✈️ Credit Card Dispute Lands Couple in Mexican Prison, 100% Bilt Bonus, & Southwest's Boarding Overhaul

Welcome to Miles & Points Daily Podcast! I'm your host Lucas, and today we've got some fascinating stories from the miles and points world. From a shocking credit card dispute gone wrong to amazing transfer bonuses and even news about Southwest's boarding changes - we've got it all covered today. So buckle up your seatbelts, because this episode is ready for takeoff! First up, we have a truly alarming story coming from Mexico that serves as a warning to all travelers. A Michigan couple is currently being held in a maximum-security prison in Mexico following a credit card dispute with a timeshare company. According to View from the Wing, when the couple arrived in Cancun for spring break on March 4th, they were immediately detained at customs when their passports were flagged for outstanding criminal fraud charges. Here's what happened: The couple had a payment dispute with a timeshare and American Express sided with them, allowing them to dispute a 116 thousand dollar charge. Now, the timeshare company is demanding 250 thousand dollars for their release. This case highlights the potential dangers of credit card disputes when dealing with international businesses, especially in countries where commercial disputes can sometimes lead to criminal charges. If you're ever in a situation with a large charge dispute abroad, consider consulting with legal counsel about potential ramifications before proceeding. In more positive news, today is the last call for an exceptional Southwest Airlines credit card offer through Chase. This limited-time promotion gives you both points and a Southwest Companion Pass, which allows a designated friend or spouse to travel with you for free (plus government taxes) whenever you fly Southwest - whether on a paid ticket or award travel. This offer expires on April 1st at 7am Eastern Time, so if you've been considering it, now's the time to apply. The Companion Pass is one of the most valuable travel perks available, essentially allowing you to get two-for-one on all your Southwest flights. Speaking of flying standby, an unfortunate policy at American Airlines has come to light. A passenger named Jennifer Hughes recently found herself unable to standby for an earlier flight despite the plane having 13 empty seats. According to View from the Wing, the gate agents told her they 'didn't have time to help,' but the truth is more concerning - they aren't allowed to help. American Airlines has apparently implemented a policy forbidding agents from assisting with standby requests in certain situations. This serves as a reminder to check airline policies before counting on same-day changes or standby options for your flights. Great news for Bilt Rewards members! For April's Rent Day, Bilt is offering an impressive transfer bonus of up to 100% to British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus Avios. This is particularly exciting because Iberia business class between the United States and Europe starts at just 34,000 Avios one-way, meaning you could potentially book business class across the Atlantic for as little as 17,000 Bilt points. This represents an exceptional value for transatlantic premium cabin travel. If you have Bilt points and have been considering a trip to Europe, April 1st is the day to make that transfer. In other airline news, Southwest Airlines is making major changes to its iconic boarding process. According to One Mile at a Time, Southwest plans to move away from its famous 'cattle call' boarding and implement nine different boarding groups. This is part of Southwest's broader strategy to improve profitability, which initially included introducing assigned and extra legroom seating. This represents a significant shift for an airline that has long differentiated itself with its unique boarding process and open seating policy. We're also seeing some concerning travel trends between the United States and Canada. One Mile at a Time reports that airline demand between the two countries has collapsed, down more than 70%. This appears to be part of a broader softening of demand for travel to the United States for various reasons, but the situation with Canada is particularly dramatic. If you're planning cross-border travel, you might find different pricing dynamics and potentially fewer flight options than in previous years. In hotel news, Hilton has announced plans for the first Waldorf Astoria in Texas. The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country is set to open in 2027 with 60 hotel rooms and suites, plus 87 Waldorf Astoria Residences. This wine-centric property will be located in the Texas Hill Country region, bringing Hilton's flagship luxury brand to what might seem like a surprising location compared to its recent developments in major global cities. And for those interested in ultra-luxury mountain experiences, One&Only is opening its first US resort called Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, this November. This marks the brand's first alpine resort and will feature both an alpine lake beach and direct ski access. Reservations are now open for what promises to be among the best ski resorts in the United States. Looking for the best award flights? Use AwardTravelFinder.com to search availability across Qatar Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and more. Try it for free with our link in the shownotes. That wraps up today's Miles & Points Daily Podcast. Thank you so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe on all major podcast platforms or visit milesandpointsdaily.com for more content. Remember, the world of miles and points is constantly changing, so stay informed and keep earning those rewards! I'll be back tomorrow with more miles and points news. Safe travels, everyone!