Planning Alaska Vacay-which credit card/mileage program?
Nov 7, 2017, 2:31 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: Southwest
Posts: 2
Planning Alaska Vacay-which credit card/mileage program?
Newbie and first post for me.
I'm planning a vacay to Alaska this coming year, there is so much information I'm trying to weigh and consider and I'm new (earlier this year) to all of this.
Some credit card sign-up bonuses are expiring soon, so I'm looking for quick info.
I am a leisure traveler, I fly a couple times a year on average, always with 2 kids and often my husband. I'm looking to minimize my cost for traveling to Alaska this Summer.
I currently hold 2 Southwest credit cards and have the companion pass, with 74k points left to use.
I'm based in North Houston.
I figured I'd use that SW points to fly to Seattle, then fly a different airline from Seattle to Anchorage.
TIA!
I'm planning a vacay to Alaska this coming year, there is so much information I'm trying to weigh and consider and I'm new (earlier this year) to all of this.
Some credit card sign-up bonuses are expiring soon, so I'm looking for quick info.
I am a leisure traveler, I fly a couple times a year on average, always with 2 kids and often my husband. I'm looking to minimize my cost for traveling to Alaska this Summer.
I currently hold 2 Southwest credit cards and have the companion pass, with 74k points left to use.
I'm based in North Houston.
I figured I'd use that SW points to fly to Seattle, then fly a different airline from Seattle to Anchorage.
TIA!
Nov 7, 2017, 3:12 pm
#2
Moderator, OneWorld
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: SEA
Programs: RAA RIP; AA ExEXP
Posts: 11,802
Newbie and first post for me.
I'm planning a vacay to Alaska this coming year, there is so much information I'm trying to weigh and consider and I'm new (earlier this year) to all of this.
Some credit card sign-up bonuses are expiring soon, so I'm looking for quick info.
I am a leisure traveler, I fly a couple times a year on average, always with 2 kids and often my husband. I'm looking to minimize my cost for traveling to Alaska this Summer.
I currently hold 2 Southwest credit cards and have the companion pass, with 74k points left to use.
I'm based in North Houston.
I figured I'd use that SW points to fly to Seattle, then fly a different airline from Seattle to Anchorage.
TIA!
I'm planning a vacay to Alaska this coming year, there is so much information I'm trying to weigh and consider and I'm new (earlier this year) to all of this.
Some credit card sign-up bonuses are expiring soon, so I'm looking for quick info.
I am a leisure traveler, I fly a couple times a year on average, always with 2 kids and often my husband. I'm looking to minimize my cost for traveling to Alaska this Summer.
I currently hold 2 Southwest credit cards and have the companion pass, with 74k points left to use.
I'm based in North Houston.
I figured I'd use that SW points to fly to Seattle, then fly a different airline from Seattle to Anchorage.
TIA!
Look at the Alaska Airlines Visa card. 30K miles at signup, annual $99 companion certificate (1 pax pays the going price, the other pays $99 + taxes, usually $121 all in.) Good on any trip (AS metal only.)
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit...s-credit-card/
Nov 8, 2017, 10:30 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
Just wanted to set your expectations on award travel. As you're planning this ahead of time you should be aware that awards generally open up ~330 days before travel. Alaska will be a more difficult destination to get to due to its popularity & limited routings when compared to other destinations.
WN's awards are price based which is different than the big 3 award programs which are set miles for domestic US flights by Saver level, Standard level and with AA "Anytime" awards. Finding 1 seat would be good, 2 would be a blessing and if you find all 3-4 you should play every lotto game possible.
WN's awards are price based which is different than the big 3 award programs which are set miles for domestic US flights by Saver level, Standard level and with AA "Anytime" awards. Finding 1 seat would be good, 2 would be a blessing and if you find all 3-4 you should play every lotto game possible.
Nov 8, 2017, 11:00 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SMF
Posts: 1,251
I'd highly recommend jetBlue. We've done the same thing as you for the past two years, using WN Rapid Rewards points to get to SEA or PDX, and then flying jetBlue from SEA or PDX to ANC. For the past two years jetBlue has had flights in early June and late August-September for $78, or around 4000 points. If you buy early enough you can also get flights for around $99 each way the rest of the year.
There has been an offer for 40,000 jetBlue miles. I'm not sure if it's still around, but that's what I'd recommend. Delta also regularly has flights for 7,500 miles from SEA to ANC and FAI, so that may be an option.
There has been an offer for 40,000 jetBlue miles. I'm not sure if it's still around, but that's what I'd recommend. Delta also regularly has flights for 7,500 miles from SEA to ANC and FAI, so that may be an option.