MilesBuzz! - I'm new here. How do I get into the miles game?

:confused:
I have recently become enticed by seeing YouTube videos of regular people jetting around the world in First and Business Class. They strut into luxurious lounges in airports around the world like they're regulars, enjoying massages, upscale buffets and fine liquors before their flight.
It's a mystery to me how working-class people can routinely enjoy such indulgences.
A recent search I did on Bookingbuddy.com for a first class flight from New York to Bangkok quoted me a staggering $11,000+! Do people actually pay these prices?
Apparently not.
It seems that they have become fluent in playing the 'miles game', which is the reason I am posting this.
How do I become one of these people who rarely flies in coach? I have read several articles about how to do this, but I still don't see how I can possibly earn enough miles for even one international Business Class flight within a reasonable time frame, let alone routinely fly this way.
I fly about twice a year to international destinations. All of these international destinations have been in Economy Class. The last flight I was on was almost 16 hours long in a cramped seat in which I thought I was going to die. I'm tired of seeing other people sitting up front and actually getting a good night's sleep on a comfortable flat bed.
I live in Brooklyn, New York. I plan on visiting the following countries within the next 3 years: Egypt, India, Russia, Argentina, Germany, Italy and Columbia.
Based on the info I've given you, what do you suggest I do? Which credit card should I get?
I currently have a few 'cash-back' credit cards that pay me 1% per dollar spent. I know I can probably do better with miles, but I just don't know where to start.
Final point: Should I pick just one airline (or alliance) that has a hub in my area, get their best credit card offer, and use the card for everything I buy? Is it this simple, or am I missing something?

Welcome to FT!

It is certainly doable. I discovered this sit in 2008 and have spent most of my time in business class ever since.

If I were you I would spend some time in the Trip Reports section. That will help to motivate you firther and figure out which airlines you prefer to fly.

Based on your destinations Star Alliance might be you best option.

Best thing for you to do is focus one one Alliance gather miles wit on airline's program.

Apply for as many credit cards bonus miles as possible.
This threat started a few days ago, has the most recent good offers:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/1368244-what-type-miles-points-work-next.html

As already mentioned, the best way to get a lot of miles quickly is through credit card bonus offers. Pay attention to these boards to stay up to date on the best possible bonus offers. Do NOT rely on the bonus offers at a bank's website, as they are often much worse than what you can find here.

There are other ways to earn lots of miles (e.g. inflate your spend through different mechanisms such as gift card churning, paying for friends' expenses, so on and so forth), but bonuses will get you the most miles quickly.

Never pay cash unless you have to or the surcharge for CC is too high.

Shop using rewards portals.

As far as paid travel, stick to one airline. This will allow you to get status and earn butt-in-seat miles in the same program. For credit cards, don't limit yourself to one carrier. Get as many offers as you can get, but just put your day-to-day spend on a card that links to your preferred alliance (which will likely be the Sapphire Preferred card, if I had to guess).

Maybe I'm more blunt and to the point, but here's my advise.

Read. A lot. And only ask intelligent questions. Then read some more.

read, read, read....find the search button, it is your friend.
All your questions have been asked and answered many times.
There is a glossary under the help tab to figure out acronyms and flyerspeak.
Your closest airport has a dominant airline, read everything about its program (how to earn and use points, status, upgrades) credit card bonuses get you started with more points than you could earn flying, unless you fly for business. Learn which ones will give you points in that dominant airline mentioned above. Dont forget to seach out other ways to earn miles in that program as well...most are listed on the airlines site under ways to earn or partners...renting cars, hotel stays, even utilities in certain states, netflix subscriptions, direct tv, surveys, facebook, contests....every little bit helps and it all adds up.
That reminds me to check and see if AA gave me my 20,000 points for signing up to direct tv...I gave up a $60 rebate to be eligible for the signup bonus... so as long as I follow up and make sure i get them it is like getting 20,000 AA miles for $60.
Once you figure out the value of miles you won't mind passing up on a $60 rebate to get 20,000 miles. AA miles are good for flights, hotel rooms, rental cars and other stuff as well.
Welcome to the fun. Once you get a months worth of reading done, if you don't give up, you will probably become obsessed with points like the rest of us here.

Maybe I'm more blunt and to the point, but here's my advise.

Read. A lot. And only ask intelligent questions. Then read some more.

There is no such thing as a stupid question. But there are a lot of inquisitive idiots.

i got into this whole "game" so to speak early last year as we fly from the east coast to hawaii every year for our family vacation and freediving training and honestly I got sick and tired of sitting in coach (being 6"4)
Now I am a miles addict :)

Pick an alliance and try to stick to it. for me it has been AA as my hub is miami.
Then look at all the partners available. myself BA and AA have been great for miles redemption.

Sure do you use the airlines cards, but also look into Amex and Chase UR cards... bets bet at this point is search and read :)

Nothing else matters unless you pay off your credit card bills in full on time every month. Otherwise the fees and interest far exceed the value of the miles you earn. That is the key. Not just good credit. Lots of people have good credit. Good credit with NO debt so that you can pay the cards off every month. Otherwise you ARE paying $11K for your ticket, just slowly, drop by drop, in fees. You probably know this but just in case you are wondering why no one you know is doing this...that's why.

I can't get friends or family members to do this because they fall in two classes -- people who will run up their credit cards to the maximum of any credit limit they are offered (thus, it is just hurting them to urge them to get another card) and the cautious ones who are debt-free because they have a natural caution about life which normally protects them but in this case interferes with their ability to try something that sounds hinky or unusual.

It is a rare person who has the good sense to be debt free yet the willingness to step outside the box and play the app a rama game. You need to be both creative and yet very well organized.

Yes, the others here are giving good advice but before you read, think, choose, and discuss...analyze yourself carefully and decide if you really have the character to take on this hobby. You could be Albert Einstein and fail this simple hobby, because absent minded genius is not required -- being able to pay bills on time and comply w. silly gimmicks is required. Yet if you are too much the accountant, you would never follow through on this in the first place. Good luck and happy hunting.

Nothing else matters unless you pay off your credit card bills in full on time every month. Otherwise the fees and interest far exceed the value of the miles you earn. That is the key. Not just good credit. Lots of people have good credit. Good credit with NO debt so that you can pay the cards off every month. Otherwise you ARE paying $11K for your ticket, just slowly, drop by drop, in fees. You probably know this but just in case you are wondering why no one you know is doing this...that's why.

I can't get friends or family members to do this because they fall in two classes -- people who will run up their credit cards to the maximum of any credit limit they are offered (thus, it is just hurting them to urge them to get another card) and the cautious ones who are debt-free because they have a natural caution about life which normally protects them but in this case interferes with their ability to try something that sounds hinky or unusual.

It is a rare person who has the good sense to be debt free yet the willingness to step outside the box and play the app a rama game. You need to be both creative and yet very well organized.

Yes, the others here are giving good advice but before you read, think, choose, and discuss...analyze yourself carefully and decide if you really have the character to take on this hobby. You could be Albert Einstein and fail this simple hobby, because absent minded genius is not required -- being able to pay bills on time and comply w. silly gimmicks is required. Yet if you are too much the accountant, you would never follow through on this in the first place. Good luck and happy hunting.

Peachfront raises a good point, which often goes unsaid because it is taken for granted. Never carry a balance on a credit card.

I've been playing this game for well over twenty years and all it takes is some dedication. You have to decide which programs are going to work best for you and maximize your efforts there. Anyone can get the occasional upgrade but in order to make it work for you, you need to decide which programs are going to give you the most bang for your buck, depending upon your situation.

Peachfront raises a good point, which often goes unsaid because it is taken for granted. Never carry a balance...

I play the card game at a moderate pace,
and always fly up front via signup bonus miles.

But I recently was denied due to NO balances.
I had prepaid them all before a vacation.
It took a call to reconsideration line to get approved,
the 50K points will be along soon...^

So yes, don't CARRY a balance,
but also don't be too quick to pay! :D

Arrgh - "How do I become one of these people who rarely flies in coach?"

I'm one of those people who regularly flies in coach, because I'm not special needs like so many of the up front DYKWIAers.:p And I have flown free to Egypt, India, Russia, Argentina, Germany, Italy and Columbia and 103 other countries (at least by TCC rules).

Start with a look over at the portfolio of offerings from Chase. These seem to be the easiest to use when manufacturing spend. Think I would go for a Sapphire and a United Explorer for starters. Then I would look at the Aegean gold card opportunity as the easiest path to status and lounge access.

And quit knocking us hard working coin haulers, paper flippers, plastic recyclers and transporters in coach.:D


:confused:
I have recently become enticed by seeing YouTube videos of regular people jetting around the world in First and Business Class. They strut into luxurious lounges in airports around the world like they're regulars, enjoying massages, upscale buffets and fine liquors before their flight.
It's a mystery to me how working-class people can routinely enjoy such indulgences.
A recent search I did on Bookingbuddy.com for a first class flight from New York to Bangkok quoted me a staggering $11,000+! Do people actually pay these prices?
Apparently not.
It seems that they have become fluent in playing the 'miles game', which is the reason I am posting this.
How do I become one of these people who rarely flies in coach? I have read several articles about how to do this, but I still don't see how I can possibly earn enough miles for even one international Business Class flight within a reasonable time frame, let alone routinely fly this way.
I fly about twice a year to international destinations. All of these international destinations have been in Economy Class. The last flight I was on was almost 16 hours long in a cramped seat in which I thought I was going to die. I'm tired of seeing other people sitting up front and actually getting a good night's sleep on a comfortable flat bed.
I live in Brooklyn, New York. I plan on visiting the following countries within the next 3 years: Egypt, India, Russia, Argentina, Germany, Italy and Columbia.
Based on the info I've given you, what do you suggest I do? Which credit card should I get?
I currently have a few 'cash-back' credit cards that pay me 1% per dollar spent. I know I can probably do better with miles, but I just don't know where to start.
Final point: Should I pick just one airline (or alliance) that has a hub in my area, get their best credit card offer, and use the card for everything I buy? Is it this simple, or am I missing something?

I am with Aloha. I am too cheap to fly F. The way I look at it is I can fly twice TATL in couch for the same cost of miles as 1 time in F. I was just talking with Mrs. rd and we feel bad that we can not stay in the cheaper travel lodges and such anymore. We started moving up in hotel quality and there is no looking back. I feel if we start crossing the curtain to the front of the tube we will never look back. This will make it harder to make the points/miles to do the travel that we want to. Plus we have never been a DYNWIA.
For my piece of advice. First read, read, read this forum and MP, that is where you will find the best, up to date points earning schemes. There are many ways to get points/miles and achieve the spends on the cards that you sign up for. Second, research your local airports and find out which airlines go in and out of them. Find out if there is a sign up deal before you sign up for them and sign on to all of their FF programs. Then find the cards that earn miles to those FF programs. Third, find the travel blogs that you can connect with and will help you understand the fastest easiest way to earn miles/points and keep tract of what they are posting. If you wish I can give you the ones that have helped me obtain >1,000,000 points/miles in 6 mths. Just PM me and I will give you my favorites.

And quit knocking us hard working coin haulers, paper flippers, plastic recyclers and transporters in coach.:D

And become versed at translating AlohaDaveKennedy's posts. They may seem mysterious at first glance (or second, or third, etc), but they contain some of the most useful info you'll find around here if you can crack the code.

Speaking of which, would love an AlohaDaveKennedy PM on how to maximize the SunTrust DL debit card. I just am not savvy enough to figure out your public clues.

Actually, while it's hard to say exactly how to get started in all this, I'd suggest starting with a specific goal in mind, albeit with the recognition that your goal(s) will evolve over time as you become better at all this. Maybe it's business class to FRA on Delta or maybe its a first class trip to HKG on Cathay. It doesn't really matter, just set a goal and start working toward that... And in the process you'll learn the process. Ok, I admit that sounds like some Jedi nonsense as I type this, but it's actually true in my opinion.

I is not "cheap.":p In a prior life I worked for an aircraft company and I prefer to sit in the sweet spot over the wing where there is less motion. Ditto on cruise ships I go for inside, midships, near the water level. Not to say I have not been in every class of cruiseship cabin and every seat in the house aboard planes, but when you travel long enough you have an appreciation for things that go bump in the night (or roll or pitch or rock or play elevator).:D

I am with Aloha. I am too cheap to fly F.

Arrgh! Websters defines Paper Flippers as folks who obtain 30 day CDs using credit card deposits or are the best debit card customers Western Union ever saw. Plastic Recyclers are those folks who recycle the same credit card over and over, typically for a sign on bonus for being a new customer (perhaps for the fifth or sixth time :p). Coinhaulers are defined as people who assist mints around the world with their inventory problems or assist with the coin flow in various luggage cart racks found in Germany. They typically have their luggage hand inspected because the rolls of coins they carry look alot like batteries. Transporters are defined as those people who make alot of money driving exotic sportscars to ports for transportation abroad then fly abroad to receive them at their freely provided residence so they remain titled in their name to avoid pesky import duties and fees for the purpose of making foreign politicians and mafia figures wives, daughters and mistresses happy with new toys.

Transporters make 6 digit salaries and do nothing but drive exotic cars and live in residences bought cash outright for their exclusive use, or so I've been told. Those kinda folk don't play DYKWIA up in first class.:cool:

And become versed at translating AlohaDaveKennedy's posts. They may seem mysterious at first glance (or second, or third, etc), but they contain some of the most useful info you'll find around here if you can crack the code.

Speaking of which, would love an AlohaDaveKennedy PM on how to maximize the SunTrust DL debit card. I just am not savvy enough to figure out your public clues.

Nothing else matters unless you pay off your credit card bills in full on time every month. Otherwise the fees and interest far exceed the value of the miles you earn. That is the key. Not just good credit. Lots of people have good credit. Good credit with NO debt so that you can pay the cards off every month. Otherwise you ARE paying $11K for your ticket, just slowly, drop by drop, in fees. You probably know this but just in case you are wondering why no one you know is doing this...that's why.

I can't get friends or family members to do this because they fall in two classes -- people who will run up their credit cards to the maximum of any credit limit they are offered (thus, it is just hurting them to urge them to get another card) and the cautious ones who are debt-free because they have a natural caution about life which normally protects them but in this case interferes with their ability to try something that sounds hinky or unusual.

It is a rare person who has the good sense to be debt free yet the willingness to step outside the box and play the app a rama game. You need to be both creative and yet very well organized.

Yes, the others here are giving good advice but before you read, think, choose, and discuss...analyze yourself carefully and decide if you really have the character to take on this hobby. You could be Albert Einstein and fail this simple hobby, because absent minded genius is not required -- being able to pay bills on time and comply w. silly gimmicks is required. Yet if you are too much the accountant, you would never follow through on this in the first place. Good luck and happy hunting.


Thanks for mentioning this, as many people stupidly earn miles, but pay exorbitant credit card interest rates.
I, myself, am not only debt-free, but I now have a six-figure net worth that was achieved purely by being thrifty and disciplined in my investing, so doing basic stuff like paying my cc bills in full every month is second nature to me.

Actually, while it's hard to say exactly how to get started in all this, I'd suggest starting with a specific goal in mind, albeit with the recognition that your goal(s) will evolve over time as you become better at all this. Maybe it's business class to FRA on Delta or maybe its a first class trip to HKG on Cathay. It doesn't really matter, just set a goal and start working toward that... And in the process you'll learn the process. Ok, I admit that sounds like some Jedi nonsense as I type this, but it's actually true in my opinion.

I did initially have a modest goal of flying on one intercontinental trip in Business Class, and use the Business Class lounge prior to my flight.

You may want to check out www.milevalue.com, he's starting a series on how to get started in this. So that may be just what you're looking for.

I is not "cheap.":p In a prior life I worked for an aircraft company and I prefer to sit in the sweet spot over the wing where there is less motion. Ditto on cruise ships I go for inside, midships, near the water level. Not to say I have not been in every class of cruiseship cabin and every seat in the house aboard planes, but when you travel long enough you have an appreciation for things that go bump in the night (or roll or pitch or rock or play elevator).:D

I am also a coach flyer for the same reasons some have already posted.
It takes time to accrue miles and then it seems more practical to use the miles for 2 people in coach or for 2 separate trips than to use it for 1 tix in Biz or 1st just for myself. I don't have a business so spending on cards to build miles can be an issue along with many cards are NOT churnable for more bonus sign on miles in the near future. So miles are precious to me and I want to use it in the best way possible for myself (and the family). You can sit in comfort in F for a few hours or for the same miles have someone share your trip with you. Just my thoughts

Thanks for mentioning this, as many people stupidly earn miles, but pay exorbitant credit card interest rates.
I, myself, am not only debt-free, but I now have a six-figure net worth that was achieved purely by being thrifty and disciplined in my investing, so doing basic stuff like paying my cc bills in full every month is second nature to me.

With no debt and a great income you are very well positioned, indeed. For now, focus on credit card sign up bonuses ONLY. Apply for 5-6 cards at a time every 4-6 months depending on your level of comfort. Do not apply for more than 2 cards from the same issuer at the same time and use two-browser trick for Citi when doing so. Diversify between airline, hotel and general reward card programs. Do NOT BE LOYAL to any one particular airline or hotel chain. Learn which cards are churnable (they all are, just the wait time differs, from 3 months to 2 years). Do this and you will soon be flying in business and stay in 5* hotels for free anywhere!

And do not play the status game if you are just a casual traveler. Not worth it, IMHO.

If it's free lounge access you're after, they are also easy. Search for Sky Guide on this forum or PM for more info.

It's always nice to meet another Brooklynite.:D Good luck!