I love credit cards so much!

[Albort]

Oh geeez LOL! I just have a gift when it comes to math problems involving points lol. There really isn’t a “right” answer to @hsmamato2’s dilemma. It’s all about trade offs I just tried to clearly lay out all options so a logical choice can be made.

i still dont understand the situation. then again, i dont understand a lot of things lately... :\ lol
im still grumpy from buying a GC with my bank account.

 

[wendow]

Perfect yes. That makes sense. I am so impressed you have the gates memorized! And glad at least being a Delta hostage pays off in this instance!

I looked at it so much when we were traveling last week lol! Otherwise I wouldn't have them memorized

 

[miztressuz]

That is interesting. My DH is in sales and once he hits his quota it is on like donkey kong because he earns a higher commission rate from then on.

And that may have actually motivated them, if only they had leadership that thought of that!
OT but, that was also a complaint I heard was the commission/bonus schedule changed on a constant basis and I never recall anyone saying they got more on subsequent sales once a target was hit. I think it was a one time bonus at year end for exceeding targets but not enough to make a difference. Hence the 'make target, slack off' pattern that seemed to happen on a recurring basis throughout the year, haha.

 

[wendow]

You don't happen to know which airports allow the restaurant credit do you? I've only ever used my CSR lounge perk once. But I'll be traveling with my brother's family in July, so 8 of us total. I know everyone can come into the lounge with me for free with Priority Pass on the CSR, but is the number of guests unlimited at the restaurants as well?

So, when we were at Timberline lounge last week (that is the PP restaurant at Denver), I asked the gal who came around to check us in about us traveling with our children and would all 6 of us be covered under the PP? She really didn't give a clear answer, and said it was at the discretion of the CC company that provides the benefit. I'm thinking I'd call before traveling with us all to find out before. There were mainly solo or couples around the restaurant both times we were there so I'm guessing they don't get too many large families or groups on one PP.

 

[JKalai]

I wish this was posted last month when we were in LAS for our layover. I was trying to get from our SW gate to a lounge. DH wouldn't go because he was positive we'd have to go back through security. I could see the little hallway appeared to bypass security and keep up in the secured area but he wasn't in the mood to believe me I guess.

Man- wish I had known that a couple of weeks ago. We hung in a very crowded SW gate area at LAS for a good while the other week, when we could have lounged! I have a decent LAS layover next week, so I will definitely have to figure out how to get to one of the lounges from the SW gates.

Yeah, you can definitely access all terminals from within the airport at LAS.

It goes:

Terminal 1 <-> Monorail <-> D Gates (The Club) <-> Monorail <-> Terminal 3 (The Club)

The Club at Terminal 3 is MUCH better than The Club at the D Gates. The Club at the D Gates is a small room with popcorn, chips and a bar compared to the Terminal 3 lounge with normal finger foods. It's definitely worth the extra monorail ride from the D Gate to Terminal 3 if you are flying SW out of Terminal 1. I timed out Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 and it was no more than 10-15 minutes. Easy Peasy.

D Gates -> Terminal 3 via monorail is a bit confusing because you have to go up an elevator to get to the gates. Right before you see the double security doors to exit to baggage claim, there should be an elevator to your left you take up. Besides that, everything else is just walking down the correct hallways.

 

[pillow]

So, when we were at Timberline lounge last week (that is the PP restaurant at Denver), I asked the gal who came around to check us in about us traveling with our children and would all 6 of us be covered under the PP? She really didn't give a clear answer, and said it was at the discretion of the CC company that provides the benefit. I'm thinking I'd call before traveling with us all to find out before. There were mainly solo or couples around the restaurant both times we were there so I'm guessing they don't get too many large families or groups on one PP.

Was just checking our flights, and we'll be going through ATL, MSP, and SEA which all have lounges (MSP gives each person a $15 allotment apparently, which is a bit odd). So no restaurants on this trip. But I will definitely keep that in mind for future reference. We're almost empty nesters, so after this big trip, it will just be DH and me. I can't decide if I'm happy or sad about that . . .

 

[jhoannam]

Ok...I'm here some straight up advice and help...... I figure a lot of you know more about this than I do! I have been figuring out my 5 nights on Maui..... I originally booked Sheraton Kaanapali, since it looks awesome,and is right on that perfect snorkeling beach. NOW....I'm reconsidering canceling that and using my SPg points for a Marriott nights and flights package...it's just too tempting,since I'd get my 5 nights on Maui using that certificate, PLUS the 120k SWA points which I can really use! So here's my big dilemma- I could choose the Marriott Wailea Beach resort, or Marriott Maui ocean club instead. Any advice? on TA,and Oyster, they all rate well (4 pearls) They all look lovely, tho I think ocean club would be #3 for my choices (we don't have little kids) what do you all think? ANY advice here is so needed! I was proud of myself for deciding on a hotel,and now my biggest problem is back....making a decision!
....ALSO...... Nights and Flights. I've been reading about how to do this, but again...how would I know if I can use the cert. at the hotel I want,when I want? check for availability on marriott site?if I do that, would I check using points,or cash? Do they allow bookings with the cert. in general,or are there blackout dates? (arrggg)
...ALSO... what is my smartest option for getting the extra 45k marriott points I need to finish the booking?(and can I book if I buy a 1-5 cat. cert,and they'll let me book a cat. 8 until I get the extra points?)
Should I A) Use some UR points> Marriott to top it off? (45k)
B) Buy the spg points and transfer them? ( 15k for 341.25 use spg for 2x points)
C) Buy spg points (341.25 for 15k,use UR statement credit to pay myself back)
Again,Id have to purchase thru Dh's Spg acct,gift them to mine,and transfer to MArriott.
How feasible is this? How long does it take from purchasing the package to getting the hotel cert. for use? (swa points not in a rush for,not using them yet)
Please help me think this through...... I feel like waiting till AUg 1 and hoping I could use cert on sheraton might not work out

From reading on FlyerTalk this is what i've found out.
The hotel has to have award availability (search using points). You can make the reservation now and then call to have the certificate applied to the reservation.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards/1403715-marriott-travel-packages-51.html

You can buy a 7 night and only book the 5 nights
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards/1403715-marriott-travel-packages-199.html

Do you need the airline miles now? or can you wait until closer to august? If I were you, I would go ahead and make the Marriott reservation using points now. Keep your Sheraton reservation - and not make a decision until closer to August. Just keep earning those Marriott points.

If you plan on purchasing SPGs I would wait until closer to the end of May (when the promotion ends). You might have earned more SPG points and need to buy less points.

 

[Ngwira]

I think I might book the Hyatt in Nashville just in case... surely I'll find a use for those points if something comes up.

But now another question... it looks like our flight (arriving Friday evening) would land at either 9:20pm or 11:05pm. There's a Hyatt by the airport for 8k points or 4k plus $55. And it's got a shuttle. So we could stay there the first night, since we're getting in late-ish, and in the morning drop our stuff at the downtown Hyatt (15k points, no cash plus points coming up) and go be touristy for the day. I'm pretty tempted by this plan... since we're two adults with no kids and probably just backpacks since it's a weekend trip, it'd be easy to move.




Good thing I'm using the hidden computer at work today so no one saw me silently losing it when I came to this post.

We stayed at the Hyatt Place Las Vegas for one night in February and it was perfectly fine. We used points plus cash.

 

[JKalai]

...plus I don't think he really understood what the lounge meant, because he is usually all over free stuff. So we hung out in a very crowded SW gate area too after we ate in the food court. The annoying thing about LAS is they put all these bright, noisy slot machines everywhere that attract toddlers. Then parents spend the whole time trying to keep toddlers away from bright noisy machines.

I also had to explain to my girlfriend was lounge access meant and why we should get to the airport a bit early. It still didn't quite register with her until we walked in and she saw the bar with all the food and drinks and alcohol. She was like a kid in a candy store for the first time. Now she's all about airport lounges and is even more excited to head to the airport than I am, haha.

And even a dumber question, food and drink are free in the lounge?

Yep, some lounges are much better than others and the variety of things offered can vary depending on where you are flying out of. Some have chips and cookies, and some have finger foods like sushi and sandwiches. The drinks in the lounges can also vary too, from nothing but Bud Light in a refrigerator to a full bar with imported beer... all complimentary. The PP app can give you an idea of what each lounge offers, and to give you a hint of which lounge to choose (as there can be multiple lounges in a single airport).

The last time we were at the MCO lounge, it was pretty mellow but started to get VERY crowded. There was a group of businessmen next to us that were drinking and getting pretty rowdy.

 

[Calfan]

DH and I both have PP and I'd never heard of this! What a cool option. I did a quick search and found this (assuming link will post): https://thriftytraveler.com/restaurants-access-priority-pass-membership/

Great find! And we have a layover in Portland in June....

 

[Lain]

That is interesting. My DH is in sales and once he hits his quota it is on like donkey kong because he earns a higher commission rate from then on.

Your inner child of the 80s is showing!

 

[miztressuz]

Your inner child of the 80s is showing!

American Pie brought it to a younger generation, at least. We can try to pretend we weren't alive for the original

 

[miztressuz]

Since Amazon is raising the Prime membership fee to 119 annually, and our renewal isn't up until later this year, can I buy the gift of membership now and just not redeem it until it's time to renew to get the current rate then?
We've got the Amazon Prime rewards card so if we drop prime we'd just drop back to a regular card, which in itself is not enough to keep Prime. For 99 hubby had been ok with keeping it but I noticed we don't shop amazon as much as before so now have to weigh if the increase is worth it. Last year we got the AmEx offers for it so he decided to keep it again since we got 7000 MR at least. If I can do the gift to lock in the 99 he'd probably keep it again and we'd have a while yet before decision-day.

Although if he drops it he'd be losing the metal CC game. Now that I have the CSR/CSP we both have 2 each. I told him I had metal now and he has to win by saying his Marriott is still heavier

 

[JC0712]

So frustrated. Have $300 on SPG Biz spend. Need to book DSs summer camp. Two choices, both around 275. Neither take Amex. Can’t win today.
The roofers I need for my rental (the actual biz for the SPG Biz) better take Amex.

I was quite happy to find that my vet takes Amex, and somewhat surprised.

 

[linzjane88]

Great find! And we have a layover in Portland in June....

The House Spirits place is really cool! They allow one guest per pp membership so we got our friends in with us using both mine and DH cards. The four of us each got a flight so the bartender brings out a tray of SIXTEEN drinks. Granted, they were filled 1/3 of the way but after we drank all of them you wouldn't know that so we were getting some pretty amazing looks from passersby
. Capers is Ok (there's 2- I am taking about the Cafe )... If you like cheese definitely get the cheese plate. It's enough for two people and a great plane snack. We usually get a hot meal and spend the rest of the credit on to go food. Know going into it that the service is pretty terrible. There's like 5+employees milling about behind the counter talking and laughing while you wait for food. The food isn't that great either (we've tried the gyros, biscuits and gravy, scones, rice Krispy treat, and lemon bars. They LOOK amazing but are all a let down) If you have the option I'd try out the Capers Market. It's got more pre packaged but locally made goodies.

Since Amazon is raising the Prime membership fee to 119 annually, and our renewal isn't up until later this year, can I buy the gift of membership now and just not redeem it until it's time to renew to get the current rate then?
We've got the Amazon Prime rewards card so if we drop prime we'd just drop back to a regular card, which in itself is not enough to keep Prime. For 99 hubby had been ok with keeping it but I noticed we don't shop amazon as much as before so now have to weigh if the increase is worth it. Last year we got the AmEx offers for it so he decided to keep it again since we got 7000 MR at least. If I can do the gift to lock in the 99 he'd probably keep it again and we'd have a while yet before decision-day.

Although if he drops it he'd be losing the metal CC game. Now that I have the CSR/CSP we both have 2 each. I told him I had metal now and he has to win by saying his Marriott is still heavier

I'm thinking 119 might be the deal breaker with Amazon. I spend so much time making sure the items I want aren't a cheap knockoff anymore I'm about ready to be done.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

$119!?!? What in the world!? it hasn’t been that long since they raised it last time. Shipping is taking longer and I can usually find what I want at the same or better price elsewhere. Bye Felicia.

 

[miztressuz]

I'm thinking 119 might be the deal breaker with Amazon. I spend so much time making sure the items I want aren't a cheap knockoff anymore I'm about ready to be done.

I agree. The way they changed how products are listed it's always bad game of roulette trying to decide if you're going to get the actual product it says. I never really considered Prime because I didn't shop there on a regular basis and usually whatever I wanted I hit the free shipping threshold anyway. Hubby kind of stumbled into it, once he had it used it a bunch, when they brought out one day delivery to the area that was included and we took advantage of that a few times. But outside of Prime day, over the last year or maybe two most stuff I could find cheaper elsewhere, or even sometimes Amazon shocked me and didn't carry it at all. So I've only ordered when they were cheaper or the same price but the 5% back on the CC would make it a better deal.

For my original question, DoC does say the gift of prime should still work to keep the current rate: Amazon To Increase The Price Of Amazon Prime To $119
But now I'm trying to understand what "not eligible for promotional offers." means on the gift membership terms. What promotion offers are they talking about we wouldn't be eligible for?

 

[DaveL]

Shipping is taking longer

This is what gets me. I can have three items in my cart when I go to check out and it says "Two day delivery" on each item and they are all three different delivery days with only one "two days" out... When we first signed up years ago it was true 2nd day air service. I have gotten many free months tho out of holding them to their guaranteed delivery date!

 

[linzjane88]

This is what gets me. I can have three items in my cart when I go to check out and it says "Two day delivery" on each item and they are all three different delivery days with only one "two days" out... When we first signed up years ago it was true 2nd day air service. I have gotten many free months tho out of holding them to their guaranteed delivery date!

And it defaults to 'fewest boxes possible' unless you change it to 'ship as each item when it's available'. Every time I'm like "oh heck no!". I paid for prime and you'll give me all my items asap. That's kinda the point of prime....

 

[wendow]

Your inner child of the 80s is showing!

Love, Love, love me some Donkey Kong 80's child, 90's teen...May have to power up the Nintendo NES (still have it!!)...