The Upgraded Points Podcast
by Upgraded Points
Latest episode
Amex's Best Virgin Atlantic Transfer Bonus Is Back (Plus a Universal…
Amex's Best Virgin Atlantic Transfer Bonus Is Back (Plus a Universal…
About this podcast
Want to travel more and spend less? Every week, Upgraded Points provides expert insights, travel hacks, and the latest industry news to help you maximize your points and miles like a pro. Hosted by Chris Hassan and Katie Corrigan Seemann, travel experts at Upgraded Points, this podcast breaks down the best strategies for booking luxury flights, scoring hotel upgrades, and making every trip unforgettable — all without breaking the bank.
Expect insider tips, real-world trip breakdowns, and answers to your biggest travel questions. Whether you're a points and miles beginner or a seasoned expert, we’ll help you travel smarter, save money, and unlock next-level adventures.
Email us at [email protected]
Subscribe now and Travel Different.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 83 episodes
- Amex's Best Virgin Atlantic Transfer Bonus Is Back (Plus a Universal Orlando Giveaway) · 19 min · Episode 82We’re recording this one directly from Universal Orlando Resort, and we brought a giveaway with us! 🎢 Upgraded Points is sending one winner and three guests to Universal Orlando…
- Ritz Orlando on Points, Gaming at the Airport, and the Premium Economy Debate · 31 min · Episode 81Three topics worth your time this week, and a listener question that opens up a real debate. Chris used the free night certificate from his Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American…
- Inside Hilton's Newest Greece Hotels (Plus Southwest's Big Changes) · 31 min · Episode 80Katie just got back from Greece, where she checked out some of Hilton’s latest and greatest properties... But first, we had to pause our Mexico work trip to bring you Southwest’s…
- IHG Just Overhauled Every Credit Card. Here's What Changed. · 25 min · Episode 79IHG just refreshed its entire credit card lineup, and there is a lot to unpack. Before the main segment, Chris shares a quick New York City stay that included two surprisingly…
- Our Best Carry-On Hacks (That Actually Work) · 29 min · Episode 78Most people pack their carry-on the same way every trip and wonder why they always run out of space. In this episode, Chris and Katie share the hacks that actually make a…
- Citi Points Just Got a HUGE Upgrade · 31 min · Episode 77A lot just happened in the points and miles world. Citi added JAL Mileage Bank as a transfer partner with a 30% bonus through October 24, and it changes the math on how to use…
- Your End-of-Year Points Checklist (Don't Let These Credits Expire) · 29 min · Episode 76With just 3 months left in the year, now is the time to audit every credit card benefit, free night certificate, and elite status threshold before December 31 resets everything…
- Southwest Is Making Big Moves. Here's What's Coming. · 27 min · Episode 75Southwest is making some of the biggest moves the airline has seen in years. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down everything that's been announced, starting with…
- How to Maximize Points and Miles on Cruises · 23 min · Episode 74Cruises represent one of the most underutilized opportunities in the points and miles world. In this episode, Chris and Katie cover every way to earn more points on cruise…
- What We've Been Up To: Boston, Barcelona, Rome, and a Solar Eclipse Cruise · 38 min · Episode 73We've been busy. Let’s get caught up together. Chris and Katie cover a packed stretch of recent travel including Chris’ stay at the InterContinental Boston by IHG, Katie's…
- Our Biggest Points Mistakes (That You're Probably Making Too) · 29 min · Episode 72Every points traveler has made mistakes. This episode is our honest debrief. Before the main segment, Katie shares why Chris convinced her to get the Hilton Honors American…
- What's In Our Wallet? How We Actually Use Our Credit Cards · 28 min · Episode 71Everyone talks about which cards to get. This episode is about which cards we actually use and why. Before the main segment, Chris and Katie share their latest travel updates…
- Citi AAdvantage Executive Card Refresh: Worth It or Time to Cancel? · 25 min · Episode 70The AA Executive Card just got a new name, a $100 annual fee increase, and a handful of new benefits. Chris and Katie both carry this card and break down exactly what changed…
- Are Chase Sapphire Lounges Worth the Hype? · 33 min · Episode 69Chase just opened their ninth Sapphire Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth, and we got an early look before it officially opened. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down everything…
- Would You Rather: Travel Edition (We Don't Agree on Anything) · 38 min · Episode 68Amex just changed the rules for Centurion Lounge access, and we're breaking it down before diving into the main event. As of July 8, guests must be on the same flight as the…
- Is Elite Status Actually Worth It? We Asked Our Whole Team. · 30 min · Episode 67Elite status sounds glamorous until you do the math. In this episode, Chris and Katie dig into whether airline and hotel elite status is actually worth chasing in 2026, pulling…
- Inside Virgin Red: The Loyalty Program That Goes Way Beyond Flying · 43 min · Episode 66Most U.S. travelers are familiar with Virgin Atlantic but have no idea what Virgin Red actually is or how it connects to the broader Virgin ecosystem. This episode fixes that…
- Hawaii on Points: Where To Splurge and Where To Save · 36 min · Episode 65Hawaii is one of the most rewarding points destinations out there, but hotel prices vary wildly depending on which island you're on and where you stay. In this episode, Chris and…
- Step by Step: How To Book Your First International Award Flight · 22 min · Episode 64Booking 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…
- How To Spend 100K Chase Points (Real Examples, Bookable Now) · 28 min · Episode 63The 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…
