This past weekend’s trip to Mobile brought us some 70 degree weather Sunday, some true down south hospitality, some significant value for our miles and status saved me $150.

We had a beautiful day Sunday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail facility just outside of Mobile. If you are a golf nut and want to enjoy quality golf at reasonable prices check out the golf trail. I have been to about 7 of their locations now and have yet to be disappointed in the facilities or courses. After a cold hard winter in the south (my blood is thinning) we all enjoyed playing in our shirtsleeves.

Saturday was not quite as warm but the hospitality at the Lakewood Resort at Point Clear could not have been better. We were treated like royalty and the true southern charm of the Marriott Resort on Mobile Bay was refreshing to say the least. Hilton Head may be in the south, but it is nothing like the warmth and friendliness of Point Clear and the deep southern history.

I took Tom and Mile as a thank you for a job well done with our villa remodeling. We flew from Hilton Head to Charlotte and then on to Mobile on US Airways using Continental miles at 25,000 miles per ticket round trip. Hilton Head is an expensive airport but these prices were incredible. At the time I booked the tickets to purchase them would have been $1151 each on Continental. I’m sure we could have found a cheaper rate if using cash, but the convenience of flying into Hilton Head instead of Savannah is worth something extra.

Somehow, someway I got a status match to Continental Platinum last year. When I checked in for the US Airways flights I flashed my Continental card and the $25 per bag luggage fee disappeared for our golf clubs. The guys were on a separate reservation and the gate agent still waived the fee. The same was true on the return. They just plugged the baggage into my account and Wham, no fee.

We never travel with checked luggage and I can see where the savings could really add up if you can’t condense your stuff to carry on only.

My suggestion, is find a status match and use it when flying on a partner airline. Don’t be afraid to flash that card. The savings can be significant.

European Readers A Donation with YOU in Mind

I know you are out there and I appreciate your support. I usually have much to donate to your cause but Parag has some goodies for you. Here is his email.

Hey Rick,

Great blog. I have got some stuff to donate to your blog that I can’t use. I figure that your blog has way more viewers, so hopefully someone will be able to use it or feel free to keep it for yourself. I will take care of postage, just send me the addresses of whoever wants it.

1 – Gatwick Express Complimentary First Class Upgrade Card (Valid for 2 uses)
0 – Heathrow Express Complimentary First Class Upgrade Card (Valid for 2 uses) GONE
0 – 50 Euro off coupon for KLM, NWA, Delta, or Air France. Only thing I think is that you have to book via phone or KLM.com because it has to be priced in euros. GONE

Hopefully you have some European readers.

Thanks,

Parag

If you can make use of any of these items (not for retrading) email me your name and address and Parag will tkae care of the postage.

Thanks Parag, our Frugal Travel Guy of the Day