Chase just opened their ninth Sapphire Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth, and we got an early look before it officially opened. In this episode, Chris and Katie break down everything inside the new DFW lounge, the first whiskey bar in the network, Texas-inspired food, a grab-and-go section, spa access, and a family room with local touches throughout. Then they zoom out to cover the full Chase Sapphire Lounge network. After this episode was recorded, changes to the Chase Sapphire Lounge policies were announced. Beginning August 15, 2026, Priority Pass members will no longer have once-per-year complimentary access to Chase Sapphire Lounges. Additionally, beginning on August 15, passengers traveling on same-day layovers can access the lounges within 5 hours of their scheduled departure time. All the details can be found here: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-lounges-leaving-priority-pass-loungekey/ Plus, Chris reviews the brand new Kimpton Era Midtown in New York, booked with IHG points, and Katie's passport is finally back. First Look at the New Chase Sapphire Lounge at DFW Airport: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-lounge-dallas-dfw-first-look/ Full List of Chase Sapphire Lounge Locations: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airports/chase-sapphire-lounge-by-the-club/ Save 25% on a Roame Subscription With Code UP25: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/roame-promo-code-save-25/ Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is the Best Lounge Card for Families: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/chase-sapphire-reserve-best-lounge-card-for-families/ ✈️ 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/

Amex just changed the rules for Centurion Lounge access, and we're breaking it down before diving into the main event. As of July 8, guests must be on the same flight as the cardholder, and layover visits are now capped at 5 hours before departure. Then it's the Would You Rather: Travel Edition. Business class on a budget airline or economy on Singapore Airlines. Free room upgrade or free breakfast every stay. Perfect weather on every trip or never a flight delay again. 500k Chase points or 500k Hilton points. Chris and Katie go head-to-head across four rounds and don't agree on much. Plus, Katie shares her lost passport story and exactly what travelers should do if it happens to them. How to Replace a Lost Passport: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/replace-lost-passport-before-trip/ Amex Tightens Centurion Lounge Access Rules: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amex-centurion-lounge-new-entry-rules-2026/ ✈️ 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/

Elite status sounds glamorous until you do the math. In this episode, Chris and Katie dig into whether airline and hotel elite status is actually worth chasing in 2026, pulling in honest and often conflicting takes from across the Upgraded Points team. Lori makes the case for low-level Oneworld status abroad. Ryan thinks most airline status is overrated. Ben says it depends on your situation. Jamie says status isn't worth it until it really is. Plus, a giveaway winner shares how a Hilton Be My Guest certificate landed her a room at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria New York with a cash value of $4,200 for one night. UP Team’s Mid-Year Elite Status Update: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/up-team-elite-status-updates-2026/ ✈️ 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/

Most U.S. travelers are familiar with Virgin Atlantic but have no idea what Virgin Red actually is or how it connects to the broader Virgin ecosystem. This episode fixes that. Katie sat down with Andrea Burchett, Chief Loyalty Officer at Virgin Group, for a deep dive into the program that ties Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Voyages, and Virgin Hotels all together under one points currency. Virgin Red's inaugural Points Index report found that 77% of members used points to book a vacation they otherwise wouldn't have taken, and redemptions jumped 18% year over year. So the program is clearly doing something right. They cover how Virgin Red points work, what the Points Index data actually reveals about how Americans are using their points, the underrated experience platform, the future of Virgin Hotels, and why a U.S. traveler who has never touched the Virgin ecosystem should seriously consider it. Repeated Delays at Hyatt Regency Rome Central Leave Travelers Scrambling — Again https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hyatt-regency-rome-central-delays/ How to Redeem Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/how-to-redeem-virgin-atlantic-miles/ Virgin Red Loyalty Program Review: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/virgin-red-loyalty-program-review/ ✈️ 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/

Hawaii is one of the most rewarding points destinations out there, but hotel prices vary wildly depending on which island you're on and where you stay. In this episode, Chris and Katie go island by island through Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and Oahu, breaking down the best steal and splurge hotel options at each one with real cash prices and current points costs. From the Hampton Inn Maui North Shore at 65,000 Hilton points to the Grand Wailea Waldorf Astoria at 110,000, the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort at under $500 a night to the Grand Hyatt Kauai, the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island, and everything in between on Oahu, including the Hyatt Place Waikiki, Hilton Hawaiian Village, and the Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay. Plus Bilt Rewards just added Preferred Hotels and Resorts as a transfer partner at a 1:2 ratio, and Chris shares his take on the new Universal Kids Resort. Universal Kids Resort: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/first-look-universal-kids-resort/ Bilt Adds Preferred Hotels: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/bilt-rewards-adds-preferred-hotels-transfer-partner/ Wyndham Expands Award Chart: https://upgradedpoints.com/news/wyndham-rewards-adding-fourth-award-tier/ Family Vacation in Hawaii on Points: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hawaii-family-vacation-points-miles/ Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-waikiki-review/ Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/grand-wailea-waldorf-astoria-resort-whats-new-review/ Hyatt Regency Maui Resort: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hyatt-regency-maui-resort-spa-review/ Hilton Hawaiian Village: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hilton-hawaiian-village-waikiki-beach-resort-review/ Hilton Waikoloa Village: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/hilton-waikoloa-village-review/ Andaz Maui: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/andaz-maui-at-wailea-resort-review/ How I Choose Which Hyatt Hotel To Book in Honolulu [Comparing Points, Amenities, Location] https://upgradedpoints.com/news/comparing-hyatt-hotels-waikiki/ ✈️ 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/