Destination: Alaska

Podcast: Award Travel 101 (LS 44 · TOP 1% what is this?)
Episode: Destination: Alaska
Pub date: 2025-06-27

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In Episode 126 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks welcomes back Mike Zaccheo, who just returned from a two-week Alaska adventure with 18 family members. The trip included a cruise from Vancouver through Glacier Bay and College Fjord, followed by a land segment from Whittier to Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks. Mike recapped highlights like ziplining in Skagway, a mushing experience with an Iditarod competitor, and scenic rail rides with Alaska Railroad. He also shared the chaos of managing 19 travelers, tips like using AirTags on all luggage and assigning group captains, and the value of oneworld Emerald status and the co-branded Alaska Card and for free Alaska Airlines baggage for everyone.

The episode’s news focused heavily on the overhaul of the Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR), which introduced 8x points on Chase Travel purchases, a $500 Edit credit, 4x on direct bookings, and a Points Boost program replacing the 1.5x portal redemption. Other perks like lounge access and travel credits remain, but approval language may tighten. The new CSR Business version, comes with business related credits and large welcome offer.

Additional updates included Citi’s 20% transfer bonus to Flying Blue and Amex devaluing the Business Platinum 35% rebate. The episode wrapped with tips on Alaska cruise and land tours from both hosts.

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Published on 6 months ago

Podcast Episode Details

Destination: Alaska