I love credit cards so much! v3.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[marsh0013]

Yes, I was hoping for a little more space myself. May would have been nice, June even better. Have you looked into bank account funding for the CIP as a backup? Just to keep some options open. Wouldn't try it with AmEx but so far no issues with Chase. I think it's been a while since this offer was out so I hate to miss it. But was hoping they'd up it though.

I’ve never done bank account funding. Thanks for reminding me of that option. Lots to think about.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Sad news tonight. I am 99% sure we are not going to the Maldives in April. I just can't, no matter what we lose, put ourselves in a position where we could either catch the virus, be stuck in quarantine or bring it back to the US and infect others. I am sad, but relieved that the decision is made. I will likely try to book the same trip next April when dd is done her finals (around mid-April).

Here are some options I am looking at:

• a few nights in NYC on our way back to Toronto for dd's spring break. I looked online and both the Park Hyatt and Conrad Midtown (formerly the London New York) have availability on points
• Maui is also a contender, but it is a long way from the east coast and will cost me cash (for hotel nights), so I'm not sure I want to go this route (as long as we stay in N. America I'm fine with travel for now)
• Montreal with dh's family for Passover (Ritz Carleton Montreal is one of my favorite hotels)
• A few nights in Disney before heading to Toronto; this of course is contingent on people cancelling their reservations and us snapping up a few nights at a bargain price (yes I am serious about the orange bird merchandise and I really want to experience SWGE)

Toronto has, so far, managed to contain the cases that have presented; of course this can explode at any point in time. On a positive note at least we will get to spend Passover / Easter with family.

This trip had a lot of moving parts and will take a fair bit of time to cancel, but that's what Saturday mornings are for, right? The only airline I am somewhat worried about is British Airways and I'm hoping they will credit me back the miles I used to book the flights coming home.

 

[LB002]

We lived through the 1987 and 2000 downturns also! Was on my honeymoon in Hawaii on Oct 19, 1987, so I remember that one. DH had put in to take shares of company stock out of his account for our house downpayment, by the time we got back the share price had dropped 30%. We kept the stock at that point rather than selling it at a huge loss and used other funds for the house.

Rollercoaster continues, started out down again this morning.

My grandfather had everything in stock, aside from the house and his businesses, and my grandparents were wiped out in 1987. I was too young to remember details, but I remember my grandmother wailing like someone died (she was quite dramatic). Thank G-d she was a teacher for decades - her pension kept them afloat in retirement. It was really a life lesson for me in 1) diversifying and 2) both spouses working in case the $%^& hits the fan (I guess that's also kinda diversifying).

 

[nickle831]

On hold with Marriott going on 30 mins to see how "Bonvoyed" I get with this latest point increase for a reservation made in June of last year on points advanced.

1hr 14mins on hold total.

I had originally booked a 2 night stay in Seattle for 2 rooms last year in June for my upcoming trip this June. They were originally 35,000 points a night. I was able to pay right away with points for 1 room. The other room was a points advance for a total of 70,000. ( I planned on using points for 1 night and my FNC for the 2nd night when it posted this year).
When the peak pricing happened in Sept, each room went up 5000 points. I was reading were people were able to call in and get points added so their original price was honored. I didn't call then though because I didn't have enough points to cover the one night I wanted to get covered so I waited.
I knew when the change happened I would no longer be able be able to use my FNC, and I was ok with that. So I knew I would be paying for 1 night which would be around $300 and was hoping to get the original 35000 point for 1 night honored, which I now had enough points to cover.

Then I saw the post a few days ago that changed the hotel categories again, went and checked mine and of course mine jumped way up. It was now 60,000 points for 1 night. Ugh. Looks like its time to call.

It went better than expected. My agent was great. I just explained my situation and what I thought was fair for honoring the original point price, and she went to work to make it happen.

I was only asking for one night to be honored at the original price point and that I understood I would not be able to apply the FNC any more, and was fine with paying for the 2nd night. She got her supervisor involved and they created a case and if I could get enough points in my account to get me to 70,000 ( I was short 26,000) by June they would honor both nights for the 35000 each. With organic spend I don't think I could reach that, so I went ahead and bought the points i needed with the bonus that Marriott is running to get me to 70,000. It cost $225 which is less than what I would of spent for the 1 night I was figuring I would have to pay so I'm happy with the outcome.

They are going to add the extra 50,000 points needed to make it the 120,000 needed for both nights. She did say that they don't apply them right away anymore because to many people were calling to get the points credit and then canceling their reservation to get the extra points back in their account. I have an email from the supervisor with a summary of everything and when its close the the 15 day mark for points advance payment he will apply and submit the points and payment. Now I need to set reminders on my calendar so I keep and eye on it to make sure it all goes through. They gave me an extra 3000 points for my trouble.

Now just keep fingers crossed that it goes that smoothly when it's time to hit the pay button.

 

[LB002]

I read today that NCL is extending the pay-in-full date for June/July cruises. We cruise from Seattle in August, and I don't think I'll be able to be comfortable paying that far out with all the uncertainty. The idea of being stuck on a cruise ship is a nightmare to me! (Another ship on quarantine today). I hope they extend the date for August cruises as well.

DH is so excited for Disney in 2 weeks, he literally changes the subject if I express any concerns! i don't think he's ever gone so long (18 months or so) without a WDW trip. With the developing outbreak in NYC area, we could already be exposed for all we know. Unless there is a specific concern about WDW/Orlando we are going.

 

[disfanforlife]

I read today that NCL is extending the pay-in-full date for June/July cruises. We cruise from Seattle in August, and I don't think I'll be able to be comfortable paying that far out with all the uncertainty. The idea of being stuck on a cruise ship is a nightmare to me! (Another ship on quarantine today). I hope they extend the date for August cruises as well.

DH is so excited for Disney in 2 weeks, he literally changes the subject if I express any concerns! i don't think he's ever gone so long (18 months or so) without a WDW trip. With the developing outbreak in NYC area, we could already be exposed for all we know. Unless there is a specific concern about WDW/Orlando we are going.

My DH is excited too. Only 10 days for us, and same thing we are still plannng to go.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Our trip to China (Beijing & Shanghai) that was booked for October of this year is now cancelled and can be rescheduled up for 24 months from original departure date. So looks like we won’t be doing China until sometime in 2022. Bummer but of course we’d rather be safe than sorry! I’m also glad that the uncertainty is over. Next will be to try and deal with AA on our positioning flights to NY. They were booked on points as web special awards, so I’m pretty skeptical that they’ll make any accommodation. But If anyone got through to them, please share your experience!
Guess we’re gonna stick to domestic only travel this year also, so we’re thinking of heading to the Keys instead.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Sad news tonight. I am 99% sure we are not going to the Maldives in April. I just can't, no matter what we lose, put ourselves in a position where we could either catch the virus, be stuck in quarantine or bring it back to the US and infect others. I am sad, but relieved that the decision is made. I will likely try to book the same trip next April when dd is done her finals (around mid-April).

Here are some options I am looking at:

• a few nights in NYC on our way back to Toronto for dd's spring break. I looked online and both the Park Hyatt and Conrad Midtown (formerly the London New York) have availability on points
• Maui is also a contender, but it is a long way from the east coast and will cost me cash (for hotel nights), so I'm not sure I want to go this route (as long as we stay in N. America I'm fine with travel for now)
• Montreal with dh's family for Passover (Ritz Carleton Montreal is one of my favorite hotels)
• A few nights in Disney before heading to Toronto; this of course is contingent on people cancelling their reservations and us snapping up a few nights at a bargain price (yes I am serious about the orange bird merchandise and I really want to experience SWGE)

Toronto has, so far, managed to contain the cases that have presented; of course this can explode at any point in time. On a positive note at least we will get to spend Passover / Easter with family.

This trip had a lot of moving parts and will take a fair bit of time to cancel, but that's what Saturday mornings are for, right? The only airline I am somewhat worried about is British Airways and I'm hoping they will credit me back the miles I used to book the flights coming home.

Looks like BA has a $55 fee?
https://www.britishairways.com/en-us/executive-club/spending-avios/booking-and-service-fees
I’m sorry you won’t be able to go. But I definitely get it

 

[gottalovepluto]

Our trip to China (Beijing & Shanghai) that was booked for October of this year is now cancelled and can be rescheduled up for 24 months from original departure date. So looks like we won’t be doing China until sometime in 2022. Bummer but of course we’d rather be safe than sorry! I’m also glad that the uncertainty is over. Next will be to try and deal with AA on our positioning flights to NY. They were booked on points as web special awards, so I’m pretty skeptical that they’ll make any accommodation. But If anyone got through to them, please share your experience!
Guess we’re gonna stick to domestic only travel this year also, so we’re thinking of heading to the Keys instead.

Did you make the cancel call?

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Did you make the cancel call?

The tour group sent us an email saying the choice was ours... for now they still have trips scheduled in October but if we were uncomfortable, we could reschedule at no charge. DH would rather reschedule at this point with all the unknowns. He doesn’t have a great immune system as it is, so he doesn’t want to risk it.
With the few reports earlier of people not being able to get through with AA, I don’t have too much hope. Thankfully the flights were booked on points so we won’t be losing cash money, but it still stings!

 

[gottalovepluto]

The tour group sent us an email saying the choice was ours... for now they still have trips scheduled in October but if we were uncomfortable, we could reschedule at no charge. DH would rather reschedule at this point with all the unknowns. He doesn’t have a great immune system as it is, so he doesn’t want to risk it.
With the few reports earlier of people not being able to get through with AA, I don’t have too much hope. Thankfully the flights were booked on points so we won’t be losing cash money, but it still stings!

With that much at risk I’m glad they gave you an out this far out. I was about to say maybe Beijing 2022 was in the cards but Oct 2021 will be much nicer for exploring around weather wise...

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Sad news tonight. I am 99% sure we are not going to the Maldives in April. I just can't, no matter what we lose, put ourselves in a position where we could either catch the virus, be stuck in quarantine or bring it back to the US and infect others. I am sad, but relieved that the decision is made. I will likely try to book the same trip next April when dd is done her finals (around mid-April).

Here are some options I am looking at:

• a few nights in NYC on our way back to Toronto for dd's spring break. I looked online and both the Park Hyatt and Conrad Midtown (formerly the London New York) have availability on points
• Maui is also a contender, but it is a long way from the east coast and will cost me cash (for hotel nights), so I'm not sure I want to go this route (as long as we stay in N. America I'm fine with travel for now)
• Montreal with dh's family for Passover (Ritz Carleton Montreal is one of my favorite hotels)
• A few nights in Disney before heading to Toronto; this of course is contingent on people cancelling their reservations and us snapping up a few nights at a bargain price (yes I am serious about the orange bird merchandise and I really want to experience SWGE)

Toronto has, so far, managed to contain the cases that have presented; of course this can explode at any point in time. On a positive note at least we will get to spend Passover / Easter with family.

This trip had a lot of moving parts and will take a fair bit of time to cancel, but that's what Saturday mornings are for, right? The only airline I am somewhat worried about is British Airways and I'm hoping they will credit me back the miles I used to book the flights coming home.

Oh man - I’m sure this has to be a really tough choice. I’m sure you’re doing whatever is best for you and your family. Sorry you’re going to have to miss out on something you were certainly looking forward to. Hopefully you’ll have some great fun at one of your “substitute” destinations.

 

[Judique]

1hr 14mins on hold total.

I had originally booked a 2 night stay in Seattle for 2 rooms last year in June for my upcoming trip this June. They were originally 35,000 points a night. I was able to pay right away with points for 1 room. The other room was a points advance for a total of 70,000. ( I planned on using points for 1 night and my FNC for the 2nd night when it posted this year).
When the peak pricing happened in Sept, each room went up 5000 points. I was reading were people were able to call in and get points added so their original price was honored. I didn't call then though because I didn't have enough points to cover the one night I wanted to get covered so I waited.
I knew when the change happened I would no longer be able be able to use my FNC, and I was ok with that. So I knew I would be paying for 1 night which would be around $300 and was hoping to get the original 35000 point for 1 night honored, which I now had enough points to cover.

Then I saw the post a few days ago that changed the hotel categories again, went and checked mine and of course mine jumped way up. It was now 60,000 points for 1 night. Ugh. Looks like its time to call.

It went better than expected. My agent was great. I just explained my situation and what I thought was fair for honoring the original point price, and she went to work to make it happen.

I was only asking for one night to be honored at the original price point and that I understood I would not be able to apply the FNC any more, and was fine with paying for the 2nd night. She got her supervisor involved and they created a case and if I could get enough points in my account to get me to 70,000 ( I was short 26,000) by June they would honor both nights for the 35000 each. With organic spend I don't think I could reach that, so I went ahead and bought the points i needed with the bonus that Marriott is running to get me to 70,000. It cost $225 which is less than what I would of spent for the 1 night I was figuring I would have to pay so I'm happy with the outcome.

They are going to add the extra 50,000 points needed to make it the 120,000 needed for both nights. She did say that they don't apply them right away anymore because to many people were calling to get the points credit and then canceling their reservation to get the extra points back in their account. I have an email from the supervisor with a summary of everything and when its close the the 15 day mark for points advance payment he will apply and submit the points and payment. Now I need to set reminders on my calendar so I keep and eye on it to make sure it all goes through. They gave me an extra 3000 points for my trouble.

Now just keep fingers crossed that it goes that smoothly when it's time to hit the pay button.

I am so happy to hear of a positive Marriott experience! Bonjoyed!

Now, don't get me wrong - I'm still annoyed with a lot of things but I've got a pretty large investment in Marriott points and free nights that so far are paying off. A few down moments but all in all, I'm on the up side.

 

[Alexle2007]

My DH is excited too. Only 10 days for us, and same thing we are still plannng to go.

Looking forward to meeting you Sat afternoon!!!!

 

[Alexle2007]

This next time next week, I hope we have boarded or will boarding shortly ROTR! I am so excited for our trip! RCCL will be taking our temperature now as we board the Harmony on Sun afternoon but whatever! I am ready for vacation!!!!

ETA: Oh, and that sweet boy will be able to be an AmEx AU! He'll have his own Gold card!!!

 

[amcc]

AA is waiving change fees for tickets purchased March 5 to March 31. It seems that they are trying to entice people to travel? I don’t see any info on waived fees for tickets purchased before that. We are scheduled to fly to NYC in mid-April for my kids first visit. I think I will wait until about 2 weeks before to make a decision. I’m having a difficult time finding the fees for a change to a web saver ticket booked with miles - is it $150 /ticket to change ($900 total) or $150 for the first plus $25 for each additional ($275) to reinstate since what I would do is just change the dates not the departure or arrival airport?
My dad is immunocompromised. He absolutely doesn’t worry - he plans to go ahead with his trip to Romania in May but I feel right now, I should be cautious for both of us. We are living with my parents while we do an addition to our house.

 

[hsmamato2]

paging @Lain and anyone else familiar with Maui.

Dd and I are discussing changing our Maldives trip to Hawaii (I have to contact BA and see if I can get my miles back; I think Hilton will refund my points after a discussion I had with them yesterday). Dd is concerned there isn't much to do in Maui -- other than enjoying the glorious weather, amazing food and relaxing, what is worthwhile doing on Maui? I've never been to Maui, but have been to the Big Island and Oahu (twice) and don't really want to go back to either. So I am looking at flights in and out of Maui and maybe staying 6 nights. Also is the Wailea area better than Kaanapali?

Wailea is AMAZING - You could do Halakeala excursions, for sure- also the Hana road and Bamboo forest trips....

 

[570traveler]

AA is waiving change fees for tickets purchased March 5 to March 31. It seems that they are trying to entice people to travel? I don’t see any info on waived fees for tickets purchased before that. We are scheduled to fly to NYC in mid-April for my kids first visit. I think I will wait until about 2 weeks before to make a decision. I’m having a difficult time finding the fees for a change to a web saver ticket booked with miles - is it $150 /ticket to change ($900 total) or $150 for the first plus $25 for each additional ($275) to reinstate since what I would do is just change the dates not the departure or arrival airport?
My dad is immunocompromised. He absolutely doesn’t worry - he plans to go ahead with his trip to Romania in May but I feel right now, I should be cautious for both of us. We are living with my parents while we do an addition to our house.

AA saver award fee is $150 first ticket, $25 each additional. I’m not sure with the current situation if they’d possibly let change the dates. It’s worth a call to try though.
I agree. I think AA and other airlines need to consider everyone who bought tickets well before any of this came about.

 

[Alexle2007]

Sad news tonight. I am 99% sure we are not going to the Maldives in April. I just can't, no matter what we lose, put ourselves in a position where we could either catch the virus, be stuck in quarantine or bring it back to the US and infect others. I am sad, but relieved that the decision is made. I will likely try to book the same trip next April when dd is done her finals (around mid-April).

Here are some options I am looking at:

• a few nights in NYC on our way back to Toronto for dd's spring break. I looked online and both the Park Hyatt and Conrad Midtown (formerly the London New York) have availability on points
• Maui is also a contender, but it is a long way from the east coast and will cost me cash (for hotel nights), so I'm not sure I want to go this route (as long as we stay in N. America I'm fine with travel for now)
• Montreal with dh's family for Passover (Ritz Carleton Montreal is one of my favorite hotels)
• A few nights in Disney before heading to Toronto; this of course is contingent on people cancelling their reservations and us snapping up a few nights at a bargain price (yes I am serious about the orange bird merchandise and I really want to experience SWGE)

Toronto has, so far, managed to contain the cases that have presented; of course this can explode at any point in time. On a positive note at least we will get to spend Passover / Easter with family.

This trip had a lot of moving parts and will take a fair bit of time to cancel, but that's what Saturday mornings are for, right? The only airline I am somewhat worried about is British Airways and I'm hoping they will credit me back the miles I used to book the flights coming home.

So sorry about your trip!

 

[WVMomof3]

I have been checking a SW flight coming up for weeks. It kept going from $349 to $399 - for just one way. All of the Saturday/Sunday flight were crazy like that. This morning it was $139!!! Check your SW flights. Saved over 15,000 pts. Yay!