Ritz Orlando on Points, Gaming at the Airport, and the Premium Economy Debate

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