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Patrick Stouffer Latest Posts

Freelance Writer

Patrick Stouffer is a freelance musician, writer, and travel consultant currently based in Los Angeles. He joined the AwardWallet team in 2019, but took a break while working for Miles4Migrants from 2021-2024.

For the last ten years, Patrick has been living on the road full-time as a musician for various Broadway musical theatre tours and cruise ship productions. He met his wife, Patricia, while they were both working on a cruise ship in the East China Sea. Since then, their mutual love for travel has been a driving force in their relationship. Between work and leisure, Patrick and his wife have visited over 50 countries together, using points and miles to finance and elevate all of their experiences.

When he’s not playing trumpet, writing about points and miles, or traveling, Patrick enjoys going to the gym, trying craft beers, and spending time at the lake with his family.

Latest Posts
Chase Launches New 80% Transfer Bonus to IHG One Rewards — But Is It Worth It?

Chase Launches New 80% Transfer Bonus to IHG One Rewards — But Is It Worth It?
JT GenterPatrick Stouffer
by JT Genter and Patrick Stouffer
April 1, 2025
18

Now through April 30, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to IHG One Rewards and receive 80% bonus points. But, you're going to want to do the math before considering a transfer because it may be worth booking through the Chase Travel℠ portal instead. Here are some considerations on how to use your Ultimate Rewards points toward IHG stays for even more value.

Earn Airline Elite Status Without Flying: Status Match, Fast Track, Card Spending Opportunities [2025]

Earn Airline Elite Status Without Flying: Status Match, Fast Track, Card Spending Opportunities [2025]
Patrick StoufferJenna Hansen
by Patrick Stouffer and Jenna Hansen
December 31, 2024
114

Earn airline elite status presents a conundrum. Status improves your travel, but airlines typically only reward those who fly (and suffer) a ton without it. But what if you could shortcut your way to elite status without paying your dues first? Here's how to earn airline elite status without stepping on a plane, from status matches to card spending.

Should You Buy American Airlines AAdvantage® Miles With Up to a 35% Discount?

Should You Buy American Airlines AAdvantage® Miles With Up to a 35% Discount?
Andrew George BradshawPatrick Stouffer
by Andrew George Bradshaw and Patrick Stouffer
June 23, 2025
400

American Airlines just launched a new promotion for buying miles -- letting AAdvantage® members grab miles with up to a 35% discount. The lowest purchase rate you can get through this promotion is 2.45¢ per mile. At this rate, there are a few times when it can make sense to buy American Airlines miles. If you've been looking for an opportunity to grab some American miles, this might be as good of a chance as ever. This promotion has no stated expiration date, so we aren't sure when American will raise (or lower) the cost of their miles. Let's dive into some examples to see if buying miles during this promotion makes sense for you.

Stack LifeMiles Promotions to Save on Awards (Biz Class to Europe for 18k Points + $365)

Stack LifeMiles Promotions to Save on Awards (Biz Class to Europe for 18k Points + $365)
Patrick StoufferJT Genter
by Patrick Stouffer and JT Genter
November 5, 2024
45

LifeMiles is hosting two incredibly lucrative promotions at the same time. First, you can convert Amex Membership Rewards points to LifeMiles and receive a 15% bonus. Second, you can receive another 125% bonus when transferring LifeMiles to another account. Stack these promotions to book business class awards to Europe by starting with just 18k Amex points.

Airline, Hotel Programs That Have Still Paused Point Expiration Due to COVID-19

Airline, Hotel Programs That Have Still Paused Point Expiration Due to COVID-19
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
July 11, 2022
185

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought most travel to standstill, many airline and hotel programs paused point expiration. However, as more people are traveling these days, airline and hotel loyalty programs are resuming normal expiration policies. Here is the latest information on point expiration rules related to COVID-19 - including the 13 major airline and hotel programs that have still paused expiration.

Register to Earn 1,000 American Airlines Miles Per Stay at Eligible Hyatt Hotels

Register to Earn 1,000 American Airlines Miles Per Stay at Eligible Hyatt Hotels
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
June 17, 2022
34

Registration is now open for the newest bonus earning promotion for the partnership between Hyatt and American Airlines. Through September 5, 2022, World of Hyatt members can earn 1,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for every stay at eligible Hyatt hotels. This is like a promotion the partners ran a few months ago, but at that time it was targeted. This promotion is available for all Hyatt members, but first you need to register.

Citi Prestige’s $250 Travel Credit Isn’t Limited to Travel in 2022

Citi Prestige’s $250 Travel Credit Isn’t Limited to Travel in 2022
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
March 10, 2023
16

In 2020, Citi debuted the ability for cardmembers of the Citi Prestige® Card to redeem their annual $250 travel credit for supermarket and restaurant purchases. This made it much easier for cardholders of Citi's premium travel rewards card to receive value when they can't—well—travel. With things still not back to normal in 2022, the card issuer has extended this flexibility through 2022.

Register to Earn 5X Points on Shipping and Home Improvement Stores Using Chase Business Cards

Register to Earn 5X Points on Shipping and Home Improvement Stores Using Chase Business Cards
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
June 8, 2021
6

Chase just announced an exciting promotion offering increased earning rates for targeted small business credit cards. Starting today, June 8, 2021, customers currently carrying an Ink, Southwest, or United business card are eligible to earn up to 5X (or 5%) per dollar on up to $10,000 in combined shipping and home improvement purchases. That's 50,000 total points if maximized!

You Can Now Book Etihad Awards Using Aeroplan Points — Including ‘The Apartment’

You Can Now Book Etihad Awards Using Aeroplan Points — Including ‘The Apartment’
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
April 24, 2021
39

In June 2020, Air Canada Aeroplan partnered with Etihad Guest, allowing reciprocal earning and redeeming opportunities. Now that Aeroplan has relaunched as a new program, we are revisiting this partnership. While both programs can offer solid value, we're particularly excited about how this partnership makes booking Etihad's premium-class cabins a little more accessible for award travelers.