Tech & Travel Guru
Starting October 1, 2026, the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer ratio from the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred to World of Hyatt will drop from 1:1 to 4:3. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders are not impacted. How many points should you transfer before October 1st? That will depend on your...
This was my first time trying United’s new service from Carlsbad (CLD) to Denver (DEN), which launched on March 30, 2026. I booked the itinerary for 30,000 United MileagePlus miles one-way from CLD–DEN–FCA, all in First Class. While it wasn’t the best mileage redemption, cash fares to Kalispell (FCA) were...
After another incredible ski trip to Niseko, it was time to head back home. I booked this Japan Airlines flight from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to San Diego (SAN) through Cathay Pacific for 89,000 Cathay miles plus $260 in taxes. I snagged the award 360 days in advance when Business Class...
On a recent trip, I checked a bag with Alaska Airlines and connected onto American Airlines for the rest of my journey. I made the connection, but my bag didn’t. It was left behind in Las Vegas after my quick hop from San Diego. While connecting in Charlotte, I checked...
I recently had a layover in Las Vegas, just a few weeks after American Express debuted its new Sidecar Lounge concept. Designed for travelers on tighter schedules, it’s a refreshing alternative for anyone looking to grab a quick bite or drink without committing to the full lounge experience. The LAS...
If you’ve ever flown internationally into the U.S. with a connection, you know the dreaded checked baggage claim and recheck. You land, wind your way through passport control, wait at baggage claim, haul your suitcases through Customs, only to hand them right back to the airline minutes later. It’s repetitive,...
I booked this Japan Airlines flight from LAX (Los Angeles) to HND (Tokyo Haneda) through Qatar Airways, using 103,000 Avios miles and $453 in taxes, 360 days in advance when the First Class schedule opened. While not the most economical option, the availability made it worth the extra taxes, especially...
Happy New Year! In 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on three exciting international trips. Over the course of the year, I traveled a total of 59,000 miles, visiting four countries—about 23% fewer miles than in 2024. Below is a snapshot of my adventures throughout the year… ...
When flying from Tokyo to Sapporo, you have plenty of options, with flights departing almost every hour on both ANA and JAL. I found a great fare for J Class (Domestic Business) on JAL, so I booked directly with them. The one-way fare was JPY 23,030, though prices for this...
Airline award tickets keep getting devalued, and premium cabin availability seems harder to find with each passing year. So when a unicorn appears, you book first and think later. While searching for a quick weekend getaway this month, I stumbled upon a true gem: a Business Class award seat on...
For my return flight from Europe, I decided to experience Finnair’s Business Class after flying Emirates to Milan. About eight months ahead of time, I was able to secure an award seat on their flagship route, Flight 1, from Helsinki to Los Angeles. Pro tip: to unlock more award availability...
Flying from the U.S. to Europe on Emirates is a unique experience, thanks to its rare Fifth Freedom route between New York (JFK) and Milan (MXP). What makes it even more special is that this is the only Emirates route between the U.S. and Europe operated by the iconic Airbus...
Hawaiian Airlines launched its Airbus A321neo service on January 8, 2018, and I finally had the chance to fly it last month. With that flight, I’ve now experienced every aircraft type Hawaiian operates. The A321neo is a narrow-body jet similar to the Boeing 737s that Alaska Airlines uses for its...
As the merger of loyalty programs between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines approaches, the opportunity to transfer AMEX Membership Rewards points is quickly disappearing. Starting July 1st, 2025 (less than 30 days away), Hawaiian Airlines will no longer be an American Express transfer partner. Since September 26th, 2024, there has...
On my recent trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to fly First Class with ANA, experiencing both their latest seat, The Suite, and their older First Square seat—each for the third time. The overall experience in both seats—service and food—remains largely the same, with a slight advantage when departing...
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PSA: Chase UR Points → Hyatt Devaluation Coming October 1st
August 27, 2026
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