I love credit cards so much!

[DisneyMandC]

A few weeks ago, I shared that my MIL was in the hospital. She passed away last night. She had been in declining health for some time, and has had numerous medical scares over the last few years, but she was the most uplifting and optimistic person despite all that. My wife spent over a week with her, and left her mother on the mend, in high spirits, and looking forward to us visiting again over the holidays. She began not feeling well again a few days ago, but it was touch and go. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), the end was very sudden. Sadly, we weren’t able to say our final goodbyes in person. My wife is on a flight home to Hawaii now, paid for entirely with points, so one less thing to worry about. My daughter and I will be flying to Hawaii in a few days once funeral arrangements are finalized. I wish I had picked up this hobby years ago, which would’ve meant a lot more trips to Hawaii for my wife to see her mom and my daughter to get to know the amazing woman who was her grandma. But my MIL wouldn’t want us to live with regrets, and she was always happy with what she had. Small solace that we don’t have to worry about the cost of flying to and from Hawaii now. Thank you all for your well wishes.

Wow. 8/18 was a terrible day.

So sorry, Lain. Thinking of you and your family and glad your wife was able to go see her recently.

 

[WVMomof3]

Did people get an email from Marriott about the travel certs or is it posted somewhere? I would be lost without this thread.

 

[AmyAnne]

I'm so sorry for those who got screwed over by Marriott.

I'll remember this as I'm taking Marriott for all the signup bonuses I can get before 8/26, stringing together a week of free stays somewhere with their FN certificates, then dumping them as I move our business and wallet back to Hilton next year.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your MIL. We've had a few emergency trips to see ailing family and I agree that's a a blessing to have the points to say, "Don't worry, I can cover the travel."

As for Marriott vs. Hilton, the only trip I have had planned far enough in advance to be able to accumulate enough hotel points was our trip to Chicago last year. I initially thought I would want Marriott and Starwood points, but that was before I realized that there was a Hilton hotel right where we wanted to be, so I switched to accumulating Hilton points. I will say that the customer service from Hilton was excellent when I needed to do something that their webite wouldn't let me do (change an arrival date without cancelling the whole reservation and rebooking). The CS person was super nice about fixing this for me, even though it apparently is not something their system is set up to do.

 

[calypso726]

I think the Diamond status you get from the Aspire definitely helps. I'm still sore over how stingy Marriott was with offering only Gold Elite status on the SPG Lux.

I think so too. I booked a pre paid non refundable one night stay for a Hilton at LHR next year. I realized about a week or so later that I booked the wrong month I called them up explained that I'm a bonehead that should wear glasses more often than not and drink sufficient amounts of coffee before attempting to function in any normal capacity. I dunno if they took mercy/pity on me, or if the Diamond status had anything to do with it but they were able to cancel and re-book my stay without any penalty.

I thought for sure they would have tried to compete with Hilton's Aspire card. Even with the new status changes I was surprised the new SPG Lux card wouldn't offer at least platinum.

I likely would not have considered keeping the lux card beyond the first year under normal circumstances. The discovery of weekend staycations and a specific Marriott property that fits the bill is the only reason we are planing to get and keep the card. Like I needed another AF Well I will be cancelling the Schwab in a few months so I suppose it will be a wash.

 

[Lain]

Disneyland peeps: this got buried in the Disneyland community board but FYI the new hotel is on indefinite hold. Apparently their tax subsidy was location dependent & the approved location was indeed the much rumored parking lot area. The council can pass a resolution or something to give Disney the subsidy at the new location so be aware of that but the current council has some pretty bad blood with Disney. Info: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-...html?outputType=amp&__twitter_impression=true

Yeah, I saw the story in my news feed the other day.

We have a stay planned at the Disneyland Hotel over Thanksgiving week, and had been dreading the construction and considered switching our reservation over to the Grand Californian (but all those extra points!). I'm cautiously optimistic that construction may still be on hold or haven't yet commenced come mid-November.

But I agree with the city councilwoman who said this is a political problem, not a legal one as the mayor is making it out to be. The council could just amend the original subsidy to change the location and description of the project. However, it seems there's been a change in the composition of the council that there aren't enough politicians in Disney's pockets to pass such a resolution. Disney could probably do some horse trading for the votes -- AMC Theaters, Earl of Sandwich, ESPN Zone, and Rainforest Cafe have all closed and Disney can't leave that much prime retail property vacant indefinitely -- but it doesn't look like Disney is ready to deal and is digging in their heels for maximum leverage.

 

[afan]

My 8/18 bad day in no way compares to Lain. Not really bad Marriott news for me. I only had enough points for a Cat1-5 Cert and I found a few places moving to Cat 1-4 that I would be happy with. So once available again, I'll attach. I didn't have final dates for next year so that is why I waited. Sorry to all who were not treated well.

My bad news is we pulled the plug on Glacier for this year. I'm sure none of you were following the fires as close as I was but it is not good. Fires in British Columbia which were blowing smoke over to Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff. Bad air quality. There are fires in Banff and just below Lake Louise. August 11, lightening started a fire in Glacier. Not contained yet and one of the park lodges was evacuated and closed for for the season. GTTSR is closed from the west side. We realized it was not going to be a pleasant trip and sadly decided to cancel. All refundable except the flight out to Spokane. Return flight is on SW so I can get a refund there. I did book my tickets on CIP so nothing to lose to see if trip cancellation insurance covers (severe weather which prevents a reasonable and prudent person from beginning a Covered Trip). Otherwise I'll be fine with the $200 loss, I'll take it out of one of the bank bonuses from this year. With Hawaii on tap for 2019, we'll probably plan for 2020 early to mid July.

Sucks you had to cancel, but as we've been getting smoke in the Seattle area from the various fires I don't blame you. I will say when looking to rebook, the earlier you can go the better. The fires really seem to flare up in late July and into August, so the earlier you can go in July the better you should be.

It's been a really dry summer and the rain the mountains and eastern WA has gotten seemed to include lighting more often than not. I imagine it's been that way elsewhere. Since May we've had less than an inch of rain and should have over 5 by now. I think the east coast has been getting all of our rain and causing their floods.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Did people get an email from Marriott about the travel certs or is it posted somewhere? I would be lost without this thread.

No, I saw it posted on Flyertalk right away by the lurkers. Then it quickly blew up! Someone on FT did post a link last night where it had been added to some sort of Marriott rewards forum on the marriott site or something more official like that. No emails that I am aware of...just forums...which is weird too.

 

[Gwmw1210]

A few weeks ago, I shared that my MIL was in the hospital. She passed away last night. She had been in declining health for some time, and has had numerous medical scares over the last few years, but she was the most uplifting and optimistic person despite all that. My wife spent over a week with her, and left her mother on the mend, in high spirits, and looking forward to us visiting again over the holidays. She began not feeling well again a few days ago, but it was touch and go. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), the end was very sudden. Sadly, we weren’t able to say our final goodbyes in person. My wife is on a flight home to Hawaii now, paid for entirely with points, so one less thing to worry about. My daughter and I will be flying to Hawaii in a few days once funeral arrangements are finalized. I wish I had picked up this hobby years ago, which would’ve meant a lot more trips to Hawaii for my wife to see her mom and my daughter to get to know the amazing woman who was her grandma. But my MIL wouldn’t want us to live with regrets, and she was always happy with what she had. Small solace that we don’t have to worry about the cost of flying to and from Hawaii now. Thank you all for your well wishes.

Wow. 8/18 was a terrible day.

Sending thoughts and prayers your way. So sorry for your family's loss.

 

[Haley R]

So your moved up statement date posted and the bonus points did not show up in your account? Bummer!

As far as I know we moved our statement date up and the points are still pending. We may end up going in June when it’s hotter but oh well.

 

[Alexle2007]

My 8/18 bad day in no way compares to Lain. Not really bad Marriott news for me. I only had enough points for a Cat1-5 Cert and I found a few places moving to Cat 1-4 that I would be happy with. So once available again, I'll attach. I didn't have final dates for next year so that is why I waited. Sorry to all who were not treated well.

My bad news is we pulled the plug on Glacier for this year. I'm sure none of you were following the fires as close as I was but it is not good. Fires in British Columbia which were blowing smoke over to Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff. Bad air quality. There are fires in Banff and just below Lake Louise. August 11, lightening started a fire in Glacier. Not contained yet and one of the park lodges was evacuated and closed for for the season. GTTSR is closed from the west side. We realized it was not going to be a pleasant trip and sadly decided to cancel. All refundable except the flight out to Spokane. Return flight is on SW so I can get a refund there. I did book my tickets on CIP so nothing to lose to see if trip cancellation insurance covers (severe weather which prevents a reasonable and prudent person from beginning a Covered Trip). Otherwise I'll be fine with the $200 loss, I'll take it out of one of the bank bonuses from this year. With Hawaii on tap for 2019, we'll probably plan for 2020 early to mid July.

Sorry you had to cancel your trip! I have friends who were just there last week and they had some beautiful pictures posted on FB. The water was just a mesmerizing blue.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Did people get an email from Marriott about the travel certs or is it posted somewhere? I would be lost without this thread.

I hold 1 unattached Travel Cert. Haven’t gotten any emails from Marriott about it.

 

[tink1970]

@Lain, echoing everyone else's thoughts. I am so sorry for your loss and keeping y'all in prayer.

 

[StephPlum]

Sorry you had to cancel your trip! I have friends who were just there last week and they had some beautiful pictures posted on FB. The water was just a mesmerizing blue.

Thanks. Based on what I see on the webcams, it is hit or miss. A few days this week it looked like it was clearing up. Then on Saturday when my daughter and I were planning, the webcams looked very smoky. Glad your friends got some good days.

Sucks you had to cancel, but as we've been getting smoke in the Seattle area from the various fires I don't blame you. I will say when looking to rebook, the earlier you can go the better. The fires really seem to flare up in late July and into August, so the earlier you can go in July the better you should be.

Right now, planning the first 2 weeks of July. You can never tell with Mother Nature but hopefully this is a higher probability of being fire-less. And gives me time to amass points. Maybe the Lake Louise Fairmont is possible.

Trying to make lemonade, I checked with my daughter who is my main travel partner. Gave her a choice of 1) Acadia NP in Maine, 2) NY City museums/Broadway, 3) Orlando - either Universal or Disney. She picked Acadia NP. I had looked for hotel openings before giving her choices. I never go anywhere spontaneous so planning in less than a week is terrifying for uber planner like me!

That will make one more NP off our bucket lists and 2 more states we haven't been to - Maine and NH (making a side trip to Mt Washington in the White Mountains). Off to complete all the reservations.

 

[StephPlum]

I hold 1 unattached Travel Cert. Haven’t gotten any emails from Marriott about it.

Sounds like their IT glitches started long before this weekend. Hit or miss on emails. I did get an email about a week ago telling me I had an unattached cert and needed to attach prior to 8/18 or I would have to wait until September to attach due to the blackout period. Since I wasn't sure of my dates, I didn't do anything.

 

[Limes96]

@Lain So sorry for your family’s loss. Prayers for safe travels for all and time with family providing some measure of comfort during this difficult time.

 

[kmc8826]

My 8/18 bad day in no way compares to Lain. Not really bad Marriott news for me. I only had enough points for a Cat1-5 Cert and I found a few places moving to Cat 1-4 that I would be happy with. So once available again, I'll attach. I didn't have final dates for next year so that is why I waited. Sorry to all who were not treated well.

My bad news is we pulled the plug on Glacier for this year. I'm sure none of you were following the fires as close as I was but it is not good. Fires in British Columbia which were blowing smoke over to Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff. Bad air quality. There are fires in Banff and just below Lake Louise. August 11, lightening started a fire in Glacier. Not contained yet and one of the park lodges was evacuated and closed for for the season. GTTSR is closed from the west side. We realized it was not going to be a pleasant trip and sadly decided to cancel. All refundable except the flight out to Spokane. Return flight is on SW so I can get a refund there. I did book my tickets on CIP so nothing to lose to see if trip cancellation insurance covers (severe weather which prevents a reasonable and prudent person from beginning a Covered Trip). Otherwise I'll be fine with the $200 loss, I'll take it out of one of the bank bonuses from this year. With Hawaii on tap for 2019, we'll probably plan for 2020 early to mid July.

I think cancelling your trip is a smart, if painful decision. Even in SLC this last month there has been horrible air quality (from all the fires in the West). I miss seeing the mountains out my backyard! Post and let us know if you are able to get reimbursed from the CIP travel insurance.

 

[GlamMistress]

Take a break? No way. I've got to plot to replenish our points. My wife still has her father and sister in Hawaii. Family is more important than ever, and seeing them more often has to become more of a priority.

You have a great attitude. Thinking of you during this time. And thanks for helping all of us.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

I noticed on my points advance ressies they seem to have upped the amount due to the new amounts, even though I booked prior to the change. They were speculative anyways, since I didn't know when/where to use my cert, and I doubt I'd be using the stays anyways. But if they don't fix the new mess they just caused, I definitely won't be using any of them.

It shouldn't affect you, since you'd be booking at new rates anyways, but an interesting tidbit to share.

For 2 of my points reservations the number of points needed went down. The other reservation - the points went up. I booked all of these before 8/18 so I could lock in the low points required just in case points required went up. If points went down, I'd just rebook. But all my reservations had the points change to the new requirements automatically! Bummer!

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

A few weeks ago, I shared that my MIL was in the hospital. She passed away last night. She had been in declining health for some time, and has had numerous medical scares over the last few years, but she was the most uplifting and optimistic person despite all that. My wife spent over a week with her, and left her mother on the mend, in high spirits, and looking forward to us visiting again over the holidays. She began not feeling well again a few days ago, but it was touch and go. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), the end was very sudden. Sadly, we weren’t able to say our final goodbyes in person. My wife is on a flight home to Hawaii now, paid for entirely with points, so one less thing to worry about. My daughter and I will be flying to Hawaii in a few days once funeral arrangements are finalized. I wish I had picked up this hobby years ago, which would’ve meant a lot more trips to Hawaii for my wife to see her mom and my daughter to get to know the amazing woman who was her grandma. But my MIL wouldn’t want us to live with regrets, and she was always happy with what she had. Small solace that we don’t have to worry about the cost of flying to and from Hawaii now. Thank you all for your well wishes.

Wow. 8/18 was a terrible day.

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[CoP Luv]

@Lain - Sending thoughts and hugs over your family's loss. Thank you and all of the other "experts" here who help everyone with their cc questions, travel questions, etc. It's because of this thread that many others are able to spend more time with their family and loved ones because of the many offers of advice and encouragement.