A lot just happened in the points and miles world. Citi added JAL Mileage Bank as a transfer partner with a 30% bonus through October 24, and it changes the math on how to use ThankYou Points for Japan and Oneworld bookings.
Hyatt officially ended its American Airlines partnership and announced a new one with Delta hours later. Chase Sapphire Reserve anniversary offers are live with up to $350 back on select purchases, some expiring as soon as October 16.
Alaska's Choose How You Earn feature is rolling out ahead of a January 1, 2027, start date. And Apple dropped the iPhone Duo, a foldable phone that folds to the size of a passport, plus AirPods 5 with real-time Live Translation that could change how you travel internationally.
Plus, Katie shares whether the new AA Executive Card vacation credit was actually worth using, and a Chase 10 million points giveaway you can enter right now.
Let’s get into it!
- (00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 77
(02:54) - Using the AA Vacations Portal
(08:17) - Citi Adds JAL
(12:22) - New Apple Products for Travelers
(21:40) - Chase Sapphire Reserve Card 10-year Anniversary
(24:34) - Chase Sapphire Reserve Improving DoorDash Credits
(25:10) - Sapphire Reserve for Business Changes
(26:20) - Alaska Airlines' New Way to Earn Status
(28:28) - Hyatt Dumps AA, Adds Delta
Our Favorite Travel Features From Apple’s September 2026 Event:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/apple-september-2026-event-travel-features/
Chase Sapphire Reserve 10 Year Anniversary Offers:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-tenth-anniversary-offers/
Hyatt and American Are Ending Partnership:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/american-airlines-hyatt-ending-partnership/
New Hyatt Delta Partnership:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-delta-partnership/
Chase Sapphire Reserve Improves DoorDash Credit:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-updates-doordash-credit/
Sapphire Reserve for Business Changes:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-business-card-changes-2026/
Citi Adds JAL as Transfer Partner:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/citi-japan-airlines-transfer-partner/
✈️ Learn more at https://upgradedpoints.com/
📧 Questions? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com
📲 Subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@upgradedpointspod
📲 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upgraded-points-podcast/id1807133164
📲 Subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/61t4AF7hQiW4hh5eNcwqrZ
📲 Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/upgradedpoints/
📲 Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/upgradedpoints
📲 Follow us on TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@upgradedpoints
✉️ Upgraded Points Newsletter
https://upgradedpoints.com/join-newsletter/
Creators & Guests
Katie Corrigan Seemann - Host
Christopher Hassan - Host