A Beginner’s Guide to United Airlines (UA) MileagePlus Miles

2017-04-06 2017-09-14 22 Comments

Contents1. Introduction2. United MileagePlus Elite Status3. How do I earn miles?3.1. Paid flights on United or one of their partners3.2. Credit CardsUnited Credit CardsChase Credit CardsWhich card should I choose?3.3. Shopping3.4. Dining3.5. MileagePlus X (MPX)4. How to book award flights4.1. Award Chart4.2. Booking4.3. Saver Awards vs Standard Awards4.4. Booking Tips5. Miscellaneous5.1. No fuel surcharges5.2. Mileage expiration 1. Introduction United Airlines…
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Star Alliance

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Hacking the Cost of an Engagement Ring

2017-04-05 2017-04-06 41 Comments

ContentsIntroductionBackgroundAMEX OffersMerchant Gift Card DealsStacking Deals Introduction With good timing and a little bit of planning, I was able to stack multiple deals to get 33% in savings off retail for the custom engagement ring of my fiance’s dreams. Keep reading if you want to learn how! Background In late 2016, I started shopping for an engagement ring. It took…
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Shopping Tips

 

Delta Sky Club Seattle (Terminal A) – Review

2017-04-03 2017-04-03 2 Comments

In October 2016, Delta opened a new Sky Club in Terminal A of SeaTac International Airport to complement the existing, smaller Sky Club at the South Satellite terminal. Though normally an Alaska loyalist, I took advantage of a recent opportunity to fly Delta with the sole purpose of checking out the new SkyLounge. In short, Delta spent $24 million to construct one of the nicest domestic…
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Credit Cards Comparison

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A Guide to the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Program

2017-03-31 2019-07-17 5 Comments

Hey all, Today I’m going to write about the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Program. We’ll go through the ins and outs of the program. Buckle up and enjoy the ride! Contents1. Overview2. SPG Status Levels3. Additional Tiers“Normal” Platinum (25 stays, 50 nights)50-night Platinum (25 stays, 50 nights)75-night Platinum100-night Platinum (Ambassador level)4. Hotel Properties5. PartnershipsDeltaEmiratesChina EasternAirline PartnersAmexMarriott6. Conclusion 1. Overview First…
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Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG)

 

Major changes to the AmEx Platinum cards, and why you should apply for the Schwab Platinum now (Update: You can request metal card now!)

2017-03-29 2017-09-14 7 Comments

Mar 30th Update: Changes should be in effect today. $15 Uber Credit is now available in your Uber account. And you can request the metal card now. Simply login in to your online account, click ‘Account Services’, then ‘Card Management’, and you should be able to see a card replacement option. Any newly issued or replacement card after Mar 30th will automatically…
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AmEx Summaries

 

AMEX Centurion Lounge Seattle (SEA) – Review

2017-03-27 2017-04-22 1 Comment

As a resident of Seattle, I am happy to report that expansion of the AMEX Centurion Studio into a full Centurion Lounge at SeaTac International Airport is now complete (ahead of schedule!). The expansion, which includes a new full-service bar, additional seating, and a shower, adds approximately 1,400 square feet of much-needed space to the smallest of AMEX’s seven domestic Centurion Lounges. The expanded space has…
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Trip Reports

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Merrill Lynch Octave Credit Card Review (Discontinued)

2017-03-23 2018-06-21 3 Comments

Merrill Lynch Octave Review ContentsApplication LinkBenefitsDisadvantagesSummaryHistorical Offers ChartApplication Link Application Link This card no longer accepts new applications. Benefits Earn 2.5x Merrill Points on all purchases. The reward program are the same as the one for Merrill Plus credit card (discontinued). The points are worth up to 2 cents/point. See this post for a visualized point value distribution. The following is the…
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Discontinued Credit Cards

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Earning Delta Silver status (30K+ MQM/4K+ MQD) and 90K+ Amex/Delta/Alaska points for $1300

2017-03-18 2017-03-18 1 Comment

Hey everyone – I wanted to share a great mileage run opportunity involving an Amex offer and long-haul flights on Air France Premium Economy. ContentsThe OfferThe CardsBooking a FlightEarning Miles & StatusConclusion The Offer There’s also an Amex offer out there for 20K MR points if you spend $1000 or more with Air France at their website at airfrance.us or…
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Mileage Run

Exclusive: How to get the Chase IHG 80k + 5k + $50 offer (This Method Is Now Dead)

2017-03-17 2017-04-29 8 Comments

2017.4 Update: According to recent data points, this method is now dead. It worked for about 3 weeks. Chase IHG Credit Card has always been one of the best cards that we recommend to keep, mainly because you can receive an annual IHG Free Night without any category restrictions from the second year after paying $49 annual fee. Using the annual…
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Chase Summaries

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A Beginner’s Guide to Southwest Airlines (WN) Rapid Rewards Miles

2017-03-16 2017-09-14 3 Comments

Contents0. Introduction1. How Do I Earn Points?1.1. Flights1.2. Credit cards1.3. Shopping Portal1.4. Rapid Rewards Dining1.5. Partner Transfer2. How to Use Southwest Points3. Companion Pass3.1. What is it?3.2. How do I get it?3.3. Is there an easier way?3.4. How long can I brag?3.5. What if I get tired of my Companion?4. Miscellaneous4.1. Checked Luggage4.2. Boarding Procedure4.3. Expiration 0. Introduction Do you do a lot of domestic travel? If so,…
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Non Alliance Airlines

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Alliant Visa Signature Credit Card Review (2021.6 Update: 2.5% Cashback Card, No Annual Fee Now)

2017-03-15 2021-11-03 6 Comments

Alliant Visa Signature Card Review 2021.6 Update: The annual fee is 0 now! 2021.3 Update: There’s an upper limit for 2.5% cashback now. 2019.4 Update: The annual fee is increased from $59 to $99 now. ContentsApplication LinkBenefitsDisadvantagesHow to Join Alliant Credit UnionRecommended Application TimeSummaryRelated Credit CardsHistorical Offers ChartApplication Link Application Link Alliant Visa Signature Benefits Earn 2.5% cash back with…
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Other Banks

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