{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "title": "AwardLocker Blog", "home_page_url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog", "feed_url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/feed.json", "description": "Long-form guides on award travel, points, miles, and credit cards.", "language": "en-US", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ], "items": [ { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/wyndham-diamond-status-guide", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/wyndham-diamond-status-guide", "title": "Wyndham Diamond Status: The Unexpected Best Hotel Status", "summary": "Why Wyndham Diamond status may be the most-achievable top-tier hotel status in 2026. How to get it (Caesars link + credit card), and the benefits.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:38Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:46:08Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/worst-award-redemptions-to-avoid", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/worst-award-redemptions-to-avoid", "title": "12 Worst Award Redemptions in 2026 (Don't Burn Your Points Here)", "summary": "These 12 award redemptions deliver poor value. What to avoid, what better alternatives exist, and the math showing why each is suboptimal.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:37Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:46:08Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/workation-travel-with-points", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/workation-travel-with-points", "title": "Workation Travel with Points: Extended Stay Strategy for Remote Workers", "summary": "The remote worker's points strategy. Long hotel stays with 5th-night-free, AirBnB via Capital One Travel, international tax implications, and staying productive from Bali.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:35Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:46:07Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/where-to-credit-basic-economy", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/where-to-credit-basic-economy", "title": "Where to Credit Basic Economy Flights for Maximum Miles", "summary": "Basic economy fares often credit zero or 25% miles in operating airline programs. Smart crediting to alliance partners can earn full mileage on the same flight.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:34Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:46:06Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/wellness-spa-travel-points-strategy", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/wellness-spa-travel-points-strategy", "title": "Wellness + Spa Travel with Points: Miraval, Canyon Ranch, Ananda", "summary": "Wellness retreats on points. Hyatt's Miraval properties bookable on points. Canyon Ranch. Ananda-in-Himalayas. Spa experiences at Park Hyatts. The wellness stack.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:33Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:46:05Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/wedding-planning-with-points", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/wedding-planning-with-points", "title": "Wedding Planning With Points: Strategies for the Big Day", "summary": "How to use credit card points for wedding-related expenses: venue, hotel blocks, honeymoon, guest travel coordination. Strategic point usage for the wedding budget.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:32Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:46:04Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/weather-delay-compensation-guide", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/weather-delay-compensation-guide", "title": "Weather Delays: What Airlines Actually Owe You (and What They Don't)", "summary": "Airlines don't owe compensation for weather delays — but they owe rebooking, refunds if you cancel, and sometimes hotels. The honest guide to weather delay rights.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:30Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:46:02Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/virgin-atlantic-ana-first-masterclass", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/virgin-atlantic-ana-first-masterclass", "title": "The Virgin Atlantic ANA First Masterclass: The 110K RT Play Explained", "summary": "The best premium cabin redemption in points: ANA First Class round-trip via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at 110K miles plus fuel surcharges. Complete booking playbook.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:29Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:46:00Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/using-points-for-post-booking-upgrades", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/using-points-for-post-booking-upgrades", "title": "Upgrading a Cash Ticket with Points After Booking: Every Path", "summary": "You booked economy in cash. Now you want to upgrade to business with points. Which programs allow this, the fees, and when it's a good value vs booking award.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:27Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:59Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/using-miles-during-schedule-changes", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/using-miles-during-schedule-changes", "title": "Schedule Change Hacks: Turn Flight Changes Into Better Redemptions", "summary": "When airlines change your flight schedule, you often get free re-routing rights. How to use schedule changes to get better flights, better cabins, or cancel without penalty.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:26Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:59Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/upgrades-with-miles-guide", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/upgrades-with-miles-guide", "title": "Upgrading with Miles: Delta GUC, United PlusPoints, AA SWU Explained", "summary": "How to use Delta Global Upgrade Certificates, United PlusPoints, AA Systemwide Upgrades, and other mileage upgrade tools to fly business or first class for less.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:25Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:57Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/united-explorer-vs-club-infinite", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/united-explorer-vs-club-infinite", "title": "United Explorer vs Club Infinite: Which United Card to Hold (2026)", "summary": "Comparing United co-brand cards: Explorer ($95), Quest ($250), Club Infinite ($525). Which delivers the best value for your United travel patterns.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:23Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:42:46Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/unaccompanied-minor-flying-guide", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/unaccompanied-minor-flying-guide", "title": "Unaccompanied Minor Flying Guide: Age Rules, Fees, and What to Expect", "summary": "Complete guide to unaccompanied minor (UM) service by US airline. Age limits, fees ($150-$200 typical), documentation, and which airlines are best for kids traveling alone.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:22Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:56Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/ultra-low-cost-carriers-vs-points-math", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/ultra-low-cost-carriers-vs-points-math", "title": "Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant: When ULCCs Beat Points (and When They Don't)", "summary": "Ultra-low-cost carriers (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant) can beat points redemptions for cheap domestic travel — if you pack light. The honest math + when to fly them.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:21Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:55Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/uber-lyft-credits-card-perks", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/uber-lyft-credits-card-perks", "title": "Uber + Lyft Credit Card Perks: $200+ in Annual Credits", "summary": "How to get $200+ annual Uber + Lyft credits across credit cards. Amex Platinum, Amex Gold, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and the stacking strategy.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:19Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:54Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/two-player-mode-explained", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/two-player-mode-explained", "title": "Two-Player Mode: Doubling Points Earning With a Spouse", "summary": "How 'two-player mode' (both spouses earning credit card sign-up bonuses) doubles your points earning and unlocks redemptions like family premium cabin trips.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:18Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:53Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/trip-wide-planning-vs-piece-by-piece", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/trip-wide-planning-vs-piece-by-piece", "title": "Trip-Wide Planning vs Piece-by-Piece Booking: Which Saves More", "summary": "Should you plan the entire trip 12 months out or book components as each drops? Research-driven analysis shows the trade-offs.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:17Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:51Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/trip-planning-workflow-with-points", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/trip-planning-workflow-with-points", "title": "Award Trip Planning Workflow: Step-by-Step Process", "summary": "The complete process for planning an award trip from initial idea to booking. The systematic workflow that consistent award travelers follow.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:16Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:50Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/trip-delay-trip-interruption-claims-guide", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/trip-delay-trip-interruption-claims-guide", "title": "Trip Delay + Trip Interruption Claims: The Step-by-Step Guide", "summary": "Step-by-step guide to filing trip delay and trip interruption claims with credit card travel insurance. What's covered, required documentation, and claim timing.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:14Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:49Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/traveling-during-airline-strikes", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/traveling-during-airline-strikes", "title": "Traveling During Airline + Airport Strikes: Your Rights and Options", "summary": "When airlines strike, you have options. DOT rules on cancellations, EU 261 rights on European strikes, rebooking alternatives, and credit card insurance coverage.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:13Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:48Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-with-sports-equipment", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-with-sports-equipment", "title": "Traveling with Sports Equipment: Skis, Golf Clubs, Bikes, Dive Gear", "summary": "How to fly with sports equipment. Skis, snowboards, golf clubs, bicycles, surfboards, dive gear — airline fees, size rules, and which cards waive oversize bag fees.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:12Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:47Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-scams-and-safety-by-region", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-scams-and-safety-by-region", "title": "Travel Scams + Safety Awareness by Region", "summary": "Common travel scams by region. Europe's gold ring scam, Asia's taxi scams, Latin America's distraction theft, and the universal credit card + wallet safety practices.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:11Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:45Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-planning-for-introverts", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-planning-for-introverts", "title": "Travel Planning for Introverts: Solitude + Points Travel", "summary": "Points travel for introverts. Quiet destinations, private-room hotels, lounge access for recovery time, and the itinerary structures that prevent travel burnout.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:10Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:45Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-gear-essentials-2026", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-gear-essentials-2026", "title": "Travel Gear Essentials 2026: The Kit That Actually Makes Travel Better", "summary": "The travel gear worth spending on: noise-cancelling headphones, compression packing cubes, 20K mAh power bank, Airtag luggage trackers, merino wool clothing. Annual updates.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:09Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:44Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-documentation-photo-strategy", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-documentation-photo-strategy", "title": "Travel Photo + Document Strategy: Organized Memories, Easy Returns", "summary": "How to photograph your trip for maximum later enjoyment + practical use. Document scans before travel, trip-specific album structure, and the privacy settings to use.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:08Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:42Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-card-foreign-transaction-fees", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-card-foreign-transaction-fees", "title": "Foreign Transaction Fees: Every Travel Card Compared", "summary": "Complete list of US credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi. Plus the cards to AVOID internationally (3% fees, even on airlines).", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:06Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:42Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-booking-apps-review", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/travel-booking-apps-review", "title": "Travel Booking Apps Reviewed: Hopper, Kayak, Google Flights, Rome2Rio", "summary": "Honest review of major travel booking apps. Google Flights for search, Kayak for hotel alerts, Hopper for price predictions, Rome2Rio for ground transport, and when each wins.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:05Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:41Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/the-points-traveler-philosophy", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/the-points-traveler-philosophy", "title": "The Points Traveler Philosophy: Why Smart People Use Credit Cards Strategically", "summary": "The strategic mindset behind using credit cards for points. Why this isn't 'gambling' or 'cheating' — it's economic optimization for travelers who do the math.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:04Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:39Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/the-points-portfolio-2026", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/the-points-portfolio-2026", "title": "The Optimal Points Portfolio for 2026: A Complete Card Stack Guide", "summary": "What credit cards should every serious award traveler hold in 2026? The optimized 7-card portfolio that covers every premium cabin sweet spot in the world.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:02Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:38Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/thanksgiving-getaways-with-points", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/thanksgiving-getaways-with-points", "title": "Thanksgiving Getaway Itineraries: Escape the Family with Points", "summary": "Skip Thanksgiving family drama. Mexico, Caribbean, Portugal, Japan — 5 international Thanksgiving itineraries with premium cabin redemption + hotel points.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:01Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:38Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/tax-implications-of-credit-card-rewards", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/tax-implications-of-credit-card-rewards", "title": "Tax Implications of Credit Card Rewards: Are Miles Taxable?", "summary": "Most credit card rewards are NOT taxable. But referral bonuses, bank account bonuses, and some SUBs can trigger 1099-MISC. The honest tax picture.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:54:00Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:37Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/taking-time-off-work-for-travel", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/taking-time-off-work-for-travel", "title": "Taking Time Off Work for Travel: PTO Strategies + Remote Work Overlap", "summary": "Limited PTO? Here's how to maximize with long weekends + holidays. Remote work overlap for workations. The calendar tricks that expand a 2-week trip to 3 weeks.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:58Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:35Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/student-travel-credit-cards", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/student-travel-credit-cards", "title": "Student Travel Credit Cards: Building Points While Building Credit", "summary": "Student credit cards offer real travel rewards while helping you build credit history. Chase Freedom Student, Bilt Mastercard, Capital One Quicksilver Student compared.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:57Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:35Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/southwest-companion-pass-guide", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/southwest-companion-pass-guide", "title": "Southwest Companion Pass: The Ultimate Guide (2026)", "summary": "How to earn a Southwest Companion Pass and use it for free domestic travel for two. The single best loyalty benefit in the US airline industry.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:56Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:32Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/south-america-premium-redemptions", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/south-america-premium-redemptions", "title": "South America Premium Cabin Redemptions: Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Peru", "summary": "Best points redemptions to South America: AAdvantage to Lima/Bogota 30K, Avianca LifeMiles 35K, Qatar Q-Suite via Doha, and hotel strategies for Park Hyatts.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:55Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:32Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/solo-traveler-points-strategy", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/solo-traveler-points-strategy", "title": "Solo Traveler Points Strategy: The Single-Seat Playbook", "summary": "Award booking strategies for solo travelers. Why single seats are easier than pairs, which programs to target, and how to avoid paying couple-hack premiums.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:54Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:31Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/solo-hotel-stays-safety-tips", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/solo-hotel-stays-safety-tips", "title": "Solo Hotel Stays: Safety Tips + Booking Strategies", "summary": "Solo travelers benefit from points-class hotels. Safety tips for solo stays, what to request at check-in, and booking strategies specific to solo female + male travelers.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:53Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:29Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/skiplagged-and-hidden-city-ticketing", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/skiplagged-and-hidden-city-ticketing", "title": "Skiplagged + Hidden City Ticketing: The Savings + Risks", "summary": "Skiplagged finds hidden-city tickets — cheaper if you get off at a connection. The airlines' crackdown, legal issues, and when it's still worth the savings.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:52Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:29Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/senior-travel-discounts-vs-points", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/senior-travel-discounts-vs-points", "title": "Senior Travel Discounts vs Points: Which Wins for 65+ Travelers", "summary": "Senior travel discounts (AARP, Silver Rail, 65+ hotel rates) vs points redemptions. When each wins and how to combine for maximum value for older travelers.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:51Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:25Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/self-employed-travel-deductions-strategy", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/self-employed-travel-deductions-strategy", "title": "Self-Employed Travel Deductions + Points: The Tax-Deductible Strategy", "summary": "Self-employed travelers can deduct business travel expenses. How to mix deductible business + personal travel, earn points, and stay IRS-compliant.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:50Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:25Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/saving-vs-spending-miles-strategy", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/saving-vs-spending-miles-strategy", "title": "Saving vs Spending Miles: When to Hold and When to Burn", "summary": "Hold miles for future redemption or spend now? The strategic framework for deciding when to redeem points vs. earn more for later premium cabin trips.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:49Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:24Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/retirees-points-travel-strategy", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/retirees-points-travel-strategy", "title": "Retirees + Points Travel: The Flex-Schedule Advantage", "summary": "How retirees dominate the points game. Flexible schedules, longer trips, slow travel, and the card strategies for maximizing retirement travel on points.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:48Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:22Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/resort-fees-and-destination-fees-workarounds", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/resort-fees-and-destination-fees-workarounds", "title": "Resort Fees and Destination Fees: How to Avoid Them (or Get Them Waived)", "summary": "Resort fees add $25-$100/night to your hotel bill. How to avoid them on award stays: Hyatt Globalist waiver, Marriott Platinum, specific properties, and elite exceptions.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:46Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:23Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/rental-car-status-and-card-perks", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/rental-car-status-and-card-perks", "title": "Rental Car Status + Credit Card Perks: Skip the Counter", "summary": "How to skip the rental car counter, get free upgrades, and avoid insurance upcharges. Hertz President's Circle, National Executive, Avis Preferred, and the cards that grant status.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:45Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:22Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/refunds-and-chargebacks-travel-disputes", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/refunds-and-chargebacks-travel-disputes", "title": "Travel Refunds + Chargebacks: When to Dispute, When to Give Up", "summary": "How to get refunds from airlines, hotels, and OTAs. When to file credit card chargebacks. The DOT rules, the card dispute process, and when to escalate.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:44Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:19Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/qantas-frequent-flyer-us-redemptions", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/qantas-frequent-flyer-us-redemptions", "title": "Qantas Frequent Flyer for US Travelers: Pacific Sweet Spots", "summary": "Qantas Frequent Flyer has unique OneWorld sweet spots: Qantas First LA-MEL 108K, partner bookings via Asia Miles, and how US travelers can use it effectively.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:42Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:19Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/protecting-credit-card-accounts", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/protecting-credit-card-accounts", "title": "Protecting Your Credit Card Accounts: Anti-Shutdown Strategies", "summary": "How to avoid bank shutdowns: Amex Financial Review, Chase RAT shutdowns, and other account closures. The behaviors banks flag and how to stay clear.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:41Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:17Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/premium-economy-deep-dive", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/premium-economy-deep-dive", "title": "Premium Economy Deep Dive: The Underrated Cabin Class", "summary": "Premium economy is often overlooked. Comparing the best premium economy products by airline + how to book with points at significant discounts.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:40Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:14Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/positioning-flights-vs-direct-routing", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/positioning-flights-vs-direct-routing", "title": "Positioning Flights: When to Add a Cheap Domestic Hop for Better Awards", "summary": "How positioning flights unlock award availability. Fly cheap from Cleveland to JFK, then ANA First to Tokyo from JFK. The math, the routing, and when it makes sense.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:39Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:16Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] }, { "id": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/points-travel-glossary-plain-english", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/blog/points-travel-glossary-plain-english", "title": "Points Travel Glossary in Plain English: 40 Terms Every Beginner Should Know", "summary": "A plain-English glossary of 40 essential points and miles terms. SUB, CPP, 5/24, saver award, positioning flight, award chart — defined without jargon.", "date_published": "2026-04-23T14:53:37Z", "date_modified": "2026-04-23T15:45:13Z", "authors": [ { "name": "Toma Bojanin", "url": "https://awardlocker.com/authors/toma-bojanin" } ] } ] }