I love credit cards so much!

[SouthFayetteFan]

Not sure myself Paging @SouthFayetteFan

@afan - bought the $50 Delta GC right on the Delta site. Credit posted against the charge quickly on AMEX site (<3 days I believe). I wanted to sell the card on Raise since I had no use for it...Raise made me wait 45 days before they'd list it (something with a waiting period for new seller or something like that). I sold it for $47.50 and got $42ish in my pocket. Once it was actually listed it sold within 4 hours I'd say.

 

[elgerber]

Thanks! I guess that's the other thing, when should I book the flights if I get that card? I guess as soon as I meet the MSR and get the points? I don't particular want to be holding on to domestic flights for months and months on end, but I guess it wouldn't really matter that much.



Yes to both. DCA to LGA in December. The flights occasionally even dip down to about $107. They're short direct flights, we took one last year when we went to NYC. DCA isn't our home airport, but is convenient enough for us to get to when our home airport doesn't have a great direct flight!

I would probably buy once you get the points, Delta point values don't tend to go down as you get closer, at least not in my experience. I cannot believe what great prices you get on Delta!

 

[elgerber]

@afan - bought the $50 Delta GC right on the Delta site. Credit posted against the charge quickly on AMEX site (<3 days I believe). I wanted to sell the card on Raise since I had no use for it...Raise made me wait 45 days before they'd list it (something with a waiting period for new seller or something like that). I sold it for $47.50 and got $42ish in my pocket. Once it was actually listed it sold within 4 hours I'd say.

I need to do this. I am flying Delta in September, but I don't think there is anything I would be able to use the credit for on those flights.

 

[DisneyMandC]

I would probably buy once you get the points, Delta point values don't tend to go down as you get closer, at least not in my experience. I cannot believe what great prices you get on Delta!

It's very hit or miss for us, but sometimes we get really lucky! I've actually been checking to see if our home airport is going to add anymore flights for the weekend I want to go since I'll be going near Christmas. They have decent weekend Delta flights to LGA for $165, but the aim of this trip is to maximize time in NYC and that flight would put us in about two hours later than the one out of DCA.

 

[speedyfishy]

DCA to LGA in December. The flights occasionally even dip down to about $107. They're short direct flights, we took one last year when we went to NYC. DCA isn't our home airport, but is convenient enough for us to get to when our home airport doesn't have a great direct flight!

I had no idea Delta flights were that cheap and low cost point wise. I normally just flew southwest. This is good to know for when I’m trying to go home to visit family! DCA is my new home airport. And my old home airport was JFK. LGA is a nightmare because of the short runway, but JFK sucks because you taxi for 10 years.

 

[BamaBoy]

I got the Barclays Arrival Plus last May and earned the 50,000 point bonus (which is now over 62,000 points). I have not used any of the points yet, and it is a strong possibility that I won't in the next several months. I want to avoid paying the annual fee in late May, but I realize that if I cancel the card I will lose all of the points. Can I PC to the regular Arrival to avoid the annual fee and still keep my points?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Thanks! I had it on my SPG Biz and personal Plat; DW had it on her SPG Biz. Nothing on AU cards. I’ll take 20% off Disney, Amazon, or gas gift cards anytime.

I was excited because I actually need something at Lowe’s! But I might add a Disney GC because I have a Lowe’s GC for part and I’m not sure it will be over $100

 

[DisneyMandC]

I had no idea Delta flights were that cheap and low cost point wise. I normally just flew southwest. This is good to know for when I’m trying to go home to visit family! DCA is my new home airport. And my old home airport was JFK. LGA is a nightmare because of the short runway, but JFK sucks because you taxi for 10 years.

Yeah I looked at JFK from DCA, IAD, and RIC (home airport) but they were all more expensive and everything I’ve read made it seem like it’s a longer cab ride into the city from JFK. Also, I don’t know if this is still the case but last year our Delta flight flew in and out of that weird marine terminal at LGA?? It’s kind of an odd location but the TSA wait was basically zero so we got there way earlier than needed. I’ll know better for this year!

I wish southwest was better out of RIC. They used to have a great direct flight to MCO that we used for our honeymoon, but have ended that.

 

[afan]

Thanks! I guess that's the other thing, when should I book the flights if I get that card? I guess as soon as I meet the MSR and get the points? I don't particular want to be holding on to domestic flights for months and months on end, but I guess it wouldn't really matter that much.



Yes to both. DCA to LGA in December. The flights occasionally even dip down to about $107. They're short direct flights, we took one last year when we went to NYC. DCA isn't our home airport, but is convenient enough for us to get to when our home airport doesn't have a great direct flight!

Why not take the train? Not knowing your home airport this might be worse but my friend that lives in Leesburg will use dca or bwi but has taken the train to NYC since it puts you right in the city.

 

[speedyfishy]

Yeah I looked at JFK from DCA, IAD, and RIC (home airport) but they were all more expensive and everything I’ve read made it seem like it’s a longer cab ride into the city from JFK. Also, I don’t know if this is still the case but last year our Delta flight flew in and out of that weird marine terminal at LGA?? It’s kind of an odd location but the TSA wait was basically zero so we got there way earlier than needed. I’ll know better for this year!

I wish southwest was better out of RIC. They used to have a great direct flight to MCO that we used for our honeymoon, but have ended that.

What time are you arriving? If it’s during rush hour both LGA and JFK could be over an hour. I would agree LGA is more convenient for driving though because you are right on the Grand Central. JFK is good though because you can take the air train to Jamaica train station. From there you have the LIRR into Penn station or the E train. TSA waits for me at both haven’t been that bad which is actually surprising lol. For Southwest I have been flying out of BWI it’s annoying because it’s an hour away from me, but they have more options. I really miss being in NYC. I had every airline around with so many direct flight options.

 

[hsmamato2]

I have stayed at both, although probably not at the Sheraton since it has undergone significant renovations, and I don't think you can go wrong with either. The Westin is a little more centrally located on Kaanapali if that is a consideration for you. It's closer to Whaler's Village with shops, restaurants, etc. The Sheraton is at the end of that stretch of Kaanapali, although the beach is wider and less crowded there, and Black Rock is right there with some great snorkeling if that is of interest.

Thanks! I saw that Black rock feature....can you explain that? It looks like it's about 1/2 mile between them, so not far at all to walk down to that central village area,is that correct? (or drive if needed?) how about room differences? Does either room have a fridge or a microwave? I'm going to do the costco run for food to save $$ overall.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Why not take the train? Not knowing your home airport this might be worse but my friend that lives in Leesburg will use dca or bwi but has taken the train to NYC since it puts you right in the city.

I thought about this, but it’s just not convenient timing for us. My current plan is to fly out of DCA at 7 am that Saturday which will put us in NYC (or at least LGA) by 9. My mom and I will spend the day shopping and sightseeing and stay that night and then fly out at 7 pm that Sunday, so we’re really able to get a good two full days in. The train would involve us either taking part of the day off Friday and then spend 6 and a half hours on the train to arrive at a decent time, or leave later and arrive at 1:30 am Saturday morning, both of which would require me to pay for another night in NYC. Plus, the train fare is between $80-$100.

I wish it was more convenient as I’m sure my mom would love to take the train! She has even mentioned taking the bus up before since we have cheap bus fares, but if I’m going to take her to NYC at Christmas time I’m going to do it right and make sure we’re comfortable and well rested.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Do your boys try to kill each other on a day to day basis too? I had coffee with a new mom friend yesterday and she confirmed hers do. Made me feel so much better!

That’s so funny! My sister has boy/girl twins and they fight constantly. My sister moved the girl into a room with her sister a few years ago but she ended up sleeping on the floor of her brother’s room (he wouldn’t let her sleep in the queen bed with him, lol). My sis ended up putting them back in the same room. I can’t believe they share a room because their constant fighting sometimes drives me batty and I’m not their mom!

 

[speedyfishy]

Why not take the train? Not knowing your home airport this might be worse but my friend that lives in Leesburg will use dca or bwi but has taken the train to NYC since it puts you right in the city.

I refuse to take the train. Those Amtrak tickets can get expensive. Also, with them derailing I’m too nervous. My family has taken Amtrak to come visit, but I’d prefer to fly. It does put you in Manhattan though where as flying puts you in Queens. It can take awhile to get from Queens to Manhattan.

 

[DisneyMandC]

What time are you arriving? If it’s during rush hour both LGA and JFK could be over an hour. I would agree LGA is more convenient for driving though because you are right on the Grand Central. JFK is good though because you can take the air train to Jamaica train station. From there you have the LIRR into Penn station or the E train. TSA waits for me at both haven’t been that bad which is actually surprising lol. For Southwest I have been flying out of BWI it’s annoying because it’s an hour away from me, but they have more options. I really miss being in NYC. I had every airline around with so many direct flight options.

I think it’s somewhere around 8:35 (don’t have it in front of me right now). We are flying in on a Saturday though. We didn’t think about that last year when we flew in on a Thursday and we’re staying downtown, but we still got there in about 45 minutes. We also didn’t realize we were going to NYC over Easter and spring breaks... lol oops.

 

[linzjane88]

I got the Barclays Arrival Plus last May and earned the 50,000 point bonus (which is now over 62,000 points). I have not used any of the points yet, and it is a strong possibility that I won't in the next several months. I want to avoid paying the annual fee in late May, but I realize that if I cancel the card I will lose all of the points. Can I PC to the regular Arrival to avoid the annual fee and still keep my points?

I am 99% sure that will work but maybe wait on some confirmation from someone a little wiser . I downgraded mine and still have like 2200 straggler points hanging around. I don't think there is an increased redemption benefit using the miles on the Arrival+ over the Arrival.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Also, with them derailing I’m too nervous.

This too. I know there are way more car crashes and probably even plane crashes, but there have been one too many train crashes lately that just have had explanations like “engineer going 75 mph through dangerous curve” that I’m not comfortable with.

 

[hsmamato2]

Yup! I got a temporary number on my Hilton Aspire right after applying and used it to make the spend all in one shot. The points posted pretty quickly too.



@hsmamato2 - First, you need to click on the saver economy box and see if the flight is actually a saver award. If is is grey then it is not.

BA is distance based. So the number of Avios you need will depend on the distance flown. It will cost me more Avios on an AA operated flight books with BA Avios to fly from Florida to Hawaii than it would for someone from LA to Hawaii even though both say 22,000 AA miles. Hope that helps.

well thank you for that.... I'm still confused... I called in today to ask- here's my example- maybe you can tell me if everythings right- so I have a flight from OGG-LAX, on AA using Avios. I see a time on the AA site I like better on the same day, but it doesn't show on the BA site. The flight I have says Milesaaver/20k (AA site) the flight I like better says milesaaver/22.5k.(Alaska Air,but on the AA site) It seems odd,since they're both milesaver economy category- The BA rep on the phone said if it doesn't show on the BA site, It isn't available for awards. I'm just THRILLED to get the flights at all, but I'd prefer the better timed one on AKair.... what do you think, was the info correct from the rep?

 

[Calfan]

Thanks! I saw that Black rock feature....can you explain that? It looks like it's about 1/2 mile between them, so not far at all to walk down to that central village area,is that correct? (or drive if needed?) how about room differences? Does either room have a fridge or a microwave? I'm going to do the costco run for food to save $$ overall.

There is a point of land that separates what I call lower Kaanapali Beach (where the Sheraton and Westin are, and also Whaler's Village) from what I call upper Kaanapali beach (where the Westin Ocean Resort Villas and some other timeshares and hotels are). That point is called Black Rock because of its dark volcanic rock, and the whole reef area around Black Rock is excellent for snorkeling. You are correct that there is not a great distance between the two hotels, and there is a nice, paved path that parallels the beach that makes it easy to walk from the Sheraton down to Whaler's Village and the other hotels. It's been a while since I've stayed at either since my parents bought a Westin time share on the upper part of Kaanapali Beach, and we've been going there for our more recent trips in the last few years. From my last experience at the Westin, there is no fridge (other than a mini bar) and no microwave. I can't comment on the Sheraton, but I would suspect the same since they are both true hotels with traditional hotel-style rooms, and not condos/villas.

 

[hsmamato2]

Lain, I wish I had a cruise planned. I have the $100 back on $500 cruise deal on THREE cards. I would split the payment and save a bundle. Oh well. Hopefully someone else can benefit.

I wanted that offer SOOOOO bad and didn't get one!!! I would have planned a cruise right away!