I love credit cards so much! v6.0 - 2023 (see first page for add'l details)

Anybody here got the Thrifty Traveler Premium+ subscription last year at the special $35 rate? I liked that price. My renewal price is $59.99, due in two days. At least I'm locked into that rate (which is lower than the current $89.99) if I keep the subscription, but not sure if I get enough value. Not sure what to do, what are others doing?
i kept mine ive gotten 60$ worth of flight deals for sure.
Also the paid version gets you deals before the free version.
I feel its worth paying for the time I'm saving as much as I love getting a point deal also.
Like new Zealand that is a unicorn fare they have found it a few times but I just didn't have enough days maybe next year I'm hoping at least.
 
i kept mine ive gotten 60$ worth of flight deals for sure.
Also the paid version gets you deals before the free version.
I feel its worth paying for the time I'm saving as much as I love getting a point deal also.
Like new Zealand that is a unicorn fare they have found it a few times but I just didn't have enough days maybe next year I'm hoping at least.
I'm conflicted because New Zealand has been on my list to visit for a long time. But I would prefer booking 11-12 months out, and the Thrifty deals have been for a lot less than that. Membership renews tomorrow so I guess tonight I need to research if booking J seats to New Zealand is feasible a year out.
 
I'm conflicted because New Zealand has been on my list to visit for a long time. But I would prefer booking 11-12 months out, and the Thrifty deals have been for a lot less than that. Membership renews tomorrow so I guess tonight I need to research if booking J seats to New Zealand is feasible a year out.
yeah i think they just released this because a lot of people are renewing or on the fence.
https://thriftytraveler.com/deals/flights/best-flight-deals-2023-2024/
I want to book ana the more I research it but I was happy to get JAL, oh well next trip.
 
If you’re willing I would strongly recommend speaking to a human. Since you received those fraud alerts I’m assuming speaking to them might be required. I think it’s worth a shot. I’ve always had friendly/easy interactions when calling Chase.

There's still the recon line to try...
The number I called didn't seem to have an option for a human... I called 1-888-270-2127

**NVM I have a human now
 
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So I applied for the 5 FNC last night. I got the "under review" which I've gotten like once prior but then the card showed up immediately. I'm currently 3/24. With my last Chase cards period being the MDD I did 11/22. I guess I sit and wait? When do people normally call recon?

Which week in November? There is an F1 race in Vegas the week before Thanksgiving that is screwing up pricing for everything. I just scheduled a flight ATW-LAS for the second week and it was $600 on AA or UA connecting in ORD, but I managed it for 35k Skypesos through MSP on Delta.
Oh I'm well aware of F1, LOL. We actually are there the Sun-Th leading into it. And our rooms are only $250/nt at Palazzo. I did look to see if I booked outside of the conference what the cost would be (to get the IHG points) and they are $1100/nt. But looking at the airfare chart to Vegas in Nov period, the rates are around the same price. So it's not likely the race. Plus I'm flying in before and leaving the day of. It's probably going to be a NIGHTMARE getting to McCarran w/ all the roads closed. I may need to tram down to MGM and hope I can get out there easier. Hmmmm.

I’m also still waiting on my Boundless app - applied last Friday and my status message still says we will let you know in “2 weeks”. The Chase flowcharts tell me this is good news but it’s driving me nuts!!
Did you apply for the 5 FNC?


Anybody here got the Thrifty Traveler Premium+ subscription last year at the special $35 rate? I liked that price. My renewal price is $59.99, due in two days. At least I'm locked into that rate (which is lower than the current $89.99) if I keep the subscription, but not sure if I get enough value. Not sure what to do, what are others doing?
I just asked about this. For the next year I don't think I'd be able to use it. But $60 is cheaper than $90....and I would be able to use it in 2 years, LOL. Or next summer. IDK. I'll probably still keep it. Or maybe I'll sign up under the new promo w/ a different email.
 
I want to book ana the more I research it but I was happy to get JAL, oh well next trip.
For Japan? Yeah, I want to fly ANA but am planning on JAL because I don't know what availability will be like when it's time to book for me, which will be just after Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, there's currently an Amex transfer bonus to BA. So I'll just do JAL via BA as that seems easier, though sadly more expensive with the taxes and fees.
 
I just asked about this. For the next year I don't think I'd be able to use it. But $60 is cheaper than $90....and I would be able to use it in 2 years, LOL. Or next summer. IDK. I'll probably still keep it. Or maybe I'll sign up under the new promo w/ a different email.
If you have the old promo, that's better than the new of you're keeping the subscription. You'll keep the $60 rate for as long as the account is open. Meanwhile, the new price of $90 would be your new price after a year with a new subscription (40% off first year, but $90 thereafter).
 
I think I might do something crazy, I might cancel our booked 2024 trips and actually go to South Africa.
I was able to find J return flights on AA (currently on hold, have to cancel our Belize flights to have enough points), I've found flights to CPT on United Y (45K + $5.60/pp), routing through Brazil, one of the all inclusive lodges that I've researched is on the Chase travel portal.

The only thing that is stopping me is transfering 198K URs to United. But there aren't great options and I like the United cancellation flexibility.
4 people options:
British Airways 185,000 MRs + $1,162 (this is with 30% transfer bonus) + reposition flight to DFW
AirCanada 280,000 MRs + $225 + reposition flight to Houston

Any thoughts?

@FreeDiningFanatic I know you've mentioned Africa, but I don't think you've done much research?

The tentative plan:
Start in Cape Town, move east along the southern coast, up to Kruger National Park for Safari, fly home from Johannesburg.
 
yeah i think they just released this because a lot of people are renewing or on the fence.
https://thriftytraveler.com/deals/flights/best-flight-deals-2023-2024/
I want to book ana the more I research it but I was happy to get JAL, oh well next trip.

I just asked about this. For the next year I don't think I'd be able to use it. But $60 is cheaper than $90....and I would be able to use it in 2 years, LOL. Or next summer. IDK. I'll probably still keep it. Or maybe I'll sign up under the new promo w/ a different email.

I'm appreciating everyone's thoughts on the 3rd party subscriptions. I haven't looked into TT yet, but I did spend some time with point.me for a couple of routes. I'm sure it helps people get good redemptions, but the 2 examples I used didn't seem to come thru as options in point.me. One was BOS-DUB, it came up with the Aer Lingus route via Alaska Air miles (very high) but not Avios. Perhaps that's because Avios' site is terrible about timing out and it just couldn't retrieve?

I also tried flights from JFK to Geneva (Swiss Air) and while I could see the route with miles via the Life Miles site, that did not show up as an option in Point.me. I used the exact same dates. Weird.

I know I'm going to be super nervous when it comes time to xfer MRs or URs for these flights. Guess I have 2-3 months to practice and try to figure it out.
 
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How far out did you book the rooms at the WA Cabos? I would like to go back, esp since I will have 4 FNCs (3 nights didn't feel long enough for such a long way to go).

Forgot to mention that I also tried to book the Hilton Paris Opera for my December trip and it doesn't have any rooms either.

I think this last trip was booked about 2-3 months out. Another strategy I use is just keeping the Hilton calendar up on my computer and then I refresh a few times a day. Always works for me.
 
I think I might do something crazy, I might cancel our booked 2024 trips and actually go to South Africa.
I was able to find J return flights on AA (currently on hold, have to cancel our Belize flights to have enough points), I've found flights to CPT on United Y (45K + $5.60/pp), routing through Brazil, one of the all inclusive lodges that I've researched is on the Chase travel portal.

The only thing that is stopping me is transfering 198K URs to United. But there aren't great options and I like the United cancellation flexibility.
4 people options:
British Airways 185,000 MRs + $1,162 (this is with 30% transfer bonus) + reposition flight to DFW
AirCanada 280,000 MRs + $225 + reposition flight to Houston

Any thoughts?

@FreeDiningFanatic I know you've mentioned Africa, but I don't think you've done much research?

The tentative plan:
Start in Cape Town, move east along the southern coast, up to Kruger National Park for Safari, fly home from Johannesburg.

I think you should go for it! How exciting!

The United cancellation is nice.

I have been following along with the opening of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge which is all-inclusive at about 100kish Marriott pts per nt, but only sleeps 2. So a party of four would be about a million marriott points for a 5 night stay.

I have friends who just went to South Africa and highly, highly recommended it. You can always do Belize but having points travel align for a safari seems too good to pass up on.
 
I think I might do something crazy, I might cancel our booked 2024 trips and actually go to South Africa.
I was able to find J return flights on AA (currently on hold, have to cancel our Belize flights to have enough points), I've found flights to CPT on United Y (45K + $5.60/pp), routing through Brazil, one of the all inclusive lodges that I've researched is on the Chase travel portal.

The only thing that is stopping me is transfering 198K URs to United. But there aren't great options and I like the United cancellation flexibility.
4 people options:
British Airways 185,000 MRs + $1,162 (this is with 30% transfer bonus) + reposition flight to DFW
AirCanada 280,000 MRs + $225 + reposition flight to Houston

Any thoughts?

@FreeDiningFanatic I know you've mentioned Africa, but I don't think you've done much research?

The tentative plan:
Start in Cape Town, move east along the southern coast, up to Kruger National Park for Safari, fly home from Johannesburg.

Not sure how plentiful your AA miles are, but looks like you could maybe do Y on Qatar booked through AA for 40k +$41/pp, DFW - DOH - CPT

I have been playing with pointsyeah.com and really like it for reward flight searches.
 
Source: Max Miles Points

1,000 Delta SkyMiles for 2 or 3 Starbucks Purchases

You can earn 1,000 bonus SkyMiles when visiting Starbucks 2 or 3 times in one week. This is a targeted offer, and not everyone will be eligible, but try registering anyway!

There are two different offers.

Obviously, try and register for the first offer; if you are ineligible for that offer try the second offer link!


I successfully was enrolled for the 2 purchase offer for both P1 and P2.
 
Source: Max Miles Points

1,000 Delta SkyMiles for 2 or 3 Starbucks Purchases

You can earn 1,000 bonus SkyMiles when visiting Starbucks 2 or 3 times in one week. This is a targeted offer, and not everyone will be eligible, but try registering anyway!

There are two different offers.

Obviously, try and register for the first offer; if you are ineligible for that offer try the second offer link!


I successfully was enrolled for the 2 purchase offer for both P1 and P2.
Thanks! I linked to the first offer also. I mostly use Starbucks when traveling, and will be at Disney, so I hope the in park SB will count. It seems to be just make a purchase, nor order a specific item, so it should.
 
Source: Max Miles Points

1,000 Delta SkyMiles for 2 or 3 Starbucks Purchases

You can earn 1,000 bonus SkyMiles when visiting Starbucks 2 or 3 times in one week. This is a targeted offer, and not everyone will be eligible, but try registering anyway!

There are two different offers.

Obviously, try and register for the first offer; if you are ineligible for that offer try the second offer link!


I successfully was enrolled for the 2 purchase offer for both P1 and P2.
I completed the first 2 purchase 1000 mile offer and was automatically enrolled in the second offer...I NEVER (ever) purchase from SB so it was a challenge to find something to buy (other than bottled water lol) but found myself enjoying the strawberry acai beverage-especially during these warm days. I'll delete the app once these challenges are over next week but it's an easy way to get miles without flying 🍓:drinking1!
 
I completed the first 2 purchase 1000 mile offer and was automatically enrolled in the second offer...I NEVER (ever) purchase from SB so it was a challenge to find something to buy (other than bottled water lol) but found myself enjoying the strawberry acai beverage-especially during these warm days. I'll delete the app once these challenges are over next week but it's an easy way to get miles without flying 🍓:drinking1!

The strawberry acai refresher IS delicious. I now have a food intolerance to one of its ingredients, but it's really hard to resist. Plus my dogs need a pup cup.

Did you get an email when you completed the offer and were enrolled in the second, or how did you know?
 
I am keeping my Thrifty Traveler subscription. I think the grandfathered $59.99 is a good deal. I haven't pulled the trigger on a deal yet, but I do like the awareness it provides about possible deals and it gives me travel ideas.

I think it's my only paid travel subscription.
Yeah, I think I've decided to keep mine out of fomo of losing out on my current $60 price. And good point about ideas, that's valuable too.

It's also my only paid travel subscription. I haven't others that would be useful to me.
 

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