dinogo Media. The podcast is produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland, with music composed by Chris Colin. And remember: The world can be complicated, but we’re here to help you navigate it.