is it really that bad?
#16
Suspended
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: Count Your Blessings
Posts: 1,548
One perk I have not seen much discussion on is access to airport lounges.
While the list is not that extensive, with many lounges land-side to boot, still the availability of lounge access is a nice benefit.
Unless this is going away, too.
While the list is not that extensive, with many lounges land-side to boot, still the availability of lounge access is a nice benefit.
Unless this is going away, too.
#17
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,686
Originally Posted by elgringito
Since I have not heard of any other card offering the one month deferral as a recurring (as opposed to promotional) benefit, there is no alternative. Therefore cancelling the card simply means you will then move to utilization of another card which also does not have the benefit.
My sacrifice is for primary coverage on domestic rentals. I'm just not sure that's worth $95/year. Perhaps if I'd had an accident that caused my insurance to pay out in the last 15 years I'd feel differently about having to make a claim against it, but right now I'm not so sure.
Admittedly, I made a lot from Diner's coverage including Ireland, and the loss of it makes me sad. It made Diner's a slam dunk no-brainer until now.
Steve
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,504
Originally Posted by KMHT FF
One perk I have not seen much discussion on is access to airport lounges.
While the list is not that extensive, with many lounges land-side to boot, still the availability of lounge access is a nice benefit.
Unless this is going away, too.
While the list is not that extensive, with many lounges land-side to boot, still the availability of lounge access is a nice benefit.
Unless this is going away, too.
#19
Join Date: May 2004
Location: California
Programs: Diners Club, Hertz, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, Le Meridien, National
Posts: 149
Originally Posted by sllevin
True, but I have other cards (Starwood AMEX) that does not cost $95/year. And my big expenses (air/hotel/car) are pretty much all universally AMEX. And again (this is for me) Starwood redemption is asgood as Diners (without the charges to redeem!).
My sacrifice is for primary coverage on domestic rentals. I'm just not sure that's worth $95/year. Perhaps if I'd had an accident that caused my insurance to pay out in the last 15 years I'd feel differently about having to make a claim against it, but right now I'm not so sure.
Admittedly, I made a lot from Diner's coverage including Ireland, and the loss of it makes me sad. It made Diner's a slam dunk no-brainer until now.
Steve
My sacrifice is for primary coverage on domestic rentals. I'm just not sure that's worth $95/year. Perhaps if I'd had an accident that caused my insurance to pay out in the last 15 years I'd feel differently about having to make a claim against it, but right now I'm not so sure.
Admittedly, I made a lot from Diner's coverage including Ireland, and the loss of it makes me sad. It made Diner's a slam dunk no-brainer until now.
Steve
They would make the car reservation with the additional $24.95 fee for primary rental coverage. When they turned in the rental car, and if there were no accidents to claim, they would give another card (Visa, MC, etc.) for payment.
#20
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lodi, CA
Posts: 592
Originally Posted by Kixo
While I don't advocate this practice, here's how Amex users have gotten the peace of mind of the primary rental car insurance coverage, without paying for it:
They would make the car reservation with the additional $24.95 fee for primary rental coverage. When they turned in the rental car, and if there were no accidents to claim, they would give another card (Visa, MC, etc.) for payment.
They would make the car reservation with the additional $24.95 fee for primary rental coverage. When they turned in the rental car, and if there were no accidents to claim, they would give another card (Visa, MC, etc.) for payment.
#22
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lodi, CA
Posts: 592
Originally Posted by wanaflyforless
If it weren't for this Mastercard alliance, I would have dropped my DC a long time ago. Now I will keep - flexible rewards at places that don't take Amex.
#23
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K GS, Marriott LT Titanium, Hilton Gold, Avis Chairman, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 637
Originally Posted by maulah
Wow! you are the first person who appreciates this merger. Infact this is the one thing that demotes them from the status of elite alien species to the level of commoner. (Even dogs are approved for MC). It is like steping on the cat's tail. Dont you get it.
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: BA/AA/AS/B6/WN/ UA/HH/MR and more like 'em but most felicitously & importantly MUCCI
Posts: 19,712
Originally Posted by Kyle53719
Whether there is going to be more DC Mastercards in circulation should not affect the quality of service or benefits associated with the card...
While I take shots at Mastercard for being pre-approved for dogs, etc., the fact is that merging DC and MC is at least dumb brand management. You can't put a premium brand on a basic chassis and claim it's still a premium product, 'cos nobody buys it. Cadillac, to cite one example, almost got wiped out that way.
#25
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K GS, Marriott LT Titanium, Hilton Gold, Avis Chairman, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 637
Originally Posted by BearX220
What?? Of course it will. DC as a stand-alone product was known for a higher level of personal service that made it a better product than American Express and a FAR better product than a standard-issue Mastercard. DC as a Mastercard variant loses that edge, but they don't intend to charge any less for it.
While I take shots at Mastercard for being pre-approved for dogs, etc., the fact is that merging DC and MC is at least dumb brand management. You can't put a premium brand on a basic chassis and claim it's still a premium product, 'cos nobody buys it. Cadillac, to cite one example, almost got wiped out that way.
While I take shots at Mastercard for being pre-approved for dogs, etc., the fact is that merging DC and MC is at least dumb brand management. You can't put a premium brand on a basic chassis and claim it's still a premium product, 'cos nobody buys it. Cadillac, to cite one example, almost got wiped out that way.
You are right thought that the DC brand has diluted itself with the Mastercard alliance due to the loss of some central benefits and the new poorly management customer service.
#26
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Lodi, CA
Posts: 592
Originally Posted by Kyle53719
You are right thought that the DC brand has diluted itself with the Mastercard alliance due to the loss of some central benefits and the new poorly management customer service.
Customer service is still the same atleast to my personal experience. Has any one noticed any change. Why has everyone presumed in advance ahead of time, poorly management customer serive?