A Better Business Class, a New Bilt Partner, and Why Air Canada Stands Out

A Better Business Class, a New Bilt Partner, and Why Air Canada Stands Out

Author: Ed Pizza, Richard Kerr June 24, 2026 Duration: 35:03

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Announcing a new, ongoing benefit for annual subscribers of our Slack community. Annual subscribers receive a free Points Path Alerts subscription OR a 30% discount on Points Path Pro.

Richard is back, fresh off a World Cup match at the Meadowlands, and he's got plenty to say about the experience—from the surprisingly smooth transportation operation to the electric atmosphere inside the stadium.

Meanwhile, Ed finally checks JetBlue Mint off his list and shares why the experience reinforced one of the biggest challenges facing the legacy carriers: delivering a premium product that feels worth the price.

The conversation also dives into Bilt's newest transfer partner, Preferred Hotels, bringing the program back to 25 partners and opening up a new collection of boutique and luxury properties for point redemptions.

Plus, a look at Air Canada's little-known airport cafés, why loyalty programs continue marching toward higher prices, and a potentially lucrative Pays promotion that listeners may want to jump on before it disappears.

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✈️  What We Cover in This Episode

✈️ Richard attends a World Cup match
• France vs. Senegal at the Meadowlands
• New Jersey Transit's surprisingly smooth operation
• Why the overall experience exceeded expectations

✈️ Ed finally flies JetBlue Mint
• A321 Mint experience review
• Seat, service, and onboard Wi-Fi
• Why JetBlue continues to stand out

✈️ The state of airline Wi-Fi
• American Airlines free Wi-Fi rollout frustrations
• JetBlue's connectivity advantage
• Why reliability still matters

✈️ The power of points and miles
• Using miles to stay for an All-Star game
• Last-minute flight changes
• Why flexibility remains invaluable

✈️ Admirals Club vs. Delta Sky Club
• A tale of two lounge experiences
• Food quality differences
• How the products continue to diverge

✈️ Air Canada's airport cafés
• Complimentary access for elite travelers
• Why the concept stands out
• Comparing loyalty investments across airlines

✈️ Bilt adds Preferred Hotels
• Transfer partner number 25
• One Bilt point to two Preferred points
• Boutique hotel redemption opportunities

 

✈️ Accor Voyager membership
• Discounted membership opportunity
• Elite night credits
• Whether the math works

✈️ Are loyalty programs becoming too expensive?
• Inflation in award pricing
• The future of airline and hotel currencies
• Where value still exists

✈️ A Pays promotion worth watching
• Bonus points opportunities
• Why it may not last long
• Getting value before the offer disappears

⏱️ Episode 442 Timestamps

1:06 – Richard's World Cup experience at the Meadowlands

7:06 – Ed reviews JetBlue Mint

11:15 – American's free Wi-Fi rollout frustrations

12:44 – Using points and miles to save an All-Star game trip

15:37 – Admirals Club vs. Delta Sky Club

19:36 – Discovering Air Canada's airport cafés

23:31 – Are loyalty programs headed in the wrong direction?

28:07 – Bilt adds Preferred Hotels as partner #25

29:57 – Accor Voyager membership opportunity

32:54 – Pays promotion and bonus points opportunity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Ever feel like the world of travel rewards and airline news moves too fast to keep up? Miles to Go-Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss! is your regular dispatch from the front lines, hosted by veteran road warrior Ed Pizza alongside co-host Richard Kerr. This isn't just a show about finding a cheap flight; it's a deep, practical dive into the strategies that make ambitious travel possible. Each episode connects you directly with leading travel experts and bloggers, people who live and breathe points, miles, and new destinations. You'll hear specific, actionable advice that ranges from booking your first award ticket to navigating the nuances of elite status and freshly opened airport lounges. The conversations are grounded in real experience, whether that's dissecting a major airline policy shift or giving an honest review of a much-hyped hotel. If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip and need to stretch your budget, or you're a frequent flyer tracking the next great deal, this podcast delivers the clarity and insider knowledge you're looking for. Tune in and turn their expertise into your next great adventure.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss!
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