Harsh Changes To Chase Sapphire Reserve And AA Basic Economy

Harsh Changes To Chase Sapphire Reserve And AA Basic Economy

Author: Ed Pizza, Richard Kerr December 24, 2025 Duration: 41:37

Watch Us On YouTube!

This week on Miles to Go, Ed and Richard cover a packed slate of breaking travel and loyalty news that matters for road warriors.

We dig into Chase Sapphire Reserve, which rolled out splashy new redemption options this summer only to quietly walk back its headline-grabbing 2¢-per-point Points Boost just months later. What does this mean for a card with a nearly $800 annual fee, and is it still worth holding?

 American Airlines quietly eliminated mileage and Loyalty Point earning on Basic Economy fares, raising big questions about who AA is actually trying to reward—and whether Basic Economy is now little more than a stripped-down cash fare.

Plus, we talk about Bilt's newest transfer partner—Spirit Airlines—and why the data shows there's real demand for low-cost carrier redemptions, including Big Front Seat value. Add in holiday travel chaos, turbulence stories, and a few airline rants, and it's a full episode you won't want to miss.

Finally, Mesa appears to be shutting down, leaving cardholders scrambling to figure out what happens to their points. Richard shares lessons learned about startup loyalty programs and when it makes sense to cash out early.

Get hydrated like Ed in Vegas with Nuun

Use my Bilt Rewards link to sign-up and support the show!

If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience!

If you're looking for a way to support the show, we'd love to have you join us in our Travel Slack Community.  Join me and other travel experts for informative conversations about the travel world, the best ways to use your miles and points, Zoom happy hours and exciting giveaways.

We have witty, funny, sarcastic discussions about travel, for members only. My fellow travel experts are available to answer your questions and we host video chats multiple times per month.

Follow Us!

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milestogopodcast

Ed Pizza: https://www.instagram.com/pizzainmotion/

Richard Kerr: https://www.instagram.com/kerrpoints/

 

 


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: 100

Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss!
Podcast Episodes
Tokyo Disney: Everything You Need To Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:37
If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Watch us on YouTube! Tokyo Disney is on Ed's radar for a family trip, so we're pulling in a few Disney experts…
A New Way To Find Great Hotel Deals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:59
If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Watch us on YouTube! Big thanks to our sponsor, Thrifty Traveler, for their support of the show. Use the code "…
Delta SkyMiles: Everything You Need To Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:52
If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Watch us on YouTube! Big thanks to our sponsor, Thrifty Traveler, for their support of the show. Use the code "…
Richard's Bougie Aman Getaway; Is The Wyndham Hotel Pass Worth It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:38
If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Watch us on YouTube! Big thanks to our sponsor, Thrifty Traveler, for their support of the show. Use the code "…
Disappearing Award Inventory And The Magic Of A First Flight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:16
If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Watch us on YouTube! We start this week catching up on Richard's latest Frontier Tales and the magic of his nie…
Will An Airline Strike Mess Up Summer Travel? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:21
If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Watch us on YouTube! Richard made the smart choice to ditch us this week and hang out with his family at Disney…
7 Hours In Coach On A 737?  Would We Do It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:07
If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Watch us on YouTube! How long is too long on a 737? Richard and Ed disagree on whether they would fly one of th…
United Refund Woes And A New Marriott CC Offer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:06
If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Watch us on YouTube! We're starting off the show this week catching up on Richard's trip to Chicago with his ki…
Frontier Tales: Crazy Days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:20
If you enjoy the podcast, I hope you'll take a moment to leave us a rating. That helps us grow our audience! Watch us on YouTube! It's a crazy travel day for both Richard and Ed. Richard ended up stuck in Houston and....…

«1...678910