The Upgraded Points Podcast

Three topics worth your time this week, and a listener question that opens up a real debate. Chris used the free night certificate from his Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes against an $850 cash rate, got a last-minute upgrade and 4pm checkout thanks to Platinum status, and shares why a card that is always on the chopping block just earned another year. He also tried Gameway at JFK, the gaming lounge accessible with Priority Pass, and is already planning to bring his son next time. 🎮 Katie flew Delta Premium Select to and from Athens, shares an honest take on bulkhead versus non-bulkhead premium economy, and opens up a bigger question. Is premium economy actually enough on long-haul flights? And at what point does a complicated itinerary with extra legs just to fly business class become more trouble than it’s worth? Plus, a listener booked a big Hawaiian vacation with points and wants some feedback… Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card — Full Review [2026] https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/reviews/marriott-bonvoy-brilliant-american-express-card/ The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes [In-Depth Review] https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/ritz-carlton-orlando-grande-lakes-review/ (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 81 (01:21) - Gameway at JFK (03:30) - Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes (11:54) - Delta Premium Select to Athens, Greece (16:00) - Business Class to Japan (18:02) - Premium Economy vs. Business Class (24:52) - Transferring Amex Points to Hilton (28:39) - Going All-in ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected] 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ Creators & Guests Katie Corrigan Seemann - Host Christopher Hassan - Host

Katie just got back from Greece, where she checked out some of Hilton’s latest and greatest properties... But first, we had to pause our Mexico work trip to bring you Southwest’s new announcements because we didn't want to wait until the next episode. New status tiers, Companion Pass changes, a devaluation buried in the FAQ that they did not put in the press release, and the Southwest Icon Lounge name and design details. This is a quick overview with a full dedicated episode coming before the January 1 changes go live. Then it’s Greece. Katie joined Hilton on a press trip covering three properties across Crete and Athens. The brand new Hilton Chania Old Town has a private in-room sauna and rooftop pool. Casa Delfino is a family-owned SLH property in the heart of old town. And the Conrad Athens with Acropolis views makes for an epic redemption. Plus, Chris shares a stay at the YOTEL Boston listener question and a sweepstakes winner update worth hearing. ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected] Southwest Revamps Rapid Rewards Status With New Platinum Tier and Milestone Rewards https://upgradedpoints.com/news/southwest-rapid-rewards-changes-2027/ Targeted Marriott Offer for 2 Free Nights: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/marriott-bonvoy-targeted-promotions/ Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hilton-chania-old-town-resort-spa-review/ Conrad Athens The Ilisian Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-athens-the-ilisian-review/ (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast (00:40) - Southwest Changes (01:10) - YOTEL Boston (03:42) - Giveaway Winners (05:49) - Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa (13:11) - Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa, an SLH Hotel (17:40) - Conrad Athens The Ilisian (27:08) - Marriott Promotions ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected] 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ Creators & Guests Katie Corrigan Seemann - Host Christopher Hassan - Host

IHG just refreshed its entire credit card lineup, and there is a lot to unpack. Before the main segment, Chris shares a quick New York City stay that included two surprisingly strong award redemptions, a La Quinta in Times Square for 30,000 points against a $700 cash rate, and a voco Times Square for 42,000 points at the last minute with rooftop bar access and Times Square views. Plus an Uber Shuttle tip for getting to JFK for $25. Then it's the main event. IHG launched a brand new premium card at $350 with a 200,000 point welcome offer, overhauled three existing cards with higher annual fees and new benefits, and made one change to the no-fee card that is a significant downgrade. Chris and Katie break down every card, what changed, what stayed the same, and whether the new lineup is worth it. (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 79 (01:07) - La Quinta and voco Times Square (03:57) - Uber Shuttle NYC (06:00) - IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card (12:31) - IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (16:16) - IHG One Rewards Credit Card (19:13) - IHG One Rewards Business Credit Card (22:35) - Listener question: Bilt Cash IHG Overhauls Chase-Issued Credit Cards: New Names, New Perks, and Higher Annual Fees https://upgradedpoints.com/news/ihg-credit-card-changes-2026/ Chase and IHG Launch New Premium Card: the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-launches-ihg-premier-select-credit-card/ Why I’m Keeping My IHG Premier Card and Spending at Least 15K on It https://upgradedpoints.com/news/ihg-premier-card-why-keep/ How To Earn IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status With Credit Card Spend https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/earn-ihg-diamond-elite-status/ How To Start the Year With up to 50 IHG Elite Night Credits by Holding the Right Credit Cards https://upgradedpoints.com/news/start-year-50-ihg-elite-nights/ ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected] 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ Creators & Guests Katie Corrigan Seemann - Host Christopher Hassan - Host

Most people pack their carry-on the same way every trip and wonder why they always run out of space. In this episode, Chris and Katie share the hacks that actually make a difference, from why packing cubes might be hurting you in your roller bag to how coordinating colors before you pack changes everything. They cover roller bag strategy, personal item essentials, what to always have accessible on the plane, and the exact bags they are currently traveling with after years of heavy use. Plus, the new Chase Freedom Flex 5% categories are live for the quarter, and Katie stacks three Hilton card credits on a Conrad Las Vegas stay. Chapters: 00:00 The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 78 01:12 New Freedom Flex Card 5% categories 02:23 Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World 06:46 Carry-on roller bags 07:17 Packing cubes vs. packing flat 10:56 Travel toiletry bags 12:17 Packing for a winter trip 14:47 Headphones hack 16:16 Charging cords pouch 18:18 The carry-on gear we actually use New Chase Freedom Flex 5%-7% Bonus Categories [Q4: October to December] https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-freedom-5x-categories/ Conrad Las Vegas Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-las-vegas-review/ Monos Carry-On Pro & Monos Checked-In Medium Luggage Review https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/monos-luggage-review/ Creators & Guests Katie Corrigan Seemann - Host Christopher Hassan - Host ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected] 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/

A lot just happened in the points and miles world. Citi added JAL Mileage Bank as a transfer partner with a 30% bonus through October 24, and it changes the math on how to use ThankYou Points for Japan and Oneworld bookings. Hyatt officially ended its American Airlines partnership and announced a new one with Delta hours later. Chase Sapphire Reserve anniversary offers are live with up to $350 back on select purchases, some expiring as soon as October 16. Alaska's Choose How You Earn feature is rolling out ahead of a January 1, 2027, start date. And Apple dropped the iPhone Duo, a foldable phone that folds to the size of a passport, plus AirPods 5 with real-time Live Translation that could change how you travel internationally. Plus, Katie shares whether the new AA Executive Card vacation credit was actually worth using, and a Chase 10 million points giveaway you can enter right now. Let’s get into it! (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 77 (02:54) - Using the AA Vacations Portal (08:17) - Citi Adds JAL (12:22) - New Apple Products for Travelers (21:40) - Chase Sapphire Reserve Card 10-year Anniversary (24:34) - Chase Sapphire Reserve Improving DoorDash Credits (25:10) - Sapphire Reserve for Business Changes (26:20) - Alaska Airlines' New Way to Earn Status (28:28) - Hyatt Dumps AA, Adds Delta Our Favorite Travel Features From Apple’s September 2026 Event: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/apple-september-2026-event-travel-features/ Chase Sapphire Reserve 10 Year Anniversary Offers: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-tenth-anniversary-offers/ Hyatt and American Are Ending Partnership: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/american-airlines-hyatt-ending-partnership/ New Hyatt Delta Partnership: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-delta-partnership/ Chase Sapphire Reserve Improves DoorDash Credit: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-updates-doordash-credit/ Sapphire Reserve for Business Changes: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-business-card-changes-2026/ Citi Adds JAL as Transfer Partner: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/citi-japan-airlines-transfer-partner/ ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected] 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints 📲 Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ Creators & Guests Katie Corrigan Seemann - Host Christopher Hassan - Host