Originally Posted by
belfordrocks
Nobody's saying that it isn't a killer deal... but it is in no way, shape or form "free" and therefore should not be marketed as such.
I've got your point. But then the question is what exactly is travel.
Two expenses you can't avoid on the road are transportation and lodging. Both can be had on miles and points. Everything else is, strictly speaking, optional.
Don't want to pay for tours -- don't. Read a lot of books, contact locals beforehabd and ask them to show you around.
Food? You still eat out even when not traveling. Not as much, granted, but one can always buy packaged food at a supermarket or grocery. Breakfast is often acheivable with status, and same holds true for snacks and drinks at the lounge.
What else is there? Souvenirs? Come on!
Even the free ride to the airport can be arranged if you ask a buddy or relative to take you there. And a rental can be had on points too. Not the best use of points, but it's easy and doable.
So, it all comes down to one thing: airline taxes. Taxes are inevitable. Yet, unbelievably enough, even that can often be taken care of by applying for the right kind of card with a statement credit.
Leisure travel is fun and some people will argue that having fun while staying home ain't free either. Some folks have expensive habits. Go clubbing in NYC or South Beach and tell me how cheap it is. Even small ticket items like having a cold one with friends, bowling alleyes, movie theaters -- things you routinely do at home without thinking twice cost money. Honestly, no grownup out there will expect to be able to go on a "free trip" without a wallet. What you, guys, demand here is the absolutely highest and improbable level of disclosure that nobody from any industry in the world will ever adhere to.