Airline/Hotel Loyalty Programs

[Pelado]

I have more airline miles than I will likely ever use.

If you don't use them, be sure to transfer them to someone else's account before you pass.

[Pelado]

We have had the double cash card for a few years. Tough to beat 2% on everything. We use other cards for travel/gas/restaurants to get a higher rate, but generally use the Double Cash card for other things. The exception is when we are working a short term spending target to get a sign up bonus. We have done quite a few airline cards in the last 2-3 years. Recently signed up for both the Barclay's AA card and the Citi AA card and got the bonus on both. I got a business card on Citi to get a higher signup bonus.

My next target is the Alaska Airlines card from BoA (hey Clark). Now that I am back in the Alaska fishing rotation, that companion ticket and free bags (fish boxes) is a no brainer.

The business card on Citi - is that the Citi AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard? Or the Citi Business ThankYou Card? Or something else? Do you remember what sign-up bonus you got for it?

Also, do you have a referral code for the Double Cash card? Might as well get you some additional ThankYou points if/when I sign up.

[Jeff Lebowski]

I have more airline miles than I will likely ever use.

[Jeff Lebowski]

The recent addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner of Citi ThankYou points has me considering a slightly different travel rewards points strategy than I have previously employed. The Citi Strata Elite and Premier (and no-longer accepting new applicants) Prestige allow for the 1:1 transfers. Lesser Citi ThankYou cards allow for transfers to non-American programs, but generally at a less-favorable rate. But those lesser cards can be paired with a Strata card to unlock the 1:1 ratio and American transfers.

American doesn't have a big presence at my primary airport (Boise), but Alaska does. And Alaska is now a OneWorld alliance partner of American. So AAdvantage miles can be used to book flights through American on Alaska metal.

So I'm thinking of getting the Citi Strata Premier card (with primarily travel bonus categories) and the Citi DoubleCash card (with 2% on all purchases). I wouldn't probably use the Strata Premier (annual fee of $99) much after getting the sign-up bonus, but I would use the DoubleCash card (no annual fee) for pretty much all my non-bonus category spending.

Anyone have either of those cards? Any problems with this plan? Any possible improvements?

We have had the double cash card for a few years. Tough to beat 2% on everything. We use other cards for travel/gas/restaurants to get a higher rate, but generally use the Double Cash card for other things. The exception is when we are working a short term spending target to get a sign up bonus. We have done quite a few airline cards in the last 2-3 years. Recently signed up for both the Barclay's AA card and the Citi AA card and got the bonus on both. I got a business card on Citi to get a higher signup bonus.

My next target is the Alaska Airlines card from BoA (hey Clark). Now that I am back in the Alaska fishing rotation, that companion ticket and free bags (fish boxes) is a no brainer.

[Pelado]

The recent addition of American Airlines as a transfer partner of Citi ThankYou points has me considering a slightly different travel rewards points strategy than I have previously employed. The Citi Strata Elite and Premier (and no-longer accepting new applicants) Prestige allow for the 1:1 transfers. Lesser Citi ThankYou cards allow for transfers to non-American programs, but generally at a less-favorable rate. But those lesser cards can be paired with a Strata card to unlock the 1:1 ratio and American transfers.

American doesn't have a big presence at my primary airport (Boise), but Alaska does. And Alaska is now a OneWorld alliance partner of American. So AAdvantage miles can be used to book flights through American on Alaska metal.

So I'm thinking of getting the Citi Strata Premier card (with primarily travel bonus categories) and the Citi DoubleCash card (with 2% on all purchases). I wouldn't probably use the Strata Premier (annual fee of $99) much after getting the sign-up bonus, but I would use the DoubleCash card (no annual fee) for pretty much all my non-bonus category spending.

Anyone have either of those cards? Any problems with this plan? Any possible improvements?

[BigPiney]

I’m lifetime Gold with Marriott but I never get to platinum. 50 nights is a lot of nights, man. 75 for Titanium and 100 for Ambassador is a heck of a lot of nights. I don’t want to be on the road that much.

I have only stayed 30 nights this year, and 10 are with my family. 5 days in NYC, soccer trips. Using the app I have 22 bonus nights and 16 from my credit card for a total of 38. The spring promotion where they double each stay is the way to go.

[BigFatMeanie]

I’m lifetime Gold with Marriott but I never get to platinum. 50 nights is a lot of nights, man. 75 for Titanium and 100 for Ambassador is a heck of a lot of nights. I don’t want to be on the road that much.

[Pelado]

I have been traveling a lot more and am trying to stay Marriott to get points and status. I got Titanium last year and am at 68 nights this year, so only 7 nights away from Titanium again for next year. It is nice for lounge access and free breakfast at nicer hotels.

One benefit of working for the government is staying for the government rate. Next month I will stay again at the US Grant luxury hotel in San Diego for under 200 a night. Last time there they upgraded me to a suite, had turn down service, and the comped breakfast at the hotel restaurant was really good.

I'll never get to Ambassador, because of the spend, but Titanium has been nice.

Going to try the Weston in San Francisco in September to see how that is.

Since starting the points game, I haven't really stayed at Marriott because their award redemption rates aren't very good (and I'm sure as hell not going to pay cash)- especially relative to Hyatt. The big drawback to Hyatt is there are so few of them relative to the other big hotel chains.

[BigPiney]

I have been traveling a lot more and am trying to stay Marriott to get points and status. I got Titanium last year and am at 68 nights this year, so only 7 nights away from Titanium again for next year. It is nice for lounge access and free breakfast at nicer hotels.

One benefit of working for the government is staying for the government rate. Next month I will stay again at the US Grant luxury hotel in San Diego for under 200 a night. Last time there they upgraded me to a suite, had turn down service, and the comped breakfast at the hotel restaurant was really good.

I'll never get to Ambassador, because of the spend, but Titanium has been nice.

Going to try the Weston in San Francisco in September to see how that is.

[Pelado]

Adding some new cards, updating for the current offers, and refreshing the referral links:

Chase Sapphire Reserve or Sapphire Preferred card - Sapphire Reserve is revamped with a hefty new annual fee ($795) to accompany its many travel benefits. Currently offering 100k bonus points +$500 travel credit after spending $5k on the card in the first 3 months. I believe that $500 travel credit is in addition to the $300 travel credit the card carries even without the bonus offer. The Sapphire Preferred has a very good but relatively modest bonus (75k points) to accompany its more humble annual fee ($95).

Note: They didn't used to permit someone to hold both Sapphire cards, but that policy has now changed. You can now double up on Sapphire (or triple up if you also get the new Sapphire Reserve for Business card).

Any Southwest Rapid Rewards card - This is a great way to get Southwest's Companion Pass, which may be the best benefit in travel (if you're willing to condescend to fly on SWA). The Companion Pass can be earned either by flying a lot in one year or by accumulating at least 135k Rapid Rewards points in a single year. Once earned, the Companion Pass allows a companion to travel with you for essentially free (only have to pay the taxes) for as many flights as you want to anywhere SWA flies (as long as there is an open seat) during the remainder of the year in which the pass is earned, plus the following year.

Accumulating 135k RR points is easy if you get both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card along with one of their personal cards (Plus, Premier, or Priority). The Southwest RR Performance Business card will also reimburse you for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application.

Remember - to qualify for the business cards, you don't have to be (wholly) self-employed. A side gig could be enough to qualify you - something as simple as collecting some extra cash on the weekends doing welding for friends and family.

Note: You can only hold one of the business cards and one of the personal cards in the Southwest Rapid Rewards portfolio.

Any Chase Ink Business card - Really nice bonus awards with one of the best transferable currencies (Ultimate Rewards). I have the Ink Business Preferred, Ink Business Unlimited, and Ink Business Cash cards. Those cards are offering introductory bonuses of up to 90k UR points each, all transferable if you have either the Ink Business Preferred or one of the Sapphire cards. The Ink Business Premier card is also available through this link with up to $1,000 cash back bonus offer, but - last I checked - it doesn't work with Ultimate Rewards - it's primarily a cash-back card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex card - These cards can also accumulate Ultimate Rewards points and are currently offering intro bonuses of $200 or 20k UR points each (transferrable if you have the Ink Business Preferred or a Sapphire card).

Any United MileagePlus card - If you're going to be flying United (or want to book another Star Alliance carrier through United), these cards can get you some nice benefits - bonus miles, unlocking award seats, and even reimbursing you for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application.

Rundown on the primary benefits (and annual fees) for the current offers for most of the cards available through the links above:

• Sapphire Reserve (100k bonus points + $500 travel credit after spending $5k in first three months, $795 annual fee, 8x on travel purchased through Chase portal, 4x on travel directly with airlines/hotels, 3x points on dining, Sapphire Lounge and Priority Pass Lounge access included, IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status included, $300 annual travel credit, $500 annual The Edit credit, Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit, bunch of other credits)
• Sapphire Preferred (75k bonus points after spending $5k in the first three months, $95 annual fee, 5x on travel purchased through Chase portal and Lyft rides and Peloton equipment, 3x points on dining, 2x on other travel, $50 annual travel credit, a few other credits)

• Ink Business Preferred (90k bonus points after spending $8k in first three months, $95 annual fee, 3x points on shipping, travel, social media advertising, and internet/phone/cable services)
• Ink Business Unlimited (75k bonus points after spending $6k in the first three months, no annual fee, 1.5x points on all purchases)
• Ink Business Cash (75k bonus points after spending $6k in the first six months, no annual fee, 5x points on internet/phone/cable services, office supply store purchases, 2x points on gas stations and restaurants)

• United Business (100k bonus MileagePlus points after spending $5k in the first three months, $150 annual fee waived for first year, 5k bonus miles each card anniversary, 2 United Club passes each year, first checked bag free, 7x miles on United flights, 2x miles on other United purchases and gas stations and dining and office supply stores and local transit, 5x miles on hotels booked through United Hotels, various credits available)
• United Club Business (100k bonus MileagePlus points after spending $5k in first three months, $695 annual fee, 5k bonus miles each card anniversary, includes United Club membership for accessing United Club lounges, Premier Access for priority check in and boarding and baggage, first and second checked bags free, 7x miles on United flights, 2x miles on other United purchases, 5x miles on hotels prepaid directly through Renowned Hotels and Resorts, various credits available)

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business (80k Rapid Rewards points after spending $5k in first three months, $299 annual fee, 9k bonus points each card anniversary, 4x points on Southwest flights, 2x points on stays booked directly with hotels, Global Entry/TSA Precheck credit, first checked bag free, free upgrades to extra legroom seats within 48 hours of flight)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business (60k Rapid Rewards points after spending $3k in first three months, $149 annual fee, 6k bonus points each card anniversary, 3x points on Southwest flights, 2x points on dining and gas stations, first checked bag free, select standard or preferred seats within 48 hours of flight)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus (100k bonus points after spending $4k in first five months, $99 annual fee, 3k bonus points each card anniversary, 2x points for Southwest purchases, first checked bag free, select standard seats within 48 hours of flight)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier (100k bonus points after spending $4k in first three months, $149 annual fee, 6k bonus points each card anniversary, 3x points for Southwest purchases, 2x points for dining and grocery stores, first checked bag free, select standard or preferred seats within 48 hours of flight)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority (100k bonus points after spending $4k in first three months, $229 annual fee, 7,500 bonus points each card anniversary, 4x points for Southwest purchases, 2x points on gas stations and dining etc., first checked bag free, free upgrades to extra legroom seats within 48 hours of flight)

[Pelado]

Updating with new links and some additional cards:

Any Southwest Rapid Rewards card - This is a great way to get Southwest's Companion Pass, which may be the best benefit in travel (if you're willing to condescend to fly on SWA). The Companion Pass can be earned either by flying a lot in one year or by accumulating at least 135k Rapid Rewards points in a single year. Once earned, the Companion Pass allows a companion to travel with you for essentially free (only have to pay the taxes) for as many flights as you want to anywhere SWA flies (as long as there is an open seat) during the remainder of the year in which the pass is earned, plus the following year.

Accumulating 135k RR points is easy if you get both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card along with one of their personal cards (Plus, Premier, or Priority). The Southwest RR Performance Business card will also reimburse you for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application.

Remember - to qualify for the business cards, you don't have to be (wholly) self-employed. A side gig could be enough to qualify you - something as simple as collecting some extra cash on the weekends doing welding for friends and family.

Any Chase Ink Business card - Really nice bonus awards with one of the best transferable currencies (Ultimate Rewards). I have the Ink Business Preferred, Ink Business Unlimited, and Ink Business Cash cards, and I'm still using them as I described in the quoted post. Those cards are offering introductory bonuses of up to 100k UR points each, all transferable if you have either the Ink Business Preferred or one of the Sapphire cards. The Ink Business Premier card is also available through this link with up to $1,000 cash back bonus offer, but - last I checked - it doesn't work with Ultimate Rewards.

Chase Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex card - These cards can also accumulate Ultimate Rewards points and are currently offering intro bonuses of $200 or 20k UR points each.

Any United MileagePlus card - If you're going to be flying United (or want to book another Star Alliance carrier through United), these cards can get you some nice benefits - bonus miles, unlocking award seats, and even reimbursing you for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application.

A family member just asked for travel card info, so I just sent him updated referral links for the cards above and figured I'd update them here, too. Consider the links in the quoted post updated. Rundown on current offers for most of the cards available through those links:

• Ink Business Preferred (90k bonus points after spending $8k in first three months, $95 annual fee, 3x points on shipping, travel, social media advertising, and internet/phone/cable services)
• Ink Business Unlimited (75k bonus points after spending $6k in the first three months, no annual fee, 1.5x points on all purchases)
• Ink Business Cash (75k bonus points after spending $6k in the first six months, no annual fee, 5x points on internet/phone/cable services, office supply store purchases)

• United Business (125k bonus MileagePlus points after spending $5k in the first three months, $150 annual fee waived for first year, 7x miles on United flights, etc.)
• United Club Business (125k bonus MileagePlus points after spending $5k in first three months, $695 annual fee, includes United Club membership for accessing United Club lounges, 7x miles on United flights, etc.)

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business (80k Rapid Rewards points after spending $5k in first three months, $199 annual fee, 4x points on Southwest flights, etc.)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business (60k Rapid Rewards points after spending $3k in first three months, $99 annual fee, 3x points on Southwest flights, etc.)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus (50k bonus points after spending $1k in first three months, $69 annual fee, 3k bonus points each card anniversary, 2x points for Southwest flights, etc.)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier (50k bonus points after spending $1k in first three months, $99 annual fee, 6k bonus points each card anniversary, 3x points for Southwest flights, etc.)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority (50k bonus points after spending $1k in first three months, $149 annual fee, $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 bonus points each card anniversary, 3x points for Southwest flights, etc.)

[Pelado]

Updating with new links and some additional cards:

Any Southwest Rapid Rewards card - This is a great way to get Southwest's Companion Pass, which may be the best benefit in travel (if you're willing to condescend to fly on SWA). The Companion Pass can be earned either by flying a lot in one year or by accumulating at least 135k Rapid Rewards points in a single year. Once earned, the Companion Pass allows a companion to travel with you for essentially free (only have to pay the taxes) for as many flights as you want to anywhere SWA flies (as long as there is an open seat) during the remainder of the year in which the pass is earned, plus the following year.

Accumulating 135k RR points is easy if you get both the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card along with one of their personal cards (Plus, Premier, or Priority). The Southwest RR Performance Business card will also reimburse you for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application.

Remember - to qualify for the business cards, you don't have to be (wholly) self-employed. A side gig could be enough to qualify you - something as simple as collecting some extra cash on the weekends doing welding for friends and family.

Any Chase Ink Business card - Really nice bonus awards with one of the best transferable currencies (Ultimate Rewards). I have the Ink Business Preferred, Ink Business Unlimited, and Ink Business Cash cards, and I'm still using them as I described in the quoted post. Those cards are offering introductory bonuses of up to 100k UR points each, all transferable if you have either the Ink Business Preferred or one of the Sapphire cards. The Ink Business Premier card is also available through this link with up to $1,000 cash back bonus offer, but - last I checked - it doesn't work with Ultimate Rewards.

Chase Freedom Unlimited or Freedom Flex card - These cards can also accumulate Ultimate Rewards points and are currently offering intro bonuses of $200 or 20k UR points each.

Any United MileagePlus card - If you're going to be flying United (or want to book another Star Alliance carrier through United), these cards can get you some nice benefits - bonus miles, unlocking award seats, and even reimbursing you for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application.

Amazon Prime card - Get 5% cash back on purchases from Amazon or Whole Foods.

The Chase Ink Business Cash card has a new offer. The card has no annual fee, which is nice, and earns between 1 - 5% cash back on purchases. It's introductory offer includes $750 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first three months and and another $3,000 within the first six months of having the card. There is also a 10% bonus of all eligible cash back earned in the first year if you also have a Chase business bank account.

Also, if you pair the Cash card with the Chase Ink Business Preferred card or either of the Chase Sapphire cards, then you can use use the cash back as Ultimate Rewards which are transferrable to airlines and hotels. So, instead of $750 cash back, the introductory bonus offer would be 75k Ultimate Rewards points.

[Bo Diddley]

On the subject of discount airlines, I will sometimes book a back-up late flight on SWA to account for delays. I haven't had to use the back-up yet, but came close on a Norwegian Airlines to Alaska Airlines connection at LAX a few years back.

[Bo Diddley]

I'll caveat by saying that if you are old, don't work and have a very flexible schedule, then go ahead and find cheap tickets from random websites...just be prepared to be stranded for a time...which when you are retired might actually be a plus.

I can fly space-a on military flights, but have never done so because I don't have the flexibility if it doesn't work out. Maybe in retirement I'll give it a try.

[Moliere]

This is correct, but I confess I have occasionally purchased tickets through Aran Grant, including our current venture, On overseas trips our advance ages and general snobbery require business (or better) class only, and those have become super pricey. I've saved several thousand dollars, but know that danger lurks if we or the airline make any changes.

I'll caveat by saying that if you are old, don't work and have a very flexible schedule, then go ahead and find cheap tickets from random websites...just be prepared to be stranded for a time...which when you are retired might actually be a plus.