I love credit cards so much!

[Limes96]

Save your pennies? We paid cash and got what we thought was a good deal since it was pay 2 nights get 2 nights and when you buy a package you get tickets for each day so 5. I don't know when they open the new Marvel if they'll have it blacked out from deals since a lot of people will want to stay there or not. If I'm remembering correctly you can book room only on expedia I think, I know there was some portal people used, but I don't know if the savings would be worth it over the specials they have. You also are best off looking at all the different country pages, so .uk, .fr etc for France, UK, Germany, Denmark etc because they often have better deals than the US site even with the exchange rate, not when we were booking though. There are places off site you can use hotel points to book at but you'd have to bus in whereas from Hotel NY or Sequoia where we stayed or Newport and I think there's one another around the lake, you can walk to the parks in 10-15 min depending on speed and security, which is worth it.

So all that to say bank bonuses? And I like DLP Town Square on twitter, though he does also have a website. He's in the UK. The other blogger/podcaster I followed I stopped before the trip. I still follow this guy cause he goes often and has useful info and since someday I'll go back I have to keep up a little

Bank bonuses...I like it! I haven’t done much there. Just the Fidelity offer in June. So I have plenty of room to work.

 

[mmmears]

Is there a way to transfer MRs to Alaskan Air? Trying to book a flight and I we'd prefer AS but can't seem to find the way to do it. I've been online searching for almost an hour at this point and I'm about to give up. Sorry for all the questions today - I'm booking a trip. It looks like we'd have to convert to a hotel chain and then move it to AS... P2 not willing to go that route. He's tired and not having fun planning this trip.

 

[afan]

Is there a way to transfer MRs to Alaskan Air? Trying to book a flight and I we'd prefer AS but can't seem to find the way to do it. I've been online searching for almost an hour at this point and I'm about to give up. Sorry for all the questions today - I'm booking a trip. It looks like we'd have to convert to a hotel chain and then move it to AS... P2 not willing to go that route. He's tired and not having fun planning this trip.

Neither MR's or UR's transfer directly to Alaska. The only way to do it is through Marriott which isn't really a good deal. If you have enough to do a nights and flights package, I'm pretty sure those are still available after the merger, that would be the easiest way to get the miles if you can also use the hotel cert. Or book directly through the MR or UR portal.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

not much wiggle room with hotels... Portal is your best bet.
either that or statement credit.

To add to your math...here is a good site to check for hilton discounts.
http://stay.hilton.com/mvp/
Another way to save is aaa. So you just have to see if book on UR with CSP/CIP/CSR or via one of these other routes and taking a statement credit will come out better.

 

[have2getaway]

Where can you make reservations and get quotes for Chase Ultimate Rewards? I’ve logged into my chase account and see the chase ur, but it doesn’t provide any specifics.

 

[wisconsinmom]

Thanks for all the advice regarding airbnb. We use it often so that will be great info to have moving forward.

I definitely plan to try for the Barclay Arrival Plus for DH, that will help offset a good portion of our train passes.

My debate is that he's 2/24 for Chase with the following cards:

SPG 4/18
CIP 5/18
Venture 7/18
He also has a CSP that is more than 2 years old.

Are there Chase cards I should have him do before going for the Barclay card? Our trip isn't until the very end of June 2019 so we have some time.

I'm also planning a trip with my DD in early June so it is likely that we'll use URs for the airfare so I'm always happy to collect more of those.

I'm planning to do the SW Bus & Pers. card soon for an early 2019 CP. I'm trying to get things organized to put the odds in my favor. I currently have a SW Pref. card. When should I cancel that? I'm assuming ASAP. I've already lowered some of my credit limits because when I applied for the CIP in April I was denied (first time ever) and the denial was due to having too much credit. I'm hoping that lowering credit limits will help that. Anything else I can do to help my chances?

 

[tink1970]

DH has a layover in Detroit next month - he noticed there's no Centurion lounge there but then I told him he can use the Delta lounge since he's flying Delta on that trip. PP has nothing listed either. Anyone have any advice regarding that particular airport?

A question about Skyclub? Why yes...I have been to the 3 A terminal (gates 18/38/68) although not the C terminal skyclub. My favorite of the 3 is gate 68--while small, it's usually not as hectic as 38 which can get crazy. Unfortunately, on Sundays gates A18/68 skyclubs don't open until 1:30 pm (so of course the last time I was there it was on a Sunday).

Anyhow, the clubs are small and the food areas are sort of spread all over the place...so cereal may be one little nook, coffee in another, eggs somewhere else. I'm usually alone so the Easter egg hunt vibe doesn't bother me that much but if you're expecting a typical skyclub with standard offerings all together...not happening. I do like the soda fountains (versus the bartenders who glare when you ask for a diet coke) and I believe there are just bottles of alcohol (again no bartenders) so that's considered a good thing

In the spring, Lucky at OMMAT did a review of the skyclub at gate A38 (my least favorite) but at least there are photos and you get the idea.
https://onemileatatime.com/delta-skyclub-detroit-review/

Hope this helps (and if your DH has any questions about my favorite skyclubs in ATL, I have definite preferences ).

 

[tink1970]

The way @Albort explained is exactly how we do it every year on any and all cards we have that have an airline credit benefit and we always choose AA.

Does AA limit the number of gc you can apply to a reservation like DL does? I've just been getting my 16 $50 gc and selling them since online only one DL gc can be used (and 3 if phone reservation). It's rather cumbersome so I'm considering a different airline choice for 2019.

 

[Albort]

Is there a way to transfer MRs to Alaskan Air? Trying to book a flight and I we'd prefer AS but can't seem to find the way to do it. I've been online searching for almost an hour at this point and I'm about to give up. Sorry for all the questions today - I'm booking a trip. It looks like we'd have to convert to a hotel chain and then move it to AS... P2 not willing to go that route. He's tired and not having fun planning this trip.

u may be able to do a partners booking with either SQ or BA, depending on where ur going.

edit: i think BA has a 40% transfer bonus currently too.
edit2: i cant confirm the above statement. maybe im thinking of another airline.

 

[snugglebug]

Finally caught up! I set client work aside today to catch up here. We all returned with the lovely Disney cold, ugh.

Alamo at MCO
I will be avoiding this in the future, and likely Alamo all together. I don't care how many UR I save, the frustration was not worth it. I booked using my UR (may have put a few $ on my CSR) and listed DH as driver. When we got the van, the had to have a credit card with his name on it or I had to pay for a second driver. I knew my CSR had rental coverage (as well as USAA), but the guy argued with me and would not back down. He also tried to tell me local gas was $4+/gal, yes local, not them filling, but local and we should prepay for the fillup. It all worked out in the end, DH does have a CSR as well, but was a horrible start to our vacation. For this alone I'm leaning heavily to always having a CSR and to keep my Emerald status. Funny it's the same company, but so different in treatment. I'm becoming spoiled quickly.

Moonlight Magic at HS
Awesome! This was our first DVC event. I was so happy the dates came out in advance and I did push our vacation one week to coincide, I had been trying to decide between the two weeks anyway. I wish we had done character meets, but my kids wanted rides. We did Star Tours once, RnR once for me (my poor head) and twice for the kids, the rest of the crew did ToT (head caused me to sit out), we managed slinky dog twice, Toy Story Mania twice, kids did Saucers. We had meal vouchers. It was overall a fun night and I look forward to hopefully getting to attend another. I highly recommend other members trying to get to one.

Halloween Party
This mom had a blast. We met up with my sister and my niece attached herself to me to me for a bit. Again, we focused on rides, not so much candy or characters. I think we ended up doing almost everything since we were able to get in at 2. Again, highly recommend for DVC members. That early entry perk was great.

Animal Kingdom
Flight of Passage was awesome. We had a fast pass and then stood in a 45min line. Enjoyed it that much. Not so impressed with Rivers of Light, that was a one and done.

Oh, editing to add MCO
TSA only took 20 minutes, but something was up with that scanner because everyone from me on was getting a nice pat down. I can not wait to get my PreCheck.

Best of all, I came home with Disney gift cards! Who does that?! (A girl who has DVC dues to pay!)

I managed to use one of the RMN offers for Walgreens to pick up some essentials for Universal during our trip. Then went out today to hit Big Lots, GNC, Academy and Home Depot. Spent $99 on things we need right now instead of GCs and have $40 coming back. I still have the very first Walgreens offer pending which I think was just a GC so I'll have to leave it and a Kohls offer that I need to contact them about.

Questions:
- How long do I have to use the airline offer on my PRG? I haven't chosen an airline yet and I'm not sure if there's a deadline for that. I think I'm in month 3 now. I need to read up on this new one.
- I'm not sure anyone has an answer for this one, best card for renewing Google Domains? Or, domains in general. I think my Namecheap charges aren't getting a bonus on CIP and I kind of hoped they would, my hosting does. I need a good card for this.
- Any idea why my Amex cards were removed from Samsung Pay? Very well could be that I just need to verify them and didn't get that done fast enough, new phone a few weeks ago.
- I think I want to stay, at least a few nights, at Hilton Hawaiian Village. I think I should be looking at Hilton Aspire? Did I read that UR can't transfer to Hilton? What about MR? I'm ready to work on hammering this out. Yes, I know I should have already done this and I have been building UR, but that's why I said a few nights lol If Southwest would hurry up...

 

[mmmears]

Neither MR's or UR's transfer directly to Alaska. The only way to do it is through Marriott which isn't really a good deal. If you have enough to do a nights and flights package, I'm pretty sure those are still available after the merger, that would be the easiest way to get the miles if you can also use the hotel cert. Or book directly through the MR or UR portal.

Thanks. I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. I don't think we can book it as a package since we are using Hyatt points for part of our stay and Marriott points for another part (moving around a ton).

To add to your math...here is a good site to check for hilton discounts.
http://stay.hilton.com/mvp/
Another way to save is aaa. So you just have to see if book on UR with CSP/CIP/CSR or via one of these other routes and taking a statement credit will come out better.

Thanks. I'll check out that link.

A question about Skyclub? Why yes...I have been to the 3 A terminal (gates 18/38/68) although not the C terminal skyclub. My favorite of the 3 is gate 68--while small, it's usually not as hectic as 38 which can get crazy. Unfortunately, on Sundays gates A18/68 skyclubs don't open until 1:30 pm (so of course the last time I was there it was on a Sunday).

Anyhow, the clubs are small and the food areas are sort of spread all over the place...so cereal may be one little nook, coffee in another, eggs somewhere else. I'm usually alone so the Easter egg hunt vibe doesn't bother me that much but if you're expecting a typical skyclub with standard offerings all together...not happening. I do like the soda fountains (versus the bartenders who glare when you ask for a diet coke) and I believe there are just bottles of alcohol (again no bartenders) so that's considered a good thing

In the spring, Lucky at OMMAT did a review of the skyclub at gate A38 (my least favorite) but at least there are photos and you get the idea.
https://onemileatatime.com/delta-skyclub-detroit-review/

Hope this helps (and if your DH has any questions about my favorite skyclubs in ATL, I have definite preferences ).

Wow! So much information. I was hoping someone here had something I could send him. Thanks so much!!!

u may be able to do a partners booking with either SQ or BA, depending on where ur going.

edit: i think BA has a 40% transfer bonus currently too.
edit2: i cant confirm the above statement. maybe im thinking of another airline.

It's just a domestic flight to NY, not a fancy vacation I'm planning. Looking at how many miles it takes to fly in the US vs. J or First International flights, it seems pretty costly. We will likely just pay for these flights and save the points for the next big trip.

 

[wendow]

CVS didn't earn the 5x Freedom bonus for me. What's up with that?? Anyone else checked theirs? That seems like a no-brainer. How could Chase not code CVS as a drugstore??

 

[Lain]

Thanks for all the advice regarding airbnb. We use it often so that will be great info to have moving forward.

I definitely plan to try for the Barclay Arrival Plus for DH, that will help offset a good portion of our train passes.

My debate is that he's 2/24 for Chase with the following cards:

SPG 4/18
CIP 5/18
Venture 7/18
He also has a CSP that is more than 2 years old.

Are there Chase cards I should have him do before going for the Barclay card? Our trip isn't until the very end of June 2019 so we have some time.

I'm also planning a trip with my DD in early June so it is likely that we'll use URs for the airfare so I'm always happy to collect more of those.

I'm planning to do the SW Bus & Pers. card soon for an early 2019 CP. I'm trying to get things organized to put the odds in my favor. I currently have a SW Pref. card. When should I cancel that? I'm assuming ASAP. I've already lowered some of my credit limits because when I applied for the CIP in April I was denied (first time ever) and the denial was due to having too much credit. I'm hoping that lowering credit limits will help that. Anything else I can do to help my chances?

Tagging @SouthFayetteFan

@wisconsinmom -- Did DH receive his CSP bonus more than 24 months ago?

If so, it might be possible that there's a small window in which DH can product change his CSP, then apply for the CSR or CSP despite Chase changing the bonus offer to once in 48 months.

There's a limited time in which applicants who don't currently have a Sapphire product and haven't received a Sapphire bonus in the past 24 months can apply through an email link that still contains the old 24-months language on the CSR and CSP. @SouthFayetteFan may be able to help you with that, but I'm not sure if product changing DH's CSP now will be enough time for him to apply for a CSR or CSP through the email link before that offer expires.

 

[tink1970]

I think I want to stay, at least a few nights, at Hilton Hawaiian Village. I think I should be looking at Hilton Aspire? Did I read that UR can't transfer to Hilton? What about MR

--the Hilton Aspire looks awesome-if you can get it and have a use for it then I'd recommend it

--UR cannot directly transfer to Hilton UR--> Hyatt/IHG/Marriott) but I'm sure going through the portal you can use them for Hiltons

--MRs will directly transfer (1000 MR to 2000 HH) but it's not considered to be great use of MRs; that said, if you have a need for them then better to use them for a known trip then not use them for "someday"

 

[Lain]

CVS didn't earn the 5x Freedom bonus for me. What's up with that?? Anyone else checked theirs? That seems like a no-brainer. How could Chase not code CVS as a drugstore??

The CF Q3 Freedom 5% category is Walgreens, Lyft, and gas stations, not drugstores/pharmacies generally.

 

[tink1970]

CVS didn't earn the 5x Freedom bonus for me. What's up with that?? Anyone else checked theirs? That seems like a no-brainer. How could Chase not code CVS as a drugstore??

It's a drugstore, yes. However Chase's Q3 wasn't drug stores it was very specific- Lyft, Walgreens and gas stations. Sorry...

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

CVS didn't earn the 5x Freedom bonus for me. What's up with that?? Anyone else checked theirs? That seems like a no-brainer. How could Chase not code CVS as a drugstore??

Maybe because it’s Walgreens not drugstores LOL! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news on that one.

 

[wendow]

The CF Q3 Freedom 5% category is Walgreens, Lyft, and gas stations, not drugstores/pharmacies generally.

It's a drugstore, yes. However Chase's Q3 wasn't drug stores it was very specific- Lyft, Walgreens and gas stations. Sorry...

Maybe because it’s Walgreens not drugstores LOL! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news on that one.

Thanks, y'all. Clearly, I need to pay better attention lol! In my mind, it was drugstore, Lyft and gas stations. Oh well, not a huge loss!

 

[pillow]

Does AA limit the number of gc you can apply to a reservation like DL does? I've just been getting my 16 $50 gc and selling them since online only one DL gc can be used (and 3 if phone reservation). It's rather cumbersome so I'm considering a different airline choice for 2019.

I can't answer your question about AA. But I did use 2 Delta gift cards a few weeks ago when booking a flight. Maybe they've changed their policy??

 

[calypso726]

Does AA limit the number of gc you can apply to a reservation like DL does? I've just been getting my 16 $50 gc and selling them since online only one DL gc can be used (and 3 if phone reservation). It's rather cumbersome so I'm considering a different airline choice for 2019.

They do but you can use up to 8 GC per reservation. So, DH and I will book separately and use 8 on each. With AA the credit triggers with $100 GC unlike DL at $50.