ABC has an article on a mom who travels for almost nothing..

[Angrypenguin]

I too got into this game this past year. It does take a lot of time, especially if you need to do any manufactured spending, and you need to stay organized and keep track of what spending goes where if you're going for bonus sign up points. However, it's become like a game/hobby.

This past year, between my wife and I, we've opened 14(!) credit cards. My credit score still hovers between 790-805. And I've booked:

First class, LAX -> AUH (Abu Dhabi)
Business Class, LAX - > LHR (London Heathrow) (x2)
5 nights at Hyatt Regency London
2 nights at the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome

First class, LAX -> Hong Kong (x2)
Business Class, Hong Kong -> Melbourne (x2)
Business class, Sydney -> LAX (x2)

Just calculated our "savings"...we have to cover fees and taxes, and between card fees (non-waived annual fees) and other various things, we've probably spent about 1200 out of pocket.

The rack rate for the above: $66,036

Certainly more than a few hundred bucks!

 

[mom2rose&john]

I would love to do this churning thing multiple times a year. I just don't have the time.

I do open new credit card with bonuses and with free interest for 12-18 months once a year. We have a set amount of our monthly budget set aside for large purchases. So instead of getting the interest free line of credit through the store we take the additional discount and purchase using the interest free credit card. Get the bonus incentive and pay off in the balance with in the promotional period. It's a win win.

 

[ellochka]

If you really get into it, you can save much more than a few hundred dollars. But it takes a lot of work. And it's best if you are into somewhat higher end travel - it's often about making strategic investments to get significant discounts that are worth much more than what you invest.

You know what they call "lots of money in exchange for lots of work"? A job! If it was lots of money for little work, I'd bite

P.S. No plans to fly first class to London.