Tag: Travel News
Quick Hits: Hyatt Adds The Standard Hotels, Emirates First Class Lockdown, Rakuten Promo Alert & More!

Quick Hits: Hyatt Adds The Standard Hotels, Emirates First Class Lockdown, Rakuten Promo Alert & More!

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Planning your summer 2025 travel? Now might be the perfect time to book. 

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke shares key updates from his recent trip to Roatan and fresh news in the points and miles world. He covers limited-time transfer bonuses, how to spot travel savings on previously booked trips, and why Rakuten’s 7,500 Amex point promo is worth jumping on. You’ll also hear why Newark Airport might be best avoided for now, how Hyatt integrates The Standard hotels, and what Hyatt’s new gifting rules mean for loyal travelers. 

Finally, DeAndre breaks down Emirates’ move to restrict first-class redemptions and how to still unlock the experience through strategic credit card plays.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Roatan reflections: A surprisingly incredible stay at the Grand Kimpton Roatan, made better with points and Amex FHR perks.
  • Summer 2025 alert: Now is the sweet spot for booking cheap domestic flights before prices spike.
  • Travel disruptions: Newark Airport is seeing significant delays and cancellations—consider alternative routes.
  • Booking tip: Already booked a summer trip? Check current pricing—DeAndre saved $300 and 70k Hyatt points on a rebook.
  • Rakuten promo: New users can get 7,500 Amex points with just $25 in spending through Rakuten.
  • Hyatt & The Standard: The Standard hotels officially join World of Hyatt with elite perks intact.
  • Award gifting limits: Hyatt will limit members to 10 award gifts received per year starting June 7.
  • Emirates first-class restrictions: As of May 12, only Skywards elite members can redeem for first class.
  • Credit card workaround: Get Emirates Silver or Gold elite status through co-branded Skywards cards to retain access. 

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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Quick Hits: Real ID Is Finaly Here, 2 Top Credit Card Offers Are Ending Soon & More!

Quick Hits: Real ID Is Finaly Here, 2 Top Credit Card Offers Are Ending Soon & More!

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How do you stay updated with travel news while soaking up the sun in paradise? In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the beautiful Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort in Honduras, where he shares a snapshot of the latest travel and points and miles updates.

He covers the current round of valuable transfer bonuses from Capital One, Chase, Citi, and more—along with timely reminders like the launch of REAL ID requirements in the U.S. and major airport delays affecting travel through New York and New Jersey. He also includes two major credit card welcome offers, including the $1,000+ value Capital One Venture Rewards deal ending May 12th.

If you’re booking a summer getaway or optimizing your rewards portfolio, this episode will help you make smart, timely moves with your travel plans.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Current Transfer Bonuses: Capital One, Chase, and Citi are offering bonuses up to 30%—ideal if you’re booking travel soon.
  • REAL ID Reminder: Domestic travelers without a REAL ID-compliant license must carry a passport for flights.
  • Northeast Flight Disruptions: Avoid flights through New York/New Jersey due to air traffic staffing issues and cancellations.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred: The 100K point sign-up bonus is in the “last call” phase—if you’re eligible, don’t miss it.
  • Capital One Venture Offer: Earn 75K miles + $250 travel credit (worth $1,000+) if you apply by May 12.
  • Travel Tip from Honduras: The Kimpton Grand Roatán is a stunning destination spa—watch for a full breakdown episode soon.

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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Quick Hits: Chase & Amex Pause Emirates Transfers, The Zil Money Payroll Saga Continues and More!

Quick Hits: Chase & Amex Pause Emirates Transfers, The Zil Money Payroll Saga Continues and More!

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Is travel finally getting cheaper again? In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke breaks down the latest shifts in travel trends, including a noticeable drop in flight prices and increased award seat availability, especially in business and first class. He explains why now might be the ideal time to snag flight deals using points or cash and shares valuable tools for smarter travel booking, including the newly launched hotel search tool Gondola.

DeAndre also provides an update on the ongoing saga of using payroll for your credit cards with Zil Money, which has been down for over a month now. He also covers a fast-closing loophole that lets travelers transfer Amex points to Alaska Airlines miles. He warns listeners about the upcoming temporary suspension of point transfers from Chase and Amex to Emirates. The episode closes with a heads-up on an active 30% transfer bonus from Citi ThankYou Rewards to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, along with key considerations for making the most of those points.

From smart booking strategies to maximizing redemptions, this update helps you make the most of the current travel climate.

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Flight Prices Dropping: Demand is cooling, bringing cheaper cash fares and improved award availability.
  • Alaska Airlines Loophole: The Amex → Hawaiian → Alaska transfer hack may end soon—act fast.
  • Gondola Tool: A new site showing cash vs. points hotel prices, elite benefits, and price tracking, though it requires email read access.
  • Emirates Transfers Paused: Chase (May 28–June 30) and Amex (starting May 29) are temporarily pausing point transfers to Emirates, hinting at a likely devaluation.
  • Virgin Atlantic Transfer Bonus: 30% bonus on Citi ThankYou Rewards transfers to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club through May 17.
  • Thrifty Traveler & Daily Drop: Helpful tools for spotting mistake fares and daily point deals.
  • Cash vs Points Strategy: When flight prices drop, cash may offer better value than points. 

 

Resources:

 

Connect with DeAndre Coke: 

 

 

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