Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Getting a Makeover? Here’s What We Know
Is Chase Sapphire Reserve Getting a Makeover? Here’s What We Know?
Heads up, if you’ve got the Chase Sapphire Reserve or have been thinking about getting it—changes are on the way, and they’re kind of a mixed bag. If you're a Hawaii-based traveler, here’s what actually matters.
Rumors (which are looking pretty legit at this point) say Chase is planning to roll out some new benefits this summer—but also cut back on how much value you can squeeze from Pay Yourself Back.
💳 What’s Changing With Sapphire Reserve?
Here’s what’s likely coming (based on internal memos and leaks):
What’s Changing:
Annual fee jumps to $795 (that’s a $245 increase)
Chase Travel hotel and car rentals drop from 10x to 8x points
Flights booked through Chase Travel go up from 5x to 8x points
Direct bookings for flights and hotels increase from 3x to 4x points
Other travel purchases drop from 3x to just 1x point per dollar
Potential New Perks (a mix of travel, lifestyle, and weirdly specific stuff):
$500 “Edit Credit”: You’ll get $250 twice a year to use at a curated hotel collection in Chase’s new hotel portal.
$300 Dining credit: $150 every six months, tied to a new platform called Sapphire Reserve Tables.
$300 StubHub credit: Again, split into two $150 chunks per year.
$300 DoorDash credit: Comes as $25/month.
1-year DoorDash membership (valued at $120)
$250 Apple bundle: Toward Apple TV+ and Apple Music
$120 Lyft credit: 5% back in points, capped at $10/month
$120 Peloton credit: Earn 10x points on Peloton purchases, up to $10/month
High-Spend Perks (after $75,000 in annual spend… Can I pay my Hawaii mortgage with this??? geeez):
$500 Southwest Airlines credit
Southwest A-List status
IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite Status
$250 credit for The Shops at Columbus Circle (NYC)
🤙 What This Means for Hawaii Travelers
Let’s be real: Instacart and DoorDash aren’t super useful for most people in Hawaii. Some areas don’t even have reliable delivery, and $15/month for Instacart won’t go far if you’re buying local anyway.
The biggest bummer? Losing 1.5x value on Pay Yourself Back for travel purchases. That was huge if you used your points to cover Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska, or even Airbnb bookings not made through the Chase portal.
If this rumor is true, the card’s flexibility takes a hit—especially for people who prefer booking flights or vacation rentals directly (like many of us do).
🧠 Should You Keep or Ditch the Sapphire Reserve?
Let’s break it down real quick:
Still worth it if you...
Travel internationally and want lounge access (Priority Pass + Chase Sapphire Lounges)
Use the $300 travel credit each year
Book flights/hotels through the Chase Travel portal to get 1.5x value. I don’t use this as much because I mostly trasnfer to Chase’s partners.
Maybe time to downgrade if you...
Don’t use delivery services like Instacart or DoorDash
Preferred using Pay Yourself Back for Airbnb, dining, or travel not through Chase
Don’t fly mainland or international often
🤙 My Take (for Hawaii Travelers)
If you’re flying to Japan, the mainland, or doing international travel even once a year, the Sapphire Reserve might still be worth it, especially paired with the right transfer partners like Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, or Singapore KrisFlyer.
But if you mainly fly interisland, book directly with Hawaiian Airlines, and don’t care about lounges or delivery apps, this card is starting to lose some of its shine.
One of the saddest downgraded perks was when the Reserve’s Priority Pass lost its restaurant credit. I recall getting $27 dining credit for myself and 2 guests at certain airport restaurants.. thats gone…
I had canceled my Chase Sapphire Reserve in order to reapply and qualify for the Sapphire preferred 100k bonus. I’m on the fence whether or not ill be upgrading to the Reserve.
Hope you do your research and decide if this card is beneficial to you. If perks is your main desire, there are some other high end travel cards I recommend for the Luxury Traveler!
Mahalo,
Scott Kobayashi | Hawaii Reward Travel
Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī Reopens After $82 Million Renovation & Kamaʻāina Deals!
Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī Reopens After $82 Million Renovation & Kamaʻāina Deals!
June 10, 2025 | Scott Kobayashi
The iconic Ritz‑Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach has unveiled the stunning results of a comprehensive $82 million renovation, breathing new life into its renowned oceanfront presence. The multi-phase refresh encompasses guest rooms, public spaces, front desk areas, spa, fitness center—and both of its signature infinity pools.
What’s New From Lobby to Penthouse
Guest Rooms & Suites
The ‘Ewa Tower’s Deluxe (Floors 9–22), Grand (23–32), and Premier (33–36) levels now feature bespoke color palettes—from beachy blues to forest greens and crisp sky tones, infused with curated art by O‘ahu artists. These additions celebrate Hawaii’s sky‑to‑sea narrative while offering luxe linens, upgraded lighting, and furnishings tailored to elevate island‑residential comfort.Front Desk & Fitness Center
The lobby and check‑in experience received refreshed furnishings and finishes for an enhanced arrival experience, while the fitness center has been upgraded with new equipment and streamlined styling.Dual Infinity Pools
Both the Adult Pool and Resort (family) pool have reimagined lounge zones, new cabanas, umbrellas, and furniture reflecting Hawaiian hues. Guests now enjoy rotating local snacks, sundae rituals ("Low Tide") at 2 p.m., and an adult sunset sorbet + sparkling wine experience on Fridays. ;-)Sky Collection & Penthouse Suites
The ultra‑luxury Sky Collection, including three‑bed Sky Suites and awe‑inspiring penthouses, now offer private rooftops, plunge pools, gourmet kitchens with Miele appliances, and VIP services (private check‑in, airport transfers, dedicated concierge). These suite redemptions will break the bank with points so save up!
Design Details Worth Exploring
Interior renovations were showcased in premium units like E2801, where refined furnishings, art, ambient lighting, wall coverings, and textiles transformed the living spaces. Meanwhile, structural innovations earlier included vertical transfers and 50+ transitions to harmonize parking, amenities, and residential floors.
Residence #E2801, a highly coveted 2-bedroom, 2-bath front-corner unit, now showcases an elevated design aesthetic with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu’s southern coastline, seamlessly integrated with refined interior enhancements.
A Homegrown Welcome: Kamaʻāina Offers
To welcome locals, The Ritz-Carlton is offering a Kamaʻāina Staycation Deal: 40% Off at The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki
Here’s what you get:
Up to 40% off refreshed guest rooms
50% off the brand-new Sky Penthouse (if you do, send pics!)
15% off spa treatments, cabana rentals, and poolside bites
Access to Waikīkī’s highest adults-only infinity pool—pure chill vibes with unbeatable views
Book by July 31 using code Z43 at ritzcarlton.com/waikiki and bring your Hawaiʻi ID at check-in.
Why It Matters
Seamless Luxury: The redesign creates a harmonious experience—from front desk to penthouse—reinforcing Ritz’s commitment to curated luxury.
A Local Touch: The infusion of Hawaiian design and art ensures the hotel echoes O‘ahu’s identity.
Upscale Amenities: Enhanced pools, suites, VIP perks, and kamaʻāina deals elevate both tourist appeal and community engagement.
💳 How to Book with Points
Want to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī using credit card points? Here’s how:
Option 1: Use Marriott Bonvoy Points
The Ritz-Carlton is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Standard redemption rate: ~80,000–130,000 points per night (depending on season)
Use Free Night Certificates: Combine 85K certs + points for better value
Fifth Night Free: Book 5 nights with points, and only pay for 4
🔗 You can book directly at marriott.com
Option 2: Transfer from Credit Cards
If you don’t have Bonvoy points yet, you can transfer them from these cards:
American Express Membership Rewards
Transfer at a 1:1 ratio (instantly)Chase Ultimate Rewards
Transfer at a 1:1 ratio to Marriott BonvoyCapital One Miles
Transfer at a 2:1 ratio (less ideal, but doable)
💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to stay here, take advantage of the next Marriott Transfer bonus. Marriott points don’t always get top value, but if you're aiming for a Ritz experience in Hawai‘i, it can still be a great redemption—especially when cash rates are $800+ per night.
Mahalo,
Scott Kobayashi | Hawaii Reward Travel
Parking at HNL Is About to Get More Expensive — Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Save)
Parking at HNL Is About to Get More Expensive — Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Save)
Hey friends — just a quick heads-up for all my fellow Hawaii travelers. If you’ve got a trip planned this summer (or even just dropping off family at the airport), get ready: parking at Honolulu Airport (HNL) is going up starting July 1, 2025.
Let’s break it down and talk story about what’s changing, how it affects you, and a few travel hacker tips to help you avoid those rising costs.
What’s Changing at HNL?
The State Department of Transportation just announced that daily parking rates at HNL will increase for the first time in over 10 years. Here's the breakdown:
Current max daily rate: $25
New max daily rate (starting July 1): $27
Short-term hourly rates: Also going up, see chart below.
Khon2.com
So if you’re used to parking at the airport for your weekend getaways or longer interisland trips, it’s going to cost you a bit more.
Why the Increase?
Honestly, this hike has been a long time coming. The state says it’s needed to fund ongoing maintenance and upgrades to parking and airport infrastructure. Think lighting, elevators, signage, and security — all stuff we kinda take for granted until it breaks.
Still, for us locals who travel often (or fly interisland regularly), every dollar counts.
Scott’s Travel Tips: How to Save on HNL Parking
1. Get Dropped Off (if you can)
Yeah, I know this one’s obvious. But if you’ve got ʻohana or a friend willing to drop you off and pick you up, that’s a quick $40+ saved on a weekend trip.
2. Use Credit Cards With Parking Perks
Some travel credit cards (especially premium ones) come with annual travel credits that include airport parking. Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Amex Platinum are a few examples.
3. Park at Nearby Offsite Lots
There are a few offsite lots near HNL that offer cheaper daily rates than the airport — especially for longer trips. Some even offer shuttle service. See options here.
What This Means for Hawaii-Based Travelers
For those of us flying often — whether it’s for work, family visits, or mainland trips — this is a reminder that even the “small stuff” like parking can add up. It's more important than ever to maximize points, use travel rewards smartly, and stack every savings opportunity.
If you need help building your points game, that's what I'm here for. Let's get you flying for less — and spending less before you even step on the plane.
Let’s Chat 👇
Got questions about using points for flights, hotels, or even airport parking perks? Leave a comment or reach out! And if you haven’t already, join my free Hawaii Reward Travel consultation to start stacking points smarter.
Capital One Venture X Lounge Access Changes on February 1, 2026
Capital One Venture X Lounge Access Changes on February 1, 2026
Aloha, Hawaii Travelers!
Big changes are on the horizon for Capital One Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders. Effective February 1, 2026, Capital One is implementing new policies that will impact lounge access benefits—a significant consideration for frequent travelers from Hawaii.
✈️ Key Changes to Lounge Access
1. Authorized User Access Fee
Previously, authorized users enjoyed complimentary lounge access. Starting February 1, 2026, each authorized user will need to pay a $125 annual fee to access:
Capital One Lounges
Capital One Landings
Priority Pass lounges
This applies to both personal and business Venture X cards. You can still add up to four authorized users for free, but lounge access will require the additional fee.
2. Guest Access Restrictions
For personal Venture X cardholders:
Complimentary guest access to Capital One Lounges and Landings will be eliminated.
To regain this benefit, you must spend $75,000 annually on your card.
Without meeting the spending threshold, guest access will cost $45 per adult and $25 per child aged 2-17; children under 2 remain free.
For Venture X Business cardholders:
The $75,000 annual spending requirement also applies to regain complimentary guest access.
However, even without meeting this threshold, you can still bring two guests for free into Priority Pass lounges.
3. Priority Pass Guest Access
Personal Venture X cardholders will no longer have complimentary guest access to Priority Pass lounges. Each guest will incur a $35 fee per visit. Venture X Business cardholders retain the benefit of two complimentary guests at Priority Pass lounges.
🌺 Implications for Hawaii Travelers
For travelers from Hawaii, these changes could significantly impact the value derived from the Venture X cards:
Family Travel: If you frequently travel with family, the additional costs for guest access can add up quickly.
Inter-Island and Mainland Trips: Given Hawaii's geographic location, lounge access during layovers on mainland trips is a valuable perk that will now come at an extra cost.
Alternative Options: Depending on your travel habits, it may be worth exploring other premium travel cards that offer more favorable lounge access policies.
💳 Considering Alternatives
If lounge access is a priority for your travel experience, here are some alternatives to consider:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Offers Priority Pass Select membership with complimentary guest access.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Provides access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass lounges, though guest policies vary.
Each card has its own set of benefits and fees, so it's essential to assess which aligns best with your travel needs.
Need Personalized Advice?
At Hawaii Reward Travel, we're dedicated to helping you navigate these changes and make the most of your travel rewards. Whether you're considering a new card or need strategies to maximize your current benefits, we're here to assist.
Contact Us for a personalized consultation.
What’s Happening to HawaiianMiles? Big Changes Ahead for Hawaii Travelers
What’s Happening to HawaiianMiles? Big Changes Ahead for Hawaii Travelers
Worried about your HawaiianMiles? You're not alone.
Here at Hawaii Reward Travel, we’ve been getting flooded with questions like:
“Are my miles going to disappear?”
“Should I transfer them to someone?”
“Is it true I can’t use Amex points with Hawaiian anymore?”
Let’s clear the confusion.
HawaiianMiles will officially end in August 2025 as part of the Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines merger. But don’t panic—your miles aren’t going to disappear. They’ll convert 1:1 into Alaska Mileage Plan miles, and we’re here to walk you through how that works and what steps to take today to protect your travel goals.Big changes are coming to our local skies. HawaiianMiles, the loyalty program many of us have relied on for interisland getaways and mainland trips, is set to end in August 2025 as Hawaiian Airlines transitions into Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan. While your miles won't disappear, the familiar perks and local touches we've come to appreciate will be replaced by a new system.
🌺 What's Changing?
HawaiianMiles Program Ends: Starting mid-August 2025, HawaiianMiles will no longer be active. All existing miles will automatically convert to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles at a 1:1 ratio.
Credit Card Transitions: Barclays-issued Hawaiian Airlines credit cards will be phased out. While a specific end date hasn't been announced, it's anticipated that current cardholders will transition to Bank of America's Alaska Airlines credit cards over time.
Amex Membership Rewards Transfers Ending: If you've been transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to HawaiianMiles, note that this option will cease after June 30, 2025. Alaska Airlines does not partner with Amex, so this transfer pathway will no longer be available.
✈️ What You Can Do Now
Link Your Accounts: Connect your HawaiianMiles and Alaska Mileage Plan accounts to facilitate a smooth transition and manage your miles effectively.
Transfer your Miles Soon: Consider transferring your HawaiianMiles before the program ends. It’s likely to expect “hiccups” in integrating the 2 programs.
Plan for Credit Card Changes: If you hold a Hawaiian Airlines credit card, stay informed about the upcoming changes and consider how the transition to an Alaska Airlines card might affect your travel rewards strategy.
🤝 We're Here to Help
At Hawaii Reward Travel, we understand that these changes can be unsettling. Our mission is to assist our local community in navigating this transition smoothly. Whether you need help linking accounts, understanding the new Mileage Plan, or exploring alternative travel rewards options, we're here for you.
Feel free to reach out with your questions or concerns. Let's work together to make the most of your travel rewards in this new chapter.
Mahalo nui loa for being part of our travel ‘ohana.
Bilt Rewards Partners with Japan Airlines: A New Opportunity for Hawaii Travelers
Bilt Rewards Partners with Japan Airlines: A New Opportunity for Hawaii Travelers
Aloha Travelers, Bilt Rewards has announced a new partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL), allowing members to transfer Bilt Points to JAL's Mileage Bank at a 1:1 ratio. This collaboration is particularly beneficial for Hawaii-based travelers, offering a new avenue to earn and redeem points for flights to Japan and beyond.
Key Highlights of the Bilt-JAL Partnership
1:1 Transfer Ratio: Bilt Points can now be transferred to JAL Mileage Bank miles on a one-to-one basis, providing a straightforward way to accumulate miles for international travel.
Quick Transfer Process: Most transfers are completed within 10 minutes, facilitating timely bookings.
Access to JAL's Premium Cabins: Members can redeem miles for JAL's award-winning premium cabins, including the new A350-1000 aircraft featuring first-class "JAL Suites" and private business class seating.
Generous Stopover Policy: JAL allows up to three stopovers on partner airline awards and up to seven on one-world alliance awards, enabling more flexible travel itineraries.
Implications for Hawaii Travelers
For residents of Hawaii, this partnership opens up better travel options:
Direct Flights to Japan: JAL operates flights from Honolulu to Tokyo, making it convenient for Hawaii travelers to access Japan directly.
Expanded Network via oneworld Alliance: Through JAL's membership in the oneworld alliance, travelers can connect to various destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Alternative to Traditional Credit Cards: While the Bilt Mastercard may not be the first recommendation for all travelers, it offers a unique advantage for renters by allowing them to earn points on rent payments without transaction fees.
Considerations Before getting BILT & Transferring Points
No Sign-Up Bonus: The Bilt Mastercard does not offer a traditional sign-up bonus; points are earned through spending.
Redemption Restrictions: JAL's Mileage Bank typically requires accounts to be at least 60 days old to redeem miles. However, Bilt members benefit from a reduced waiting period of up to seven days post-transfer.
Booking Limitations: JAL's award bookings are restricted to family members, which may limit flexibility for some travelers.
Final Thoughts
The Bilt-JAL partnership presents a valuable opportunity for Hawaii-based travelers, especially renters looking to maximize their everyday expenses for travel rewards. By leveraging this collaboration, travelers can access JAL's extensive network and premium services, making international travel more attainable.
If you decide to apply for the BILT card, here is our affiliate link.
Maximizing Your Elite Perks with Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines
Maximizing Your Elite Perks with Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines
Hey folks, it's Scottie, the Credit Hacker, here to break down the latest shake-up in the airline loyalty world. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are teaming up to bring some serious perks to their frequent flyers. Let's dive into what this means for you and how you can maximize these new benefits.
Status Match: Double the Elite Perks
If you're an elite member with HawaiianMiles, you can now match your status with Alaska's Mileage Plan. This means Pualani Gold or Platinum members gain equivalent status in Alaska's program, unlocking access to the extensive Oneworld alliance. For those who racked up miles in both programs last year, Alaska is offering an enhanced status match, considering your combined mileage totals. This could bump you up to higher-tier perks like priority services and better award availability. However, if you're not currently holding elite status, the immediate benefits might be limited unless you've flown with both airlines and can combine your miles.
Redeem Alaska Miles on Hawaiian Flights
Alaska Mileage Plan members can now use their miles to book flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines. This adds more flexibility to Alaska's program, which already includes redemptions on partner airlines within the Oneworld alliance. Keep an eye on award availability, though; new redemption options can lead to increased demand, potentially making it trickier to snag those coveted seats.
Elite Benefits Across Airlines
Alaska's elite members now enjoy select perks when flying with Hawaiian Airlines. These include priority check-in and boarding, complimentary baggage, preferred seating at booking, and access to Extra Comfort seats at check-in when available. No need for a separate HawaiianMiles account—just use your Mileage Plan number when booking to enjoy these benefits. Note that these perks apply specifically to flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines and don't extend to Oneworld partners.
Reciprocal Mileage Earning
You can now earn miles in either Mileage Plan or HawaiianMiles, regardless of which airline you're flying. Just make sure to enter your preferred frequent flyer number into your reservation to ensure the miles land in the right account. It's still unclear how this will affect mileage accrual rates over time, especially with the potential full merger of HawaiianMiles into Mileage Plan later this year. Stay tuned for updates on how this might impact your earning potential.
Credit Card Changes
With these loyalty programs merging, there could be changes to co-branded credit cards. Currently, Bank of America issues Alaska Airlines Visa credit cards, while Barclays handles the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard. As the programs integrate, it's possible that Barclays may stop offering new Hawaiian Airlines cards, and Bank of America could become the sole issuer of co-branded cards.
What's Next?
These changes are paving the way for a single, unified loyalty program expected to launch later this year. While the exact details are still under wraps, the goal is to deliver some of the most generous benefits in the industry. As always, I'll keep you updated on the latest developments and how to hack these new perks to your advantage.
Stay savvy, travelers! ALOHA!
Exploring the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: What’s New and Noteworthy
Exploring the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: What’s New and Noteworthy
Exploring the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: What’s New and Noteworthy
If you’re an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member—or just curious about the program—there’s plenty to love, especially with the exciting changes following their acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska Mileage Plan remains one of the most rewarding airline loyalty programs, thanks to its valuable miles, strong partnerships, and unique perks.
The 2023 entry into the oneworld alliance significantly expanded Alaska’s global reach, introducing a unified award chart with excellent redemption "sweet spots." The recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines adds even more appeal, with HawaiianMiles temporarily transferable to Alaska miles on a 1:1 basis, offering new ways to combine miles.
Core benefits like generous mileage earnings and easier-to-achieve elite status continue to make the program a favorite, especially for West Coast travelers. With its evolving features and integration with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Mileage Plan is a loyalty program worth exploring. Here’s a quick overview of the Alaska Airlines Plan.
What’s New with Alaska Airlines Post-Acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines?
The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines opens up new opportunities for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members. Here are some of the standout updates:
New Transoceanic Flights: Alaska Airlines now offers flights from the U.S. to Japan and Korea, with some featuring lie-flat seats—great news for those seeking a more comfortable long-haul journey.
New Premium Credit Card: Expected perks include earning 3x points abroad, a companion fare (not limited to paid flights), and elite status boosts.
Improved Award Booking Options: Soon, members will be able to book award tickets that combine multiple partners, breaking free of the current "one non-Alaska partner" restriction.
What Makes Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Stand Out?
Even before the Hawaiian Airlines merger, Alaska’s Mileage Plan had plenty of features that appealed to frequent flyers:
Mileage-Based Earnings: You earn miles for paid flights based on distance flown rather than ticket cost, which is especially beneficial for domestic economy flights.
Elite Status Benefits: Achieving elite status is reportedly easier compared to other airline programs.
Free Stopovers: Add a free stopover to most one-way award tickets, essentially giving you an extra destination.
Flexible Award Changes: Changing award tickets is free and hassle-free.
Sweet Spot Awards: Alaska’s award chart includes excellent value routes, often referred to as "sweet spots" by frequent flyers.
Shared Miles for Awards: You can pool miles from multiple accounts to pay for an award flight.
Elite Qualifying Miles on Partner Awards: Even partner award bookings earn elite qualifying miles based on distance flown.
Potential Drawbacks of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
No mileage program is perfect, and Alaska Airlines is no exception. Here are a few limitations to consider:
Limited International Routes: Alaska is still building its presence outside North America, although their strong network of partners helps mitigate this.
First Class Critiques: Alaska’s first-class offerings don’t measure up to some competitors, though the Hawaiian Airlines acquisition may lead to improvements.
Fewer Transfer Options: Unlike other airlines, Alaska doesn’t have robust partnerships with bank rewards programs, except for Bilt.
Single Non-Alaska Partner Restriction: Currently, award bookings can only include one non-Alaska partner, though this is set to change soon.
For Hawai‘i-based travelers, these updates are especially exciting. Whether you’re booking interisland flights or dreaming of international adventures, Alaska Airlines is leveling up its offerings to meet your needs.
Happy flying!
Aloha,
The Credit Hacker
3 Best Ways to Redeem Points in Hawaii
3 Easy Ways to Redeem Points in Hawaii
I was recently interviewed by Julia Menez from Geobreeze Travel to discuss credit and travel hacks to Hawaii. Click here to listen to the Podcast.
My Credit & Travel Hacking Journey
I was born and raised here in Hawaii and grew up around the travel business. My grandfather & father were in the travel business, both owning a travel booking service and tour bus company.
I started to travel and credit hack in early 2016 because I was eager to find a cheaper & more efficient way to travel, while still saving up for financial investments. So I got my first credit card, the Barclay Arrival+ card. The 80,000 points sign-up bonus is what attracted me to the card, but I later realized that after redeeming the points earned from the sign-up bonus, points were hard to earn afterward and that Barclay’s points weren’t valuable, each point only worth 1 cent.
Following this discovery, a friend turned me onto the Chase Trifecta, which is the trio of these 3 Chase credit cards the CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED, CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED, & the CHASE FREEDOM FLEX. With these three cards, I built a more sustainable model to earn points and my points are worth more when redeeming them through the Chase travel portal at 1.25-1.5 cents per point.
After mastering the Chase trifecta, I then opened a dozen more credit cards, using my own strategies as well as tips from other travel hackers, while still maintaining a credit score over 800. This is only a short summary of my journey, but I did want to share some deals with you all as a credit hacker and resident of Hawaii.
Look for these Deals when traveling to Hawaii
1.WEST COAST TO HAWAII UNDER $60 or 10,000 points on Southwest Airlines.
In March 2019, Southwest Airlines announced it would begin routes from the west coast to Hawaii. Prior to their arrival, Hawaiian airlines held the majority of the interisland travel and west coast travel, but Southwest Airlines has come in and taken the majority of those routes. Their cheap prices, customer service & unique boarding style have made it the preferred choice of travel to and from the islands.
On low travel seasons, direct flights can be purchased at under 10,000 southwest points. Not enough Southwest points? Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card for an extra 40,000 southwest points or transfer your points directly from your Chase account at a 1 to 1 transfer ratio.
2. INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL UNDER $30 or 2,000 Points on Southwest Airlines.
Along with the cheap west coast flights, Southwest started routes in between the islands of Hawaii. Those routes include flights between the Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, Kauai, & Oahu. Prices average between $39-59 (2500 - 5000 points) one way, but on occasion, prices have dropped below $29 (2,000 points ) during off-seasons. Do your research and look for these deals on inter-island flights.
3. LUXURY STAY at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort at 30,000 points a night.
Hyatt is regarded as the best hotel transfer with Chase, with The Points Guy valuing one Hyatt point at 1.7 cents (April 2021). This is an incredible redemption rate, but the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is part of the Hyatt Collection boasts an even higher value for your points at over 3 cents per Hyatt point. At the time of this article, booking a standard room costs $1097.00 per night. Hyatt’s category point system allows this Category 7 resort to be priced no more than 30,000 Hyatt points a night! If you do the math, that’s 3.65 cents per Hyatt point. To top this amazing deal off, Chase transfers points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Chase also has a co-branded Hyatt Visa credit card that you can get for a 60,000 point sign-up bonus, a free anniversary night, and other travel benefits.
Updated Nov 2023: As a Category 8 Hyatt, the Andaz Maui at Wailea will cost you 35,000-45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
There are many other travel deals when traveling to Hawaii, but these 3 will bring the most value to your points. If you would like to get started with your credit/travel journey, you can support our channel by applying for your cards HERE.
How Airline and Hotel Loyalty programs are changing due to COVID-19, coronavirus.
Given the global situation concerning COVID-19 (the coronavirus), frequent travelers have stayed at home and are practicing social distancing instructions in order to prevent further spread of the illness. As we hope for the safe health of others, we're all dreaming of a return to normal travel. While no one can quite predict when that might be, travel companies have made moves to keep their programs active and members engaged. Here's a list by Ramsey Qubein on what to know about travel loyalty program changes, elite status, and qualifications moving forward.
Accor Live Limitless
Accor’s loyalty program is crediting 50 percent of the status nights and points required to requalify for your current status level. This automatically gets you halfway toward the same status for next year.
Aeroplan
Air Canada is pausing the expiration of miles until May 14, which means if you had miles set to expire before then, they now last until mid-May. Altitude members are receiving additional eUpgrade credits in their accounts, which are valid until May 31, 2021.
Best Western Rewards
Best Western was one of the first to extend status for members until January 31, 2022. This means that your current status remains the same unless you earn a higher level this year. Plus, anyone who was downgraded in status based on travels in 2019 will be boosted to their previous level until January 31, 2022, as well.
Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club
Cathay is automatically adding monthly increments of points between now and April to get travelers closer to status thresholds even when they cannot travel. In addition, those with lounge passes, upgrade certificates, and Gold Companion Card nominations will receive six-month extensions to use them.
Choice Privileges
Any points set to expire have been extended through the end of May 2021.
Delta SkyMiles
If you have upgrade and companion certificates that were supposed to expire this spring, the validity has been extended through the end of the year.
Emirates Skywards
The airline is lowering elite threshold requirements between now and May 2020 by 20 percent.
Etihad Guest
The airline is delivering bonus tier miles on a monthly basis to pad member balances and help them toward annual elite thresholds during the travel slowdown.
Flying Blue
Miles will no longer expire this year, and for those with status expiring this spring, elite status requirements are being lowered by 25 percent.
Hilton Honors
Any points that were scheduled to expire between now and May 31 will be extended.
IHG Rewards Club
IHG was a first mover in making status easier for travelers. Travelers now have lower requirements to earn elite status. For example, Gold Elite status now requires 7,000 qualifying points (instead of 10,000) or seven qualifying nights (instead of 10) this year to earn status. Top-tier Spire Elite status only requires 55,000 qualifying points (instead of 75,000) or 55 nights (instead of 75).
Marriott Bonvoy
If you have free night or Suite Night awards (used for room upgrades on eligible stays) in your account, these will be extended until December 31, 2021. In addition, any points set to previously expire will be extended to the same date.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Status is being extended for current elite members by 12 months.
Radisson Rewards
Current elite status has been extended through February 2022, and any upcoming points expiration has been extended through the end of August.
Shangri-La Golden Circle
The current elite status is being extended for another year to December 31, 2021.
Virgin Flying Club
Elite status is being extended by six months.
World of Hyatt
Proposed changes to award categories (the designated number of points needed to redeem for a free night’s stay) will not go into effect this month as planned. Instead, it will be postponed to 2021. That’s good news for stays at many luxury hotels, where the free-night points rate was going to increase.
Why haven’t other brands made adjustments yet?
Given the uncertainty of the current situation, some airlines or hotels may be waiting to see the extent of travel disruption before making an announcement. Even currently announced loyalty program adjustments may change again before the end of the year. As we wait for the curve to flatten, be expecting more change to occur to our favorite hotel and airline programs.
Can I get from International Terminal G to Terminal 3 at SFO without going through security?
Can I get from International Terminal G to Terminal 3 at SFO without going through security?
Airside connector between Terminal 3 & International Terminal G
I recently was on a trip to San Francisco, flying from HNL to SFO on Hawaiian airlines and trying to figure out If I could access Terminal 3 without going through security. Our flight attendants and check-in personal said we would have to re-clear security again and online blogs were vague, but we suspected otherwise. Terminal 3 has the American Express Centurion Lounge and 2 restaurants (San Francisco Giants Clubhouse, Yankee Pier) that Priority Pass members & their one other guest can receive $28 of dining credit each.
So can you access TERMINAL 3 from International TERMINAL G?
The answer is: YES, via the Airside Connector
Directions: Upon landing in International Terminal G, proceed toward the end of the terminal, walking along the left side. DO NOT go outside security or else you will have to re-clear security again, instead make a left and you will see the United Polaris Lounge.
Keep walking and you will eventually come to the Terminal 3 airside connector, a small enclosed walkway that connects both terminals. Continue walking through it and follow the signs that lead to Gate F and you eventually find gate F1 which is Terminal 3.
It’s important to not pass any “No Re-entry Signs” or else you will have to re-clear security again.
More info on SFO Terminals
There are 4 main terminal areas that you can commute to without having to go through security again. Those areas are:
International Terminal A (Gates A1-A12)
International Terminal G (Gates G91-G102) connects to Domestic Terminal 3 (Gates 60-90)
Domestic Terminal 1 (Gates 40-48) connects to Domestic Terminal 2 (Gates 50-59)
Domestic Terminal 1 (Gates 20-28)
Below is a list of Airlines operating from their terminals at SFO:
International Terminal A
AeroMexico
Avianca
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
China Airlines
China Eastern
China Southern
El Al
Emirates
Finnair
French Bee
Hawaiian Airlines
Iberia
Icelandair
Interjet
Japan Airlines
JetBlue
KLM
Korean Air
Level
Norwegian
Philippine Airlines
Qantas
Sun Country Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
WestJet
International Terminal G
Aer Lingus
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Air India
Air New Zealand
Asiana Airlines
Copa Airlines
Eva Air
Fiji Airways
Lufthansa
SAS
Singapore Airlines
Swiss International Air Lines
TAP Air Portugal
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Terminal 1
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Terminal 2
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Terminal 3
United Airlines
Before you plan your trip to SFO, make sure to map out the locations of the lounges you want to visit. The 2 restaurants give you a total of $56 dining credit to use. If you want to take full advantage of this, dine at one restaurant and order take out/have a drink at the other. If you are full, maximize your credit by ordering premium water bottles for your travels.
Alaska Airlines strengthens relationship with American Airlines and will join One World Alliance in 2021
It has been officially announced today that Alaska Airlines will be joining the Oneworld alliance by the summer of 2021. This is BIG NEWS because in light of the recent advancements with Delta airlines. Alaska Airlines rewards offer some of the best point redemptions of any airline rewards program, and this update allows for potential opportunities for earning and redemption through other partner carries. Below is a projected timeline of Alaska Airline’s plans.
Effective immediately:
Redeem Alaska Mileage Plan™ miles on all American Airlines flights (subject to award availability).
Access any of American's nearly 50 Admirals Club locations worldwide with an Alaska Lounge membership.*
Continue to earn and redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles on our current portfolio of 16 Global Partners.
Starting Spring 2020:
Earn Alaska Mileage Plan miles on any American Airlines flights, domestically and internationally.
Starting Summer 2021:
Earn and redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles on all oneworld airlines (subject to award availability).
Alaska elites will enjoy privileges, including priority boarding, premium seating, baggage benefits and more when you fly on American Airlines or any oneworld airline.
Access 650 lounges within the oneworld network as an MVP Gold or Gold 75k member.
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card
There are NO major credit card companies that transfer points to Alaska Airlines, but they do have a Visa Signature that comes with a nice sign-up bonus and makes you eligible to purchase Alaska's Famous Companion Fare.
The companion fare entitles the cardholder to purchase one round-trip coach companion fare on Alaska Airlines from $121 (USD) ($99 base fare plus applicable taxes and fees from $22 depending on your flight itinerary) when traveling with another guest on a paid published coach airfare on the same itinerary, booked at the same time.
Ongoing benefits of the Visa Signature® card include:
Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 base fare plus taxes and fees from $22) every year on your account anniversary for Alaska flights booking on alaskaair.com with no blackout dates.
Free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation.
Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
New: Get 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when you use your new card.
New: Receive 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes when you use your new card.
No foreign transaction fees✝, plus chip-enabled for enhanced security when used at chip-enabled terminals.
No mileage cap.
Miles won't expire on your active account.
Low Annual fee of $75†