FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Possible to Join Smith Barney for 3x Redemption?
Old Feb 19, 2009 | 10:19 pm
  #30  
GrizShel
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Programs: AA Plat, UA Silver, DL Silver, Marriott Titanium, etc.
Posts: 4,214
Originally Posted by jeelele
So, it means that come next week and only Chairman card holders will be eligible for the higher cap, correct? If so, then I really have chance of being eligible for the higher cap. Didn't really expect such a behavior from them. They are playing dirty! I am loosing faith (whatever little was remaining) in them. I think I am done with them. I have given them enough business over last several years and its sad to see such a situation. Time to move on and look for another card provider that would value my business.
Although if you had pressed me I would have guessed they would have held the line on further instant devaluations, I have felt there was some significant risk nonetheless because of the way Citi runs their business and the panic among the bean counters with the high rate of redemptions now. That's why I booked as soon as I could get my ducks in a row, I recommend others do so as well. I chatted with a typ booking agent for a while about th extraordinarily high rate of redemptions they have had recently. Volume of calls is way up - hence the long hold times we are experiencing.

I've amended my viewpoint somewhat now, and I think there is a measurable risk they'll do some further devaluations or cut off the fixed point redemptions before Feb. 28. I also would recommend that if you don't get the answer you want hang up and call again; call during differnent staff shifts as well. If you get a 3x offer, book immediately, even if it's not an ideal value for you; when you find a flight that works well for you, call and book it immediately, don't wait.
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