Have problems with redeeming FF miles to MCO through Bank One or United's FF Visa?

[lkohawaii]

This was posted on the Budget board...wondered if anyone here had the same problem specifically with Bank One or United's Visa. I've been saving miles for 3 years to use at MCO would hate to find out I can't use them when I'm ready to redeem them.
Chesire
Welcomed Guest

Registered: Jun 2003
Location: South Lake Tahoe
Posts: 12


I would caution against the Chase one ... we used it for 18 months straight, had well over the amount for 2 round trip tickets to MCO. When we tried to arrange for tickets, we were given the run-around for 2 months, finally we were told the credit card miles could not be used for MCO (too popular a destination) and the only airport they would allow us to fly out of was 5 hours away!
After an hour talking to a few superviors, I canceled my account and will have nothing to do with Chase.
What made me even more upset was that I specifally asked about MCO and our airport when I opened the account. We now use a Disney Visa and have never had a problem.

 

[DebbieB]

Are the miles deposited directly into your Frequent Flyer account? Frequent Flyer tickets are very difficult to get these days, no matter where the miles come from. Especially to a popular destination like Orlando. I don't think it's a case of restricting the credit card miles but just the fact that there are few frequent flyer tickets available, especially at the restricted first level (for double miles, you can book without restrictions on flight choices on some airlines). They sometimes open up more flights for FF closer to the date if they have empty seats. I was able to snag a seat for late April in February. There were no flights available for my return date, then when I checked online one night they had 1 flight open and luckily it was the one I wanted (USAir PIT/MCO). I would try to book at 331 days if you want to have a better chance to get the tickets.

If the miles are not deposited directly into your frequent flyer account, then I think you are at the mercy of the credit card program.

 

[lkohawaii]

My miles are earned on the Visa and then put into my account. It never occured to me that where I chose to redeem them would be a problem until I saw that other post. I'll be ready to book the flight 330 days out. I've heard about having difficulty using those miles. Thanks.

 

[PRaffen]

I have booked several trips and also used my miles a few times to upgrade to first class with my Bank One visa. I have never had a problem even when once using miles to upgrade to first class the day before.

 

[Chicago526]

My parents use FF miles earned on their UA Visa Card (Bank One) all the time with no trouble, but they also book 331 days out whenever possible. Some flights only offer as few a 2 seats for FF miles!

 

[Lewisc]

Sounds like the problem is with your airline.

SW has a few blackout dates but no capacity limits. If there is a seat left on the plane you can book it. The standard SW line is you are required to make your reservation prior to the departure of the plane.

I don't normally like to burn a RR ticket if I can buy a ticket for cheap but the RR tickets are good for trips in which deeply discounted seats aren't available. Particularly good for last minute trips.