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

[Haley R]

Yeah, I'm considering primarily because of Fantasy Springs. We'll be there in November. The Fantasy Springs vacation packages are already on sale for those dates (but not other packages)

The vacation packages are super expensive so it really comes down to what you consider worth it. I thought a room only and having happy entry was enough. We were able to get premier access and standby each day we went to DisneySea. But we stayed at TDL hotel and I think they changed it so that hotel doesn’t get happy entry there anymore. TDR Explorer has put out some good videos recently about the vacation package

 

[mmmears]

For Japan I packed everything in their normal bottles and took my pull organizer so I could toss all the vitamin bottles. And extra space for stuff I bought Easier to do when your checking.

I almost never check bags, so it's a bit harder for me. As we get older we both seem to have to bring more meds along with us.

Did you do a vacation package when you were at Tokyo Disney? I want to do that but it's for a max of 2 nights, so then I'd have to book an extra night separately in a couple of months when hotel-only bookings open, and hope it works out that I can find the exact same category so we can stay in the room.

Just getting started here, but are there no packages for 3 nights?

No, I used points at the hilton. Goes back to that why pay when I can stay for free discussion. The happy 15, as a solo person willing to pay for rides, there wasn't a benefit to me for staying at a Disney hotel. Plus breakfast and evening snacks in the lounge were a huge help.

Are you saying that there is a way to pay for FPs at TDL? I was reading about TDL but didn't see anything like the paid FP tickets I saw when looking into DLP. If we go there will only be 2 of us and I'm willing to do whatever I can to minimize stress and lines.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I almost never check bags, so it's a bit harder for me. As we get older we both seem to have to bring more meds along with us.

Just getting started here, but are there no packages for 3 nights?

Are you saying that there is a way to pay for FPs at TDL? I was reading about TDL but didn't see anything like the paid FP tickets I saw when looking into DLP. If we go there will only be 2 of us and I'm willing to do whatever I can to minimize stress and lines.

Nope, packages are 1 or 2 nights, that's it. Can't add a night to it, have to book it separately.

 

[afan]

I almost never check bags, so it's a bit harder for me. As we get older we both seem to have to bring more meds along with us.

Just getting started here, but are there no packages for 3 nights?

Are you saying that there is a way to pay for FPs at TDL? I was reading about TDL but didn't see anything like the paid FP tickets I saw when looking into DLP. If we go there will only be 2 of us and I'm willing to do whatever I can to minimize stress and lines.

Read up about meds and Japan, if it's something you need you both want to make sure you can bring it and that you don't need approval before.

You can buy access similar to lighting lane at wdw. I bought access for beauty and the beast and splash (I didn't want to wait in the long line). I also bought a spot for the electrical parade because I didn't want to stake out a spot. It was my first electrical parade at any park so it was important for me. I can't remember if I bought any others, they were also doing free fp on some rides for the 40th and I utilized that too. Not sure if that's still there, I stopped following everything after my trip. TDR Explorer is the best resource.

 

[Haley R]

I almost never check bags, so it's a bit harder for me. As we get older we both seem to have to bring more meds along with us.

Just getting started here, but are there no packages for 3 nights?

Are you saying that there is a way to pay for FPs at TDL? I was reading about TDL but didn't see anything like the paid FP tickets I saw when looking into DLP. If we go there will only be 2 of us and I'm willing to do whatever I can to minimize stress and lines.

The paid fast pass is called Premier Access. We used it for Beauty and the Beast, Splash, Baymax, Fantasy Springs rides, Soarin, and Tower of Terror

 

[hsmamato2]

Don't worry too much about it. With GE you really have a FP through customs. I forget where you are going. Haven't had any issues with taking meds and vitamins to Europe and Mexico, but it looks like Japan is a lot more complicated. The only problem I've had is with meds at LRH (they are just really picky there) - I had to show the agent my Rx to be albe to take extra liquids with me.

So I'm going to Fiji thru SFO- at this point I can't find clear info online, so I'm planning to take the minimum I can live with for 2 weeks, and I'll purchase smaller bottles special for this trip and carry each one separately...(I take a lot of targeted supplements for some health stuff) I usually carry it all in a multi container that holds everything compactly.

 

[hsmamato2]

For Japan I packed everything in their normal bottles and took my pull organizer so I could toss all the vitamin bottles. And extra space for stuff I bought Easier to do when your checking.

can you explain this some more? You took all your bottles, then repacked it into an organizer at airport?

 

[afan]

can you explain this some more? You took all your bottles, then repacked it into an organizer at airport?

No I did it once I got to the hotel because they were in my checked bag. It's also not our security where it matters it's your destination.

You'll want to google it and see what the country allows in. Most aren't as strict about things as Japan but it's always best to see what the country you are going to allows/may do than to find out you can't have something.

For anyone that's seen sex and the city 2, don't be like Samantha She gets her hormones taken away.

 

[AndreaDM]

I have a 2 part question on Chase referrals.

1. Can someone who is an AU on my CFU card apply for their own card?
2. If so, should they apply for a CFU or a Flex card?

This person doesn't have an credit cards of their own yet, just been an AU but wants one with no AF. Right now the offers I see are these, the top one is the Flex. Most purchases will be groceries and restaurants.

 

[KPK02090]

I'm in the Boston area and looking at flights to Costa Rica for April 2025. My current plan is to book roundtrip flights from MCO to SJO (Costa Rica) on Jet Blue. I'll deal with flights to and from MCO/BOS or PVD later, probably on SW, but for now I'm going to transfer 234,500 MRs to Jet Blue to book the 5 tickets I need. To SJO they are 22,000 Jet Blue miles each and 15,500 each for the return. But before I do, I thought I'd check and see if this seemed like the right move. I'd obviously love if Amex was doing a promo with Jet Blue since the rate currently is 250 MRs for 200 Jet Blue miles. But the ticket prices don't seem too bad to me, so I want to move on it sooner rather than later. Do I just go for it? Is there a better way?

 

[CoP Luv]

Paris Planning - Flights

Any Virgin Atlantic experts? We have MR and UR to transfer.

I have been watching Air France for awhile and it was 88k one way for business for days leading up to when we want to travel. Our booking window opened and now it's 154k (+$200)! I looked into Virgin Atlantic and there are a few options in the weeks leading up to when we want to go (end of May), but they haven't released award space yet for the end of May. Only one day a week is available for Air France or KLM at 48.5k (+$300). Seems too good to be true to book the same flights at a third of the points cost. What am I missing? When Virgin shows Upper as a booking category is that equivalent to Business or First for AF or KLM?

United wants 395k one way business. ONE WAY! British Airways keeps giving me an error or they are not showing any AA space. Is that normal?

 

[Princess Michele]

20% transfer bonus AEROPLAN from UR. Does anyone have past experience if the 10% bonus when holding aeroplan card stacks and if Disney world packages code correctly to be eligible for PYB? If so that’s 1.625 CPP for UR, which is pretty fantastic if I can get this when paying down my package with free dining…

I can confirm that the 10% credit card bonus stacks withthe 20% transfer bonus. We did this in 2022. The UR transfer and 20% bonus were almost instantaneous. If I remember correctly it took 1-2 days for the 10% bonus points to appear in my Aeroplan account.

 

[GZanta77]

I'm in the Boston area and looking at flights to Costa Rica for April 2025. My current plan is to book roundtrip flights from MCO to SJO (Costa Rica) on Jet Blue. I'll deal with flights to and from MCO/BOS or PVD later, probably on SW, but for now I'm going to transfer 234,500 MRs to Jet Blue to book the 5 tickets I need. To SJO they are 22,000 Jet Blue miles each and 15,500 each for the return. But before I do, I thought I'd check and see if this seemed like the right move. I'd obviously love if Amex was doing a promo with Jet Blue since the rate currently is 250 MRs for 200 Jet Blue miles. But the ticket prices don't seem too bad to me, so I want to move on it sooner rather than later. Do I just go for it? Is there a better way?

Those prices seem expensive to me, but depends on dates I guess. I see plenty of availability for 12,500 miles MCO to SJO. I suggest looking for tickets for 1 person, then 2 people etc to see where the price increases. For example - you might be able to book 2 tickets at 12,500 then 2 at say, 16000, then 1 at 22,000. This also gives flexibility to watch for price drops as you can cancel and rebook for 1 or 2 people easier than for 5.

 

[trenty]

PSA: Chase Now Approves Sapphire Reserve & Freedom Unlimited Cards Without Signup Bonus as per DOC:

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/sour...mited-cards-without-signup-bonus-chase-popup/

 

[KPK02090]

Those prices seem expensive to me, but depends on dates I guess. I see plenty of availability for 12,500 miles MCO to SJO. I suggest looking for tickets for 1 person, then 2 people etc to see where the price increases. For example - you might be able to book 2 tickets at 12,500 then 2 at say, 16000, then 1 at 22,000. This also gives flexibility to watch for price drops as you can cancel and rebook for 1 or 2 people easier than for 5.

Looking at the calendar I do see that the Saturday we'll be flying is the most expesive. I can see 12.5 and 13.6 on either side, but of course the Saturday works better for our plans.
I was also looking at the Blue Extra vs Blue - it's a 1,900 point difference per ticket. Big difference is early boarding. I've been a Southwest Girl for a while now and can't remember the last time I flew Jet Blue. Is Blue Extra worth it?

 

[KPK02090]

Is it standard for American Express to charge a fee to transfer points to airlines? I'm seeing 19,800 points or $99 charged to my card to transfer the points to Jet Blue.

 

[tink1970]

Is it standard for American Express to charge a fee to transfer points to airlines? I'm seeing 19,800 points or $99 charged to my card to transfer the points to Jet Blue.

Yes, AmEx passes along the fee that is charged to them (unlike Chase/Citi, etc) to you from US (domestic) carriers...at $0.0006/per mile with a max of $99 charged. I try to either do small amounts or passively aggressively 166,000+ when I'm transferring MRs. They cannot charge for transfers to internationally based carriers.

*looking at your numbers, though, the $99 seems high unless you're transferring quite a lot of miles-that does seem confusing

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Looking for some last minute advice. I have a Hilton FNC expiring this month and another one soon after with no immediate use for them. Looks like we could book some of the AI in Mexico since they're still showing standard room availability even though it's so close. Also have points for airfare through either SW, Delta, or AA. Any recommendations on a good AI? Looking at the one in Riviera Maya because we'd like a more laid back scene and reviews seem to point to that over staying in Cancun. Also any tips on visiting Chichen Itza are welcome. I know it's a long drive but it's probably the only time we'll be that close and DH would love to see it. Wondering if we could rent a car and drive on our own or if that's not safe/practical? We both dislike big tour groups.

ETA: Would also welcome any other suggestions on US resorts to spend maybe 3 nights? Not committed to Mexico. Would prefer one with a spa and not on the west coast. We'll be flying out of Pittsburgh, or driving if close. Thanks!

So we decided to plan a last minute trip to Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya AI this month to use up expiring FNC. Question about all-inclusives- if we get there at like noon but check in isn't until 3pm will they let us use the facilities and eat in the restaurants when we get there, or not till after check in?

I see I'm late to answer this, but we have LOVE LOVE LOVED the Hilton PDC. We looked at going there this week actually. We love that you can just walk out of the resort and walk around downtown PDC. We always arrive before they have a room. They normally will hold your bags and you can eat, swim, whatever. Same with after if you have a later flight.

Not sure if you need a transfer company but we always use USA Transfers. I think in the last 3 years we've done like 8 trips to Mexico, LOL. We chose Vegas instead for this week, so we're off to our 4th trip this year, LOL. We've already had 1 Mexico trip this year. I'm sure we'll do one or 2 later on, LOL.

 

[first*toright]

I made that confusing with my specific example. I'm not planning to cancel the outbound flight to Rome. I was comparing, in my mind, spending 40-50K miles to get to Europe vs spending 70K to get back to US. I like your thought process though of using points where possible and cash where you can't use points. I think I need to decide my travel plans and stop second guessing if I've optimized every mile/point I am using. Thanks.

That seems like a reasonable value to me. The limiting factor for most of my travel is time, so while I envy people that can take advantage of the truly great churning deals that come along, I'm always just trying to get the trip I want on the dates that work for me at a cost ($ or points) I can live with. Having the trip booked is the most important thing! I try to book direct with the carrier so if a better deal comes along I can then switch out to the better option.

I look forward to being a spontaneous churning maximizer once I retire, but for now, I'm ok with spending "too much" on the tickets that work for me (as long as I have the points available to do it!)

 

[disneylover81]

I am wondering about Turo for our 6 night trip to Aulani. We have never used it, and it seems to be quite a bit cheaper than Enterprise, etc. For renting a 4 door Jeep, it quotes $434 plus taxes and fees, but doesn't say what the taxes and fees add up to until I put in my driver's license and credit card info, which I don't want to do until I know I am renting here. Does anyone know what kind of total I am looking at or if this is just a bad idea and we should just stick with Enterprise for $764. This is our first trip to Aulani and also to Hawaii. It has been so overwhelming and we just want a smooth and easy rental process with good coverage in case anything goes wrong. Also, from what I have read, CSP rental insurance would not cover a Turo rental because I assume it is considered peer-to-peer correct?