Tag: Delta SkyMiles

Quick Hits: Insane Rakuten Deals, an Unfortunate End to the Amex to Alaska Airlines Loophole, and More!

Quick Hits: Insane Rakuten Deals, an Unfortunate End to the Amex to Alaska Airlines Loophole, and More!

Looking to maximize your points game and stay ahead of the travel curve?

In this extended Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke dives into one of the busiest travel news weeks yet. From Rakuten and SoFi points play to Delta’s award rate drops and United’s sleek new Polaris business class suites, there’s something for every traveler. He covers the Hilton Honors devaluation, a limited-time AA award sale, and the end of the valuable Amex-to-Hawaiian-to-Alaska Airlines transfer loophole. Plus, there’s new info on Chase’s Instacart perks, updates on the Zil Money saga, and a reminder that May is prime time for booking summer travel. 

Packed with strategy, news, and savings hacks—you won’t want to miss it.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Rakuten deals: Huge Amex point earning opportunities—some merchants offering up to 95x points.
  • SoFi bonus: Opening a new SoFi account with a $500 direct deposit can earn 25,000 Amex points.
  • Delta award rates drop: Flying Blue redemptions on Delta-operated flights are ~20% cheaper for 2026.
  • United upgrades: New Polaris Studio Suites will offer luxury in-flight experiences starting in 2026.
  • Hilton devaluation: Standard award nights at top-tier hotels now cost up to 200,000 points.
  • American Airlines sale: Over 1 million award seats available from 5,000 miles—book by May 28.
  • Amex transfer loophole: The Amex-to-Hawaiian-to-Alaska points route ends June 30.
  • Chase Instacart perks: New $10–$20 monthly credits across many cards, plus free Instacart+ trials.
  • Zil Money update: The payroll on credit card feature was delayed another month, which is now expected in June.
  • Book now for summer: Prices for flights and hotels are lower than usual—rebooking could save $$$.

 

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Maximizing Points & Miles for Budget-Friendly Luxury Travel with Tim Meade (Ep. 23)

Maximizing Points & Miles for Budget-Friendly Luxury Travel with Tim Meade (Ep. 23)

Ever wonder how frequent travelers enjoy luxury stays without the high costs? 

In this captivating episode, join DeAndre Coke and special guest Tim Meade as they reveal strategies for using points and miles to elevate your travel experiences. Tim Meade, co-founder of “Wandering Destination” shares how he and his wife have explored 27 countries across six continents using credit card rewards.

From staying in Irish castles to exploring Turkey’s serene landscapes, Tim’s journey is a testament to smart travel planning. DeAndre underscores the podcast’s mission: to help you use credit card points for luxurious yet budget-friendly travel. This episode is packed with actionable tips to elevate your travel game.

Key Highlights:

  • Leveraging Delta SkyMiles: Learn how Tim’s frequent trips to Atlanta earned him extensive travel perks
  • Two-Player Mode: Discover the benefits of couples using separate cards and referring each other for maximum rewards
  • Credit Card Benefits: Insights into the versatile rewards of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Platinum cards
  • Strategic Planning: Use tools like Travel Freely to track spending, bonuses, and manage the Chase 5/24 rule
  • Memorable Destinations: Highlights include a castle stay in Ireland and a cost-free adventure in Turkey during COVID-19
  • Future Travel Plans: Tim and DeAndre’s upcoming explorations in Asia, with tips on optimizing layovers and lounges
  • Plus, more insights to transform your travel experiences with points and miles!

 

Resources:

 

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