Bilt Has Us Wondering: Is Chase Still King of Travel Rewards?

Thrifty Traveler Co-Founder Nick Serati helps us answer a pressing points and miles question: Is Chase still the most important travel rewards program? After running the numbers, he’s changed his tune about Chase and wonders if newcomer Bilt has something to do with it. Plus, we talk about a potential government-owned Spirit Airlines, some devaluations, and the White Lotus choosing Hyatt! Plus, how to use points and miles on golf and a hilarious new travel mistake story. Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring this week’s episode! Go to https://surfshark.com/thrifty4 or use code THRIFTY4 at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Watch us on YouTube! 00:00 - Nick’s travel mistake: A $600 shirt in Vegas 04:45 - Nick’s daughter Elin introduces the show from Sedona! 05:15 - Thanks to our sponsor Surfshark VPN! 06:45 - The Hyatt Lotus & how to book it 10:20 - LifeMiles and Aeroplan hike award rates 15:55 - Something Stupid: A government-owned Spirit? 21:40 - Is Chase Still the King of Travel Rewards? 25:40 - The 5/24 rule & how Chase became king 29:15 - The Chase Sapphire Reserve isn’t helping 32:15 - Is Bilt’s complicated system worth it?  40:00 - Is the Bilt Palladium Card right for Gunnar?  46:00 - Is Chase still king? Our verdict 48:15 - A listener’s lap infant conundrum 52:30 - How to use points and miles on golf trips Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.