Travel Updates – Revolutionizing Your Journey

Quick Hits: AA’s Free Wi-Fi, Bilt Rent Reward Strategy & Google Flights Update

By Bakir Djulic | April 25, 2025

How can a trip to Napa and a few updates completely shift how you think about points, perks, and booking tools? In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the stunning Estate Yountville in Napa Valley, sharing major news from the world of travel, credit cards, and points and miles.

He covers Bilt’s new rent payment option—even if you don’t use a Bilt card, you can now earn points while paying rent, with a small fee. American Airlines is rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi across most of its fleet by early next year, boosting in-flight productivity. Google Flights is also testing a long-awaited feature: the ability to filter out basic economy fares. And finally, shoutout to Karen, winner of the recent Hyatt Free Night Certificate giveaway, with more perks to come for newsletter subscribers.

This episode is packed with fast, practical updates for anyone looking to get more value from their travel routines and rewards, no matter where you’re headed next.

Key takeaways:

Bilt Rent Payments: You can now earn Bilt points while paying rent with any credit card (3% fee applies).
Amex Wi-Fi Credit Tip: DeAndre uses Amex Platinum’s $50/month airline credits to cover American Airlines Wi-Fi—soon to be obsolete as free Wi-Fi rolls out in 2025.
American Airlines Wi-Fi Update: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is coming to 90% of American Airlines’ fleet starting in January 2025.
Google Flights Filter: Google Flights is testing a filter to remove basic economy fares from search results.
Newsletter Giveaways: Recent winner Karen scored a Hyatt Free Night Certificate—newsletter subscribers get access to future giveaways.

Resources:

LTH Online Points & Miles In Depth Course:
- Use coupon code “BOLDYGO” for a 50% discount!
BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook Group
Truicity Wealth Management

Connect with DeAndre Coke:

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Quick Hits: ANA’s Devaluation, How to re-qualify for Chase’s Biggest Bonus & More!

By Bakir Djulic | April 18, 2025

Is ANA’s legendary around-the-world ticket going away for good?

In this Quick Hits episode, DeAndre Coke checks in from the Dominican Republic—on a site visit for his upcoming wedding—to bring you the latest news in the world of travel, points, and miles. He breaks down ANA’s significant devaluation, explains the ticking clock on booking their coveted around-the-world ticket, and clarifies who’s eligible for Chase Sapphire Preferred’s elevated 100,000-point offer.

DeAndre also shares the latest updates on Zil Money’s delayed card processing system for payroll and offers a transparent follow-up to a recent discrepancy between a podcast and Instagram about his use of points versus travel insurance for a flight delay. If you’re looking to stay sharp on offers, program updates, and real-life travel hacks, this episode is packed with practical insights—recorded right from paradise.

Tune in to stay ahead on travel strategy and loyalty program changes.

Key takeaways:

ANA Around-the-World Ticket: Book by June 24 before ANA eliminates this aspirational redemption.
ANA One-Way Redemptions: ANA will finally allow one-way point bookings, offering more flexibility.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus: A 100,000-point welcome offer is available—but only if you meet strict eligibility rules.
Zil Money Update: The platform is still down due to overwhelming demand; processing is expected to resume soon.
Travel Insurance Clarification: DeAndre confirms he used points (not cash) for a Hyatt stay during a flight delay, and breaks down how trip delay coverage varies by card.
Trip Delay Insurance Tip: Chase Sapphire Preferred = 12-hour delay or overnight stay; Reserve = 6-hour delay coverage.