Jake and Anthony talk about scooter and bike programs in their respective towns (Hoboken and Jersey City, respectfully). A man is now free after Hertz ponies up his alibi and New York lifts quarantine restrictions. Plus, we toss around the idea of doing live events. Listen...

NJ has Scooters and NY is Open...sort of.

Anthony welcomes a new chair to his home office while Jake reconsiders Karaoke. Just a few of the topics the guys ramble on about in this episode of the Modhop Podcast.  Plus, we explore a story about a Spirit passenger losing it mid-flight, new British Airways first class meals at home and FREE perks for getting vaccinated. Listen:

Free Vaccines, Weed And Donuts...In That Order

We start re-shaking off the rust as we dive into the 95th Modhop Podcast and diving into a ton of Chase-related news.  Our fave travel points are up for grabs with a generous bonus for an initial spend on Sapphire Preferred AND news of a Sapphire Lounge trickles in. Plus, United's got plans to get places faster (like, BOOM fast) and we explore our bad spelling. It's all here, listen...

Boom Go Our 100K Ultimate Reward Dreams

Anthony is back and has lots to tell us about his first Covid-era overseas trip. Because he’s full to the brim with shareable info, we’re breaking it into a 3 part mini-series starting with Nice, France. Everything from how he got there to what you’ll need to do in order to get into a restaurant. Plus, travel news with Jake, parasailing and more!

Anthony Talks Nice About Nice…France

We dive right into the second part of Anthony's Euro vacation with a chat about Lake Como. He dishes about what to do and what local hops are worth the walk. Plus we dig into changes to the American Express Business Platinum and why it and it's consumer level sibling are losing the war against perk-fatigue. Also, what the heck happened at Southwest? Listen here!

Lake Como and the Power of Kids Bop

The podcast returns after the guys get through another busy holiday season. Jake and Anthony dive into the planned revamp of the US passport renewal process and touch on more unruly behavior in the skies. Amex Platinum is on Jake’s chopping block once the increased new nearly $700 fee comes due so we break down why it’s not the value it used to be. Also, we finally wrap Anthony’s trip to France and Italy with his stop in Milan filled with drinks and apartment balconies with trees.

Goodbye Amex Platinum, Hello Milan!

AirBnB axes a covid-era cancellation policy and Jake forgot where Charlotte was in North Carolina…and such. We’re back with a few travel tidbits to cover along with random bits of domestic treks of our own. Get the early Spring vibes of Lake George, NY and Charlotte, NC (Anthony knows where it is) in our latest podcast. Listen now…

AirBnB Cancels Some Cancelling & Jake Thinks Charlotte is a Beach Town

We were so excited to just sit down an do a new podcast, we forgot that this was our 100TH episode! Our plans for a star-studded salute to our pod-body of work was barely afloat at this point anyway so probably for the best that this is just a low-key event. That said, there was some wacky shenanigans aboard a Virgin Atlantic flight this week so we cover that along with a sweet discount for Uber One and point you to a solid breakdown on the current state of high-annual fee credit cards. Plus, we chat about Anthony’s trip to Texas and commiserate about finding good flight deals right now.

Dallas, Disney and Deals. Our 100th Episode!

Anthony is back from Ireland with stories of beautiful countryside, cows in the road and tips for travel. From Galway to Dublin we dive into the details of his trip and learn what YOU can do to make your next Irish trek a better one.

Anthony's Ireland: Hellman's Makes Ketchup Too

The podcast returns after a year-long sabbatical and Anthony's been doing all (or most of) the travelling. Hear tales of hawker stands , infinity pools and the great people of Singapore as we try to get our pod-chops back.

Anthony's Amazing Singapore - Toe Dipping Point of SE Asia

It was a bit of a rough start to Anthony’s most recent visit to the Philippines. This time, he’s got his wife along to visit family and TRY to have a great time. Listen on and find out how AR got things back on track.

Anthony’s Philippines: “It was an Adventure”

There's news about Sun Country's plan to become something resembling a Low Cost Airline AND British Airways getting you to the terminal faster. Plus, we chat with our work friend Alyssa Heimrich about her trip to Santa Barbara, travel preferences and safety instructions.

British Airways Super-Fast Bus Ride and Santa Barbara With Alyssa H! | Podcast #17

Anthony is away on vacation so our SiriusXM Radio Andy pal Alyssa Heimrich is here to sit in on some headlines. ONE of our headlines involves Radio Andy (Cohen) himself who was turned around flying from New York to Nice, France this week. We'll talk about why his flight got sent back and talk about positive changes coming to Nashville and Frontier's remodeled frequent flyer plan...and poke fun at Anthony since he's not here.

That's not Nice | Modhop #26

Rocking my sick voice, I tell you about my experience signing up for Clear and when I think it's a great deal. Plus, we found a great way to use your Amex airline reimbursement perk(that is, if you chose the right airline) via @monkeymiles blog. We also chat about the final air-related events leading up to the end of the US government shutdown.  Then, I drone on about my trip to Florida with a great booze/coffee recommendation and a beach tip.

Jake Gets Clear and Sick in Florida | Modhop 41

Laura Stylez is back to talk about her visit to Mexico City. The main event was all she had hoped for in Frida Kahlo's Blue House (La Casa Azul). Hear how she booked her way into the museum and the unexpected vibes that came from the experience. She also tells us great tales of a creepy stop along the canals of Xochimico and what NOT to wear to the strip club.

In travel news, WestJet now flies over the Canadian border wall to 2 new US destinations, British Airways is getting shiny new planes and say your final "goodbye" to the old Virgin America entertainment system and "hello" to a seatback as we dig into Alaska Airlines new interiors.

Frida's House, Shakedowns and Creepy Dolls: Laura Stylez in Mexico City

Jake is back from Switzerland and very tired. He does his very best to stay awake and tell you about getting to and visiting Lausanne and hopping up to Paris. Meanwhile, Anthony asks YOU for advice on planning for Italy.

Jetlag Jake on Switzerland and More Italy Planning

If plans have you flying to or from Hong Kong, recent protests at the airport mean you’ll need extra time and a map. We touch on recent events there and talk about Southwest’s newest flights to and around Hawaii. Plus, find out why my kids are singing the Canadian national anthem. Listen now!

Navigating HKG + Getting to More Hawaii

After the guys talk about their favorite grocery delivery services and Jake finishes rambling about last week's sermon at church, we get to the good stuff... Mobile passport is enjoying it's rise while some of it's users get shuffled through customs faster. Plus, a Frontier Airlines reservation scare and more. Listen:

Lentil Stew & The Rise Of Mobile Passport

We're both recovering nicely from the SiriusXM Pandora holiday party the night before. Listen as we sleepily slur news on American's new menu partnership, Delta's new anti-upgrade and an IHG hotel booking trick we learned from a Boarding Area partner...

AA's New Menu, IHG's Hack & The Holiday Party Aftermath

Jake and Anthony chat about flight cancellations, the extended Lunar New Year and we  dig into new rules for "emotional support" animals on planes. Plus, Black Tomato's Tom Marchant stops by to talk about elevating your travel in 2020 and beyond.

Pets On Planes & Next-Level Travel With Black Tomato's Tom Marchant

Jake and Anthony talk alternatives for NY flyers now that Global Entry is suspended by the feds. Plus we're excited about a possible Delta One business class lounge and curious as to why neither of us has flown on Southwest Airlines. Also, Anthony buys BTS tickets.

Mobile Passport To The Rescue In NY?

Southwest leads the news with an unfortunately needed pre-flight announcement addition. Plus we share speculation about potential pitfalls in Alaska Airline's entry into oneworld alliance and debate the pros of solo travel. Also, I think Anthony is sick.

Alliance Baked Alaska & Why To Travel Solo.

The guys talk about old photos before diving into this week's  travel headlines. Airlines get new guidance on cleaning planes in wake of Covid 19 fears while AirBnB now recognizes "extenuating circumstances" in it's change and cancellation policy. Good deals are found in Delta SkyMiles deals and why it's better to call to make hotel reservations. Plus, Will Anthony's Dad make it back home?

New Fears = Old-Timey Fares & Flexibility

We're working on our connection but are getting some old AM Stereo-style static, so apologies for the fuzz. If you can handle that part, we get caught up on how each of us order groceries and how often we're going outside during the Covid 19 crisis. Plus, we talk about the Chase Sapphire Reserve $100 statement credit for existing members and Spirit Airlines sudden cancellation of flights to/from the New York metro. Listen here...

The Guys Catch Up In AM Quality...And Get $100 Back.

Jake and Anthony dial in from their lock-down spots to talk about airlines extending elite status, the struggle to get groceries and what travel might look like in after-times. While Jake continues to build his emergency basement doomsday studio, his 800 square foot “home studio” brings the noise (dishes, kids playing) but we do our best to make a podcast out of it. Listen:

Dishes & Screaming Kids Podcast

Jake sets a record for getting off course talking about his new phone, why he’ll never fly a plane and his drug-dealing high school math teacher. Somewhere in the mix are our chats about the stellar IHG (Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Kimpton) credit card sign-up bonus and tearful goodbyes from furloughed airline employees. The podcast is here, listen!









News Segment Transcript


-Chase keeps throwing up credit card deals so it might be time to check your 5/24 again. The bank just posted new offers for the IHG base and premiere cards. The no-fee card signup bonus is up to 100 thousand points (normally, it’s 75 thousand) with a 2 thousand dollar spend in 3 months. The step-up PREMIERE card bonus is up to 140 thousand points for a THREE thousand dollar spend in the same time frame. On top of that, the premier card gets it’s $89 annual fee waived for the first year and comes with a free night after your first year.

Just stop it Chase. I’m already in on the Freedom Flex so I’ll skip this one for now but it’s a great bonus if you’re working your way back into business travel and the like. Our pals at Renees Points do the full reporting, check the link at our podcast page.

-Did you see??? …the tearful goodbye of that American Airlines flight attendant on Facebook?

She’s Breaunna Ross and with the help of her also-furloughed crew-mate on camera duty, gave a tear-jerking welcome announcement upon arrival at Dallas-Ft. Worth. Along with the typical “welcome to dallas” announcement came a thanks to her employer, passengers and all those she’s had the privledge to work alongside in her abliet short few years at American. Her situation similar to 19,000 other furloughed at American and as much as 40, 000 industry-wide. Airlines, Hotels and others are hoping for another round of emergency funds from the government.

 

-Our pals at Boarding Area partner site One mile at a Time did a great but sad piece today on the current state of airline loyalty programs. Airlines have been leaning on these programs in the times of Covid and may do more of it when things get back to some sort of normal. Ben explains how “investors could soon trade frequent flyer miles” saying that it’s hard not to see further devaluations long term for frequent flyers.

I’m sorry if that’s more of a tease than a story, but I’m not good at explaining value propositions in detail. I just sort of see where it’s going…SO.. I’ll give you the link to the nice work at Ben’s site.

Jake Passes on IHG While Anthony Gets Le LIT!

Jake shares an embarrassing moment of lost patience before diving into news about the new Flagship Centurion lounge at JFK, an app that proves you're healthy and an airline that's hangin' in there. Plus, we talk about where we'd want to live in Asia on the arrival of some sort of normal. Dig in and listen now...

JFK’s new Lounge, Japan & an App That Proves You’re Healthy.

We skip the whole news portion to talk with Jake’s longtime radio friend and co-founder of Emotional Support Threads Deena Lang about a whole Thanksgivning-style cornucopia of topics. From cleaning your AirBnB during covid times to travelling outside your political bubble, we cover lots of ground. Strap in for family travel tips and a few laughs. Listen now…

Suitcase of Clean. Our Chat With Deena Lang.

Building on the opportunities he's had traveling with and contributing to the blogs of travelling foodie Mark Weins (Migrationology, Eating Thai Food), Joel Bruner is charting his own YouTube course. After hitting some travel headlines, we talk with Joel in part one of our interview about the journey so far and how he's handling his growing popularity online.

Joel Bruner Seizes Opportunities And Starts A New Journey In Thailand

It's our last pod before Christmas! Jake talks about how he used his few minutes with Alicia Keys via a company (SiriusXM/Pandora) sponsored Zoom meet & greet to confirm details of something he saw at the JFK Concorde Room in 2014 (at the start of "#mileburn2014"). Plus we dig up a quick tip on "secret" Chase Ultimate Rewards partners, find out we're not CNN's fave podcast AND finish our interview with our YouTube pal Joel Bruner. Listen now.

Alicia Keys In The Concorde Lounge & Part II With Joel Bruner

DIY travel arrangements can be tough. Each week  join experienced travel blogger, plane enthusiast and awkward party host Jake Redman as he and his travel-addicted co-host Anthony Ryan navigate modern travel from the best plane seats to the worst hotel rooms. We dig up the latest options in travel to help make you a better travel-planner.

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