Welcome aboard Upgraded Points, the podcast where hosts Katie and Chris break down everything you need to know about traveling smarter, flying better, and making the most of your credit card points. From insider airline updates to the best cards for travel perks, they’ve got your journey covered—no gate changes required.

In this episode, we learn about the one promo you could use to help lock in some elite airline status for the next 25 years, as well as some new Delta Sky Club lounges that have recently opened. Another big topic for this podcast is whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is worth it after all the changes recently made to it.

Whether you're a seasoned points hacker or just getting started, Katie and Chris are your go-to crew for tips, news, and travel hacks that can upgrade your adventures.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[0:00] Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 12

[1:07] JetBlue promo to earn 350k points and elite status for25 years

[4:18] New Delta Sky Club lounges

[6:22] Chase Sapphire Reserve card changes

[16:08] Timeline for the Chase Sapphire Reserve changes

[19:54] Is the card still worth it?

[24:33] Answering listener questions

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on the Upgraded Points website.

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In this episode of The Upgraded Points Podcast, Chris kicks things off with how he cleverly redeemed credits and points—plus, he shares a wild story about flying on a plane that looks like a turtle (yes, really!). Katie dives into her recent trip to Europe, breaking down exactly how she booked it using points and sharing savvy tips to help you save big on your own European getaway.

After a quick break, Katie continues her travel recap with more helpful advice and real-world takeaways. Finally, Chris and Katie answer listener questions about maximizing points, partner airlines, and how to stretch your miles even further.

Whether you’re dreaming of Europe or just curious about the quirks of aviation, this episode is packed with insider info, laughs, and practical advice to help you travel smarter.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[0:00] Teaser and introduction

[1:11] Chris talks about how he used his United credits to book an ANA flight from Hawaii to Japan.

[6:21] Katie discusses booking her trip to Europe (Frankfurt and Amsterdam, specifically) and how it went, giving tips for others to save more on their trips.

Get the details of another trip to Europe that Katie booked with points and miles:

https://upgradedpoints.com/news/week-in-europe-points-miles/

This week-long trip had a value (for flights and hotels) of just over $14,000, but Katie spent just $1,172 out of pocket.

[12:36] Break time

[12:51] Katie continues talking about her trip to Europe after the break.

Andaz Amsterdam Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/andaz-amsterdam-prinsengracht-review/

[25:10] The hosts answers viewers' questions about points and miles.

How to pool airline and hotel points and miles: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines-hotels-pool-points-miles/

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on the Upgraded Points website.

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints

In this episode, Chris and Katie take you through their latest travel experiences and dive deep into the world of airport lounge access. Chris shares what it was like flying with Copa Airlines, while Katie talks about scoring an upgrade with American Airlines in Charlotte.

They then explore which credit cards offer the best lounge access, why lounge perks matter for frequent travelers, and which cards are dropping lounge privileges. From the premium American Express Platinum to a no-annual fee card that comes with lounge access, they break down options for every type of traveler.

Plus, Katie reveals a savvy trick for getting the most out of “Grab and Go” offerings at Delta Sky Clubs—enough to feed two people! The episode wraps up with a listener Q&A, so don’t miss it.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[0:00] The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 11

[0:30] Introduction

[1:08] Chris talks about his experience flying with Copa Airlines

[4:34] Katie shares about a recent upgrade she had while flying on American Airlines.

[8:14] What credit card should you get for the best lounge access, why travelers would want to have good lounge access, including some cards that are lounge access policies.

[15:47] Chris discusses the American Express Platinum card.

[17:52] Katie brings up another card that offers lounge access without an annual fee.

[19:15] Credit cards that allow travelers to get into airline-specific lounges.

[24:42] Katie talks about her experience with using Delta Sky Club’s “Grab and Go” option and how travelers can get enough food for two people if they plan smartly.

[27:04] Recap: best credit cards for lounge access

[27:20] Listener question

Want more out of your points? Explore our guides written by travel and financial professionals on the Upgraded Points website.

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Upgradedpoints

Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/lounge-access/