The Upgraded Points Podcast

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/]

Are You Using Your Chase Points Wrong? Probably.

You might think you're using your Chase points correctly. You're probably not. Before we get into it, Chris shares how his Alaska Airlines account got hacked, what happened, and the steps everyone should take right now to protect their points. Katie recaps a weekend in Montreal, including an inaugural Air Canada flight from Columbus, a stay at the W Montreal, and why the city deserves way more attention from points travelers. Then it's the main event. Chris and Katie break down the 5 biggest mistakes people make with Chase Ultimate Rewards points. If you have a Chase card, this episode will change how you use it. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 59 * (00:58) - Alaska Airlines Account Hacked * (03:57) - Air Canada Inaugural Flight from Columbus to Montreal * (05:11) - W Montreal Hotel Review * (07:37) - Weekend in Montreal, Canada * (11:07) - Mistake #1: Booking via Chase Travel * (11:57) - Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Card * (14:04) - Mistake #3: Low-value Redemptions * (15:40) - Mistake #4: Transferring Points * (17:20) - Mistake #5: Hoarding Points When the Chase Travel Portal Is (and Isn’t) Worth it For Booking Flights: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/when-to-use-chase-travel/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/when-to-use-chase-travel/] Best Ways to Redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards Points: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-ways-to-redeem-chase-ultimate-rewards-points/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-ways-to-redeem-chase-ultimate-rewards-points/] Guide to the Chase Travel Portal: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/chase-ultimate-rewards-travel-portal/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/chase-ultimate-rewards-travel-portal/] My Alaska Atmos Rewards Account Was Hacked — Here’s How I Got My Points Back: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-atmos-rewards-account-hacked/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/alaska-atmos-rewards-account-hacked/] Air Canada Inaugural Flight from Columbus to Montreal: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/air-canada-columbus-montreal/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/air-canada-columbus-montreal/] ✈️ 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/]

What's Next for Hilton Honors? We Asked the VP.

Hilton recently made some significant changes to its loyalty program, so we went straight to the source. Brad Anderson, Vice President of Hilton Honors, joins Chris and Katie for a full breakdown of everything new, including the brand new Diamond Reserve elite tier, what the Confirmable Upgrade Reward actually means for loyalists, and how Hilton is lowering the barriers to existing status tiers without taking anything away from current members. We also cover new hotel openings, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and AutoCamp partnerships, the future of Hilton Honors credit cards, and what earning and redeeming points look like going forward. Plus, there's a targeted sale on Hilton Honors points with up to a 100% bonus running through May 29. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 58 * (01:14) - Walt Disney World Giveaway * (02:04) - Hilton Honors Points Sale * (02:58) - Hilton Honors Changes in 2026 * (05:48) - Hilton’s new Diamond Reserve Elite Tier * (09:35) - New Hilton Locations * (12:30) - Brad's Favorite Hilton Hotel? * (16:13) - Small Luxury Hotels of the World * (18:01) - Hilton Partnerships * (20:30) - Hilton Credit Cards and Hilton Honors Points * (22:15) - Top 4 Hotels for Redemptions * (26:35) - The Future of Hilton Honors Ultimate Summer of Magic Disney Giveaway: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/] New top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond Reserve status: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-honors-diamond-reserve-status-benefits/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-honors-diamond-reserve-status-benefits/] What It’s Really Like To Have Diamond Reserve Status, Hilton’s New Tier Above Diamond https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-diamond-reserve-status-worth-it/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-diamond-reserve-status-worth-it/] Inside the $350M Renovation of Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/grand-wailea-waldorf-astoria-resort-whats-new-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/grand-wailea-waldorf-astoria-resort-whats-new-review/] ✈️ 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/]

Is It Time to Get Excited About Wells Fargo Rewards?

Wells Fargo just added two significant transfer partners in less than two weeks, and it's time to take this program seriously. Wyndham Rewards now transfers at a 1:2 ratio, the best available anywhere, and Cathay Pacific just joined at 1:1, opening up Oneworld partner bookings, including American Airlines and British Airways. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down the full Wells Fargo transfer partner lineup, the two Autograph cards that have quietly been worth a second look, and exactly how Wells Fargo fits into a broader points strategy. Plus, Hyatt's annual award category changes are out, with 24 properties shifting down and 112 moving up on May 20. If you have a booking or a free night certificate in play, you need to hear this first. * (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 57 * (01:13) - Amex Gold Updates * (03:46) - Hyatt Category changes * (07:46) - Is Wells Fargo Worth Getting Excited About? * (08:41) - Wells Fargo Transfer Partners * (09:29) - Wells Fargo to Wyndham Rewards * (12:40) - Wells Fargo to Cathay Pacific * (14:44) - Wells Fargo Credit Cards * (18:37) - Does Wells Fargo Fit In Your Points Strategy? * (23:30) - Listener Question: Can I Still Enter the Disney giveaway? Wells Fargo adds Wyndham as a Transfer Partner: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wells-fargo-adds-wyndham-as-new-transfer-partner/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wells-fargo-adds-wyndham-as-new-transfer-partner/] Wells Fargo Adds Cathay Pacific as a Transfer Partner: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wells-fargo-cathay-pacific-transfer-partner/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wells-fargo-cathay-pacific-transfer-partner/] Wells Fargo Rewards Program Overview: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/wells-fargo-rewards-review/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/wells-fargo-rewards-review/] Walt Disney World Resort Giveaway: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/%20] Amex Gold New Benefits: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-gold-card-new-benefits-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-gold-card-new-benefits-2026/] Amex Hotel Collection Deals: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-third-night-free-hotel-promo/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-third-night-free-hotel-promo/] Hyatt Award Category Changes 2026: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/world-of-hyatt-category-changes-2026/ [https://upgradedpoints.com/news/world-of-hyatt-category-changes-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] 📲 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/]