Have you been wondering what’s really happening in the world of credit card points and award travel this year?

In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly, The Points and Miles Doc to break down the biggest shifts in 2025 so far. From major devaluations to standout sweet spots, we’re giving you an honest look at what’s working now—and what’s not. We also dive into how international programs are outperforming U.S.-based ones, which transfer partnerships are showing real value, and why flexibility is more important than ever.

Whether you’ve been feeling excited by the new opportunities or frustrated by unexpected roadblocks, this conversation will help you reset your strategy for the second half of the year and beyond.

Want more help using your Alaska miles wisely?

Join me for a live workshop on June 21st at 10am CDT where I’ll walk you through the best Alaska Airlines sweet spots and the tools I use to find them fast—so you can stop second-guessing and start booking. Click here to save your spot - https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/offers/g9uBpeJK

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mid-year-award-travel-review-2025/

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Have Alaska miles—or thinking of transferring your Amex points before the June 30 deadline?

In this episode, I’m breaking down some of the most valuable ways to redeem Alaska Airlines miles right now. From low-cost domestic redemptions to hard-to-find international business class flights, this guide walks you through the sweet spots that make Alaska’s program one of the most valuable in points travel.

You’ll also learn what not to do with your Alaska miles (even if it looks like a good deal), plus a few rare redemptions that are great in theory—but nearly impossible to actually book.

Whether you already have Alaska miles or you're considering a speculative transfer, this episode will help you use those points with confidence and strategy.

Want more help using your Alaska miles wisely?

Join me for a live workshop on June 21st at 10am CDT where I’ll walk you through the best Alaska Airlines sweet spots and the tools I use to find them fast—so you can stop second-guessing and start booking. Click here to reserve your spot - https://points.pointmetofirstclass.com/offers/g9uBpeJK

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

Have you ever dreamed of flying to Japan in business class—without paying out of pocket? Bilt just made that a lot easier.

In this episode, I’m joined by award travel strategist Ben Komenkul to talk about the newest (and most exciting) Bilt Rewards transfer partner: Japan Airlines. This partnership opens the door to premium flights across Asia and around the world—and it’s not just for those planning a trip to Tokyo.

Ben and I walk through everything from low-cost regional flights and lie-flat business class options to more advanced redemptions like partner bookings with Emirates or Korean Air. We also share the biggest tips and pitfalls to know before transferring your Bilt points, including how to avoid JAL’s 60-day award booking delay and why their mileage expiration policy might not work for everyone.

If you’ve been curious about using Bilt points—or want to understand when this program can unlock premium cabin value—this is a must-listen.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/book-japan-airlines-with-bilt-rewards/

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

A major points transfer pathway is shutting down—and it's got a lot of people wondering: should I move my Amex points to Alaska Airlines before the door closes?

In this episode, I break down the fast-approaching June 30 deadline to transfer Amex points to Hawaiian Airlines (and from there to Alaska), and walk you through my personal decision—including the 4-step framework I use for evaluating speculative points transfers.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s smart to move points to a transfer partner without a specific booking in mind, this episode will help you weigh the risk and make a decision you can feel confident in—whether it’s for this opportunity or any future bonus or expiring partnership.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/speculative-points-transfer-guide/

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAPfb3wIaphMn_NoQzm_fljydsivTELQwh7pYoxrI2uTFoKQ/viewform?usp=header

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

If you’ve ever struggled to find award space—especially in business class—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

In this episode, I’m diving into a unique but often overlooked type of airline route called a fifth freedom flight. These flights are legal exceptions in commercial aviation that allow an airline to fly between two foreign countries, neither of which is their home base—and for points enthusiasts, they offer some of the best award availability, better cabin experiences, and unique route opportunities around the world.

I’ll walk you through the history behind these flights, how to spot them, and the exact routes worth checking out to Europe, Asia, Africa, and even the Caribbean. Whether you’re hunting for better premium cabin space or just want a smoother flight, fifth freedom flights should absolutely be on your radar.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/fifth-freedom-flights-points-strategy/

No matter how dreamy your destination is, there’s one thing that can make or break your trip: sleep.

In this episode, I’m joined by sleep therapists Leah Corkum and Marlee Boyle, co-founders of Sleep-Works, a Canadian-based virtual sleep education company helping individuals and families improve their sleep health. With certifications in CBT for insomnia, clinical sleep health, and years of experience in both nursing and respiratory therapy, Leah and Marlee bring a holistic and practical approach to sleep support that goes far beyond just tips and tools.

We talk about how travel disrupts sleep, what actually causes jet lag, and why light exposure, sleep environment, and the way you use (or misuse) melatonin can all have a big impact on how you feel before, during, and after a trip.

Whether you're a frequent flyer, a parent navigating time zone shifts with kids, or just trying to avoid that foggy, post-vacation exhaustion, this conversation is packed with practical strategies from professionals who know the science—and the real life struggle—of sleep and travel.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/sleep-while-traveling-jet-lag-tips/

There’s finally a card that rewards you for the one expense that’s been completely ignored in the points world: your mortgage.

In this episode, I’m talking with Kelley Halpin, CEO of Mesa, about the first credit card that lets you earn points for mortgage payments—plus other major homeowner expenses like daycare, utilities, and home improvement. Kelley shares what makes the Mesa card unique, how its rewards system works, and why it’s designed to serve a segment of consumers that’s long been overlooked by traditional credit card programs.

If you’ve ever wished one of your biggest monthly bills could earn serious points—this card just might become your new favorite.

Make sure to check out the Mesa Homeowners Card - no annual fee, earns points on your mortgage and comes with $800+ in home benefits! Use my referral link to get 5,000 bonus points when you get approved.

https://mesa.onelink.me/odOT/gge86l53?referral_code=htx8f5

Use my code to apply: htx8f5

Terms apply.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mesa-credit-card-earn-points-mortgage/

Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!

Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here:

Whether your Costco haul includes a 5-pound bag of almonds or a giant sectional sofa, one thing is certain: you’re probably not spending just a few bucks.

If you’ve ever wondered how to earn more credit card points on your Costco runs, this episode walks you through four smart, strategic ways to maximize rewards—whether you’re shopping in-store, online, or through a workaround like Instacart. You’ll learn which cards work, which ones don’t, and how to pick the best method based on your spending habits and points goals.

This episode is your go-to guide for getting the most out of every Costco trip—without having to overhaul your strategy or juggle a dozen cards.

Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/maximize-points-costco/

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