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

[LynnTH]

I know there a few MN Peeps on here. My daughter is doing her Preceptorship for her Nursing program starting in a few weeks. She graduates in May. She will be at St Mary's Mayo Clinic in Rochester for this.

She will be there 12 hour days Friday, Saturday, Sunday for 2 weekends and Thursday, Friday for 2 Weekends. She will be working 7am to 7:30 pam. The days she is there I want to get her hotel rooms, so she is not driving the 1-1/2 hours back and forth to school.

I have UR's, MR's. Marriott, Cap One Points and Cap One $300 in Travel to use.

Does anyone know what a good hotel would be in that area (there are so many). Looking for one with a breakfast, so at least she doesn't have to worry about that.

 

[elgerber]

I know there a few MN Peeps on here. My daughter is doing her Preceptorship for her Nursing program starting in a few weeks. She graduates in May. She will be at St Mary's Mayo Clinic in Rochester for this.

She will be there 12 hour days Friday, Saturday, Sunday for 2 weekends and Thursday, Friday for 2 Weekends. She will be working 7am to 7:30 pam. The days she is there I want to get her hotel rooms, so she is not driving the 1-1/2 hours back and forth to school.

I have UR's, MR's. Marriott, Cap One Points and Cap One $300 in Travel to use.

Does anyone know what a good hotel would be in that area (there are so many). Looking for one with a breakfast, so at least she doesn't have to worry about that.

Sorry, in all my 53 years, I have never been to Rochester.

 

[chattadisser]

Has anyone watched White Lotus on HBO? It was filmed at the FS Maui, which looks lovely. But they sure portray hotel guests as self-absorbed, privileged and entitled! The hotel manager is a real character too. Didn't expect to enjoy the show as much as I have been! Looking forward to season 2, which was filmed in Italy!

Loved both seasons of the White Lotus. Don't care how they portrayed the guests in either season, I'd love to go to both of the resorts. Apparently the FS in Italy where they filmed season 2 is booked based on people watching the show.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I know there a few MN Peeps on here. My daughter is doing her Preceptorship for her Nursing program starting in a few weeks. She graduates in May. She will be at St Mary's Mayo Clinic in Rochester for this.

She will be there 12 hour days Friday, Saturday, Sunday for 2 weekends and Thursday, Friday for 2 Weekends. She will be working 7am to 7:30 pam. The days she is there I want to get her hotel rooms, so she is not driving the 1-1/2 hours back and forth to school.

I have UR's, MR's. Marriott, Cap One Points and Cap One $300 in Travel to use.

Does anyone know what a good hotel would be in that area (there are so many). Looking for one with a breakfast, so at least she doesn't have to worry about that.

Congratulations to your dd! You must be a proud mama!

Try FT -- there's excellent info on hotels there.

 

[georgina]

Mixed reports about vq being allowed past your time. I was already up and knew I could get more done and nap later if I just got up. And it was as much of a walk on as it can be with the preshow.

Had no problem 2 weeks ago showing up late for my GotG VQ. Turned blue but the CM waved me through.

 

[LynnTH]

Congratulations to your dd! You must be a proud mama!

Try FT -- there's excellent info on hotels there.

Yeah - it has gone by so fast. Looks like the Homewood Suites Hilton is right across the street from the hospital. So, she can walk there from the hotel. Full breakfast and full kitchen, so she can bring lunches, dinner with her.

I don't have any Hilton points but just read that AMEX Points transfer to Hilton. Each MR = 1 Hilton points. This looks like the best option - but it says it can take 5 days to transfer, Is that correct??

 

[wanderlust7]

Yeah - it has gone by so fast. Looks like the Homewood Suites Hilton is right across the street from the hospital. So, she can walk there from the hotel. Full breakfast and full kitchen, so she can bring lunches, dinner with her.

I don't have any Hilton points but just read that AMEX Points transfer to Hilton. Each MR = 1 Hilton points. This looks like the best option - but it says it can take 5 days to transfer, Is that correct??

It's 1 MR to 2 Hilton because Hilton points aren't worth as much. Should be instant, though sometimes things can get hung up.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Yeah - it has gone by so fast. Looks like the Homewood Suites Hilton is right across the street from the hospital. So, she can walk there from the hotel. Full breakfast and full kitchen, so she can bring lunches, dinner with her.

I don't have any Hilton points but just read that AMEX Points transfer to Hilton. Each MR = 1 Hilton points. This looks like the best option - but it says it can take 5 days to transfer, Is that correct??

Check rates thru the Chase portal too. Compare which will cost you more $, MR or UR. So nice of you to get her a good place to stay and congrats to your daughter, almost done! Mayo Clinic is excellent.

 

[LynnTH]

It's 1 MR to 2 Hilton because Hilton points aren't worth as much. Should be instant, though sometimes things can get hung up.

Yeah. I thought it was a good deal at 36,000 points (which would be 18,000 MR's) Turns out that is 36,000 points per night. UR's with CSP would be the same amount of points for 3 days.

I ended up booking the first week of 3 days through Cap One Travel to use up my $300 Travel Credit. Other weeks will probably use UR's.

 

[Judique]

Been a good trip so far. Did MK after hours last night and had planned to wake up to do my guardians VQ and make an LL at 7 and then go back to sleep. Sunday I got group 15 so I knew I needed to go a little slower with my tapping which I totally thought I did. I got group 6 Already looking forward to my later. Would also like to know who turned the heat down, it's March it shouldn't be this cold in FL. Sure the people that live here enjoy the change and at least it's warmer than home.

It's obviously a confused state. When I was there end of January into early February, it was in the 80ties, no rain.

Enjoy your visit! I've been sitting here debating running on down there again in May for Moonlight Madness.

 

[newski_mom]

Seattle question:

My extended family is cruising out of Seattle this summer and I'm trying to get the transportation squared away. I think we are staying at the Hyatt House in downtown which is right by the Space Needle.

We are coming in 3 different groups:

Group1 - myself, DH and DS (20) - I figure we're fine talking the light rail and then catching the monorail to the hotel. seems like it should be pretty easy and inexpensive.

Group 2 - my sister and her family (husband, DD18 and DD14) and my mom (79). I'm wondering if it will be too much for them to do the light rail / monorail option. My mom walks fine, but she is slow and tires out pretty easily. They land at the airport around 6:00 pm. I don't know if it's a possibility they might have to stand for the ride? If so, my mom wouldn't handle that well. I don't know if uber would be better for them due to my mom's issues??

Group 3 - my 2 daughters (24 & 25). They don't land until around 10:45 pm - I'm also wondering about their safety, etc taking the public transportation so late at night. I don't know exactly how it works walking to the monorail with luggage so late, etc. I'm thinking they might be best taking an uber??

I'm all about saving money, and I know the Uber would be much higher, but I don't want to stress everyone out to start the trip off. My mom especially is kind of an anxious traveler anymore.

Thanks for any opinions / advice!

 

[afan]

Seattle question:

My extended family is cruising out of Seattle this summer and I'm trying to get the transportation squared away. I think we are staying at the Hyatt House in downtown which is right by the Space Needle.

We are coming in 3 different groups:

Group1 - myself, DH and DS (20) - I figure we're fine talking the light rail and then catching the monorail to the hotel. seems like it should be pretty easy and inexpensive.

Group 2 - my sister and her family (husband, DD18 and DD14) and my mom (79). I'm wondering if it will be too much for them to do the light rail / monorail option. My mom walks fine, but she is slow and tires out pretty easily. They land at the airport around 6:00 pm. I don't know if it's a possibility they might have to stand for the ride? If so, my mom wouldn't handle that well. I don't know if uber would be better for them due to my mom's issues??

Group 3 - my 2 daughters (24 & 25). They don't land until around 10:45 pm - I'm also wondering about their safety, etc taking the public transportation so late at night. I don't know exactly how it works walking to the monorail with luggage so late, etc. I'm thinking they might be best taking an uber??

I'm all about saving money, and I know the Uber would be much higher, but I don't want to stress everyone out to start the trip off. My mom especially is kind of an anxious traveler anymore.

Thanks for any opinions / advice!

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.

 

[LynnTH]

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.

 

[Best Aunt]

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.

Probably a dumb question, but did you make sure they take American Express? There are still some places that won't take it because the fee that the vendor has to pay is higher than Mastercard/Visa.

 

[KPK02090]

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?

 

[wanderlust7]

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 think it's a great idea!

There are no downgrade options for the gold/plat that are no AF. I've chosen to cancel instead of PC when I don't get a retention offer that's worth it to me. You should ask early to increase your chances of another retention offer the subsequent year since it needs to be at least 13 months in between.

You'll be able to use the airline and Saks credit next year. The Uber credit sometimes doesn't get taken off your Uber account for months and months after lol.

Transfer to airlines for biz flights is the highest value use of MRs. Transfer to hotels is usually not a great value unless you have a specific high value redemption in mind. With the biz plat, you can get a 35% MR rebate on your selected airline (same one as for the airline incidentals credit) or any biz/first class flight through Amex Travel.

Finally, you can cash out at 1 cent per point with the biz plat and a biz checking account. Or 1.1 cent per point if you hold a Schwab plat (100k SUB), Schwab brokerage required.

 

[LynnTH]

Probably a dumb question, but did you make sure they take American Express? There are still some places that won't take it because the fee that the vendor has to pay is higher than Mastercard/Visa.

Yes. I did ask them. And they said they take all Major Credit Cards. I will confirm with them next week when I meet with them to order everything.

 

[LynnTH]

I think it's a great idea!

There are no downgrade options for the gold/plat that are no AF. I've chosen to cancel instead of PC when I don't get a retention offer that's worth it to me. You should ask early to increase your chances of another retention offer the subsequent year since it needs to be at least 13 months in between.

You'll be able to use the airline and Saks credit next year. The Uber credit sometimes doesn't get taken off your Uber account for months and months after lol.

Transfer to airlines for biz flights is the highest value use of MRs. Transfer to hotels is usually not a great value unless you have a specific high value redemption in mind. With the biz plat, you can get a 35% MR rebate on your selected airline (same one as for the airline incidentals credit) or any biz/first class flight through Amex Travel.

Finally, you can cash out at 1 cent per point with the biz plat and a biz checking account. Or 1.1 cent per point if you hold a Schwab plat (100k SUB), Schwab brokerage required.

Thanks for the info. I get so confused on the transferring to airline partners to use points. But I guess, once we decide on a place - then can dig deeper.

I heard Hyatt is pretty good for transfers too - will it still be good after their change of points.

I have not selected any airline yet as all my trips this year already have flights booked. (and I have no idea what to select...)

 

[wanderlust7]

Thanks for the info. I get so confused on the transferring to airline partners to use points. But I guess, once we decide on a place - then can dig deeper.

I heard Hyatt is pretty good for transfers too - will it still be good after their change of points.

I have not selected any airline yet as all my trips this year already have flights booked. (and I have no idea what to select...)

Hyatt is my absolute favorite for transfers. But they only transfer from UR.

United is an easy one to bank. Southwest is fairly easy too. You can check Flyertalk for details and the most up to date DPs. These are loopholes and can change at anytime (have been caught in that before).

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Well I'm posting this from my couch in Michigan. The saga.....

My mom and I decided last night to move forward with cancelling. I had spent the day messaging w/ Aer Lingus on FB. I was told I'd be able to cancel up until 2 hours before the flight. Last night I called Aer Lingus to cancel....and was told since it was an Avios booking I needed to call them. So I did, at 5:30pm. I sat on hold for over an hour when I was given the message that the call center was closed and I would have to call in the morning. Now while Aer Lingus says you can cancel w/in 2 hours, Avios says it has to be 24 hours prior. I started trying to cancel 28 hours prior! Once the call center was closed, I sent an email to Avios stating I was trying to cancel. I then called Aer Lingus and made them note that I was trying to cancel well in advance of the 24 hours. I tried messaging Avios on FB and twitter. I got up at 3am to start calling them today. Finally at 9am I got through. But we needed to leave for the airport if we were going to catch the JB flight. After being on hold for an hour I finally got through only to get disconnected. After getting through TSA I called them back. At this point I was worried someone might cancel our flight when they saw my email.

The plane was running slightly behind but it was on it's way. So when I finally got through, I confirmed our flight was still there and then confirmed and checked in. We ventured down to the lounge as we had 40 min before the flight was scheduled to land. Well I guess JB turns a plane faster than anyone known to man. Flightaware said they got to the gate at 11:07. At 11:24 they were announcing our names and stating they would be closing the doors. We RACED on. After the door had closed the pilot said they were going to open the door back up to add on a little more fuel with the weather in BOS. Well apparently the door wouldn't open. We waited 1.5 hours for maintenance to come out. THey couldn't get it open. They decided to deplane us from the right side of the plane, down stairs and then back up to the jetbridge stairs. At that point i knew we were screwed. DTW isn't a base, this was going to be a cancelled flight.

So I called Avios and asked them to cancel my flight. They said they could, but I would be out the 200k Avios. They said since it was under 24 hours. I pointed out that I sent the email AND my account was flagged as well showing that I tried to cancel well before the 24 hours. She said she couldn't refund the points, just the taxes. She said I had until 5pm. So we decided to wait and see....about 10 min later JB cancelled the flight. I called back and got my taxes refunded minus $55/per person. The crappy thing is, my mom has been on hold for over 45 min to cancel hers and they HUNG UP! I've now been on hold 35 min for her....we literally have 2 minutes left before she losses the taxes on her flight and the miles.

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.