I love credit cards so much! v6.0 - 2023 & 2024 (see first page for add'l details)

[Jax1023]

Anyone ever use chase extended warranty coverage for a dead Apple Watch?

DHs watch died. He’s at the Apple Store now and I told him to get something from the Genius Bar saying it’s not repairable.

I assume they’ll reimburse the original purchase price? Would this be correct?

 

[StephPlum]

Does anyone know if CSR covers lockout on rental car, asking for a friend. Probably should have called my insurance but was flustered on what to do and called rental car who sent AAA.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

At this point we truly feel something is stopping us from this trip! Some force does not want us to go. From the fiasco booking originally to everything leading up, to just how today panned out. We were NOT meant to go to Ireland. I've cried a lot the last 24 hours. And slept very little. SIgh.

I’m also one of those in the group of “if everything is going wrong, then it’s probably not a good idea”. We’ve had this happen, not for a vacation, but for a big out of state move. After so many problems leading up to the move, and everything known to man went wrong in the new location, we decided not to do it. Looking back 6 years later, I can now 100% understand why it wasn’t meant to be, and why we needed to stay where we are. At the time though, I remember it being a HUGE disappointment in our lives.

All this to say, I hope you can take comfort in the fact that when you look back on this in the future, I think you’ll be glad/understand better why it didn’t work out. I know it’s rough. *hugs*

 

[wanderlust7]

Does anyone know if CSR covers lockout on rental car, asking for a friend. Probably should have called my insurance but was flustered on what to do and called rental car who sent AAA.

There is road side assistance on the CSR, but you have to use their service and the limit is $50.

 

[leeniewdw]

At this point we truly feel something is stopping us from this trip! Some force does not want us to go. From the fiasco booking originally to everything leading up, to just how today panned out. We were NOT meant to go to Ireland. I've cried a lot the last 24 hours. And slept very little.

So sorry to hear how things worked out and the issue about the Avios points. Will you try to get them back via another avenue? Not that it’s at all as bad as your points situation, but I called to see if we could upgrade our economy seats to Biz for our return from Shannon in June (we have Biz for BOS->DUB) and they gave me an email address to try. The answer was that since we booked using points at the avios site instead of aerclub at AL, we have no upgrade path. I thought I did a good job of research and didn’t think you could book directly with AL!? I earned the points using an AL card, so they were definitely in the AerClub system. Maybe things have changed?

Anyway – it’s a bummer about your trip, but maybe sometime in the future there will be a trip that everyone can be excited about. Really sorry!

 

[StephPlum]

There is road side assistance on the CSR, but you have to use their service and the limit is $50.

Thanks. I’ll have to remember this. It was 50 to get AAA to unlock it so could have been covered. Uggh I was just panicking in an unfamiliar city/state and with my daughter and granddaughter. Oh well. Lesson learned.

 

[djmeredith]

I’m considering an early December trip to London for me and DD15 (and my sister who’d be taking care of her own ticket). I have no clue about booking international flights with points. I have about 300,000 MR. I believe the fees are the worst flying BA to Heathrow? What options are better? We would love business class or anything better than economy, do I have enough points? am I too late for that? Not sure where to even start. Can any of you frequent UK visitors point me in the right direction?

You definitely have enough points for 2 rt tix in economy and probably in biz. I'm going to London in May in United Polaris EWR-LHR. I got it for 60K + 5.60 each, but my original booking was a "mixed cabin" cabin ticket with a plane change in BOS. Mixed cabin meant the flight to BOS was in economy then biz to LHR. United subsequently changed the time of our flight, so I was able to switch to a direct flight in biz for free.

I started stalking the pts prices in Nov and booked on Jan 10. I had UR so I was checking United, Virgin, Delta and Flying Blue using multiple departure cities because I knew we would probably have to reposition. We are repositioning both ways, but it was worth it to me. Virgin has some pretty low pts rates, but their fees were very high. Start checking multiple airlines daily so that you know a good value when it comes along.

 

[mmmears]

I’m considering an early December trip to London for me and DD15 (and my sister who’d be taking care of her own ticket). I have no clue about booking international flights with points. I have about 300,000 MR. I believe the fees are the worst flying BA to Heathrow? What options are better? We would love business class or anything better than economy, do I have enough points? am I too late for that? Not sure where to even start. Can any of you frequent UK visitors point me in the right direction?

Just to chime in (good info in the post above) we have used MRs and URs to book flights to/from/through LHR and you're right about the fees being high when flying BA. So far I've flown in Biz/First on points there using AA, BA, Virgin, and AF (through CDG). They all have their ups and downs. With 300k MRs you should have no issue - if you see tickets you can't afford with that many points then just keep looking. AF wanted 60k for us to fly to Paris, but didn't discount the flights home so they wanted 200k pp for the return. We booked the return with BA instead. Don't forget that generally when booking with points you can book one ways. The advice to shop around online is good advice - check out what's available and see if anything fits.

 

[djmeredith]

Just to chime in (good info in the post above) we have used MRs and URs to book flights to/from/through LHR and you're right about the fees being high when flying BA. So far I've flown in Biz/First on points there using AA, BA, Virgin, and AF (through CDG). They all have their ups and downs. With 300k MRs you should have no issue - if you see tickets you can't afford with that many points then just keep looking. AF wanted 60k for us to fly to Paris, but didn't discount the flights home so they wanted 200k pp for the return. We booked the return with BA instead. Don't forget that generally when booking with points you can book one ways. The advice to shop around online is good advice - check out what's available and see if anything fits.

Great advice about booking different airlines. That is what I did, but forgot to mention it. We are flying back from AMS on KLM Premium Comfort booked through Air France.

 

[newski_mom]

I've done lightrail to the monorail for a run before and it was a pain. You'll also have a decent walk from the monorail to the hotel.

Personally I wouldn't do it with suitcases at all but the only ones it would make sense is for your group. I'm not even sure the monorail runs that late. It's really not for commuters, it's probably primarily used by tourists. It was built for the worlds fair and the downtown stop is accessed via a shopping mall. I'd check the hours before relying on it.

Currently there's only 1 stop before the airport so depending on where you are in the crowd you'd be able to get a seat but there's not a ton of room for luggage.

Thanks - after talking it over, I think we'll all just use uber/lyft. That's why I love this group - helps us avoid some mistakes along the way!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I need your opinions... we have a house remodel coming up. Will be ordering everything next week. My brother is a contractor, so I go to his people and order from them. So, I get his contractor pricing. Even though it will be under his account - some of them will let me pay them by Credit Card.

I think I will have about $44,000 available to be paid by Credit. I just got the AMEX Plat Biz Card (after being in Pop up Jail forever). That will take care of $15,000. Also, just got another INK Card, that is another $6,000. That still leaves $24,000.

Both DH and I have been getting emails from AMEX that we are approved for AMEX Plat and Gold. Assuming we would also be approved if we use one of the new referral links for the upgraded SUB with lower spend.

I am currently 4/24 with 2 dropping off in April. So, thinking of getting me the Plat and Gold (is that possible? That would be another $10,000 spend. I would be back to 4/24.

DH is 2/24 and had the Gold Before so can only get the Plat. That would be another $6,000 Spend. Then possibly get him the Venture Card (he had the Venture X Already) for $4,000 spend. This would put him at 4/24.

That would be $1650 in annual fees for the AMEX cards. But would get 406,000 MR's if approved for all. I certainly would not keep these for more than a year. So, would have to cancel for downgrade to Gold/Green at that point. Those are my only options for Downgrades correct?

Not too familiar with the AMEX Cards. I could get use of some of the benefits but not all. Are you able to use the $200 Airline Incidental Credit and Saks Credit this year and then again next year when the fee is due - before downgrading. Or does this not work with AMEX.

Help!! Anyone think this is a good idea or not so much. Pretty much from what I have read is to use MR's to transfer to other Airlines or Hotels and not use AMEX travel.

Also wanted to add that I think Amex is a solid option for big spend like that. Also consider their biz cards. And don't forget to support each other if that's the best offer you can find.

Also, if DH is getting emails about the Gold, it's could be a NLL (no lifetime language) offer, meaning he's eligible for that card even though he's had it before. Something to keep in mind if you like the Gold.

Remember, Amex wants you to activate all of your benefits, so make sure to do that first. It's silly, but otherwise if something requires activation and you don't, you won't get credit.

I recall you're a fan of SW. I select that as my airline of choice typically and then purchase fares for $100 or under to trigger the incidental credit. You can then cancel the fare and get a credit, which now never expires. You'll be able to double dip and do that come January 1, 2024. Note, you don't have to select an airline until you are ready, so if you're not ready yet, you can wait to select the airline. Just don't forget to do it before you try to trigger the credit.

I also like Amex for their transfer bonuses, which I feel like they have often. And they have a ton more offers/coupons than Chase.

But if you have any bandwidth for another Ink between the two of you, that would be the route I would choose first.

 

[linzjane88]

I need your opinions... we have a house remodel coming up. Will be ordering everything next week. My brother is a contractor, so I go to his people and order from them. So, I get his contractor pricing. Even though it will be under his account - some of them will let me pay them by Credit Card.

I think I will have about $44,000 available to be paid by Credit. I just got the AMEX Plat Biz Card (after being in Pop up Jail forever). That will take care of $15,000. Also, just got another INK Card, that is another $6,000. That still leaves $24,000.

Both DH and I have been getting emails from AMEX that we are approved for AMEX Plat and Gold. Assuming we would also be approved if we use one of the new referral links for the upgraded SUB with lower spend.

I am currently 4/24 with 2 dropping off in April. So, thinking of getting me the Plat and Gold (is that possible? That would be another $10,000 spend. I would be back to 4/24.

DH is 2/24 and had the Gold Before so can only get the Plat. That would be another $6,000 Spend. Then possibly get him the Venture Card (he had the Venture X Already) for $4,000 spend. This would put him at 4/24.

That would be $1650 in annual fees for the AMEX cards. But would get 406,000 MR's if approved for all. I certainly would not keep these for more than a year. So, would have to cancel for downgrade to Gold/Green at that point. Those are my only options for Downgrades correct?

Not too familiar with the AMEX Cards. I could get use of some of the benefits but not all. Are you able to use the $200 Airline Incidental Credit and Saks Credit this year and then again next year when the fee is due - before downgrading. Or does this not work with AMEX.

Help!! Anyone think this is a good idea or not so much. Pretty much from what I have read is to use MR's to transfer to other Airlines or Hotels and not use AMEX travel.

I've recently discovered the benefit of the 35% points back thing on Amex travel with the business plat and its made it a keeper for me. There's been quite a few flights I've booked recently where the points cost was really high but the cash cost was reasonable so the Amex travel totally made sense. You spend the points to begin with but then get a refund about a month later.

You can definitely double dip on the credits and if I recall you can actually triple dip those credits if you time it right too but I've never gone that far.

 

[Alexle2007]

Has anyone stayed at the Hotel SOFIA Barcelona? Thoughts on it? I have 4 nights post-cruise I need to book for 2A and one 16 year old. Any other Hyatt or Hilton recommendations? I have the Cotton House booked for our pre-cruise night.

 

[havaneselover]

Has anyone stayed at the Hotel SOFIA Barcelona? Thoughts on it? I have 4 nights post-cruise I need to book for 2A and one 16 year old. Any other Hyatt or Hilton recommendations? I have the Cotton House booked for our pre-cruise night.

No but I loved the Cotton House!

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

I identify as "being better at spending money than saving money" - so I need some help if you guys wouldn't mind obliging me...

I need to book three (3) one-way flights from LIH to HNL in August. I have a Southwest Rapid Rewards card and was thinking to go ahead and pay with that and get my $75 travel credit from them; however, how can I maximize my savings here? Use my CSP? Get a SW gift card from Kroger and earn the 4x's fuel points? Any suggestions would be welcome. And I do recognize that there's a SW promotion going on on flights, but that's only through May and I need to fly in August.... TIA!

 

[iujen94]

I identify as "being better at spending money than saving money" - so I need some help if you guys wouldn't mind obliging me...

I need to book three (3) one-way flights from LIH to HNL in August. I have a Southwest Rapid Rewards card and was thinking to go ahead and pay with that and get my $75 travel credit from them; however, how can I maximize my savings here? Use my CSP? Get a SW gift card from Kroger and earn the 4x's fuel points? Any suggestions would be welcome. And I do recognize that there's a SW promotion going on on flights, but that's only through May and I need to fly in August.... TIA!

Check your Chase offers - my SW has an offer for 10% off SW. you can use that to buy a SW gift card.

 

[KPK02090]

You definitely have enough points for 2 rt tix in economy and probably in biz. I'm going to London in May in United Polaris EWR-LHR. I got it for 60K + 5.60 each, but my original booking was a "mixed cabin" cabin ticket with a plane change in BOS. Mixed cabin meant the flight to BOS was in economy then biz to LHR. United subsequently changed the time of our flight, so I was able to switch to a direct flight in biz for free.

I started stalking the pts prices in Nov and booked on Jan 10. I had UR so I was checking United, Virgin, Delta and Flying Blue using multiple departure cities because I knew we would probably have to reposition. We are repositioning both ways, but it was worth it to me. Virgin has some pretty low pts rates, but their fees were very high. Start checking multiple airlines daily so that you know a good value when it comes along.

Thanks for the info! just want to be sure I have this right - your United flight in Biz - BOS toLHR - cost 60k in points and only $5.60 in cash? No other fees or taxes? That sounds very doable! I live just outside Boston, so hopefully I won’t have to consider repositioning.

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

Check your Chase offers - my SW has an offer for 10% off SW. you can use that to buy a SW gift card.

I have that -- but is that the best way to maximize my savings? If I pay cash for the flights and pay with my SW card I can get hit that $75 travel credit that the SWRR card has. And if I buy through Kroger it's 4x's fuel points right now...
There's too many options for me to do a lot of correct math on this one.

 

[iujen94]

I have that -- but is that the best way to maximize my savings? If I pay cash for the flights and pay with my SW card I can get hit that $75 travel credit that the SWRR card has. And if I buy through Kroger it's 4x's fuel points right now...
There's too many options for me to do a lot of correct math on this one.

I can’t imagine that the Chase offer + the travel credit won’t be the best deal (at least up to the max limit of the Chase offer). My offer has a $40 cash back maximum. So if you bought a $400 SW gift card, you’d get $40 back plus $75 back with the travel credit - so net cost of $285, or almost 29% off!

 

[linzjane88]

For any California peeps:

For a girls weekend flying into any of the San Fran area would you visit the Montery area, downtown SF, or Napa area?

We are doing a last minute trip and neither one of us like wine (yes to adult beverages, just not wine), and don't particularly enjoy the city but are looking for good food and a spa day. When I say we don't do the city I mostly mean the gross city. We live about 45 min from Portland and the last weekend trip we did to The Nines I saw a man in his city apartment window doing a a very solo activity in his window and also had to step over human poo from the tent people on the sidewalk. This was before covid and the homeless situation is insanely worse than now. All of those things make me not want to city.

But maybe the nicer places (Ritz, St. Regis, etc) in downtown San Fran aren't so much like that? I don't know if all cities are as bad as our city ?Or do we go the predictable route and just do a beach thing....decisions.