Advertiser Disclosure

  • Rewards Programs

  • Credit Cards

  • Beginners

  • Tools

  • Deals
  • Team
  • Advertiser Disclosure

  • Sign in to AwardWallet

    Personalized content based on your accounts
  • Learned Posts
    Favorites Posts

  • Advertiser Disclosure: The credit card offers that appear on AwardWallet are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on AwardWallet (including, for example, the order in which they appear). AwardWallet does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers.

    Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Rewards Programs

Credit Cards

Beginners

Tools

Ian Snyder Freelance Writer
Distance Traveled in 2026
Visited in 2026

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.

Travel Summary
How Far in Advance Can You Book Airline Award Tickets? Our Full Guide With Data Points for 50 Airlines.
How Far in Advance Can You Book Airline Award Tickets? Our Full Guide With Data Points for 50 Airlines.
54

Finding award availability can be a challenge on its own, but knowing how far in advance award space becomes available and which miles can book at what time can make things even more confusing. We address all that here, including strategies to maximize the likelihood of snagging the seat you want. We provide the booking window for all major carriers' loyalty programs as a great reference.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed byJT Genter

How to Book Stopovers on Emirates Flights: Maximize Your Award Travel and Layovers
How to Book Stopovers on Emirates Flights: Maximize Your Award Travel and Layovers
0

Want to make the most of your trip on Emirates? Here is how you can add a stopover to an Emirates award ticket. With multiple fifth freedom routes, there are a good number of places to consider adding a stopover, including Milan, Athens, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Sydney. Plus, consider using the complimentary Dubai Connect service on an especially long layover in Dubai.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed byTyler Glatt

Chase Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide to the Best Way to Redeem Ultimate Rewards
Chase Transfer Partners: A Complete Guide to the Best Way to Redeem Ultimate Rewards
42

While you can get decent value by using Ultimate Rewards points directly for travel through the portal, Chase transfer partners unlock even greater savings that can’t be attained with other redemption strategies. In this guide, we'll cover the :chase_partners_total: Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel partners with examples of maximizing your savings for any type of trip.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed byTyler Glatt

Marriott Lifetime Elite Status: What You Need to Earn It and the Perks It Yields
Marriott Lifetime Elite Status: What You Need to Earn It and the Perks It Yields
2

Marriott is one of several hotel loyalty programs that offers lifetime elite status, rewarding its loyal members after years of faithfully staying at its hotels. Lifetime elite members enjoy various benefits depending on which lifetime status level they have achieved. In this guide, we also highlight a way you can slowly progress toward Marriott lifetime status even if you don't stay with the chain frequently.

Ian SnyderJT Genter
Ian Snyder & JT Genter

Reviewed byTyler Glatt

Here’s What You Need To Do After Your New Amex Business Platinum Card Arrives
Here’s What You Need To Do After Your New Amex Business Platinum Card Arrives
0

If you've been approved for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and received your new card, congratulations! Your first task is understanding how to take advantage of the card's numerous benefits and devising a plan to claim its valuable welcome offer. In this article, we'll walk through the first steps you should take after receiving your brand-new Business Platinum Card.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed byRyan Smith