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

[ep1229]

I applied for CIP#2 and was approved! Would it be safe to call and ask for it to be expedited even though I already have another CIP?

I have a lot to of posts to catch up on, we've been traveling this summer. The Amex Plat that I got this spring has been so useful. Between being able to go into the lounges, uber and upgrades. I wish I got it sooner!

 

[DisneyMandC]

I'm just really struggling with being away from my family and friends back at home. Plus, I can't stand how people drive here. Sorry, but when the light turns green that means go. I'm always honking. and I swear people don't know what a yield means, I have had so many people just go instead of stopping and they almost hit into me. Oh, and one time I was at a grocery store and talking on the phone and said the F word a cashier said something to me!!! like don't curse or that's not nice? I was like uhhh what???? ( I try and not curse in front of kids and Im not a loud person so idk why this person felt the need to say something, but whatever it was legit one F word) I remember one time I took my little sisters out to eat in NY and the person next to us was cursing up a storm and talking about the drugs and things they did last night. you know what I said? nothing, because its none of my business lol. If I didn't like what that person was saying I could have gotten up and left. Ok, rant over im just homesick so I complain about every little bad experience that I have lol.

I will say that I loooooove the way New Yorkers drive. Driving home from LGA to RIC was amazing. I think my mom was terrified at my driving, but I loved it. I get what you're saying about being away from family and friends though. There's a reason I still live in my hometown. I think some people thing you have to move away at some point to grow up/branch out/whatever, but I just happen to really like where I live. I've had a lot of great opportunities here and I see no reason to abandon my family and work just to say I've lived somewhere else.

 

[DisneyMandC]

I applied for CIP#2 and was approved! Would it be safe to call and ask for it to be expedited even though I already have another CIP?

I have a lot to of posts to catch up on, we've been traveling this summer. The Amex Plat that I got this spring has been so useful. Between being able to go into the lounges, uber and upgrades. I wish I got it sooner!

I think some here are recommending you not requested it be expedited just so you don't have extra eyes on your account. FWIW, I expedited both mine and my DH's CIP2 and also got him a CIP3 recently so it doesn't seem to matter. If you don't need it right away, maybe don't worry about it.

 

[Andysol]

I need your expertise... So, I have a trip to Aruba for the 4 of us booked for Jan 3-9th. Use AA for airfare and got each way for 15,000 points each. Also used Marriott Points for the Marriott Stellaris which was 50,000 points a n night with 1 night free. So everything paid for - good to go..

Except now I have been thinking it would be fun to have my Brother, SIL and Niece join us. ( we go on a lot of cruised together). But everything will need to be changed so need to know if this will work.

I would have to change the dates to like Jan1-8 instead as the AA points bookings went up. I have 89,039 in my account and DH has 50,008 in his account. We can get my brothers family there by changing the dates for 15,000 each there (so 45,000 total and can use DH's points) and back it would be 27,500 per person (so 82,500 each on my points). That is all good but am I able to change our flights to these dates without having to use more miles for on the flight back will I have to come up with the extra 50,000 points in order to do this. I read I can change the flights with no fees as same itinerary but was not clear on if I would have to come up with the extra points to do this?

Also, the Marriott Stellaris does not have any more rewards booking available. But I think we can change to the Renaissance and from what I can see - I would be able to use my 3- 35,000 certificates for this and then the rest in points and then just switch our reservation over to this hotel. This Stellaris was right on the beach in the High Rise Section and the Renaissance they take you by boat to their private beach and seems it is more in the downtown area with more shopping and restaurants (which we would like). Anyone know anything about these hotels??

Trying to see if this all would work before I approach my Brother on this to see if he could get off of work (for a pretty much free vacation)

If you're changing dates, you'll have to pay the "fare difference". Meaning if you booked for 15k for the 9th return but the 8th only has 27.5k flights available, then you're on the hook for the 12.5k difference.

For the Marriott- I would actually call the hotel and/or email the general manager and explain the situation and see what they can do. You never know and hotels have opened availability up before.

Contrarian thought: Would it be better to just plan a different vacation where they can come along and do this one with just your family?

 

[speedyfishy]

I will say that I loooooove the way New Yorkers drive. Driving home from LGA to RIC was amazing. I think my mom was terrified at my driving, but I loved it. I get what you're saying about being away from family and friends though. There's a reason I still live in my hometown. I think some people thing you have to move away at some point to grow up/branch out/whatever, but I just happen to really like where I love. I've had a lot of great opportunities here and I see no reason to abandon my family and work just to say I've lived somewhere else.

I'm glad I moved and tried something new, but I'm ready to go home. SO doesn't miss it though he hated the high rent and our small apartment, so we will see if I ever go back lol. Idk why the way people drive is so different, but it's crazy. I'm not even that good of a NY driver. I have had multiple MTA bus driver's give me the finger before ( I think this has happened like 4 times lol) the first time I was like wow what an a** but it kept happening and it was starting to get embarrassing.

 

[thevalley]

Well after I don’t know I’m like 100 times calling chase, CIP#2 is on its way.

 

[WVMomof3]

Does this mean I could do 2 RTW with my 240K MRs? Please don't tempt me Oh wait, I don't think I could do a RTW and skip Asia. If that were possible, I'd be all over it!

That’s funny because after I said it I was like wait, does that mean I need to pick somewhere in Asia I would want to go to?? Lol. I’m sure there are nice areas, I just can’t say any of it is currently on my want to visit places. Then wondered if you could somehow head south to Australia instead. Though can’t imagine I could get DH to take that much time off work at once. MRA is in 10 years. I think I can have enough points by then for a nice retirement trip.

 

[tink1970]

Then wondered if you could somehow head south to Australia instead.

That would be a great idea!

 

[miztressuz]

View attachment 423453

ok, so at least i'm not the only one that flashed back...

 

[miztressuz]

Well after I don’t know I’m like 100 times calling chase, CIP#2 is on its way.

I applied for CIP#2 and was approved! Would it be safe to call and ask for it to be expedited even though I already have another CIP?

I have a lot to of posts to catch up on, we've been traveling this summer. The Amex Plat that I got this spring has been so useful. Between being able to go into the lounges, uber and upgrades. I wish I got it sooner!

Yay for #2's! Let the CIPping continue, hehe

 

[DisneyMandC]

ok, so at least i'm not the only one that flashed back...

 

[LynnTH]

If you're changing dates, you'll have to pay the "fare difference". Meaning if you booked for 15k for the 9th return but the 8th only has 27.5k flights available, then you're on the hook for the 12.5k difference.

For the Marriott- I would actually call the hotel and/or email the general manager and explain the situation and see what they can do. You never know and hotels have opened availability up before.

Contrarian thought: Would it be better to just plan a different vacation where they can come along and do this one with just your family?

Thanks. I was able to find flights both ways for 15,000 each so can do the flights. Just have to figure out the hotel thing.

We already have other vacations planned for next year and they are going on a cruise with all the kids/grandkids in January 2021 so I know they are saving for that. So, thought it would be nice if they could come with almost free..

 

[punkin]

Where do you want to go and when? That's the first step. Then, go to skyscanner to get an idea of which alliances (there are 3) fly to that place. That's step two. Once you determine the alliance with the best flights for you, then that will determine URs or MRs (or both). You can do one ways both there and back if you are short on miles in one currency, as well.

As the booking window gets closer, you can bounce ideas off of us here if you'd like. Once you're accustomed to it, it really starts to make sense.

Right now, I'm leaning to Italy in early October. DH currently has 180k united miles. Between the two of us, we have 225k American airlines miles. We should have 240k UR points by the time the booking window opens. I also have about 350k MR points and DH has an amex platinum so it might make sense to book directly with points at least one way. I'd like to figure our the cheapest and best way to use points because right now I'm looking at booking through United on Lufthansa or something for 70k per person each way. But you guys are getting much cheaper rates.

 

[havaneselover]

Well when I first moved I was going to school so I didn’t have to. And then I was not happy here and have been begging my SO to move back home ever since lol now he is finally on board with moving but we are waiting for the right opportunity. He has turned down a few offers. We also have no idea where exactly we are moving too he isn’t thrilled with going back home but we will see. So anyway since we are actively looking for new opportunities it just doesn’t seem worth it. My dad has been lecturing me about it but i would also have to change my car registration and I hear in VA you have to pay some huge tax or something? I also don’t want to do that.

I pay about $100/year. It's only huge if you drive an expensive car.

 

[ep1229]

I have an Ultimate Rewards question... if you book a hotel room through the portal, do you still earn hotel loyalty points? We stayed at a Fairfield Inn and was told I couldn't use my Marriott gold status to get an upgrade because it wasn't booked directly. I also don't see the stay reflected on my account.

 

[RoyalJay]

This is so confusing to me. I have no idea what any of this means. I'm trying to get 2 business or first class lie flat tickets to Europe in fall of 2020. I thought the best way is UR to United, but reading this completely confuses me. Maybe my MR points would be better. I really need help.

This wouldn’t help you if you’re just going to Europe. It’s only good for an around the world ticket. You have to hit three zones and cross both the Atlantic and Pacific.

Does this mean I could do 2 RTW with my 240K MRs? Please don't tempt me Oh wait, I don't think I could do a RTW and skip Asia. If that were possible, I'd be all over it!

Yep, 240k would be enough depending on total miles travelled. I have a couple of spots in Asia I want to do, including Tokyo and Shanghai. Hong Kong is a bit unstable right now but hopefully it’s fine by the time we go. Sounds like @Andysol is hitting Thailand pretty hard.

That’s funny because after I said it I was like wait, does that mean I need to pick somewhere in Asia I would want to go to?? Lol. I’m sure there are nice areas, I just can’t say any of it is currently on my want to visit places. Then wondered if you could somehow head south to Australia instead. Though can’t imagine I could get DH to take that much time off work at once. MRA is in 10 years. I think I can have enough points by then for a nice retirement trip.

I’m not sure if Australia would work but I think so? Area 3 is Japan, South Korea, China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Southwest Pacific. I think Southwest Pacific include Australia. One thing to remember though is that price goes up the more miles you travel and Australia is a ways down there. If you have the points though, no worries!

 

[speedyfishy]

I pay about $100/year. It's only huge if you drive an expensive car.

Wait so it’s just a yearly fee? When I moved in the leasing office person made it sound like we would pay a % of our cars value right up front. I thought we would be paying $1000s lol. We lease for $100 a month but she told us they would take the value of the car which is about 25,000.

 

[Andysol]

Does this mean I could do 2 RTW with my 240K MRs? Please don't tempt me Oh wait, I don't think I could do a RTW and skip Asia. If that were possible, I'd be all over it!

Why would you want to skip Asia? Just curious.
If you haven't been, they are the best hotels for points (value-wise) in the world. 5 star that would be Cat 7 or 8 in Marriott's are only 5s. Park Hyatts are only 12k, etc.
Fantastic club & airport lounges as well. On another level.

Sounds like @Andysol is hitting Thailand pretty hard.

Not Thailand, but Vietnam. Only in Thailand 2 nights and Korea 2 nights. I'll be in Vietnam a full 2 weeks. Then 3 nights in Laos and 3 nights in Cambodia.

Loosely following this for most of the Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia leg:
https://www.adventuresbydisney.com/asia-africa-australia/cambodia-vietnam-laos-vacations/

 

[havaneselover]

Wait so it’s just a yearly fee? When I moved in the leasing office person made it sound like we would pay a % of our cars value right up front. I thought we would be paying $1000s lol. We lease for $100 a month but she told us they would take the value of the car which is about 25,000.

It's a percentage of the value of the car. It's reduced by 60% if your car is worth less than $20k. A $20,000 vehicle is assessed at $8,000 and $25,000 car would be assessed at $13,000. So the tax for a car worth $25,000 would be about $500/year.

 

[Killer Fish]

Just redeemed 110K ultimate Rewards points for a first class flight home for 3 from Kansas after Thanksgiving. Needed to flip Christmas and Thanksgiving with the new baby coming in February and wanted to make sure the wife was comfy. Feels nice to know that 110K points is basically one of the four CIP signups so far this year. For the same flight direct through AA they wanted 90k miles per seat...lol.