Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel

Still need to book flights for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's? Don't panic! Last-minute holiday travel can be challenging, but the right points and miles strategies can help you find available flights without overspending.

✈️Try 10xTravel+ free for one month: Use promo code PODCAST

On this episode, Travis and Lovan break down how to book last-minute flights with points and miles, even when prices are high and your preferred award seats are hard to find. They're sharing practical ways to expand your search, compare booking options, and decide when paying cash actually makes the most sense.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to find last-minute holiday flights with points and miles
• Why flexible travel dates can unlock better award availability
• The potential benefits of flying on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day
• How nearby departure and arrival airports can expand your options
• When to pay cash instead of redeeming points
• How to compare travel portal bookings with airline award tickets
• How booking flights through airline partners can save miles
• Why booking a backup flight and checking again closer to departure can pay off
• How to decide when a higher-than-usual points redemption is still worthwhile

Whether you're booking a flight home to see family or looking for a holiday getaway, these strategies can help you find opportunities you might otherwise miss!

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Flying Blue just changed its award pricing, and there's a lot to unpack. In this episode of Takeoff, Travis and Lovan break down what changed with Flying Blue award tickets, what the new fare types include, and what it all means if you're planning to use Flying Blue miles for Air France or KLM flights.

✈️ Try 10xTravel+ free for one month: Use promo code PODCAST

In the episode, Lovan and Travis share what partner booking looks like, and walk through a workaround that could help you book Air France flights for significantly fewer miles and much lower taxes and fees by using Japan Airlines Mileage Bank miles instead.

The episode covers:
• The 2026 changes to Flying Blue award tickets
• The difference between Light, Standard, and Flex awards
• What's included at each level
• How to effectively book with Flying Blue partners

Instructions for How to Book Your Air France Flight With Japan Airlines (JAL) Over the Phone:

• Have passport info ready for every traveler before you call. Expect 30+ minutes and multiple ID checks.
• Call 800-525-3663 (JAL US reservations, 7am to 6pm CT). Choose English, then press 5 for award bookings.
• Enter your JAL Mileage Bank number and 6-digit phone PIN (not your website password). Forgot it? Press 3#.
• Ask the agent: "Can you check Air France business class award space using JAL miles?" Give them your exact route, dates, and flight numbers if you have them from JAL's site.
• Confirm availability before transferring any points. Once confirmed, stay on the line during the transfer so the agent can verify it landed.
• If they try to charge a phone booking fee, push back. Website errors aren't on you, and agents usually waive it.

Resources mentioned in the episode:
• http://seats.aerohttp://seats.aero

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Takeoff is back! After a summer break, Travis Cormier is joined by Lovan Edwards as the recurring co-host for a new chapter of the podcast. And to kick things off, they’re tackling 10 of the most frequently asked questions in points and miles.

~ What points should you earn for a specific destination?
~ Which points currency should you focus on?
~ Will opening more credit cards hurt your credit?
~ And how do you know which card to apply for next?

Travis and Lovan are answering these questions and more!

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

✈️ Try 10xTravel+ free for one month: Use promo code PODCAST

In the episode, they're getting into the realities of last-minute award travel, whether you should use points for flights or hotels, how transfer partners work, and what to know before relying on award search tools. Plus, they discuss how to keep track of your points, cards, annual fees, and benefits without turning your points and miles hobby into a second job.

Whether you're brand new to points and miles or you've been earning rewards for years, this episode tackles some of the questions that come up again and again.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Lovan's First Episode
• Award Booking Service
• Free Course
• Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

https://10xtravel.com/transfer-partners/

We’re wrapping up the summer with the final episode from the archives, but this isn’t the end of the journey. On September 23, Takeoff: A Points & Miles Podcast by 10xTravel returns with something new, including a few exciting changes to the show!

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Before we get there, we’re revisiting past conversations with 10xTravel's Lovan Edwards, a frequent traveler who has a unique perspective on making points and miles work as part of everyday life. In the episode, Lovan shares his thoughts on a range of topics, from booking unique travel (like an African safari) to why he never checks bags on his flights.

Learn from this travel pro, and stay tuned for what's coming next here on Takeoff!

Original Episodes From This Episode:

• Ep. 67 - 2025 Points & Miles Recap: Top Trends from the 10xTravel Community
• Ep. 66 - Essential Travel Gear We Never Fly Without (Featuring Lovan Edwards)
• Ep. 58 - How to Book an African Safari with Points & Miles featuring 10xTravel’s Lovan Edwards

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Do you know how many points and miles you actually have? Not just in your favorite airline or hotel program, but across all of your cards, airlines, hotels, and bank accounts. And more importantly, do you know roughly what all those points are worth?

In this episode, Travis digs into a problem that even experienced points and miles enthusiasts run into: having plenty of knowledge about the hobby, but not having a clear picture of what you already have. Drawing from four years of Takeoff conversations, the episode explores why spreadsheets become difficult to maintain, how keeping track of points can create unexpected mental load, and why not knowing your balances can affect everything from credit card decisions to booking trips.

The conversation also gets into a less obvious problem: what happens when you have hundreds of thousands of points but hesitate to spend them because watching the balance drop feels like a loss.

And eventually, the team reveals what they built to help you see your points balances, upcoming annual fees, card recommendations, and past redemptions in one place.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Original Episodes From This Episode:

• Ep. 41- 2024 in Review: Points Wins, Mistakes, and 2025 Goals
• Ep. 45 - Travel Smarter: How the My10x Redemption Tracker Transforms Points & Miles Management
• Ep. 50 - Points & Miles Unfiltered: Our Most Controversial Hot Takes
• Ep. 52 - Are Points and Miles Losing Value? Real Talk with the 10x Team
• Ep. 77 - The New 10xTravel+: Award Alerts, Tools & Community

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Points and miles can look complicated from the outside. But for many beginners, the biggest obstacles aren't finding the right transfer partner or choosing the perfect credit card. It's actually the fears and uncertainty that come with getting started that hold people back.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

In this episode, Travis and the team tackle four of the most common concerns listeners have about the points and miles hobby:• Is this really legitimate, or is it too good to be true?• Will opening credit cards hurt my credit score?• How am I supposed to make sense of all the information and tools?• Should I save your points for a huge trip, or use them along the way?

The conversation explores credit score misconceptions, analysis paralysis, the importance of starting with the basics, and why your first few redemptions don't need to be perfect. And if you've been accumulating points but hesitate to redeem them, this episode offers a different way to think about the value of your rewards.

Listen in and see which of these four common fears might be holding you back from getting more value from your points and miles.

Original Episodes From This Episode:

• Ep. 31 - Unlock the Digital Nomad Life: Travel the World Using Points! (PLUS 8 Days in Portugal & Spain for Under 400k Points!)
• Ep. 34 - Secrets of a Professional Travel Planner: How a 10xTravel Award Booker Uses Points
• Ep. 47 - Maximizing Credit Card Points: The 3 Types You Need to Know
• Ep. 50 - Points & Miles Unfiltered: Our Most Controversial Hot Takes
• Ep. 55 - P2s Tell All: Life, Love & Loyalty Points with the 10xTravel Crew’s Partners
• Ep. 65 - Inside the 10xTravel Origin Story: Bryce’s Farewell Episode

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

In this episode we cover: points and miles for beginners, how to use credit card points for travel, award travel explained, maximizing transfer bonuses, airline transfer partners, business class on points, economy award redemptions, repositioning flights, how to book flights with points, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, British Airways Avios, Iberia Avios off-peak, Avianca LifeMiles, Air France Flying Blue, Aeroplan, Aeromexico, Wyndham Rewards hotel points, Hilton points transfer, how far 100,000 points goes, business class to Italy on points, cheap flights to Europe with miles, Costa Rica on points, Spain on points, and points and miles trip planning.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place https://10xtravel.com/my10x/

From relaxing on Spain's southern coast to planning a couples getaway in Costa Rica and breaking down recent business class bookings to Italy, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can apply to your own award travel planning.

Whether you're new to points and miles or looking to get more value from your existing balances, you'll walk away from this episode with a better understanding of how experienced travelers approach award bookings.

Original Episodes From This Episode:
Ep. 76 - 100K Points Challenge: Plan Trips for Solo, Couples & Families https://10xtravel.com/podcast/100k-points-challenge/

Ep. 72 - How to Fly Business Class to Italy Using Points and Miles https://10xtravel.com/podcast/fly-business-class-to-italy-with-points/

Ep. 41 - 2024 in Review: Points Wins, Mistakes, and 2025 Goals https://10xtravel.com/podcast/points-and-miles-resolutions-2025/

Ep. 70 - Last-Minute Family Travel with Points: Ryan’s Real-World Strategies https://10xtravel.com/podcast/last-minute-family-travel-with-points/

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com.The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Looking for smarter ways to earn and use travel rewards? In this episode, the 10xTravel team is sharing some of our favorite points and miles strategies to help you get more value from every point you earn.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

From choosing the right credit card for your spending, to overlooked earning opportunities and advanced booking techniques, this episode is packed with practical strategies that can help you travel farther while spending less.

If you're just getting started on your points and miles journey or you're looking to sharpen your award travel skills, this is a must-listen!

Timestamps:
00:00 Points and Miles Strategies
00:47 Types of Credit Card Earning
17:36 Shopping Portals & Dining Programs
31:23 Travel Points Emergency Fund
38:23 Repositioning Flights Explained
47:10 10x+ New Tools

Original Episodes From This Episode:

• Ep. 47: Maximizing Credit Card Points: The 3 Types You Need to Know
• Ep. 61: How Dining & Shopping Portals Can Boost Your Travel Rewards Fast
• Ep. 68: Travel Emergencies: How Points & Miles Can Save the Day
• Ep. 74: Are Repositioning Flights Worth It? Risks, Rewards, and Real Stories
• Ep. 77: The New 10xTravel+: Award Alerts, Tools & Community

Sign Up for Rakuten and Earn Membership Rewards or Cash Back from Shopping

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Where should you travel next with points and miles? In this compilation episode, we're bringing together some of the best destination recommendations from past 10xTravel episodes to help you plan your next award trip.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

From luxury resorts in the Bahamas to affordable adventures in Indonesia and Thailand, African safaris in Kenya, wine country in Australia, island hopping in Greece, and classic favorites like Italy and Japan, the 10xTravel team is highlighting destinations that offer outstanding value and tons of fun for points travelers.

Featured destinations include:

• Indonesia
• Thailand
• The Bahamas
• Belize
• Kenya
• Paros, Greece
• Adelaide, Australia
• Italy
• Japan
• And more...

If you're deciding where to use your points next, this episode is full of ideas that can help you maximize every redemption.

Timestamps:
00:00 Destinations for Points Travel
00:50 Great Value: Indonesia, The Bahamas, and Thailand
04:54 Adelaide, Australia: Wine Country & More
11:37 Booking Lovan's Kenyan Safari
17:24 Belize: An Underrated Destination
24:20 Visiting Paros, Greece on Points & Miles
33:33 Italy vs. Japan for New & Experienced Travelers

Original Episodes From This Episode:

• Ep 42: 2024 Best of Travel: Awards for Airlines, Loyalty Programs, and Hotels
• Ep 54: Destination Showdown: Italy vs. Japan for Points & Miles Travelers
• Ep 58: How to Book an African Safari with Points & Miles featuring 10xTravel’s Lovan Edwards
• Ep 59: Underrated Travel Destinations You Can Book With Points & Miles
• Ep 71: Warm Weather Destinations You Can Book With Points

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Some of our favorite trips nearly never happened! This episode is exposing the 10xTravel team's biggest travel close calls, near misses, and last-minute saves.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

From a honeymoon flight that was canceled just weeks before departure to weather disruptions, repositioning flight risks, missed opportunities, and last-minute award booking victories, these stories highlight the realities of points and miles travel and what it takes to recover when things don't go according to plan.

Tune in and get ready to learn some valuable lessons on flexibility, backup plans, and staying calm when travel chaos strikes.

Original Episodes From This Episode:

• Episode 41: 2024 in Review: Points Wins, Mistakes, and 2025 Goals
• Episode 56: Wild Award Wins: Our Most Unexpected Points & Miles Successes
• Episode 59: Underrated Travel Destinations You Can Book With Points & Miles
• Episode 68: Travel Emergencies: How Points & Miles Can Save the Day
• Episode 70: Last-Minute Family Travel with Points: Ryan’s Real-World Strategies
• Episode 74: Are Repositioning Flights Worth It? Risks, Rewards, and Real Stories

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

In this special episode, we’re revisiting some of our best conversations and segments focused on family travel with points and miles.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

From booking award flights for a family of five to hotel strategies, travel planning tips, and surviving long-haul flights with kids, this episode brings together practical advice and real-world experiences from multiple past episodes into one packed resource for traveling families.

This episode covers:
~ Booking award flights for families
~ Best hotel strategies for parents traveling with kids
~ Points & miles programs that work best for families
~ International travel with children
~ Last-minute trip planning
~ Flying with toddlers, kids, and larger families

If you want to travel more as a family while spending less, this episode is packed with helpful insights and proven strategies from experienced travelers and points and miles experts. Tune in to take your family travel further!

Original Episodes From This Episode:

• Episode 40: Making the Most of Family Travel with Points & Miles
• Episode 62: Family Travel Tips: Best Hotel Loyalty Programs for Parents
• Episode 70: Last-Minute Family Travel with Points: Ryan's Real-World Strategies
• Episode 76: 100K Points Challenge: Plan Trips for Solo, Couples, and Families

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

We rebuilt 10xTravel+ from the ground up, and now we're sharing everything you need to know before you join!

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

In this episode, the 10xTravel team is pulling back the curtain on the brand-new 10xTravel+, explaining why they decided to redesign the experience around the biggest pain points travelers face today.

From missing valuable award space to forgetting monthly card credits, Travis, Matt, and Emily break down the tools, features, and systems built to help travelers maximize every point with less stress and decision fatigue.

You’ll hear about:

• New award alert systems including Unicorn Alerts and weekly roundups
• A benefits tracker designed to stop unused credits from expiring
• A “best card by category” tool for everyday spending
• Automated redemption tracking through email forwarding
• The new private community experience and live trainings
• Why the team intentionally kept pricing accessible

If you’re looking for an easier way to organize your points strategy, maximize card benefits, and discover better award flights faster, this episode will show you why 10xTravel+ might be exactly what you need!

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

How far can 100,000 points really go? In this episode, the 10xTravel crew put this question to the test by planning three completely different trips using the same points budget: One for a solo traveler, one for a couple, and one for a family of four. And the results might surprise you!

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Listen as Travis, Matt, and Emily break down a European solo trip built on budget-friendly award flights, a couple’s getaway that balances cost and experience, and a family vacation that proves points can still work at scale.

This is not about luxury first class flights or glamorous stays at impressive resorts, but instead about showing what is actually possible when you make smart decisions with limited points.

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take Our Free Points and Miles Course
New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Are all-inclusive resorts actually the best way to use your points? In this episode, Travis, Emily, and Matt break down everything you need to know about booking all-inclusive resorts with points and miles.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

From Hyatt’s massive all-inclusive portfolio to underrated options with Wyndham, they're diving into the best programs, pricing strategies, and the hidden details most travelers overlook. All-inclusive resorts promise simplicity, but not everything is always included. Knowing how these bookings really work can be the difference between an incredible deal and a disappointing redemption.

If you want to maximize your points, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and avoid common mistakes, this episode walks you through exactly how to do it.

What you’ll learn:

• Best hotel programs for all-inclusive resorts (Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Wyndham)
• How many points you actually need and what affects pricing
• The pros and cons of all-inclusive redemptions
• Hidden fees and limitations to watch out for
• When to use travel portals instead of transferring points
• Family booking pitfalls and occupancy rules
• What elite status does (and doesn’t) get you
• How to decide if all-inclusive is right for your travel style

If you’ve been thinking about booking an all-inclusive resort with points, start here before you transfer anything.

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Hyatt's All-Inclusive Properties

IHG's All-Inclusive Resorts

Hilton's All-Inclusive Resorts

All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S.

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Repositioning flights can unlock massive points savings, but they can also derail your entire trip if you’re not careful. In this episode, Travis, Emily, and Matt break down one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) strategies in points and miles. From near-miss travel disasters to smart ways to protect your itinerary, you’ll learn when repositioning flights are worth it and when they’re not.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

If you’ve ever struggled to find award availability from your home airport or wondered how travelers consistently score better redemptions, this episode will open your eyes to the game changing strategy you'll be eager to try!

Tune in to hear real-world close calls, how to avoid getting stranded, and the simple adjustments that can make the difference between a smooth trip and an airport nightmare.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro + What We’re Covering

00:45 What Is a Repositioning Flight?

02:00 Real Travel Stories + Close Calls

06:30 When Repositioning Goes Wrong

10:00 Why This Strategy Works (Big Savings + Access)

13:00 Best Airports + Where to Reposition

16:30 Advanced Strategies (International + Hidden Routes)

20:00 Biggest Risks You Need to Know

23:30 How to Reduce Risk (Key Rules)

27:30 Same-Day vs Overnight Repositioning

31:30 Hotel + Airport Strategy Tips

35:00 Common Mistakes to Avoid

38:30 Pro Tips (Standby, Adding Legs, Flexibility)

42:00 Final Takeaways: Is It Worth It?

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://creditcards.com/. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Hyatt just devalued its points system, and it could impact your next trip more than you think. In this episode, Travis, Emily, and Matt break down the 2026 loyalty program shakeup affecting World of Hyatt and United MileagePlus. They're getting into specific program shifts and what it actually means for your points strategy.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

From Hyatt’s move toward dynamic-style pricing to United doubling down on rewarding cardholders, this episode uncovers what’s changing, what hurts, and what smart travelers should be doing right now.
If you’ve been saving points for a dream redemption, you’ll want to hear this before you book anything.

The episode covers:

• What Hyatt’s new 5-tier pricing system really means
• Why this feels like dynamic pricing (even if they say it’s not)
• Which redemptions could cost significantly more soon
• United’s new strategy for cardholders and elite members
• How award availability and pricing could shift
• The biggest risks to your current points strategy
• What to do before these changes take effect

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro to Program Changes
06:00 Hyatt Changes Explained
20:00 Real Impact on Redemptions
37:00 United Updates Breakdown
52:00 Strategy Shifts Moving Forward

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take Our Free Points and Miles Course
https://10xtravel.com/free-tools/

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast
https://10xtravel.com/new-here/

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today
https://10xtravel.com/10xtravel-plus/

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Dreaming about sipping espresso in Milan, exploring the lakes of Northern Italy, or wandering the historic streets of Rome without paying thousands for airfare? In this episode, Travis is joined by Matt and Emily to break down some of the best ways to fly business class to Italy using points and miles. From nonstop routes to creative partner bookings, they explore multiple strategies that can help travelers reach Italy in comfort without paying business class cash prices.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

You will hear about airline alliances, sweet spots across different loyalty programs, and unique routing ideas that can open up more award availability. If flights are the biggest hurdle in planning a European trip, this conversation will help you understand how to approach your search and uncover opportunities you might have missed.

Programs and redemption examples discussed:

• Flying Blue business class to Europe starting around 60,000 points
• Avianca Lifemiles business class awards around 63,000 miles
• Virgin Atlantic partner awards around 75,000 miles
• Alaska Airlines awards around 55,000 miles
• Delta One via partner programs for significantly fewer miles than booking direct

If Italy is on your travel wish list, this episode will help you start building the strategy to get there using points.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome

00:40 Olympics Curling Chat

03:52 Italy Business Class Setup

10:26 Why Italy Is Worth It

16:18 Flight Options Overview

19:33 Repositioning Stories

20:40 United and Flying Blue Deals

24:48 Air Canada Cautions

25:05 Avoid Overpaying Segments

25:31 Reposition East vs West

26:55 Emirates Fifth Freedom

28:47 Delta One via Flying Blue

30:03 More Programs to Check

30:52 Lifemiles and Ethiopian Routes

32:57 Virgin Atlantic and Alaska Deals

36:47 Booking Timing and Fees

43:35 Cash Fares from Montreal

46:54 Final Takeaways

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take Our Free Points and Miles Course
https://10xtravel.com/free-tools/

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast
https://10xtravel.com/new-here/

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today
https://10xtravel.com/10xtravel-plus/

How to Plan Your Points Redemption to Italy
https://10xtravel.com/mapping-points-redemption-to-italy/https://10xtravel.com/mapping-points-redemption-to-italy/

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available (edited)

Ready to escape the cold and head to somewhere with sunshine? In this episode, Travis, Emily, and Matt reveal their favorite warm weather destinations you can book using points and miles, getting into the details of travel to Mexico, Greece, Costa Rica and more.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or planning a bigger international trip, this episode covers destinations that are both aspirational and surprisingly accessible - and all can done with points!

This episode will give you ideas you can actually use for your next tropical getaway. Before you book, don’t forget to log your redemptions inside the free 10X Travel redemption tracker so you can keep everything organized!

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome: Warm-Weather Trips You Can Book With Points

04:53 Why Costa Rica: Easy Flights + Best Airline Points Plays

11:02 Costa Rica Hotels on Points: Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton & IHG Options

12:47 High-End Redemptions & Resorts (Andaz, Ritz Reserve, Waldorf)

25:25 Costa Rica Trip Planning Tips

27:29 Paros, Greece: Getting There on Points

32:24 Getting to the Greek islands: Aegean Awards vs. Paying Cash

32:59 Visiting Paros: Hotels, Transportation, and Day Trips

36:59 Mexico: The Ultimate Quick Getaway

39:10 Points & Airline Options to Mexico

42:25 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, & Riviera Maya/Cancun

01:01:16 Wrap-up: Tools & Award Booking Help

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Let us book your next award flight for you

Everything You Need To Know About Award Booking

How to Select Seats on Partner Award Bookings

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as http://creditcards.com/. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Does family travel with points really require planning years in advance? In this episode of Takeoff, Travis and Emily sit down with Ryan Fernandez, a longtime 10xTravel reader and mom who proves that last-minute family travel on points is not only possible, but actually practical!

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

In the episode, Ryan shares how she books premium cabin flights for the whole family, pivots plans when trips fall apart, and travels with kids despite tight school schedules and limited availability. From spontaneous award bookings to real-world travel mishaps and insurance wins, this conversation breaks down how families can use points with flexibility instead of stress.

This episode is a must-listen to any family traveler who's interested in the points game!

You'll learn:

• How Ryan plans trips around school calendars and sports schedules

• Why booking last minute can actually reduce stress

• How flexible points make family travel easier

• When portals make sense versus transferring points

• How to handle last-minute cancellations and pivots

• Why convenience often beats “perfect” redemptions

• The mindset shift families need to travel more often

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker

03:57 Planning Family Travel with Points

06:49 Last-Minute Travel Strategies

15:37 Handling Travel Mishaps

23:35 Travel Wins and Memorable Trips

25:25 Repositioning and Travel Tips

27:38 Practical Family Travel Tips

29:26 Travel Baseball and Hotel Stays

30:33 Traveling with Kids: Before and After

37:21 Surprising Family-Friendly Destinations

40:02 Planning Future Trips

43:26 Navigating Hotels with Family

45:05 Final Thoughts on Family Travel with Points and Miles

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

https://10xtravel.com/free-tools/

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

https://10xtravel.com/new-here/

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

https://10xtravel.com/10xtravel-plus/

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Which U.S. airline loyalty program delivers the most value in 2026? In this roundtable discussion, the 10xTravel crew debates Alaska Airlines, United MileagePlus, and American AAdvantage to determine which program stands out for earning miles, redeeming points, elite status perks, and partner networks.

Travis, Emily, and Matt each defend one airline program, breaking down recent changes, hidden strengths, and real world tradeoffs travelers need to understand before committing their loyalty. This episode is designed to help you rethink how airline programs actually work in 2026 and whether chasing status still makes sense.

You’ll hear the crew's perspectives on:

• Which airline miles are easiest to earn in 2026
• How redemption value really compares across Alaska, United, and American
• Whether elite status still delivers meaningful benefits
• How alliances and partners affect award availability
• Why some loyalty strategies may no longer be worth the effort

Tune in to learn which which program may work best for how you travel in 2026!

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro: Best Airline Loyalty Program for 2026

01:15 Roundtable Format & Airlines Chosen (Alaska, United, American)

04:10 Icebreaker: Best Airport Lounge Snacks

10:55 How We’re Judging Each Program

11:20 Earning Points: Alaska's Atmos Rewards

16:05 Alaska Credit Cards & “Choose Your Own Adventure” Earning

21:00 Earning Points: United MileagePlus

23:45 United Credit Cards & Star Alliance Earning

31:00 Earning Points: American Airlines AAdvantage

33:30 Earning & Redeeming Points: United & Star Alliance

38:40 United Devaluations & Partner Award Changes

42:55 Redeeming Points: American Airlines Sweet Spots

44:40 Alaska Stopovers & Unique Partner Value

48:10 Elite Status Evaluations

01:05:30 Which Program Is Best for the Average Traveler?

01:08:10 Final Votes & Why American Wins

01:11:00 Why Delta Was Not Included

01:14:30 Listener Spotlight: Family United Redemption to Aruba

01:17:20 Final Thoughts

Links and Resources from this Episode:

Take Our Free Points and Miles Course

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast

Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)

My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

Let us book your next award flight for you

Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program

Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today

Join us at an upcoming Meetup

Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.