Turning the Tables: My Approach to Points, Miles and Travel
Summary
Chris Hurd discusses his points and miles strategy with Megan Coyle and Sally French, highlighting his best redemption: using Delta miles to pay for his wedding videographer in exchange for a business class trip to the Seychelles. They analyze why two credit cards are often optimal for average spenders and explore the rising trend of significant card member discounts on award flights. Hurd also shares his family travel tactics, such as booking flexible award tickets early to lock in trips while waiting for better availability, and emphasizes the importance of flexibility in dates and destin…
Topics discussed
Intro: Using Delta miles for a wedding video
Guest introduction and recent travel to Victoria
Early history: Parents setting up frequent flyer accounts
Tracking points accumulation and inflection points
The wedding video hack: Paying videographer in miles
Sponsorships: Gusto and Gelt tax services
Strategy: Why small card perks don't move the needle
Optimal number of credit cards for average spenders
Shopping portals and transferable points strategy
Gift cards: Buying, reselling, and avoiding waste
Booking family trips: Splitting up to find seats
The 95% rule: Booking inconvenient flights for peace of mind
Sponsorships: Element electrolytes and Whisper Flow AI
Flexibility and the 'no ocean in coach' rule
Award search tools and card member pricing discounts
Program flexibility and Japan Airlines transfer bonuses
Sponsorship: Built points and housing rewards
Advice for beginners: Cash out vs. booking flights
Hotel redemptions vs. flights and status benefits
The math: Paying cash vs. points with discounts
Flight cancellation hacks and schedule change refunds
Southwest Big Seat perks and final thoughts
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