My chance to give back. I got in the game in 2003 with a "mistake rate" in Bora Bora and since then I've collected literally millions and millions of frequent flyer miles and hotel points. I've flown around the world in first class seats that would cost $29,000 using frequent flyer miles and a few bucks in tax. And I've stayed in some of the finest hotels - all for free! I've hosted two seminars on miles and points at South By Southwest in Austin, and have been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, published on Bravo TV's JetSet site, and spoken on the Condé Nast Traveler podcast series.
A few years ago I realized many of my friends actually thought I was paying for my flights!! So I started sharing my tips. My favorite thing in the world is helping others have the experiences I do, so please follow along and help me help you. Don't forget to sign up for the free email newsletter on the right side of the page so you don't miss anything.
American Airlines is Testing Dynamic Pricing We already knew that in the wake of Delta shifting to dynamic award pricing (1.5 years ago) and United announcing dynamic award pricing just a couple of weeks ago, that American was going to…
Chase Ultimate Rewards Points: How to Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Spend Them for Maximum Value By Anna Zaks, MilesTalk Guest Contributor Introduction to Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Chase Ultimate Rewards points are credit card rewards points that…
Alaska is discounting awards across the board with a 3 Day Award Sale, knocking as much as 2,500 miles off flights (each way). I’m seeing transcontinental flights like NYC-SAN/LAX at 10,000 each way in coach and short routes discounted to…
I don’t normally use an online travel agency. I’m somewhat obsessed with re-earning my Marriott hotel status and need all my night credits! But when you are booking a boutique non-chain hotels, that’s a perfect time to turn to sites…
Apple via Cashback Portals Apple doesn’t often give more than 2x on portals. When they do it’s usually for one day. Today is such a day with Apple on Alaska’s Mileage Plan shopping. 1st, you’ll have a “mystery bonus” –…
Since Chase did away with the Chase Marriott Premier card in favor of what is now the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, they have been targeting people to upgrade by offering bonus Bonvoy points. Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless vs Marriott Premier In most…
Miles and Points Values Until today, I had the following valuations for United, Ultimate Rewards, and Delta on the miles and points valuations page I maintain: What is a Mile or Point worth? United: 1.4 cents per mile Ultimate Rewards: 1.85…
Dynamic Award Pricing Just yesterday, in a post about United’s newly announced dynamic award pricing, I said that I assumed American Airlines would follow suit, but I also speculated it might take a while with their IT. Sooner, Not Later…
I’m Back And I’ll start with the United Mileage Plus devaluation. As many of you know, I’ve been away the last two weeks, spending a boatload of miles and points on a fantastic (I’d say once in a lifetime but…
The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card The Chase Ink Business Cash credit card gets a bit less discussion than its sister cards, the Chase Ink Business Preferred and the Chase Ink Business Unlimited. The Chase Ink Business Preferred has the…
