I love credit cards so much!

[jhoannam]

He did say something like that... I have Chase accounts for a very long time. I have my Disney Chase Card which I got when it first came out. So not new to Chase. But very frustrating... I just applied for the AMEX BRG in the meantime and got approved for that, so at least I can use that for carpeting and will reapply for CIP in a month or so. After closing/lowering limits on cards etc.

Oh and I have only ever had Organic Spend on my cards....

Have you pulled your credit report recently? If you are sure you are under 5/24 You should check it to make sure your identity hasn’t been stolen.

 

[mmmears]

I love that you've gone back to Scotland so many times since our ABD. I don't want to count how many times I've been in the past fifteen years Your trip with your mom sound fabulous. I'm *finally* getting to the Faroes on this next trip, which I'm sure you'll appreciate. That was the biggest disappointment of the Norway/Iceland DCL cruise we were on with you guys. I was also supposed to go to Saint Micheal Skellig, but apparently thanks to Star Wars they've stopped allowing vessels to go there. This trip is pretty amazing--I'll definitely be adding to my British Isles visited list

No Faroe Islands for us, but that's the cruise we are booked on for this summer. If you have any tips you care to share, please send them my way. We are really excited about it all, and pretty much have our days planned out, but I'm always looking for things to improve our vacations.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Are you working on a non Amex MSR? I’d wait to do PNC until you can do 2k funding with the checking account too. They are both fairly easy bonuses and both banks have been offering them for awhile so I doubt either will disappear anytime soon.

I was just going to transfer money from my ally savings to whatever my next bank is. Haven't used a cc thus far, but I've only done 2. My current msr is amex hilton biz.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

We flew first on AA (but it was a newer plane so very nice) to Europe a few years ago. This trip we only had enough MR points to book business. I guess we have 3 "plane princesses here" or really 2 since my DD tells us she's fine going coach (but so far we've been able to get 3 seats together). At this point, my DH and I are not willing to fly coach overseas, even though it means that we don't go often. It's just so uncomfortable for us. Guess we're getting older...

I hear you! DH is 6'5 and it's hard for him to squeeze into some of the coach seats. We mix in coach or premium economy sometimes (i.e. we are flying Polaris to LHR on miles in business but flying BA economy on miles back. We "upgraded" to extra legroom seats, which should help. I love having the lie flat when we are supposed to be sleeping. Since we go back and forth to the UK so many times, we have to be somewhat flexible. When the kids move on, it will be easier to fly exclusively biz/first, but 4 people is hard.

No Faroe Islands for us, but that's the cruise we are booked on for this summer. If you have any tips you care to share, please send them my way. We are really excited about it all, and pretty much have our days planned out, but I'm always looking for things to improve our vacations.

We really loved that cruise. I think it's my favorite of the 13 or so DCL cruises I've done. I highly recommend the snorkeling on Iceland. I think it's called "Into the blue" or something like that. It's at Silfra and you snorkel between the two tectonic plates. It was one of the coolest things I've ever done. It practically takes as long to put on the dry suit as you are snorkeling, but the water is incredible. I did a trip report (we did a back to back cruise) here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/2...ics-with-abd-add-on-updated-complete.3427323/ Feel free to PM me any specific questions if you have them It's one of the few cruises I'd repeat.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Guys...I am crazy...or an idiot...or both. I just sat here for about 15 minutes trying to figure out the best strategy to get my remaining "orphan" points from my wife's Marriott account to mine. We've been consolidating all points in my account. She has 839 points that I can't move over...after going through some strategies that will work I finally realized...we have 1.4 million points in my account. Those remaining points are worth < $7 to me. Maybe I should just worry about them when I get done using the 1.4 million...or just let the $7 go.

My desire to optimize everything is great...but maybe not in this scenario LOL!

 

[mmmears]

@CaliforniaGirl09 - thanks so much. I'm going to read your TR and send any questions your way. My DH is "only" 6 ft tall but even the 6 hrs to MCO makes him uncomfortable. We rarely have to travel, so I am trying to hoard miles and use them for the international flights since they are so long.

 

[gottalovepluto]

If you have a P2 without an MR earning card try adding your Amex to their Amazon profile and going for the 20% offer. Worked on one of my parents accounts, they are thrilled about (potentially) getting 20% off groceries. Nothing is sealed until Amazon ships imho no e-delivery option on those cards.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Guys...I am crazy...or an idiot...or both. I just sat here for about 15 minutes trying to figure out the best strategy to get my remaining "orphan" points from my wife's Marriott account to mine. We've been consolidating all points in my account. She has 839 points that I can't move over...after going through some strategies that will work I finally realized...we have 1.4 million points in my account. Those remaining points are worth < $7 to me. Maybe I should just worry about them when I get done using the 1.4 million...or just let the $7 go.

My desire to optimize everything is great...but maybe not in this scenario LOL!

I definitely get that. I’ll obsesse over a few points and then I’ll realize “these are worth like $1 and I just wasted an HOUR on this...” Definitely NOT ideal.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I definitely get that. I’ll obsesse over a few points and then I’ll realize “these are worth like $1 and I just wasted an HOUR on this...” Definitely NOT ideal.

Haha yeah this is not my first time either. I did something similar with Hilton points last year and I came to the same conclusion. when will I ever learn, haha!

 

[Albort]

Guys...I am crazy...or an idiot...or both. I just sat here for about 15 minutes trying to figure out the best strategy to get my remaining "orphan" points from my wife's Marriott account to mine. We've been consolidating all points in my account. She has 839 points that I can't move over...after going through some strategies that will work I finally realized...we have 1.4 million points in my account. Those remaining points are worth < $7 to me. Maybe I should just worry about them when I get done using the 1.4 million...or just let the $7 go.

My desire to optimize everything is great...but maybe not in this scenario LOL!

to redeem this deal, u must use 1,400,839 pts.
SouthFayetteFan: GOSH DARN IT!!!

 

[Albort]

Chase referrals kick in on tuesday, all the points going in instantly?
I dont recall referrals kick in the very next day(approved mon night, referral already idling in my UR portal)... either my self referral kick in the very next day after approval or someone used my referral...

 

[calypso726]

Great to hear about JAL. That's probably our first choice, but we also have ANA and Singapore Airlines (out of LAX) on the list if we can't get 4 on one flight. I think we'll end up splitting up in 2s or doing me and DD first and the guys business. Lots of options we are playing with. My booking is next month so cross fingers for me.

I really like VA. Its upper class is solid and the vibe is very hip. They have my favorite jammies so far, although I only have United so far as my others. i swear, I'm all about the jammies. I heard the Asian carriers have the best so I hope to add to my stash soon with those.

I love that you've gone back to Scotland so many times since our ABD. I don't want to count how many times I've been in the past fifteen years Your trip with your mom sound fabulous. I'm *finally* getting to the Faroes on this next trip, which I'm sure you'll appreciate. That was the biggest disappointment of the Norway/Iceland DCL cruise we were on with you guys. I was also supposed to go to Saint Micheal Skellig, but apparently thanks to Star Wars they've stopped allowing vessels to go there. This trip is pretty amazing--I'll definitely be adding to my British Isles visited list

Too funny--I'm always thinking I'll run into them in a lounge, too. BTW, the new Polaris lounge in SFO is incredible! They have a restaurant you order from, noodle bar., etc. So cool. We were in there a few weeks ago, and it just opened. I want to say it cost 33 million dollars. If you fly through SFO you'll want to make a stop

YAY! So happy to hear you are getting to go to the Faroe islands! Faroe islands have been on the bucket list since that cruise itinerary to Norway/Iceland changed. It is also our favorite cruise of the 18/19, dang I lost count again Disney cruises we've done. I would do that one again too. I had started to plan a long weekend there but quickly decided I needed more time so the trip is simmering in the background.

Thanks for the heads up about the lounge at SFO. Haven't tried United's Polaris but likely will some day.

I was unimpressed with the Singapore jammies after we received JAL jammies. Although, I do like them better than BA jammies of which we have way too many LOL

We did get to see Saint Micheal Skellig from a distance when we did an Ireland trip right before heading to the ABD Danube river cruise. But, it was rainy and I didn't get very good pictures. I hope you get better weather and a better view.

As for booking your flights with miles, just in case you don't know. Find out when your airline releases award space. Not just the day, but the exact time. A few days in advance of release, get online so you can see how many seats in what class get released on what days of the week because that can vary. Formulate a back up plan in case it doesn't pan out how you want. I'm in the middle of that now. BA is not releasing award space in first out of Miami and hasn't been for a good while. There is no way I am going to pay their ridiculous taxes and fees to fly business with a companion pass. I can't bring myself to waste it on business, especially when the taxes and fess cost the same in either business or first. So, I will likely have to take a positioning flight. I've already got a list of cities, times and flight numbers for BA direct with availability in first so I can quickly change my searches on release day. Oh, and also in case you weren't aware, BA lets you pool your Avios and you can make a household account to combine them if you and DH have separate accounts. Best of luck on your booking day!

 

[calypso726]

@Haley R - I saw this and thought of you. If you can snag a cheap positioning flight with miles to to LAX which should't be too hard to do this may work out really well. Heck, visit DLR for a couple of days and then head to Tokyo. Best economy seats in the world and really inexpensive! $575 RT! Cut off date to book is in a couple of days.

https://thepointsguy.com/deals/deal-alert-asia-548-economy-897-premium-economy

https://viewfromthewing.boardingare...a-from-599-roundtrip-premium-economy-from-999

 

[Alexle2007]

YAY!

As for booking your flights with miles, just in case you don't know. Find out when your airline releases award space. Not just the day, but the exact time. A few days in advance of release, get online so you can see how many seats in what class get released on what days of the week because that can vary. Formulate a back up plan in case it doesn't pan out how you want. I'm in the middle of that now. BA is not releasing award space in first out of Miami and hasn't been for a good while. There is no way I am going to pay their ridiculous taxes and fees to fly business with a companion pass. I can't bring myself to waste it on business, especially when the taxes and fess cost the same in either business or first. So, I will likely have to take a positioning flight. I've already got a list of cities, times and flight numbers for BA direct with availability in first so I can quickly change my searches on release day. Oh, and also in case you weren't aware, BA lets you pool your Avios and you can make a household account to combine them if you and DH have separate accounts. Best of luck on your booking day!

This is the part I can't figure out when award space is released. If I am looking at early/mid Aug, I keep thinking I should be checking now or soon. Any tips?

 

[hsmamato2]

Yes.

I'm sorry I must have missed this..... Are you saying anyone with a prime membership gets 10% off at WF? or is this a targeted deal I should look for? I could use that...

 

[hsmamato2]

Ugh. Plastiq’s made a deal with the devil. If CIP 3x dies on Plastiq, so goes a good chunk of their user base.

I blame myself....whenever I start to get interested in in some aspect of churning,something happens and it dies....

 

[hsmamato2]

Morning all!
I just skimmed the last several pages, as I wasn't on yesterday.
On the DVC, LOVE it, wouldn't trade it for anything!!! I have only added on once, but sure wish I could have more! I also agree, so many people complain about things, why are they members? And so many that buy and have zero idea how it works, so not smart.

I also paid my property taxes with Plastiq, with no issues, once it finally let me submit it.

Good thing I have a new MSR to meet, since I broke off a chunk of a tooth over the holiday. That should make for a nice tidy bill to go toward the MSR LOL.

I saw that Amazon deal with the MR, but I don't have mine yet...they are still pending till my next statement, because my card is newer. Wahhhh!!! With ds buying his first place those gift cards could have come in very handy!

For plastiq/town taxes, how do you send it,like just the town name?

 

[schmass]

Airline points take a while longer to post and it depends on the airline. I don't know about SW but the rep told me Alaska takes 5 business days.

Oh, good to know! I keep checking because I'm so nervous that he didn't do this correctly. He also insisted that I'd get 110k RR points and not 100k. I will be happy to see them show up in my account but will give it a few more days before panicking!

 

[schmass]

So.....if all I have is 33,000 Spg points should I do anything with them before August 1st? I don’t think I have enough for Nights and Flights. I thought about booking the Marriott Hotel we plan to stay in pre-cruise in Seattle. We plan to fly Jet Blue so should I transfer them to the airline? Or is it not enough to do anything? I have the Marriott Rewards Premiere Plus card on its way so I was leaning towards transferring to Jet Blue. I just lowered my CL on my Chase cards and I was thinking of getting a Jet Blue card so I could get more miles. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I like JetBlue as well and got the JB Plus card. The $99 fee is totally worth it if you ever check a bag, as you get your bag free as well as up to 3 others traveling with you. I recently flew JB on a flight that I had booked prior to getting my card and we all still got free bags even though I had paid with another card. The 40,000 points offer that they have right now seems pretty standard, so I don't know how quickly you need the card, but you may want to wait to see if they come out with a better offer.

I haven't transferred any points to JB because the transfer value doesn't seem as good. I also like SW, so I'd rather transfer to them to get a better transfer value.

The other thing you can do for JB points is sign up for their surveys. I have racked up quite a few points doing those!

 

[trenty]

I like JetBlue as well and got the JB Plus card. The $99 fee is totally worth it if you ever check a bag, as you get your bag free as well as up to 3 others traveling with you. I recently flew JB on a flight that I had booked prior to getting my card and we all still got free bags even though I had paid with another card. The 40,000 points offer that they have right now seems pretty standard, so I don't know how quickly you need the card, but you may want to wait to see if they come out with a better offer.

I haven't transferred any points to JB because the transfer value doesn't seem as good. I also like SW, so I'd rather transfer to them to get a better transfer value.

The other thing you can do for JB points is sign up for their surveys. I have racked up quite a few points doing those!

JB surveys are great. I can easily earn 50 pts a day just from the disqualifications - usually takes just a few minutes.