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-   -   Airlines vs. general points programs (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credit-card-programs/524701-airlines-vs-general-points-programs.html)

Brian2006 Feb 9, 2006 2:28 pm
Airlines vs. general points programs
 
I've been using UA's Mileage Plus Visa card for several years, racking up more than 100K points a year. I was rarely able to use the points on a "saver" basis. Too many blackouts and too few seats when I needed to fly. So, I finally started using the points for "standard" trips - pretty expensive way to go.

I'm wondering about the programs from Chase, Wells Fargo and others that say you can use their points on multiple airlines and avoid blackouts as well as a lot of seat limits - but still fly domestic for 25,000 and some international for 40,000. They limit the points to 60,000 a year. Other than that, are there any other catches anyone can mention? Thanks.

UpgradeMe Feb 9, 2006 3:13 pm
There are lots of catches, and lots of existing threads discussing those catches. I suggest a search for "fake" miles.

Ken in Phx Feb 10, 2006 12:55 am
Originally Posted by Brian2006
I've been using UA's Mileage Plus Visa card for several years, racking up more than 100K points a year. I was rarely able to use the points on a "saver" basis. Too many blackouts and too few seats when I needed to fly. So, I finally started using the points for "standard" trips - pretty expensive way to go.
I think your problem with redeeming miles was that you "needed to fly".. Redemption at "saver" rates are best used when you cna be flexible. Having said that, I've never had a serious problem redeeming for "cheaper flights" I have used United for 10 tickets spanning 4 different trips. I havent found than any mroe difficult than the other airlines.

Ken in Phx

RogueViator Mar 6, 2006 3:52 pm
Originally Posted by Brian2006
I've been using UA's Mileage Plus Visa card for several years, racking up more than 100K points a year. I was rarely able to use the points on a "saver" basis. Too many blackouts and too few seats when I needed to fly. So, I finally started using the points for "standard" trips - pretty expensive way to go.

I'm wondering about the programs from Chase, Wells Fargo and others that say you can use their points on multiple airlines and avoid blackouts as well as a lot of seat limits - but still fly domestic for 25,000 and some international for 40,000. They limit the points to 60,000 a year. Other than that, are there any other catches anyone can mention? Thanks.
I have a VISA that earns me general points ($1 = 1 point) but to earn travel benefits it's 100 points for ever $1 (ie. 10,000 points = $100 ticket). I've checked my current program and I can't use my points to buy upgrades or access to Lounges. If you do the math, before I can redeem a free Cattle Class ticket, I'd need to spend over $1,000,000 on my CC nevermind an FC ticket. If you have something similar to this, I suggest taking a look at other types of cards such as BA VISA or Cathay Pacific VISA (I think Asia Miles are easier to redeem).

21A Mar 9, 2006 12:19 pm
Originally Posted by RogueViator
I have a VISA that earns me general points ($1 = 1 point) but to earn travel benefits it's 100 points for ever $1 (ie. 10,000 points = $100 ticket).
At this rate, you might want to consider a card that simply gives 1% cash back - then you have the money in the bank and can decide what to do with it when. http://www.citibank.com/canada/cards...erview_enr.htm is one possibility

RogueViator Mar 11, 2006 9:01 am
Originally Posted by 21A
At this rate, you might want to consider a card that simply gives 1% cash back - then you have the money in the bank and can decide what to do with it when. http://www.citibank.com/canada/cards...erview_enr.htm is one possibility
That's certainly a possibility. I'm quite dissatisfied with my current CC despite having Gold Preferred status (which is similar to being labelled as the best ice skater is the sub-Saharan region). I'm seriously considering either Cathay's AsiaMiles VISA or BA VISA as all I'm really after is the travel points. Unfortunately, United Mileage Plus VISA isn't offered up here (though from what I've heard they're not exactly a suitable program for me either).


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