With the years of experience represented on this board at getting the most out of mileage and points programs, I'm curious to know people's opionions on what are the absolute top tips and tricks?

Surely, one of them is reading the posts at FlyerTalk. What are the others?

It goes with yours, reading flyertalk - taking advantage of every offer that comes along immediatly, not waiting to pick a good time to go or anything like that, as it may be gone when youfinailly get around to it. Remember, the United deal to Paris lasted less then one hour.

Just wondering if there is any reason the exact same post is in two forums?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum95/HTML/001331.html

It's an interesting question, but 2x's?

Thanks for alerting us, cat333.

Well, perhaps if you had an email address in your profile, you *might* get some replys in person by some FT'ers who wished to share this with yo personally.

BUT, such a general question in this forum kinda looks like a "trolling" expedition fro who knows whom.

AND, no disrespect here, but do you realize what you're asking? We have the WSJ and others trying to get this kind of info...and it just can not be given without a real focus on specifics, a person-to-person talk, etc.

This is no reflection on you, but this is not a simple wuestion to answer. You would amplify your chances for a meaningful answer by putting you email address in your profile and let the FT'ers respond in their own way, in their own fashion, without structure.

Just a suggestion.

Sorry for violating this rule...

I wasn't sure which forum to post to... I tried removing the duplicate post, but had no luck. (Get a message saying that only moderators can delete a post.)

I have added email to my profile per the suggestions above.

Sorry for looking like an outsider and thank you hnechets for taking the time to teach me the proper etiquette.

I'd still love to hear your opinions.

��no disrespect here, but do you realize what you're asking? We have the WSJ and others trying to get this kind of info...and it just can not be given without a real focus on specifics, a person-to-person talk, etc.�

No disrespect taken� I guess I didn�t realize!

So I�m thinking of things like� frequent readings of the forums at flyertalk, using your status in one airline/hotel program to get comped in another program, knowing how to get President�s Club/ Avis Select at Hertz.


[This message has been edited by dmendlow (edited 08-27-2001).]

[This message has been edited by dmendlow (edited 08-27-2001).]

Actually so much of what you are asking has already been written about. I would suggest you go back 100 days on Milesbuzz and your favorite airlines and credit cards. Read the posts. The answers are all there. Then you might have specific clarification questions. That is the best way to learn what tips of the trade are out there.

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DtG

dmendlow,

PLEASE don't think I was saying you had "violated" some rule. And there is nothing wrong with your etiquette.

What I was trying to do was sort of explain the broad scrope of your question. I know you don't have time to search every thread in every forum, back to 1998; I was thinking that while some of us would be hesitant to post some of these hints and techniques again, we might not be averse to emailing them to you.

I was trying to be helpful and had absolutely no intention of coming across like a know-it-all or unofficial moderator. Please accept my humble apology for any misunderstanding and please stay with us, as there is a wealth of info every day here!

-Harry

I too am interested in learning the ropes from my esteemed bretheren and sisteren as I am new to the quest for miles. I assure you that I am putting in the effort. I'm driving all over town buying up all the NutriGrain Bars I can get my hands on and I am joining every mileage/point program I can find. Any words of wisdom are welcome. I think I have set-up my profile appropriately to receive e-mail responses.

I would also like to contribute a tip.Since I am new and I don't quite know where this should go so I'll put it here to get started.

Costco wherehouse stores do not accept Visa or M/C. Costco.com does, and they sell gift certificates that are redeemable at the stores. A $100 gift certificate costs $103.40 (yes a 3.4% ding)and includes shipping and insurance. So, use your mileage card to purchase the GC online then go shopping at the store.

Thanks.

Airspike

Welcome, Airspike. And thanks for the tip!

Airspike,
If you live near a Sam's Club, they take VISA. You can spend +- $130. on 20 big boxes of Kelloggs Eggos and get 10,000 miles, then donate the waffles (minus the 500 mile certs) to a food bank. Much easier than all those NutriGrain.

Airspike,

Costco does take Amex - their no fee card gives some percent of money back BUT the Hilton Amex card (also no fee) gives 3 hilton points per dollar charged (hint miles transferred from an airline only yield 2 for 1) They were recently running a special where you got 7500 points for getting and using the card once - almost enough for a stay at an opportunity level hotel.
When you fly you have to stay somewhere - right?

Re: Sam's Club...

Ours doesn't take VISA, so am thankful for a tip I found on another flyertalk board:

buy GCs at Walmart (with miles/points-generating credit card), then use the GCs at Sam's

Haven't tried it myself yet...

Hi, all....I guess I'd better check with Sam's Club again about the CC payments. We were told some time ago, when they started accepting debit card payments, that except for Discover Cards, they charged a fee for using another cc. It was more of a fee than we were prepared to pay, so I appreciated reading the tip about the Walmart GC's.
Thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. What a great place this is! Jean B

Don't you mean 10,130 miles?


[This message has been edited by swag (edited 08-29-2001).]