POINT ME TO FIRST CLASS
PODCAST

Point Me to First Class is the show for professionals and business owners with higher-than-average personal or business expenses, who want to learn to leverage these expenses into credit card points they can spend on travel.

Each week, I share valuable tips, tools, and strategies to help you uplevel your skills earning and redeeming credit card points, so you can expand your travel and expand your experiences.

Start having first-class travel experiences without the first-class price tag.

Points earning strategies

Points redeeming

TRAVEL TIPS

2024 Year in Review: Points Earning Rundown with Dr. Sujatha Murali (Part 2)

Tune in as Sujatha and I share our most memorable award trips, our highest value redemptions, and the trips we already have planned for 2025 using points.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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End the Year Like a Points Pro: Your Step-by-Step Points Review Guide

Discover why you should consider doing a points year in review, what you can learn from it, and how to go about putting together your own annual points audit. I walk you through my process step-by-step and share some of my own key takeaways from this year’s analysis. By the end, you’ll be equipped to evaluate your own points performance and make data-driven decisions for your 2025 points strategy.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming

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Flying Two for One: Do’s and Don’ts for Snagging a Southwest Companion Pass with Lyn Mettler

Learn how to qualify for unlimited flights through the Southwest Companion Pass. We discuss how to decide if the Southwest Companion Pass should be part of your award travel strategy for the upcoming year, and you’ll learn about all the mistakes you need to avoid if you want to qualify for your own Southwest Companion Pass.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming

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Expert Analysis: 2024 Points and Miles Winners, Losers, and Key Trends with Kevin Zanes

We cover all the need-to-know news in the points and miles space. We share our predictions for 2025, our wish lists for the future of award travel, and our ratings for the overall state of the points and miles game.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Buckle Up, BOGO: Strategies for Maximizing the Southwest Companion Pass with Dr. Michelle Walther

Learn everything you need to know about getting great deals with the Southwest Companion Pass. She also shares her tips for earning the pass through organic spend and referrals, finding great deals on Southwest flights, and avoiding common mistakes. If you’ve been on the fence about going for the Companion Pass, this episode will give you the inspiration and practical advice you need to make it happen.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Award Travel Hotspot: Unlocking Mexico City’s Hidden Potential with Kelsi Sullivan

Learn how to take advantage of Mexico City’s strategic location for your next award trip. Kelsi explains why Mexico City is not only an amazing destination for a memorable stopover, as well as a key hub for unlocking unique award redemptions that most people overlook. She even shares her top recommendations for must-see attractions in the city and practical tips for navigating the airport’s hidden gems.

Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Eyewear That Fits Your Face and Your Culture: Tribal Eyes’ Inspiring Story with Dr. Ona Utuama

Discover how Tribal Eyes is revolutionizing the eyewear industry by infusing culture, science, and style into every pair of glasses. Dr. Ona shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, expert tips for finding your ideal fit, and exciting plans for the future of Tribal Eyes.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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10 Wanderlust-Worthy Travel Gifts for the 2024 Holiday Season

I walk you through each of my 10 travel gift recommendations. You’ll learn about handy travel accessories, artisanal food subscriptions, kid-friendly educational boxes, and even a special service that can help you book a bucket list worthy around-the-world trip on points.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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Daily Drop Pro: Your All-In-One Award Travel Tool with Megan Johnston

Megan walks us through the key features of Daily Drop Pro, including its powerful award search capabilities for flights and hotels, cash deal notifications, and the supportive community space called the Pro Lounge. She also shares insider tips on how to maximize the platform’s free and paid membership options and how to make the most of their search function.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming

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Points Play: The Ultimate ‘Would You Rather’ Game

Tune in for a fun game of “Would You Rather” that just might change the way you approach points and miles. Whether you’re a seasoned award traveler or just getting started, you’ll gain valuable insights from hearing these experts share their thought process on maximizing travel rewards and deciding on some pretty tricky choices.

Points Earning Strategies, Points Redeeming, Travel Tips

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