Airmiles Armchair Chatter

[dancin Disney style]

Banks do have an option to question large withdrawals IF someone who is connected to the account requests this. For example, if a person has PA over their parents accounts and has concerns that what they are doing with their money isn't above board, that they are being taken advantage of, they can request we question the person and even request we contact them when this is happening. This is a request that doesn't happen often.

People do not like to be questioned to much about what they are doing with their funds, especially elderly persons. They like to feel they are in control of their lives and know exactly what they are doing. We can ask simple questions like, 'that's an unusual amount, are you having some work done around your house?' or 'looks like someone is planning something big', and then hope the conversation goes in the direction of where the funds will go. The money belongs to the client so they are allowed to do what they wish with it and there is little we can do to stop it. If we suspect fraud or money laundering we can contact the police but short of that, nothing can be done. Privacy is a huge issue. I know I'd be annoyed if I was questioned to much.
So you see, unfortunately sometimes hands are tied.

My friend's dad now has a limit on his account and any higher transactions require a phone call to one of the kids first. I'm sure though that this will never be required now.

I totally get what you are saying. I guess basically I feel like there should be a way to protect vulnerable people.

 

[TammyLynn33]

My friend's dad now has a limit on his account and any higher transactions require a phone call to one of the kids first. I'm sure though that this will never be required now.

I totally get what you are saying. I guess basically I feel like there should be a way to protect vulnerable people.

Agree 100% if I was an 85 yr old lady or looked like one buying a roblox or PlayStation gift card sure quietly pull me aside .
I look like a mom of 4 kids working OT in her scrubs to pay for her kids DL vacation.. ha ha
And they didn’t look at the card hardly at all ,they went off on asking me if I was purchasing for personal use and not fraudulent reasons
Again quietly pulling people aside might be the key.. but loudly interrogating which puts people on the defensive

 

[hdrolfe]

Sorry for the question, but where do you find these BMO offers for Metro? I don't think I've received any emails about them.

I did get an email but it is also in the app and on the airmiles website. You have to opt in. I assume it is available to everyone who has a BMO AM MC. If you log into the airmiles website and choose featured offers, it is under the BMO ones.

 

[tinkerone]

Agree 100% if I was an 85 yr old lady or looked like one buying a roblox or PlayStation gift card sure quietly pull me aside .
I look like a mom of 4 kids working OT in her scrubs to pay for her kids DL vacation.. ha ha
And they didn’t look at the card hardly at all ,they went off on asking me if I was purchasing for personal use and not fraudulent reasons
Again quietly pulling people aside might be the key.. but loudly interrogating which puts people on the defensive

Just went to the 'other' Metro and bought a few items and a Disney Gift card. Went through the self check out. The customer service person has to come over to key in the amount and then walks away for you to finish the transaction. My GC was for $350, other items totaled less than $25, and I was able to use $100 in AMs. I could have used $350 but I wanted to trigger the 250 AM return on the purchase. I love that Metro.

On a different note, we are going to be in WDW mid Feb, the Presidents Day week and a Marathon week. There will be 7 of us. It's really really hard to find dining reservations for 7. I was able to grab Crystal Palace on my own but had to break it into 2 different reservations of 3 and 4. Hope they will at least sit us near each other.
BUT...we really wanted Space 220 and that one is hard to get at the best of times. With a group of 7, I have been told over and over to forget about it. I almost did however there is a website called Dining Fairy that will help with booking dining. They specialize in the hard to get. The fee is $6 per person but you don't pay unless they get the reservation. This morning they booked Space 220 for the 7 of us and I am beside myself! All one reservation so we will sit together.
I would suggest this if anyone is looking for a hard to get reservation. I know I would never have been able to get it by myself.

 

[bababear_50]

I just crashed out almost all my Cash Airmiles for $240.00 ( CAD) $179.00 (USD) in Starbucks gift cards.
This will certainly help with my food budget for my upcoming trip.

Hugs Mel

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I did get an email but it is also in the app and on the airmiles website. You have to opt in. I assume it is available to everyone who has a BMO AM MC. If you log into the airmiles website and choose featured offers, it is under the BMO ones.

I don't think this is for every cardholder. I have one and this offer isn't listed for me. Only the two sign up offers for Mastercard.

 

[bgula]

I did get an email but it is also in the app and on the airmiles website. You have to opt in. I assume it is available to everyone who has a BMO AM MC. If you log into the airmiles website and choose featured offers, it is under the BMO ones.

I've looked on there - there's nothing except for signing up for a credit card.

 

[kristabelle13]

This morning, I finally figured out one of my pet peeves: not being able to use mobile order at Starbucks in the states.

And it was so simple. Just log into a starbucks .com account in the app. Am I the last person to know this?!

Gahhhh such a game changer at Disneyland to not have to wait and to order your drink from security to swing by and pick up!

I cannot wait to try next weekend

I seriously feel so giddy

 

[dancin Disney style]

I went to Metro yesterday to buy another $500 Disney card. I paid with the correct card this time. Anyway, I was asked for ID and a manger was called over to verify which was what has happened before. Only this time the manager asked why I was buying a $500 card. I told him....I'm going on a Disney cruise.

Sometime between now and Thursday I'm going to attempt to figure out how much I might spend while I'm away and get another card. I bought my park tickets with the first card and now it has $46CAD left on it. That and the $500 card won't go far after the exchange rate. So far we are a day at MK, dining at Palo on the ship and probably going parasailing at Castaway. That will cost more than what I've got in cards right now....so maybe another $500.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

Talking about parasailing...

I am going to Mexico during March Break and they have it on the beach at the resort. Is it worth the money as a one-and-done type of thing?

 

[bababear_50]

JMHO Parasailing ................................
Just a precaution on the Parasailing
My youngest son did Parasailing a few years ago at Disney's Contemporary Hotel.
Sammy Duvall's Sports ran it at the time.
Long story short .... the harness was not buckled up the right way. The Harness slipped upon incline and he suffered a very painful & bad groin injury. Even when the warning flag was dropped the boat continued on instead of immediately stopping and returning to dock .
He was water evacuated when they realized the situation and transported to the hospital.
Of course everyone on the boat (Duvall Staff) blamed each other.
His Marriage Proposal dinner and Magic carriage ride was quickly cancelled.
He spent a long time recovering.
******************************************************************************************
Look for a Licensed Operator and ask about staff training and proper safety protocols.
In Florida:
Due to accidents and deaths related to Parasailing
The law (enacted 2014) requires commercial parasailing operators to log weather conditions before passengers go in the air and prohibits parasailing during sustained winds of 20 mph or higher and during severe weather conditions.

It also requires operators to maintain a valid license and to carry a minimum insurance policy.
*****************************************************************************************
Hugs Mel

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I actually decided to check my travel medical insurance and accidents for parasailing not covered. Well, looks like my butt will be glued to the lounge chair all week. Darn! lol

 

[Silvermist999]

I’m looking at the terms and conditions for that Metro weekend airmiles offer and I’m pretty sure that buying gift cards won’t qualify since they are excluded normally.

I see a few of you are getting gift cards for this offer. Has anyone confirmed whether gift cards would actually qualify for this weekly offer? or received these air miles.

 

[hdrolfe]

I haven't tried yet, planning to Thursday this week. I believe they won't post until later any way? I believe I get AM for any purchases made with my BMO MC, even gift cards, normally. However, it's really no loss either way. I can obviously use the AM but if for some reason it doesn't work, that's ok. ​

Terms + Conditions​

This offer is not transferable and is valid only for the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard cardholder who received this offer invitation email. Offer valid each Thursday to Sunday between December 15, 2022 and March 9, 2023. To qualify for the AIR MILES Bonus Miles, you must first click the "Opt in" button from the offer invitation and then i) make an eligible purchase of $25 or more, in a single transaction, on your BMO AIR MILES Mastercard or make an eligible purchase of $12 or more, in a single transaction, on your BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard at any Metro location, excluding Thunder Bay, or online at metro.ca to get 250 Bonus Miles; then, one offer period later ii) make an eligible purchase, in a single transaction, on your BMO AIR MILES Mastercard or BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard at any Metro location, excluding Thunder Bay, or online at metro.ca, as follows: a minimum of $60 to get 50 Bonus Miles, a minimum of $100 to get 100 Bonus Miles, a minimum of $250 to get 250 Bonus Miles, or a minimum of $500 to get 500 Bonus Miles. All eligible purchases exclude tobacco products and any other products or services that we may specify from time to time or where prohibited by law. Limit of one (1) eligible purchase transaction per collector number per week (Thursday – Sunday) for both the 250 Bonus Miles offer and the tiered Spend and Get offer. The maximum number of Bonus Miles to be earned in connection with this offer during the offer period is 2000 Bonus Miles. Purchase transactions do not include cash advances, balance transfers, interest charges, fee payments, credit or debit adjustments, or any other amounts that may be charged to the account. To qualify for this offer, your BMO AIR MILES Mastercard account must be in good standing at the time the Bonus Miles are awarded. This offer can be combined with other offers. Please allow up to 90 days after the promotion end date for Bonus Miles to be posted to your collector account. Offer is subject to change without notice.

 

[tinkerone]

I’m looking at the terms and conditions for that Metro weekend airmiles offer and I’m pretty sure that buying gift cards won’t qualify since they are excluded normally.

I see a few of you are getting gift cards for this offer. Has anyone confirmed whether gift cards would actually qualify for this weekly offer? or received these air miles.

The difference is, MC can't tell what the purchase is, only that there was a purchase. If I need a GC I always try and buy from Metro as I get 3 times the AM's from MC for buying there. That has been tried and tested tons of times. Metro won't give you AMs on GC purchases, that is connected to their system as they can see what your purchase is, however, like I said, MC can't tell what the items are. They only know you spent $250 at Metro. It would be a privacy issue to share that information.
There is absolutely no reason this should not work but we wait and see.

 

[Donald - my hero]

I’m looking at the terms and conditions for that Metro weekend airmiles offer and I’m pretty sure that buying gift cards won’t qualify since they are excluded normally.

I see a few of you are getting gift cards for this offer. Has anyone confirmed whether gift cards would actually qualify for this weekly offer? or received these air miles.

I read this one VERY closely and was going to be asking for opinions as well
Here's how I'm interpreting it based on the info I've cut and pasted below
There are TWO sets of terms and this is for the promo that came from the App/email invite that required Opting in
This offer is not transferable and is valid only for the BMO AIR MILES Mastercard cardholder who received this offer invitation email. Offer valid each Thursday to Sunday between December 15, 2022 and March 9, 2023. To qualify for the AIR MILES Bonus Miles, you must first click the "Opt in" button from the offer invitation and then make an eligible purchase, in a single transaction, on your BMO AIR MILES Mastercard or BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard at any Metro location, excluding Thunder Bay, or online at metro.ca, as follows: a minimum of $60 to get 50 Bonus Miles, a minimum of $100 to get 100 Bonus Miles, a minimum of $250 to get 250 Bonus Miles, or a minimum of $500 to get 500 Bonus Miles. Eligible purchase excludes tobacco products and any other products or services that we may specify from time to time or where prohibited by law. Limit of one (1) eligible purchase transaction per collector number per week (Thursday – Sunday). The maximum number of Bonus Miles to be earned in connection with this offer during the offer period is 2000 Bonus Miles per collector number. Purchase transactions do not include cash advances, balance transfers, interest charges, fee payments, credit or debit adjustments, or any other amounts that may be charged to the account. To qualify for this offer, your BMO AIR MILES Mastercard account must be in good standing at the time the Bonus Miles are awarded. This offer can be combined with other offers. Please allow up to 90 days after the promotion end date for Bonus Miles to be posted to your collector account. Offer is subject to change without notice.

Now, the highlighting and red is my doing and I read as meaning:

• Need to opt-in FIRST
• Valid only on weekends from this weekend until the 9th of March
• Only one bonus per weekend based on whichever transactions is largest within the thresholds given
• ONLY exclusion mentioned is tobacco products

Terms for the regular earnings of 1 mile/$20

Get 1 Mile for every $20 spent in a week (Sunday to Saturday). Offer valid at participating Metro locations in Ontario, excluding Thunder Bay. Reward Miles will not be awarded on taxes, tobacco, beer, wine, cider, Western Union, lottery, transit tickets, stamps, gift cards, prescription medications, behind the-counter pharmacy items, and purchases from in-store vendors. For details and a list of participating stores, visit metro.ca.

Again the highlighted sections shows MANY exclusions with tobacco within that list and based on that fact I'm going with YES gift cards will be included in the offer that's good on the weekends only. We're thrilled because we have a trip coming up and if we can earn 1:1 why not? We also use AMEX which gives 1 mile/$5 at grocery stores letting us earn a lot of miles.

The above is my pondering about this offer when it first came out...

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I bought my $800 worth WDW gift cards at Superstore/Loblaws with my MC and I got the 2x miles for my grocery store purchase.

 

[Silvermist999]

Thanks everyone! We’ve got another trip planned for this summer, and need lots of AMs, I guess I’ll be heading to Metro every weekend !

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

Thanks everyone! We’ve got another trip planned for this summer, and need lots of AMs, I guess I’ll be heading to Metro every weekend !

So you're a summer traveler? Tell me about how much the weather sucks in July? lol I am thinking in the future we will be limited on when we can travel as DD will be starting high school (grade 10) in September. March break prices for flights are insane. I was thinking we might have to brave the summer humidity going forward.

I would likely be able to extend our vacation longer due to summer vacation, and therefore omit the parks during midday.

 

[hdrolfe]

So you're a summer traveler? Tell me about how much the weather sucks in July? lol I am thinking in the future we will be limited on when we can travel as DD will be starting high school (grade 10) in September. March break prices for flights are insane. I was thinking we might have to brave the summer humidity going forward.

I would likely be able to extend our vacation longer due to summer vacation, and therefore omit the parks during midday.

I can say end of August is HOT. Like going down mainstreet we would go through the shops just for a few minutes of AC. And Wet. Like sudden storms leaving water over your ankles as you run to find shelter But it was quieter when we went (last week before Labour Day) and we got to do the Halloween Party. Not quite July but I'm sure the weather is similar.