I love credit cards so much!

[Artygal90]

@Artygal90 here it is. I have no idea how to post a link to a post on this thread, sorry it’s long

No, that's perfect! Thank you!

 

[Artygal90]

I knocked out the whole $1500 organically between groceries (fam of 6)... in 2 1/2 weeks.

Ah! That makes sense! It's just the two of us (unless you count two cats...), so nowhere near the amount of groceries a family of six would purchase organically!

We do pretty much what @Lain does that @CyndiLouWho

The majority of our UR points earning is from buying Disney gift cards at 5x. I imagine most folks would not view purchasing Disney gift cards at 5x as a way to generate lots of UR points. I've posted this before but for those who are newer to the thread I am going to post again. We do a lot of travel with Disney and spend a good deal of our spare time at the parks. Now, we could earn 3x on that with the CSR. We could buy discounted gift cards via Sam's, BJ's or Target for about 5% off. Instead, we opt for them at 5x. Here is how the numbers will run for us over the next year as all of the following can be paid with Disney gift cards.

1300 DVC points will equal $8,000 in dues - 40,000 UR
Adventures by Disney Japan and post add on to parks trip is $25,516 - 127,580 UR
Platinum Annual passes w/DVC discount for 2 are $1318 - 6590 UR
Disney cruise $3388 - 16940 UR
Dining at WDW, tix for family members and the Dooney addiction etc. over the rest of this year with the next 13 currently planned trips for 2018 etc. will likely run $4,000 at the least. - 20,000 UR

So, I anticipate that are current Disney vacation plans paid with Disney gift cards will bring in over 211,000 UR points. My friends that go for the immediate 5% off Disney gift cards think I'm nuts for chasing points. I've tried mathing some sense into them so they understand why I choose points over discounts at 5% but tend to hit a brick wall. I'll give it a whirl here though since you all get this game better than some of my friends. Now if I had opted for the nearly 5% off the gift cards route over 5x UR, I would have saved a little over $2100. That sounds great but my 211,000 UR points in my CSR account are worth $3165. Not to mention, I will likely transfer them to miles and get way more value than 1.5. This is also why I will only opt to use Amex offers for Disney gift cards over UR points at 5x when the discount is 10% or greater.

Hope this helps.

That does help! Thanks for typing all that up!

 

[Haley R]

I posted a thread on the resort board if anyone is interested. I’m trying to pick a resort for a short weekend trip at wdw.

 

[speedyfishy]

- I was able to open PNC savings acct # 2 today. It was 4 weeks after the first o

Thanks for the DP! Did you open both at the same time? Or open one and then do the other right after?

 

[hsmamato2]

question.... my flight from Maui- LAX just was cancelled and 'changed' to 5 minutes earlier......(really!?) I used Avios thru BA booked on Alaska Air for this leg- can I/Should I do anything with this? IS this an instance where I could possibly look for more convenient flight time to change to fee free? I looked on the BA site briefly,thinking about this,and all it came up with was a window saying they didn't have rights to fly between those two cities...(?) not sure what that means. I didn't get a notice from AK Air, should I check on that site re our seats etc? Edited to add I did check on Ak Air, and seats and all are the same.

 

[DisneyMandC]

So I've been frequently checking the seating on my United flight to DL in 3(!!) weeks since DH and I booked an aisle and window seat on a three seat row to try to get the row to ourselves. So far so good! I've noticed that actually the plane is not very full at all. Only 1 of the 20 first class seats is taken, and about 30 premium economy seats left. Assuming that these don't sell out in the next 3 weeks, can I ask the gate agent for an upgrade the morning of my flight? I've NEVER asked for an upgrade before, so I honestly have no idea how this works. I mean, if I ask nicely, is there a chance they just give it to me and DH for free? I am flying on my birthday, so I have that going for me!

 

[hsmamato2]

So I upgraded Dh's Hh Amex to ascend for the offer, says I can still use the old card before I get the new one.... if I use the old card to make purchases,I'll still get the spend credit lie it's the new one,right?

 

[calypso726]

So I've been frequently checking the seating on my United flight to DL in 3(!!) weeks since DH and I booked an aisle and window seat on a three seat row to try to get the row to ourselves. So far so good! I've noticed that actually the plane is not very full at all. Only 1 of the 20 first class seats is taken, and about 30 premium economy seats left. Assuming that these don't sell out in the next 3 weeks, can I ask the gate agent for an upgrade the morning of my flight? I've NEVER asked for an upgrade before, so I honestly have no idea how this works. I mean, if I ask nicely, is there a chance they just give it to me and DH for free? I am flying on my birthday, so I have that going for me!

There was a time way back when when they would give the upgrade for free. Nowadays the upgrades are either paid for or given to those with status on the airline or with the airline alliance. Many passengers with status will often book in economy or premium economy over business/first because they are fairly certain they will get the upgrade. Even those upgrades will go in order of the status tier. I've done it. I am a lowly gold on AA and booked a short haul flight in economy for $100 on Christmas Eve to get from Tampa to Miami. I was upgraded to business/first without having to ask.

I have seen and heard where they will leave the seats empty rather than give them away. That said, it never hurts to ask. The worst they could say is no.

 

[DisneyMandC]

There was a time way back when when they would give the upgrade for free. Nowadays the upgrades are either paid for or given to those with status on the airline or with the airline alliance. Many passengers with status will often book in economy or premium economy over business/first because they are fairly certain they will get the upgrade. Even those upgrades will go in order of the status tier. I've done it. I am a lowly gold on AA and booked a short haul flight in economy for $100 on Christmas Eve to get from Tampa to Miami. I was upgraded to business/first without having to ask.

I have seen and heard where they will leave the seats empty rather than give them away. That said, it never hurts to ask. The worst they could say is no.

I definitely don't have status haha. Maybe I'll just ask and see what happens. As you said, worst they can say is no! Honestly as long as we end up with our whole row, I'll be happy.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Weird/Concerning shutdown DP: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/c...ium=front&utm_source=reddit&utm_name=churning

There are some other random red flags here but the 4/24 status makes this a bit “wow” to me...

Yikes. I read months ago (can't remember where) in regards to chase shutdowns to "not ***t where you eat" and they were referring to banking and churning both at Chase. Maybe that is or isn't the problem, but I have remembered it, though I was recently tempted to do a chase bank bonus, I found another for now.

I posted a thread on the resort board if anyone is interested. I’m trying to pick a resort for a short weekend trip at wdw.

DD19 and I are trying out Coronado Springs for a quick weekend trip. It was 11k points/night on the UR portal with CSR. Last year we did POFQ off Hotwire. I just can't bring myself to pay for deluxe since we won't be spending time at the resort. When we do long trips we build in resort days so then I do deluxe.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I am trying to plan this DL trip to see the Christmas decor as ya'll have suggested. However, I also just discovered a recently upgraded beachfront resort nearby....Hilton Huntington Beach...that looks great. And most importantly, sleeps 6 ( @wendow ) in their reasonable points priced 1 bedroom suites. So I was thinking a couple nights in Anaheim plus a couple nights at Huntington Beach is a nice little combo. Ya'll think it will be too cold if we do it over Thanksgiving OR mid December. Would DL be decorated for Christmas if we went, say Sat-Wed before Thanksgiving?

 

[calypso726]

Well, sort of.

Speaking of status on airlines, I am reminded of something that happened a few weeks ago. Those of you who are amused by the Plane Princess and his outlook on travel since we began travel hacking may get a kick out of it. I know I did. He cracks me up. But then again, I am very easily amused. Those who aren't, feel free to scroll on by.

A couple of weeks ago I went to Antigua to teach CPR classes at some very nice resorts for the week. Neither of us had ever been there and DH was allowed to come with me on his own dime. So he took the week off from work. We flew in economy for a little over 3 hours. All business class seats were taken both ways so there was no option for the Plane Princess. He didn't complain but did mention how much he appreciates this hobby. Many people travel with just a carry on and sometimes we do too if we have crazy flight schedules and tight connections. No option for that on this trip since I had to bring lots of mannequins, a training defibrillator, first aid supplies etc. that would last for a week of classes. So, I have several large checked bags. When we got to the airport to depart home and check our bags there is a LOOOOOOONG line for economy passengers. We both looked at the line and went We gave ourselves plenty of time but Plane Princess is concerned he will miss out on lounge time with that line Then, we spot the priority line which is empty and as Plane Princess is bemoaning the idea of trudging through the economy line for who knows how long, he notices that the priority line is for business, first AND those who have status with AA We have gold status! Don't ask me how, because I still don't know. I suspect it was paying for flights with gift cards, MR and UR points when we couldn't find award space with miles. The look of panic disappears from his face and is replaced with relief. We head to the priority line and there is one person being serviced at the counter so we are first in line. Plane Princess looks at the economy line then at me in desperation and says in a rush, "What do we need to do to maintain gold status for next year? I don't ever want to have to stand in a line like that if I can help it. I read something about mileage runs. What are those exactly? Do we need to do one? We can fly to Paris on a cheap flight if we have to and go hit the 2 parks over a weekend just to get in all 12 parks in the same year. Start looking for fare wars to Europe. 2 birds, one stone" I'm standing there listening to this verbal barrage First it's lie flat seats, next was lounge access, then it's a preference for A380 planes, and now it's maintain the status we still don't quite know how we got. Sigh ...

The funniest thing about all this, at least to me, is that this is so completely out of character for him. He is the most laid back, easy going, low maintenance person I have ever met. He's not picky about anything, happily satisfied with everything. I'm the high maintenance one. But every rule has an exception and for him, it seems to be travel. I'd say I created a monster with this hobby, but that's not quite right. I've created a princess and I think he just earned his tiara.

 

[tink1970]

Well, sort of.

Speaking of status on airlines, I am reminded of something that happened a few weeks ago. Those of you who are amused by the Plane Princess and his outlook on travel since we began travel hacking may get a kick out of it. I know I did. He cracks me up. But then again, I am very easily amused. Those who aren't, feel free to scroll on by.

A couple of weeks ago I went to Antigua to teach CPR classes at some very nice resorts for the week. Neither of us had ever been there and DH was allowed to come with me on his own dime. So he took the week off from work. We flew in economy for a little over 3 hours. All business class seats were taken both ways so there was no option for the Plane Princess. He didn't complain but did mention how much he appreciates this hobby. Many people travel with just a carry on and sometimes we do too if we have crazy flight schedules and tight connections. No option for that on this trip since I had to bring lots of mannequins, a training defibrillator, first aid supplies etc. that would last for a week of classes. So, I have several large checked bags. When we got to the airport to depart home and check our bags there is a LOOOOOOONG line for economy passengers. We both looked at the line and went We gave ourselves plenty of time but Plane Princess is concerned he will miss out on lounge time with that line Then, we spot the priority line which is empty and as Plane Princess is bemoaning the idea of trudging through the economy line for who knows how long, he notices that the priority line is for business, first AND those who have status with AA We have gold status! Don't ask me how, because I still don't know. I suspect it was paying for flights with gift cards, MR and UR points when we couldn't find award space with miles. The look of panic disappears from his face and is replaced with relief. We head to the priority line and there is one person being serviced at the counter so we are first in line. Plane Princess looks at the economy line then at me in desperation and says in a rush, "What do we need to do to maintain gold status for next year? I don't ever want to have to stand in a line like that if I can help it. I read something about mileage runs. What are those exactly? Do we need to do one? We can fly to Paris on a cheap flight if we have to and go hit the 2 parks over a weekend just to get in all 12 parks in the same year. Start looking for fare wars to Europe. 2 birds, one stone" I'm standing there listening to this verbal barrage First it's lie flat seats, next was lounge access, then it's a preference for A380 planes, and now it's maintain the status we still don't quite know how we got. Sigh ...

The funniest thing about all this, at least to me, is that this is so completely out of character for him. He is the most laid back, easy going, low maintenance person I have ever met. He's not picky about anything, happily satisfied with everything. I'm the high maintenance one. But every rule has an exception and for him, it seems to be travel. I'd say I created a monster with this hobby, but that's not quite right. I've created a princess and I think he just earned his tiara.

I am LOLing because I'm sitting in ATL SkyClub waiting to finish my Drop of DD in Durham, Hop to DTW Mileage Run to help keep DL status!

My family thinks I'm crazy but never complain with the perks (few, but some) they share when they fly with me

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

So I've been frequently checking the seating on my United flight to DL in 3(!!) weeks since DH and I booked an aisle and window seat on a three seat row to try to get the row to ourselves. So far so good! I've noticed that actually the plane is not very full at all. Only 1 of the 20 first class seats is taken, and about 30 premium economy seats left. Assuming that these don't sell out in the next 3 weeks, can I ask the gate agent for an upgrade the morning of my flight? I've NEVER asked for an upgrade before, so I honestly have no idea how this works. I mean, if I ask nicely, is there a chance they just give it to me and DH for free? I am flying on my birthday, so I have that going for me!

I don’t know about upgrades but I have to ask...what happens if they sit someone between you?? I fly quite a bit and planes are always full. I’m assuming you’re hoping the person will switch seats with you?

 

[Judique]

Weird/Concerning shutdown DP: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/c...ium=front&utm_source=reddit&utm_name=churning

There are some other random red flags here but the 4/24 status makes this a bit “wow” to me...

After reading this, I started wondering about my overall credit line, as someone on the reddit thread mentioned 85K as being a too high amount of extended credit. I'm at 168K and just got the Marriott biz card. My Chase limits are all low as I trimmed them down a few months ago. Chase accounts for about 50K total over 6 cards, and I plan on closing SW which has 13K. It's my other lines that are all like 25-30K each. Perhaps I should trim these as well? Granted I do have substantial household income, but I still want to be very careful.

 

[calypso726]

I don’t know about upgrades but I have to ask...what happens if they sit someone between you?? I fly quite a bit and planes are always full. I’m assuming you’re hoping the person will switch seats with you?

We did the aisle/window combo on our flights to Antigua. DH sat in the middle seat next to me. The flight was full on the way over and when the middle seat person arrived, she asked if we wanted to stay seated together. We said yes and she was happy to have the aisle. No one wants the middle seat as no one wants to have to crawl over the person they don't know seated in the aisle seat to go to the bathroom. Most people would rather sit next to one person they don't know over 2 people they don't know. It is highly unlikely someone would choose a middle seat between 2 people they don't know that clearly know each other when given the option to take the aisle seat.

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

We did the aisle/window combo on our flights to Antigua. DH sat in the middle seat next to me. The flight was full on the way over and when the middle seat person arrived, she asked if we wanted to stay seated together. We said yes and she was happy to have the aisle. No one wants the middle seat as no one wants to have to crawl over the person they don't know seated in the aisle seat to go to the bathroom. Most people would rather sit next to one person they don't know over 2 people they don't know. It is highly unlikely someone would choose a middle seat between 2 people they don't know that clearly know each other when given the option to take the aisle seat.

I get that. Just not sure how I feel about reserving those seats in hopes of getting the whole aisle to yourselves. Doesn’t seem right to me.

 

[calypso726]

I get that. Just not sure how I feel about reserving those seats in hopes of getting the whole aisle to yourselves. Doesn’t seem right to me.

If the plane is empty, there will be plenty of seats and others who did the exact same thing and they will be happy. If the plane is full, that middle seat will be taken and the person who lucks out on the unexpected aisle seat you give them will be very happy. Good Karma That is how I see it.

 

[GusGus16]

Well, my 2016 vehicle's transmission is probably broken, less than 40,000 miles overall. I bought it certified used...hopefully it will be covered by the 100,000 mile power train warranty. Except for the $100 deductible which I plan to put on one of my credit cards, thinking probably my discover-it, would be the best option, if they take discover, given I'm still in my first year with the card so cash back will be matched.

Plan to book a DVC rental with David's soon, I believe it should code as travel, so will be paying with it with my sapphire.

I'm also branching out into bank bonuses, working on my first one now, thinking I'll need to take it one at time, I find them a lot harder than earning sign on bonuses through charging on my credit card.

 

[afan]

question.... my flight from Maui- LAX just was cancelled and 'changed' to 5 minutes earlier......(really!?) I used Avios thru BA booked on Alaska Air for this leg- can I/Should I do anything with this? IS this an instance where I could possibly look for more convenient flight time to change to fee free? I looked on the BA site briefly,thinking about this,and all it came up with was a window saying they didn't have rights to fly between those two cities...(?) not sure what that means. I didn't get a notice from AK Air, should I check on that site re our seats etc? Edited to add I did check on Ak Air, and seats and all are the same.

That doesn't sound like anything was cancelled as they just changed the flight time by a few minutes. That's not uncommon and 5 minutes isn't something you'll get a free change to another flight time off of because it's only 5 minutes, it's not drastically changing anything. I have non stops change a few minutes in either direction all the time.

Example, my redeye to MCO from SEA on Delta in Nov connects in ATL. The flight times changed so I didn't have a valid connection time any more, they changed it without a fee because I would probably miss my flight. A couple weeks ago the flight time changed back to what it had been and meant I could change back to the earlier connection and get into MCO at 8 something instead of 9 something. I called to change the flight and was able to do it without a change fee. Unless you have a connection in LA that this is going to cause to have an invalid connection time I highly doubt they will let you change to something hours later when it's only a 5 min change.