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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
Last Chance: Get the Brex Cash Card to Score 110,000 Points With No Annual Fee

Last Chance: Get the Brex Cash Card to Score 110,000 Points With No Annual Fee
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
February 26, 2021
19

Brex is one of the most exciting newcomers to the world of award travel. If you open a new Brex Cash and Card account this week, you can earn a bonus of up to 110,000 points (worth $1,100+)—with no annual fee! One of the huge advantages of this offer is that applying won’t trigger a hard inquiry on your personal credit. Brex Cash and Card is only available to small businesses. But if you do qualify, you don’t want to miss this offer.

The Only Airline That’s Still Blocking Middle Seats

The Only Airline That’s Still Blocking Middle Seats
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
February 8, 2021
110

Since the start of the pandemic, some airlines adopted policies limiting the number of passengers allowed onboard—including blocking middle seats. Unfortunately, all but one of these airlines have rolled back these policies since the beginning of December. To help you keep track, we've compiled all of the airlines that ever blocked middle seats and the current timelines for when this flyer-friendly policy will end.

[Status Boost Posted] United Makes It Easier to Earn Premier Status in 2021

[Status Boost Posted] United Makes It Easier to Earn Premier Status in 2021
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
January 15, 2021
25

United has announced a series of changes to the MileagePlus program for 2021. These include lowering status thresholds, giving current elite members an elite-qualifying boost, increasing PQP earning rates in early 2021, and allowing co-branded cardholders to spend their way to higher statuses. But with 'normal' travel still a dream, are these changes enough to get you to fly United?

Hyatt Credit Card Changes: Phase Out of Legacy Card, Change to Earning Free Night Awards

Hyatt Credit Card Changes: Phase Out of Legacy Card, Change to Earning Free Night Awards
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
November 26, 2020
27

Hyatt has announced a string of new promotions and card updates, so we've rounded them all up in one place for you. Hyatt cardholders can earn bonus points at Amazon and at grocery stores this holiday season. Plus, legacy Hyatt Card holders have the opportunity to earn a free night by the end of the year. Hyatt is also adjusting how cardholders earn Free Night Awards in 2021. And, remaining legacy Hyatt Cards are being phased out in January 2021.

New Amex Gold Cardholders Are No Longer Eligible for the $100 Airline Fee Credit

New Amex Gold Cardholders Are No Longer Eligible for the $100 Airline Fee Credit
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
October 23, 2020
19

One of Amex's go-to benefits for justifying high(er) annual fees is the Airline Fee Credit. This credit reimburses cardmembers for making eligible purchases with their airline of choice every year. However, for the Amex Gold, this benefit is in its last years. Starting in January 2022, Amex will no longer offer the annual $100 Airline Fee Credit to Amex Gold cardholders that signed up before February 4, 2021. What's next for this card?

Why Now is a Great Time to Book a Dream Trip to French Polynesia

Why Now is a Great Time to Book a Dream Trip to French Polynesia
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
October 15, 2020
18

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make traveling difficult, one dream destination has already re-opened its borders to all travelers. If you've ever heard of Tahiti, Bora Bora, of French Polynesia, chances are you've dreamed of vacationing there. Thanks to significant safety precautions and generous award availability, now could be the perfect time to make that dream a reality. We will show you how to do so in this post.

Hyatt Postpones Program Updates, Tweaks Hotel Award Categories, Extends Point and Award Validity

Hyatt Postpones Program Updates, Tweaks Hotel Award Categories, Extends Point and Award Validity
Patrick Stouffer
by Patrick Stouffer
October 8, 2020
10

Hyatt just announced even more program updates. Thankfully, most of them are positive for World of Hyatt members. First, Hyatt further paused point expirations and further extended all Free Night, Club Lounge, and Suite Night Awards. Second, Hyatt postponed the introduction of peak/off-peak award pricing (again) and will only make changes to award pricing at 16 properties between now and 2022.