Step by Step: How To Book Your First International Award Flight

Step by Step: How To Book Your First International Award Flight

Booking your first international award flight feels overwhelming until you understand the process. In this episode, Chris and Katie break it down into 4 repeatable steps that work every time, regardless of which airline you're flying, which points program you're using, or which cabin you're booking. Before the main segment, Chris shares how moving to Brazil 16 years ago got him into points and miles, and Katie talks about one of her first big international redemptions, a round-trip to Tanzania and Kenya on Ethiopian Airlines business class for 176,000 United miles and just $78 in taxes and fees. Then it's the four-step process, plus a listener question about whether Hilton Honors points are actually worth it for a casual hotel guest. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 64 * (01:11) - Origin Story * (08:44) - Step 1 * (10:14) - Step 2 * (13:08) - Step 3 * (14:19) - Step 4 * (18:29) - Listener Question Best Current Welcome Offers: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/sign-up-bonuses/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/sign-up-bonuses/] Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/beginners/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/beginners/] Best Points and Miles Tools: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/points-and-miles-tools-expert-recommendations/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/points-and-miles-tools-expert-recommendations/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164] 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

How To Spend 100K Chase Points (Real Examples, Bookable Now)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred just launched a 100,000-point welcome offer, and we're showing you exactly what to do with it. Chris and Katie walk through 6 real trip examples built around 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points, with real redemption rates, real flights, and real hotels, so you can go book it yourself. Hawaii on Southwest with Hyatt nights in Waikiki. Walt Disney World at a Deluxe hotel. A Caribbean getaway at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Puerto Rico. An all-inclusive in Puerto Vallarta. Four nights in Panama City. City escapes to Chicago and Denver. Brazil in business class via Virgin Atlantic. And an ANA business class trip to Japan. If you just applied for the Chase Sapphire Preferred or you're sitting on a big stash of Ultimate Rewards points, this episode is for you. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 63 * (01:15) - Hilton Honors Sale * (03:19) - Alaska Airlines Fees * (07:30) - Chase 100K Bonus * (08:18) - Hawaii * (11:40) - Disney World * (14:08) - Caribbean or Central America * (18:47) - Brazil * (20:35) - City Escapes * (23:33) - Japan Chase Sapphire Preferred 2026 Changes: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-changes-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-changes-2026/] Chase Devalues World of Hyatt Transfer Ratio for Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred Cardholders: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-devalues-hyatt-transfer-ratio-some-cardholders/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-devalues-hyatt-transfer-ratio-some-cardholders/] Buy Hilton Points With a 100% Bonus: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/buy-hilton-honors-points/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/buy-hilton-honors-points/] Alaska Airlines Is Raising Partner Booking Fees: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-airlines-partner-fee-increase-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-airlines-partner-fee-increase-2026/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164] 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Gets a 100K Offer and a Major Refresh

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card just got its biggest refresh in years, along with a 100,000-point welcome offer! That's a lot to unpack. Before the main segment, Chris covers a major Choice Privileges devaluation that hit Japan hard, with some properties jumping by as much as 200% in points cost overnight. Katie shares a W Seattle stay booked through Chase The Edit, what worked, what didn't, and whether it's worth rebooking this year. Then it's the main event. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a new limited-time offer, new earning categories including 3x on gas, EV charging, and vacation rentals at Airbnb and Vrbo, a doubled hotel credit, Global Entry coverage, and more. Most of it is genuinely great news. But there's one change buried in the refresh that has Chris and Katie fired up. The transfer rate to World of Hyatt is dropping from 1:1 to 4:3, a 25% devaluation that changes the math for a lot of cardholders. 😟 * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 62 * (01:09) - Choice Devaluation * (02:13) - Seattle Hotels * (08:35) - Chase Sapphire Preferred 100k Welcome Offer * (09:14) - Chase Sapphire Preferred New Benefits * (11:10) - Chase Sapphire Preferred Existing Benefits * (13:27) - Chase Sapphire Preferred Removing Benefits * (15:55) - Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth it? Chase Sapphire Preferred’s All-Time Best 100K Welcome Offer Is Back Again https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-100k-bonus-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-100k-bonus-2026/] Chase Sapphire Preferred 2026 Changes: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-changes-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-preferred-changes-2026/] Chase Devalues World of Hyatt Transfer Ratio for Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred Cardholders: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-devalues-hyatt-transfer-ratio-some-cardholders/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-devalues-hyatt-transfer-ratio-some-cardholders/] Choice Privileges Devaluation: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/choice-privileges-devaluation-japan/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/choice-privileges-devaluation-japan/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164] 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

Inside Alaska Airlines' New Business Class Suites to London

Alaska Airlines just completed its first-ever flight to London, and Katie was on board in business class. In this episode, she breaks down the full experience, from two Seattle airport lounges to the brand new suites product on the 787-9 Dreamliner, full doors, Filson bedding and amenity kits, Salt and Straw ice cream sundaes at 35,000 feet, and an honest take on everything from the food to the sleep experience. She also shares a first look at the stunning new Admiralty Arch Hotel in London, a review of the One Aldwych Hotel in Covent Garden bookable through Chase The Edit, and an honest take on American Airlines' premium economy on the way home. Chris covers a new Universal theme park and the Kimpton Social Password for the summer before the main segment. Chapters: * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 61 * (00:59) - Universal Kids Resort * (01:45) - Kimpton Social Password * (03:45) - Waldorf Astoria London * (07:40) - Centurion Lounge Seattle * (13:55) - Alaska SEA-LHR * (23:05) - One Adlwych Hotel in London * (25:16) - American Airlines Premium Economy * (31:48) - Listener Question: CSP Alaska Airlines Launches Its First-Ever Flight to London: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-airlines-seattle-london-inaugural/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-airlines-seattle-london-inaugural/] Alaska Airlines’ New Lounge in Seattle Will Open in 2027: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-global-lounge-seattle/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-global-lounge-seattle/] Universal Kids Resort Opens July 1 https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-kids-resort-opening-soon/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-kids-resort-opening-soon/] Kimpton Social Password https://upgradedpoints.com/news/kimpton-social-password/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/kimpton-social-password/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164] 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]

5 Tips for Booking Summer Travel Before It's Too Late

Summer 2026 is here, and award space is already thinning fast. If you haven't booked yet, you're not too late, but the window is closing. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down five tips you can act on right now to lock in your summer travel before the best options disappear. Plus, Chris shares how his family made the most of a trip to Universal Epic Universe and whether it's worth it as a multi-generational vacation. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 60 * (00:52) - Universal Epic Universe * (09:00) - Summer Travel Tip #1 * (09:51) - Summer Travel Tip #2 * (13:05) - Summer Travel Tip #3 * (13:39) - Summer Travel Tip #4 * (15:38) - Summer Travel Tip #5 * (19:50) - Listener Question: Family-friendly Resort 5 Smart Alternatives to Crowded Summer Destinations in 2026: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/summer-2026-vacation-destinations/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/summer-2026-vacation-destinations/] Epic Universe Overview: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-epic-universe-first-look/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-epic-universe-first-look/] Inside Helios Grand Hotel: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-helios-grand-hotel-sneak-peek/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/universal-helios-grand-hotel-sneak-peek/] Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana vs. Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-ziva-los-cabos-vs-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-ziva-los-cabos-vs-hyatt-ziva-cap-cana/] Kimpton Seafire Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/kimpton-seafire-resort-spa-in-grand-cayman-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/kimpton-seafire-resort-spa-in-grand-cayman-review/] Dreams Bahia Mita Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/dreams-bahia-mita-surf-spa-resort-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/dreams-bahia-mita-surf-spa-resort-review/] Conrad Evermore Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-orlando-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/conrad-orlando-review/] How This Hyatt Perk Saved Me Hundreds on a World Cup Hotel https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-free-night-certificate-world-cup/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-free-night-certificate-world-cup/] ✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/] 📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com 📲 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod [https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod] 📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164] 📲 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ [https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ] 📲 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/ [https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints [https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints] 📲 Follow us  on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints [https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints] ✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/]