I love credit cards so much! v5.0 - 2022 (see first page for add'l details)

[CaptainAmerica]

How soon did you cancel? Rule of thumb is to keep at least 1 year.

Did you close the card less than 1 year after opening it?

Yup, I know the rule of thumb and knew I was taking a risk. I NEVER fly Delta so I only had the card because I was doing a one-time flight to Hawaii with a party of 8 and wanted the free checked bags. The SkyMiles were just a bonus and I'm not too upset that I lost them. Cancelling now was still worth not paying the AF for me.

 

[platamama]

As this is the month that DD finds out about college acceptances, I've been very glad I've been building up a point stash across various programs. I have so many flights and hotels booked speculatively for this month and next, and it's so much less stressful to not have to worry about losing money on these plans. Not exactly aspirational travel LOL but money is money.

I've discovered that when you see the red letters on SW saying "2 left" that really means only 2 seats left on the plane. So now I need to obsessively check and see if a seat opens up for DD, or I'll have to make other flight plans. I'll know by beginning of April if the trip is even necessary at all.

 

[platamama]

Yup, I know the rule of thumb and knew I was taking a risk. I NEVER fly Delta so I only had the card because I was doing a one-time flight to Hawaii with a party of 8 and wanted the free checked bags. The SkyMiles were just a bonus and I'm not too upset that I lost them. Cancelling now was still worth not paying the AF for me.

Amex will refund the AF if you cancel within 30 days of it posting. That's why people let the fee post, and then cancel.

 

[elgerber]

Ha--more kids just meant more mistakes! I still occasionally think about how I never even questioned whether the kindergarten (yes, my kids are all now graduated from college and I still sometimes think about this) teacher who was so great for my very verbal, very type-A daughter was the totally wrong choice for my speech-delayed, marches-to-his-own-drum son. Kudos to @Alexle2007 for seeing that the fit isn't right.

So true! My son is my oldest. He started 4th grade in this district (he’s almost 29 now ). At that time we thought he was ADD. Later we found out he has mild Asperger’s. His teacher in 4th grade didn’t get him at all. She ticked me off all the time. I figured she was a bad teacher. Few years later dd had her. I dreaded it. Turned out she was great for her. Dd loved her and thrived in her class. His 5th grade teacher on the other hand was a fantastic fit for him.

 

[wanderlust7]

As this is the month that DD finds out about college acceptances, I've been very glad I've been building up a point stash across various programs. I have so many flights and hotels booked speculatively for this month and next, and it's so much less stressful to not have to worry about losing money on these plans. Not exactly aspirational travel LOL but money is money.

I've discovered that when you see the red letters on SW saying "2 left" that really means only 2 seats left on the plane. So now I need to obsessively check and see if a seat opens up for DD, or I'll have to make other flight plans. I'll know by beginning of April if the trip is even necessary at all.

"2 left" can also mean 2 left at that price. I like changing the number of passengers to 8 (max) to get an idea. Not sure if there is a way to see exactly how many seats are left.

 

[elgerber]

On the taxes topic. I was owing about $300 overall while I waited for my last 1099. Finally get it and we though our accounts have been in the toilet for what seems like forever, cap gains made a $4000+ swing in how much we owe! So not happy about that. Hello MSR. Will meet that spend in no time.
On another topic. I had a ton of Amazon returns a few weeks ago. They made me take them to Whole Foods. So annoying. That’s a 25 minute drive when I have 2 UPS stores within a couple of miles. I just got two emails reminding me to send back two of those items. They were all given to Whole Foods at the same time and on the same return code as several other items that were received. Now I have to argue with Amazon about that :-(

 

[reliev]

We did the Soho International Food Tour through London Food Lovers and it was outstanding. The guide was a wealth of information, which is how we found out about the 1* Michelin restaurant with a crazy low-price set menu lunch. In May we will use them again but I'd like to try a Borough Market Tour this time.

We have done afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason and Claridge's -- both were outstanding. My parents loved having tea at Harrod's. Not sure where we will have tea this time, but it's another must-do for us in London!

Dd and I did the RIB boat tour and it's fun! Also the London Eye gives you a good perspective of the city and it's just a short walk from the tube station.

whats the name of it i may or may not have a london google doc im starting

 

[wanderlust7]

On the taxes topic. I was owing about $300 overall while I waited for my last 1099. Finally get it and we though our accounts have been in the toilet for what seems like forever, cap gains made a $4000+ swing in how much we owe! So not happy about that. Hello MSR. Will meet that spend in no time.
On another topic. I had a ton of Amazon returns a few weeks ago. They made me take them to Whole Foods. So annoying. That’s a 25 minute drive when I have 2 UPS stores within a couple of miles. I just got two emails reminding me to send back two of those items. They were all given to Whole Foods at the same time and on the same return code as several other items that were received. Now I have to argue with Amazon about that :-(

I thought Amazon gives you an option how you want to return?

Took returns to Kohls for the first time and there's a tracking ID for each item on the return receipt. Hope you have the same number of IDs as items? We've usually done UPS drop off (boxed ourselves) and the return received e-mail is as soon as it's dropped off and scanned. I liked that better than the Kohls notification, which took longer.

 

[miztressuz]

Yup, I know the rule of thumb and knew I was taking a risk. I NEVER fly Delta so I only had the card because I was doing a one-time flight to Hawaii with a party of 8 and wanted the free checked bags. The SkyMiles were just a bonus and I'm not too upset that I lost them. Cancelling now was still worth not paying the AF for me.

Unfortunately for AmEx it's not just a rule of thumb, it's part of the T&C of the bonus that you keep the card for a year. (This is also true for upgrade and retention bonus offers) If you keep it less than 365 days they do clawback. You don't necessarily have to pay the AF and get a refund after cancelling, but you do need to make sure it's 365+1 day before cancelling. For most people that means you have at least a week between the anniversary and when the next AF posts, if you don't want to even see the AF. But it posts on the last day of a statement and it doesn't need to be paid until the due date so there's also that grace period to cancel with refund for no OOP expense.

Still sorry you lost the points, but thanks for the PSA.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Unfortunately for AmEx it's not just a rule of thumb, it's part of the T&C of the bonus that you keep the card for a year. (This is also true for upgrade and retention bonus offers) If you keep it less than 365 days they do clawback. You don't necessarily have to pay the AF and get a refund after cancelling, but you do need to make sure it's 365+1 day before cancelling. For most people that means you have at least a week between the anniversary and when the next AF posts, if you don't want to even see the AF. But it posts on the last day of a statement and it doesn't need to be paid until the due date so there's also that grace period to cancel with refund for no OOP expense.

Still sorry you lost the points, but thanks for the PSA.

It's just weird because Ive done the same with with a cash card and they didn't claw back. And that was THEIR points so it's not like they had to interface with an airline partner.

 

[elgerber]

I thought Amazon gives you an option how you want to return?

Took returns to Kohls for the first time and there's a tracking ID for each item on the return receipt. Hope you have the same number of IDs as items? We've usually done UPS drop off (boxed ourselves) and the return received e-mail is as soon as it's dropped off and scanned. I liked that better than the Kohls notification, which took longer.

They do. But not all of them are free. This is the first time the only free option was Whole Foods. I actually rarely get kohls as an option. Usually it’s the UPS store
Ups and Whole Foods don’t do a line by line receipt. Just the scan for each return code. I got immediate emails and refunds for all the items on the two codes I had. But two times, one from each code, is still showing “refunded waiting for item”. They are going to take back my return credit if I can’t argue it with them. I have no way to prove that I took all the items in since they just scan the code at drop off and not each item.

 

[platamama]

"2 left" can also mean 2 left at that price. I like changing the number of passengers to 8 (max) to get an idea. Not sure if there is a way to see exactly how many seats are left.

Oh yes, you're right. I should have been more specific with my post. I saw "2 left" for Anytime and Business Select fares (all the WGA were unavailable for that flight), so in my situation "2 left" really meant 2 left. The odds of DD getting into this school are very very slim given their acceptance rate so we probably won't be needing that trip anyway.

 

[Sheree]

Wife and I are heading to Nashville for a couple days next week. Anybody got any recommendations of things we can't miss?
And it looks like my new job is sending me to Vegas for a week next month. I should have at least a couple nights free, what are the can't miss things that aren't all day? I'll be at the Mirage if that matters at all.

just walk around, go into several bars, upstairs
check out the cma museum, the tour of the Ryman. if you can get tickets to Gran Ol Opry or the Bluebird afe. good bar be que. really just soak it in, the music is great at all the bars. Legens is fun. some great ivey looking breakfast places. don't be afraid to just walk around

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

3 weeks from our London trip. I bit the bullet and bought football () tickets today. I've been so convinced it wouldn't happen that I only booked refundable stuff so far.
So anyone with last minute tips for London, let me have have them!
Also having never flown Biz before, is checked luggage collected at the same place for all or is there something different I should know?

I can't recall, but I think your DS would be a good age for THATmuse, info here. They do "treasure hunts" at several museums as well as street hunts- which is basically just finding clues or taking pictures, but it gets kids much more involved in museums and the details than just wandering around looking at "stuff."

We did biscuit decorating in Notting Hill as well as a went to the market in Notting Hill.

We love London parks. Princess Diana memorial playground is next to Kensington Gardens (beautiful, easy photo opportunity).

London walks- free walking tours.

Found the London Eye to be a HUGE waste of money. Kids will want to do it but it's so expensive and just so not worth it. But near the base of the London Eye on the South Bank of the River Thames are some good American-ish, kid friendly street food and street performers. Easy walking distance to Big Ben (or more accurately as my kids learned and remind us from their London Walks tour- Elizabeth Tower).

Be sure to grab that iconic photo in the red phone booths scattered around London.

 

[elgerber]

They do. But not all of them are free. This is the first time the only free option was Whole Foods. I actually rarely get kohls as an option. Usually it’s the UPS store
Ups and Whole Foods don’t do a line by line receipt. Just the scan for each return code. I got immediate emails and refunds for all the items on the two codes I had. But two times, one from each code, is still showing “refunded waiting for item”. They are going to take back my return credit if I can’t argue it with them. I have no way to prove that I took all the items in since they just scan the code at drop off and not each item.

my update. Went to do online chat and got this message for both items that they say they don't have. So I took screenshots and now I have proof. This works, no?

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

For fans of Gilmore Girls, here's how my call with the Air France rep, asking him to open up two seats they are holding so my kids can sit together (after they changed aircraft and moved our seats around).

AF:

Me: Hi, it looks like Air France is blocking two biz class seats. Would you be able to open them up so my two kids can sit together?

AF:

Me: So, could you put my kids in those blocked seats?

AF:

Me: Yes, but the seats aren't occupied, they are just blocked by AF. Could you unblock them?
AF: No, I cannot.
AF:

 

[elgerber]

For fans of Gilmore Girls, here's how my call with the Air France rep, asking him to open up two seats they are holding so my kids can sit together (after they changed aircraft and moved our seats around).

AF: View attachment 652317

Me: Hi, it looks like Air France is blocking two biz class seats. Would you be able to open them up so my two kids can sit together?

AF: View attachment 652314

Me: So, could you put my kids in those blocked seats?

AF: View attachment 652315

Me: Yes, but the seats aren't occupied, they are just blocked by AF. Could you unblock them?
AF: No, I cannot.
AF: View attachment 652318

And I heard every word in his voice!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I can't recall, but I think your DS would be a good age for THATmuse, info here. They do "treasure hunts" at several museums as well as street hunts- which is basically just finding clues or taking pictures, but it gets kids much more involved in museums and the details than just wandering around looking at "stuff."

We did biscuit decorating in Notting Hill as well as a went to the market in Notting Hill.

We love London parks. Princess Diana memorial playground is next to Kensington Gardens (beautiful, easy photo opportunity).

London walks- free walking tours.

Found the London Eye to be a HUGE waste of money. Kids will want to do it but it's so expensive and just so not worth it. But near the base of the London Eye on the South Bank of the River Thames are some good American-ish, kid friendly street food and street performers. Easy walking distance to Big Ben (or more accurately as my kids learned and remind us from their London Walks tour- Elizabeth Tower).

Be sure to grab that iconic photo in the red phone booths scattered around London.

Thanks! I have bookmarked all the suggestions here so I can refer to them. I booked a bunch of stuff today thru Chase portal: Walking tour with Churchill War Rooms; Afternoon Tea across from Buckingham Palace; and Harry Potter Studio Tour. We also have the football tickets (cash at insane prices) so we have activities for 4 days. I think the rest we will play by ear. DS (turning 13 next week) wants to do a RIB boat ride but I'd rather wait and see the weather. Same for gardens and palace. So far we have 3 biz tix on AA, 3 hotels for a total of 8 nights and the above activities and only OOP is football tix.

 

[iujen94]

Thanks! I have bookmarked all the suggestions here so I can refer to them. I booked a bunch of stuff today thru Chase portal: Walking tour with Churchill War Rooms; Afternoon Tea across from Buckingham Palace; and Harry Potter Studio Tour. We also have the football tickets (cash at insane prices) so we have activities for 4 days. I think the rest we will play by ear. DS (turning 13 next week) wants to do a RIB boat ride but I'd rather wait and see the weather. Same for gardens and palace. So far we have 3 biz tix on AA, 3 hotels for a total of 8 nights and the above activities and only OOP is football tix.

The Harry Potter studio tour is awesome. One piece of advice I’ll give - when I went (maybe 5ish years ago?), I felt a lot of pressure to kind of rush through the first few parts of the (self-guided) tour, because I knew there was more to come, and I didn’t want to run out of time. But it turned out that the last few portions of the tour took almost no time at all, so definitely take all the time you need in the first few sections, because those are definitely the highlight.

 

[iujen94]

For fans of Gilmore Girls, here's how my call with the Air France rep, asking him to open up two seats they are holding so my kids can sit together (after they changed aircraft and moved our seats around).

AF: View attachment 652317

Me: Hi, it looks like Air France is blocking two biz class seats. Would you be able to open them up so my two kids can sit together?

AF: View attachment 652314

Me: So, could you put my kids in those blocked seats?

AF: View attachment 652315

Me: Yes, but the seats aren't occupied, they are just blocked by AF. Could you unblock them?
AF: No, I cannot.
AF: View attachment 652318

Omg. PERFECTION.