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Ian Snyder Latest Posts

Freelance Writer
Distance Traveled in 2025
Visited in 2025

Ian Snyder has had a passion for award travel ever since entering the miles and points world over a decade ago. He enjoys using them to see places both near and far, whether he’s traveling solo, with friends, or with his kids. Especially well versed in frequent flyer programs, Ian understands their intricacies and often is able to maximize his points using the best award deals.

Ian is closing in on 30 countries visited, which may seem like too few for someone who loves to travel as much as he does. But he also loves life in rural Northern California, and returning home from a trip is its own reward. More than anything, Ian wants to demonstrate that extraordinary travel is possible for the ordinary family. He loves helping his friends and family with their own award travel.

IHG Milestone Rewards: Earn Perks Every 10 Nights Stayed at IHG

IHG Milestone Rewards: Earn Perks Every 10 Nights Stayed at IHG
Ian Snyder
by Ian Snyder
June 14, 2025
0

IHG Milestone Rewards provide additional benefits to frequent guests of IHG hotels. You can earn rewards for every 10 nights stayed each calendar year, starting at 20 nights. The benefits range from bonus points, to food and beverage rewards, to confirmable suite upgrades. At two specific levels, you'll also have the option to select an annual lounge membership. IHG Milestone Rewards can offer excellent value to members, depending on how you use them.

Why Starting With Chase Cards Matters if You’re Under 5/24

Why Starting With Chase Cards Matters if You’re Under 5/24
Ian Snyder
by Ian Snyder
May 24, 2025
0

If you're new to the points and miles hobby or looking to dive deeper after just dipping your toes in, you'll want to develop a solid earning strategy. This applies to both welcome offers and ongoing rewards. To do so, you need to understand the rules and restrictions card issuers have in place. With Chase offering so many lucrative bonuses, we recommend designing your credit card strategy around their 5/24 rule. Here's how you best do that, and the potential cost of ignoring this unwritten rule.

Can You Use Credit Card Travel Credits to Pay Award Change and Cancellation Fees?

Can You Use Credit Card Travel Credits to Pay Award Change and Cancellation Fees?
Jess FarleyIan Snyder
by Jess Farley and Ian Snyder
April 27, 2025
37

One of the frustrating aspects of award travel is often needing to book well in advance to get the best price with your points and miles, knowing that your plans might change along the way. And some programs will charge you (handsomely!) if you have to make these changes. But if your credit card has travel credits, can you use these to cover the award change and cancellation fees?

ANA Mileage Club Guide: How to Earn, Redeem, and Maximize This Valuable Amex Transfer Partner

ANA Mileage Club Guide: How to Earn, Redeem, and Maximize This Valuable Amex Transfer Partner
Ian Snyder
by Ian Snyder
April 19, 2025
0

ANA Mileage Club is a frequent flyer program you don’t want to overlook — especially if you collect Amex points. With some of the best redemption rates for premium cabin travel and a strong lineup of airline partners, ANA miles can unlock serious value. This in-depth guide covers how to earn ANA miles, book award flights, maximize sweet spots, and navigate the program’s unique rules.

The Best Strategies for Earning United Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) by Flying

The Best Strategies for Earning United Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) by Flying
Tyler GlattIan Snyder
by Tyler Glatt and Ian Snyder
February 2, 2025
5

Achieving United Premier status requires you to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP), the primary qualification metric United uses. It more or less tracks how much you spend with the airline. However, there are some creative ways to earn Premier Qualifying Points through booking partner flights. It's often possible to out-earn the same itinerary using partner bookings. Let us show you how.