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

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Thank you! I appreciate the help. The Dollywood calendar says their harvest festival starts September 9. But October looks pretty with the leaves changing color since we don’t really get that here where we live. Do you recommend staying in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?

He starts VPK in August (4 year preschool) and then kindergarten next year! It’s crazy.

So we have stayed in Gatlinburg, in Pigeon Forge, and in Sevierville (which is a little north of PF). For us, we prefer Gatlinburg because that's where we walk around and spend most of our time. When we stayed in PF, we got stuck in a lot of traffic on the main road in/out going to Gatlinburg. For us, PF is a one day thing, but we also don't do Dollywood. PF to us reminds us more of Myrtle Beach with all the roadside attractions, restaurants, shopping/dining complexes, etc. Since we're adults with no kids, it doesn't appeal as much as Gatlingburg does to us. But again, I think it depends on where/what you think you'll spend more time doing, and definitely for families it seems like that's more Pigeon Forge area since there's places like go karts and such. If you're doing Dollywood, then stay in PF. We like Gatlinburg better as you can walk everywhere and leave the car parked at your hotel, we also like drinking at all the distilleries/wineries and not having to drive. We really like the skylifts that take you up the mountain, and then there's different activities up top. There's a few in Gatlinburg. Anakeesta is really popular. We've done the skybridge and that's fun.

ETA: Seconding that Cades Cove Loop is great. We do it almost every visit, along with some waterfalls in GSMNP.

 

[disneybirds]

@Haley R - Our favorite part of the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area is Cades Cove like @Minnie368 suggested. We pack a picnic and drive the loop.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

P2 received a mailer for the Amex business gold. It says “compliment your second business” which leads me to think it is a NLL offer. Is this correct? It also says pre-approved with a personalized QR code and RSVP code. Does this mean guaranteed approval?

DH got the same offer despite already having the card as well. I had assumed it was NLL and was going to jump on it by end of July, when it expires. Currently working on a similar offer--$15K for 200K MRs Biz Plat that likewise he got in the mail despite already having a Biz Plat. That was an instant approval.

 

[Haley R]

So we have stayed in Gatlinburg, in Pigeon Forge, and in Sevierville (which is a little north of PF). For us, we prefer Gatlinburg because that's where we walk around and spend most of our time. When we stayed in PF, we got stuck in a lot of traffic on the main road in/out going to Gatlinburg. For us, PF is a one day thing, but we also don't do Dollywood. PF to us reminds us more of Myrtle Beach with all the roadside attractions, restaurants, shopping/dining complexes, etc. Since we're adults with no kids, it doesn't appeal as much as Gatlingburg does to us. But again, I think it depends on where/what you think you'll spend more time doing, and definitely for families it seems like that's more Pigeon Forge area since there's places like go karts and such. If you're doing Dollywood, then stay in PF. We like Gatlinburg better as you can walk everywhere and leave the car parked at your hotel, we also like drinking at all the distilleries/wineries and not having to drive. We really like the skylifts that take you up the mountain, and then there's different activities up top. There's a few in Gatlinburg. Anakeesta is really popular. We've done the skybridge and that's fun.

ETA: Seconding that Cades Cove Loop is great. We do it almost every visit, along with some waterfalls in GSMNP.

I think we kind of want a bit of both worlds. We definitely would want to do Dollywood 1 or 2 days but also want to do a bit of hiking and the sky lifts. I don’t think we would do much besides Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Anakeesta looks awesome and we would all love that. Ds still talks about the alpine coaster we did in Germany so the outdoor coasters would be right down his alley. We all tend to do better outside of crowded cities where ds can explore and slow down.

Do you think we should split our time between the two? Maybe when we’re at Dollywood stay right there and then move over to a cabin or something in Gatlinburg?

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

We've been all over Spain but never Portugal. Will have two weeks so plan to do a lot. Lisbon as a base for several days with various day trips, then I'm thinking fly to Madeira for a 2-3 days, then return and go to Porto. Haven't worked out the itinerary, though, these are just preliminary thoughts. May have a couple of days to do something in Paris before flying back home depending on how much we want to do in Portugal.

Portugal is high on my list of places to visit! Not sure if you collect HH points / FNCs, but there is a very nice Conrad there, which I will def visit if / when I visit Portugal.

headed to Lisbon in July. day trip to Fatima and day trip via train to Sintra are all we've planned. not staying at chain hotel, actually using $$! but wanted something cute and oldish. then heading to Barrcelona

We are starting in Lisbon, maybe get to Sintra or the Algarve for one day, but planning most of our trip in the Azores. Supposed to be a cross between Iceland and Hawaii, so that's definitely our style.

I planned and canceled a trip to Portugal last year for just DH and I, and had these areas planned:
Porto and Lisbon
Duoro Valley- wine vineyards with the Duoro River running through it. Planned to stay at Pinta Guest House, about $90/nt, also available through AirBNB. They also have a few houses for rent.
Obidos- cute castle town- can climb and walk on the castle walls. Was planning on staying at the Literary Man hotel, for $100/nt. Available on Chase portal.
Monsanto- picturesque rock village. Super cute accommodations built into the rock available on Chase portal.

Made to Explore on YouTube has great portugal travel videos. @Duckbug.Ducktales they have some really great videos on Madeira. I think the highlight of their trip. Also liked Salt in our Hair website for info. JoandSo.com was good for finding boutique hotels, then you can book many through the travel portals or directly.

 

[lsutigers03]

DH got the same offer despite already having the card as well. I had assumed it was NLL and was going to jump on it by end of July, when it expires. Currently working on a similar offer--$15K for 200K MRs Biz Plat that likewise he got in the mail despite already having a Biz Plat. That was an instant approval.

Thanks for the reply. We're also working on a second platinum 200k $15k spend offer. I need to pay tuition by mid July so I'll probably apply at the end of June and hope it goes through.

 

[happ]

Random DP. I learned recently that cobranded Citi cards can be pc'd to other Citi cards. I pc'd my AA Platinum Select Card to a Custom Cash Card. Now I have 2 Custom Cash cards.

 

[KPK02090]

We’ve started looking at domestic trips for next year instead of international just to keep our options open. Thinking Phoenix for spring break and started looking at Gatlinburg as another option. Does anyone have any advice/recommendations for Gatlinburg/Dollywood/Pigeon Forge? Mainly trying to figure out the best time of year to visit.

Also considering Cape Cod/Boston or Bar Harbor

My parents live on the Cape and I'm down there all the time, so I can try and help with any questions on that one. Oh and I live just outside Boston, so let me know if you're looking for any specific info for that too.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Random DP. I learned recently that cobranded Citi cards can be pc'd to other Citi cards. I pc'd my AA Platinum Select Card to a Custom Cash Card. Now I have 2 Custom Cash cards.

This is interesting because I just told DH to call Citi and close his Citi AA card since his AF hit. He can get the free luggage with his newer biz AA card. But I always worry about making the bank-algorithm gods angry by canceling after just a year, so could possibly pc instead.

 

[KPK02090]

Anything I should know about Jet Blue cards before applying? I'm looking at the JetBlue Plus Card $99 AF, 50,000 point bonus after $1,000 spend. This card gives one free checked bag for upto 4 people. Could anyone tell me how that works? If I book a flight today using points and pay the taxes with my CSR, can I then use the Jet Blue card once I get it to pay for the checked bags and they'll be free or do I need to pay the taxes with the Jet Blue card to get the free checked bags?

 

[Sheree]

We are starting in Lisbon, maybe get to Sintra or the Algarve for one day, but planning most of our trip in the Azores. Supposed to be a cross between Iceland and Hawaii, so that's definitely our style.

I planned and canceled a trip to Portugal last year for just DH and I, and had these areas planned:
Porto and Lisbon
Duoro Valley- wine vineyards with the Duoro River running through it. Planned to stay at Pinta Guest House, about $90/nt, also available through AirBNB. They also have a few houses for rent.
Obidos- cute castle town- can climb and walk on the castle walls. Was planning on staying at the Literary Man hotel, for $100/nt. Available on Chase portal.
Monsanto- picturesque rock village. Super cute accommodations built into the rock available on Chase portal.

Made to Explore on YouTube has great portugal travel videos. @Duckbug.Ducktales they have some really great videos on Madeira. I think the highlight of their trip. Also liked Salt in our Hair website for info. JoandSo.com was good for finding boutique hotels, then you can book many through the travel portals or directly.

about 25 years ago DH and I drove across Portugal and stayed in various pousadas. This trip is with my bff (since we were 2!) and she wants to see Fatima. So we'll stay 3 nights in Lisbon with 1 day to Fatima and 1 day to Sintra.than fly to Barcelona for 4 nights.

I remember the Agarve and Obidos, Porto etc

 

[Sheree]

My parents live on the Cape and I'm down there all the time, so I can try and help with any questions on that one. Oh and I live just outside Boston, so let me know if you're looking for any specific info for that too.

Love Boston
with Bar Harbor you can do other coastal towns, Acadia, etc great weather in August!

 

[GZanta77]

Anything I should know about Jet Blue cards before applying? I'm looking at the JetBlue Plus Card $99 AF, 50,000 point bonus after $1,000 spend. This card gives one free checked bag for upto 4 people. Could anyone tell me how that works? If I book a flight today using points and pay the taxes with my CSR, can I then use the Jet Blue card once I get it to pay for the checked bags and they'll be free or do I need to pay the taxes with the Jet Blue card to get the free checked bags?

Barclays will notify JetBlue that you are a cardholder - and your JetBlue account will be updated to reflect that. When you view your JetBlue dashboard - it will show that you are a JetBlue Plus card holder. That's the critical factor. You do not need to actually pay with your card. Any reservations you make should automatically show that you have an allowance of 1 free checked bag for yourself and companions on the same reservation.

However, I am not sure how that works with existing reservations made before you have the card. I want to say it should recognize your updated status and offer the free bags and group A boarding, but I am not 100%. I am fairly sure that when my wife got the JetBlue card, existing reservations did get the group A boarding, but she mainly travels with a carry-on so I can't be sure on the checked luggage.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

For anyone who flies SW, they are having a sale for RR members only…up to 50% off select flights travel 8/6-12/18….there are blackout dates….book 6/10-6/13…must book via mobile or app

 

[DogCat]

For those who have purchased Hilton Gift cards to use up the new Amex statement credits, did you receive them quickly? The website says it ships within 3-5 days, but it doesn't say how they are shipped.

Edited to say -- Oh now I see you have to pay for shipping. Do y'all pay $8.95 for certified mail with tracking or just $1.95 regular mail? I guess I am afraid that they could get stolen from the mail if I don't pay extra for certified mail.

 

[wannabee]

For those who have purchased Hilton Gift cards to use up the new Amex statement credits, did you receive them quickly? The website says it ships within 3-5 days, but it doesn't say how they are shipped.

Edited to say -- Oh now I see you have to pay for shipping. Do y'all pay $8.95 for certified mail with tracking or just $1.95 regular mail? I guess I am afraid that they could get stolen from the mail if I don't pay extra for certified mail.

I just paid the 1.95 and they came quickly.

 

[georgina]

For anyone who flies SW, they are having a sale for RR members only…up to 50% off select flights travel 8/6-12/18….there are blackout dates….book 6/10-6/13…must book via mobile or app

Thanks. I had just rebooked a couple of fall flights for $59 each way last night, and now they are $37.04! Ridiculous rates.

Looks like RR members had early access until 9 PM tonight, then it opened to all. Promo code BDAY

 

[Judique]

For those who have purchased Hilton Gift cards to use up the new Amex statement credits, did you receive them quickly? The website says it ships within 3-5 days, but it doesn't say how they are shipped.

Edited to say -- Oh now I see you have to pay for shipping. Do y'all pay $8.95 for certified mail with tracking or just $1.95 regular mail? I guess I am afraid that they could get stolen from the mail if I don't pay extra for certified mail.

I've paid the $1.95 shipping and not had a problem.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Chase Ink DP….”P2” applied for a CIC yesterday..instant approval 10k CL…stats…3 business cards open…last Chase application…personal card 3/15, last business 11/30 a SW card…this was the 3rd business application in 12 months
CLs well under 50% of income

 

[KPK02090]

Barclays will notify JetBlue that you are a cardholder - and your JetBlue account will be updated to reflect that. When you view your JetBlue dashboard - it will show that you are a JetBlue Plus card holder. That's the critical factor. You do not need to actually pay with your card. Any reservations you make should automatically show that you have an allowance of 1 free checked bag for yourself and companions on the same reservation.

However, I am not sure how that works with existing reservations made before you have the card. I want to say it should recognize your updated status and offer the free bags and group A boarding, but I am not 100%. I am fairly sure that when my wife got the JetBlue card, existing reservations did get the group A boarding, but she mainly travels with a carry-on so I can't be sure on the checked luggage.

Thanks for this. I applied for the card first and was approved. I then booked the tickets and as you said the Jet Blue site knew I was a card holder (even though I had only been a card holder for 5 minutes) .