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

[disfanforlife]

you can still travel with kids, just have to add in time for babies eating and changing diapers. money is what has slowed us down but having the kids didn't change us going to places.


I just went through the decision of each card choice. did the premier since it outweighed the others as far as points went and fee

That’s the one I think I am going to apply for too.

 

[Calfan]

I've been meaning to ask how to use those upgrades. I signed up last year when they offered it, which was probably a mistake but oh well, so I still have those in my account and can't quite grasp how I'd use them.
Do they work on any booking type or just cash?
And how are they applied? Since they're called 500 mile upgrades, do you use one for each multiple of 500 miles you're flying (900 mile flight applies 2 upgrades?) Or they're only good for short flights?
I completely forgot what I was reading about them. And never figured it when to apply them, do you have to wait or could you try it right after booking?

We're not big flyers so I never learned this stuff growing up

I've only flown AA a handful of times, so the honest answer is "I don't know" to all of your questions. I had totally forgotten I had Platinum status (and the 500-mile upgrades were nowhere on my radar) when I ended up needed to fly to Florida. The upgrades seemed to happen automatically at check-in. I was never offered an option to upgrade/apply the upgrades, but at check-in, I was asked to choose seats again and was offered the better options. I took them since it was clear I wasn't being charged any dollars to do that. It was really only earlier this week when DH got the offer for temp Platinum status that I went back to my account out of curiosity and could see that I had 18 of the 20 upgrades left, so clearly 2 were used when I was upgraded to Premium Economy and First on my Feb flights. When I checked our existing flights for Sept. in DH's account today, I had the option to change seats, and was able to move to Main Cabin Extra without any charge (I assume because of Platinum status), but I did not see any option to upgrade or request an upgrade using the 500-mile upgrades. So that led me to conclude it happens automatically at check-in if available. Maybe others who fly AA more often can confirm or deny.

 

[miztressuz]

I've only flown AA a handful of times, so the honest answer is "I don't know" to all of your questions. I had totally forgotten I had Platinum status (and the 500-mile upgrades were nowhere on my radar) when I ended up needed to fly to Florida. The upgrades seemed to happen automatically at check-in. I was never offered an option to upgrade/apply the upgrades, but at check-in, I was asked to choose seats again and was offered the better options. I took them since it was clear I wasn't being charged any dollars to do that. It was really only earlier this week when DH got the offer for temp Platinum status that I went back to my account out of curiosity and could see that I had 18 of the 20 upgrades left, so clearly 2 were used when I was upgraded to Premium Economy and First on my Feb flights. When I checked our existing flights for Sept. in DH's account today, I had the option to change seats, and was able to move to Main Cabin Extra without any charge (I assume because of Platinum status), but I did not see any option to upgrade or request an upgrade using the 500-mile upgrades. So that led me to conclude it happens automatically at check-in if available. Maybe others who fly AA more often can confirm or deny.

That sounds plausible, it vaguely sounds familiar so that might have been what I was reading. At the time I had no plans for an AA flight so I didn't have a scenario to work with and I guess it just went in one ear and out the other. Now I have a flight but I booked First so as to not chance it, so again, don't have anything to play around with. But at the very least I can bookmark this for later! Thanks for the insight

 

[afan]

Thanks so much for posting this! I am thinking of buying a ride on lawn mower and this might just help me decide what and where to buy. I'm checking out HD as we speak.

I don't know if you're replacing or have had a rider mower before but one thing to know that my mom and I didn't, they do need to be serviced. My stepdad always took care of it, changed the oil, winterized it etc. So when we had issues with ours a year or two after he passed we had the tractor place come pick it up and it wasn't cost effective to fix, but based on mileage/years we'd gotten our use of it because of course they aren't made as good as they used to be like a lot of things.

Anyway, the guy there said once a year or every 30 miles, ours does have a speedometer. We didn't get it done this past winter so I need to make sure it gets done this year in case mom forgets. She gets it done in Nov because they offer free pick up and delivery that month and then we try and coordinate with the neighbor so they can get both on the same day.

But it is fun to mow the grass, when the cottonwood isn't flying.

 

[Lain]

I have been playing A LOT of golf this summer. It might be why I’m quiet on here during the day some.

I might be able to catch up to @SouthFayetteFan's likes this summer!

 

[vanjust14]

Looks like DS and I will be Universal this fall over his college break. It will be another use of the SW CP (that will 3 trips this year). I am looking to use my AA miles for onsite hotels (I am an EP snob and can't go without) and URs for tickets. So it should be almost free with just money for food and any souvenirs.

Question on Universal tickets on the Chase portal: Do I need to worry about anything before pulling the trigger? I haven't been to Universal for 2 years. Are there expiration dates? Do you get physical tickets through Chase or do you need to trade in the virtual tickets at will call?

Any tips on saving on food? I thought someone mentioned there is at least one Landry's restaurant and possibility to pick up discounted gift cards for that. I guess if I knew we would eat in the park or at one of the hotels, I could pick up a discounted Universal GC.

Thanks!

I received vouchers when I purchased my Universal tickets on the Chase portal. I was able to trade them in for tickets at the attractions ticket desk at Royal Pacific. Only thing you need to worry about is that they are non refundable so just be sure you definitely want them before buying.

As for Landry's, you can use a giftcard at Bubba Gump Shrimp ay Citywalk. That's exactly what I'm going to do in July with the Landry's gc I bought at a discount a couple of months back.

Haven’t been on all day or much the last few days. We have family visiting and not a lot of free time. I’m heading to the news thread to get caught up!

Just wanted to let y’all know that my dh got a job offer! It’s a job he’s wanted for over a year. He interviewed last year in May but things didn’t work out for various reasons. Anyways, it’s looking like he will definitely accept! So excited for him but also really nervous as he will start traveling some. The job is a remote job so we can move anywhere but we won’t move for two years so we can let our dd16 graduate from here. But just know, for the next two years, y’all are going to be hearing about if we want to move/don’t want to move and if we do where!??

Congrats, that's fantastic news!! Can't wait to hear about the places you will consider moving to in a couple years. I'm still hoping to move to FL some day.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Hey @SouthFayetteFan can I create a fun exercise? If you could create loyalty status for Disney hotels what tier would you be and what perks would you want for each tier.

Silver 8+ nights
An extra fastpass (anytime fastpass for Disneyland)
Checkout at 1?

Gold
15 nights
2 extra fastpasses
Checkout at 4pm.
A Mickey bar voucher every night of your stay.

Platinum
25 nights. I think I would have this level
3 extra fastpasses
Checkout at 4
2 Mickey bar vouchers per night
Free refillable mug (do the DL hotels have this?)

Lol - you don't have to ask me. This thread is of the DISchurners. by the DISchurners, for the DISchurners!!! But I think it's always cool to throw a little BOLD headline out there to draw attention to it:

@speedyfishy has an AWESOME fun exercise idea. Hot on the heels of the TREMENDOUS success of Marriott's new "Bonvoyed" initiative, Disney has decided to create it's own Loyalty & Status Program and it's YOUR job to help design it. I guess we'll limit this to American Parks to keep it (slightly) simple or you can just focus on WDW if that's easier. What would Silver, Gold & Platinum look like? How many nights would you have to stay to reach that level? Feel free to be as detailed as you like.

Mine will be WDW only just for simplicity, lol!

CREDITS -

• Value Resorts = earn 1 credit per night
• Moderate Resorts = earn 2 credits per night
• Deluxe & Villas Resorts = earn 3 credits per night
• DVC rental nights unfortunately would not qualify - these are direct with Disney rooms only (making this realistic)

SILVER - Earn 24 credits during any calendar year and earn Silver status for the remainder of that year and all of the next year:

• 1 Additional pre-booked FP per person in your room for each 3 nights of your stay (i.e. a 6 or 7 night stay would get 2 additional per person)
• Earn LIFETIME silver status by earning 250 lifetime credits OR by earning silver status in 7 consecutive years

GOLD - Earn 40 credits during any calendar year and earn Gold status for the remainder of that year and all of the next year:

• 1 Additional pre-booked FP per person in your room for each 2 night of your stay (i.e. a 4 or 5 night stay would get 2 additional per person)
• FREE refillable mug
• Book Dining Reservations at 200 days out
• 1 Free Tour (up to a maximum TBD $ value) for up to 6 guests
• Earn LIFETIME gold status by earning 500 lifetime credits OR by earning gold status in 7 consecutive years

PLATINUM - Earn 60 credits during any calendar year and earn Platinum status for the remainder of that year and all of the next year:

• 1 Additional pre-booked FP per person in your room for each nights of your stay (i.e. a 4 night stay would get 4 additional per person)
• FREE refillable mug
• Book Dining Reservations at 200 days out
• Book FP Reservations at 90 days
• 1 Free Tour (up to a maximum TBD $ value) for up to 6 guests
• 1 Free Dessert party of your choice for up to 6 guests
• Earn LIFETIME platinum status by earning 750 lifetime credits OR by earning Platinum status in 10 consecutive years

 

[Hoosier John]

...Now I really want to plan another trip to the UK!!!

Where did you get the cool country buttons? I like them!

 

[Hoosier John]

No Status -> Grumpy level
Silver -> __________
Gold -> ___________ Dopey level?
Platinum -> Mickey level

 

[Killer Fish]

I've been meaning to ask how to use those upgrades. I signed up last year when they offered it, which was probably a mistake but oh well, so I still have those in my account and can't quite grasp how I'd use them.
Do they work on any booking type or just cash?
And how are they applied? Since they're called 500 mile upgrades, do you use one for each multiple of 500 miles you're flying (900 mile flight applies 2 upgrades?) Or they're only good for short flights?
I completely forgot what I was reading about them. And never figured it when to apply them, do you have to wait or could you try it right after booking?

We're not big flyers so I never learned this stuff growing up

So I spent a while on this yesterday trying to figure it out myself. I think when booking there is an option to use it but afterwards you can login to you AA account and click on an upcoming trip. After scroll to the bottom and there is an option to upgrade your trip. It tells you how many 500 mile upgrades you need (anything over 500 rounds up so 650 miles you would need 2). I only have an itin for 3 people so on mine it says to contact American to apply it. I think if it is only 1 person you can just click on it though. Finally from my reading yesterday it still seemed like it is based on status for priority on who gets the upgrade. Hope that helps.

 

[Etonduf]

No Status -> Grumpy level
Silver -> __________
Gold -> ___________ Dopey level?
Platinum -> Mickey level

Coincidentally, I've given myself Lifetime Grumpy Status with Bonvoy...

 

[gottalovepluto]

You’re in this game too deep when the dentist offers a 10% discount for paying by check day of and you’re really bummed.

 

[3 DD love princesses]

That’s the one I think I am going to apply for too.

figure for the $149 its worth the extra points whether I use the credit or not but Im sure I'll use it considering I still have time to cancel and rebook my flights for Dec. although they are $30 more today so once the card gets here I'll actually start tracking the flights to try to get it lower.

 

[3 DD love princesses]

You’re in this game too deep when the dentist offers a 10% discount for paying by check day of and you’re really bummed.

lucky you ours and the kids don't offer any discount what so ever. even DD ortho paid in full didn't offer a discount

 

[gottalovepluto]

lucky you ours and the kids don't offer any discount what so ever. even DD ortho paid in full didn't offer a discount

Haha, it’s the first time they’ve made this offer. I think they hiked their prices 10% recently upon changing card processors so alas it’s a wash.

 

[magickingdomprincess]

Finally caught up on the thread! Been reading while the family naps. We had to get up at 3 am this morning for our flight to Orlando. Staying 2 nights at Portofino at Universal before switching to BCV for 5 nights. I wanted to report back that our family boarding worked, there were about 7 empty rows left for the back of the plane so our group of 4 were able to sit together. I'm ready for everyone to wake up so we can go eat some dinner at city walk!

 

[pinkxray]

I applied for the Amex Gold with the 50,000 MR bonus. I got approved!!! I was stuck getting Amex pop ups the last few times I tried going for my first MR card. I have been putting some spend each month for the last few months so I guess it worked.
I also did the chat to have a rose gold instead and the rep was able to do it. At first she said to contact them again in 1-2 days since I just got applied. I just mentioned I thought was easier for them to just send the rose gold since the gold hadn’t been mailed yet. She checked again and was able to process it.
Can’t wait for my pretty card.
I don’t know much about MR so I need to learn all I can about them .

 

[eeyoreland]

I think they don't get a lot of talk because most are in it for the sign up bonus and CapOne is finicky. Personally, I can't comment on the Savor as they're on our blacklist so I don't really bother to check them out. But Capital One is unpredictable in when they'll approve a card so not everyone can get it. I know there's a bunch on here that have the Venture card, not sure how many tried for the Savor ones.

Discover it pops up but with no real sign up bonus and very little changes, there's not much to discuss. It is a good card to have but when you're looking at a $50 statement credit and about $750 cashback if you max out all the 5% categories during your first year as a sign up bonus, which equals at least $7,500 in spend, versus something like the Chase Ink Preferred with a 80k bonus which cashes out to $800 after only $5,000 in spend OR even the Chase Sapphire Preferred with the current 60k bonus which cashes out at $600 but only needs $4,000 in spend, the return on spend generally favors other cards (even with AF's sometimes). Not to mention the Discover system really only has 3 cards and you can only carry 2 of them at once versus Chase which has 7 cards that earn UR points and can hold ALL of them at once if you play your cards right.

Personally I have the Discover it and it Chrome cards (so I'm maxed for now) and I think they're fine cards. I got just over 1k in cashback on my first year of the IT card... but I really don't want to add up how much spend that really took me because only $750 of that came from bonus categories (and please don't any of you people tell me. thanks! ) Whereas I received $1,500 worth of UR points for $11,000 in spend. And to add complexity to it, I didn't actually redeem those points for cash, I redeemed them for travel with a 1.5x multiplier so I actually turned them into a $2,250 return on spend.

So yeah, Chase gets talked about A LOT on here. Probably closely followed by AmEx which has a similar program. And then Barclay's Arrival+, CapOne Venture, and the various airline and hotel cards from the same issuers. For now, points programs can give outsized value over cashback if you understand them so they get more discussion. Doesn't mean they're bad cards, just more like the comfortable slipper you wear day after day versus the snazzy bunch of stilettoes you rotate through every couple of months
That said, if you can do both, max out Discover and get all the other cards, do both! It's a good card to keep in the wallet. I'm sure the Savor is too, if you can get it.

Thank you for such a thorough explanation.

 

[GlamMistress]

Just looked over the latest DCL release. Opmph nothing exciting. Surprised at the number of short cruises this time too.

 

[StephPlum]

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