The Lab
Real-world testing for travel, loyalty, and decision-making. Credit cards abroad. Lounge access edge cases. Booking mechanics. Loyalty systems under live conditions.
IHG
+6
Jun 8, 2026
•
6 min read
The Hidden Challenge of Legacy Credit Cards
What happens when a card is worth keeping but not worth using?
Hilton
+7
May 21, 2026
•
4 min read
Missing the Final FNC Swap by Hours
A Hilton Free Night Certificate had posted just hours before the Calala transfer, briefly keeping alive hopes of swapping out the remaining 240,000-point night.
Hilton
+5
May 7, 2026
•
3 min read
Testing Amex’s Lifetime Rule After Six Years: A Clean Surpass Datapoint
A real-world Hilton Surpass datapoint on Amex’s “once per lifetime” rule.
Hilton
+6
Apr 22, 2026
•
5 min read
Trying to Do It Again: Manufacturing Another FNC
Removing the final 240,000 Hilton points from a Calala booking by creating another Free Night Certificate, and the portfolio decisions required to do it
MGM
+5
Mar 21, 2026
•
2 min read
Does Cancelling a Comp Stay Affect MGM Offers?
A small test of booking intent vs. actual behavior
The Lab
+4
Mar 7, 2026
•
3 min read
Marriott Gift Cards at Hotels: A London Field Test
Trying to trigger a £75 Amex rebate without booking a stay
MGM
+5
Mar 1, 2026
•
3 min read
Will MGM Still Comp Me?
A light stay, a small trim, and what the model did next
MGM
+7
Feb 23, 2026
•
3 min read
Why Is MGM Comping Me?
How casino loyalty models price identity and captured spend.
Hilton
+7
Feb 19, 2026
•
4 min read
Calala Island: Committing to the Rebate
Free Night Certificates, 480,000 points, and the execution risk behind a $2,510 post-stay wire.
