In Episode 160 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks welcomes Claudia Corral and Adrian Pagan from ExpertFlyer to discuss the evolution of one of the original tools in the award travel space. Angie reflects on how, before modern award search engines existed, travelers had to manually check airline sites or rely on ExpertFlyer alerts—often needing to understand complex fare classes to make it work. Now under Red Ventures, the platform has been modernized with a new mobile experience, improved alerts, and upgraded technology aimed at making the tool both more powerful for frequent flyers and more approachable for newcomers.

The episode also covers current travel news and community highlights. Elevated offers on Southwest Airlines personal credit cards include up to 40,000 Rapid Rewards points plus a Companion Pass valid through February 2027, while Marriott Bonvoy launched a promotion awarding 2,500 bonus points per stay and bonus Elite Night Credits for stays at unique brands through May 10, 2026 (registration required). In the group discussion, members debated their top “keeper” credit cards, with The Platinum Card from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Preferred frequently mentioned.

Claudia and Adrian clarify that ExpertFlyer isn’t a points-search engine, but rather a comprehensive flight intelligence platform. It provides real-time seat maps, detailed fare class availability, upgrade space (notably valuable for American Airlines systemwide upgrades), flight schedules, fare rules, and tools like minimum connection times and visa information. Designed for frequent travelers, agents, and families alike, the platform encourages users to master one feature at a time, search flights segment by segment, and set strategic alerts. Looking ahead, the team is focused on improving award and upgrade searches—especially for American Airlines—enhancing seat maps, and refining alerts. A new AI-powered flight status insight feature also translates airline jargon into plain English to help travelers better understand delays or cancellations and potentially support compensation claims.

Episode Links:

• Southwest CC Offer
• Marriott Promo

Where to Find Us

1. The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
2. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
3. You can also email us at 101@award.travel
4. Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
5. Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026

Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

In Episode 159 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo cover listener tips, loyalty news, and Angie’s recent “actual vacation.” The highlight post addresses how to handle two-factor authentication (2FA) when traveling internationally, especially when using a local eSIM. Community suggestions include switching to authenticator apps instead of SMS and keeping your primary line active for texts and calls while using an eSIM for data. In the news, they discuss a new United Business card offer (100,000 miles plus 2,000 PQP), Air Canada adding ITA Airways as a distance-based redemption partner, a targeted Marriott Bonvoy points purchase bonus, and several loyalty promotions set to expire. They also share updates on their current credit card strategies and upcoming trips.

The main topic centers on Angie’s first true vacation in years. After initially considering a resort stay in Anguilla, she and her husband opted for a seven-night Norwegian Cruise Line sailing out of San Juan with a port stop each day. They intentionally limited excursions, choosing instead to relax—reading, enjoying the sun, and unplugging. Angie strategically used a mix of cash, points, and credit card perks to offset costs, including Ultimate Rewards points to book the cruise through Chase Travel, free night certificates at the Caribe Hilton for a pre-cruise stay, and various statement credits for rides, dining, and lounge access. She also highlights how her Southwest Priority card delivered outsized value under the airline’s new seat assignment policy, saving nearly $500 on seat selection and baggage fees. While the trip delivered the relaxation they wanted, Angie notes some declines in NCL’s onboard experience and wouldn’t necessarily recommend that specific ship in the future.

Episode Links

• United Business card offer
• Air Canada/ ITA partnership
• Marriott buy points promo

Where to Find Us

1. The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
2. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
3. You can also email us at 101@award.travel
4. Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
5. Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026

Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

Episode 158 of the Award Travel 101 Podcast features host Joseph Petrovic and returning guest Steve Harms as they dive into recent award travel news, big credit card bonuses, and trip updates before a deep-dive on Hawaii—especially Steve’s favorite island, Kauai. They discuss how members are currently using their points, evaluate the value of the Chase Sapphire Reserve, cover major airline and credit card developments, and share their own recent wins, including 100K+ mile bonuses, AA Loyalty Point milestones, and premium cabin award finds to Japan. Steve highlights his extensive Hawaii experience—17 trips across the islands with a strong focus on Kauai—breaking down flight options, award strategies, places to stay, and must-see spots. Whether planning a future island getaway or optimizing award travel, listeners get practical insight, personal stories, and plenty of tips.

Links to Topics Discussed

• Is the CSR Worth The Price?
• Elevated Citi Offers
• AA Barclay Cards Converting to Citi
• Capital One Venture X Offer
• Bilt Palladium Card
• Best Ways to Book Flights to Hawaii With Points and Miles
• Reservations - Go Hāʻena
• Kauai Festivals and Events
• Trip Planning Guide
• Kauai Farmers Markets

Where to Find Us

1. The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.
2. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.
3. You can also email us at 101@award.travel
4. Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here
5. Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026

Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions!

Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!

Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.