Point Me To First Class

159. The Hyatt Award Chart Overhaul: Points Strategy Shifts with The Points and Miles Doc

Over the past decade, Hyatt has had one of the most beloved hotel loyalty programs in the points world—and a big reason for that has been its simple, predictable award chart that made it possible to get incredible value from Hyatt points. That's (potentially) about to change as Hyatt recently announced a major overhaul to its award chart structure that will introduce dozens of new pricing levels and dramatically shift how award nights are priced at properties around the world. In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly, the Points and Miles Doc, to dig into what Hyatt announced, what these changes mean in practice for people who use Hyatt points, and whether this fundamentally shifts the value of Hyatt points going forward. We talk about the mechanics of the new evolved award chart, the potential impact on different types of travelers, why Hyatt made this change now, how it compares to what could have happened, and what strategy adjustments—if any—points users should consider making in response to these changes. If you've been following this announcement or you use Hyatt points for hotel stays, this episode walks through the details you need to understand what's shifting, what's staying the same, and how to position yourself for these changes.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/hyatt-award-chart-changes-2026    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: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

158. Before You Pay Your Taxes by Credit Card: Avoid These Points-Killing Mistakes

If you're planning to pay taxes by credit card this year, now is the time to set up your strategy—not the week before tax day.   Every year, I see posts from people whose tax payment plans went sideways at the last minute. A declined charge, payments that didn't post, a payment that went to the wrong card—these problems are stressful on their own, but they're especially problematic when you're troubleshooting them on tax day. Listen in as I walk through the five key considerations for turning tax payments into points stress-free, plus the specific pitfalls that trip people up if they don't know to expect them.   I cover everything from creating your most powerful points-earning plan and timing your credit card applications correctly, to navigating the logistics of payment platforms and avoiding the PayPal mistakes that cost people thousands of points. I also share what you need to know about using Amex cards for tax payments, including why you should never use the virtual card number and how to access spend bonuses that make large tax bills even more lucrative for points earning.   Whether you're paying a few thousand or multiple six figures in taxes, this episode gives you the framework to maximize your points while avoiding the mistakes that derail so many people's tax payment strategies each year.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/tax-payments-points-strategy    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: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

157. Shifting My Strategy: Why I'm Pursuing Status in Multiple Programs This Year

For the first time in over a decade, I'm actively chasing status in multiple loyalty programs—and it's a major shift from my usual points strategy.   Historically, status hasn't been a focus for me beyond Hyatt Globalist. But this year, I'm pursuing top-tier or near top-tier status in four programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bilt Platinum, Air France Flying Blue Platinum, and American Airlines Platinum Pro. Listen in as I walk through why these specific statuses suddenly jumped to the top of my priority list, what benefits justify the effort required to earn them, and my exact plan for qualifying for each one.   I also share the four key questions to ask yourself before chasing any status, because the reality is that you don't need status to have a successful award travel experience. From understanding opportunity costs to accessing status benefits through credit cards instead, this episode covers how to evaluate whether pursuing status actually makes sense for your travel style and goals.   Whether you're considering your own status strategy for the year or feeling confident about not chasing status at all, this episode will help you think strategically about how loyalty program status fits into your points plan.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/2026-loyalty-status-strategy    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: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

156. Making Large Family Award Travel Actually Work with Dr. Alison Curfman (Part 2)

Today we're picking up where we left off last week with Dr. Alison Curfman—and diving into what happens after the flights are booked.   Part 1 covered how Alison finds award flights and books hotels for her family of six to eight people when they travel. In Part 2, we're talking about execution—the systems and strategies that make those trips actually run smoothly. Listen in as Alison shares her approach to managing overnight flights with kids, minimizing food costs, and keeping complex multi-city itineraries organized across dozens of bookings.   What makes this conversation different is how much it goes beyond a typical points strategy. We discuss Alison's framework for daily family meetings that give kids a voice and reduce meltdowns, her intentional approach to fostering independence by putting kids in charge of navigation and planning, and the creative ways she uses AI to enhance learning experiences on the ground. We also explore the career and mindset shifts that made her location-independent lifestyle possible, and how she's designed flexibility into both her work and family travel.   Whether you're planning your first big family trip or looking to refine your system for regular international travel, this episode offers practical strategies you can apply immediately.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/award-travel-large-families-part-2/    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: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy  

155. Planning Award Travel for Large Families with Dr. Alison Curfman (Part 1)

If you've ever thought award travel isn't possible with a large family or group, this episode will change your mind.   In Part 1 of this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Alison Curfman, a pediatric emergency physician, entrepreneur, and relentless optimizer who regularly travels the world with her family—typically six to eight people depending on whether au pairs or grandparents join. After co-founding a healthcare company that scaled to a nine-figure valuation, Alison transitioned into advisory and consulting work that she could do from anywhere. Listen in as Alison walks through her exact strategy for finding business class flights for large groups, her hotel booking approach that keeps everyone comfortable without breaking the bank, and why positioning flights have become part of the adventure rather than a hassle.   We cover how she anchors her trip planning around long-haul flights, builds itineraries around award availability instead of fixed destinations, and uses spreadsheets and organization systems to keep track of multiple bookings across airlines and hotels. Allison also shares practical insights on traveling light with kids, leveraging Hyatt's loyalty program strategically, and combining fine hotels & resorts credits with points to maximize value on family trips.   Whether you're traveling with four people or eight, this episode offers a roadmap for making large family award travel not just possible, but truly enjoyable.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/award-travel-large-families-part-1    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: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy