Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

• Milenomics² [No Annual Fee] Episode 78: A Heightened Sapphire Reserve Offer and UR Deep Dive

  0:25 Chase Sapphire Preferred 100,000 Offer Direct Link $5,000 min spend in 3 months $95 annual fee (not waived first year) This is a higher than usual offer 05:14 Chase Referrals chase.com/referafriend 10,000 points for each approval (capped at 100,000 per year) 06:30 Sapphire Churning Restrictions Eligible for welcome bonus if it has been >48 months since you last got a Sapphire welcome bonus (Preferred or Reserve) 5/24 still applies: 5 credit card approvals in the past 24 months (from any bank) Can’t be approved for a Sapphire Preferred if you currently have a Sapphire card (recommend downgrading to Freedom and waiting a month before applying) 12:09 Two Player Mode If neither person has a Sapphire card, apply “head on” or through a referral from a friend Then refer P2 Being an authorized user on a card doesn’t prevent getting the welcome bonus This will leave you with > 210,000 Ultimate Rewards 13:50 Ultimate Rewards: Value and Utility Easy 1 cpp cashout Sapphire Preferred 1.25 of uplift for travel booked through Chase portal Sapphire Reserve 1.5 cpp of uplift for travel booked through Chase portal (and a $300 per cardmember year travel credit) Transfer partners: Hyatt, United, Southwest, and more Points can be co-mingled between household Inflation in the travel portal is very real.  Prices for hotels and other activities get tough to compare Flights sometimes are pricing at a premium due to issues with fare classes and airlines wanting direct booking.  It pays to do the math, because a poor redemption can tank the value of your earning, and points are not free.  Cancellation terms not the same with Travel portal bookings vs. booking with miles sometimes.  Pay Yourself Back: erase charges in specific categories at >1cpp. 23:31 CSP/CSR Earning Strategy Sign up Bonus aside, these two cards are relatively weak in earning.  This creates a bit of an irony–they’re great cards to hold, but better in union with other UR earning cards Freedoms for 5x categories, some chase Business cards also earn 5x Over time a stable of chase cards become important Pooling of points means that the earning of 5x points can then be moved to your sapphire and redeemed for travel at >1cpp 5x at 1.25 = 6.25 cpp, 5x at 1.5 = 7.5 cpp.  28:47 United/Southwest: Opportunity Cost For some people these cards are taking up slots and spend they want to use on Southwest or United Cards Might be best to get those cards first, holding them long term, then getting the CSP.  Changes to southwest might make you consider Southwest cards, but be rational, how many trips a year do you actually take?  The travel landscape changes fast, the flexibility of UR allow you to change with it. Southwest points do not.  31:38 Q2 2025 “Point Offer” Targeted: Seeing increased uplift for United/Delta/Qatar premium cabin flights, and some (mostly nicer) hotels Sapphire Preferred 1.5-1.75 cpp Sapphire Reserve 1.75-2.25 cpp Upgrading from Preferred to Reserve seemed to retain the same “amount” of targeted uplift (ie, was getting 1.5 cpp on Preferred, then got 1.75 cpp on upgraded Reserve) Might someone be targeted for this shortly after approval? Hard to say. More datapoints needed. 37:10 Live Application.

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• TravelStories Episode 56: Two Cruises

  Two Cruises Episode 56: Show Notes. This episode, we head back to the high seas to talk about not one, but two different cruises! Join us as we discuss our experience on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas and Princess Cruise Lines’ Sun Princess. In this detailed discussion, we talk about everything from flight Irregular Operations (IRROPS) and loyalty rewards to dining, entertainment and more, drawing out differences, common features, and what we liked and didn’t like. To kick off our conversation, we talk about flights to Jacksonville and Orlando, and some of the unexpected obstacles along the way. Next, we touch on key aspects of the experience at Utopia of the Seas: facilities, dining, casino, and more, before diving into Thomas’s arrival on the Sun Princess. Comparing the demographics on each ship, Thomas shares what he liked about the dining setup and entertainment options, drawing a comparison with other cruise trips. Despite having been sick, Thomas shares a short review of what he was able to partake in, including a specialty European-style dinner. If you’re curious about the newest ships on two different cruise lines, this episode is for you! Key Points From This Episode: [00:45] What this episode will explore: two different cruises. [04:13] The journey to Jacksonville and Orlando. [12:05] Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas.  [15:02] Splitting up for lunch on day two before enjoying the ice and aqua shows.  [22:32] Loyalty, points and miles in the cruise community.  [26:39] How ‘Name that Tune’ in the Main Theatre exceeded expectations. [30:30] Dining on Utopia of the Seas.  [37:04] The casino experience and final thoughts on the Utopia experience.  [41:20] One feature both ships share that we agree all cruise ships should have.  [44:46] Thomas’s arrival on Sun Princess, the buffet, demographic, and entertainment.  [50:56] Ports on the itinerary and why Thomas only got to experience one of them.  [51:26] The specialty dinner he got to enjoy: The Butcher’s Block by Dario.   [55:44] Staff on the Sun Princess in comparison to Royal Caribbean.  [59:30] Gaming and travel-hacking discussions that will follow in future Patreon episodes.   Quotes: “One thing that really jumped out at me is, because it’s such a big ship, [there’s so much to do], there’s an ice show, there’s an aqua show, they have two different shows in the main theatre, they’ve got two different slides—you can’t do it all.” — @tmount [13:59] “I also suspect that putting their best product out there, their newest ship with all the newest bells and whistles and restaurants, they are converting a lot more who may not have been looking at cruises.” — @tmount [13:34] “For better or for worse, Royal Caribbean is actually pretty good at delivering a standardized product.” — @TktweetsKim [35:44] “This trip was trying out the newest ships on two different cruise lines. Utopia of the Seas is the newest ship for Royal Caribbean; Sun Princess is the newest ship for Princess Cruise Lines.” — @TktweetsKim [41:24] “They are taking every opportunity, on Royal Caribbean, to engage with you and make you feel special.” — @TktweetsKim [56:50] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sun Princess Star of the Seas Utopia of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises Carnival Cruises MSC Cruises Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

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• TravelStories Episode 55: Airline Products We Wish Would Make a Return Flight

  Episode 55: Show Notes From COVID to cutbacks, there were a lot of reasons why airlines let go of some of their more luxurious offerings. Today, we dig into the airline products that no longer exist and reflect on the standout examples we loved, missed, or otherwise knew about. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and discuss everything from exceptional service to the most comfortable sleep we’ve had up in the air! We describe our top first class experiences with Thai and Lufthansa, noteworthy changes at Doha, Qatar’s international airports, and our most memorable trips using JetSmarter, the Uber for private jets. You’ll also hear about our unique experience with Etihad Airways, the true premium cabin experience we both missed out on, our favorite economy products that no longer exist, and the amenity kits we prize above all others. Discover the joy of a massage at the Thai Royal First Lounge in Bangkok, the most exceptional ground services we’ve come across, and what services we miss the most! Key Points From This Episode: [00:37] Today’s topic: Past airline products that we loved, missed, or knew about. [01:32] Why airlines have let go of some of their more luxurious offerings. [02:06] What the Thai First Class and Bangkok Lounge experience used to be like. [06:34] A breakdown of the Thai First Class spa massage offerings. [09:14] Transport and escort perks in the heyday of Thai First Class. [11:45] Flying Lufthansa First Class and their unique wide-body experience. [16:51] The best ground service we had with Lufthansa (and why they should bring it back). [20:05] Takeaways from Hamad International Airport and how it has changed. [25:47] Past experiences with JetSmarter and the current jet-sharing economy. [33:39] The story of our unique travel experiences with Etihad First. [36:42] How we missed out on the true premium cabin experience with TAM Airways, now LATAM Airlines. [41:30] Our favorite economy products that no longer exist. [45:19] The amenity kits we love most, especially from Rimowa. Quotes: “We're talking about Thai Airways’ first class lounge, offering a full spa-caliber massage. – You have this oasis among air world, where for an hour you were just in the lap of luxury like no other.” — @tmount [06:48] “The overall experience [at Hamad International], I thought, was really exclusive, almost more exclusive than the current experience. But I think the current experience is more luxurious.” — @tmount [23:16] “JetSmarter was all about ‘How do we monetize all these dead legs, all these private aviation flights that they do just to position these planes to where they actually need to be.” — @TktweetsKim [27:04] “I'm still going to go give LATAM another shot. And if they announce a new business class product, I will be right in line to fly them again.” — @tmount [41:02] “If I was having to fly over the Atlantic in economy, I would not mind doing it on an A380 in Air France economy.” — @TktweetsKim [43:48] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: TravelStories Episode 53: Aspirational Flying with Han Chicago TAM 777-300ER First Class Sao Paulo To New York Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

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• TravelStories Episode 54: Looking Back at Covid Lockdowns with Chris

  Episode 54: Show Notes. Today, we are taking a trip back in time to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as we approach the fifth anniversary of lockdowns across the globe. Joining us to discuss this period is long-time friend Chris, who was traveling the world when lockdowns hit. In our conversation, he shares his experiences of the pandemic abroad, his tumultuous escape abroad as lockdowns were implemented, and the impact of travel restrictions on global tourism. Chris recounts the chaos and uncertainty around travel, how he altered his plans to avoid getting stuck in quarantine, and the lucky decisions that got him to a holiday destination. We learn about his trip to Thailand and Koh Samui, the challenges he faced in trying to find a place to stay during quarantine, what it was like witnessing the shutdown of major tourist destinations, government support for local tourism industries, and the remarkable resilience of the Thai people. Next, we shift to a happier topic, Chris’ participation in SAS's million-mile promotion and his airline upgrades and mileage strategies before reflecting on the evolving landscape of points and miles. We also learn about Chris’s involvement in revitalizing the Chicago Seminars for the travel community post-COVID and how volunteers and contributors helped raise nearly 30,000 USD for charity. Join us today as we journey back for a fascinating account of navigating lockdown travel! Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:50] Introducing Chris, his travel experiences during the chaotic onset of pandemic restrictions, and his unplanned trip to Thailand. [00:12:01] Navigating Thailand as restrictions were being instituted, and Chris’s odyssey finding a place to stay in Koh Samui. [00:20:42] The positive effects of government subsidies for tourism during the pandemic, how Chris found community during his stay, and the impact of quarantines. [00:25:33] Why it was so surreal staying at a beautiful resort with so few people. [00:29:51] Travel restriction uncertainty: how it stopped Chris from leaving Koh Samui. [00:33:08] What it was like when travel restrictions started being lifted. [00:38:09] Living out of a suitcase and a backpack for two years. [00:41:38] Final reflections and observations on his long stay in Thailand. [00:44:08] Details of Chris’s participation in SAS's million-mile promotion. [00:50:45] Takeaways from traveling to China, Hong Kong, Argentina, and more. [00:59:21] Insights into airline upgrades and mileage strategies. [01:14:21] What it took for Chris to succeed at the SAS promotional challenge. [01:20:53] Reflections on the promotion and why he would do it again. [01:23:10] How Chris helped reinvigorate the Chicago Seminars post-COVID. [01:31:48] Final thoughts on the changing landscape of travel and words of appreciation for the travel community. Quotes: “One thing that [Thailand] did very well was the government subsidies [which] did pay out for hotels to keep their employees.” — Chris [0:20:43] “There were very few cases of COVID on the island of Koh Samui for the first year and a half.” — Chris [0:25:10] “I never learned Thai because I just thought I was going home soon.” — Chris [0:33:16] “I [was] fortunate to only [have] had one medical issue during the two years over there.” — Chris [0:38:09] “When I went back for the one-year anniversary for the Hyatt Regency opening, I tipped the entire staff that was there for the whole year – because it meant so much to see them again a year later, that's just a year after I'd already left.” — Chris [0:43:09] “My first points flight was in 1989.” — Chris [01:32:08] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Chicago Seminars Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

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• TravelStories Episode 53: Aspirational Flying with Han Chicago

  Episode 53: Show Notes What does it take to plan the ultimate luxury travel experience? In this episode, Tom and Trevor sit down with returning guest Han Chicago, a well-known aviation enthusiast and premium travel expert, to hear about his recent extravagant, multi-leg trip. Han talks about his first-class flights, luxury airline products, and lounge experiences during his lavish adventure. He breaks down his premium airline experiences and what makes certain airlines excel in service and product quality. Hear why he prefers the luxury suite on the A380 over the Emirates Game Changer suite and what it was like flying in the pinnacle of luxury on Etihad's Residence suite. Han explains how he booked The Residence, what the service was like, and why he got a surprise birthday cake. They also discuss industry trends, the pros and cons of A380s, and why Han thinks A380 First Class remains superior to newer A350 suites. Han also shares insights on luxury travel booking strategies and how to acquire more airline miles for top-tier experiences. Join us for a deep dive into luxury aviation, travel hacking, and the quirks of premium airline swag with Han Chicago! Key Points From This Episode: [0:00:00] A warm welcome to Han Chicago and what listeners can expect from the episode. [0:03:50] His trip across multiple airlines, starting with Turkish Airlines (787-9) from Detroit. [0:08:04] Premium coffee, the meals on Turkish, and flying from Abu Dhabi to Muscat. [0:17:15] Activities in Muscat and his thoughts on Oman Air Business Class Apex Suite. [0:23:07] The malls in Bangkok, Emirates’ Game Changer suite, and eating steak in Dubai. [0:34:16] Explore the differences between the Game Changer suite and the A380 First Class.  [0:41:25] Etihad's Residence experience, what it required, and how it compared to others. [0:59:21] Lounge-hopping at Heathrow and his American Airlines First Class flight to JFK. [1:16:32] Unpack aviation trends, fleet management, and airline capacity issues of the A380. [1:31:12] Han reflects on his luxury travel experience and why he recommends the A380. [1:33:33] He shares strategies for flying first-class and handling luxury airline swag.  [1:39:35] Final takeaways and another travel podcast Han recommends. Quotes: “Turkish [Airlines] is always solid. I don't think you can really go wrong with them.” — @hanchicago [0:11:38] “I think all loyalty programs should have 24-hour call centers because you are flying globally.” — @hanchicago [0:20:24] “The A380 [Emirates] product, for me, is still one of the best in the business.” — @hanchicago [0:36:01] “I am glad I did [The Residence] once. If you are really into this stuff, I think you have to try it once.” — @hanchicago [0:51:51] “I think people should get on those A380s while they still can. Don't take [them] for granted.” — @hanchicago [1:32:36] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Han Chicago on X Han Chicago on Instagram Turkish Airlines Etihad Etihad | The Residence % Arabica DC | @AvGeek4All Qatar Airways Oman Air Emirates Qantas American Airlines Cathay Pacific Frequent Traveler University (FTU) Event TravelStories Episode 30: First Time Istanbul Visit with Han Layovers Podcast Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X

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