Keri Stooksbury
Editor-in-Chief
49 Published Articles , 3429 Edited Articles
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Keri was born and raised in Atlanta and first traveled abroad to England on a fellowship while earning her B.S. in Marketing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She now makes Doha, Qatar, her home.
As an expat for over 7 years, Keri has lived in Qatar (2 times, 10 years apart) and Singapore. She has enjoyed amazing travel and adventure opportunities across the globe and has traveled to 50 countries. Her favorite travel destinations include Jordan, the Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand, and Türkiye. Highlights of her 2024 travel include Sri Lanka, Kenya, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Greece.
Previously the assistant editor of a Houston-centric website, Keri spent her early career in corporate marketing for Domino’s Pizza and was also the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar.
Editing with Upgraded Points for over 5 years, as editor-in-chief, Keri manages the editorial calendar and oversees the efforts of the editing team and over 20 content contributors, reviewing thousands of articles in the process.
With over 20 years of personal experience utilizing points and miles earned from flights, hotel stays, credit card spending, promotional bonus opportunities, and sign-up bonuses, Keri has been able to maximize airline and hotel award redemptions for her family of 5.
Sam’s Club has a new gift card sale that should grab the attention of Southwest flyers. For a limited time, members can save over $70 on Southwest eGift Card purchases. $70+ Off a Southwest eGift Card Sam’s Club members will…
For a limited time, Capital One Shopping users can share a referral link for $40 in rewards, and those new to the site can sign up to receive $40 in rewards! This is a fantastic offer to take advantage of…
Terminal A of Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, opened in late 2023 and only has 1 Priority Pass lounge, Pearl Lounge. As my family was transiting through AUH in economy class with no status, we…
My kids and I have spent the last 3 summers bouncing around Asia. When it came to planning our 2024 adventures, I hoped to celebrate their summer birthdays by finishing our travels in Osaka, Japan, and visiting Universal Studios Japan….
Airline: Etihad Airways (EY)Aircraft: Boeing B787-9Flight #: EY0815Route: Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Zayed International Airport (AUH)Date: August 9, 2024Duration: 11 hours, 15 minutesCabin and Layout: Economy class, 3-3-3Seat: 22DCost: 33,500 Flying Blue miles + $156.35 in fees (including an onward flight from Abu Dhabi to Doha) I…
With a mid-afternoon departure from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea, my kids and I aimed to grab lunch at a lounge before our flight to Osaka, Japan. We didn’t anticipate the lengthy queue at immigration and security,…
While traveling in Seoul, South Korea, I could not resist the lure of being a $100 flight away from Osaka, Japan, and its well-connected neighbor, Kyoto. After booking my family’s air travel, my social feeds were quickly overwhelmed with videos…
With up to 4x earnings, annual statement credits, and travel and shopping protections and benefits, the American Express® Business Gold Card is one of our favorite business cards. If you weren’t targeted for the massive 200,000-point welcome bonus offer we…
Just a day after Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) left Star Alliance to join SkyTeam, a special status match offer has been extended to SAS EuroBonus elite members. Elites can now match their status to 1 of 13 Star Alliance airlines by…
When I entered the world of points and miles, I quickly learned I could accumulate rewards faster through applying for credit card welcome bonus offers. For the last 5 years, this has meant acquiring a steady stream of new cards….
My family of 5 consistently reaps the benefits of my Priority Pass membership, which are clutch when we travel on an economy fare without traditional lounge access. On a recent trip, I knew we would have our pick of Priority…
Traveling with 3 kids is always a feat of strength, particularly when trying to find accommodations. While I typically prefer an Airbnb for extended vacations, the search results for Hong Kong didn’t seem to be a good fit for my…
I’ve traveled through Phuket International Airport (HKT) several times from both the international and domestic terminals. On my latest departure in July 2024, I aimed to try a Priority Pass lounge in the international terminal that I had never visited…
My family and I departed Doha, Qatar, at the end of the Eid al-Adha public holiday, a busy travel week in the Persian Gulf. We quickly checked our bag, received our boarding passes, and made our way through immigration and…
If you’ve hesitated to jump on the Apple AirTag train, now’s your chance to protect your luggage (or keys, pets, children, drone, or bike) from getting lost with a fantastic deal on Apple AirTags at Amazon. Let’s review the available…
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Qatar Airways is offering up to 12% off select economy and business class fares when you book by the end of the day on July 5. Here’s all you…
Etihad is offering American Express cardholders the opportunity to save up to 10% on the cash price of select flights in first, business, and economy class. Flights connecting in Abu Dhabi (vs. ending there) carry the highest discount, opening travelers…
Citi has debuted its newest ThankYou Rewards card, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, which is now open for applications. Let’s learn more about the new Citi Strata Premier card and see if it deserves a spot in your wallet. Citi…
I found myself lounge-hopping at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) ahead of my Qatar Airways flight to Doha, Qatar. After a smooth check-in and security experience, my friend and I ventured to the lounge closest to our flight, the Aspire Lounge. It…
As I wrapped an extended weekend girls’ trip to Nairobi, Kenya, I headed to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for my Qatar Airways flight to my home in Doha, Qatar. Check-in and security were a breeze, so my friend and I…
Everyone deserves a vacation from everyday life and responsibilities, and in many cases, this can mean a vacation from a spouse and kids. I’ve enjoyed several “mom-only” vacations, and this year’s adventure brought a friend and me to Nairobi, Kenya…
Senior Content Contributor
Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.
Former Content Contributor
Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.
Former Content Contributor
Brandon was born and raised in California and really didn’t travel much growing up, even outside of his own state. While attending college, he was constantly looking to find the cheapest fares to any destination abroad, and quickly learned about the motto- “Chase the fare, not the destination”. Luckily, his first international flight was to Costa Rica (under $300 roundtrip) where that “Pura Vida” lifestyle (and Imperials) hit him hard, and he knew he had to see more.
Content Contributor
Brett is a personal finance and travel junkie. Based out of Fort Lauderdale, he’s had over 100 credit cards and earned millions of credit card rewards. He learned the tricks of the trade from his mom, and has taken many steps forward. He wasn’t exposed to much travel as a kid, but now has a goal of reaching 100 countries in his life. In 2019, he sold all of his possessions to become a digital nomad, and he says it was one of the best decisions he ever made. He plans to do it again at some point in his life.
Former Content Contributor
Brian’s first ever airplane ride was in a private turbo-prop jet. He was merely an intern boy trying to make a good impression, but it turns out the plane made an impression on him.
Former Content Contributor
Caroline Lupini always enjoyed traveling, but it became her goal to do as much as possible after a 3-week trip around Europe in 2011. In March 2014, Caroline left her job and embarked on nearly full-time travels.
Former Content Contributor
Charlie is a Senior First Officer and has been an airline pilot for nearly 15 years. He currently flies long-haul on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner after 10 years buzzing around Europe on the A320. He got into travel and aviation from an early age, fortunate enough to be taken on some great family holidays.
Former Content Contributor
Cherag was born in a family associated with aviation and was hooked on to planes since the age of 3, the time he undertook his first flight on an Airbus A310 from Mumbai to Dubai.
Editor & Content Contributor
Chris is a freelance writer and editor with a focus on timely travel trends, points and miles, hot new hotels, and all things that go (he’s a proud aviation geek and transit nerd). Formerly full-time at The Points Guy, his work can now be found at AFAR, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, and Lonely Planet, among others
Social Media & Brand Manager
Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.
Senior Finance Contributor
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
Travel & Finance Content Contributor
After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.
Content Contributor
Realizing that it wasn’t all first class flights and 5-star hotels, Dan started the Points With a Crew blog in 2014, with the aim of helping families (especially large families) to use miles, points and credit card rewards to take that trip that they might have thought they couldn’t afford. He has spent over 10 years covering developments in the travel rewards credit card space. His expertise extends to all things personal finance, including student loans, budgeting and real estate, and his work has been featured in sites all over the Internet, including NerdWallet, Forbes, Business Insider, Rocket Mortgage, CreditCards.com, Bankrate, Turbotax, Credit Karma and Intuit Mint.
Former Content Contributor
Born and raised in New York, David still remembers his first flight when he was only four years old: a U.S. Airways trip from New York-La Guardia to Palm Beach, Florida. He formed his love of travel around that and other family vacations, including to England at age eight and Namibia when he was 13. During college, a four-country trip around Europe with a friend cemented his passion for seeing the world.
Content Contributor
An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.
Former Content Contributor
Greg got bitten by the travel bug at a young age while traveling with his Dad on business trips to Asia. He took over the family business in 2012 and uses it to maximize his loyalty points earning. His obsession with earning and burning loyalty rewards points allows him to travel over 100 days every year.
Senior Content Contributor
James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.
Former Content Contributor
Since discovering miles and points in 2010, Jeff has traveled to over 35 countries, flying in first class, business class, and sometimes even in coach. Whether he’s staying in a hostel dorm, or in a luxury suite at a 5 star hotel, Jeff is constantly looking for the best deal to make travel as close to free as possible.
Former Content Contributor
Julian Kheel first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. With over 15 years of professional experience studying travel loyalty programs, Julian has served as CNN’s Senior Editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the Editorial Director of The Points Guy, and has worked as a consultant for the Big 3 U.S. airlines.
Compliance Associate
From credit cards to high-yield savings accounts, debt management and avoidance, CDs, and insurance, Kathryn has or does edit it all, and more. Just don’t expect her to always be at home while working. All she needs is four things — her computer, phone, passport, and wallet — and she can get her work done from anywhere. She does pack clothes, of course, but they’re easily replaceable if anything goes amiss (and she has baggage insurance with two of her credit cards).
Director of Operations & Compliance
Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s compliance operation.
Former Content Contributor
Currently based in New York, Lindsey spent her childhood in Connecticut dreaming of far-off places. Her first flight was to Disney World at age 11. Her second flight was for a high school field trip to Italy, though travel as a career didn’t stick until she studied abroad in London during college and discovered the true power of her passport. Since then, she’s worked as a travel editor at Jetsetter and Travel + Leisure, where she reported on everything from African safaris to hot hotel openings to, yes, Disney World.
Former Content Contributor
Lukas escaped his hometown south of Sydney and moved to the big smoke immediately after high-school, but the bright lights of the city weren’t enough, and he soon set his sights on more exotic international destinations and has been in love with travel ever since.
Former Content Contributor
Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Michael took his first international trip in 2013 with friends to the Bahamas. Although he didn’t travel much in his younger years, on that trip, he caught the travel bug and has been hooked ever since.
Former Content Contributor
Senitra Horbrook is a frequent solo traveler who began using points and miles in 2012. Formerly credit cards editor at The Points Guy, Senitra has also contributed to Forbes Advisor, AwardWallet, Insider, among others.
Former Content Contributor
Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.
Former Senior Content Contributor
Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.
Former Finance Contributor
While writing about finance and insurance isn’t something that keeps most people awake at night, it is what Susan Wright has focused on for more than 25 years. As a financial copywriter, Susan has an eye for money-related details such as credit and savings, and she loves to pass along helpful information to consumers. Susan holds 11 financial industry designations (including CLU, ChFC, RHU, REBC, ADPA, CITRMS, CIPA) as well as several licenses.
Senior Content Contributor
Victoria holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications and is an award-winning journalist, travel reporter, and the founder of the “Carrying On with Victoria M. Walker” newsletter.
Senior Content Contributor
Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points Guy, and more.
Senior Content Contributor
Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.
Senior Content Contributor and News Editor
Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.
Editor & Content Contributor
Alberto joined UP in 2024 after serving as the international editor in chief of Forbes Advisor. His passion for points and miles began when he moved to the U.S. from Italy in 2000, leading him to become the first managing editor of The Points Guy in 2017. He previously worked at Vice News, Bloomberg, and CNN.
Originally from Milan, Alberto has lived in Rome and Atlanta and now resides in Brooklyn, New York. He speaks Italian, French, and Spanish, has traveled to every continent except Antarctica, and enjoys skiing, mountaineering, and flying—often with his wife, Regan, and always in a window seat.
Senior Editor & Content Contributor
Nick’s passion for points began as a hobby and became a career. He worked for over 5 years at The Points Guy and has contributed to Business Insider and CNN. He has 14 credit cards and continues to leverage the perks of each.
Senior Content Contributor
Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business Insider, Forbes, and more.
Content Contributor
Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.
News Managing Editor
Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.
Senior Editor & Content Contributor
A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.
Senior Features Editor
With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in The New York Times, USA Today, and more.
Senior Editor & Content Contributor
Juan has extensive experience in writing and editing content related to credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel. He has been honing his expertise in this field for over a decade. His work has been featured in various prestigious publications, such as USA Today, CNN Underscored, Forbes and The Points Guy. Juan is the visionary behind JetBetter, a premier award booking concierge service.
Content Contributor
Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.
Senior Content Contributor
Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.
Senior Editor & Content Contributor
Michael Y. Park is a journalist living in New York City. He’s traveled through Afghanistan disguised as a Hazara Shi’ite, slept with polar bears on the Canadian tundra, picnicked with the king and queen of Malaysia, tramped around organic farms in Cuba, ridden the world’s longest train through the Sahara, and choked down gasoline clams in North Korea.
Founder & CEO
Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.