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: 50

Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss!
Podcast Episodes
Marrakesh Tips & Tricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:05
Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. On this week's Miles to Go podcast, powered by our frien…
Hilton's New Elite Tier & Reward Impacts of the Visa/MC Settlement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:58
Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. Coming to you from Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹—with Julian Keel…
Is American's New Credit Card Worth It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:01
Watch Us On YouTube! Thanks to Thrifty Traveler for sponsoring this episode! Visit ThriftyTraveler.com/Premium and use code GO20 to save $20 on annual memberships. This week on the Miles to Go podcast, we're breaking dow…
Breaking Down the Hyatt Card's Innovative Sign-Up Bonus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:37
Watch Us On YouTube! On this week's episode of Miles to Go Podcast: 🏰 Disneyland vs. Disney World – VIP tour impressions, Oogie Boogie Bash thoughts, and Halloween candy overload 🛫 United 737 MAX 8 – Why Richard says "ne…
10 Rapid-Fire Travel Topics in 30 Minutes! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
Watch Us On YouTube! After an epic weekend at Disneyland with the Slack community, Ed and Richard are back—and they're covering 10 hot topics in under 30 minutes, Pardon the Interruption style. 🧳 Topics include: 1. ✈️ Et…
She Spent $50,000 on a Credit Card — Was It Worth It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
Watch Us On YouTube! This week on The Miles to Go Podcast, Ed is back home (for now) and joined by Summer Hull from The Points Guy for a lively deep dive into credit cards, elite status, and travel strategy. Summer opens…
Is Travel Demand Slowing Down in 2025? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
Watch Us On YouTube! This week on Miles to Go, we break down several wild developments across the travel world alongside Julian Kheel of Points Path! Topics include: • Sweet biz-class deal to Africa—how we found it and w…