One of the best parts of your channel is the love and respect that you have for each other. I can tell your relationship is an asset in managing travel. Best wishes!
Omg! I said, "Holy s#$@!" When I heard how much you have to spend on Delta to get a reward! I had my first flight ever on Delta from MN to FL last weekend and can't even fathom spending such a huge amount on airline travel. Thank you for putting this valuable information out there! I truly appreciate it. I do have a challenge for you if you're up for it. I hope I can verbalize it correctly. What if you put the actual dollar amount of things that you do by the rewards and show us dollar verses rewards for your trips on a whiteboard for better visualization. Like, say a trip to Paris. List Meals =$$, Room=$$, Travel expenses, planes, trains, ships =$$$, Museums or special tours=$$$$. But maybe that's too much transparency and work lol😊❤😊❤
Great idea, we were only able to do the one white board video because the hotel offered us one. Maybe we can ask future hotels if they have them too. They are too big for us to carry but they might be available in some places.
Re: Airline programs. I live in NYC, aging parents live in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW). American Airlines uses DFW as a hub, making it easier to choose AA over Delta or other airlines for frequent travel based on expected future needs. Thanks for showing the path forward, as always. Robert in NYC.
Question: Could you give examples of how you use your cards while you travel by sharing a month of travel from one of your historic trips? What cards do you use to pay for/use rewards for flights, lounges, local transportation, lodging, food, entertainment, etc? Do you mostly use Chase and then transfer points to their partner airlines and hotels? I understand which cards make the most sense to apply for but not necessarily how to use them.
Your content is really useful. We are working the IHG and AAdvantage cards right now. We just flew on AA last week and spent about 8 hours ttl (six meals) in an AA Admirals club. We take about 10 trips a year.
I am a big fan of yours. In my fifties and sixties I also traveled extensively. Now in my 70's and hopefully 80's, I live in the home I built 45 years ago, close to my grandchildren. My questions to you are: What are you doing about social security? Will you be able to buy a home to "settle in," when you're done with your travels?
Another great video! We just got back from a trip where we were upgraded to the concierge level and wondering why we didn’t do it sooner. This video is helping us make more educated decisions about how we’ll travel in the future. Thanks so much for doing all the leg work for us and helping to shorten the learning curve.❤
Thank you for more great content! I used your referral code to get the IHG premier and just met 165,000 bonus point spend. My question is we want to go to Vietnam and wondering if I book 40 nights will we get the club access during that stay or will we have to stay 40 nights and then be awarded with club access on our next stay? Because when booking it’s asking if I want a standard room or a room with club access which obviously costs more.
You get the club access after completing the 40 nights then you have it on your next stay. We paid for it for the first 40 nights, as we found a pretty cheap rate with it included last year, but that was during the 11.11 sale in November. It takes about 2 days to process the award into your account after the 40. Btw, the Landmark 72 in Hanoi is the best lounge we've been to yet.
Y’all are the best! I can’t wait to get started on my journey to collecting these and traveling to Asia. It was never a place that was on my bucket list before, but you two have sold me! I share all I learn from you with my husband. We went to a Texas Rangers baseball game on Thursday and I told him what you shared about going to baseball games in Japan and people picking up their trash. I wish Americans were as considerate. Did I understand correctly in another video that if you have 5 cards from other companies that Chase will not approve you for their card? 😊💕😊from Texas🇨🇱.
So if I have had them longer than 24 months I could be approved if I meet the other credit requirements? I don’t want to apply and not be approved…I try to be very careful about things that effect my credit score, so I want to put myself in the best position for approval. Y’all are such a wealth of knowledge! Thank you again. 😊😊😊
If you book the nights with points does that count towards the 40 nights for a reward such as the Lounge or is it only a night you pay for that counts towards the 40 nights required for IHG?
I love your video and advice is on point. Just a note... the Rio Hotel & Resort is outdated and under construction that is why the room rates are so low. Not to mention it is off strip.
Got the IHG Premiere Business card last month using your affiliate link . Bought points and booked 7 nights of hotel stays for our trip next month. I saved at least $100. by buying the points with the 80% more points free. Thanks guys! We switched our normal expenses over to this new card and will get the sign on bonus easily. Do you know whether they award the sign on bonus points as soon as you achieve it or do you have to wait the three months/four months for the promotion to end?
Hey all, I am 3/4 through the online course!!! It is Fantastic, I have several ideas that I am maturing now. What is the best way to reach you when I launch?
FYI, if you are booking Rio through Hyatt, you do not get the free breakfast in the morning at most they may comp a couple of drinks or offer you a food and beverage credit just so that people know
That isn't what we heard from people who went there recently, they said they got the breakfast. If you've been there please let us know that would be a good data point.
Would you get the Aeroplan then transfer any of your other rewards to it. Ok so if I understand this correctly you have the aeroplan card but you don’t try to get status you just transfer your rewards from AMX. Etc. do you book flights with the Aerocard?
Love the Flip Flop Traveler, been following Kevin for almost two years. Paddy Doyle is pretty good too. Love your channel so many amazing hints, unfortunately many of these are not available unless you are a US citizen, ie. Chase Credit cards etc, any hints for non US citizens? “Many thanks in advance”
Hey guys, I recently watched your video of you guys hunkering down at the Crown Plaza in Vietnam and the free upgrade you got to a suite. I have also watched some of your videos where you were trying out "Retiring full time on a Cruise ship." QUESTION: What happened to living full time on a Cruise ship and now you've moved to "Living full time in a hotel?? Thanks in advance. Keep up the great work. 😎⛹️♀️🤸♂️🚴♂️
Great video! I've been thinking about my wife and I taking turns holding the Aeroplan card for two years. The status is good for almost two years if you get it early in the calendar year. From what I can see, the 25 eUpgrade credits would be pretty useful for getting an upgraded flight or two per year.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel - That makes sense! My wife and I live in the DC area, but my parents and my brother’s family live in British Columbia, so I can definitely see making a flight or two per year on Air Canada.
I know you buy IHG points. When you use those points that you bought to stay do they count to the 40 nights to get lounge access? Or do only stays that you paid for in cash count to the 40 nights?
Those 2 kind of overlap on the priority pass so it might not be the best pairing, I would probably pair it with the Chase Sapphire Preferred to get 3x on dining.
It seems Hyatt lifetime Globalist can be yours after $200k in spending. The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome has a suite costing $20k per night, so you could get the job done in 10 days. Yes this is completely outrageous and silly to mention. And a much better deal than Delta 😛
I have to disagree that Hilton diamond is expensive to get. Where else can you get top status for $550?? Not IHG, Marriott or Hyatt. If you want to say the Aspire has a high annual fee, I agree.
I’m new to this so I’m confused - how can you take advantage of the globalist status @7:06 if you’re trying to earn it @6:42? How can you have it and be earning it also? I don’t understand
Can you guide me to more info about airline programs. I am in United as I travel out of EWR Newark nj both domestic and international. They are part of the air Canada star alliance. So explain it like I am five as how that is better? Not doubting your logic just not that experienced with these programs and how to make them count the most. If you have a video just point me in the direction 😊
If you are flying out of a certain airport it might not be better, whatever services your city would be. But we are coming from the perspective of someone who is travelling overseas often, then it is because it gives you access to the most partner award flights.
I am Canadian and really interested in hearing about Aeroplan’s value. I detest Air Canada so much I’ve let my account lapse. Oops. Maybe time to rethink (though still never fly Air Canada).
SAS will switch to Air France / KLM for points as of Sept. 1st, 2024 (according to the email they sent out to all SAS Eurobonus members. Our family gave up on Air Canada due to terrible customer service on a variety of flights however mostly without status. A friend loves Air Canada and Aeroplan. She has top status and is able to give that status to her daughter as well. Airline status just does not seem to be worth it. It is more where you can get point flights. AMEX Platnium does seem to be much better than the cobranded AMEX Delta.
I like the info you provide. Only thing is being a European we don’t deal with credit cards, it’s a real American thing. So how does it work from not USA people ?
We are curios how do you travel from the US to SE Asia affordably? We were shocked at the cost to fly there even using Google flights. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Safe Journeys
We either book cheap one way flights or take a repositioning cruise, or use points. Flights in Nov. from LAX to BKK are around $550. That's about what we look for.
I have an IHG credit card, bought the points sale of 250K+250K but have no nites stayed yet (been working my Marriott and Hyatt status'). We will be in Japan & Taiwan in a couple months and want to get the 40 nites then. Can I pay with my points but still get the stay credits toward the 40?
Common sense advice on the airline status chase . It’s just a race to the bottom on devaluations , poor catering and raising the bar constantly . Credit card sign ups and careful points use is where it is at.
Disagree on the Hyatt personal card advice. You get 5 qualifying night credits per year. Then 2 additional qualifying night credits each $5k spend. So if you spend $15k your getting 11 QNC plus 2 FNC or 13 nights. Then you are getting 60k Hyatt points plus 30k Hyatt for the spend or 90k Hyatt. So that could be used to get around another 15 qualifying nights or 28 total. Now if you want to go the corporate challenge route you have globalist easy.
The Marriott Brilliant will get you Platinum status, which will get you the free breakfast and upgrades. So I don't know why you all focused on the Titanium status instead of the Platinum status, which is lower than Titanium.
@@Katrina-ps6jn no. Say if you stay, 10 night stay in January, February, March and April, you reach 40 nights. Those 10 nights in each month don’t need to be consecutive. You can stay at 10 different hotels one night each or can stay 10 consecutive nights.
HELLO!! We are subscribers and signed up with your program. How is the best way to contact you directly? We are in the process of downsizing and will be selling the house later this year. There are a few questions that we would like clarified.
![เปิด อาณาจักร หมื่นล้าน "สาระตั้ม" l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3XE0nPF4YkQ/mqdefault.jpg)
One of the best parts of your channel is the love and respect that you have for each other. I can tell your relationship is an asset in managing travel. Best wishes!
Thank you so much 😊
Omg the amount of HIGH QUALITY CONTENT yall put out is unreal!
Thanks so much!
Omg! I said, "Holy s#$@!" When I heard how much you have to spend on Delta to get a reward! I had my first flight ever on Delta from MN to FL last weekend and can't even fathom spending such a huge amount on airline travel. Thank you for putting this valuable information out there! I truly appreciate it. I do have a challenge for you if you're up for it. I hope I can verbalize it correctly. What if you put the actual dollar amount of things that you do by the rewards and show us dollar verses rewards for your trips on a whiteboard for better visualization. Like, say a trip to Paris. List Meals =$$, Room=$$, Travel expenses, planes, trains, ships =$$$, Museums or special tours=$$$$. But maybe that's too much transparency and work lol😊❤😊❤
Great idea, we were only able to do the one white board video because the hotel offered us one. Maybe we can ask future hotels if they have them too. They are too big for us to carry but they might be available in some places.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravelmost hotels with conference facilities would have whiteboards too.
Re: Airline programs. I live in NYC, aging parents live in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW). American Airlines uses DFW as a hub, making it easier to choose AA over Delta or other airlines for frequent travel based on expected future needs. Thanks for showing the path forward, as always. Robert in NYC.
Question: Could you give examples of how you use your cards while you travel by sharing a month of travel from one of your historic trips? What cards do you use to pay for/use rewards for flights, lounges, local transportation, lodging, food, entertainment, etc? Do you mostly use Chase and then transfer points to their partner airlines and hotels? I understand which cards make the most sense to apply for but not necessarily how to use them.
Good idea! I think we will put that together soon!
Your content is really useful. We are working the IHG and AAdvantage cards right now. We just flew on AA last week and spent about 8 hours ttl (six meals) in an AA Admirals club. We take about 10 trips a year.
Those lounges are a great savings at the airport!
I am absolutely hooked on your videos, so informative. Great content. I am going to Asia soon so this will help me ALOT.
Great, have a wonderful trip there!
Yay first! Love your videos. Got the IHG Premier and got the SUB 👍🏽
Awesome!
Do you get suite upgrades if you checkin online? Or do you need to do need to do counter checkin?
I am a big fan of yours. In my fifties and sixties I also traveled extensively. Now in my 70's and hopefully 80's, I live in the home I built 45 years ago, close to my grandchildren.
My questions to you are:
What are you doing about social security?
Will you be able to buy a home to "settle in," when you're done with your travels?
Another great video! We just got back from a trip where we were upgraded to the concierge level and wondering why we didn’t do it sooner. This video is helping us make more educated decisions about how we’ll travel in the future. Thanks so much for doing all the leg work for us and helping to shorten the learning curve.❤
Thanks!
Good stuff! We stay at Marriott Hotel brands 12 nights a year free!
Ihg seemed to has gone to dynamic pricing with points. So, how do u find the cheapest point redemption fir hotels across the world?😮
You guys are so fantastic and helpful. I wish I had found your channel sooner. Thank you for doing this.
Witnessed platinum, ambassador and Diamond with IHG in Middle East, Europe and US, it's almost always better at a Marriott.
Where is the link for the newsletter? Thanks. I love your videos.😊
In the description
Another great video with lots of tips and tricks for saving money!!!
Thank you for more great content! I used your referral code to get the IHG premier and just met 165,000 bonus point spend. My question is we want to go to Vietnam and wondering if I book 40 nights will we get the club access during that stay or will we have to stay 40 nights and then be awarded with club access on our next stay? Because when booking it’s asking if I want a standard room or a room with club access which obviously costs more.
You get the club access after completing the 40 nights then you have it on your next stay. We paid for it for the first 40 nights, as we found a pretty cheap rate with it included last year, but that was during the 11.11 sale in November. It takes about 2 days to process the award into your account after the 40. Btw, the Landmark 72 in Hanoi is the best lounge we've been to yet.
How long does the lounge access last? Is it for 1 year and then you need to earn it again? Thank you @GroundedLifeFinances
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel
Thank you so much!
Can confirm that as a Marriott Gold, I got upgraded to a suite outside of US.
It's great!
Y’all are the best! I can’t wait to get started on my journey to collecting these and traveling to Asia. It was never a place that was on my bucket list before, but you two have sold me! I share all I learn from you with my husband. We went to a Texas Rangers baseball game on Thursday and I told him what you shared about going to baseball games in Japan and people picking up their trash. I wish Americans were as considerate. Did I understand correctly in another video that if you have 5 cards from other companies that Chase will not approve you for their card? 😊💕😊from Texas🇨🇱.
Thanks! Yes, it is if you've gotten 5 personal cards in the last 24 months they won't usually approve it.
So if I have had them longer than 24 months I could be approved if I meet the other credit requirements? I don’t want to apply and not be approved…I try to be very careful about things that effect my credit score, so I want to put myself in the best position for approval. Y’all are such a wealth of knowledge! Thank you again. 😊😊😊
I have a 5 night stay coming up in a couple of weeks at Conrad Tokyo. I will be looking for you.
We are going to just miss you I think, we are going soon, but only 1 night. Looking forward to that hotel!
If you book the nights with points does that count towards the 40 nights for a reward such as the Lounge or is it only a night you pay for that counts towards the 40 nights required for IHG?
Points nights count as well!
Can Canadians get these rewards and credit cards?
I love your video and advice is on point. Just a note... the Rio Hotel & Resort is outdated and under construction that is why the room rates are so low. Not to mention it is off strip.
Sadly, IHG has no co-brand cards in 🇨🇦 Hyatt at least is trying!😅
Hotel status is absolutely the way to go. Airline status is unattainable for the average person
Agree
Hi Allie, on IHG once you reach 40 nights to get free lounge access. Is that for the rest of that year or life time access ?
Rest of that year and the next year
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel will nights booked with points count toward the 40 nights or only money purchased nights?
Got the IHG Premiere Business card last month using your affiliate link . Bought points and booked 7 nights of hotel stays for our trip next month. I saved at least $100. by buying the points with the 80% more points free. Thanks guys! We switched our normal expenses over to this new card and will get the sign on bonus easily. Do you know whether they award the sign on bonus points as soon as you achieve it or do you have to wait the three months/four months for the promotion to end?
I received the sign on points at the start of the next billing cycle once you charge the needed amount.
Exactly, it is after the billing cycle that you earn it, so you don't need to wait that long.
Hey all, I am 3/4 through the online course!!! It is Fantastic, I have several ideas that I am maturing now. What is the best way to reach you when I launch?
Thanks! The best way is here in the comments. When you launch leave us your channel name so we can follow along!
FYI, if you are booking Rio through Hyatt, you do not get the free breakfast in the morning at most they may comp a couple of drinks or offer you a food and beverage credit just so that people know
That isn't what we heard from people who went there recently, they said they got the breakfast. If you've been there please let us know that would be a good data point.
Would you get the Aeroplan then transfer any of your other rewards to it. Ok so if I understand this correctly you have the aeroplan card but you don’t try to get status you just transfer your rewards from AMX. Etc. do you book flights with the Aerocard?
A suggestion…Until Renovations and security are updated, I would skip Rio LV
I was ready to book a week at the rio. Could you explain more about security concerns please
Love the Flip Flop Traveler, been following Kevin for almost two years. Paddy Doyle is pretty good too. Love your channel so many amazing hints, unfortunately many of these are not available unless you are a US citizen, ie. Chase Credit cards etc, any hints for non US citizens? “Many thanks in advance”
I think the best thing is to go after Hyatt Globalist. It's a pretty level starting point on that one and a great program.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel Many thx and much appreciated.
Hey guys, I recently watched your video of you guys hunkering down at the Crown Plaza in Vietnam and the free upgrade you got to a suite. I have also watched some of your videos where you were trying out "Retiring full time on a Cruise ship." QUESTION: What happened to living full time on a Cruise ship and now you've moved to "Living full time in a hotel?? Thanks in advance. Keep up the great work. 😎⛹️♀️🤸♂️🚴♂️
Does status have to be earned every year?
When you earn the lounge access, is that good for everyone in your room or is it just for one person?
It is good for 2 people usually
Great video! I've been thinking about my wife and I taking turns holding the Aeroplan card for two years. The status is good for almost two years if you get it early in the calendar year. From what I can see, the 25 eUpgrade credits would be pretty useful for getting an upgraded flight or two per year.
If we flew more in Canada I think we would get it too, we always end up on Via Rail. I think it is a good card though!
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel - That makes sense! My wife and I live in the DC area, but my parents and my brother’s family live in British Columbia, so I can definitely see making a flight or two per year on Air Canada.
I know you buy IHG points. When you use those points that you bought to stay do they count to the 40 nights to get lounge access? Or do only stays that you paid for in cash count to the 40 nights?
I’m wondering if I should keep my Capital One Venture X and go for the Amex Platinum or is just have the Venture X ok?
Those 2 kind of overlap on the priority pass so it might not be the best pairing, I would probably pair it with the Chase Sapphire Preferred to get 3x on dining.
Thank you!
It seems Hyatt lifetime Globalist can be yours after $200k in spending. The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome has a suite costing $20k per night, so you could get the job done in 10 days. Yes this is completely outrageous and silly to mention. And a much better deal than Delta 😛
Still seems like a better deal than the Delta offer 😀
Well done. Great content.
hilton is okay. I wouldn't say their rates are the best. Marriott is often better priced.
How can you continue to get sign up points year after year if you are already signed up for a specific credit card???
Awesome video! Learned SO much!
Thanks!
I have to disagree that Hilton diamond is expensive to get. Where else can you get top status for $550?? Not IHG, Marriott or Hyatt. If you want to say the Aspire has a high annual fee, I agree.
I’m new to this so I’m confused - how can you take advantage of the globalist status @7:06 if you’re trying to earn it @6:42? How can you have it and be earning it also? I don’t understand
once you get these statuses, does it last a lietime or do you need to re-earn the statuses each year?
Good for the rest of that year and the following year then it resets.
Brilliant is $650 and since it is a personal CC, it is not tax deductible
Can you guide me to more info about airline programs. I am in United as I travel out of EWR Newark nj both domestic and international. They are part of the air Canada star alliance. So explain it like I am five as how that is better? Not doubting your logic just not that experienced with these programs and how to make them count the most. If you have a video just point me in the direction 😊
If you are flying out of a certain airport it might not be better, whatever services your city would be. But we are coming from the perspective of someone who is travelling overseas often, then it is because it gives you access to the most partner award flights.
I am Canadian and really interested in hearing about Aeroplan’s value. I detest Air Canada so much I’ve let my account lapse. Oops. Maybe time to rethink (though still never fly Air Canada).
Yes, we don't fly on them, but their program let's you book on other programs really well!
Wish I could give you 10 thumbs up! :)
Wow, thanks!
Are all of these based on a calendar year so you have to get 60 nights for world of Hyatt on one year?
Yes, calendar year
Every + - $95 hotel credit card is extremely valuable, particularly when you gain instant status even if you are a newbie to the brand.
SAS will switch to Air France / KLM for points as of Sept. 1st, 2024 (according to the email they sent out to all SAS Eurobonus members. Our family gave up on Air Canada due to terrible customer service on a variety of flights however mostly without status. A friend loves Air Canada and Aeroplan. She has top status and is able to give that status to her daughter as well. Airline status just does not seem to be worth it. It is more where you can get point flights. AMEX Platnium does seem to be much better than the cobranded AMEX Delta.
Love this idea for a channel
I like the info you provide. Only thing is being a European we don’t deal with credit cards, it’s a real American thing. So how does it work from not USA people ?
You can still earn status, but by staying nights in the hotels. The cards give a boost usually
We are curios how do you travel from the US to SE Asia affordably? We were shocked at the cost to fly there even using Google flights. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Safe Journeys
We either book cheap one way flights or take a repositioning cruise, or use points. Flights in Nov. from LAX to BKK are around $550. That's about what we look for.
I have an IHG credit card, bought the points sale of 250K+250K but have no nites stayed yet (been working my Marriott and Hyatt status'). We will be in Japan & Taiwan in a couple months and want to get the 40 nites then. Can I pay with my points but still get the stay credits toward the 40?
Yes you can
Common sense advice on the airline status chase . It’s just a race to the bottom on devaluations , poor catering and raising the bar constantly . Credit card sign ups and careful points use is where it is at.
Titanium is always better, too many platinums with the $650 card.
Do you know if the marriot titanium level also lets you skip resort fees , or is it at only hyatts?
I've been a Marriott Titanium for many years. Unfortunately Marriott doesn't waive resort fees or parking fees. Although Hyatt will for Globalists.
@@DaveM-FFB thank you!
Disagree on the Hyatt personal card advice. You get 5
qualifying
night credits per year. Then 2
additional qualifying
night credits each $5k spend. So if you spend $15k your getting 11 QNC plus 2 FNC or 13 nights. Then you are getting 60k Hyatt points plus 30k Hyatt for the spend or 90k Hyatt. So that could be used to get around another 15 qualifying nights or 28 total.
Now if you want to go the corporate challenge route you have globalist easy.
The Marriott Brilliant will get you Platinum status, which will get you the free breakfast and upgrades. So I don't know why you all focused on the Titanium status instead of the Platinum status, which is lower than Titanium.
How long do you have to stay 40 nights? In the first year? Months?
In a calendar year.
@@johnsmith02 consecutively?
@@Katrina-ps6jn no. Say if you stay, 10 night stay in January, February, March and April, you reach 40 nights. Those 10 nights in each month don’t need to be consecutive. You can stay at 10 different hotels one night each or can stay 10 consecutive nights.
@@johnsmith02 Thank you!
HELLO!! We are subscribers and signed up with your program. How is the best way to contact you directly? We are in the process of downsizing and will be selling the house later this year. There are a few questions that we would like clarified.
The best way is here in the comments!
Could you gift me a globalist status