I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[mmmears]

Thanks for the wealth of info! Never been to England or even Europe before. My son is 11 and a hardcore English soccer fan and Tottenham is his team, we were up at 0630 today watching the game (which they nicely won). We are also totally foodies, so that rec is appreciated. After a bunch of research today, I find AA has nonstops from ORD to LHR daily with lie flat business seats. Right now, and into later this year, they seem cheap at 130k miles RT pp. Between DH and I, we have around 400k AA miles due to a certain train. DH had a 60k CitiAA mailer, which he applied for and got instant approval for today.
In looking at London hotels, I looked at a number today and found the Doubletree Westminster seemed reasonably priced and decent location. Anyone stay there?

I was going to respond to your earlier post, but I saw that you got a great answer already, so I'll just pile in my thoughts on top of that one.

We've flown first on AA, Biz on VA, and Biz on BA (all through LRH) and IMHO it's totally worth it for us. It's a really long flight from CA and I don't enjoy it in economy. I'll fly on any of them, but I want lie-flat seats. Also, check the taxes because BA can be $$$$. We mostly fly AF to CDG in Biz, which is also nice.

Totally agree about the Tower of London, Churchill War Rooms, and the Harry Potter Studio Tour. We also loved our visits to Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace when it was open for tours. The Greek and Egyptian wings in the British Museum and really fun too with statues, mummies and entire temples inside.

As for hotels, I try to be near Hyde Park Corner (personal preference). I've stayed at the Intercontinental, the Ritz, and the Berkeley (last two through FHR) but none are kind on the budget.

We enjoy dining on pub food over there, walking around the city, and just seeing all the sights. London is a really fun and easy place to visit. I hope you have a great time there.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I'm trying to figure out a course of action for this year. I tried to refer my husband to the Sapphire Preferred, but his application was declined. I really don't understand it. The only thing I can come up with is that we both closed Chase Southwest accounts shortly after opening them. I didn't know any better at the time.

My cards: Discover from 2005 (husband is an AU)
Disney Chase from 2006 (husband is an AU)
Barclay Arrival 01/19 (downgraded from Arrival +)
Chase Ink Unlimited 09/19
Chase Sapphire Preferred 05/20
I also closed a Capital One Venture card 07/20 that was opened 07/18
I also closed a Chase Southwest card 04/18 that was opened 01/18

DH's cards: Capital One Venture One 03/18 (downgraded from Venture)
Chase Ink Unlimited 12/19
Home Depot 11/20 (I know, but he wanted 12 months same as cash on a tool box)
He also closed a Chase Southwest card 08/19 that was opened 05/19

Is their another UR card I should consider? We are good on Southwest points for our next Disney trip (possibly the next two), but we probably won't make a trip until 2023. DH keeps getting mail from AMEX, is there something I should be looking into there? I think Barclay Arrival is a thing of the past? Maybe I can hit the Venture again?

I second (and third) the request for “What was the denial reason?” You should get a letter on that or it could be posted to your account.

Thanks for the detailed instruction links. I did read the how to prior, but I didn’t really understand until now that the approvals need to be spaced within 24 hours of each. I understood it was the applications spaced 24 hours apart.
Thanks for the etiquette on DISchurners links. P3 will be using mine, as I am funding the MSR, but as I branch from Chase and Amex this year, I will certainly show the love.

So there’s a lot of little precautious we take around MDDs that might not be necessary. I think the big deal is making sure that the 2nd application occurs on the NEXT calendar day after the first is approved. That is truly the most important part of all. So if you choose not to call recon you really need to monitor what day your 1st card gets approved.

 

[platamama]

Oh man, I am a terrible churner (hangs head in shame) I totally didn't realize the Aspire had an airline credit until these posts. My DH has an Aspire (although I will admit I can never remember the name of the card because they all sound the same to me). So, my DH needs to call Amex to select his airline and then we can use it to pay EBCI fees or taxes on award flights, is that right?

That's ok, I'll bet you'll never forget from now on, right? I think once you pick your airline (easy to do online like @CyndiLouWho explained) and use some of the credit, then you're not supposed to be able to change it to another airline during the remainder of the calendar year...but that might also depend on how nice an Am Ex rep is feeling if you ask nicely since I've seen some reports of people having luck with that. They seem more amenable to switching your preferred airlines if you haven't used any of the credit. I don't recall if you have a CP or not, but for me my CP expires on June 30, so I plan on using Am Ex to pay for my DD's tickets for the 2nd half of 2021 in case I don't get myself another CP.

 

[magickingdomprincess]

Correct, if for some reason you aren't going to fly this year or are only going to fly once you can purchase a ticket or two that are less than $100, cancel to get a travel credit and then use that credit for whatever flight you are going to use. He may be able to set the airline on the website. I believe that is how I set mine in 2019.

Log in to his account, click on Benefits under the Aspire. Scroll down to find the Airline credit, click on it and you should find a drop down to select airline.

That's ok, I'll bet you'll never forget from now on, right? I think once you pick your airline (easy to do online like @CyndiLouWho explained) and use some of the credit, then you're not supposed to be able to change it to another airline during the remainder of the calendar year...but that might also depend on how nice an Am Ex rep is feeling if you ask nicely since I've seen some reports of people having luck with that. They seem more amenable to switching your preferred airlines if you haven't used any of the credit. I don't recall if you have a CP or not, but for me my CP expires on June 30, so I plan on using Am Ex to pay for my DD's tickets for the 2nd half of 2021 in case I don't get myself another CP.

Thanks everyone for the help! I was able to select SW for DH's airline. I'll add EBCI to our June flights once I feel a little more sure that we're settled on them. I also initiated his and my priority pass membership. I'd never been on the benefits tab, not sure why but it was very useful! I should have checked it out a long time ago!

 

[ski_mom]

Ugh My DH also hates to make calls the one time I had to have him call Chase was on a fraud alert after I tried to use my CIC AU card....some have had luck with him giving permission for me to speak to them...but it didn’t work out for us and he was not amused
My call for a CSR retention offer was less than a minute, just asked if one was available and given the $150...hopefully his will quick as well

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll have him call tomorrow during normal business hours

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I decided to start and look at ideas for Spring Break. My kids and I are both off the same week (I teach in a different district then they go to). I thought MAYBE this might be the first time we could swing Disney at Spring Break. Like maybe the crowds will be bearable. The last time we did was when my DS was like 3! And the 3 trips I did with my DD when she was younger was when they had awesome, buy 4 nights get 3 free deals (with dining even). So yeah, I've been out of the Disney loop. Imagine my shock to find the cost of 3 tickets for 4 days!

My DD will be 16 (and a sophomore). The kids have both asked to do Disney again. I guess I wasn't ready for $1500 in tickets alone. Now I could use my 5 FNC and stay at the Ritz Carlson in Orlando, LOL. So next up I looked at flights. I had to laugh that Spirit was $500. My BF is a captain with them. At one point tickets were $17 during this fun last spring. I texted him and joked I didn't know Spirit ever charged $500. Now granted, I'm looking at Spring Break. So I should be prepared for $$$. But considering the prices I've paid for tickets over the last year, I wasn't thinking things would be that high!

So I guess for now, I kinda keep watching here and there to see what prices do. I know Spring Break is normally super busy at Disney. I don't want to spend a ton of money and still have a crowded experience. But I also don't want to spend the money and have them not get the "full" experience. UGH. I guess maybe we will be doing Disney in the summer (which we've been trying to avoid).

It is such magic when all of the school breaks line up- I think you might regret letting that pass by. Ugh, and Disney in the summer, with the heat and masks and an altered experience, could be really disappointing.

Our fam has been twice since the pandemic, and it’s a different experience, but it’s not a “full” experience. If you love, love the dining experiences, parades and fireworks, you’ll be disappointed. If you are okay with mini, impromptu parades, abridged dining options and no fireworks, I think you might find your family enjoys the pandemic version of Disney. We like that people aren’t on top of our group- the wait times have been good, and it’s just been a bit more relaxing.

As you look at flights, Southwest has been offering some good deals. If Frontier is in your neck of the woods, they are also offering status match, which could make those flights really inexpensive. https://www.flyfrontier.com/myfrontier/status-match/?mobile=true

Good luck- I’m sure you’ll make the right choice for your family.

 

[3 DD love princesses]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll have him call tomorrow during normal business hours

When I called it was quick and I didn’t get a chatty rep she was all business so it was a 3 min call including verification

 

[wendow]

Anyone know if MCO PP lounges are open? We fly to FL on Wednesday and I'm not sure whether to make the effort of hitting the lounge on our way home.

 

[afan]

Anyone know if MCO PP lounges are open? We fly to FL on Wednesday and I'm not sure whether to make the effort of hitting the lounge on our way home.

I think they've tweeted about one of them. As on top of things as MCO's twitter is, I'm sure their website tells you which lounges are open and the hours.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Anyone know if MCO PP lounges are open? We fly to FL on Wednesday and I'm not sure whether to make the effort of hitting the lounge on our way home.

One has been open for a while and the 2nd opened the day I flew out of MCO in Nov. They were doing everything via table service for COVID- that’s something I could get used to

 

[wendow]

I think they've tweeted about one of them. As on top of things as MCO's twitter is, I'm sure their website tells you which lounges are open and the hours.

The PP website isn't that helpful. Off to check twitter.

We stayed at a Residence Inn a couple of weeks ago and that website said they were doing a buffet breakfast - instead it was a grab & go bag. We have two Marriott's booked in FL and both websites still act like everything is operating normal. I've called both resorts and have found out one has no table service open or the kid's activities. Other appears to be mostly operating normal. I wish these places would update their websites. They have notices about masks required. Seems they could be upfront about dining and amenities too.

 

[ski_mom]

The PP website isn't that helpful. Off to check twitter.

We stayed at a Residence Inn a couple of weeks ago and that website said they were doing a buffet breakfast - instead it was a grab & go bag. We have two Marriott's booked in FL and both websites still act like everything is operating normal. I've called both resorts and have found out one has no table service open or the kid's activities. Other appears to be mostly operating normal. I wish these places would update their websites. They have notices about masks required. Seems they could be upfront about dining and amenities too.

I agree. I understand why there may need to be adjustments made about the breakfast they are providing, but they need to be upfront about it so you know what you're going to get.

 

[ski_mom]

I emailed the form into Hyatt to combine DH's points into my account. I got an email back to update DH's account address and phone number which hadn't been filled in before. When I went to update them, it said that it looks like this could be a duplicate account and won't let me save it. I emailed hyatt back, but I'm hoping this doesn't mess everything up. They seem so open to combining account, I don't know why they would have a problem with it. I assume there is no rule for there to be multiple accounts per household?

Worst case, I'll just book a couple nights in DH's name and a couple in mine.

 

[afan]

The PP website isn't that helpful. Off to check twitter.

We stayed at a Residence Inn a couple of weeks ago and that website said they were doing a buffet breakfast - instead it was a grab & go bag. We have two Marriott's booked in FL and both websites still act like everything is operating normal. I've called both resorts and have found out one has no table service open or the kid's activities. Other appears to be mostly operating normal. I wish these places would update their websites. They have notices about masks required. Seems they could be upfront about dining and amenities too.

I meant MCO's website. MCO's twitter has tweeted about PP and a ton of other stuff. I'd trust it over PP.

 

[kmc8826]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll have him call tomorrow during normal business hours

I usually will actually dial the number and then hand my DH the phone once someone is on the line. Just tell them to hold (yes you are the stereotypical assistant). On the retention he is told what to say. If it is worth possibly $150 it is worth it and hopefully your DH won’t mind.

 

[kmc8826]

I emailed the form into Hyatt to combine DH's points into my account. I got an email back to update DH's account address and phone number which hadn't been filled in before. When I went to update them, it said that it looks like this could be a duplicate account and won't let me save it. I emailed hyatt back, but I'm hoping this doesn't mess everything up. They seem so open to combining account, I don't know why they would have a problem with it. I assume there is no rule for there to be multiple accounts per household?

Worst case, I'll just book a couple nights in DH's name and a couple in mine.

I combined our Hyatt points last week. There was a bit of a problem since I had not updated his phone number from what they had versus current number on form. But once I corrected that it wasn’t a problem. In fact started 8 nights on the mattress run for Globalist on Saturday.

 

[wendow]

I meant MCO's website. MCO's twitter has tweeted about PP and a ton of other stuff. I'd trust it over PP.

I found a video on Twitter of how things look. I was mostly concerned that you get there and it's a granola bar and a yogurt cup. It looks like they are serving but have an attendant getting you the food, which is fine. Thanks for directing me to twitter. I don't use a ton of SM so I forget to look there.

 

[pinkxray]

I would like to apply for the Amex Blue Business Plus. Is the 10,000Mr using support link the best? I am in no hurry, but I would like a new SUB.( Really want a CIU but don’t think I can handle such a high SUB in 3 months)

I also never understand the Amex limits with charge/ credit cards.
I have
Marriott business
Hilton personal
Gold
Platnium(not business)

 

[Minnie368]

Question about booking with American Airlines under their current terms... Am I correct when I read that if I cancel my flight I get all my miles back, no fees or anything? Just checking because that seems too easy- I've never booked with AA before and I'm thinking this is new since the pandemic because I thought that was always the big deal unique to Southwest- that you could so easily cancel flights booked with miles. I'm looking at flights for August to Hawaii and would love to book them now while they're available in my points range, but I won't know if we can actually take this trip till DS gets his summer internship schedule.

 

[Minnie368]

I would like to apply for the Amex Blue Business Plus. Is the 10,000Mr using support link the best? I am in no hurry, but I would like a new SUB.( Really want a CIU but don’t think I can handle such a high SUB in 3 months)

I also never understand the Amex limits with charge/ credit cards.
I have
Marriott business
Hilton personal
Gold
Platnium(not business)

I've been watching that SUB for a while for DH and that's the best I've seen since last January when I got a SUB of 15,000MR- not that I couldn't have missed something sometime. Before this it was statement credits for Dell and I forget what else, but it wasn't MR at all.