Newbie Questions
Jan 8, 2017 | 10:58 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 100
Newbie Questions
Hey everyone,
Let me start out by saying Im a newbie when it comes to points, collecting them etc. I have a couple questions that Im hoping I can get good answers to on here.
Let me say my only rewards card right now is the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and I just got it. I started with this card because the consensus seemed to be that it was the best. I also spend a lot on dining and travel several times a year so it makes sense for me.
My goals as far as traveling are really to travel business and first class for international trips and less about simply traveling more.
So I have a couple questions I am hoping to get some answers to:
1. Seems like the Chase Freedom card would be a good option to build extra points with their categories. Is there any downside to applying for one so soon after applying and receiving the Sapphire Reserve I got??
2. I would like to go to Europe after the summer this year, probably starting in Rome, I am in Houston. Im sure theres a number of airlines that go there, but how can I fully explore all my options that I can use my UR points for? For example, looking at Uniteds website they also have flights from Lufthansa while Lufthansa isnt listed as one of the 11 UR transfer partners. I think I read somewhere also that British Airways was used to book on some airlines as well with Avios or UR points transferred into Avios. How can I work out these details?
3. Do the transfer partners let you pay part points and part credit card for example? i.e. if a fare is cheap in either points or $$, is it reflected in the other?
4. For the many specials I see with cheap economy fares on sites like The Points Guy, does this mean that typically the business or first class options are normal price, or can one make an assumption that there are deals to be had for business / first on these flights as well?
5. I own a small business and I would love a card with bonus points for things like mechanics, maintenance etc since its transportation related. I havent seen any of these but there seems to be some options for gas bonuses. Obviously theres the Ink business cards and then there is the AMEX simply cash card which would give 3X on fuel, theres also the Gold Amex for 3x on fuel. However, I am leaning away from getting another premium card with a high yearly fee since I just got one. What suggestions do people have? I would be looking for something that gives Membership Rewards Points
6. I hear good things about the SPG starwood points, however the card seems to only give bonuses on hotel stays which I dont think I would spend a lot on in a year. Am I missing something is the fact that that even at 1X they are still valuable and I should try and earn them?
7. MY goal with diversifying my points is so I have different options for airlines to transfer them to and to make sure I am getting the most benefit for my current spending habits. After UR what point currency would be a good option for me to concentrate on?
8. Next year in 2018 I would like to goto New Zealand & Australia. Since this is obviously a long flight, I would like to have a game plan formulated for flying at a minimum business but preferably first class. I am open to dates, so Im not limited by going at a certain time of year. While there are some options via UR points Im curious if anyone has suggestions of other point programs and airlines.
9. I have some property taxes due this month, to pay with a credit card will cost me an additional 2.15%. However, I know in some instances points can be worth more than that when redeeming. Whats everyones thoughts on doing this?
10. How can I go about beginning to look for dates and good deals for redemption for business or first class flights?
11. I have heard of excursions, basically extended layovers where you can stay in a location for a certain time and then continue on to another destination without extra cost. Can someone explain how this works and what its limitations are?
12. Should I go ahead and create frequent flyer accounts for the transfer partners that UR uses now so I dont have to worry about it later?
Sorry for this lengthy post. I am new to this and so I naturally have a lot of questions and I would appreciate peoples input on these questions.
Thanks!
Let me start out by saying Im a newbie when it comes to points, collecting them etc. I have a couple questions that Im hoping I can get good answers to on here.
Let me say my only rewards card right now is the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and I just got it. I started with this card because the consensus seemed to be that it was the best. I also spend a lot on dining and travel several times a year so it makes sense for me.
My goals as far as traveling are really to travel business and first class for international trips and less about simply traveling more.
So I have a couple questions I am hoping to get some answers to:
1. Seems like the Chase Freedom card would be a good option to build extra points with their categories. Is there any downside to applying for one so soon after applying and receiving the Sapphire Reserve I got??
2. I would like to go to Europe after the summer this year, probably starting in Rome, I am in Houston. Im sure theres a number of airlines that go there, but how can I fully explore all my options that I can use my UR points for? For example, looking at Uniteds website they also have flights from Lufthansa while Lufthansa isnt listed as one of the 11 UR transfer partners. I think I read somewhere also that British Airways was used to book on some airlines as well with Avios or UR points transferred into Avios. How can I work out these details?
3. Do the transfer partners let you pay part points and part credit card for example? i.e. if a fare is cheap in either points or $$, is it reflected in the other?
4. For the many specials I see with cheap economy fares on sites like The Points Guy, does this mean that typically the business or first class options are normal price, or can one make an assumption that there are deals to be had for business / first on these flights as well?
5. I own a small business and I would love a card with bonus points for things like mechanics, maintenance etc since its transportation related. I havent seen any of these but there seems to be some options for gas bonuses. Obviously theres the Ink business cards and then there is the AMEX simply cash card which would give 3X on fuel, theres also the Gold Amex for 3x on fuel. However, I am leaning away from getting another premium card with a high yearly fee since I just got one. What suggestions do people have? I would be looking for something that gives Membership Rewards Points
6. I hear good things about the SPG starwood points, however the card seems to only give bonuses on hotel stays which I dont think I would spend a lot on in a year. Am I missing something is the fact that that even at 1X they are still valuable and I should try and earn them?
7. MY goal with diversifying my points is so I have different options for airlines to transfer them to and to make sure I am getting the most benefit for my current spending habits. After UR what point currency would be a good option for me to concentrate on?
8. Next year in 2018 I would like to goto New Zealand & Australia. Since this is obviously a long flight, I would like to have a game plan formulated for flying at a minimum business but preferably first class. I am open to dates, so Im not limited by going at a certain time of year. While there are some options via UR points Im curious if anyone has suggestions of other point programs and airlines.
9. I have some property taxes due this month, to pay with a credit card will cost me an additional 2.15%. However, I know in some instances points can be worth more than that when redeeming. Whats everyones thoughts on doing this?
10. How can I go about beginning to look for dates and good deals for redemption for business or first class flights?
11. I have heard of excursions, basically extended layovers where you can stay in a location for a certain time and then continue on to another destination without extra cost. Can someone explain how this works and what its limitations are?
12. Should I go ahead and create frequent flyer accounts for the transfer partners that UR uses now so I dont have to worry about it later?
Sorry for this lengthy post. I am new to this and so I naturally have a lot of questions and I would appreciate peoples input on these questions.
Thanks!
Jan 12, 2017 | 12:13 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,777
Welcome to FT, you're going to learn a lot. My answers are in bold
1. Seems like the Chase Freedom card would be a good option to build extra points with their categories. Is there any downside to applying for one so soon after applying and receiving the Sapphire Reserve I got??
Chase has a 5 applications in 24 months rule so that could be an issue or not for you. It'll also be another hardpull on your credit which is something you'll have to consider.
2. I would like to go to Europe after the summer this year, probably starting in Rome, I am in Houston. Im sure there’s a number of airlines that go there, but how can I fully explore all my options that I can use my UR points for? For example, looking at United’s website they also have flights from Lufthansa while Lufthansa isn’t listed as one of the 11 UR transfer partners. I think I read somewhere also that British Airways was used to book on some airlines as well with Avios or UR points transferred into Avios. How can I work out these details?
Each airline program has its own list of redemption partners and rates. If you were to transfer Chase UR points to UA's MileagePlus program you can then use those miles to redeem on UA and/or it's partners. You're a bit late to the game already for summer travel but it's still possible to do. Award travel opens about ~330 days before you wish to travel so people have a several month jump on you. You'll have to earn the points, find the availability and book what is available.
3. Do the transfer partners let you pay part points and part credit card for example? i.e. if a fare is cheap in either points or $$, is it reflected in the other?
Each airline & program has it's own rules on this. In many programs the redemption rate is based on a chart based on departure & destination not distance or dollars but some do offer a cash+points payment option
4. For the many specials I see with cheap economy fares on sites like The Points Guy, does this mean that typically the business or first class options are normal price, or can one make an assumption that there are deals to be had for business / first on these flights as well?
You can never assume either way. You just have to check. Here on FT and some other sites they do have a Premium fare special section.
5. I own a small business and I would love a card with bonus points for things like mechanics, maintenance etc since it’s transportation related. I haven’t seen any of these but there seems to be some options for gas bonuses. Obviously there’s the Ink business cards and then there is the AMEX simply cash card which would give 3X on fuel, there’s also the Gold Amex for 3x on fuel. However, I am leaning away from getting another premium card with a high yearly fee since I just got one. What suggestions do people have? I would be looking for something that gives Membership Rewards Points
Can't help you there. You want MR but don't want a "high fee" card. You either have to pay or settle for the lower earnings. Right now I'd say stay with a Chase UR centric earning as you're very new to this. Once you've learned to crawl you can walk around.
6. I hear good things about the SPG starwood points, however the card seems to only give bonuses on hotel stays which I don’t think I would spend a lot on in a year. Am I missing something is the fact that that even at 1X they are still valuable and I should try and earn them?
The SPG card and it's soon to be related Marriott & Ritz Carlton cards are great for their transfer flexibility to airline programs & SPG redemptions but the earning rate as you said isn't great in general. It's great for those that stay at SPG properties. Getting an SPG card & a Marriott card (A chase card so watch that 5 in 24 rule) you can get a lot of points via the signup bonuses but it'll be kind of a loss in the end if you don't use the card or don't stay at those properties.
7. MY goal with diversifying my points is so I have different options for airlines to transfer them to and to make sure I am getting the most benefit for my current spending habits. After UR what point currency would be a good option for me to concentrate on?
I recomment to start off small and learn to maximize one program before you spread it around. You don't want to end up with 4 ponds of points that can't get you where you want instead of 1 or 2 big lakes worth.
8. Next year in 2018 I would like to goto New Zealand & Australia. Since this is obviously a long flight, I would like to have a game plan formulated for flying at a minimum business but preferably first class. I am open to dates, so Im not limited by going at a certain time of year. While there are some options via UR points Im curious if anyone has suggestions of other point programs and airlines.
This is where the two pools of points will probably come in handy. Using something like AA & UA points which each allow for 1 way awards. This gives you flexibility on getting to and from where you want to go with less constriction to availability as you have more redemption offers. Start planning as soon as availability opens.
9. I have some property taxes due this month, to pay with a credit card will cost me an additional 2.15%. However, I know in some instances points can be worth more than that when redeeming. What’s everyone’s thoughts on doing this?
This is dependent upon your view of value, need for points & how much you could earn. Some people use some services to pay all bills that charge fees but gain large amounts of points which they use for premium redemptions
10. How can I go about beginning to look for dates and “good deals” for redemption for business or first class flights?
Reading the stickies on the airline programs and airlines you wish to fly.
11. I have heard of excursions, basically extended layovers where you can stay in a location for a certain time and then continue on to another destination without extra cost. Can someone explain how this works and what it’s limitations are?
There are layovers, stopovers & open jaw options. A layover is generally less than 24 hours in an area and some programs/airlines allow for anywhere from none to several during a trip. A stopover is usually a few days in one area before continuing on your path to your destination. Some programs allow these and others charge fees and some do not allow for these. An open jaw ticket is when you fly for example JFK-LHR and then BCN-JFK and you arrange travel between the two cities on your own.
12. Should I go ahead and create frequent flyer accounts for the transfer partners that UR uses now so I don’t have to worry about it later?
You can/should make accounts with the program you determine to help you best redeem and also those that are good for searching. For Star Alliance airlines people often use UA & AC's programs to search for award availability. I like UA & NH myself. For OneWorld the search limitations go further. AA is good for some, BA is good for others. Latam availability can be difficult to find so getting an account with them can help if you're going to South American just for searching. For Skyteam I use AF & DL for searching.
Sorry for this lengthy post. I am new to this and so I naturally have a lot of questions and I would appreciate peoples’ input on these questions.
Thanks![/QUOTE]
There is a glossary under the "help" section of FT that can help you with learning the jargon used here and in air travel.
1. Seems like the Chase Freedom card would be a good option to build extra points with their categories. Is there any downside to applying for one so soon after applying and receiving the Sapphire Reserve I got??
Chase has a 5 applications in 24 months rule so that could be an issue or not for you. It'll also be another hardpull on your credit which is something you'll have to consider.
2. I would like to go to Europe after the summer this year, probably starting in Rome, I am in Houston. Im sure there’s a number of airlines that go there, but how can I fully explore all my options that I can use my UR points for? For example, looking at United’s website they also have flights from Lufthansa while Lufthansa isn’t listed as one of the 11 UR transfer partners. I think I read somewhere also that British Airways was used to book on some airlines as well with Avios or UR points transferred into Avios. How can I work out these details?
Each airline program has its own list of redemption partners and rates. If you were to transfer Chase UR points to UA's MileagePlus program you can then use those miles to redeem on UA and/or it's partners. You're a bit late to the game already for summer travel but it's still possible to do. Award travel opens about ~330 days before you wish to travel so people have a several month jump on you. You'll have to earn the points, find the availability and book what is available.
3. Do the transfer partners let you pay part points and part credit card for example? i.e. if a fare is cheap in either points or $$, is it reflected in the other?
Each airline & program has it's own rules on this. In many programs the redemption rate is based on a chart based on departure & destination not distance or dollars but some do offer a cash+points payment option
4. For the many specials I see with cheap economy fares on sites like The Points Guy, does this mean that typically the business or first class options are normal price, or can one make an assumption that there are deals to be had for business / first on these flights as well?
You can never assume either way. You just have to check. Here on FT and some other sites they do have a Premium fare special section.
5. I own a small business and I would love a card with bonus points for things like mechanics, maintenance etc since it’s transportation related. I haven’t seen any of these but there seems to be some options for gas bonuses. Obviously there’s the Ink business cards and then there is the AMEX simply cash card which would give 3X on fuel, there’s also the Gold Amex for 3x on fuel. However, I am leaning away from getting another premium card with a high yearly fee since I just got one. What suggestions do people have? I would be looking for something that gives Membership Rewards Points
Can't help you there. You want MR but don't want a "high fee" card. You either have to pay or settle for the lower earnings. Right now I'd say stay with a Chase UR centric earning as you're very new to this. Once you've learned to crawl you can walk around.
6. I hear good things about the SPG starwood points, however the card seems to only give bonuses on hotel stays which I don’t think I would spend a lot on in a year. Am I missing something is the fact that that even at 1X they are still valuable and I should try and earn them?
The SPG card and it's soon to be related Marriott & Ritz Carlton cards are great for their transfer flexibility to airline programs & SPG redemptions but the earning rate as you said isn't great in general. It's great for those that stay at SPG properties. Getting an SPG card & a Marriott card (A chase card so watch that 5 in 24 rule) you can get a lot of points via the signup bonuses but it'll be kind of a loss in the end if you don't use the card or don't stay at those properties.
7. MY goal with diversifying my points is so I have different options for airlines to transfer them to and to make sure I am getting the most benefit for my current spending habits. After UR what point currency would be a good option for me to concentrate on?
I recomment to start off small and learn to maximize one program before you spread it around. You don't want to end up with 4 ponds of points that can't get you where you want instead of 1 or 2 big lakes worth.
8. Next year in 2018 I would like to goto New Zealand & Australia. Since this is obviously a long flight, I would like to have a game plan formulated for flying at a minimum business but preferably first class. I am open to dates, so Im not limited by going at a certain time of year. While there are some options via UR points Im curious if anyone has suggestions of other point programs and airlines.
This is where the two pools of points will probably come in handy. Using something like AA & UA points which each allow for 1 way awards. This gives you flexibility on getting to and from where you want to go with less constriction to availability as you have more redemption offers. Start planning as soon as availability opens.
9. I have some property taxes due this month, to pay with a credit card will cost me an additional 2.15%. However, I know in some instances points can be worth more than that when redeeming. What’s everyone’s thoughts on doing this?
This is dependent upon your view of value, need for points & how much you could earn. Some people use some services to pay all bills that charge fees but gain large amounts of points which they use for premium redemptions
10. How can I go about beginning to look for dates and “good deals” for redemption for business or first class flights?
Reading the stickies on the airline programs and airlines you wish to fly.
11. I have heard of excursions, basically extended layovers where you can stay in a location for a certain time and then continue on to another destination without extra cost. Can someone explain how this works and what it’s limitations are?
There are layovers, stopovers & open jaw options. A layover is generally less than 24 hours in an area and some programs/airlines allow for anywhere from none to several during a trip. A stopover is usually a few days in one area before continuing on your path to your destination. Some programs allow these and others charge fees and some do not allow for these. An open jaw ticket is when you fly for example JFK-LHR and then BCN-JFK and you arrange travel between the two cities on your own.
12. Should I go ahead and create frequent flyer accounts for the transfer partners that UR uses now so I don’t have to worry about it later?
You can/should make accounts with the program you determine to help you best redeem and also those that are good for searching. For Star Alliance airlines people often use UA & AC's programs to search for award availability. I like UA & NH myself. For OneWorld the search limitations go further. AA is good for some, BA is good for others. Latam availability can be difficult to find so getting an account with them can help if you're going to South American just for searching. For Skyteam I use AF & DL for searching.
Sorry for this lengthy post. I am new to this and so I naturally have a lot of questions and I would appreciate peoples’ input on these questions.
Thanks![/QUOTE]
There is a glossary under the "help" section of FT that can help you with learning the jargon used here and in air travel.
Jan 12, 2017 | 12:34 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,933
A very good reply above.
Also do not get sucked in by the frequent flyer blogs. They survive ($$$$) on your clicks.
Premium cabin awards USA - Australia - NZ are one the hardest to get. There are many threads on this topic, including 2 long AA threads. For example Qantas QF freq flyers can book 355 days out where as with AA its only 330 days. QF & AA are frequent flyer partners, so nominally the same (saver) award availability.
Have you flown long haul in a premium cabin, preferably on a non USA airline? Many people in USA seem to think first is like most USA domestic first class. It's not. Most USA domestic first class is closer to better premium economy/lesser business class on a good quality international airline. Business class is fine for 95% of people. Most Au/NZ-USA flights are overnight anyway.
Airlines that fly USA/Canada to/from Australia (not from all airports to all airports)
- American Airlines AA (LAX - SYD) [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner)
- Air Canada AC (YYR – SYD, BNE from Jun 2016) [Star Alliance]
- Air New Zealand NZ (LAX SFO IAH YVR via AKL) [Star Alliance]
- Air Tahiti Nui TN (LAX via Tahiti. Last segments on codeshares) (AA & DL partner)
- Delta DL (LAX – SYD) (VA & AS partner) [Skyteam Alliance]
- Fiji Airways FJ (LAX SFO HNL via Fiji) (QF, AA & AS partner)
- Hawaiian HA (HNL – SYD BNE via Hawaii) (AA & VA partner)
- Jetstar JQ JQ (HNL – SYD BNE)
- Qantas QF (LAX SFO JFK DFW HNL YVR*– SYD BNE MEL) [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner) {* seasonal}
- United UA (LAX SFO – SYD MEL) [Star Alliance]
- Virgin Australia VA (LAX – SYD BNE) (DL partner) MEL LAX restarting 4 April 2017
And others via Asia & Middle East
Airlines that fly USA/Canada to/from New Zealand are (not from all airports to all airports)
- American Airlines AA (LAX - AKL) from 23 June 2016 [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner)
- Air New Zealand NZ (LAX SFO IAH YVR - AKL)[Star Alliance]
- Air Tahiti Nui TN (LAX AKL via Tahiti) (AA & DL partner)
- Fiji Airways FJ (LAX SFO HNL via Fiji) (QF AA & AS partner)
- Hawaiian HA (HNL-AKL)(AA & VA partner)
- Qantas QF (via SYD BNE & MEL) [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner)
- United UA (SFO - AKL) from July 2016
- Virgin Australia VA (via BNE & SYD) (DL partner)
And others via Australia, Asia & Middle East
Are you a member of any ffp's now?
How much flying have you done?
Look here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
Also do not get sucked in by the frequent flyer blogs. They survive ($$$$) on your clicks.
8. Next year in 2018 I would like to go to New Zealand & Australia. Since this is obviously a long flight, I would like to have a game plan formulated for flying at a minimum business but preferably first class. I am open to dates, so I'm not limited by going at a certain time of year. While there are some options via UR points I'm curious if anyone has suggestions of other point programs and airlines.
Have you flown long haul in a premium cabin, preferably on a non USA airline? Many people in USA seem to think first is like most USA domestic first class. It's not. Most USA domestic first class is closer to better premium economy/lesser business class on a good quality international airline. Business class is fine for 95% of people. Most Au/NZ-USA flights are overnight anyway.
Airlines that fly USA/Canada to/from Australia (not from all airports to all airports)
- American Airlines AA (LAX - SYD) [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner)
- Air Canada AC (YYR – SYD, BNE from Jun 2016) [Star Alliance]
- Air New Zealand NZ (LAX SFO IAH YVR via AKL) [Star Alliance]
- Air Tahiti Nui TN (LAX via Tahiti. Last segments on codeshares) (AA & DL partner)
- Delta DL (LAX – SYD) (VA & AS partner) [Skyteam Alliance]
- Fiji Airways FJ (LAX SFO HNL via Fiji) (QF, AA & AS partner)
- Hawaiian HA (HNL – SYD BNE via Hawaii) (AA & VA partner)
- Jetstar JQ JQ (HNL – SYD BNE)
- Qantas QF (LAX SFO JFK DFW HNL YVR*– SYD BNE MEL) [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner) {* seasonal}
- United UA (LAX SFO – SYD MEL) [Star Alliance]
- Virgin Australia VA (LAX – SYD BNE) (DL partner) MEL LAX restarting 4 April 2017
And others via Asia & Middle East
Airlines that fly USA/Canada to/from New Zealand are (not from all airports to all airports)
- American Airlines AA (LAX - AKL) from 23 June 2016 [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner)
- Air New Zealand NZ (LAX SFO IAH YVR - AKL)[Star Alliance]
- Air Tahiti Nui TN (LAX AKL via Tahiti) (AA & DL partner)
- Fiji Airways FJ (LAX SFO HNL via Fiji) (QF AA & AS partner)
- Hawaiian HA (HNL-AKL)(AA & VA partner)
- Qantas QF (via SYD BNE & MEL) [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner)
- United UA (SFO - AKL) from July 2016
- Virgin Australia VA (via BNE & SYD) (DL partner)
And others via Australia, Asia & Middle East
Are you a member of any ffp's now?
How much flying have you done?
Look here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
Jan 13, 2017 | 8:16 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 1
Yoshi did an excellent job of answering your questions, and I completely agree with that response. In regard to The Points Guy and if fare deals generally apply to multiple classes of service, the answer is usually no. However, if you keep checking these sites you will notice business class deals like $1200-$1500 R/T US to Europe popping up every once in a while. These are rare, but they happen, are generally posted on here or other sites, and are an excellent opportunity to earn more miles since you are booking in a higher fare class.
If you haven't already, I would recommend reading the beginner guides on The Points Guy, One Mile at a Time, and Frugal Travel Guy. Combined, they should give you 90% of everything you need to know to make the most of this hobby/lifestyle.
As Mwenenzi said, the blogs thrive off your clicks. Over time, I have lost interest in trip reviews and other opinionated or non-useful posts and just browse this forum and The Flight Report for relevant news and cheap flights.
http://thepointsguy.com/beginners-guide/
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/whats-the-point/
http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/rookie-tips-and-faq
http://www.theflightreport.com/
If you haven't already, I would recommend reading the beginner guides on The Points Guy, One Mile at a Time, and Frugal Travel Guy. Combined, they should give you 90% of everything you need to know to make the most of this hobby/lifestyle.
As Mwenenzi said, the blogs thrive off your clicks. Over time, I have lost interest in trip reviews and other opinionated or non-useful posts and just browse this forum and The Flight Report for relevant news and cheap flights.
http://thepointsguy.com/beginners-guide/
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/whats-the-point/
http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/rookie-tips-and-faq
http://www.theflightreport.com/