Airline/Hotel Loyalty Programs

[Walter Sobchak]

Uh, why didn't you just use one of a number of phone apps that allows you to do this? I use Stocard for all of this.

The first person that buys one of these Garmin watches without telling everyone about it will be the first.

[Surfah]

I just want to say that on my new Garmin sports watch (Forerunner 235), I can input my loyalty card bar codes and display them on my watch face. Plane tickets etc. Now I dont have to carry any loyalty cards. Whee!

Uh, why didn't you just use one of a number of phone apps that allows you to do this? I use Stocard for all of this.

[Katy Lied]

I just want to say that on my new Garmin sports watch (Forerunner 235), I can input my loyalty card bar codes and display them on my watch face. Plane tickets etc. Now I dont have to carry any loyalty cards. Whee!

[Omaha 680]

huh. wonder if this means the point devaluation won't happen.

That's what I'm hoping. Definitely a better chance than if the Marriott deal went through.

[old_gregg]

huh. wonder if this means the point devaluation won't happen.

[Omaha 680]

Marriott is acquiring SPG.

http://news.yahoo.com/starwood-hotel...6--sector.html

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc on Friday said a $13 billion cash offer from China's Anbang Insurance Group Co was superior to one from Marriott International Inc , setting the stage for the largest ever deal by a Chinese company in the United States.

The operator of Sheraton and Westin hotels said the Chinese insurer's offer beat Marriott's previously agreed cash and stock offer by nearly 15 percent, and that it planned to scrap the proposed deal with the rival hotel chain.

[Omaha 680]

Not good for the consumer.

You aren't kidding.

[Bo Diddley]

Marriott is acquiring SPG.

Not good for the consumer.

[Joe Public]

Marriott is acquiring SPG.

[TripletDaddy]

I used to be UAL because half of my siblings work for that airline but once we moved to Utah I switched to delta and haven't looked back. UAL has gone down the tubes even post merger with continental and as creek mentioned, crappy planes and service. Also, their hubs are all a PITA...SFO and ORD are weather nightmares with lots of delays.

Delta is great. Lots of new planes. Good routes, on time, no baggage fees, and wifi in flights. For me that is almost the main issue for me now.

SPG only for hotels. I hate Marriott. Spg has the nicest hotels on the upper end and it isn't even close.

[CardiacCoug]

I also prefer Delta's program when it comes to using miles. When we plan it right we can fly the entire family to SLC or Boise for 25k/person.

Gotta be honest that doesn't seem like a very good deal.

[Bo Diddley]

I see. As far as airline experiences go, Delta is reasonable, especially with status. Their newer planes are quite comfortable and they have wifi on every flight which is important for me. I haven't heard many good things about United and their status tiers aren't any easier to get than Delta so I guess they aren't an option for me.



This is not helpful!

Most important is probably comfort. I want an airline that I can get status with quickly so I can have the perks that make travel more bearable. Reward miles are nice, but are becoming less important because as you say no one gives good value in their reward miles any more.

Sounds like if you don't care too much about using the miles, you've got a pretty good plan.

However, if you're looking to get the most bang for your buck in rewards, it really does depend on where your home base is, and where you like to go. There are a lot of variables at play. British Airways has been good for some shorter routes, particularly in the NE. However, seems like they just devalued that a bit. They're good for west coast to Hawaii as well.

One of my favorites is Southwest. For 110,000 miles, you get a companion pass for up to two years. After minimum spends last year, I was up to 106,000 miles just off of two credit card offers. Club Carlson was really good when they'd give you your last night free at each booking.

[CJF]

What gets you lifetime Platinum? 1,000,000 miles?

I can't remember. Something like 700 nights and 2 million points. It's a lot of stays. That I do know.

[Moliere]

I have a platinum AMEX Delta card. We put everything on it. I think we've put over $50k in expenses on it this year alone. However, I get it mostly for the companion pass. MJ and I fly at least once somewhere together for pleasure and it's nice to get a "free" ticket, which only costs the $185 annual fee. I also prefer Delta's program when it comes to using miles. When we plan it right we can fly the entire family to SLC or Boise for 25k/person. Unfortunaelty for work I have to fly United because Delta doesn't fly to Midland. I do get triple miles on my United flights though since, when I buy through my company, I get auto premier upgrade which means I don't have to wait in line at IAH. Midland doens't have a premier only line...but I've never waited more than 1 minute in line at security in Midland.

I stay mostly at the Hilton for work, but would prefer something else. Is Starwood any good? I used Marriott a lot back in my EY days but I just don't stay much in hotels anymore for work.

[Omaha 680]

I'm Delta almost exclusively. For hotels I'm Marriott is the US and Shangri-La in Asia. Marriott is mostly because of Residence Inn. My preference to use my points when traveling with my family. That and I'm lifetime Platinum.

What gets you lifetime Platinum? 1,000,000 miles?