Working an Airline Schedule Change to Your Advantage

August 6, 2010 - Rick

United Airlines changed schedules for my September 3rd mileage run. Originally I’d planned for TVC-ORD-SFO-DEN-SFO-ORD-TVC. I now had a negative 3 minute connection in Denver. They did not suggest another itinerary so it was up to me to fix it the way I wanted. The problem came up when the early morning flight from TVC (6AM) was pulled from the schedule and the earliest departure is now 8:51PM.

I checked the schedule to San Fran and couldn’t make a connection that would give me the miles all the way to the west coast then back to Denver then back to the West Coast. So I switched my west coast connection city to Seattle and made the connections work back to Denver and departing Denver back to San Francisco to hook up with my original SFO-ORD-TVC completion. There were no questions by the agent, she was very helpful and polite and I kept my mileage high and price the same.

The reason I bring this story up is it brings to light your opportunity to choose new flights that benefit you and your bump possibilities or “bumpertunities” as my buddy Rene has named them. If you can find flights to substitute on your changed itinerary that are close to oversold, go for it. The agents don’t care and you may score a voucher or two thanks to the schedule change.

Seatcounter is Dead and Gone

This site was one of my primary sources of flight loads and now appears dead and gone. Something to do with the technology? The choices now seem to be ExpertFlyer (paid service but very reasonable) or the soon to be available awardnexus site.

The Doubletree Resort on the Greek Island of Kos

Win brought this up during the Ann Arbor DO as a great award redemption. I did some checking and the prices are so low, it may actually be worth paying for it if you are heading to the Greek Isles. Breakfast is included in the rate so the rate changes based on occupancy, but definitely worth a look.

Soldiers from Northern Maine

Bill H sent me several Delta Sklyclub passes and Continental drink coupons to distribute to blog readers. He asked me to say thank you for the sacrifice and service you have made on behalf of our country. Although I may not find a soldier from Northern Maine next time in the airport, be assured I’ll pass them out to your brethren wherever they are from. And my thanks as well for all you do.

Rick

René

We do not say it enough but thank you for all you do for us Rick and you are so spot on. I did a Delta AMEX card in in May and then a personal and biz Starwood in July. My credit score went UP 2 points over that time will all approvals. I can not wait to try the 100k Visa biz Citi but will wait until October to give time between card requests. There are truly a blizzard of points and miles to be had but as you say "pig's get fat and hog's get slaughtered"!

While my real diet weight is as of this AM is down 17 lbs, my points are getting nice, fat and round! (1.5 million total over 2 years for wife and I with your help)

Again – THANKS for all you do!
Anonymous

I too got denied for 2 citi cards with 2 different promos because I was a previous cardmember. My husband, however, who also had 2 previous cards, was approved and has received his bonus miles. We both reapplied for SPG @30K and received them. He also reapplied for a United card (had one before) and was approved and points deposited.
Big Z

denied for being prior holder of citi here as well; and their response included a line, well after that, that their decision was then based in part on an experian pull–so it looks like they first determined I was a previous holder, then decided to ding my credit anyway…
Anonymous

I got denied by Citi also, it said due to having a bankruptcy involving a citi card, the bankruptcy was over 20 years ago and my credit score right now is 740+.
I wonder if I can hold Citi to the same standards, after all they lost 90% of their stock holders money when their stock went from 40$ to 4$. Oh well, no big deal, last time I used AA was over a year ago.
Andy

I was denied the Citi personal Amex because I already have a Citi personal Visa, and the letter said the link was for first time Citi applicants only. My credit scores are all around 730. My wife applied for both the personal Amex and Visa at the same time, using separate browsers, and was instantly approved for both. Her credit scores are around 760.
Travis

Does anyone know if I would be considered a first time cardholder for the CitiAA card if I currently hold a different (non airline card) Citicard ?
FrugalTravelGuy

Travis; I would try for an AA card in your circumstance assuming your scores are high enough.

Rick
kw

I was promised 40k total shortly after application, but have only rec'd 30k so far (10k first, then 20k). CSR's all seem to be confused on what this offer entails. I was told yesterday to call back after 8/30, after which time if I haven't rec'd another 10k, I may be able to get the CSR's to give it to me.

I guess there was never supposed to be 40k, but 30k (as the offer describes), but i've got a feeling that since I was told it was 10k first use and 30k bonus, that I'll get the entire 40k. I think CSRs are confused because the traditional bonus for this card includes a 10k first use bonus, so i was promised 10k + the 30k.
Anonymous

"Tough luck on the SPG promo" is an erroneous title. They did not lose out on the promotion because of some SPG rules but did not qualify for the card because of a less than acceptable credit rating.

Working an Airline Schedule Change to Your Advantage

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