In other news (apolitical thread)...

[jgvol]

4 or more flights if you're prudent.

Do tell.  I fly some, but by no means do I know all the tricks.  Just a greenhorn.

[MikeDeTiger]

We don't do any of the "categories" cards with stuff like restaurants or travel, etc.  We just have straight cash-back cards; the Amex Blue-Cash Preferred that gets 6% back on gas and streaming services, 3% back on gas, and the Citi Mastercard that's straight 2% back on everything.  It all adds up pretty quick.  I've been able to pay for Christmas for several years now just by cashing in the rewards.....gifts, food, decorations, everything.  

[847badgerfan]

Well, I'm an American flyer so it may be a little different.

I always look for deals and plan trips around them. I'm self-employed so a bit more flexible than some.

So, a flight to Chicago from here on a Tuesday is 30K miles (round trip). 

Then I look at a Thursday and it's 10K miles (round trip). So, I pick Thursday.

Tuesdays and Fridays are the biggest business travel days.

[jgvol]

Well, I'm an American flyer so it may be a little different.

I always look for deals and plan trips around them. I'm self-employed so a bit more flexible than some.

So, a flight to Chicago from here on a Tuesday is 30K miles (round trip).

Then I look at a Thursday and it's 10K miles (round trip). So, I pick Thursday.

Tuesdays and Fridays are the biggest business travel days.

Thanks for the tips.  I'll test them out on Delta.

[bayareabadger]

I got coaxed into the AMEX Delta SkyMiles card back in March.  All bags fly free for me and up to 8 pals, LOL.

Anyhow, If I put 3 grand on it before the 1st 6 months is up, I get 80,000 SkyMiles allegedly.  I'm not even sure what 80,000 miles will buy me.  Probably not much.

I was ready to cancel an old Capital One card I had anyway, so it'll do as a replacement regardless.  And free checked bags for me, and 8 of my closest friends....

Or maybe it was 8 total bags in my entourage?  Whatever.

Points usually translate to cents, sometimes with a multiplier. 

Per a Google. That’s like $960 bucks.

[847badgerfan]

Points usually translate to cents, sometimes with a multiplier.

Per a Google. That’s like $960 bucks.

Do you fly out West a lot for family and friends?

[bayareabadger]

Do you fly out West a lot for family and friends?

A couple times a year, on average. Once for a holiday, once when it’s hopefully nice out. 

Sometimes there’s a third when something happens, birth of a child, big moment for someone, etc. 

Usually try to go for a longer trip (at least a week) when I do. 

[847badgerfan]

I would recommend American unless you already have a card. If I remember right you have an AA hub in your back yard.

[bayareabadger]

I would recommend American unless you already have a card. If I remember right you have an AA hub in your back yard.

I usually fly American, in part because I’m picky about flights. I have no desire to be up super early to fly, and American has the best selection of non-super early direct flights from around here. 

I’ve been told to check out some regional airports, although you lose some value with those. 

[847badgerfan]

We have two airports. SWFL International and Punta Gorda. I guess we could use Sarasota, but RSW has mostly the same offerings.

PG is Allegiant, which is limiting, but they fly to Chicago MDW, so we do it sometimes. We have their card too.

So, we either drive on this end to SWFL, or drive on that end in Chicago, from MDW (lots of ass burn on that drive).

[Riffraft]

We have a southwest card for the past 2 years we have spent enough on it (paid off every month) for me to fly free with my wife.  Then we have enough points for her to fly free for most flights.   We have a hilton amex and get free rooms regularly.  Have 4 nights at the Waldorf in Orlando in August.  It can be a pain to play the points game but worth it.

[MarqHusker]

we just had an event at that Waldorf (Orlando).  the Japanese place on the roof of the nearby JW is fantastic.  the JW lobby bar also has a world class gin selection.