About Chris Dong
Chris is an obsessive traveler with an eye for luxury hotels and local, authentic experiences. He loves sleeping in opulent five-star suites (in the air or on the ground!) just as much as he enjoys eating at hole-in-the-wall noodle joints.
As a freelance travel writer and editor, he focuses on timely travel trends, points and miles, hot new hotels, and all things that go (he’s a proud aviation geek and transit nerd). Ultimately, he believes luxury travel, local experiences and loyalty programs can all go together.
Formerly full-time at The Points Guy, his work can now be found at AFAR, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, Insider, and Lonely Planet, among others. When he’s not traveling, Chris calls Los Angeles home after nearly ten years of living in New York City.
You can follow Chris on Instagram and Twitter.
Countries Visited: 52
U.S. States Visited: 34
Highest Hotel Status: World of Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
Highest Airline Status: American Airlines Platinum Pro
Favorite Airline Alliance: Oneworld
Favorite First Class: Cathay Pacific First Class
Favorite Business Class: Qatar Qsuite
Best Redemption Value: ANA First Class, Cathay Pacific First Class, Japan Airlines First Class.
Favorite Type of Points: Amex Membership Rewards and Bilt Rewards
Top 3 Cards in Wallet: American Express® Gold Card, Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Countries Visited
U.S. States Visited
World of Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Honors Diamond
American Airlines Platinum Pro
Oneworld
Cathay Pacific First Class
Qatar Qsuite
ANA First Class, Cathay Pacific First Class, Japan Airlines First Class.
Amex Membership Rewards and Bilt Rewards
Chris's Latest Articles
See More ArticlesBeond, a Luxury Airline Startup, Will Begin Service to the Maldives in November
First announced in late 2022, the all-business-class startup airline, Beond, has revealed more of its operational plans, including its official launch in November 2023. The airline’s initial services will fly passengers between the Maldives and Munich, Riyadh, and Zurich. Here’s…
Get 25% More Points When You Transfer Amex Points to JetBlue
Thanks to its incredible flexibility, Amex Membership Rewards is one of the most valuable travel rewards programs around. It boasts well over a dozen airline transfer partners. And now, there’s a 25% transfer bonus to one of its partners, JetBlue…
IHG To Open 2 New Properties in Budapest, Including Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express
IHG plans to unveil 2 properties in Hungary, which will also mark the debut of the Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express brands in the country. Signed at the real estate trade fair EXPO Real 2023, Hotel Indigo Budapest Andrassy…
United Unveils New Sleep-Focused Polaris Amenities
United is revamping its suite of onboard amenities — but don’t worry, the airline’s renowned Saks Fifth Avenue bedding isn’t going anywhere. In addition to the existing partnership with Saks, United is partnering with Therabody for the first time —…
IHG To Expand in Indonesia With Rumah Luwih Bali, a Vignette Collection Property
IHG is planning to unveil its ninth property in Bali, and at the same time will debut its Vignette Collection brand in Indonesia. The 74-key boutique hotel will join the IHG system later this year as the company is set to…
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Pushes Ahead With Plan To Cap Flights in 2024
There’s a planned flight cap coming to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) in 2024. The Dutch government — and the airlines that fly in and of AMS — have been embroiled in a years-long battle, and authorities plan to press forward…
Hyatt Is Launching a Vacation Rental Brand: “Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt”
Hyatt is coming for the vacation rental market. Its new offering, called “Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt,” will be launching in the coming weeks — and you can earn and redeem World of Hyatt points on stays. Here’s…
Chicago Midway Will Get Its First-Ever Airport Lounge in 2024
Chicago’s original hometown airport is getting a lounge. For the first time in its 95-year history, Midway International Airport (MDW) will offer a lounge to travelers starting in 2024. Here’s what you need to know. The Club MDW To Open…
United To Launch Industry-First Travel Tool For Wheelchair Users
United is unveiling new initiatives intended to make the travel experience easier for passengers who rely on a wheelchair. Here’s what you should about United’s plans, including an industry-first tool on the airline’s website. United’s New Digital Flight Filter A…
Marriott Unveils Newest Midscale Brand, Four Points Express by Sheraton
Marriott is launching a new brand under its wide umbrella of hotels. Four Points Express by Sheraton is the company’s latest endeavor, and the upcoming brand will cater to guests looking for affordable stays in hotspots around the globe. Here’s…
Four Seasons Yachts To Launch in 2025 [More Details]
Starting in late 2025, luxury travelers have a new option for setting sail with Four Seasons, the chain known around the world for its high-end properties and sublime service culture. The ultra-luxury hotel brand diving head-first into the cruising business…
Match Your Airline Status to LATAM With This Promotion
For travelers who frequent South America, there’s a potentially lucrative status match promotion with LATAM, the continent’s largest airline. The match opportunity is open to frequent flyers of dozens of airline programs around the world. Here’s what you should know…
Match Your Delta Status to Alaska Airlines With This Lucrative Offer
Alaska Airlines is out with a lucrative promotion for Delta Air Lines frequent flyers, requiring little to no effort. The offer is a direct rebuke of Delta’s announcement on September 13, 2023, that detailed how it would make it much…
Condor To Launch Flights Between San Antonio and Frankfurt Next Spring
German leisure carrier Condor just unveiled its newest U.S. destination — and it’s not a city many travelers may have had on their radar. Starting in May 2024, Condor will fly nonstop between Frankfurt (FRA) and San Antonio, Texas (SAT)….
IHG’s Avid Hotels Opens Its First New York City Location
There’s another IHG option for those traveling to New York City. However, instead of a central Manhattan location, this new IHG property is in the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. It’s also the first avid Hotel — an IHG brand…
Live: Earn Up to 3x Hilton Points Through the End of 2023 With Latest Promo
As hotel chains try to compete for your business, many brands are offering promotions and challenges this fall and winter to encourage you to become loyal. That’s especially the case now as the summer travel season begins to wind down….
[Expired] [Deal Alert] Norse Atlantic Flights to Europe From $99 One-Way
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. Norse Atlantic Airways, the low-cost start-up airline headquartered in Norway, has launched its fall promotion where you can get tickets from the U.S. to Europe starting at just $99…
Marriott Debuts Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara in Japan
Marriott is growing its luxury portfolio in Asia with the latest opening, Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara in Japan. This hotel set on lush grounds in the historic city of Nara is now open to guests — and you…
IHG Opens Convent Square Lisbon, a Vignette Collection Property
There’s another IHG option in Portugal’s capital city. The 121-room boutique-like hotel in Lisbon marks the second Vignette Collection property to open in Europe and the sixth worldwide, with IHG set to expand this lifestyle portfolio to 100 properties within…
[Expired] Deal Alert: Fly Delta to London for 40,000 SkyMiles Round-Trip
Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available. As the peak summer travel season winds down, fall and winter travel deals start to come out of the woodwork. As first reported by Frequent Miler, Delta has an…
Earn 3X Points at Hyatt Vacation Club Properties With Latest Promo
Hyatt’s portfolio of apartment-style timeshare hotels, formerly known as Hyatt Residence Club, is getting a rebrand. Now known as Hyatt Vacation Club, guests can earn 3x points on stays for a limited time. Here’s what you need to know about…
Find out about other members of the team
Amar Hussain
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.
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.
He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew formerly worked for The Points Guy and is now Senior Money Editor at CNN Underscored.
Ashley Onadele
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.
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.
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.
It wasn’t until Brian relocated to Dallas, TX, and moved in with an American Airlines employee that he truly discovered how incredible travel could be.
Carissa Rawson
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.
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.
As a frequent traveler, frequent flyer miles have played a large role in planning her trips. Caroline has enjoyed discovering the ins and outs of how to maximize different types of miles, hotel points, and transferable points currencies.
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.
His earliest memory of visiting a flight deck was aged 8 and it was from then on that he was determined to become an airline pilot.
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.
Based in Abu Dhabi, the London City University graduate is regularly seen on Instagram, travelling over 100K miles each year in First and Business Class while holding down a regular job.
Chris Hassan
Social Media & Marketing 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.
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.
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.
Daniel Ross
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.
David Slotnick
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.
David is currently Senior Aviation Business Reporter and a photographer at The Points Guy.
Erin Miller
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.
Greg Stone
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.
James Larounis
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.
Jarrod West
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.
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.
Jessica Merritt
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.
Juan Ruiz
Compliance Editor & Content Contributor
Juan has been involved in credit cards, loyalty, travel, and personal finance for more than 10 years. He has worked for several outlets including The Points Guy and Forbes and was previously Editor-in-Chief at Money Under 30.
Katie Seemann
Senior Content Contributor
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 and Forbes Advisor.
Kellie Jez
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.
Keri Stooksbury
Editor-in-Chief
With years of experience in corporate marketing and with a nonprofit, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and reviewing thousands of UP articles in the process.
Lindsey Olander
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.
Lori Zaino
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.
Lukas Picton
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.
Coupled with his passion for photography, Lukas is constantly seeking out new places to visit, and ways to get that elusive ‘perfect shot’ whilst on his adventures and as a result is ranked in the top 2% of global travelers by App in the Air.
Michael McHugh
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.
Michael first caught wind of the points and miles game in 2014 while at a bar in Washington, DC where the conversation amongst friends was quickly derailed because of an alert on a friend’s phone about a mistake fare. That’s where the love affair with points and miles began.
Michael Y. Park
Editor
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.
Nick Ellis
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.
Ryan Smith
Content Contributor
Ryan has been on a quest to visit every country in the world and plans to hit his final country in 2023. 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.
Spencer Howard
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.
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). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.
Stella Shon
Compliance Editor & Content Contributor
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.
Stephen Au
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.
Susan Wright
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.
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.
Victoria M. Walker
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 “Travel With Vikkie” newsletter.
UP's Bonus Valuation
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.