I love credit cards so much!

[MomoMama]

When our trip insurance covered canceled flights paid with points, insurance paid the $150 fee to redeposit our AA miles. Not sure if most hotel groups have similar fees, because you can cancel most hotel bookings until a few days before your stay

May I ask, was this insurance supplied by credit card? And do you mean your flight was cancelled by airline, or you cancelled the flight?

You are right, most hotels let you cancel few days before the arrival. But our upcoming Intercontinental stay has 1 week cutoff time. They will charge average rate to the credit card in case of cancellation or no-show. I am guessing it will be about $500.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Interesting new Southwest Card offer:
30,000 RR pts plus a companion pass for remainder of 2019.

Reddit discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/aeg9gh/chase_southwest_new_companion_pass_30k_offer_all/

Offer page: https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/southwest/PlusCP30AEP?CELL=6PMK

My thoughts: Just get SW biz and do the in flight 50k offer and earn a CP until 12/31/2020 and have 110k SW RR pts. This could be a good offer for a VERY Small subset of churners (and probably a really good offer for a non-Churner who has a bunch of flights this year). Also worth noting it requires a $4k MSR. (Biz + personal is only 5k spend combined for insanely more points).

 

[mmmears]

Not sure if this was mentioned, but be sure to check your emails from American Airlines. I got an offer for free platinum pro status through May yesterday with no strings attached.

DH got it, with no flights so far this year and no credit card. Me? I have lots of AA miles and the CCard and nothing.

no MOs. u lose 1% + your time and driving.
i was doing about 3.6k a week for about 2 months, the walmarts around me are very YMMV, sometimes i spend more time trying to get rid of them.
i do mostly Gift Card churning and buy groups... both of them are usually 70% done at home.

So you can do some MS without using MO's? Is this something I can learn more about on dischurners? I really don't feel comfortable with the MOs.

Ok but wait there's more. I just thought "what the heck" and checked the AA promotions website aa.com/yourpromotions and logged in as me... and I was targeted for free gold status, so I enrolled in that too.

Everyone should check that website to see if you are eligible.

ETA: well of course TPG wrote about this 7 hours ago so you've all probably discussed it. Remember I'm in a vortex of hell at work this week so I'm just behind!

https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-elite-status-giveaway/

Thanks! I just went and checked. And.... nothing. AA doesn't seem to like me. They showed me all my miles and my upcoming flight, but no offers. Ironically, DH's platinum status offer ends something like one week before we fly on AA.

AMEX and amazon have the awesome deal back! I just got a $75 Nordy gc for $45!!

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/amazon-30-off-60-when-using-mr-points-works-on-gift-cards-targeted/

Ooh! Thank you! We used the link for another gift card... and then DH saw a Chase offer (not as good but still something like $15 off) also on his Amazon account, so we used that one, too. The AMEX deal didn't let him pay with an Amazon GC for some reason, but the Chase one did. Thanks so much for the heads up!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Interesting new Southwest Card offer:
30,000 RR pts plus a companion pass for remainder of 2019.

Reddit discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/aeg9gh/chase_southwest_new_companion_pass_30k_offer_all/

Offer page: https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/southwest/PlusCP30AEP?CELL=6PMK

My thoughts: Just get SW biz and do the in flight 50k offer and earn a CP until 12/31/2020 and have 110k SW RR pts. This could be a good offer for a VERY Small subset of churners (and probably a really good offer for a non-Churner who has a bunch of flights this year). Also worth noting it requires a $4k MSR. (Biz + personal is only 5k spend combined for insanely more points).

Referral links are still showing the 40k PLUS 20k offer good thru 1/15/19

Good news is the SW Biz remains at 60k.

 

[Albort]

So you can do some MS without using MO's? Is this something I can learn more about on dischurners? I really don't feel comfortable with the MOs.

ive listed ways to do it but no instructions... u can ask questions there or feel free to msg me there or here.

 

[calypso726]

@calypso726 I know you’re headed to Al Maha via award booking this year so FYI on the all inclusive or not saga. Hopefully not an issue for you! https://www.reddit.com/r/awardtravel/comments/ae973c/al_maha_to_include_meals_and_activities_again/

I got an email back from The Al Maha. So at least I have something in writing now. Here is what they sent:

Greetings from Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa!


Glad to re-confirm below booking with hotel confirmation number XXXXXXXX


Please be informed that you will see changes as the reservation is migrated to Marriott however the booking is still on Points redemption.


It is included full board and two desert activities for this booking only.


However, Any further amendments or any changes in booking will be later confirmed as Room Only Redemption Booking.


Please be informed that this Inclusions will not be extended for the future booking.


Should you need any further assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us.


Kind Regards,

Grace Pearl

RESERVATIONS AGENT

AL MAHA, A LUXURY COLLECTION DESERT RESORT AND SPA

DUBAI DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE

PO BOX 118887

DUBAI, U.A.E

T 971 4 832 9900 — F 971 4 832 9211

LUXURYCOLLECTION.COM/ALMAHA

Calypso - has your stomach stopped churning finally after riding the waves?? Thanks for all those awesome pictures - probably the closest I’ll ever get to seeing Antarctica haha. Looks like you had an awesome trip

HaHaHa! Yes, I'm glad to be on land. What a crazy experience that was. Don't recall what I said here and what I said on FB about it so forgive me if I already mentioned this. The Captain said that the waves got as high as 7 meters! That's darn near 23 feet! At our farewell gathering he told us that of the over 100 Antarctic trips he has done, our sailing was in the top 5! We had a smooth passage going in and a moderate one going out. On a scale of 1 - 10 (easy to rough seas) our passage on the way out was a 5. That was a FIVE??? What on earth is a 10???!!! I can't imagine it. Anyhow, it truly was a remarkable experience in so many ways and money and time notwithstanding, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. You are very welcome and I glad that you and many of my online friends here enjoyed the pictures I posted in the group and videos that I made public for all to see on my FB page too.

 

[calypso726]

I agree ...other than your love of spreadsheets...that is SO not me lol!

#squadgoals

You'll get there! No worries

Ok I literally burst out laughing at that! Well played LOL

We’ve done a last minute weekend before but never a 6 night trip. It’s actually really fun to not have to wait so long and it’s almost like a game to see what FPS and adrs we can get. We were able to get a frozen fp so I’m happy about that. Our only other park day is mk and we don’t really need FPS since we are doing dah

That sounds fun! I'm not caught up at all on this thread but from skimming I gather you are looking for ADRs. One tip, just in case it hasn't been mentioned, is that when you can't find dining reservations on the WDW website or MDX is to check Open Table. We've often found dining availability there when all else fails.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Another dining post:

We are eating lunch at Disney springs one of our days. I wanted homecoming since Tim tracker said it’s his favorite but there aren’t any adrs. We’ve done house of blues and raglan road before. Can any give me some good suggestions for places to eat lunch? I’d rather not do Morimoto because we have so many Asian meals planned but if anyone absolutely loves it I might change my mind.

We’ve done walk up for dinner a few times at Homecoming....with little to a 15 minute wait...you could try that if no ADR opens up..it’s definitely one of our favorites

 

[miztressuz]

Interesting new Southwest Card offer:
30,000 RR pts plus a companion pass for remainder of 2019.

Reddit discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/aeg9gh/chase_southwest_new_companion_pass_30k_offer_all/

Offer page: https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/southwest/PlusCP30AEP?CELL=6PMK

My thoughts: Just get SW biz and do the in flight 50k offer and earn a CP until 12/31/2020 and have 110k SW RR pts. This could be a good offer for a VERY Small subset of churners (and probably a really good offer for a non-Churner who has a bunch of flights this year). Also worth noting it requires a $4k MSR. (Biz + personal is only 5k spend combined for insanely more points).

This is a smart move by SW actually. As you said, for us (CC gamers) it still makes sense to do the 2 cards and get the full CP. But I give them props for doing their homework and seeing what it is people want from the cards then mitigating their "loss" while still getting the exposure. They want people to fly them often, or think about it often, because then even after the CP and the points are used up they still consider you for other aspects. For once I have to say this is good marketing, this will be good for some people. Just not me

 

[Judique]

Have a couple kids and see where life takes you when at Disney springs hahaha.

I am legit a huge fan of rainforest cafe at DS and AK. We are so not “foodies” though. I won’t judge those that are but it’s just not our style. We have simple tastes for the most part and it works out for us

I don’t mind Landry’s properties. I’ve gone to Rainforest Cafe with only adults in AK before. We split appetizers and it was delicious, air conditioned, and very affordable. No regrets besides not getting the Landry’s card sooner.

I've had a rainforest café card which was turned into a Landry's card from when we had a RFC at Tyson's Corner, Va. They closed it and I don't know why because it was always busy when I went. My birthday is this month and my Landry's $25 arrived. That $25 is the gift that keeps on giving. I've gotten that $25 at least 20 times now. The other tip is don't forget Costco sells their gift cards as McCormick and Schmick $100 for $79.99.

Do they still have breakfast at the AK location? Last time I used my $25 at dinner but breakfast is a good deal also with a free $25. And, if I remember correctly, they take your $25 (when you sign for the card) and give you $25 credit so it's a wash right away, plus you get front of the line with the card. This also works at Yak and Yeti.

I don't think of these chains as fabulous food, but I can always find something to eat, especially for free.

 

[Judique]

I’ve noticed a few hotels have left or announced plans to leave Marriott since the merger.

I think in the hotel business they come and they go. One of the factors might be the hotel can't (or won't) meet the terms placed on them by the Marriott Corporation. Case in point the Dubai hotel being discussed now. It's a former SPG property from the Luxury Collection. Those hotels were mostly independent and always unique. Maybe they just have put in their 2 years and they don't want to fit the mold anymore. And, perhaps they are getting swamped with points redemptions - there's no way Marriott is paying them the regular rate for the redemption. A few times over the years I've seen my folio at a hotel and seen the reimbursement rate for a points redemption- something like a third of the advertised and readily available rate 'I' would pay if I didn't have points to use.

I recall some chatter on FT last year from some Starriott insider that suggested they were working on letting guests apply a FN cert up to whatever points the cert is good for and redeem points for the balance of a higher award. I haven’t seen any more rumor or development on this. God knows their IT is still working out kinks from the merger.

This would work well for us customers so I doubt it will ever happen.

 

[Haley R]

We’ve done walk up for dinner a few times at Homecoming....with little to a 15 minute wait...you could try that if no ADR opens up..it’s definitely one of our favorites

We ended up getting an adr for 1:45!

 

[Limes96]

@Haley R I haven’t caught up from last night but I loved Boathouse and would love to go back. It’s not impossible to get a less expensive meal there. The lobster bisque is lovely. We went to Paddlefish fish last month just to try it and Boathouse is way better! I vote Boathouse.

 

[MrsAlexis]

It looks like this hobby is permeating into my subconscious...I just dreamed I was instantly approved for CIC and was so happy LOL I am planning to apply for this next week so hopefully the dream is a good sign!

 

[1st*toright]

Trying to do the amazon deal - I added my amex as a payment method, but it doesn't show up as having any MRs associated with it. Irony is that DH's Amex (same product) is showing up and saying "0 Membership Rewards Points available". His is new and no points have posted yet, mine is months old and has a whole bunch of points, but there isn't any comment about membership rewards on it, and when I go to the payment area, it asks if I want to use his card's points (of which there are none), but doesn't have the same option for my card. Grrr.

 

[DisneyMandC]

@Haley R you're going to love Homecomin! DH and I went in November. We actually didn't have an ADR, we went to Disney Springs on a Saturday night and just put our names down and shopped while we waited. It was an hour and a half wait, but OMG it was so good. We were super hungry by the time we sat down so we ordered a stupid amount of food. I only wish we'd saved room for dessert!

@SouthFayetteFan my AA credit from Citi posted this morning!

 

[PolyRob]

I've had a rainforest café card which was turned into a Landry's card from when we had a RFC at Tyson's Corner, Va. They closed it and I don't know why because it was always busy when I went. My birthday is this month and my Landry's $25 arrived. That $25 is the gift that keeps on giving. I've gotten that $25 at least 20 times now. The other tip is don't forget Costco sells their gift cards as McCormick and Schmick $100 for $79.99.

Do they still have breakfast at the AK location? Last time I used my $25 at dinner but breakfast is a good deal also with a free $25. And, if I remember correctly, they take your $25 (when you sign for the card) and give you $25 credit so it's a wash right away, plus you get front of the line with the card. This also works at Yak and Yeti.

I don't think of these chains as fabulous food, but I can always find something to eat, especially for free.

Nice savings with the membership!

Yes! AK RFC still serves breakfast 8:30 - 10:00am. Its on my radar

 

[palhockeymomof2]

We ended up getting an adr for 1:45!

Yaa....Enjoy it..

 

[amalone1013]

Woo! Just got DHs Discover savings account opened and sent $15k over. I wanted to get it in before we leave tonight so hopefully it's all through by the time we get back Monday night. I went through Docs link which was open by 1/14 and deposit by 1/28, but when I got to that point it asked if I wanted to enter an offer code OR they had a better offer for him - which was the same, except open by 1/31 and deposit by 2/14. I will take extra time just in case!

 

[amalone1013]

Another dining post:

We are eating lunch at Disney springs one of our days. I wanted homecoming since Tim tracker said it’s his favorite but there aren’t any adrs. We’ve done house of blues and raglan road before. Can any give me some good suggestions for places to eat lunch? I’d rather not do Morimoto because we have so many Asian meals planned but if anyone absolutely loves it I might change my mind.

We love Homecomin' - I will secretly hope you can get an ADR as my number one choice for you Are you searching for 2 people for your ADRs? Sometimes if you put in 4 you get better availability - a secret I learned on this board! Apparently it has something to do with when you put in two, it only looks at two-tops in the restaurant... so if I have trouble I put 4 people, find a time and confirm, then go in and edit it back to two, that usually works.

I really liked Morimoto as someone who doesn't like Asian food, but I'm interested in reading other people's responses to you. HoB doesn't have our favorite appetizer that we had at our wedding anymore so we haven't been back We are terrible creatures of habit otherwise and usually will hit DS around 10pm after a park close and walk right up to Homecomin'

I’ve heard good things about Rainforest Cafe

Edit: I should also add that my family truly enjoys rainforest lololol

I had to put my foot down with DH. I am Rainforest'ed out after many years of family vacations - I've done DTD one twice now, Niagara Falls, London, Az, Tn... My MIL kept suggesting Trex for our honeymoon but there were so many other places we didn't make it there... We'll go back with kids someday, I'm certain. But for Landry's I'd rather hit Yak n Yeti or Bubba Gump, I'm a sucker for that chain.