I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[Haley R]

We did a space theme for our younger son! (He is almost 13 now). We even got a little space mobile ... from Ikea!!
Congratulations!!

I’ll have to keep my eye out while we’re there. I’ve found some really cool stuff on amazon but it all adds up so quickly lol. Like the $50 constellation projector that I probably don’t need but it looks so cool

 

[Judique]

My dilemma for the evening - would you sign up for 5k AA points with a 1k MSR?

I've got a coin flip going for a Citi biz 70k/4k in 4 months vs 75k/5k in 5 months. Really as far as I can see between the two offers is just that extra 5k points but with an extra 1k in spend needed. The spend is doable because of the time frame, but can't decide if it's really worth it for "just" 5k points. (Or I could be missing something - please, let me know )

As a change of pace, I'm kinda sitting here with no real plan. Our future trips are kinda up in the air so no specific goal and no rush. Just waiting for can't miss offers to pop up that align with the roadmap. I don't think putting that extra 1k into the MSR will derail anything, but still not sure if it's worth it.

Part of it might be getting 60k AA for a single purchase Most other offers are going to pale in comparison to that
I think the other part is seeing things like the Hilton no-AF card getting 100k for that same 1k MSR (which I'm still hoping comes back around). That's about $400-500 based on some potential redemptions I'm looking at. Picking up a CF and a CFU would also be 1k in MSR's and get at least $350 depending on the timing of offers. I know it all depends on the right redemption, but I'm not sure I can get 5k AA miles to value out at more than $300. Not with the few random 5k web specials I looked at which are looking like half that.

Thoughts?

Yes, I would. But, I'm not likely to have another MSR that I would be starting immediately so the 6K would be beneficial to me. If you are someone who does an MSR and then immediately starts another as soon as you've met the spend, then you probably don't.
For me though - only 2 cards in 2019, that 5k plus 1k for the spend =6k points would be a good use. I'm in the process of doing 2K with Hyatt for 10k, which is basically the same idea in my world, but it's got be bills, insurance, etc per the terms so is going a bit slower.

 

[Judique]

When I saw the typhoon was coming I was able to change our Sunday flight to Saturday. I was still trying to find flights out on Friday using miles with no success.

Then, my Saturday flight and all other flights on ANA or JAL were cancelled for the weekend. I read that over 1600 flights were cancelled. Once that happened, combined with the news reporting about a super typhoon that would be as strong as the one that killed 1200 people back in 1958 coming directly for us, I figured I shouldn’t have a problem with the trip insurance we purchased for the ABD covering an escape plan.

I found same day business class flights for Friday out of Narita (90 minutes away from the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel) with a 5 hour connection in Shanghai. Ww could make it if we left the hotel right away and it would allow a cushion of time to get there early and a buffer for whatever chaos would be happening at the airport. We called China Eastern to book but their ticket office was closed. So we booked it on Expedia. There’s a reason beyond being married to PlanePrincess that I chose business class seats and I will get to that in a bit. Also trip insurance helped with that decision too.

The airport bus transportation wasn’t due to arrive for another 40 minutes so we opted to take a cab. The cab was spacious and immaculate and the seats had what could best be described as fancy white doilies covering them. It was rather charming. I chalked it up to the universe providing me with much needed amusement during a rather stressful morning.

Our flight was for 1:50 pm and the check in counter for that flight was not going to open until 11 am. We made it there little after 10:30 am. I wanted to get there early because I wasn’t sure if we even really had tickets since we booked on Expedia. We only had a confirmation number nothing else. I didn’t know if the flight might be oversold due to all the cancellations. I also knew the airport might be in chaos.

The economy line for check in was already 50 deep. The business class line only had 2 people ahead of us. Since I don’t speak the language I am not sure what was happening while the agent was trying to get us boarding passes. It took forever. The agents on either side of us had a number of people check in get boarding passes and leave while we waited on pins and needles for our gate agent to issue boarding passes. Our agent not only made a phone call but she also had two different people come over to help. I was sweating bullets thinking our Expedia confirmation was not going to fly, no pun intended, and we wouldn’t get boarding passes or on the flight. After what seemed an eternity she was able to get them to issue and print.

We made our way to the lounge and eventually our flight to Shanghai. Thank goodness we had a 5 layover. Our flight sat on the tarmac for over an hour before being able to take off. I knew the airport would be a mess.

Once we arrived in Shanghai I called the MiraCosta and Disneyland hotel to cancel our next two nights. They said they’d refund us and then after much misunderstanding back and forth I was informed that my car keys were at the hotel. Sigh.

We were able to fastpass our way through security at PVG in their VIP line thanks to flying in business class. Good thing too because the other lines were super long.

Once we were sitting in the lounge we booked a one night stay at a Fairfield that included breakfast near JFK. We called to let them know we’d be arriving very late and to please add notes to the reservation about that and not give away the room. We also requested a late checkout and after explaining where we were coming from and why, they gave us a 4 pm checkout. Rather nice to say Bonvoy! and not to have been Bonvoyed.

We got to the hotel and I booked our flights back home for Saturday afternoon. So, I am getting back a day early. AA never sent me a flight cancellation notice. I got the alert from TripIt Pro. I had to call AA this evening and inform them that JAL cancelled our flight. They will be redepositing the miles and refunding the taxes and fees.

So under the circumstances I am glad we had trip insurance for our ABD. I am also glad that we had the coverage dates fixed for the entire trip, not just the ABD part of it. It’s definitely something to think about for international travel. I also realized how our penchant for using miles to book the comfy seats also has other perks beyond comfort.

Yikes! Happy that you are able to travel safely.

 

[LynnTH]

Congrats @Haley R that is awesome!! So many fun times ahead.

Both my kids are home from college this weekend. Went out shopping with them to get DD a new warm winter coat for campus. Since winter has decided to come early. Found her one and me one and other stuff. Spent about $500 and still waiting on my new SW Card and Spark Cash Biz card to arrive. Ughhh. Would have been nice to have one of them to put spend on. Since I have $15,000 in 3 months.

 

[bernina]

Having a good shopping weekend here!
Yesterday I went to buy a charger on Amazon and I saw the $30 off $60 amex deal when checking out. I have never gotten any of the amazon deals before. I quickly added two advent calendars I had saved for the kids into the cart. With the deal it was liking getting on for free. Yay!

This morning Ebates has 12% off tons of stores. Stacked new balance with a 10% off Chase offer. Used raise for gap gift card and then bought DD her Minnie Mouse shoes Ive Been holding off on.

Older DD has her 15th bday party this weekend so my CIP MSR is being met pretty quickly this month.

What advent calendars did you get? I always get one for DD. One year it was Disney Tsum Tsum, last year a really cute Barbie one with a doll on day one and outfits and accessories each day.

 

[Psychodisney]

She must be at Michigan. It’s all over the news here. I live less than 20 min away and am a Michigan girl too!

My daughter is at Michigan and is so excited ....now to figure out how to get tickets!

 

[Judique]

Congrats @Haley R !!! So happy for y’all!!
The tiredness, important doc appt, weird cravings. All big flashing signs to so many of us! Glad you shared the news so we can all share in the excitement with you

Congrats to Haley and Syth!
Do we get to suggest names????

My first hint was when @Haley R mentioned a 'very important' doctor's appointment. I can't remember (and don't want to search) why it was mentioned at the time but it was a 'can't miss'. So, I kept waiting for this announcement after that appointment! And all the other clues followed suit, as noted by @wendow above. I think we all knew!

I've also got an April baby - April 7. Sometimes it's a holiday. My daughter used an ikea crib for her second crib for each child. The first crib was a small one (Babyletto) that she kept in her room until the girls outgrew it. The ikea crib is very popular around here - smaller footprint, close to the floor, not fussy. At first I thought it was too simple, but it worked perfectly.

 

[Haley R]

Congrats to Haley and Syth!
Do we get to suggest names????

My first hint was when @Haley R mentioned a 'very important' doctor's appointment. I can't remember (and don't want to search) why it was mentioned at the time but it was a 'can't miss'. So, I kept waiting for this announcement after that appointment! And all the other clues followed suit, as noted by @wendow above. I think we all knew!

I've also got an April baby - April 7. Sometimes it's a holiday. My daughter used an ikea crib for her second crib for each child. The first crib was a small one (Babyletto) that she kept in her room until the girls outgrew it. The ikea crib is very popular around here - smaller footprint, close to the floor, not fussy. At first I thought it was too simple, but it worked perfectly.

Haha you’re more than welcome to suggest names. We have a good list and if it’s a boy I’m pretty sure we know our choice. I don’t mind hearing new names though!

The important appointment was my first one but got cancelled when the hurricane “came through”. It was actually a blessing because I ended up switching to a new place and doctor because the first one was sketchy as heck.

We don’t need anything fancy for the crib that’s why we chose a simple white one. It’s cheaper than the mattress we picked out lol. I think we’re gonna use a pack n play at first in our room then switch over to the crib. I don’t want the baby in our room for too long though

 

[spacerangerqueen]

I’ve been waiting since August to share this and finally can!
View attachment 443293

Congrats! I too saw all the signs in your posts so it's not surprising haha.

 

[hsmamato2]

I’ve been waiting since August to share this and finally can!
View attachment 443293

congratulations!

 

[hsmamato2]

You have to be logged in to use miles and you have to get to the checkout screen where they’ll show you how many miles it will take to cover the full cost. You can pay with all cash or all miles or anywhere in between. It’s a pretty nice feature if you’re a bit short on points.

And yes, the best use is a throwaway car rental but warning you may be charged taxes and fees on the rental even if you don’t pick it up. I think there are mixed data points on it. @wendow may have experience on that.

another question about using aa to book onsite at Universal.... since I know they're lot less fussy about who's in the room, could I potentially book a room for 1 or 2,and then later on add the kids onto the room to buy tix separately? (I'm thinking to make use of EP) thanks...

 

[pinkxray]

What advent calendars did you get? I always get one for DD. One year it was Disney Tsum Tsum, last year a really cute Barbie one with a doll on day one and outfits and accessories each day.

DD15 is getting Marvel Funko
DS5 Is getting Lego City
(DD2 is getting little people but I didn’t buy it yet)

Last year DS was 4 and he got the Tsum Tsum. We opened the first day and I explained we’d open it each day. I left the room And when I came back he had opened every door. I hope it goes better this year.

 

[Judique]

I agree on the simple crib. In 2 years you probably won't need it anymore. My first grandchild crawled over the top in time for the second one to start using it. She went into a regular twin bed with bedrail added for safety. There is just one year between the girls.

The pack and play was used in the living room/family room area during the day. First, the top that stretches over it and then as they got bigger, they went inside. The Babyletto mini crib was perfect in the bedroom. It has height settings so the baby was up higher at first which made changing easier, especially at night. Once she was finished with the Babyletto, it got snatched up on some facebook site a few minutes after she posted it for sale. She still has the Ikea crib, not sure why - probably because of lack of time to get rid of it.

 

[bernina]

another question about using aa to book onsite at Universal.... since I know they're lot less fussy about who's in the room, could I potentially book a room for 1 or 2,and then later on add the kids onto the room to buy tix separately? (I'm thinking to make use of EP) thanks...

.

 

[Alice Sr.]

Thanks. It was his only card for years, so it tends to be his default unless there's a reason to use another one. With so many cards and constantly changing terms it's hard to keep up! Plus we've done well with MRs.

This is what happened to my CIP application about a week ago. I did talk to someone who said they had the application, and it would take time for them to get to it. Every automated call I made said that message about my SS#, so I finally talked to a person again and she said I had been approved. It's weird, and really stressed me out.

Wow, I didn't realize they put that in so explicitly. They really beat that dead.

Also still waiting for Chase to approve my CIP. Still getting the 30 day message

If you haven't called to confirm they received your app you might want to consider that.

‭1 (800) 453-9719‬

Good luck!

I called in this AM and they did not have a record of an application from me. She said to try again now and call in, in an hour. I went to my Chase sites and both personal and biz indicated 70K grrr. I pulled up @SouthFayetteFan 's email and used the link to the 80K pnt offer yay right! No, application does the exact same weird thing. I cut and paste the link to a different browser and manually inter all the info again, and it dawns on me; I used auto fill for the chrome browser app. I think I have had issues with the auto fill feature on other things. Anywho, hit submit "Instant Approval". I feel like I have gone 10 rounds over this. Lesson learned do not use auto fill! Thank you for your support, suggestions and help.

 

[hsmamato2]

or...... really considering blowing some aa miles on a throwaway room for next spring at Uni...for the EP since it's spring break I'm thinking Sunday the 12 will be a busy day,or should I book for Friday the 17 instead? are the rooms cancelable? and I still don't know the policy regarding the number of EP issued per room.... is it up to 5,the standard number allowed in the room? What's aa like if I cancel this? (it's a room+throwaway car) any and all experience and advice appreciated. IF I could get 5 ep this would be worth it,since I'd have the EP for that Sunday/Monday

 

[hsmamato2]

I just did a a package booking with universal hotel room, dummy rental car, and park tickets. I listed 4 people for the hotel room (to make sure we all received max pass and it was club level so wanted to make sure everyone was covered) but it let me specify how many tickets I wanted (I wanted only 3).

I’d go ahead and list the kids on the hotel booking (price was the same for 2,3, or 4 people when I priced it out which was odd but may have been that we were at max rate because of the holiday) and then just buy the number of tickets you want (you don’t have to buy any if you don’t want).

thanks for the tips...I see the price is the same with 1 or 5 attached..... so it just remains...can I cancel this and get the points back in acct if needed? I can't find the cancel policy anywhere.... and if I book with 5 in room, but don't buy tickets, how do we use the EP feature? the only time I did this we had tix attached to room at checkin. I'd have tiz bought separately. is it linked to a physical ticket,or another card of some type,like the room key? and if it's the room key, would it matter who is using it to utilize EP, either child or adult? (like no names attached,right?)
ETA I think I found the cancel policy on the room..... it says I need to pbuy PDP protection if I want 100% refund before 14 days out..... hmm. or $200 fee,what does that equal in aa points? (also the PDP is $345,no thank you) so I guess I'll need to think on this to decide if it's worth using the points... I'm thinking SUnday the 12th might be GREAT to have EP for since it's a busy weekend day..... opinions? (and I think we can share the EP around our group as needed,if it's not tied to an identity)

 

[GusGus16]

@Haley R Congrats!

 

[gottalovepluto]

-

 

[afan]

When I saw the typhoon was coming I was able to change our Sunday flight to Saturday. I was still trying to find flights out on Friday using miles with no success.

Then, my Saturday flight and all other flights on ANA or JAL were cancelled for the weekend. I read that over 1600 flights were cancelled. Once that happened, combined with the news reporting about a super typhoon that would be as strong as the one that killed 1200 people back in 1958 coming directly for us, I figured I shouldn’t have a problem with the trip insurance we purchased for the ABD covering an escape plan.

I found same day business class flights for Friday out of Narita (90 minutes away from the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel) with a 5 hour connection in Shanghai. Ww could make it if we left the hotel right away and it would allow a cushion of time to get there early and a buffer for whatever chaos would be happening at the airport. We called China Eastern to book but their ticket office was closed. So we booked it on Expedia. There’s a reason beyond being married to PlanePrincess that I chose business class seats and I will get to that in a bit. Also trip insurance helped with that decision too.

The airport bus transportation wasn’t due to arrive for another 40 minutes so we opted to take a cab. The cab was spacious and immaculate and the seats had what could best be described as fancy white doilies covering them. It was rather charming. I chalked it up to the universe providing me with much needed amusement during a rather stressful morning.

Our flight was for 1:50 pm and the check in counter for that flight was not going to open until 11 am. We made it there little after 10:30 am. I wanted to get there early because I wasn’t sure if we even really had tickets since we booked on Expedia. We only had a confirmation number nothing else. I didn’t know if the flight might be oversold due to all the cancellations. I also knew the airport might be in chaos.

The economy line for check in was already 50 deep. The business class line only had 2 people ahead of us. Since I don’t speak the language I am not sure what was happening while the agent was trying to get us boarding passes. It took forever. The agents on either side of us had a number of people check in get boarding passes and leave while we waited on pins and needles for our gate agent to issue boarding passes. Our agent not only made a phone call but she also had two different people come over to help. I was sweating bullets thinking our Expedia confirmation was not going to fly, no pun intended, and we wouldn’t get boarding passes or on the flight. After what seemed an eternity she was able to get them to issue and print.

We made our way to the lounge and eventually our flight to Shanghai. Thank goodness we had a 5 layover. Our flight sat on the tarmac for over an hour before being able to take off. I knew the airport would be a mess.

Once we arrived in Shanghai I called the MiraCosta and Disneyland hotel to cancel our next two nights. They said they’d refund us and then after much misunderstanding back and forth I was informed that my car keys were at the hotel. Sigh.

We were able to fastpass our way through security at PVG in their VIP line thanks to flying in business class. Good thing too because the other lines were super long.

Once we were sitting in the lounge we booked a one night stay at a Fairfield that included breakfast near JFK. We called to let them know we’d be arriving very late and to please add notes to the reservation about that and not give away the room. We also requested a late checkout and after explaining where we were coming from and why, they gave us a 4 pm checkout. Rather nice to say Bonvoy! and not to have been Bonvoyed.

We got to the hotel and I booked our flights back home for Saturday afternoon. So, I am getting back a day early. AA never sent me a flight cancellation notice. I got the alert from TripIt Pro. I had to call AA this evening and inform them that JAL cancelled our flight. They will be redepositing the miles and refunding the taxes and fees.

So under the circumstances I am glad we had trip insurance for our ABD. I am also glad that we had the coverage dates fixed for the entire trip, not just the ABD part of it. It’s definitely something to think about for international travel. I also realized how our penchant for using miles to book the comfy seats also has other perks beyond comfort.

So glad everything worked out. My hope was that you guys were on your way back and that's why you hadn't posted.

Keep us updated on the insurance I'm curious how it goes. I normally don't bother but already had decided we'll do it when we go to asia for 2 weeks. Just makes more sense.

Glad you're both safe!