{"id":930,"date":"2025-02-05T18:14:18","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T18:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/brian-kelly-the-points-guy-shares-tips-on-reward-travel\/"},"modified":"2025-02-05T18:14:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T18:14:18","slug":"brian-kelly-the-points-guy-shares-tips-on-reward-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/brian-kelly-the-points-guy-shares-tips-on-reward-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Brian Kelly, the Points Guy, Shares Tips on Reward Travel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-0\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Extra nights in cushy hotel suites, free premium air travel and even stays on <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/loyalty-programs\/exclusive-travel-experiences-points\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">private islands<\/a>. Loyalty points and frequent flier miles, when strategically collected, can fund trips well beyond a traveler\u2019s usual expectations and budget.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">But it isn\u2019t easy to get these deals. Luckily for us, there\u2019s an entire universe of experts who share their savvy in booking award travel, and at the forefront is Brian Kelly, who founded the travel website <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/best-pm\/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=BRD1-Other-the%20points%20guy-650673813728&amp;utm_term=the%20points%20guy&amp;utm_cmpid=19788135328&amp;utm_adgid=147184127176&amp;utm_tgtid=kwd-50590404027&amp;utm_mt=e&amp;utm_adid=650673813728&amp;utm_dvc=c&amp;utm_ntwk=g&amp;utm_adpos=&amp;utm_plcmnt=&amp;utm_locphysid=9067609&amp;utm_locintid=&amp;utm_feeditemid=&amp;utm_devicemdl=&amp;utm_plcmnttgt=&amp;utm_misc=&amp;utm_ltpcid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD56-GT0Ojft-IEBlet8Fa1DWQgHWezLyNTtTnd3QvaUzVguDceA5u34aAht_EALw_wcB&amp;utm_paid=-pm&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD56-GT0Ojft-IEBlet8Fa1DWQgHWezLyNTtTnd3QvaUzVguDceA5u34aAht_EALw_wcB\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The Points Guy<\/a> in 2010.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">For Mr. Kelly, 41, it started with the childhood challenge of booking travel for his family. At 12, he planned an entire vacation to Grand Cayman for his family of six, booking all of the flights with miles earned by his father. This successful trip laid the groundwork for his career as travel expert, he said. Deals still dictate his travel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">In his new book, \u201c<a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simonandschuster.com\/books\/How-to-Win-at-Travel\/Brian-Kelly\/9781668068656\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">How to Win at Travel<\/a>,\u201d Mr. Kelly shares advice on everything from understanding points and miles to handling flight disruptions and flight anxiety.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-1\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">He shared some of that advice with The Times, discussing how to strategize purchases with credit cards (he has 29!), flying with children in business class and the evolving world of award travel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\"><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-b60006b\"><span>You\u2019ve researched points and miles for decades. What\u2019s still fun about it?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">I love solving the puzzle. Yes, it\u2019s a little bit difficult, but that\u2019s also the point. If it was so easy for everyone in the world to use, it wouldn\u2019t exist. For those who want to put in a little bit of work, I think there\u2019s still a really high reward.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Some examples: I\u2019ve been to the Maldives, Paris and Japan on rewards points.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-6357e78\"><span><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">What\u2019s the best travel you ever scored?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Airline technology can sometimes mess up in your favor. When US Airways was getting acquired by American back in 2013 or so, I had redeemed 130,000 points for a first-class, round-trip flight to Australia. I was flying during the tech transition, and they ended up refunding all of my points. I flew to Australia for absolutely free.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-17527ece\"><span><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Navigating points and miles requires a lot of legwork; travelers must compare the value of miles and dollars and points on different websites. Is it getting harder to nab good deals?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The technology makes it really interesting these days.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Before, you had to be an expert and know how to use 10 different airline websites. There are tools now, like <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/seats.aero\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">seats.aero<\/a> and <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/thriftytraveler.com\/premium\/?gc_id=20188326666&amp;h_ga_id=150376665358&amp;h_ad_id=683461273882&amp;h_keyword_id=kwd-336164997543&amp;h_keyword=thrifty%20traveler&amp;h_placement=&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=Brand_Thrifty_Traveler&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAwOe8BhCCARIsAGKeD57Dis4-KoL6FwGv7KZKB6QXpkhY7h4EUkuSz2VC0qkVUuSxk33LeUMaAsEXEALw_wcB\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Thrifty Traveler<\/a>, that are a little wonky but not that hard to use. Award redemption is shifting, but with these technologies, it\u2019s easier today to find those sweet spots than before.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Certain airlines and partnerships still have really great value. Mostly the foreign programs, like <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aircanada.com\/ca\/en\/aco\/home\/aeroplan.html\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Air Canada\u2019s Aeroplan<\/a> or Air France. You can fly <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.com\/i18n\/travel-info\/partner-airlines\/japan-airlines.jsp\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">business class to Japan on Japan Airlines<\/a> with 60,000 American Airlines miles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-2\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-24b0ac12\"><span><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">You write that the best redemptions for U.S. airlines are generally on international partners, because these aren\u2019t as tethered to dynamic pricing.<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">The foreign airlines are eventually going to catch on. I just think they are several years behind. The prices will rise. Use points now and maximize the sweet spots.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-32a807e7\"><span><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">What is the No. 1 thing you\u2019d suggest rewards novices do?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">It\u2019s important for everyone to understand credit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Start with one card \u2014 it\u2019s about getting credit cards with the big sign-up bonuses. But really the key is making sure you\u2019re strategic about where you\u2019re charging your dining, groceries and rent. You want to have a credit card portfolio, even if it\u2019s just three cards. Start small, engage in the programs and then expand from there and put together a strategy that\u2019s points and perks like trip disruption coverage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">I pay every bill in full every month.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-28be7dd3\"><span><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">When and where was the last time you flew economy?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">I still fly economy! Preferably for flights under an hour.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-9c7d136\"><span>You advise caution when booking travel with online travel agencies. Why?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">Some O.T.A.s are better than others, but a lot of their customer service is abysmal. Be careful which ones you choose.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">I\u2019ve talked to hotel front desk agents: For hotel bookings, your O.T.A.s are generally looked upon as sort of the last priority. So don\u2019t treat yourself poorly on purpose. If the price is the same, book direct.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-2f975283\"><span><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">You no longer have elite status on a U.S. carrier. How is this points-only approach working for you?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">When we\u2019re chasing elite status, we\u2019re often spending more than we have to, or inconveniencing ourselves because we feel we have to keep up on the hamster wheel. I love being a free agent. I will fly the best flight for me and my family to get us there the most comfortably. I pretty much use points for all of my airfare.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-3\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">People mistakenly assume all planes are the same, but different planes can be the dramatically much better or worse experiences: legroom, noise, amenities. Cheap is expensive, too, when you account for fees and a bad experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-4\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-6c4dae67\"><span><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">What\u2019s it like to travel frequently with young children?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">My older son is 2 years old and has been to 16 countries. My second son was born in December. We\u2019re heading to Thailand for a month in April, flying with points on the <a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.etihad.com\/en-us\/fly-etihad\/our-cabins\/the-residence\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Etihad Residence<\/a>, where you get your own bedroom on the plane. It\u2019ll be my second son\u2019s first international flight. Later this year, we\u2019re going on a cruise in Antarctica. (The cruise itself is not on points, but all of the flights and hotels before and after will be.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">I think the younger you start, the better they are about traveling. When they\u2019re young, it\u2019s easy. It\u2019s about preparation; snacks, activities and timing flights to sleep schedules has worked for me.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-191464fd\"><span>Will your sons be able to fly in the main cabin after experiencing luxury flying?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">I plan on giving them this character-building experience when I don\u2019t have to be there with them!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-1d473187\"><span><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Is the golden age for rewards over?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">There are so many credit cards and ways to earn points. It\u2019s constantly evolving. It\u2019s pivoting toward a more stable valuation for miles and points as more and more people get in. This might mean that points and miles will kind of land at a lower overall value. Potentially less sweet spots overall, but more easy to attain value. Because if airlines don\u2019t become more clear about how consumers can get their value, I think they do face regulation from the government, which they obviously want to avoid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"companionColumn-5\">\n<div class=\"css-53u6y8\">\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\">It\u2019s not just airlines that have these new pricing technologies; consumers do too. There\u2019s all sorts of new tools and tricks. It goes both ways.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"css-15h6bi9 e1gnsphs0\" id=\"link-576604a5\"><span><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Let\u2019s end on some rapid-fire questions.<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"css-1le37cb ez3869y0\">\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Amex Centurion or Chase Sapphire lounge?<\/strong> Sapphire.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Oneworld, SkyTeam or Star Alliance?<\/strong> Oneworld.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Clear?<\/strong> Global Entry.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Favorite city to travel to?<\/strong> Cape Town.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Favorite airport?<\/strong> Hamad International Airport in Doha.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Best first class?<\/strong> Air France.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Best airline loyalty program?<\/strong> Alaska Airlines.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Hotel loyalty program?<\/strong> World of Hyatt.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Carry on or check?<\/strong> Carry on, when possible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"css-1i3ul0c eoqvrfo0\">\n<p class=\"css-1il0jfh evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\">Babies in first and business class?<\/strong> Hell to the yes!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"css-7ad88g e1mu4ftr0\"\/>\n<p class=\"css-at9mc1 evys1bk0\"><strong class=\"css-8qgvsz ebyp5n10\"><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">Follow New York Times Travel <\/em><\/strong><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">on <\/em><a class=\"css-yywogo\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nytimestravel\/\" title=\"\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">Instagram<\/em><\/a><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\"> and <\/em><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter<\/em><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\"> to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our <\/em><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">52 Places to Go in 2025<\/em><em class=\"css-2fg4z9 e1gzwzxm0\">.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"css-ew4tgv\" aria-label=\"companion column\"\/><\/div>\n<p><script async defer src=\"https:\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Extra nights in cushy hotel suites, free premium air travel and even stays on private islands. Loyalty points and frequent flier miles, when strategically collected, can fund trips well beyond a traveler\u2019s usual expectations and budget. But it isn\u2019t easy to get these deals. Luckily for us, there\u2019s an entire universe of experts who share [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":931,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[685,688,686,687,691,689,690,266],"class_list":["post-930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-loan","tag-brian","tag-guy","tag-kelly","tag-points","tag-reward","tag-shares","tag-tips","tag-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/930","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=930"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/930\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/931"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=930"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finzexpert.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}