Episode Description
2025 was anything but boring for points and miles. In this episode, the 10xTravel team reflects on the biggest wins, losses, and debates that dominated the 10xTravel Facebook Group this past year.
From controversial airline changes to once-in-a-lifetime wins, the community had a lot to say - and not everyone agreed.
You'll hear community takes on:
- Southwest’s major changes and why travelers are divided
- ANA ending its legendary Round the World award
- The actual state of points and miles
- What a 1 million point win actually means in real travel value
- How travelers are adjusting strategies for 2026
This episode is part reflection, part debate, and part reality check for anyone planning to use points and miles in 2026 and beyond.
In this episode:
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:52 Year-End Reflections and Favorite Changes in Points and Miles
09:27 Crazy Things Done for Points and Miles
16:53 Is the Credit Card Points and Miles Game Dying?
26:47 Navigating Facebook Algorithms for Travel Deals
27:23 Maximizing Virgin Atlantic Miles
28:29 Planning a Round the World Trip
31:41 Winning a Million Points Giveaway
34:16 Strategies for Earning Hyatt Globalist Status
40:14 Southwest Airlines Policy Changes
48:08 Wrapping Up 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026
Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take Our Free Points and Miles Course
New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast
Our Best Credit Cards List (Updated Monthly)
My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place
Let us book your next award flight for you
Upgrade your next stay with our Luxury Hotel Program
Get free, personalized advice on choosing your next card
10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today
Stay Connected:
Join our Community: 10xTravel Insiders
Follow us on Instagram: @10xTravelblog
Watch this and every episode of Takeoff on YouTube: @10xTravel
Subscribe for more tips on travel, points, and miles! Don’t forget to hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which 10xTravel will earn an affiliate commission. 10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.