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.
New Federal Guidelines, Re: Credit Card Applications Are Starting to Take a Toll
Posted by Rick Thursday, August 04, 2011, No Comments
Update: Hans sent along a note saying the FAA issue has been settled by Congress and 74,000 worers are headed bac to work.
Thanks Han for the update.
I received an email from Donna that clearly shows the confusion over the new regulations regarding income on credit cards. Basically, the proposed changes indicate only personal income, not family income, must be considered when approving a credit card application. If this bears out, it will have a significant impact on stay-at-home moms’ and dads’ ability to apply for credit cards. Obviously, I’m not in favor of the change. But as we do with all frequent flier travel hacker deals, we will need to find a way around the regulations.
Donna wrote me in dismay about a credit card denial she had received. She had never been denied before. Here is her email to me:
“We are required by federal regulations to evaluate your capacity to take on new debt. Your annual income information is either missing on your application or is insufficient relative to your overall debt based on our records or your credit report.”
In her phone call to the card issuer (Amex Surpass card), she says:
“They asked what portion of the household income I was personally responsible for. I told them none. I hadn’t heard anything so I called to check the status. I got a really nice rep who said he’s been using the husband’s income since the husband supports the wife. He said honestly they don’t know what to do with the new requirement. Too bad I didn’t get him the first time.”
Here is an email I got this morning from Steve who works in the industry:
Rick,
There is some flexibility built into the new regulations. It is unknown how card issuers will implement the new regulation but here is what the Federal Reserve said in describing their new requirements:
“Thus, if a card issuer prompts an applicant to provide his or her “household income” on a credit card application, the card issuer cannot rely solely on the information provided by an applicant to satisfy the requirements of § 226.51. Instead, the card issuer would need to obtain additional information about an applicant’s independent income (such as by contacting the applicant). However, if a card issuer requests that applicants provide their income without reference to household income (such as by requesting “income” or “salary”), the issuer may rely on the information provided by applicants to satisfy the requirements of § 226.51.”
The new regulations go into place October 1, 2011 but there could be card issuers who are already following them.
The language quoted above allows card issuers who ask for only “income” or “salary” on the application (rather than “household income”) to rely on the applicant’s statements.
Again, I don’t know how this will play out with the big card issuers as they might ask follow-up information about income – but the Fed did give them an out to rely on the applicant’s statement if the card issuer only asked for “income” or “salary” on the application.
-Steve
Although this is not conclusive evidence that the regulations are taking over, it sure looks like it to me. Therefore…
Advice for Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads:
You may want to consider entering the game sooner rather than later at this point if your scores will support credit card applications. I’m sure that, in time, many “stay at homes” will become “employees” of the working spouse or partner and a paper trail will need to be established. It will only make sense, in my opinion, for real card fanatics, but that may be the answer. (I’m thinking Katybug will be working for the blog in the future…)
Now, not only will we be keeping track of how often we can reapply with individual card issuers, but for some time to come it sounds as if we will be applying based on how each issuer interprets the new regulations.
Times, they may be a-changin’
Three Skype Codes for Servicemen and Women
This is why this blog works. Helping each other out. Thanks Cornroaster.
Dear Opinion Place® Member,
We value your time and appreciate your participation in our on-line community. As a thank you bonus, we are giving you 3 Skype pay-as-you-go credit codes, valued at approximate $5 USD. You can call people all over the world on their landline phone or mobile from just 2.3¢ per minute* using these credits.
What do you need? A computer with a built in microphone, internet connection and a free Skype account & software.
Already a Skype member? Just click here, log in and input the codes. The credit will be automatically and instantly added to your account.
Don’t have Skype yet? Not a problem. Click here to register and download Skype for free and after you register go to skype.com/voucher to enter your codes. The credit will then be automatically and instantly added to your account.
Credit Codes:
JPBARM9MVB6Y9TRW
RVAPRNNGHKXXMFD9
F9VXPURW6NJR96PA
Don’t delay! These credits will expire on 10/31/11. If you have questions about redeeming your Skype credit, please visit http://www.skype.com/
New Starwood 30,000 Point Offer Here Limited Time Offer
United Airlines Does the Next Right Thing with DBEQM
Posted by Rick Thursday, March 26, 2009, No Comments
Hooray for United by allowing tickets purchased prior to March 19th to count for Double Elite Qualifying miles.
If you had purchased tickets that are for travel up through June 15th, 2009 follow these instructions provided by “soitgoes” on FT.
Thanks
Call 1-800-421-4655
Say “Manage My Account”
Enter MP number (speak or Touchtone)
Enter ZIP code (speak or Touchtone)
Say “More Options”
Say “Register for a promotion”
Say “MPW999″ or something like “M as in Mary, P as Paul, W as in W, the number 9, the number 9, the number 9″
It will say “Double EQM Ticketing Exception MPW029
“Say “yes” to confirm
It will confirm registration
That will save me Butt In Seat Time and is greatly appreciated.
Our Around the World Flight Map
April 7th is fast approaching and I’m getting some stuff together for my Ann Arbor DO presentation in July.
Here is the link to our flight path.
On Hold with United for a Mileage Run Itinerary
Now that United has agreed to take previously booked flights in the Double Elite Qualifying promotion, I will again make 1K for 2010.
On the way home from Savannah to Michigan I’ll plug in this little beauty for another 11,384 Elite Qualifying miles. CVG-ORD-SFO-BUR-SFO-ORD-CVG. I leave at 8 AM and arrive back at 8 AM the next day. Total cost is $185 less the $100 travel credit I have that expires a week later. $85 out of pocket for 11K in Elite Qualifying miles. I love it when a plan comes together.
Priceline Changes, Residence Inn O’Hare Recommendation and Musings of the Mileage Run
Posted by Rick Wednesday, March 25, 2009, No Comments
George is reporting that the “Name your Own Price” feature for rental cars is now gone. It was a great deal for longer rental periods (5 days or more) that over the years has saved us many many $$$$. As I have been on the road give us some confirmation that even though it says name your pen price it is not in fact.
Update
I just bid $15 per day in Maui and it worked ok for me????
George is also looking for a price alert system for rental cars. Sounds like a winner to me and if we find one it will help when a great miles promo shows up. If you see a free service that will alert you to rental car price drops, let me know at ingy104@gmail.com. George is considering the Avis 5K bonus for miles when the rates drop in Raleigh.
Hotel Recommendation O’Hare Residence Inn in Rosemont
I can’t verify the price as it was an award stay but then again only 15K Marriott points. Quick efficient shuttle. Free breakfast and huge suite type room with free internet, refrig, kitchen, living area and nice work desk. This is not a paid advertisement. I just thought you should know for an award night a bargain at 15K.
My International Mileage Run
It was a great trip to London upgraded on a non upgradeable fare outbound and op up on the return. International Business class is far superior to domestic first not only in the amenities but comfort as well. I slept comfortably coming and going. Makes domestic mileage running a painful memory. I may start to pay a few bucks more for more miles and comfort per MR.
I made it through immigration and to my next flight in less than 45 minutes in Dulles on Sunday afternoon. but learned a good lesson. Here it is:
Check Your Boarding Passes Somewhere along the line I asked a gate agent about my short connection time in Washington. She kindly protected me on the next flight to Chicago that was to depart 5 hours later.
As I’m standing in the immigration line in DC I looked at my boarding pass for the first time and it was for that later flight. Somehow I had been deleted from my original flight, and now faced a 5 hour delay. The reason: I did not check my boarding pass when I got it along the line.
I made it to my gate on time and the agent was able to reconstruct what had happened and got me on my way as planned. But if that earlier flight had been oversold, I may have been SOL.
Seems simple, but I forgot and this time just got lucky. Check them, when you get them.
Continental Joins Double EQM War with a Plus
Posted by Rick Friday, March 20, 2009, No Comments
Here is the link for the Continental promotion for Double EQM.
Same dates for the promo, BUT, previously purchased travel will count.
Come On United and American Airlines match that rule about previous travel before noon tomorrow. Please.
100 Free Continental Miles Thanks to Lucky
Posted by Rick Thursday, March 19, 2009, No Comments
Lucky at the One Mile at a Time blog posted this simple 100 mile promotion sign up bonus. How can we pass this one up. Takes 2 seconds and should be used for every family member.
Here is the link for 100 Free Continental Miles.
Ben, getting to follow you has been Lucky for me.
And Here are More Free Continental Miles for Credit and Debit Card Holders
This link directs you to a page that offers credit card holders an additional 100 miles for reading a note about first checked bag free and another 100 miles for reading a note about shopping online at the OnePass Mall. And I’m not really sure you need to be a cardholder to qualify for the miles. It just asked for your OnePass number.
It looks like between the 3 promos you’ll get 300 miles in total. Not bad for 5 minutes of clicking. Suppose you were a family of 10? 3000 free miles
Did You Get Your Copy Yesterday? I Did. It is Free and Full of Ideas .
Here is an example. Los Angeles to Toyko on Singapore Airlines for $677 including all taxes. Here is the link . TravelZoo offers the top 20 verified deals every week. Sign up below.
No Retention Bonus for Me and London for Tea and Crumpets
Posted by Rick Wednesday, March 18, 2009, No Comments
I tried for another retention bonus on my Citi Professional card without success. I was short on available credit with Cit as evidenced by my $2000 approvals last week on the two new Citi AA cards. As there was no thank you point retention offer, I just closed the account and now have more available credit for the future.
London This Saturday
This quickie mileage run will net me 8000 Elite Qualifying miles for a two day trip. I’m using a free ticket I got last year to get to the starting point of Chicago.
The fare itself was $251 all in for the round trip and I have secured seat 21J on the 777 configuration for all segments.
Upgrades will be sketchy as it is a low fare bucket, but I’ll try all the tricks including a BMI Gold upgrade voucher as it is a codeshare with BMI, flash my 1K card, and try to use a SWU for an op up at the gate.
All three techniques should yield absolutely nothing at the gate but I’ll give myself an “A” for the effort. Seat 21J has crew rest seats in front and extra legroom. I’ll need it for the trip, but my Ipod, computer and the inflight movie will keep me occupied. I doubt I’ll even go through immigration in LHR and just stay transit for my 6 hours.
Now, United, how about matching that American Double EQM promo and allowing previously purchased tickets to apply?
Half Price Books Until March 31st
If you are travelling this year to a covered city, now is the time to buy. Check the Entertainment book out for savings.
Marriott Golds Here is a Freebie for You
Posted by Rick Thursday, March 12, 2009, No Comments
Last year, many of you received Marriott Gold status on a tip from the blog. Here is your chance to take advantage.
On page 3 or 4 of the special gold offers you’ll find an opportunity for a second night free at participating Marriotts and also a dinner at half price member exclusive.
We used a similar promotion several months ago in LaJolla California and really enjoyed the savings.
Here is the page link and don’t forget to check your Marriott Exclusive offers every once in a while. There are savings to be had.
Enjoy
Did You Get This Weeks Top Travel Deals from TravelZoo? I Did. It’s Free .
And A Northwest Match of the Cincinnatti Bonus Offer
Posted by Rick Saturday, March 07, 2009, No Comments
Amazing. Northwest has matched their merging partner’s (Delta) Cincinnattil bonus offer of up to 25,000 miles for non stops from CVG.
Here is the link for the Northwest offer.
Twice the Miles Shopping Promo from Continental Airlines and TripAdvisor’s Ten Dirtiest Hotels of 2009
Posted by Rick Thursday, March 05, 2009, No Comments
Twice the Miles from the Continental Shopping Mall when you use your Continental Chase Mastercard for the purchase. Here is an example: Buy magazines from Magazines.com and earn 30 miles per $ plus the mile you earn per dollar using the credit card. How about giftcertificates.com? Buy yourself a gift certificate and earn 4 miles plus the one for the credit card spend, then use that gift certificate through the CO mall again and try for the double dip. You may get the full miles for something you buy with a gift certificate plus your credit card for the balance. No Guarantee there but why not try?
Here is the link to the promo. Look mid page for more info.
Dirtiest Hotel in the USA and the World
Check out the worst ten in the USA and then move on to other parts of the world. The only good thing about this list is, that the reviews are from actual travelers like you and me.
I am very grateful for the Tripadvisor reviews and check them out whenever I’m on the road.
Here is your list of places to stay away from in 2009.
Here is Why You Should Get this Email Subscription .
7 Nights in Barbados and Airfare from $399
Found on the Weekly Top20 List
An Addition to My Wallet
Finally, I have the credit card thing worked out for my maximum benefit. The three cards I’m now carrying are the SPG Preferred card as primary card. Each SPG point is worth about 2.5 cents to me.
When buying bonus category stuff I’m still using a Thank You Points card that gives me 5 points per $. My categories are gas, groceries and drugs. I’ll be using these Thank You points for student loan rebates as 20,000 TYP gets me a $200 rebate or an airline ticket of $200 value. That is achieved at 5 for 1 on $4000 in spend.
And lastly, for the times I’m not earning a category bonus or able to use an Amex card, my Citi AA Mastercard is back in my wallet for 1 AA mile per $. Slowly we’ll get closer to the 2 million mark and lifetime Platinum Elite status.
