Sunset over the infinity pool at Andaz Maui at Wailea
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My $200 Hyatt Giveaway in Honor of Joining Boarding Area

ByThe Miles Professor

The past month has been very interesting for us here at The Miles Professor, indeed. I spoke at the MileMadness DO in Charlotte, where I met lots of old and new readers and had a great time! I reached over 2000 Twitter followers and that number continues to grow every day. And, finally, this week, I joined Boarding Area, a prestigious network of travel miles and points bloggers. This is all very exciting news and I am honored to be a part of the miles and points community.

For those that are new to The Miles Professor, a little bit about me. I love figuring out how to get great deals and to take miles and points to the limit when I travel. You’ll typically find me taking one “medium” vacation a year (usually to Europe) and one “long” vacation. Last December, I took a long trip that landed me in Asia for the very first time… but, of course, I stopped in Hawaii along the way . This December, I am going to visit my dream destination Easter Island kicking off my South America trip with a stay in a suite at the Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau in Buenos Aires. Throughout the year, I take frequent weekend breaks to the Caribbean, visiting family, friends, miles conferences, you name it – and I make sure to pay for as few tickets as possible.

Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau
Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau

But enough about me and my good news. When the blog has good fortune, I want to make sure everyone else is happy too. So I decided to have a little giveaway to celebrate all these great developments.

I am going to be giving away two $100 Hyatt gift checks, one to each of to two lucky winners. These Hyatt gift checks are 100% sponsored by me and my own Citi ThankYou points that I will be redeeming and sending to the winners. There are two ways to win.

  1. Comment below. If you’ve been reading The Miles Professor for a while, then comment with a good tip you found here that you either used or plan to use. If you’re new, then just comment with your favorite travel tip – whether it be an amazing miles redemption or a general
  2. Follow me on Twitter and tweet me with where you would use your $100 Hyatt gift checks. You must include the hashtag #TMPHyattGiveaway. To be eligible, you must follow me and you must use the hashtag.

Entries are limited to two per person, one for each method. Two winners will be drawn completely at random next Wednesday evening, June 11. They will be announced Thursday morning on the blog. Good luck to everyone participating!

436 Comments

    1. Ask for hotel upgrades if you’re a Hyatt Diamond Member. I’ve gotten a suite every time I’ve asked.

  3. I liked “The Top Ten Maui Experiences by Adrenalina” and in fact just referred to it regarding and upcoming trip!

  4. Bring a light change of clothes in your backpack just in case your checked bag is lost.

  5. Hi. First Congrats on joining Boarding Area. I read it and its bloggers whenever I get a chance. Second,since reading your blog and others, I have begun to shop religiously viia the Chase site and the airline shopping sites. There have been some amazing deals out there. The best one I was able to take advantage of was through United’s shopping page a while back. It was one of the holiday weekends and Sears was offering something like 18 points per dollar. I got a huge number of points using that site, in addition to my credit card spend and those points. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for all the wonderful advice. I could really use that Hyatt gift card. We already have plans to stay at a Hyatt this summer. It’ll come in very handy!

  11. My tip: Don’t just read the blogs! Comment, join a forum, make friends online. That’s how to really get good tips!

    BTW – Your post doesn’t say one entry per person per method, but I am guessing that’s what you intend…?

  12. I have found your information on the Hyatt Diamond Challenge absolutely invaluable. I love the level of detail you offer, and how you mix that detail with personal anecdotes. Congratulations!

  14. Tip…always send an email to yourself with photo of passport just in case. You can do the same with itinerary and any other important documents/info.

  15. OMG .. professor! Tons … but the best one thus far is how to book my Hawaii Flight using AA website .. I still have not figured it out but so amazed with the strategies you recommended!

  20. Hello everyone, I’m new to here. I usually fly from LAX to Japan once a year for pleasure. I like flying with ANA and then accrue miles for United. I just learned that United allowed to add two Open Jaw and one Stopover for any international round trip award flights. So I think I’m going to try LAX-NRT-PVG-LAX-NYC this year with award miles. Hope I can make it.

  21. Always pack plastic bags. Some uses: dirty laundry, liquid containers, or if you need to lighten your check in luggage some

  22. try to always smile. It makes you look approachable and people will be more likely to engage with you. When you are travelling alone it helps to make friends.

  24. My favorite travel tip: when checking into hotels, check to see if you can earn miles with an airline as well! Double dip for free!

  27. Tip: learn how to redeem miles! The biggest mistake I see people make is earning tons of miles and then using them in the least efficient way possible! Usage is just as important as earning them!

  29. I finally learned how to use my Avios miles for cheap domestic/Caribbean flights! Now I plan to utilize the free one way flight with US Airlines. Thanks!!

  30. I was so fortunate to find your blog when planning my first ever trip to Europe this fall. The tip I learned about using my BA miles for AA flights within US and vice versa made 2014 a wonderful travel year! Enjoyed first class to San Diego last month, and I still have September’s dream trip to Prague to look forward to!

  33. New to the blog, and it’s so tough to think of a favorite travel tip anymore as so much of the fun has been sucked out of flying. Maybe “Lower your expectations” should be the new tip, but that sounds terrible.

  34. Learn a few simple phrases in the language of the country you’ll be visiting. It’s amazing how much people will appreciate your attempt even if you slaughter the pronunciation!

  35. I plan to use the tip about The Hyatt Diamond Challenge, since I have Gold from Hilton via the Surpass card. I doubt I will complete the challenge but it will come in real handy for my 5 nights at the Hyatt Madeleine in Paris.

  36. Congrats on joining BA! And one of my fave and smartest redemptions is 25k each way bos-dub on aer lingus!

  37. One of the tips is about the information on the Hyatt Diamond Challenge. Thanks.

  39. кеш мани рулз еврисинг эраунд ми. also ihg “buying” points

  41. One of my travel tips is to research! It is very easy to travel for cheap if you are flexible and always looking for opportunities.

  42. The Hyatt Diamond challenge is awesome. I did it before we went to Sydney, and had amazing breakfasts. Now, almost 2 years later, I am using the points and cash and then the diamond suite upgreades for the Grand Hyatt in Singapore.

  43. The information on the “free” one ways is the most interesting, although I have not been able to benefit from it yet.

  44. The most useful tip for me so far has been how to use BA Avios for short flights on AA. So far I’ve gone to the Cayman Islands and already have trips booked for the Bahamas and Hawaii.

  45. Travel tip: during take-off and landing always keep your shoes on and passport on you. (via Gary Leff)

  49. My favorite travel tip is to bring half the amount of clothes you think you need, and twice as much money :)

  50. Congrats on the Twitter following and on joining Boarding Area!

    I enjoyed your review of the Park Hyatt Milan, and plan to stay there next fall. If I should be so fortunate as to be one of your winners, that $100 Hyatt certificate would come in very handy!

  51. The best tip I’ve read is to diversify my miles and points balances. Doing so opened up several more redemption options and afforded me greater flexibility in my travel plans.

  54. When traveling in Asia, its best to print your whole itinerary vs having it just on your phone as sometimes the customs of certain countries will care.

  55. Plan ahead and determine your best option while considering price vs rewards alternatives.

  57. I am new to the points game but am planning to travel the world next year. I will apply for the Hyatt credit card before I go so I can get 2 free nights. $100 would be awesome!

  63. Welcome again! I never knew much about the free one-way on united so I’d say that’s one of the best tips I’ve learned from reading your blog. However, I enjoy reading your blog because I feel I can relate to you. I don’t fly first class all the time nor do I have the vacation days to fly all over the world each year. I do, however, go to Asia once a year for a long trip and then to either South America or Europe for a shorter trip. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with us and welcome!

  67. Redeemed 9 free nights so far this year using Hyatt Points. Best Card Ever. Keep up the good work.

  68. Travel tip: cache Google map offline so you can use your phone gps without a data plan!

  69. Glad that you joined the gang at Boarding Area. New to you but my favorite travel tip is to take your children to a foreign country and let them meet the locals. Then ask that the locals come to your country. Better world for everyone. Cheers!!

  73. I liked your breakdown of using BB for MS on new CC. Put travel into a whole new hemisphere for me.

  74. Congratulations on your success, you deserve it. My favorite tip was the pp loadable cards at cvs and using the pp biz debit card to unload

  76. Tip: Don’t over-pack for a trip, seriously. I’ve gone to transcon trips where I didn’t even touch some of the clothes I packed…

  79. Travel tip: Always interact with the locals — they usually can give you great local tips and/or secrets that most outsiders wouldn’t know about.

  80. Hi, My favorite one is actually a very recent one, “How to Visit the Caribbean from 4,500 British Airways Avios Each Way!”. My parents leave in Martinique and I leave in Hawaii. It is always so complicate and time consuming to find a good reward trip to go visit them…. thanks for the tips of using avios !

  82. Always pack a fresh shirt, pair of socks and underwear in your carryon as it will save you should your baggage get lost – or even if you just want to shower upon arrival at the airport!

  83. Be diligent about paying your bills in full and on time, as a high FICO score is the key to getting so many fabulous sign-up bonuses for credit cards.

  85. Always travel with ziplock bags of different sizes. They always come in handy for sorting/storing stuff when traveling.

  88. I am obsessed with Easter Island! I can’t wait to see how you make it happen, so I can better plan my own trip next year. (I also like that you max out open-jaws when possible.)

  90. Congrats TMP! That’s such wonderful news that you will be joining Boarding Area! Woohoo! One my favorite tips from you was your tutorial on the free one ways on United. It got me hooked. Your blog is one of my favorite blogs to read. There’s just something about your writing that I love. Looking forward to reading your posts over at BA! =)

  93. Don’t hoard your points and miles – have fun and use them. Then start collecting more!

  95. Congratulations! I’m a newish reader, but the best travel tip I’ve learned so far is to ask at check-in if there are upgrades available for your room. I’ve gotten a few really nice free upgrades just from doing that. I was always too shy to do it before, thinking it was rude — what a mistake!

  98. I am a newbie and love finding out the different ways to maximize your tips.
    My super simple tip is to roll those clothes when you are going on trips to warmer places and just take a carry on

  100. My best advice is to be friendly with everyone and you will be amazed at what good things start to happen for you

  101. If you don’t have a lounge membership, check your local craigslist posts for cheap one-time passes.

  102. The beginners guide and FAQ are really great for those of us just starting out in the miles and points game!

  104. Congrats!!!
    We have to be in London end of July for a wedding. Was INSPIRED by your article on your parents trip to London/French Riviera. Thanks to you we will be spending 3 nights at Hyatt Regency Nice. Two of those hotel nights are free (Hyatt card). So excited!!

  107. A good travel tip – always maximize stopovers or open jaws on award trips. Can often take 3 vacations for the price of 2 :)

  111. Travel tip: attempt a few words in the native country’s language before asking the person for help in your language. You’ll find people are nicer when you try to speak their language first.

  112. Avios for short haul flights is a favorite of mine, as I’m based in SFO. Great for trips to Vegas, Portland or Hawaii!

  113. Congrats on joining Boarding Area! It’s my “first thing in the morning” go-to site.
    My tip: Use Hyatt Points for rooms at big citywide high-occupancy events. I’ve often been able to find Hyatt award rooms even when everything else is sold out. This year I was able to book 8000 point/nt Hyatt Place rooms in Lexington for the Kentucky Derby only a few weeks before the event when the nightly rate was showing as $600!

  115. I really like your guide about how to add a free one way into a round trip to the Carribean with only 30,000 US Airways miles!! Plan to execute that on my next trip! Thanks TMP!

  116. Best thing I have learned from following you blog is about BA distance based awards. We typically visit Abaco, Bahama every year. It is only 100 miles from MIA but flights typically run $300 – $350/pp. Using a BA distance based award makes the cost of the trip palatable.

  117. Tip: bring a blindfold if you hope to sleep on a flight and don’t expect to receive one. I thought they were superfluous but I sleep so much more easily without light or distraction.

  118. New reader of yours, so my favorite travel tip is to explore any new place when you can get there for free (err, using miles)

  119. Travel tip: Plan ahead! know where you are going way ahead of time to plan all the points or discounts you need to make the trip happen :)

  120. Really liked the explanation of the Hyatt Simons challenge and the benefits that are not dependent on achieving the challenge. Never really paid much attention to the challenges because I didn’t expect I could meet the requirements but will consider this now that you have explained it.

  121. My favorite travel tip is to wear a light jacket when flying — which serves two purposes. It can keep you warm on a chilly flight, and it’s a great place to store any items that may be in your pockets while going through security.

  122. Welcome to boarding area. Love your posts. For me travelling light and flexibility is the key to getting best bang out of your miles. I still consider myself a new student in this field and have a long way to go

  123. Have miles in all the airlines you can. You never know when a last minute trip comes up and you probably can find something from the 5-7 airlines that will work.

  124. You taught me how to get a free one way! And now I’m not only going to Italy and Croatia this coming month – I’m going to Prague and Istanbul next April! Woohoo!

  126. Wow! I just found this blog and learned like 8 things from the comments. Looking forward to reading more (like about points and Hawaii). Best thing I have learned so far is that you can earn your points on the ground (shopping portals etc). Looking forward to learning more..

  127. Thanks to you I was able to book better than free one way tickets on AA. Too bad Those can no longer be booked but I am glad I took advantage of them.

  128. Have been reading your blog for a while, I stumbled on to your blog while trying to understand the United Open Jaw award booking

  130. Congrats! One of the earliest and best tips I got was that there are so many options when earning miles and points for travel, without even traveling yet.

  131. I have found a new way to dispose of BlueBird pot, that was fat due to manufactured spend. I had already read about pre-paying utilities, etc. But what I thought of was paying the whole year of daycare instead of monthly. The daycare agreement even gives me a 10% discount, so saved money too!

  132. My Tip: don’t just read the blogs, try things out whenver you can, and make sure to REMEMBER the tips you got from the blogs. Many times people got too caught up on their trips and the moment and forgot how to fully maximize the trip as what they read earlier.

  134. I’m fairly new reading your blog. Congrats on boarding area! My favorite tip so far has been to email the GM of a hotel in advance of a stay. I was able to score a deluxe ocean view room at the Kauai Marriott Resort on a garden view points booking! :)

  141. I’m intrigued (but a little confused) about how to add a free one-way flight to a round trip booking. Next year, when I’ve accumulated enough American Airlines miles, I’ll be contacting you for guidance. Thank you for inspiring me.

  142. I was impressed by your Thank You points earnings with the drug store catrgory!

  143. Hyatt Diamond Challenge was a great tip. Timed it perfectly for my trip to Tokyo and enjoyed an excellent breakfast spread every morning!

  144. If you are traveling in a town with a college, find restaurants and bars near there for good eats and drinks at much better prices than in any tourist areas.

  148. New to you, but love boarding area – have already achieved Diamond status this year through trial program that I learned about from you guys!

  149. I loved your post on free AA one-ways! It was good while it lasted. Thanks Miles Professor!

  150. Thought your use if TY points at hyatts was a pretty creative idea. Thanks in advance!

  152. Always take a photo of your suitcase with your cellphone as you’re checking in. It doesn’t go astray often, but when it does, the photo is useful to have.

  153. Make sure to double check your flight award booking or any flight booking for that matter. If your name is spell wrong in anyway, fix it immediately or else you’ll be in for an unpleasant surprise at the airport.

  156. I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time, thanks for all the tips and the most recent one about using 30k US Airway miles to the Caribbean with a free stop over.

  157. Your write up on free one way on gateway city for international flights which I booked right before AA changed the policy. Also you look pretty awesome.

  160. New reader here. Just looked at a previous comment and learned that you can use ThankYou points for Hyatt gift certificates. Thanks for the tip!

  162. Wow, it’s been awesome to see your blog grow! My favorite tip from you was, finally, an easy-to-understand article about how open jaw tickets worked. Other bloggers make it way too complicated. I have yet to try one because the closest to me is SFO, but I am determined to make it happen one day.

  164. Gosh where do I start? Everything I have learned was because of you. Avios to get roundtrip tickets to/from west coast to Hawaii for 12,500 UR points. Thank you for introducing me to this exciting world of AFFORDABLE travel.

  168. Hi
    Free stop overs and of course the great sign up bonuses for the credit cards!! :)

  169. One comment I learned here is if you get a less than helpful customer service rep when you call to finalize a mileage ticket, hang up and try ur luck with another rep. It worked for me!

  171. Find strategies that integrate into your lifestyle easily with big return: keep it simple!

  182. I like your open jaw tutorial on how to make three trips out of 2 when flying to Europe. However, I didn’t have the guts to try it yet!

  184. I like how you always try to think outside the box to get points every which way possible!

  186. My favorite travel tip is to plan ahead as far in advance as you can! I find that I get better redemption value and prices.

  187. Travel tip: take empty water bottle through TSA security & fill it on the other side for hydration when flying.

  188. I use. Your blog as a reference, because information is easy to find. For example,I go to Caribbean and I find a list of all point hotel.

  192. The money you have saved me in just two years of following your advice and travel tips.

  193. I have been following you since the beginning of the year. I like how you explain things in your blog, easy to read and full of exciting information. Although I have not done any stopovers or open jaws, I plan to do this in the near future and visit extra cities I had no idea I could visit. Thanks for sharing, and welcome to Boarding Area!

  194. Favorite Travel Tip: Use Chase United card or Chase Fairmont card for car rental for primary collision coverage.

  195. I’ve been following you for a year or two now…mostly for your info on trips to caribbean…keep up the good work!

  196. Glad to see your blog on Boarding Area! My travel tip: Bring an open and positive attitude, you’ll have a better time.

  197. My favorite travel tip is to use AutoSlash for all of my car rentals to try to save money. Additionally, checking Costco Travel for car rental prices usually finds the lowest fare in the first place.

  199. I liked your table of chain hotels in the Carribean. Would love to see that for Europe and other places. Keep up the good work

  204. A reminder for the best use of the $99 USAir companion passes. Forgot about those.

  205. “Hang Up, Call Again.” A mantra to live by when talking to airlines or any CS.

  208. I first learned about the Hyatt Diamond challenge through your website, and already have plans to use the suite upgrades offered, even if I’m not able to complete the challenge, I win! Thanks

  211. The Hyatt diamond challenge info and the MS stuff from the DO have been particularly informative. Thanks.

  212. American Airlines free stopovers on one-way awards before they change the rules.

  213. I liked your post on Caribbean in the spring and Europe in the summer trick with AA …too bad we can no longer do that :(

  214. I liked your post on US Airways Companion Pass and info about the Barclay card that gives 40,000 dividend miles!

  216. I would use your tip on the best credit cards to use for free luxury hotel stays.

  218. Here is the one I liked: “A Round-Trip to the Caribbean Plus a Free One-Way from 30,000 US Airways Miles Total” Congrats on BA! I know you will do great!

  219. I have used your tips on the Hyatt Diamond challenge to begin planning for my own Hyatt DIA attempt beginning at the end of June 2014. Thanks for the tips!

  221. Enjoyed your way to reserve a round trip airfare and include a one way trip.

  225. I used the Hyatt Diamond trial tip back in February to spend five wonderful nights in an upgraded room at the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome, complete with breakfasts every morning. And I’m hoping to use a suite upgrade at the Andaz Maui once it’s time for the wife and I to take a babymoon. =] (Paying the cash part with the Arrival Barclaycard, of course!) Oh, I’m in LA.

  226. thanks for good tips MP. just booked hawaii trip used your british airway west coast fly 25k round trip idea. Really saved a lot!

  228. I have been a KIVA .com donor for years so I was delighted to learn that I can both give to this wonderful cause and use it to earn miles. Thank you for that tip!

  232. Congratulations! I’ve learned a lot from your blog over the past year and a half. One was how to use TY points to get Hyatt gift certificates! Sadly I don’t have the balance you or the girls do!! I’ll be happy with an extra hundy to use when I go to the Napa Andaz!

  233. The number one thing you can do to enhance your Tokyo trip is obtaining Hyatt Diamond status!

  234. My tip: You’d be surprised by how just having a positive attitude and a smile on your face can ease your travel experience…those around you (e.g., hotel employees, airline employees, restaurant employees, etc.) will pick up on your vibe…

  235. Following you about a year now. You helped with my unbelievable 3 week Asia whirlwind trip on getting points through CC sign-up bonuses and round trip business class from Chicago. This trip cost us $500 literally in spending money and we stayed at the JW Marriott in 3 different cities and got unbelievable suite upgrades and lounge benefits as platinum members. We will never forget it. I would never have known about the extra free one-way to Hawaii (also on business class) as part of the same reward res by laying over in my hometown of Chicago for 6 months. The AA ticket agent didn’t even know about it, but soon found out. I look forward to my trip in Kauaii in October. Thanks Miles Professor!!

  238. I’m new to following you. My best tip is twofold: if you have short legs bring a folding footstool and wear compression stockings on longer flight.

  240. Your post on doing MS through KIVA loans (if one can float the funds) is stuff I didn’t find anywhere else. Extremely useful info and a well-written, well explained article. Thanks!

  244. I found the Hyatt challenge information here, and thx to u I’m planning to apply very soon! Thx ;)

  247. Love to still get in on the us air sweet spot for 140,000 miles to Hong Kong and Australia.
    Thank you for your tips and reports on a daily basis.

  252. CONGRATULATIONS on your new “home”!

    I’m a rookie at this and reading your blogs…you make it sound so easy! I’ve always loved traveling but haven’t been able to understand how to make it possible for me to do so more easily, comfortably, and inexpensively as you and other “Boarding Area” contributors present it.

    I appreciate your ability to make something I find so complicated to understand much easier to grasp. Thank you for your inspiration!!!

    1. Plus, I just got my first passport last year so I’m looking forward to breaking it in!!! :)

  253. your posts are very unique, no spams but only well thought techniques. So I enjoy all of your posts. Good luck with BA!

  257. Congrats on joining Boarding Area. I have been coming to your site and have found your post interesting and informative. I have used my city thank you points for redeeming Hyatt certificates for breakfast and at them time free AA stopovers with a upcoming trip to Cancun from Mia for free based on your post. Thanks.

  258. Tip: always have a copy of your documents and itinerary saved to your cloud account: it will be much easier to retrieve them, should you need to!

  259. Yay, love BA blogs!

    A tip I learned was one you just posted – to get to the Caribbean and have a free one-way using Dividend miles!

  260. You’ve given several good tips for using Avios points that I hope to take advantage of soon!

  262. I absolutely love your posts on manufactured spending and different ways to get as many points as one can. Nobody else covers as much, and is as detailed as you are.Thank you!

  264. Diversify your points and miles earning to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

  268. My tips. Save your united Lounge passes for nice lounges when you have a lot of time in that airport. If you do domestic Thailand, Bangkok airways is slightly more expensive than other airlines but , if you sign up for their FF program, they will allow 30 Kg of luggage ibstead of 20 . Most other airlines allow at most $15. It ends up being cheaper than other airlines.

  269. The beginner’s guide and FAQ really helped with understanding miles and points and to get started with applying for credit card and earning miles/points.

  270. Im new to this blog, but my favorite travel trip is to not “save” points in hopes you will use them way in the future- points only depreciate over time, so live in the moment and plan that trip you’ve always dreamed of!

  271. I benefited from learning about redemption of Avios miles based on distance, useful for short domestic & flights to Caribbean/Canada

  272. Found your great blog on Boarding Area. New to this, but am eager to learn. Ashamed to say, I have lost points through expiration by not tracking them. That’s now changed and am looking to maximize the points I earn.

  273. The Hyatt Diamond Challenge, which I plan to attempt in September in Tokyo, Singapore, and Copenhagen!

  274. Pingback: Have You Entered My $200 Hyatt Gift Card Giveaway?

    1. Have enjoyed your blog for a long time. Your lessons on the free oneways and tips on Carribbean are great!

  276. Loved learning about Kiva loans to maximize cc spending and help others while I am doing it!

  280. Congrats! I love reading your trip reviews. Best tip: on reward tickets, connections of less than 24 hours usually don’t count as a stopover. Great way to tack an extra city (or two!) on to an adventure.

  281. Info about Hyatt Diamond Challenge was an eye opener and I intend to sign up for the challenge asap. Having a $200 Hyatt credit would really help making that challenge successful!

  288. travel tip: always keep an emergency lightweight poncho in your luggage; never know when you may need it.

  290. Read, read, read to make sure you get the most out of your points and miles! Thanks for all you post to help others meet this tip!

  291. I have been reading all your information about Kauai and Maui as we are headed there in a couple of weeks, I have been taking notes on what to see and do. Congrats on joining Boarding Area!

  292. My favorite tip is using avios for cheap Caribbean flights. We’ve used that one a number of times. Thank you!

  293. Don’t stress if you can’t find award seats available: Award seats will open up a few days before your trip (either to your final destination or to somewhere from where you can take a connecting flight). This will be true for your return flight too, so don’t hesitate to depart without your return already booked. Avios imposes no close-in booking surcharge, but even if you need to pay a close-in surcharge on American or United, it’s likely to be a small cost compared to what you’d have paid if you bought the ticket outright instead of using points + cash (still annoying, though, to pay a surcharge — especially when it benefits an airline to reduce frequent flyer program liability by filling seats that are still empty so close to departure).

  296. Avoid miles for short haul! I applied for the Chase BA card thanks to you!

  297. I loved your idea of adding a free one way trip to AA itinerary. Unfortunately, it is not available anymore. Earn some points by applying to Chase Ink and Barkley . Thank you.

  298. My random tip – if you don’t qualify for a credit card but want Hilton Gold status join the Grand Wailea Maui membership (of course you have to like Hawaii). it comes with Gold status for Hilton.

    Glad you joined Boarding Area.

  299. I learnt about Hyatt Diamond Challenge from your website. Applied a couple of weeks ago and will be staying in Hyatt Regency Hong Kong in 2 weeks! Can’t wait to visit their lounge!!

  302. I’m pretty new here – my tip would be to make sure that you bring your phone chargers with you on trips, and considering getting a small splitter for those times when the airport is crowded (you can easily convince someone to share their socket with you if you have a splitter).

  303. I’m going to do the Hyatt Diamond challenge I read about on your blog :)

  304. Always bring a pen! Whether it’s immigration forms or just jotting down an address, I find it helpful to keep a pen or two in my handbag,

  305. Earn and burn, you never know when a devaluation is going to happens. And recently they have been without notice.

  306. I’ve been subscribed to your email newsletter for a while, useful info in there so thank you. I’ve found that using BA Avios for short haul US AA flights can be a great value.

  307. Following your suggestion to sign up for the BA Visa cc has saved me so many reward points on AA for short flights in the Northeast by using avios instead.

  309. Most useful tip for me: The post about using the Paypal Mycash for manufactured spend!

  311. I love doing the credit card churning that I’ve learned about from all the blogs!

  312. Travel tip when using miles: Be flexible, look at other airports on either end of your desired trip.

  313. You did a great series on aa layovers which I found really useful when they were relevant, but alas …

  314. Best tip: Accumulate miles on cards with multiple airline partners – increases your chances of a successful redemption to the destination of your choice and helps protect against devaluation by one particular airline.

  316. Buy flowers for girlfriend/wife, throw a party on her birthday and surprise her on a trip….all with points and miles!!

  318. Barclay HI Airlines card. Convert HI bonus miles in 10,000 mile increments into Hilton points.Example: 30,000 miles gives you 45,000 Hilton points.

  319. Since few international trips end in my hme airport, my favorite travel trip is get Global Entry and save a sometimes crucial 60 to 90 minutes to make my connecting flight.

    1. Maximize value of hotel points. Pointbreaks, pointsavers, gift card discounts and even promo rates. Never pay a rack rate.

  321. When calling airline/hotel/anything and the rep isn’t helpful, hang up and call again. Someone else more knowledgeable/helpful might pick up.

  322. When flying to Indonesia on Garuda Indonesia, utilize the immigration on board service they have. That way you don’t have to line up at the immigration desk. It’s only available “on select long haul flights”, though…

  323. Great giveaway idea! Would love to win as I’m in the middle of a Diamond Challenge and am doing a mattress run so have a few expenses :-) thanks for all the thoughtful writing you’ve been doing, hope to see lots more on Boarding Area!

  325. Hyatt is my favorite transfer partner for UR
    Would love to have agift card for next stay

  326. Learned a lot from your Hyatt Diamond Challenge post. Looking forward to going for it soon.

  327. Congrats!
    Hyatt diamond challenge and planning to do it during my down under trip this year

  328. Been reading a while. One tip that I have had success with is hang up call again. Thanks!

  330. The gift card/Priceline trick is a good one. General travel tip (especially miles and points): look for “off season” lower rates.

  332. For customer service issues when flying, don’t call or go to the gate agents. They have a tough enough job when flights are delayed/cancelled. Get on Twitter and tweet at airline customer service. Their response will be fast, efficient, and helpful.

  333. Don’t hesitate to use your points! Earning tons of points is great but taking awesome trips is better! It is easy to start hoarding points if you aren’t careful and then devaluations really hurt. :-)

  334. My tip is when booking rental cars, book early, but also check back regularly as rates can drop significantly and you should rebook if they do

  336. We are in the middle of a Diamond Challenge and would love these. The post with the gift cards available at Lowe’s was really helpful for quarterly spend.

  337. One good tip I’ve learned–on a long, multi-city trip, wash your clothes when you get to a new city so that you have a wardrobe refresh/they have time to dry before you move on!

  342. Apply for credit cards regularly to get the sign up bonuses. These are much higher than what you could normally get just by putting daily spend on the card.

  343. Travel tip: if you can remotely afford it and fly more than a few times a year, get a card that allows lounge access. The fees are high, but lounge access makes all the difference in making frequent travel not stressful. If you travel with friends or family it is even more of a value.

  344. Your most recent tip: hitting the spending bonus on the Citi AA Exec cards get you 500 mile upgrades!

  346. Hello. New reader here, found you through boradingarea.com. Welcome!
    Two of my favorite deals so far this year was the AA 100k card and the DailyGetaways.com deals going on right now….the miles and points earned through both will help me make my European vacation a reality for next year for very low out-of-pocket expenses.

  347. Calling ahead to the concierge desk to request a special treat, like an anniversary during your stay or something unique to the area (Denver = Craft Beers), will usually be served with a treat during your stay. Never say no to some delish craft beers.

  349. Excellent blog! My favorite tip was using BA miles for short hop flights. Plan on using that one soon!

  352. Congrats on joining BA! I especially enjoyed your clear explanation of how you choose which people to lend to on Kiva. I haven’t used Kiva yet, but I now have the know-how.

  353. My recommendation would be to plan your trips (or at least the types of trips you would like to take during the next year) and then select the reward credit cards that will help you achieve those trips. For example, if you have small children, exotic travel may not be in the cards for the next few years, so southwest points to visit Disney or family may make more sense. Similarly, if you prefer short trips within a few hours drive, then points that can be converted for hotel stays (Chase UR or SPG) may be more useful than airline miles.

  354. Always looking for new ways to MS. Thank you for ll your help. I want to surprise my wife with a trip of a lifetime for our 25th anniversary next December.

  355. My best travel tip: Earn and burn! Your miles are worth more today than they will be tomorrow.

  356. Hi Miles Professor! This is Grandpa and I’ve listened to all your advice (even old dogs can learn new tricks). My dear wife of 54 years (we’ve never been out of California) our original plan was to leave s.f., arrive in hong kong, then to thailand and finally on the way home to s.f., stop in hawaii. We did not have enough points for air travel or hotels. Well, listening to you, after 14 months, we now have 26 active credit cards and lots of points. We are presently planning our trip and sincerely want to Thank You for your information and advice. The best to you on your endeavors!

  357. My favorite travel tip is to pack extra ziplock bags. They help keep electronics, laundry soap/quarters, and other things organized in your suitcase. They are also great for storing wet swimsuits.

  360. I enjoyed the post you had about using Paypal and squarecash… I’m hoping to try that very soon. Thanks for letting me be considered for your giveaway too.

  368. I am a new reader! My tip is to ask for an upgrade no matter what- it never hurts to ask!

  370. My favorite tip is to use the shopping portals, they have totally changed my life!

  372. New to your blog love redeeming miles for international business class trips. Would love to use the Hyatt gift card at the Hyatt Aruba

  373. My favorite travel tip is to be flexible when you travel. Stop when you see something that catches your eye.

  374. Thanks for your post on Paypal debit card. It has helped a lot. Love your blog!

  375. Bring an extra pair of shoes!! They will turn up useful when your feet are tired!

  376. Congratulations! I am your long time reader. My best travel tip: keep an eye out for the deals. Buy tickets (theme park, shows, air tickets or car rentals) in advance and keep checking. If prices drop, always call to get price adjustments.

  380. I m new here… And learning to make wise choices to get maximum miles. So far I have liked the IHG points good and is working for us.

  381. I really love how easy it is to rack up some points right at home by sending money through AP.

  383. Love the blog. I always get new ideas from it. My tip……… always ask for a complimentary breakfast. It never hurts to ask. I just left the Hyatt Regency in Dushanbe, Tajikistan where they “comped” the 4 breakfasts on a 4-night award stay. I don’t have status with Hyatt, but the manager was most gracious to me with the breakfast.

  385. Applied for the Hyatt credit card and got two free nights at the Park Hyatt anywhere around the world. Fantastic!

  388. I tend to travel with a vest with lots of pockets. The one I use is a “scottevest” brand, but there are others that seem to be made for photographers that I have seen at REI. Can really put a LOT into that vest, which not only keeps one warm if that plane is chilly, but also relieves a lot of stress on your carryon bag or tote. I use it for my iPad, my phone, my camera, sunglasses, coughdrops, tissues, ear phones, writing pens, kindle, etc etc.

    You have had so many good posts and great ideas, hard to pick one. Congrats on the Boarding Area gig – you deserve it !

  389. I will be staying at the Hyatt Madeleine in Paris. Your tip on the status challenge will be very useful.

  392. My travel tip: When traveling overseas, always carry a Xerox copy of your passport ID page in a different pocket from the one where you carry your passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, the photocopy will prove invaluable.

  393. I love using AA miles for off season bookings to Europe. I Just booked 2 tickets from Miami into Milan and home from Paris for only 40K mile each and about $180 in fees.

  395. Just became a new Hyatt fan. Loved your post about the Diamond Challenge and tips!!

  396. learned about hyatt diamond challenge through your blog. will attempt my own for vacation travels this summer.

  397. I have appreciated learning about using avios for short non-stop flights that would be expensive to buy with cash.

  398. Favorite tip is being able to use British Airways miles on short flights that are much less than using aa or us air miles

  400. Simply love your blog!! I learned about adding free one way stopovers and roughly saved $3000 while taking a trip from North America to Asia with a stop over in Hawaii!!

  402. currently on a hyatt diamond challenge! great way to gain status if you have a block of travel lined up, but don’t travel enough on an annual basis to qualify for status!

  406. I like the tip about booking a free one-way on R/T awards. I have yet to do so, but I will…thanks for the tip and step-by-step process on taking advantage.

  407. I really enjoyed all of your posts! They helped us a lot for the trip to Hawaii last winder. Thank you!

  410. Start out slowly and do a lot of research and reading to get comfortable with MS! And pick a favorite airline and hotel and just focus on those at first.

  411. I always pack like I plan to lose a bag. I split all my belongings and my husbands evenly between all cases and carry ones. If the unfortunate loss does happen, we can still enjoy our trip fully clothed til our cases find us.

  413. Great blog! A good tip is brining an atm card abroad with no foreign atm feeds such as the Charles Schwab brokerage atm card, and of course a credit card with no foreign transaction fees that gives you good points return!

  414. i liked your post about adding “free” one way award on american.. thats what hooked me on your site. as i sadly know that this no longer works, i still enjoy reading your tips and tricks and of course, all the trip reports!

  415. I will be using your tip to book Hawaii flights for my whole family next year. I got myself a Chase Sapphire Preferred card and plan to go through British Airways to book my flights and save a tremendous amount of points!!

  421. Always treat airline and hotel staff with the utmost courtesy and respect. Especially when unforeseen circumstances (weather delays, overbookings, etc) place them under pressure with lots of demanding customers. Staying calm, polite, and knowing what to ask for will go much further than complaining.

  422. Here are my tips for making a weekend trip great. 1. Pre-arrange one or two activities per day. You can usually get a better deal online with some searching, and you don’t want to roam around an unfamiliar city, trying to figure out what everyone wants to do. 2. If you are like me and more of an explorer than a lounger, you’ll want to get the cheapest hotel that is closest the action. (That way, you can explorer on foot and partake in alcoholic beverages if so desired.) 3. Talk to the locals. They have great recommendations, and you just might make some friends!

  423. I had used an American Airlines credit card and miles earned for years for free airfare, and I had loyalty to Marriott with a few free stays but did not have their credit card. You opened my eyes to the many, many, MANY possibilities available through acquiring new credit cards, the sign-up bonuses, and the various uses of credit cards for earning additional points or miles. My favorite tip is to use the Ink Plus card to buy gas cards at an office supply store for 5x points! I also LOVE how accurate your advice is; I can trust it and never have to do any other research to verify accuracy. Thank you for the time you take to teach us all! :-)

  424. I personally prefer to make my miles last longer, e.g. coach travel, nice hotels, but nothing crazy expensive

  426. I may have missed the cut-off for the entry, but never mind that, I wanted to write a sincere thanks to you, Inna for your writing style, your helpful substance, your brilliance and grace. I have long read other hacker sites, many of whom seem to specialize in writing in code, in trying to show off how great they are by writing in the most haphazard, convoluted manner, in ways only fellow travel hackers and point collectors could (wink, wink) comprehend. By contrast, you’ve become my favorite go-to site, especially when a complex, alarming issue arises. (like the confusion recently over debit/gift cards and loading bluebird cards at Wmt.) You take the time to write well, to dig into the technical issues at hand, to write clearly and yet also respectfully of your readers, of their time and their intelligence. You also gracefully endeavor to respond to reader questions, whether of the novice or the veteran ms warriors. Would that all of our fellow professors had the same knack, for translating their good thinking into well written prose, for both specialists and new students. (Occurs to me too that English may not even be your first language…. if not, all the more remarkable your achievements here for all of us.) escot (fellow professor type from wahoo-land)

  427. Pingback: Did You Win a $100 Hyatt Gift Card?

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