Elite Benefit Battle: Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep333 | 11-21-25

In today's Frequent Miler on the Air podcast, we'll look at United's cardholder discount, Hilton's Diamond Reserve status, and we'll rank the perks of hotel elite benefits from Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG.

Giant Mailbag

(01:13) - "I just spent the day in Nice and Monte Carlo and I have you to blame..."

Bonvoyed

(03:30) - United increases prices for close-in award bookings

Read more about United's increased prices for close-in award bookings here.

Awards, Points, and More

(06:08) - Bilt/Rakuten: Read more about earning Bilt points with Rakuten here.

(08:36) - Add your Passport to your Apple Wallet

(11:11) - Hilton Diamond Reserve

Read more about Hilton Diamond Reserve status here.

(19:57) - Read more about Greg's opinion about how Hilton's Diamond Reserve status disappoints here.

Main Event: Elite Benefit Battle: Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG

(23:52) - Free breakfast, lounge access, suite upgrade certificates, guaranteed late check-out: which program has the best benefits?

(24:20) - Primary shortcuts

(30:36) - Comparing Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott for free breakfast

(40:21) - Comparing Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott upgrade certificates

(50:43) - Comparing Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott lounge access

(58:05) - Comparing Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott, 4 PM Late check-out guaranteed

Question of the Week

(1:03:54) - Are there banks that let you refer to a lesser card if you have the more premium card?

Learn more about Amex multi-referrals here.

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Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder