Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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This is a clip from a recent full-length episode:
youtu.be/fDVYQr1M6Sg

Points & Miles in 2026: Bigger Bonuses, Smarter Cards, and Underrated Loyalty Programs with Andrew Kunesh

Justin Vacula of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast welcomes Andrew Kunesh, a freelance points-and-miles writer and former CNN staffer, to discuss credit card rewards, airline and hotel loyalty programs, travel strategy, and Andrew’s new short-form newsletter, PNM Now: Fast News for Frequent Flyers.

Andrew shares how he got started in points and miles in 2014 through r/churning, using a United Explorer Card bonus and the United Excursionist Perk to visit family in Prague. He also explains how his credit card strategy has changed over time, moving from a premium-card maximalist approach to a slimmer, more cost-effective setup, including closing his Amex Platinum Card.

Justin and Andrew discuss major points and miles trends in 2026, including bigger credit card welcome bonuses, rising annual fees, and the need to carefully evaluate credits on cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve. They also discuss improving airline award search tools, including the Avios award calendar, and recent loyalty program developments at Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Wyndham Rewards.

Andrew also shares predictions for the future of travel rewards, including a potential premium World of Hyatt credit card with Explorist status. The episode also covers underrated programs such as Choice Privileges, especially for Japan travel, GHA Discovery, and newer flexible travel rewards options like Rove.

Justin and Andrew also discuss whether airline elite status is worth chasing for casual travelers, with Andrew cautioning that elite status often makes more sense for road warriors than occasional flyers.

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