Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

2026 Elite Status Changes and Ways to Earn Status and Nights More Easily

Learn what 2026 status program changes mean for perks like upgrades, rebooking help, and lounges. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk through the latest elite status updates to help you decide when they’re worth chasing. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the U.K.’s electronic travel authorization (ETA) enforcement starting Feb. 25, 2026, a Hawaiian Airlines credit card giveaway offering chances to win 1 million points, Disney’s leadership change and new earnings highlights, and signs that luxury travel demand may be softening in 2026. Then, joined by fellow travel Nerd Benjamin Din, they discuss what’s changing for airline and hotel elite status in 2026, including how status is increasingly tied to spending and credit cards, when a status match challenge can be a shortcut, and how to choose a program based on your home airport and travel patterns. They also dig into updates across major programs including Southwest, American, United, and JetBlue, in addition to hotel shifts at Hilton, Hyatt, and Choice. Plus: what it really takes to earn United’s Million Miler milestone, including how lifetime status can change the way you book flights and hotels. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: 5 Things to Know About the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard  Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Credits  Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price  World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost  United Club Infinite Review: $695 Fee May Still Lure Lounge Lovers  IHG One Rewards Premier Review: Free Nights on a Silver Platter  Best Airline Credit Cards of February 2026 Best Hotel Credit Cards of February 2026  Resources discussed in this episode: Airline Credit Cards That Offer Free Checked Bags Which Credit Card Is Best for International Award Travel? The 5 Best Credit Cards with Hotel Status Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Credit Card Hotel Programs vs Booking Direct: A Clearer Way to Compare Prices

Get a clearer way to compare hotel prices with and without credit card program perks. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French discuss when it makes sense to book luxury hotels through credit card travel portals so you can decide if perks like breakfast, upgrades and $100 credits are actually worth the tradeoffs. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including the new Disney Inspire Visa from Chase, an American Express transfer-ratio change to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, new Centurion Lounge access limits starting July 8, and a new round of airline competition at Chicago O’Hare after comments from United CEO Scott Kirby. Then, joined by fellow travel Nerd Craig Joseph, they unpack a NerdWallet analysis comparing prices when booking directly vs. booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, Amex The Hotel Collection, and Chase’s The Edit. They discuss what to check before you click “book,” how to think about the real value of “free” breakfast and property credits, and how points, statement credits and loyalty numbers can change the math — especially when you’re dealing with prepaid rates and limited hotel options. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-sapphire-reserve  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/american-express-platinum  Chase Freedom Review: Legacy Card’s 5% Categories Endure https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/chase-freedom  Disney Visa: Perks in the Park but Not in Your Wallet https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/disney-visa  Disney Premier Visa: Missing the Magic https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/disney-premier-visa  Amazon Prime Visa Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Store Card https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/amazon-prime-rewards  Target Circle Credit Card Review: 5% Discount and No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/reviews/target-redcard  New Disney Inspire Credit Card: Valuable Credits Offset $149 Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/credit-cards/news/disney-inspire-credit-card-big-fee-bigger-credits  Resources discussed in this episode: Chase Sapphire Reserve’s Hotel Credit Just Got an ‘Edit’ https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-the-edit-hotel-credit  AmEx Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection: Worth the Price? https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/amex-fhr-thc-worth-it  Are Chase’s The Edit Hotels Worth It? Here’s What the Data Says https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/chase-the-edit-hotels-worth-It  Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Would You Do for a Million Miles? The Extreme Points Play from Ashley Gets Around

Learn how a points pro mapped a six-continent route to score 1 million Turkish Airlines miles. Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French talk to Ashley Peterson, founder of Ashley Gets Around, about how she became a “points millionaire” while traveling across the globe. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including winter storm flight cancellations and airline waivers, new restrictions and options tied to Bilt Cash, Citi ThankYou Rewards dropping Aeromexico as a transfer partner, upcoming Capital One lounge access changes for authorized users, and Hilton’s new Apartment Collection. Then, Meghan talks to Ashley Peterson about Turkish Airlines’ six-continent promo that earned her 1 million miles. They discuss what it takes to plan a “wackadoodle” route, how starting outside the U.S. and switching airports can change the price, and what to watch for with business-class seat setups and redemption rules once the miles finally hit your account. Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards Capital One Venture X Business: A Premium Business Travel Card Worth the Annual Fee Bilt Card From Wells Fargo: No Longer Available, but New Versions Coming Bilt’s 3 New Cards Earn Rewards on Housing, But It’s Complicated Resources discussed in this episode: The Guide to Bilt Transfer Partners 5 Best Credit Card Points Programs and Who They Partner With Venture X Card to Drop Free Lounge Access for Guests, Authorized Users Smart Travel Episode about Bilt’s new cards Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bilt Card 2.0 Explained: Can Rent (or a Mortgage) Earn Points—and Is It Worth the Math?

Find out if Bilt’s new credit cards are worth the hassle for earning points on rent or a mortgage. Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle dive deep into the Bilt Card 2.0 Program to explain what’s changed and what to consider before signing up. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including a World of Hyatt Credit Card welcome offer that can earn up to five free nights, what Southwest’s assigned seating rollout means for travelers, the cost (and extra time) of flying without a Real ID, and how you can enter to win a free 1:1 travel rewards strategy coaching session with NerdWallet credit card and travel rewards expert Erin Hurd. Then, Sally and Meghan dig into Bilt’s three new credit cards and a rewards system that now includes two currencies: Bilt Points and Bilt Cash. They walk through the big questions listeners have been asking, including when it makes sense to earn on rent, what’s really going on with mortgage rewards, and why the new math (plus shifting details) could change whether you jump in now or wait. Along the way, they weigh the annual-fee tradeoffs, compare Bilt’s new lineup to familiar fan favorites, and share what to watch for as the rollout keeps evolving. Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter, by January 30 for a chance to win a 1:1 travel rewards strategy coaching session (est. value $250). Learn more at https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel-newsletter-2  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards of February 2026 Bilt Card From Wells Fargo: No Longer Available, but New Versions Coming  Bilt’s 3 New Cards Earn Rewards on Housing, But It’s Complicated  World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits Resources discussed in this episode: 7 Best Hyatt Category 4 Hotels Dear Bilt Palladium: You’re Welcome to Move in, but You Won’t Pay the Rent Bilt Palladium vs. Capital One Venture X: An In-Depth Comparison Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fix Your Travel Credit Card Mix So Your Points Actually Add Up

Build a credit card lineup that earns more travel rewards without becoming a full-time spreadsheet manager. In this special video episode, hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle discuss how to build the perfect travel credit card “wallet” to help you earn more rewards, unlock perks, and avoid common points mistakes. But first, they break down the latest travel headlines, including Bilt’s revamped card lineup and new “Bilt Cash,” American Airlines rolling out free high-speed Wi-Fi, Alaska Airlines’ major fleet and route expansion plans, and Starlux’s new long-haul aircraft that could open up new routes (and new ways to book with points). Then, Sally and Meghan dig into what a “perfect wallet” actually looks like for different travelers, including when it makes sense to add a second card, how multiple cards can affect your credit score, and why a simple “great-on-everything” card can be the foundation for most people. They also explore when premium “coupon book” cards are worth the stress, how to avoid spreading your points too thin across too many programs, and how popular combos like the Chase trifecta can help you earn faster. Plus, they answer a listener question from Tu, a self-described international nomad, about what — if any — cards would be helpful to add to their wallet when traveling internationally.  Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews: Bilt Card From Wells Fargo: No Longer Available, but New Versions Coming  Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Review: Big Rewards, No Annual Fee  Capital One Venture X Review: A Steal of a Deal Among Premium Cards  American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits  Chase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel Rewards  Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card  Chase Freedom Unlimited Review: A Potential One-Card Solution  Chase Freedom Flex Review: Multiple Bonus Rewards Wrapped in One Card Citi AAdvantage Platinum Card Review: Worth the Fee for Airline Loyalists Capital One Savor Review: Foodie-Focused Rewards, for No Annual Fee Amazon Prime Visa Review: Perhaps the Ultimate Store Card World of Hyatt Card Review: Lavish Benefits, Reasonable Cost Hilton Honors Aspire Review: Rich Rewards, Luxury Perks for a Price Atmos Rewards Summit Card: Perks as Rare as They Are Valuable Resources discussed in this episode: Bilt Card 2.0 Coming in February with Points for Mortgages Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter, by January 30 for a chance to win a 1:1 travel rewards strategy coaching session (est. value $250). Learn more at https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel-newsletter-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices