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Spencer Howard

Former Content Contributor

55 Published Articles

About Spencer Howard

Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.

Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!

Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal).

Spencer has put that knowledge to use by booking some of the top premium cabin award flights in the sky. Fortunately for his friends, he helps them figure out how to travel too 😉

Spencer has been a guest speaker in multiple shows on YouTube touching on maximizing points – Geobreeze, Waller’s Wallet, Every Passport Stamp, and Miles Talk. In addition, Spencer has been on multiple podcasts such as Beyond The Lens podcast, Miles to Memories, and Saverocity Observation Deck where Spencer discussed airline cancellation policies, award trends, and more. He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.

Spencer graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in political science and now works in Washington, D.C.

When he’s not searching for fun award redemptions, you can find him playing softball on the National Mall, watching Notre Dame football, or enjoying a fine bourbon.

Countries Visited: 21
U.S. States Visited: 17
Favorite First Class: Garuda Indonesia
Favorite Business Class: KLM (787-9)
Best Redemption Value: Emirates First JFK-DXB-BKK-DXB-MXP-JFK
Favorite Type of Points: ThankYou Points
Top 3 Cards in Wallet: Bank of America Asiana, Chase Ink Business Plus, Citi Access More

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Spencer's Latest Articles

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8 Best Ways To Use 100k Chase Sapphire Preferred Bonus Points

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular credit cards on the market and has been for several years. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to both airline and hotel partners for award flights and hotel stays….

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Points.com: A Complete Guide to Buying Points & Miles

Once you realize the amazing trips you can take by redeeming miles and points for award flights and hotel stays, you inevitably are more aware of ways to acquire more. This often leads to wondering whether buying miles or points…

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22 Best Ways To Earn Lots of Southwest Rapid Rewards Points [2023]

Southwest Airlines is the world’s largest low-cost carrier, but it does not have any airline partners. This means the points you earn for its Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program are only redeemable on Southwest flights. So, how fast can you…

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23 Best Ways To Earn Lots of United MileagePlus Miles

United Airlines has one of the most popular frequent flyer programs in the U.S., and there are some great ways to earn United miles for award flights. In fact, the number of ways to earn miles with the United MileagePlus…

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28 Best Ways To Redeem Citi ThankYou Points for Max Value [2023]

Citi has an assembly of cards that earn Citi ThankYou Points, and one of the best ways to use these points is to transfer them to airline programs — that’s how you’re going to get the most value. Unfortunately, not…

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United Global Services: All The Benefits & Everything You Need To Know

Many people earn elite status with United Airlines every year. Some road warriors might even earn Premier 1K, the highest level of status available to most travelers. However, there is actually another level of elite status with United that tops…

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17 Best Ways To Redeem United MileagePlus Miles [for Max Value]

The United MileagePlus program has a couple of good things going for it: It doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges to award tickets, and you can use United miles to book award flights with its Star Alliance partners (the largest airline…

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19 Best Ways To Earn Lots of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles

Alaska Airlines began offering flights from Anchorage, Alaska in 1932. Today, the airline offers flights to over 115 destinations across U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica and is part of the Oneworld alliance and partnered with many other airlines operating…

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Best Chase United Credit Cards: Comparing the Benefits & Perks

Chase offers 6 co-branded cards with United Airlines: 4 personal cards and 2 business cards. When we talk about Chase cards, we often focus on how to earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points. However, there are several benefits that come with the…

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Best Ways To Book Etihad First Class Using Points [Step-by-Step]

When Etihad rolled out The Apartments, it took first class flying to the next level. Considered by many to be the best first class experience in the world, The Apartments defined luxury flying. However, in 2020, Etihad grounded the aircraft…

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Best Ways to Book Delta One Business Class Using Points [Step-By-Step]

Considered a leader among U.S. legacy carriers, Delta Air Lines has developed a wonderful premium cabin product in Delta One. Currently, you can fly Delta One to over 60 international destinations.  While Delta One it’s not a true first-class product…

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24 Best Ways To Redeem World of Hyatt Points for Maximum Value

While Hyatt doesn’t have as many properties as Marriott or IHG, it does have some amazing hotels and a competitive award chart. It is also expanding aggressively, and its portfolio is growing quicker than ever before. Like other hotel brands,…

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5 Best Ways To Redeem the Southwest Companion Pass With Rapid Rewards Points for Max Value

The Southwest Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program offers some outstanding redemptions for travel around the U.S. and international locations. While these redemptions are a good value on their own, you get the greatest value when redeemed with the Southwest Companion Pass. If…

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United Polaris – The Seat, Amenities, Routes, Lounges & Booking Options

United Airlines began rolling out its Polaris product in late 2016 when it outfitted business class cabins with new food and amenities and opened its first Polaris Lounge in Chicago. Since then, United has had repeated delays in expanding its…

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Airline Change and Cancellation Fees for Cash Tickets — And How To Avoid Them!

Changing or canceling flights is probably not your idea of a good time. Who wants to cancel a flight, especially if it’s taking you on vacation?! But when plans change, it’s key to know your options for updating flight plans….

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Chase Refer-A-Friend: Earn up to 200,000 Chase Points [Every Year!]

Long considered one of the most valuable and flexible points currencies, miles and points enthusiasts are always happy to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points. One reason the points are so valuable is that you’ll have flexible redemption options such as…

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Full List of 113 Synchrony Store Credit Cards [Includes the Best Cards]

While you might not hear of Synchrony as often as Chase, Citi, or American Express, they provide over 100 credit card options to consumers. Many of these cards are linked to popular brands including Amazon, eBay, and PayPal. Some of these…

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The 5 Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards: Comparing Benefits and Perks

Chase provides co-branded credit cards with Southwest Airlines: some for consumers and others for small businesses. While Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards get a ton of press, there is also some great value to be found in their Southwest Airline…

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Known Traveler Number: Here’s What You Need To Know [2023]

If you’re new to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you may be wondering what a Known Traveler Number (KTN) is, how it works, and why there’s a KTN box when booking flights, but there isn’t one for your TSA PreCheck…

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Redress Number: What Is It and Do I Need to Apply for One?

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both very popular programs that can help you breeze through airport security checkpoints. You might have even heard of Mobile Passport or CLEAR — but have you heard of a Redress Number? While a Redress Number won’t…

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What To Do If You Get an SSSS on Your Boarding Pass

One of the most frustrating parts of flying can be the time it takes to get through security screening at TSA checkpoints. First, you have to deal with long lines; then you have to take out laptops, take off jackets…

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Find out about other members of the team

Alex Miller

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.

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Andrew Kunesh

Former Content Contributor

Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.

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Brandon Brunner

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.

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Brian Graham

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.

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Carissa Rawson

Senior Content Contributor

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Caroline Lupini

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. 

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Charlie Page

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.

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Cherag Dubash

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.

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Chris Hassan

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.

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Christine Krzyszton

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.

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Christy Rodriguez

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.

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David Slotnick

Former Content Contributor

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Erin Miller

Content Contributor

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Greg Stone

Content Contributor

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James Larounis

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Jarrod West

Senior Content Contributor

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Jeff Brownson

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.

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Katie Seemann

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Kellie Jez

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Lindsey Olander

Former Content Contributor

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Lori Zaino

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Lukas Picton

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Jessica Merritt

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Nick Ellis

Editor & Content Contributor

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Victoria M. Walker

Senior Content Contributor

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Juan Ruiz

Compliance Editor & Content Contributor

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Ehsan Haque

Content Contributor

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