We Have Landed: Meet the TPG UK Team
The Points Guy UK has officially landed. The London-based team is going to bring UK residents the best points and miles advice so they can maximize their travel. And to do that, they've assembled a team of passionate experts. You can follow the team on Instagram to stay up-to-date on all things TPG UK. And, before you do that, here's a look at each team member who's going to be on this adventure.
Ben Smithson — Senior Writer
Originally from Australia, Ben has been living in London for the past three years, and is completing his mission to visit every country in Europe. Ben joins TPG UK as a full-time Senior Miles & Points Writer, after working as a freelance writer for One Mile At A Time.
Favourite aircraft: Airbus A380
Window or aisle? Window, always
Favourite destination: Hong Kong
Most memorable flight: Qatar Airways Qsuite from Doha to London
Christian Kramer — General Manager
Christian leads the London-based TPG team, and was one of the original TPG UK hires. After a 16-year career, Christian left the banking world, allowing his inner AvGeek to come through.
Favourite aircraft: Queen of the Skies (Boeing 747)
Window or aisle? Window
Favourite destination: San Francisco
Most memorable flight: Thai first class when I was the only passenger in the cabin.
Dan Ross — Content Producer
Daniel's passion for all things aviation started as a kid, going on day trips with his dad and younger brother to Newcastle Airport to simply watch the planes. He later turned his passion for aviation and travel into a career by getting a Masters in Air Transport Management at Loughborough University. Fluent in French, Portuguese and Spanish, he's lived all over the world, in spots like Annecy, São Paulo and Barcelona. As a Content Producer for TPG UK, he cannot wait to get the UK excited about points, miles and all things planes.
Favourite aircraft: Airbus A380
Window or aisle? Window — always
Favourite destination: Rio de Janeiro
Most memorable flight: When a Brazilian woman told me that I must have been Brazilian in a past life because I have a Brazilian soul.
Emily McNutt — Global News Editor
As TPG's Global News Editor, Emily is responsible for coordinating news efforts between the US and UK offices. Got a tip? Share it: emily@thepointsguy.com
Favourite aircraft: Airbus A380
Window or aisle? Window
Favourite destination: Cape Town
Most memorable flight: Emirates first class — even if only for 49 minutes.
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Jean Arnas — Head of Video
Jean creates and directs all the video content for TPG UK. Jean has taken his camera to over 80 countries in the past 10 years, developing a unique and heavily AvGeek-inspired approach to video storytelling.
Favourite aircraft: Boeing 747 — upper deck please
Window or aisle? Window, always!
Favourite destination: Bangkok
Most memorable flight: Flying my boyfriend to São Paulo and back for his first time in Brazil. The return in a fancy flat bed with BA Club World was £27, a few Avios and an upgrade voucher.
Kathleen Porter Kristiansen — Family Writer
Kathleen writes the family content for TPG UK. She’s a mum of two and dual-national Brit/American who lives in London. She earned over a million miles travelling as a City solicitor and maximised both her maternity leaves traveling the world with her family.
Favourite aircraft: British Airways Boeing 787
Window or aisle? Aisle (kids take the window)
Favourite destination: Vietnam
Most memorable flight: First overseas at 19 — Boston to Brussels on Sabena (RIP)
Liam Spencer — Social Media Editor
Liam's initial eagerness to travel stemmed from watching a young Leo DiCaprio explore a remote tropical paradise in Danny Boyle's The Beach back in 2013. He was en route to a university open day at the time, and while the course wasn't right for him, he did make it to Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay four years later. In between all that, Liam dived into the world of sports journalism before joining News UK brand Dream Team FC as Social Media Manager. There, he was responsible for growing and engaging an audience of over 3.5 million passionate sports fans.
Favourite aircraft: Boeing 747-400
Window or aisle? Aisle
Favourite destination: Los Angeles
Most memorable flight: Scenic tour of Fraser Island in a GA-8 Airvan
Lori Zaino — Senior Writer
Lori’s eclectic travel tastes and sense of adventure have taken her to almost 50 countries over six continents, some of her favorites being Cuba, (Southern) Italy, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Senegal. She left her job in New York City working in fashion for a more nomadic lifestyle, moving to Madrid, Spain in 2008. Lori is bilingual in Spanish and English, and writes all sorts of useful and fun lifestyle, points and travel content. Her travel advice is to hang with the locals and always politely ask for an upgrade.
Favourite aircraft: Airbus A380 — it's large and in charge
Window or aisle? Aisle — I'm restless
Favourite destination: It's hard to pick just one! Trinidad, Cuba is one of the most colourful and vibrant places I've ever visited. Borneo was a true wildlife adventure. And Sicily for the food, wine and local culture.
Most memorable flight: Emirates first class on the A380. When will I ever get a chance to shower at 30,000 feet again?! Back on Ryanair now...
Nicky Kelvin — Director of Content
Nicky is the Director of Content for and face of TPG UK, and oversees the creation of UK focused content. Nicky spent years as a record label lawyer and avid traveler sharing his miles and points tips under the guise 'Miles Mogul'.
Favourite aircraft: Boeing 74-
Window or aisle? Window always!
Favourite destination: Tel Aviv
Most memorable flight: After having had all my belongings stolen and bumped off two flights, I finally got on an evening BA departure from Tel Aviv to London and got upgraded from economy to experience my first time in first class!
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.