LynnTH
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2003
- Messages
- 3,036
My family is going on a European cruise this May. Never been to Europe so this was all confusing to me on what to get. Once we found a cruise - I then went to Google Flights and put in our info, to see what airlines popped up.OK first time post in this area, total newbie so please be gentle.
I currently have three open credit cards, only one approved in the past 24 months. We took advantage of the Chase SW 100,000 points offer to earn a companion pass for the first time ever in mid 2022. Current cards:
04/17 - CHASE Sapphire Preferred
12/21 - CHASE Southwest Rapid Rewards
02/20 - CHASE Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Personal
1. We pay for everything allowed on our favorite card, the CSP.
2. We always, without exception, pay the full balance on our cards.
3. We fly out of DAL and DFW, and occasionally out of IAH.
4. We prefer SW and AA FF programs.
5. We prefer Bonvoy but are open to others.
6. Currently have around 100,000 SW RR points and 100,000 Chase Rewards points
Traveling is easily our biggest interest! We have been using points and sign up bonuses to help with hotel stays during our huge road trips across the USA. We set a goal to visit all 50 states with our two kids (DD15 and DS12) before our daughter graduates from HS in 2025. This coming July we will achieve that goal 2 years early when we fly to Maui and Oahu (and using our SW CP to save $$). Yours truly is turning 50 during this trip so it truly will be the big Hawaii 5-0. I even added a couple of DLand days to the trip on our way back to Texas - I may have issues at this point.
So, with all of the above information, my first question is what suggestions/advice or recommended credit cards do you have for me now that our focus will shift much more to international travel. Europe will be our likely first choice (Ireland, London, Paris, Italy, etc.). I want to hop the pond for this trip either summer 2024 or definitely by graduation summer 2025. It would be our four pack going (myself, wife, daughter and son).
Also is there a solid all around card that has a 1:1 transfer to AA like our beloved CSP card does for SW and United?
I really want to learn more ways to use card offers and strategy to maximum benefit. Wife and I started applying individually for some credit card offers 3-4 years ago (declining spouse card option) - is this considered a good practice?
Hopefully this all makes sense - any guidance, critiques and/or help is greatly appreciated. Glad I found this forum - I have a lot to learn for sure!
We are flying into Rome and Flying back from Athens. United showed quite a few flights, so I decided to go with that. ( I did have lots of UR's but I like to hoard them and only use them when necessary). So, Me, DH, DS23 and DD21 all signed up (at staggered times) for the United Biz Card. That way it did not affect any of our 5/24 with Chase. We each got 70,000 points SUB. This was enough for my family plus DS's girlfriend to fly to and from Europe all on points. I did have to move some points from my UR's to United but not a lot. We didn't have enough for business/1st Class but that's OK. Sure beats spending the $ for flights.
So, narrow down where you want to fly in and out of and then look to see who flies there and approx. how many points are needed. Then come back here and all these great people will give you great suggestions.