I love credit cards so much!

[SBWB48]

After the merge, there still won't be a way to transfer UR to Alaska Air that isn't a terrible redemption, right? Right now, you can transfer to Marriott and then convert to SPG at 3:1, so that's no good, even with the transfer bonus. My understanding is this is the way it will stay. I'm still trying to decide whether to get a Marriott package with Alaska or Virgin miles for an upcoming trip to Japan, so I guess I still won't have a good option to add to my Alaska miles using UR.

You'll all be happy to know I've created a spreadsheet to weigh my options. I'd rather get Alaska miles because they're more versatile if plans change in the next year. But because I can transfer UR to Virgin I'll have a much easier time reaching the amount of miles I'll need to book two tickets. I have almost enough Marriott points for two packages, and I can buy SPG points to top off the Marriott account, but I don't think I want to deplete them all. I'd rather get one package and save the rest of the points for other uses later. I don't currently have MR earning cards, and I'm not planning on opening anything for a while. This is so hard.

I've been going through the same dilemma, except, I'm debating between United and Alaska. Will probably ultimately lean towards Alaska since United are easier to accumulate

Now that you mention Virgin, and this didn't even cross my mind since I saw United as a ANA partner as well, but didn't realize the difference in redemption rates , I want to throw Virgin into the mix as well

Also have enough to get two packages, but the thought of depleting my 600K stash makes me

 

[SBWB48]

ever since cathay pacific redemption went nonexistent, id kinda held off doing the N&F package.

Can you elaborate on Cathay? A friend of mine loves Cathay, and I saw that as an Alaska partner which made me lean towards an Alaska redemption for my N&F in case Japan doesn't work out,, but your comment has me worried lol.

 

[Albort]

Can you elaborate on Cathay? A friend of mine loves Cathay, and I saw that as an Alaska partner which made me lean towards an Alaska redemption for my N&F in case Japan doesn't work out,, but your comment has me worried lol.

someone reported not able to book Cathay anymore via Alaska... i checked a bunch of dates, couldnt find ANY Cathay flights. might want to check Cathay flights on alaska(or call in) if transferring to Alaska to use for Cathay was in mind.

 

[brownhaired_girl]

, i may have to start MSin that route again...

I have never done MS but I might need to start

 

[amalone1013]

When is Prime Day again? The 16th?

 

[Albort]

I have never done MS but I might need to start

its quite thrilling for the first few weeks... then it feels very tedious lol.

 

[speedyfishy]

What’s the max balance per card and fee/shipping?

giftcards.com has a max of $500 per card. $1.99 per card to get shipped and $6.95 fee per card. They also have a shipping option with tracking that is like $7/8 so if you are getting five cards it makes sense to do it that way.

Giftcardmall has a $500 max per card too, but free shipping and a fee of $5.95. If they really code as 3x I’m going to stick with them.

 

[peel]

I've going through the same dilemma, except, I'm debating between United and Alaska. Will probably ultimately lean towards Alaska since United are easier to accumulate

Now that you mention Virgin, and this didn't even cross my mind since I saw United as a ANA partner as well, but didn't realize the difference in redemption rates , I want to throw Virgin into the mix as well

Also have enough to get two packages, but the thought of depleting my 600K stash makes me

Can you elaborate on Cathay? A friend of mine loves Cathay, and I saw that as an Alaska partner which made me lean towards an Alaska redemption for my N&F in case Japan doesn't work out,, but your comment has me worried lol.

@Albort I wasn't even thinking about Cathay, but that's great information. I was more thinking that I can use Alaska for domestic flights, or if we decide we want to do Hawaii, which really isn't on our radar right now.

The Virgin-ANA redemption is so sweet, I'm definitely leaning towards VA in terms of the Marriott package. We do go to England every few years, so I know I can use the miles if I had to, but the fuel surcharges are so ridiculous that I'd prefer to use them for a different airline, and that's where the possibilities slim way down compared to having a stockpile of Alaska miles.

 

[amalone1013]

Is it bad I'm looking for cheap flights right now because I don't want to drive 8hrs each way for a 3 day weekend...?

 

[Albort]

@Albort I wasn't even thinking about Cathay, but that's great information. I was more thinking that I can use Alaska for domestic flights, or if we decide we want to do Hawaii, which really isn't on our radar right now.

The Virgin-ANA redemption is so sweet, I'm definitely leaning towards VA in terms of the Marriott package. We do go to England every few years, so I know I can use the miles if I had to, but the fuel surcharges are so ridiculous that I'd prefer to use them for a different airline, and that's where the possibilities slim way down compared to having a stockpile of Alaska miles.

VA is easy transfer from UR though. Alaska, not so much... Another airline u can use with Alaska is Emirates if u have plans to travel in that direction.

 

[peel]

VA is easy transfer from UR though. Alaska, not so much...

Exactly my dilemma. I'd rather have a stash of Alaska than VA, but it will be much easier for me to top off the VA for two J or F seats to Japan with UR. If that trip falls through for one reason or another, I don't know what I'll do with those VA miles.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Is it bad I'm looking for cheap flights right now because I don't want to drive 8hrs each way for a 3 day weekend...?

If you're looking for someone to talk you out of this, you've come to the wrong place... lol.

Of course, I'm driving 11 hours to WDW in November because flights from RIC are stupid expensive anymore.

 

[vanjust14]

Is it bad I'm looking for cheap flights right now because I don't want to drive 8hrs each way for a 3 day weekend...?

Nope. I'd fly over driving ALL DAY.

 

[peel]

Is it bad I'm looking for cheap flights right now because I don't want to drive 8hrs each way for a 3 day weekend...?

I did it to go to Cleveland, so I won't be much help talking you out of flying.

 

[amalone1013]

If you're looking for someone to talk you out of this, you've come to the wrong place... lol.

Of course, I'm driving 11 hours to WDW in November because flights from RIC are stupid expensive anymore.

Nope. I'd fly over driving ALL DAY.

DH doesn't get it (other than I'm going alone this time so that would make him for it) because it's just back to my hometown. And it's really not a bad drive, honestly. But I've done it SO MANY TIMES since college, not to mention family vacations and ski trips out to CO... Anymore, that the last two hours feel like 8 hours alone

 

[amalone1013]

Man, I remember back in the good old days I could get a RT ticket from Denver into Lincoln on United for $150 - $180, on the right dates... That doesn't help me now because I'm looking at next weekend but those days seem to be long gone. And by good old days I mean 4 years ago.

 

[miztressuz]

When is Prime Day again? The 16th?

Starts 3pm ET on the 16th, goes for 30 hours.

Is it bad I'm looking for cheap flights right now because I don't want to drive 8hrs each way for a 3 day weekend...?

Not in my book I'm ok for 5-6 hours, anything more than that and I'll fly for a short trip. Otherwise it just feels like we're in the car the whole trip.

 

[Judique]

Is it bad I'm looking for cheap flights right now because I don't want to drive 8hrs each way for a 3 day weekend...?

No.
I drive a lot and I'm not into driving 8 hours for 3 days.

 

[striker1064]

If you're looking for someone to talk you out of this, you've come to the wrong place... lol.

Of course, I'm driving 11 hours to WDW in November because flights from RIC are stupid expensive anymore.

Pick up those BoA Amtrak cards and ride the train in style. Actually no, don't do this. I do because I'm a crazy person but no one else should.

 

[mmmears]

Not in my book I'm ok for 5-6 hours, anything more than that and I'll fly for a short trip. Otherwise it just feels like we're in the car the whole trip.

I feel the same way. Those extra 2-3 hours just seem like a lifetime.