Sunday Success Story
Posted by Rick Sunday, January 08, 2012, No Comments
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| photo by Andrew Ingersoll |
Your Sunday Success Story will serve as a living example that all of us average Americans can, indeed, see the world at prices we all can afford. We can do this by working together and sharing our stories. Send your story to me at rick@frugaltravelguy.com. Include your first name and last initial, along with your occupation and a photo, if you wish. - R.I.
These successes are so inspirational to me. They keep me going when the naysayers pop up. Imagine what it’s like to do this trip — the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa and Mauritius that cost just a few bucks and a few points on a more-than-adequate credit score. Enjoy going along on Bryce’s trip by reading his Success Story. It could be you!
Rick,
I’ve been meaning to write in for a while now but figured I should do so after completing my first big trip last weekend. Timely given your call for stories just as we wrapped up!
I always worked points programs a little. I go back far enough to remember swapping long-distance carriers frequently for Northwest airlines miles. For some reason, I never looked online for communities until we moved and I realized we were burning our small pile of frequent flier miles visiting family more quickly than I could replace them.
That was January 2010 and I found your blog just days after the British Airways 100k offer had ended. Thankfully it came back, and so began our quest for miles in earnest. Little did I know how far it would lead us. I won’t dwell on it here, but while the trip below was fantastic, it’s the many, many little trips we’ve been able to take (or give) domestically that have been most valuable (and I’m not talking CPM here). The last 2.5 years away from friends and family would have been much more difficult had I not stumbled onto your blog, FlyerTalk, and subsequently many other resources. Thanks.
Following on, my wife and I picking up two Chase British Airways (BA) cards for 100k each. We also pulled out all the stops and managed to hit the $30k spending goal last year to pick up the BA companion certificate. Somehow, with all the spending and some extra promos, we ended up with 290k+ BA miles. Booking was a nightmare(*) but I’m very, very happy with the results:
ATL-LHR-JNB (Johannesberg)-MRU (Mauritius) in BA’s first class.
LVI (Livingstone, Zambia)-JNB-LHR-ATL in BA’s first class.
(*) Getting BA to book us on JNB-MRU and LVI-JNB, which are British Airways marketed flights operated by Comair (a BA subsidiary), was a nightmare that was only compounded by the availability issues to MRU. Those were also just business class, similar to US domestic first or intra-Europe Club class, I think.
Being an open jaw, we also booked South African Airways in economy (short flights) using United miles (accumulated from a variety of means but rarely flying) as follows:
MRU-JNB-CPT / CPT-JNB-LVI.
Finally, we needed to position to a BA US gateway city (because the companion certificate requires flying on BA metal), so we booked Delta flights using vouchers from New Orleans to Atlanta and back.
As I write this, I realize just how much I’ve learned beyond just how to get the miles/points themselves: vouchers, alliances, open-jaw, etc. When I first signed us up for those two 100k BA cards, I was just happy with the idea that they’d get us eight domestic round-trips home. We did so much more with them (and used other miles/points resources to get home frequently).
So, we managed to get to Mauritius, Cape Town, and Livingstone, Zambia, but we also needed places to stay. To cover that, we did cash+points (27,200 Starwood Preferred Guest points) for six of the nights in Mauritius and Cape Town at an average cost of ~$60/night. We also used two Expedia Best Rate Guarantee coupons, one for a small vineyard in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and another for a boutique hotel in Cape Town. Finally, we also paid for the remainder using one of our Capital One Venture miles cards (~$1000+ value).
We didn’t do anything special with cars in Mauritius or Cape Town. They were just out-of-pocket. Notably, we almost used ~50k Delta Skymiles for a BMW in Cape Town, but I couldn’t make it work/figure out the insurance implications as I preferred to use our American Express Platinum card with the premium car protection for that which requires a charge, and I wasn’t willing to risk being uninsured.
Admittedly, those BA tickets incurred steep fees — fees that might even have nearly equaled an economy ticket to South Africa. I haven’t finished totaling our expenses, but I believe 14 nights in hotels, long-haul in first class, cars, and all connecting flights totaled ~$1750 per person (70% of that being the BA fees). With all I learned, next time we’ll do even better at reducing cash costs.
My wife and I still haven’t really spoken to anyone in detail about our trip. We just don’t know where to start. It’s impossible to put a value on the trip, but it exceeded our expectations and took us on a trip that our family describes as “once in a lifetime.”
Then again, right before the Avios devaluation, we also booked tickets to Buenos Aries, Santiago, and Easter Island. And we’ve got big, big piles of miles with all the legacy US airlines, now with hotels balances to match. Trip of a lifetime? Yes. Why stop at one though?!?
As I approach a two-year mark of doing this, my wife and I have earned approximately 4 million miles/points. It all began here, with your blog. Thanks again!
–msp2msy
New Ink Bold with Ultimate Rewards Card — see the link below
•50,000 bonus points after you spend $5000 in 3 months – that’s $500 in rewards of your choice, or $625 towards airfare when you redeem online through our Ultimate Rewards booking tool.
•No limit to the number of points you can earn – and points do not expire.
•5X points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent annually on eligible business purchases.
•No foreign transaction fees and Free Employee Cards.
•No interest or over limit fees.
•No Annual Fee in the first year – that’s a $95 savings.
My Christmas Wish From You
Posted by Rick Thursday, December 22, 2011, No Comments
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| Andrew, Katybug, Rick and Aaron from Waimea Canyon |
As you are traveling to and fro, “Over the hills and through the woods to Grandmother’s house you go,” will you all consider doing me a personal Christmas favor.
We have all been so blessed this year with some of our troops coming home from Iraq, but we still have hundreds of thousands of our fellow Americans in uniform around the world. You’ll see them in airports as you travel this season. Some are coming home and some are heading off to duty is some far flung land. They are underpaid and overworked in many circumstances in dangerous circumstances.
Will you take a minute to buy a soldier a cup of coffee or a meal? Invite him or her into the lounge or give him your first class seat you just got upgraded for free. And if none of that is possible for some reason, can you just say “thanks for your service to our country”? It means so much to them and they are all such polite and polished young men and women. Humble in every way.
We have a large contingent of soldiers returning to the US at Fort Stewart, not far from Hilton Head Island. One of my dear friends, Cynthia, is involved in gathering donations for soap, toiletries, a comb and toothbrush for our returning soldiers. They are kept at Ft. Stewart for a couple of days if not married, and arrive with nothing but the uniform on their backs. They are not provided those essentials upon arrival. Cynthia and her group gather up the needed items for their welcome home. It is not much, but oh so appreciated. Katy and I make a donation everytime Cynthia asks. I hope you can help welcome them home in some way in your communtity as well.
And last week I made a $1500 donation to the Wounded Warriots Project based on recent sales of the Frugal Travel Guy Handbook. Not all our men and women can walk off that plane, and we need to never forget them. If you have a couple extra bucks this holiday season, they gave greatly for us. Can you spare a few bucks for their recovery?
Here is the website address: Wounded Warriot Project. Thank you for saying “Thank You.”
50,000 American Airline Miles, No first year fee!
Sunday Success Story
Posted by Rick Sunday, November 27, 2011, No Comments
Dear Rick,
I just want to say thank you for starting my hobby! I am a stay-at-home mom with three kids. I used to work, travelled a lot and loved it! Thanks to your blog, along with some of the others that you have suggested, we are still able to travel. Here is our upcoming trip that I am SO excited about next week!
- Two airline tickets on American Airlines from CLE-MIE. Used points from the 75,000 offers that both my husband and I got earlier this year w/ the Citi AAdvantage card.
- One night hotel stay at the Sheraton Miami Airport hotel. Used 4000 SPG points. Thanks for the Starwood AMEX cards we opened.
- Three nights at the Hyatt Key West resort and spa. Used our free nights for opening the Hyatt card.
- Car rental through autoslash.com. I booked this several months ago. They’ve found a cheaper rate three times! We are getting an intermediate size car. Went from $185 then down to $177, now down to $135 just today! That is $22 per day, plus all of the taxes! We are splitting this with another couple so it will cost us less than $70 and gas of course.
The best part is, we get to be in Key West with family and be a part of our cousin’s wedding and get to spend some kid-free time with family—which we haven’t done in YEARS! Oh, and of course, being there for a wedding has it’s perks: free meals for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding! J
I’m also planning a girls’ weekend in NYC with my daughter! Redeemed some Chase points for Amtrak points. We are visiting wtih some family in DC and will be taking the train from DC to NYC. Booked some more free nights at hotels. More importantly, I’m creating wonderful memories for my little girl!
Now I’m hoping to use our Hyatt points (that we transferred from Chase Sapphire) for a fabulous family vacation sometime within the near future!
Thanks again!!
Jessica H.
Deal of the Day and NY Times Article on Closing Credit Cards
Posted by FrugalTravelGuy Monday, November 14, 2011, No Comments
Get up to 30% points back when you transfer at least 50,000 Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles
Today Only: 20% off JetBlue flights between Nov. 29 and Feb. 15, excluding Dec. 16 to Jan. 3
You can get 20 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar today only! Thanks, One Mile at a Time
Also, today is the last day of the US Airways Grand Slam so make sure to get any last minute hits in before midnight tonight.
Here is today’s article on closing credit cards from the New York Times. Thought you may all want to read it. Thanks Richard for sending it along
Deal of the Day United Postpones Again 3 Day Promo Airtran, American, Priceline and Hilton
Posted by FrugalTravelGuy Wednesday, October 19, 2011, No Comments
United/Chase have again postponed their 3 day 60,000 miles credit card promo. The new projected date is now in the first quarter of 2012.
AirTran is also having a big sale that is similar to Southwest’s sale.
Priceline is offering to add $5/night to your Name Your Own Price offer for up to ten nights ($50 total)
American is offering a 50% award booking discount on flights between either San Francisco or Vancouver and Tokyo Haneda on Japan Airlines.
American is also offering double miles between several different Asian cities. Registration and at least K fare is required. Travl on Japan Airlines is also required
Finally American is offering double miles between some US cities and Tokyo. Registration and at least K fare is required.
Hilton’s 100 night giveaway is in Chicago today starting at 4PM EST.
The New AA Million Miler Program
Posted by Rick Wednesday, August 24, 2011, No Comments
They have announced the rules and here they are: I hate posting from my iPad. Sorry
Another Bump the Bonus???? Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and/or SPG Card
Posted by Rick Thursday, July 28, 2011, No Comments
I don’t know if you guys caught this reader comment several days ago, but it is worth repeating. I’m really becoming a Sapphire Preferred fan. This is fantastic customer service. Read on:
Rick,
I recently made a few charges on my Sapphire card for travel (purchases made in June and July). After finding out that Chase Sapphire℠ Preferred Card is now offering two points per one dollar spend on travel, I emailed Chase through the secure messaging system, asking them to consider awarding me the extra points for the purchases that I had made prior to the terms of this change.
Their response was as follows:
“I would like to inform you that, the two points per dollar spent when you purchase flights, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and time shares offer is effective for purchases made after 07/17/2011.
Since the purchases made are before 07/17/2011, the two points per dollar spent offer will not be applied on these purchases.
But as a gesture of my commitment to you, I have added 25,000 points to your account. You will see this adjustment on your next billing statement.”
SCORE! I asked for approximately 1000 extra points and they said no. Instead they gave me 25,000 points!
If you made travel expenditures prior to 7/17/2011, I suggest giving this a shot!
– Jezzel
My secure email netted zero but I received confirmation that I earned double on my past Hilton stays. It only takes a minute to try!
Dmitriy Has Success with SPG Bump the Bonus
I just got his email. Dmitry got the SPG card when it was a 25K signup. Here is his email:
Hello Rick,
Just got off the phone with AX. They gave me 3k so you can let people know its worth a call and ask if you are an active member.
Thank you,
Dmitry
Way to go. “Ask and in many cases you shall receive” Paraphrase and not my quote, but I always ask.
Our Trip to Bosnia, and Earning Elite Status with Airlines and Hotels
Posted by Rick Thursday, June 02, 2011, No Comments
Little did I know when we left the US that I would spend a day in Bosnia. When the concierge at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik suggested we take the tour, it sounded interesting so we bit. It was 2 1/2 hours from Dubrovnik so we hired a driver ($200 total) instead of riding on the tour bus (about $120), which gave us more flexibility and a chance to spend some face-to-face time with a local. Jack was his name — a Bulgarian musician who has lived outside of Dubrovnik for 35 years. His English was good enough and he was a jovial man with plenty of stories and history.
The drive along the Dalmation coast is as picturesque as it can be with islands, coves, inlets and charming seaside villages all along he way. At the town of Ston, Jack informed us they specialized in the production of oysters and we could see the artificial strands laid across the inlets and bays for miles. Since it’s May, we passed on eating the oysters since they are out of season. (Only eat oysters in months with an “R” in them.)
We first crossed the border along the seashore into Bosnia then, eight miles later, crossed back out of Bosnia back into Croatia for a half an hour before we were back into Bosnia again. We never left the car; we just handed Jack our passports.
On the way to the village of Mostar, we stopped at an ancient city for photos and coffee. I can’t remember the name or reason for its existence, but at the local tavern a gentleman gladly exchanged some Croation kunas for Bosnian XMs (I think that’s what they were called). There is a 10% penalty for using Kunas in exchange. The Bosnians would rather have Euros — or maybe they are still PO’d at the Croatians.
In Mostar we parked by the church with the largest steeple (remarkably it looked like a minaret) and crossed a main street to the old town of Mostar. We passed several bombed-out buildings and others hit by shrapnel during the war. As we passed through the old city, if it had not been for the touristy stuff for sale we would’ve sworn we’d passed into another century. The buildings are all from the mid-1400s. We ate at a restaurant Jack recommend and had a platter of traditional Bosnian food that was to die for: beef and lamb, stuffed cabbage, stuff grape leaves, meat patties, and traditional desserts. We have not had a bad meal since we arrived.
After lunch we walked to and over the famous bridge that was destroyed during the Bosnian War of 1991-1993. In the museum there’s a film of the rockets hitting and destroying the bridge. Katy is the history buff and remembers seeing those exact same images on US TV. On either end of the bridge, marked on simple stone, are two words “Don’t Forget.”
This war was supposedly started at a Serbian wedding: Instead of shooting their guns in the air to celebrate, the revelers started firing at passersby of the other nationality or religion. At first it was the Serbs against the Croatians and Muslims, then later the Muslims became the targets. Jack indicated that, although things are peaceful now, he wouldn’t be surprised if it broke out all over again. I just asked him to keep it at bay until we left the country.
How To Earning Elite Status with Airlines and Hotels
The frequent flier game began as a way to promote customer loyalty. Elite status within an airlines rewards program does the same thing. Each airline is a little different, but typically if you fly 25,000 miles in a year you are a “low level Elite” with that airline. There are typically three levels – silver, gold and platinum — with increasing benefits based on the number of “butt in seat” miles you have with that airline. And when it comes to frequent flier miles, the more “Elite” you are, the more perks you receive.
A silver elite member may get 1.25 to 1.5 miles frequent flier miles for every mile flown on his or her preferred carrier. Gold members get two miles for every mile flown, and Platinum members may get as high as 2.25 miles per mile flown in addition to unlimited upgrades to first class. The names of the top tier programs vary according to the airline in question.
Elite members also receive free upgrades to first class when available or with credits they receive for so many miles flown. Elite status is really helpful in the event of missing a connection or having to stay overnight at an intermediate city. The airlines take care of their Elite members.
Airlines often hold more award seats for Elite members and provide Elite members with better seating on all flights, such as access to the exit row or bulkhead seats. If you fly enough to reach Elite status, you appreciate having an exit row with plenty of legroom, especially if you’re flying overseas.
Changes to award tickets are sometimes done without charge for Elite members. Elite members will also receive priority standby status on oversold flights.
If you aren’t an Elite member yet, make a point to study the Elite program of your favorite carrier. Sometimes at year’s end it is actually worth doing a “mileage run” (a paid airline trip designed solely for gaining maximum frequent flyer miles, points or status) just to get the last few miles you need to achieve Elite status.
Elite status has made it possible for my wife and me to fly to Europe and get enough frequent flier miles from that one trip for a free, domestic round-trip ticket.
Hotel Elite
The same rules apply here: The more often you stay at a hotel offering Elite status tiers, the higher you’re status will be. And all hotel chains have awards programs. Hilton’s HHonors, for example, offer four levels of Elite status. Members earn and maintain elite tier status based on stays, nights, or points earned in any calendar year. Sometimes just taking out a credit card with a hotel chain gives you elite status for a year, such as Hilton’s HHonors American Express Surpass card, Marriott’s Reward Premier Visa, Best Western’s World MasterCard and Hyatt’s Visa (various levels).
My wife Katy and I spent one week of our extended honeymoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in an oceanfront room for free. How? By using the points I accumulated applying for Hilton’s credit card, by staying at a few Hampton Inns, by Walking For The Cure with the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and by generally keeping our eyes open for Hilton Honors Points. We also spent four nights at the Rome Cavaleri Hilton on points accumulated instead of the $480 per night we would have paid without them.
The key to earning Elite status and rewards points with hotel chains is to stay aware of what they’re offering. It changes nearly every year, but the rewards are well worth the time it takes to keep your eyes on the prize.
