Big Sapphire Bonus, Virgin's Fantastic Cruise Offer, Hyatt Suite Space Hack & United Devalues Again!

May 8, 2024

Episode Description:

As a reminder you can watch this show as well at: https://www.youtube.com/@20minutetravel

Perhaps the most popular travel card now has an increased offer, but you can do even better! Find out about Chase Sapphire Preferred's increased welcome offer, why we love Ultimate Rewards and how a little patience can score you even more valuable Ultimate Rewards points if you are going to pick up this card.

In other travel news Virgin Voyages has a new points promo with Virgin Red that is a great deal for Shawn's favorite cruise line. We also discuss United's sudden devaluation on some awards, why you should proceed with caution when using Buyers Groups, a great new Freedom Flex offer, a trick for opening up award space when using Hyatt suite upgrades and a hack to keep the seat next to you empty when traveling!

Episode Guide:

• 0:00 The ultimate travel hack for seat anxiety?
• 0:55 Chase Sapphire Preferred increased offer - The ultimate travel card?
• 2:28 Getting an even better Sapphire Preferred offer by going in-branch
• 3:33 Virgin Voyages has a great new points deal
• 5:40 Current transfer bonuses & why you should use caution with them
• 8:16 Great targeted offer for Chase Freedom Flex
• 9:55 A warning about Chase’s 5/24 rule
• 10:32 Hilton’s new Summer promo
• 11:53 United devalues even more awards without notice
• 14:17 A cool trick for Hyatt’s Suite Upgrade Awards
• 15:52 How miles & points can make you lose perspective on travel “costs”
• 17:02 A warning about Buyers Groups
• 18:42 How to avoid risk when finding new ways to earn points

About the Show:

We love to travel and love to laugh! 20 Minute Travel is designed to get you all of the info you need to supercharge your travel by utilizing credit cards, travel rewards and other tricks to pay pennies on the dollar. 

Shawn Coomer is the founder of Miles to Memories and has traveled all over the world with his family utilizing miles & points. He has been writing and podcasting about miles, points and travel since 2013 and has earned and spent millions of points & miles across dozens of programs.

Mark Ostermann is the former Managing Editor of Miles to Memories and is the Managing Editor at Travel on Points. He has been writing about his travel experiences since 2017 and loves to dive into the weeds so you don't have to. He also enjoys a good beer and a laugh or fifty.

Each week tens of thousands of people tune into our MtM Vegas news shows at http://www.YouTube.com/milestomemories. If you like this show check it out!

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected].