United will give you spend reward miles multiple times in a year if you’re a credit card holder. I’m an Infinite card holder and can buy a miles ticket at a steep discount for being a card member. Example, SMF to CDG July 2025 is only 40k miles per person Economy one way. And then I pay to upgrade to first or business class. That picks up bonus miles on United 5x, from each dollar spent. So I can get to Europe for $1200 per person and pick up 6,000 miles for buying the upgrade. And free lounge access to boot.
Great video thanks. I just updated my united airlines explorer card to the united airlines quest card because I have over 5000 miles on n united airlines from traveling and charging
I did have the United club card for a while. The lounges are mediocre but you get status like premier access benefits including dedicated CS and priority check in which I don’t believe you get with other airline too tier cards
My take on status upgrades vs transferable points biz class is that for the latter you really need to be flexible to reliably get good redemptions so if I can do that more easily- and at least get economy + in the process- status seems like it might be worth the cost and complexity I fly out of SFO too and am currently working on AA status with the that being a non hub will mean less competition for upgrades. I could match to United but really doubt I could earn it organically. Maybe the Marriott to silver trick but unless you love Marriott that’s expensive as well even with the top bonvoy cards
Great podcast, but I think Shathvik sold the Excursionist perk a little short. The paid segments do not have to be round trip. They have to begin and end in the same zone and be a different zone than the free leg. The Points Guy (of all places) has a good explanation. It’s a thin use clase, but can yield a lot of value.
That's the point. Learn the system or sit in the back. That's why southworst is so successful super simple system to earn and burn. Only problem is you're awards are only redeemable on their airline.
@@marklihsu or just don't deal with airlines. Have to do all these hoops less stressful. Less work and you also get more value out of hotels. Anyways, the hotel you'll be there for the whole day or 2 days flight temporary completely pointless even said in the video it's easier to so-called hack, hotels and more value in it
@@BrianpeckinI don't. I'm a free agent now just book F domestically based on price and schedule. I was once 1K and later on EXP. EXP service was much better than 1K but at the end of the day it was hard to maintain EXP because their coverage in Taiwan and China is very weak. I agree with the hotels as I now make sure I spend enough to get Hyatt globalist. The times spent with my family in confirmed suites is worth it.
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Thanks for the info + video!
Luvin this. Maybe you’ll have DL WN and AA expert guests next?
United will give you spend reward miles multiple times in a year if you’re a credit card holder. I’m an Infinite card holder and can buy a miles ticket at a steep discount for being a card member. Example, SMF to CDG July 2025 is only 40k miles per person Economy one way. And then I pay to upgrade to first or business class. That picks up bonus miles on United 5x, from each dollar spent. So I can get to Europe for $1200 per person and pick up 6,000 miles for buying the upgrade. And free lounge access to boot.
Lesson learned, get some friends parents who have Plus Points
Would just downgrading to the no AF Gateway card still give access to upgrades on award tickets?
Great video thanks. I just updated my united airlines explorer card to the united airlines quest card because I have over 5000 miles on n united airlines from traveling and charging
I think any United card gives access to XN cares fares yeah?
Wow that was a lot of information. Star Alliance is my favorite so this was fun to watch
I did have the United club card for a while. The lounges are mediocre but you get status like premier access benefits including dedicated CS and priority check in which I don’t believe you get with other airline too tier cards
My take on status upgrades vs transferable points biz class is that for the latter you really need to be flexible to reliably get good redemptions so if I can do that more easily- and at least get economy + in the process- status seems like it might be worth the cost and complexity
I fly out of SFO too and am currently working on AA status with the that being a non hub will mean less competition for upgrades.
I could match to United but really doubt I could earn it organically. Maybe the Marriott to silver trick but unless you love Marriott that’s expensive as well even with the top bonvoy cards
Great podcast, but I think Shathvik sold the Excursionist perk a little short. The paid segments do not have to be round trip. They have to begin and end in the same zone and be a different zone than the free leg. The Points Guy (of all places) has a good explanation. It’s a thin use clase, but can yield a lot of value.
Good info
Do i get PQP if i use my United credit card to book tickets for my parents?
Just the 25 PQP/$500 card spend. To receive PQP on airfare, it needs to be the purchaser’s butt in seat.
Sounds overly complicated lol
That's the point. Learn the system or sit in the back. That's why southworst is so successful super simple system to earn and burn. Only problem is you're awards are only redeemable on their airline.
@@marklihsu or just don't deal with airlines. Have to do all these hoops less stressful. Less work and you also get more value out of hotels. Anyways, the hotel you'll be there for the whole day or 2 days flight temporary completely pointless even said in the video it's easier to so-called hack, hotels and more value in it
@@BrianpeckinI don't. I'm a free agent now just book F domestically based on price and schedule. I was once 1K and later on EXP. EXP service was much better than 1K but at the end of the day it was hard to maintain EXP because their coverage in Taiwan and China is very weak. I agree with the hotels as I now make sure I spend enough to get Hyatt globalist. The times spent with my family in confirmed suites is worth it.
@@marklihsu ya I'm a low price whore for flights excluding spirit f spirit lol and us airways only had issues with them.
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