I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[EACarlson]

We’re planning to get our first tablet this year for Christmas and can’t decide which to get. It will mostly be used for movies and shows and the occasional game. I would like an iPad but dh is not an apple fan and would like to get a Samsung. Can someone sway me either way?

I despise Apple and just about everything they stand for. But an iPad is about the only Apple product I would be ok with. With that said, if your use case is as you described, it's really hard to go wrong with a Galaxy Tab A7 for $180 vs $500 for an iPad Mini. My wife uses a GalaxyTab and loves it, as long as she doesn't try to use it as a computer replacement, my mother adores her iPad but she didn't have to pay for it. I would personally go with an Android, whether that is Samsung or Lenovo. It may not last as long as an iPad, but for the cost you can buy three of them.

 

[Judique]

I despise Apple and just about everything they stand for. But an iPad is about the only Apple product I would be ok with. With that said, if your use case is as you described, it's really hard to go wrong with a Galaxy Tab A7 for $180 vs $500 for an iPad Mini. My wife uses a GalaxyTab and loves it, as long as she doesn't try to use it as a computer replacement, my mother adores her iPad but she didn't have to pay for it. I would personally go with an Android, whether that is Samsung or Lenovo. It may not last as long as an iPad, but for the cost you can buy three of them.

@Haley R - what kind of phones and computer are you used to? Seems to me that Apple people lean towards ipads and us Android users like other branded tablets.

DD bought Samsung tablets for the grands a couple of years ago and other than abuse, they are doing great for the things you mention.

By abuse I mean leaving one on the floor and it getting stepped on. I told Costco exactly what happened and asked if repair was possible for the cracked screen. They replaced it.

The kids used a very old ipad before their Samsungs. They had no transition problems <g>. So if you went the samsung route and it didn't work out, it can transition to your child with some of the easily downloadable educational games plus videos, etc.
The price is right for that.

The samsung tablets they got were easily suitable for adults as well as kids.

 

[2TxAgs]

Hope this question is Ok here since many use their CC’s for travel. Any recommendations for travel insurance? I’m leaving for Germany next week and will be gone for 2 months. Booked my airfare using United points and taxes went on my United Quest CC. Staying at my daughter’s home so no hotel expenses. Mainly needing coverage for healthcare and medical evacuation back to Houston if needed. My Tricare will reimburse for any health needs but I would have to pay upfront. They also do not cover medical evacuation. I am fully vaccinated and got my booster for Covid 19 on October 1st. Not sure if that impacts the ability to get travel insurance. Appreciate any input.

I've seen folks recommend going to 'insure my trip dot com'. One word, but I'm not allowed to post it apparently. Also recommendations for Nationwide, GeoBlue and Allianz.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

We’re planning to get our first tablet this year for Christmas and can’t decide which to get. It will mostly be used for movies and shows and the occasional game. I would like an iPad but dh is not an apple fan and would like to get a Samsung. Can someone sway me either way?

10 years ago, when DS was 2ish we bought a tablet. It absolutely had to be an iPad because the apps DS needed were iOS only. (He had speech therapy and they used iOS apps.) I would look at parenting websites and recommended apps to see what you might use. They kids "games" can be highly educational. I would make sure educational apps you might use are on whichever platform you choose. Otherwise go in store and try them out.
Getting something with the same operating system as your phones has its advantages so you can link them. We are an Apple family and share apps and info between phones, iPad etc. Also what systems do grandparents have? If they have Apple, FaceTime is great for kids/grandparents to connect.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Does anyone know how far out Universal Studios releases their park hours? Planning to go the week after thanksgiving, and they still don’t have the hours out for thanksgiving week yet We are trying to coordinate with boarding dogs, other family members, etc.
Does anyone know of any special offers on universal tickets? Or do they at least code as “travel” on any cards that you know? TIA!

 

[Pixiedustspreader]

In maybe June I PC’d DH’s CSR to a Freedom (to apply for CSP). 1-2 months later I PCed the Freedom back to a CSR.

I received the $300 travel credit on the “new” CSR. Doordash ticker shows I’ve already received $60 credit from when it was the old CSR.

Does this mean DH holds both a CSP and CSR now? I pc‘d DW CSR to Freedom a few months ago to get the CSP. Can I now pc the Freedom back to a CSR for her? I didn’t think you could hold both at the same time.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Need advice. Have been trying to snag tix to LHR for spring break next year. Had 3 Biz tix then had to change schedule. I was able to get 2 tix but the 3rd has always been higher than my miles balance. Currently RT ORD to LHR is 246k miles on AA, up from around 200k miles, on the only nonstop flight. We have 185k miles.
Would you keep trying to get the 3rd ticket? I've heard prices sometimes drop in the month prior to flight. Or would you cancel the other 2 and make plans for elsewhere?

 

[StephPlum]

Has anyone done the Citizens bank bonus? Question on the debit card purchases part of the bonus. Can I do Amazon loads? I don't want to be that person at Meijer running one item at a time but I will if I have to.

 

[StephPlum]

PSA Most on here are super planners to it really isn't too early to talk 2023! I am thinking about revisiting Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons in a different season - Autumn. In planning I saw there is a change to Xanterra Yellowstone reservations for 2023. Instead of opening reservations for the entire summer on one day as they have done in the past, they will go to the 13 month rolling average like they have in other parks (ie May 5, 2022 for May 1-31, 2023 dates).

The process for booking advance reservations for Yellowstone lodging, campgrounds, tours, packages, and dinner reservations will change beginning April 2022. At that time, the booking window for advance reservations will change to a 13-month rolling calendar. Specifically, on the 5th of each month, we’ll begin accepting reservations for the same entire month of the following year. For example, on April 5, 2022, guests will be able to make Yellowstone reservations for applicable dates and properties from April 1 through April 30, 2023.
https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/advanced-reservation-window/

 

[chattadisser]

PSA Most on here are super planners to it really isn't too early to talk 2023! I am thinking about revisiting Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons in a different season - Autumn. In planning I saw there is a change to Xanterra Yellowstone reservations for 2023. Instead of opening reservations for the entire summer on one day as they have done in the past, they will go to the 13 month rolling average like they have in other parks (ie May 5, 2022 for May 1-31, 2023 dates).

The process for booking advance reservations for Yellowstone lodging, campgrounds, tours, packages, and dinner reservations will change beginning April 2022. At that time, the booking window for advance reservations will change to a 13-month rolling calendar. Specifically, on the 5th of each month, we’ll begin accepting reservations for the same entire month of the following year. For example, on April 5, 2022, guests will be able to make Yellowstone reservations for applicable dates and properties from April 1 through April 30, 2023.
https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/advanced-reservation-window/

Thank you for mentioning this. I hope to one day get to Glacier and Yellowstone and it will be at least 2023 before that happens. When I think of booking the NP's I think about the day that they are all released.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Need advice. Have been trying to snag tix to LHR for spring break next year. Had 3 Biz tix then had to change schedule. I was able to get 2 tix but the 3rd has always been higher than my miles balance. Currently RT ORD to LHR is 246k miles on AA, up from around 200k miles, on the only nonstop flight. We have 185k miles.
Would you keep trying to get the 3rd ticket? I've heard prices sometimes drop in the month prior to flight. Or would you cancel the other 2 and make plans for elsewhere?

Have you considered buying 15K miles? I know the cost is a bit steep ($411.00), but it gets all 3 of you in the same cabin. Or possibly booking your dh (sorry to your dh) in premium economy? Personally I wouldn't wait until closer to spring break as it's a popular time to travel and thus will likely be that much harder to get a ticket on miles.

Have you looked at BA's website? Sometimes they have flights available on miles that aren't open on AA. You can transfer URs to BA.

Or if you have any AmEx card you could look into obtaining a ticket in economy (cash or miles) and using MRs to upgrade to biz (I have never done this -- maybe someone here has). From what I've read the cost in MRs to upgrade can be steep and your flight may not be able to upgrade this way, but it's something that you might want to look into.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Have you considered buying 15K miles? I know the cost is a bit steep ($411.00), but it gets all 3 of you in the same cabin. Or possibly booking your dh (sorry to your dh) in premium economy? Personally I wouldn't wait until closer to spring break as it's a popular time to travel and thus will likely be that much harder to get a ticket on miles.

Have you looked at BA's website? Sometimes they have flights available on miles that aren't open on AA. You can transfer URs to BA.

Or if you have any AmEx card you could look into obtaining a ticket in economy (cash or miles) and using MRs to upgrade to biz (I have never done this -- maybe someone here has). From what I've read the cost in MRs to upgrade can be steep and your flight may not be able to upgrade this way, but it's something that you might want to look into.

At this point, would be buying 60k miles. No AMEX MR cards here and flying on AA metal as BA taxes and fees are 3x as much.
I'm really close to just canceling. Other options include Key West as I'd prefer warm weather if London is not possible.

 

[happiestpoe]

At this point, would be buying 60k miles. No AMEX MR cards here and flying on AA metal as BA taxes and fees are 3x as much.
I'm really close to just canceling. Other options include Key West as I'd prefer warm weather if London is not possible.

Some times Aer Lingus is cheaper than BA/AA for flights to the UK. You transit through Dublin, which is pretty easy. And on the way back to the States you cross the border inside Dublin Airport, so no queues when you land, which is always a plus for us.

 

[platamama]

Need advice. Have been trying to snag tix to LHR for spring break next year. Had 3 Biz tix then had to change schedule. I was able to get 2 tix but the 3rd has always been higher than my miles balance. Currently RT ORD to LHR is 246k miles on AA, up from around 200k miles, on the only nonstop flight. We have 185k miles.
Would you keep trying to get the 3rd ticket? I've heard prices sometimes drop in the month prior to flight. Or would you cancel the other 2 and make plans for elsewhere?

Do you have any hidden stash of points that could transfer to AA, e.g. hotel partners (Marriott and other chains), or Citi TY points (limited time transfer opportunity to AA miles valid from 7/18/21-11/13/21, see this FM blog post)? Buying 61K AA miles at their current promo of 25% off makes the cost 2.4cpm, but if you're working on any MSR that might help offset the cost?

I personally like booking one-way legs to allow flexibility for schedule/price adjustments. Generally speaking, award tickets cost the same per leg whether it's one-way or round trip, unlike cash fares that can be astronomical one-way (I've definitely seen this on AA). This also allows you to use miles in different programs on each leg, e.g. in the past I used AA in one direction and BA in another direction because I had enough miles for 3pax to travel one way in each program but not enough for a RT ticket for all 3pax.

As to going elsewhere, what kinds of activities are you looking for? I would not wait to book FWIW.

 

[Happy_2_B]

Need advice. Have been trying to snag tix to LHR for spring break next year. Had 3 Biz tix then had to change schedule. I was able to get 2 tix but the 3rd has always been higher than my miles balance. Currently RT ORD to LHR is 246k miles on AA, up from around 200k miles, on the only nonstop flight. We have 185k miles.
Would you keep trying to get the 3rd ticket? I've heard prices sometimes drop in the month prior to flight. Or would you cancel the other 2 and make plans for elsewhere?

I use a travel award service when booking hard to get international flights. Costs $150-$250/pp depending on who you use, but they have ALWAYS come back with an itinerary we can live with at a redemption rate much lower than I could find on my own. When flying internationally, they have saved me a TON of points/miles valued at considerably more than what I pay them. Well worth it to me to let the experts that have proprietary software and book flights all day every day handle it. One caveat is you need a considerable stash of flexible points like MRs/URs because they almost always backdoor a flight that requires a flexible point transfer. The other caveat is you may or may not get a nonstop. For me, keeping my point balances as high as possible and playing the long game is worth way more than a layover in an airport. My 2 cents.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Some times Aer Lingus is cheaper than BA/AA for flights to the UK. You transit through Dublin, which is pretty easy. And on the way back to the States you cross the border inside Dublin Airport, so no queues when you land, which is always a plus for us.

I will look at this. Right now all airline points are AA or SW, have URsalso.

Do you have any hidden stash of points that could transfer to AA, e.g. hotel partners (Marriott and other chains), or Citi TY points (limited time transfer opportunity to AA miles valid from 7/18/21-11/13/21, see this FM blog post)? Buying 61K AA miles at their current promo of 25% off makes the cost 2.4cpm, but if you're working on any MSR that might help offset the cost?

I personally like booking one-way legs to allow flexibility for schedule/price adjustments. Generally speaking, award tickets cost the same per leg whether it's one-way or round trip, unlike cash fares that can be astronomical one-way (I've definitely seen this on AA). This also allows you to use miles in different programs on each leg, e.g. in the past I used AA in one direction and BA in another direction because I had enough miles for 3pax to travel one way in each program but not enough for a RT ticket for all 3pax.

As to going elsewhere, what kinds of activities are you looking for? I would not wait to book FWIW.

I do have some TYP but only a few. Will check it out though.

I use a travel award service when booking hard to get international flights. Costs $150-$250/pp depending on who you use, but they have ALWAYS come back with an itinerary we can live with at a redemption rate much lower than I could find on my own. When flying internationally, they have saved me a TON of points/miles valued at considerably more than what I pay them. Well worth it to me to let the experts that have proprietary software and book flights all day every day handle it. One caveat is you need a considerable stash of flexible points like MRs/URs because they almost always backdoor a flight that requires a flexible point transfer. The other caveat is you may or may not get a nonstop. For me, keeping my point balances as high as possible and playing the long game is worth way more than a layover in an airport. My 2 cents.

I have URs no MRs. I will only do non stop from ORD as our time is limited and taking connecting flights will eat up 2 days each way. Plus the reason we had to change schedule is to see a soccer game on the last day of our trip. 2 days of flights home would make DS miss school which is a no-go for us.

 

[wanderlust7]

Does this mean DH holds both a CSP and CSR now? I pc‘d DW CSR to Freedom a few months ago to get the CSP. Can I now pc the Freedom back to a CSR for her? I didn’t think you could hold both at the same time.

You can hold both if you PC. It's an application rule that you can't have another Sapphire.

But the big question is if they'll let you PC again within a year. It seems to be a very recent rule change that you can't, maybe happened a month or so ago. If you try it, please report back.

@platamama , this probably doesn't apply to you, but I saw mention that you can PC back within 30 days as a sort of do over. I guess that's like when Chase allows closed card to be reopened within 30 days.

 

[Haley R]

@Haley R - what kind of phones and computer are you used to? Seems to me that Apple people lean towards ipads and us Android users like other branded tablets.

DD bought Samsung tablets for the grands a couple of years ago and other than abuse, they are doing great for the things you mention.

By abuse I mean leaving one on the floor and it getting stepped on. I told Costco exactly what happened and asked if repair was possible for the cracked screen. They replaced it.

The kids used a very old ipad before their Samsungs. They had no transition problems <g>. So if you went the samsung route and it didn't work out, it can transition to your child with some of the easily downloadable educational games plus videos, etc.
The price is right for that.

The samsung tablets they got were easily suitable for adults as well as kids.

I have an iPhone and dh has an android lol. He’s not a fan of the price for an iPad and I’m starting to come around to his way of thinking. We mostly will just use it for movies and games so I think it probably won’t really matter which we get

 

[Haley R]

10 years ago, when DS was 2ish we bought a tablet. It absolutely had to be an iPad because the apps DS needed were iOS only. (He had speech therapy and they used iOS apps.) I would look at parenting websites and recommended apps to see what you might use. They kids "games" can be highly educational. I would make sure educational apps you might use are on whichever platform you choose. Otherwise go in store and try them out.
Getting something with the same operating system as your phones has its advantages so you can link them. We are an Apple family and share apps and info between phones, iPad etc. Also what systems do grandparents have? If they have Apple, FaceTime is great for kids/grandparents to connect.

As of right now I only plan for him to use Disney+, YouTube, and a program called reading eggs. I believe reading eggs is available on both. I have an iPhone and dh has an android so we could go either way. We use both Skype and FaceTime to reach grandparents because each has a different one lol

 

[CyndiLouWho]

As of right now I only plan for him to use Disney+, YouTube, and a program called reading eggs. I believe reading eggs is available on both. I have an iPhone and dh has an android so we could go either way. We use both Skype and FaceTime to reach grandparents because each has a different one lol

I would go Android based on price alone but try out in store before I purchase to be sure. There are loads of other app appropriate for that age, so check them out. Be careful of YouTube, it's parental controls are not good. DS learned to search "trains" or just click on next video offered and quickly happened on "sex on trains"