The Frequent Traveller Thread - Perks, points, and deals for beginners and experts

Global Entry · 09-03-2014, 06:37 AM

Why to be in the points game...

This was on my Royal Jordanian (RJ) flight from BKK - Amman.

Just the appetizer course....there was a nice entre selection afterwards they brought around on a rolling cart so it was a moving buffet.

The best dish on the plane was the brunette FA in Biz Class. I usually don't go in for slight bigger rounder asses like hers, but in her tight red skirt, she wore it exceptionally well. Sweet dreams.

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[Image: 20140831_012432_zpsggsrxuz6.jpg]

How do you travel?

Handsome Creepy Eel · 09-03-2014, 06:47 AM

You can get actual plates and cutlery in plane travel?

[Image: mindblown3.gif]

Global Entry · 09-03-2014, 07:18 AM

Extra points for Don Johnson via Miami Vice.

Quote: (09-03-2014 06:47 AM)Handsome Creepy Eel Wrote:

You can get actual plates and cutlery in plane travel?

Global Entry · 09-03-2014, 07:26 AM

Flying Blue–the loyalty program of Air France/KLM, Air Europa, Kenya Airways, and TAROM Romanian–has released its newest Promo Awards that let you fly from select US cities to anywhere in Europe or to Israel for as little as 12,500 miles each way with only modest fuel surcharges. You can get points by transferring from Citi Thank You Points, Membership Rewards and Starpoints. Its not premium class travel, but hell, its a very good deal.

Flights from Detroit in Econ are 50% off and flights in premium econ. from DC are also. Surcharge for economy is around 50 Euros. If you live, say in Chicago and have been paying attention, perhaps you have some BA Avios. Book a positioning one way flight to Detroit for only 4500 avios to Detroit, and then use 12500 transferred points from one of the cards, and go to Europe. Its like getting a one way to europe for about 215USD (including the value of the mileage used on FB and BA). Roundtrips would be even cheaper per leg. Detroit to Barcelona this fall is roundtrip 25,000 miles plus 283USD in total surcharges. On United you'd need 60,000 miles. The flight is available for cash on ITA Matrix for around 1200 (a little less).

Book by Sept. 30.

TheBulldozer · 09-03-2014, 07:31 AM

Just booked Japan Air in J(business class) NYC out to my part of the world. Might take Japan in F on another trip. The availability is open, still deciding if I want to use it.

Two little tips that I subscribe to but not everyone else does:

1. If I'm going ahead in time(from the US to Europe and especially from the US to Asia) I will book in J or F because I'm losing time and generally feel like I was hit by a truck without sleeping in Economy.

If I'm going backwards(traveling to US from Asia or Europe) I will not book in J or F because I generally find it easier to find time to get my body back together.

2. I will look for award seats at other US hubs. For example, if I can't find one in JFK to my destination, then I'll search Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Houston or Dallas to see if they have award space to that destination. I'm OK paying a couple hundred dollars as long as I can fly J or F for the 12-16 hour portion of the flight.

Global Entry · 09-03-2014, 09:39 AM

Good point on search tips. Basically, you want to find the long haul first, before you look for the shorter flights, when it comes to an award search. So if you live in Cleveland, you'll look for one of the cities that flies to Asia first (Dallas, or San Fran, NYC, Newark, LA, Vancouver, Chicago) and find the date for that with availability for your award. Then afterward you can search for the short haul, which can either be because your home city is not one of the cities above, or because you live in LA and there's no availability out of LAX.

I'd add (again beating a dead horse) you can save some Avios, MD, and use those for the short positioning flight. 650 miles or less is 4500 Avios, each way, not so much to pay for a flight that might cost 250 each way for positioning. Thats a very effective use of Avios, the best out there almost undoubtedly.

Quote: (09-03-2014 07:31 AM)MaleDefined Wrote:

Just booked Japan Air in J(business class) NYC out to my part of the world. Might take Japan in F on another trip. The availability is open, still deciding if I want to use it.

Two little tips that I subscribe to but not everyone else does:

1. If I'm going ahead in time(from the US to Europe and especially from the US to Asia) I will book in J or F because I'm losing time and generally feel like I was hit by a truck without sleeping in Economy.

If I'm going backwards(traveling to US from Asia or Europe) I will not book in J or F because I generally find it easier to find time to get my body back together.

2. I will look for award seats at other US hubs. For example, if I can't find one in JFK to my destination, then I'll search Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Houston or Dallas to see if they have award space to that destination. I'm OK paying a couple hundred dollars as long as I can fly J or F for the 12-16 hour portion of the flight.

TheBulldozer · 09-03-2014, 09:00 PM

Some really good fares in business from the West Coast US to Europe.

http://thepointsguy.com/2014/09/amazing-...nder-2000/

Oftentimes flying a paid fare in business will net you a lot of miles that you could use towards future business class award travel, sometimes >50% of the miles needed to book that future ticket.

Global Entry · 09-04-2014, 04:29 AM

Quote: (09-03-2014 09:00 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:

Some really good fares in business from the West Coast US to Europe.

http://thepointsguy.com/2014/09/amazing-...nder-2000/

Oftentimes flying a paid fare in business will net you a lot of miles that you could use towards future business class award travel, sometimes >50% of the miles needed to book that future ticket.

TheBulldozer · 09-04-2014, 05:05 AM

Remember status and miles are completely different and depending on your needs you should focus on what's important to you. Personally, I find miles most valuable to me and need to get one place to the other as quickly as possible usually when I fly. You may be different.

Also, it may sound like Global and I have years of experience doing this. Untrue. If you sit down and absorb 30-45 minutes of information each day on this, you too can learn pretty quickly the in's and out's of what's going on here. I cannot stress the benefits enough of understanding how the points game works, and how it can work for you.

Global Entry · 09-05-2014, 06:34 AM

I just got back an email from Experian. An old bill I never owed was placed four years later on my credit report as an unpaid debt. It knocked my Experian credit rating down around 85 points in one hit. I'd never been notified by anyone that it was outstanding. The collections company told me it was against the law for them to leave me a phone message and I never picked up. Fuck. Experian is the primary credit reporting agency to which the significant majority of credit card issues subscribe when determining whether to issue you credit. As a result, this put a serious crimp in my opportunity to play the points game.

However, I disputed the item with Experian, explaining the circumstances and the lack of "notice." Within three days of filing my dispute, I just received an email saying the item will be deleted off of my credit report. Boom. Back to north of 750 again (I hope) and traveling in style for free is back on the menu.

If you've items on your credit report that aren't accurate and you're still within your time limit to dispute, then by all means dispute them. First, get your credit report by registering with experian.com and also, for suggestions, I suggest Creditkarma.com, a free credit counseling site. Take the recommendations with a grain of salt, as its a free site. Free sites = you are the product, not the customer. The advertisers are their customer. But its a helpful tracking tool.

Points and credit are flip sides of the same coin at this stage of the game. You need to deal with both to win the points game and fulfill your red pill goals in style and comfort.

Global Entry · 09-06-2014, 07:18 AM

So it worked, did anyone else apply? I got Voyager status just using that code.

We are pleased to inform you that your membership application for 1865 has been received and is now being processed. Your membership details are as follows:

1865 Membership Number: XXXXXXXXXX
Your Password: XXXXXX
Membership Tier: Voyager

1865 is our way of saying thank you for your support to our hotels. Bringing you exclusive benefits and recognition, we ensure your stay with us is most comfortable. A personalised 1865 membership card, together with the 1865 welcome pack will be sent to your address below within 4-6 weeks unless you have requested to pick up the pack from your registered hotel directly.

Correspondence address:
5969 XXXXXX Drive XXXXXXX NV 89052 United States

Meanwhile, please remember to quote your 1865 membership number when making your room reservations and at check-in to receive your member benefits. Should you wish to change your contact details, preferences or password, please log on to your membership profile at 1865.langhamhotels.com.

We look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

Peggy Cheng
1865 Programme Director
Langham Hospitality Group

Quote: (09-01-2014 07:50 PM)Global Entry Wrote:

I just registered for mid-tier Langham Hotel status for free. Not sure if the link will work for everyone, but here are the terms and conditions and the code. (from View From the Wing). It seems to have worked for me, though I haven't received my confirmation email yet (I did get an account number).

They've a bunch of five star type hotels around China, India, the US and Australia. I went to a New Years Eve Party in one in Shenzhen last year. In North America, looks like Boston, Toronto, Chicago, NY, and LA. London also has one.

Langham Hotels 1865 Voyager status normally requires 5 stays within 12 months.

Key benefits are:
complimentary room upgrade subject to room availability)
free internet access
6pm late checkout
welcome amenity
Use this link
https://1865.langhamhotels.com/enrolment.aspx
to go to the enrollment page. Then enter the invitation code 453826123 into the top box and click ‘enter’. Membership tier should change to ‘Voyager’.

The offer is valid through December 31, and status is scheduled to last for 12 months once you register. Status should get renewed with just two stays per year.

the-dream · 09-06-2014, 09:13 AM

I don't have any sort of airmiles scheme and don't own a credit card. However, I'm flying from Europe to the USA and Europe to Phillipenes in the next couple of months so was wondering if there is any way I can get any sort of airmiles from that seeing as I've already booked the flights and for future reference, what I'd need to do to get some sort of airmiles/benefits?

Tail Gunner · 09-06-2014, 10:38 AM

Quote: (09-06-2014 09:13 AM)the-dream Wrote:

I don't have any sort of airmiles scheme and don't own a credit card. However, I'm flying from Europe to the USA and Europe to Phillipenes in the next couple of months so was wondering if there is any way I can get any sort of airmiles from that seeing as I've already booked the flights and for future reference, what I'd need to do to get some sort of airmiles/benefits?

From what I gather, applying for various credit card offers simply provides a means of adding unearned miles to a frequent flyer account. That does not mean that you cannot earn miles by joining an alliance and a frequent flyer program within that alliance through normal ticket purchases.

The original intent of these programs was to encourage loyalty to a single airline or to an alliance. So, if you have already booked flights you must move quickly by contacting the airline to ascertain whether you can still apply the miles to its frequent flyer program (or to another airline within the alliance).

Global Entry · 09-06-2014, 03:42 PM

You can certainly earn the miles just by applying before the flight(s). You in certain cases can apply on the flights, and I believe, in rare instances, shortly thereafter. You'll have no problem getting the miles credited to an account.

Perhaps if you tell us about where you live, where you usually travel, where you'd like to travel in general, we can tell you how to credit those miles, as you don't need to have them applied to the airline you actually fly on, but instead can get them credited to a partner of that airline, if that makes more sense. Also if you're booking hotels, put down what you plan to do with that, and how much you're spending, and I may be able to give you some help there as well.

Quote: (09-06-2014 09:13 AM)the-dream Wrote:

I don't have any sort of airmiles scheme and don't own a credit card. However, I'm flying from Europe to the USA and Europe to Phillipenes in the next couple of months so was wondering if there is any way I can get any sort of airmiles from that seeing as I've already booked the flights and for future reference, what I'd need to do to get some sort of airmiles/benefits?

Global Entry · 09-07-2014, 06:33 AM

This is a link to an article showing how to book award travel to a favorite game destination, Colombia. Apparently there is a load of awards availability between US and Colombia. The example is for one way economy travel.

Here's the link.

Link

Boiled down, here are the options. Personally I don't like booking economy tickets as awards that much except when the deal is great (as with a BA short haul flight) because I want to get at least 4-5c/mile flown on an award, not so easy in economy. But some of these are good values.

"

I can book any Star Alliance itinerary with 20,000 United miles, 30,000 Lufthansa miles (thanks for the correction, Tom), or 30,000 Singapore miles.

I can book the American Airlines itinerary with 15,000 American Airlines miles or 22,500 Avios.

I can book the AeroMexico itinerary with 17,500 Flying Blue miles.

"

Goes without saying that using American or Flying Blue is the way to go, and both have transfer partners from credit cards that make this possible, if you don't have the miles on hand.

Global Entry · 09-11-2014, 08:55 PM

Beginning this entry sitting at KLIA2 (the local/low budget version of Kuala Lumpur Int'l Airport, a train ride of 5 minutes award from the world class KLIA).

I'm waiting for the last leg of my journey that will take me from Bronze BAEC (British Air/OneWorld) to the brink of BAEC Gold. The impetus of the journey was a trip to the Toronto Film Festival for a legal client, and it allowed me to build in a tier run to go for the status.

A tier run is a trip that is undertaken to get tier points (some airlines call them segments) so that you obtain status on the desired airline. Its done by flying that airline and partners of that airline while crediting those flights to the airline in question (for me BA).

I wanted to give an example of a tier run so that you might have an idea what one is. Typically, at least for a BAEC tier run, you're trying to get better value than 5usd/TP (that is pay less than 5 USD for each tier point, and hopefully much less), but because I had an employer paying, i can stretch that a little bit, due to the fact that the primary purpose was business. But pure tier runners, who do these flights solely for the tier points, look at 3GPB (or 5USD/TP) as the limit. TP runs below 2GBP are solid, and below 1.5 GBP are golden. There are many more involved available on BA partners US and AA then there are. The point is to find the soft spot on any OneWold Airline and exploit it. The soft spots in asia tend to involve MH (Malaysian Airlines), RJ (Royal Jordanian) and UL (Sri Lankan). Not so much softness on BA, Cathay, Qantas and Finnair, who don't offer many discount routes.

So here's the challenge. (1) Get from 675TPs (my pre-trip position) to as close as possible to 1500 TP (Gold Status) and (2) also have 4 eligible flights (a second criteria even for gold status) by flying on BA (or Iberia) metal, and not just crediting miles from one world partners like Cathay Paciific (which I often do).

Remember, miles earned via credit cards do not count for status, thought they're great for booking award tickets and upgrading class of travel.

From HKIA, I set up the RooshV meet up in BKK and flew Sri Lankan Economy - 10 TPs. I could have flown biz and got 40 points and it wasn't crazy expensive, but I was traveling with my friend, and he's not in on the game.

Two days in BKK, then had my biz class flights (on my client) BKK-AMM-CDG - 280 TPs (140 each for biz class flights (J class) each more than 2000 miles). Always putting my BA account number in. By the way, these TPs have not posted yet - can't stress this enough, SAVE ALL TICKET STUBS/BOARDING PASSES until your account is properly credited for the mileage/segments/tier points you're due for your flight. Only then, after they post, thrown them away (and you might snap a quick digital photo of them regardless).

A few hours later, back to economy (I can hit this client in good faith up for only a certain amount of travel costs, and I agreed to waive my hourly rates while at the festival (after all, its mostly watching movies and going to events. I wanted to go, and being there is pretty much not heavy lifting, plus I got a trip to see the parents in NYC en route). So I decided to fly on a BA special which was from CDG to NYC roundtrip in economy for around 1250 USD. This roundtrip would get me my four eligible flights.

Economy CDG-LHR (first BA metal flight - 10 TPs as its a super save fare) followed by LHR-JFK (second BA Metal flight-35 points, another discounted economy fare). Then four days in NYC, a WestJet puddle jump to Toronto that isn't part of the tier run, and four days in the land of the Betas. Back on Air Canada, also not part of the tier run (but a good program to book miles too, and a decent airline). Now I'm in JFK again.

I got a message from BA when I checked my return to london offering an upgraded to Premium Economy for less than half of the normal cost. For 250 USD about, I got 90 TPs on the way from JFK back to LHR (instead of 35, an extra 60TPs for just 250USD, plus being more comfortable), and then the same 10 LHR to CDG. I've also just gotten my 3rd and 4th eligible flights and hit silver, so now I'm entitled to lounge access at any OneWorld airline. Makes waiting the five hours until my next flight easier. Unfortunately, I am flying out of the shit terminal 1 in CDG, and there is no One World lounge there. At least they have wifi.

Next leg is a Qatar (one world also) flight CDG-DOH-BAH which I flew economy. The reason I flew through Qatar is that I identified a flight in business from Qatar (DOH) to Sri Lanka (COL) and onward to Malaysia (KUL) getting me very close to home, for only 650USD. I did this using google flights, trying different potential hubs as destinations (hubs in the mid-East for OneWorld flights might include AMM, DOH, you can specify a hub and a class of service and then the map will show you how much on your chose day it is to go to almost any destination. I spotted KUL from DOH and grabbed it immediately, and then went on to figure out how to get to DOH from CGD).

As a result of all this investigation, I gutted out the economy flight to Qatar (the business flights to Qatar from CDG were 1500 USD plus and many also involved long stopovers in places requiring a travel visa (like Moscow) so I found a direct and flew in the cheap seats, still was around 500 USD. I flew to Bahrain because at this point, I was cracked out and wanted to sleep and there is no visa required for Americans in Bahrain. I got (I think) 35 or 45 total TPs for the flights to BAH. Got some sleep, walked around Bahrain in the 100 degree heat for a few hours in the afternoon, hung out with some chinese hookers in a bar Diggers in Bahrain (definitely could have shored, but chose not to) and went back to the airport. Took a first class Qatar flight for 40 minutes back to Doha (60TPs, for around 350USD) solely for the tier points. Full flat seat for 40 minutes wasn't much to talk about but I had two different very nice champagnes on board at least.

Then the easy part of the return begins, a wait in the brand spanking new Orix business class lounge in DOH for a few hours, and then with two flights on UL (Sri Lankan), both an empty biz class, with very good looking flight attendants (and I'm not partial to South Asian women). 140TP for the flight to Colombo, and then another 40 to Kuala Lumpur. Its unfortunate, but KUL isn't 2000 miles from Colombo, so I didn't get 140 for that leg. But since I waited and found a flight from the mideast to KUL one way in business for 650USD, I didn't care so much. Those flights were frankly fantastic and if I am flyign business, I'll now try to book into Sri Lankan, rather than avoid them. It even made me more curious about a holiday in Sri Lanka after a long talk with the purser.
****
I finally arrived in KL (I am writing this in two parts - I'm now back in SZ after a decants night sleep) and could have either chosen to use BA avios to book KUL-HKG, but business wasn't available (no lounge access for my 2.5 hr wait) and Air Asia had flights for 175 USD. I couldn't justify using 15,000 avios plus 50 USD cash to get a flight I could buy for 175- that would have been a very poor trade on points, which I try not to use unless I get at least 4c/avios. That would have been less than a penny per avios. I didn't realize, but Air Asia flew out of a different airport than the one I landed, so I actually had to clear immigration (Malaysia has super easy immigration though, no paperwork, just your passport) and take a train one stop for 35 Ringit (12 USD). I think ultimately it was the right choice. I'll get much higher value out of my avios on a trip to Phnom Penh or Jakarta then I would have for thsi flight. And its true, Air Asia has the hottest flight attendants i've seen in economy except for Cebu Air on a flight from Boracay to Manila (ouch).

Some flight porn... inspiration for you, or perhaps a chance to experience it vicariously, i greatly hope its the former...

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Calling for more champers on the short flight from Manama, Bahrain back to Doha (1st Class).

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The view from the general boarding lounge at Doha for my Sri Lankan flight, fortunately I was in a much quieter environment for most of the time, the Orix Lounge at Hamad Int'l Airport.
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[Image: ScreenShot2014-09-12at81641AM_zps01d22a5e.png]

See what I mean?

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Largely empty biz class, Doha to Colombo. Got a first class experience as a result (and the service was good to begin with).

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Before takeoff on Sri Lankan.

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Opening into a fully flat bed on their Airbus 340 Config.

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Doting and pleasant (very) flight attendant.

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Built in seat massage. Nice touch.

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The meal for the first segment (DOH-COL).

The second flight was largely more of the same, and the lounge in Colombo, while not spacious, had a nice selection of food and fast wi-fi.

The total tally for Tier Points seems to be coming in at 10+140+140+35+10+90+10+35+60+140+40= 710
Adding that to my pre-existing 680 brings me to 1390. One more flight this year premium economy to the West Coast, with a puddle jump from SFO to LAS, and I hit gold. Nice thing besides all the normals from One World for gold status is that even if I don't fly a single flight on OneWorld in 2015 (or otherwise qualify for Silver), I'll still be Silver with lounge access etc in 2016. Its called BA"s soft landing.

Total cash came in at around 160(to BKK)+1520 (One way RJ to CDG)+1220(BA RDT CDG JFK)+ 500 (one way Econ. QR to Manama)+360 (One way First to Doha) + 650 (Biz One way to KL on UL). 4410 for the 680 tier points, not below 5USD per TP but of course, I picked my destination based on a business need first. I also spent another 175 to get from KUL to HK and 89 USD to get a hotel in Manama (part of a reward thing for IHG, so that hotel will end up being free with the current promotion and the points I get back (google, "Into the Night" IHG promotion).

I'll also earn about (guessing) 20,000 avios, maybe a little less for all this flying (maybe 15,000, I haven't done the math). Valuing Avios conservatively at 2c per Avios, thats a rebate of 300 USD. And finally as a I booked it all on my SPG Amex, I'll get 4400 starwood points, which will ultimately equate to another 5500 points on one of 31 potential transfer partners. Again conservatively valuing them at 2c per point ( I often actualize closer to 5 cents per point, but I am being conservative) that's another 100 USD rebate for other travel. Taking that from the 4410, brings me right back to around 4000 USD for the avios, the status and the "enjoyment" of visiting many lounges and an overnight stay and an afternoon with Chinese hookers in a Bahrain bar.

I could have of course gotten there much quicker and a little cheaper by flying biz the normal way direct from HK, but I needed both the tier points and the eligible flights and that route wouldn't have gotten it done for me.

Incidentally a client asked on a call this morning if I could soon come to Vegas to work on closing a transaction. I told him sure.

Vacancier Permanent · 09-12-2014, 12:26 AM

On my first trip to BKK I flew with Etihad and they had cutlery in silver with a menu and meals. The highlight was a couscous royal with lamb. In economy! No wonder they've been voted best airline in the world for the past few years running! Not the cheapest but well worth every penny!

Fantastic posts filled with golden nuggets Global!

I'm positively surprised by Sri Lankan as I was under the impression that they would be among those to avoid...good to know they are good!

Quote: (09-03-2014 06:47 AM)Handsome Creepy Eel Wrote:

You can get actual plates and cutlery in plane travel?

Global Entry · 09-12-2014, 08:08 AM

Mentioning this for the BKK contingent, I've stayed in this hotel (which is actually a bunch of small villas, all with private swimming pools and butler service, and a short bike (two minutes) from the beach. They lend you bikes during your stay. I wouldn't say its among the best I've stayed at, but if you're looking for a weekend stay-cation near BKK, you could do a lot worse. Also, you can get a bus for 250baht to Pran Buri from BKK (Victory Monument) each way. At that price, I am tempted to go back. You can also keep it on the cheap (ish) by eating outside the resort. Take the bikes provided by the resort maybe 1/2 mile into town, there was a great and ridiculously cheap night market in Pran Buri with a ton of choices, perhaps 60 percent of the prices in BKK.

This is the exact layout of the room I had and the pic is entirely representative. Beyond the wall on the edge of the villa, we could see the ocean. I paid I think double this price for the room, and it was worth it. The swimming pool is a good size, and there's also an outdoor shower. Impress your hi-soc Thai girlfriend...hehe. Just don't tell her how little it cost.

[Image: ScreenShot2014-09-12at90153PM_zps9bee709e.png]

[Image: ScreenShot2014-09-12at90153PM_zps9bee709e.png]

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas: SPG Member Rate: $148 (just sign up for membership, its free)

Rates at the Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas normally start at $497 per night, so with this Hot Escapes deal you can save almost 70%. Using points at this Category 5 property can be steep since all rooms are villas, meaning Starpoint redemptions are much higher than the normal 12,000 points. The basic rooms here are a massive 2,670 square feet, and all come with private pools and butler service, so if you’re looking to spread out, this is the hotel for you. Guests also have full access to all the pools and amenities at their sister property, the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa.

Global Entry · 09-12-2014, 10:31 AM

Jet Blue has now lowered the minimum award cost to 3,500 miles. Right now, for 3500 miles, it is showing availability between NYC and Bermuda, NYC and Charleston, SC, and NYC to Jacksonville. Thats a truly remarkable value. Its not clear how many seats or what dates will be available, but have a look. Lots of west coast stuff too and some caribbean destinations as well.

http://www2.jetblue.com/deals/redemption...91214_main

Global Entry · 09-14-2014, 06:00 AM

This is part of a series from milevalue.com. It talks about the cheapest places to get with miles (i.e., no cash).

Here's a truncated recap.

Europe

You can get to Europe in economy by opening one credit card. Delta, United, American, and US Airways all charge 60,000 miles roundtrip in economy.

American Airlines, United, and Delta frequently offer 50,000 miles bonuses on their credit cards, so spending $10,000 on one card over time while collecting the 50,000 mile bonus gets you the 60,000 miles needed for a roundtrip award.

Award space is usually pretty open during the summer to Europe in economy if you plan ahead.

A beginner could open one card, spend $10,000 on it over time, and book a roundtrip to Dubrovnik, Croatia for next summer.

If you don’t have to travel over the summer, you can book an award to Europe even more easily.

American only charges 40,000 miles roundtrip to Europe from October 15 to May 15 on its own flights or partners.

US Airways only charges 30,000 miles roundtrip to Europe from January 15 to February 28 on its own flights if you have The US Airways® Premier World MasterCard®, which comes with 40,000 bonus miles after first purchase.

Central America & Northern South America

These regions are super cheap at 30,000 to 45,000 miles roundtrip and have widely available award space year round. You might scoff at this part of the world, but it contains:

Machu Picchu (Peru)
the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Costa Rica
Panama
Sofia Vergara (Colombia)
You can get anywhere in the region by opening one of several cards. I’d recommend the Sapphire Preferred, which comes with 40,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards after spending $3,000 in three months, because its Ultimate Rewards can transfer to United miles or British Airways Avios, giving you two great options to this part of Latin America.

United’s partners TACA, Avianca, LACSA, and Copa fly to the region from the United States to complement United’s own flights. American Airlines flights, bookable with Avios, have great award space and are cheap with Avios because of the short distances involved.

Hawaii

Hawaii costs 25,000 to 45,000 miles roundtrip in economy. You can even go one way in a flat bed and one way in economy for only 47,500 Singapore Airlines miles, which you could get from opening one credit card.

Anywhere That Costs Less than $460 Roundtrip

Who says you have to start with airline miles? For a lot of trips, especially domestic and near international, you’re better off with bank points that can be used toward any flight on any airline with no blackouts.

If you open the Barclaycard Arrival PlusTM World Elite MasterCard® and spend $3,000 within 3 months, you’ll have 46,000 Arrival miles from the spending and sign up bonus.

You can use 46,000 Arrival miles for $460 in free flights or $450 off a more expensive flight. (Plus when you make the redemption you’ll instantly get back 4,600 Arrival miles worth another $46 in free flights.)

If you want inspiration on where to go with your Arrival miles, check out kayak.com/explore. Explore harnesses the results of the thousands of daily searches on Kayak to show you the best deals others have found.

You can put in your home airport and your preferred dates (or not), and Explore tells you the lowest fare to each region of the world. You can then click on the fares to find more information and perform the search the previous searcher did to see if the fare is still available.

Looks like someone found Washington DC to Medellin, Colombia for $389 roundtrip, to Trinidad and Tobago for $433 roundtrip, and to Naples, Italy for $702 roundtrip.

Cheetah · 09-14-2014, 09:42 AM

What's Doha airport like if you fly economy, how much for lounge access?

The question is if 8 hours waiting there in the middle of the night is reasonable?

Global Entry · 09-14-2014, 10:05 AM

I didn't have that much time in Doha without a lounge - I did not have access to one before I flew to Bahrain, but it was a short layover. There is free wifi, an absolute ton of duty free and other shopping (high-end and mid-tier) and limited seating. I used the wifi after I reached my gate area, but was only there for maybe 20 minutes before they boarded the plane.

On the way back through Doha, I had access to the Orix lounge. You can google Hamad International Airport and see if there is a pay-in lounge, I don't know if there is one. Orix is a combined lounge for biz and first I think for the time being, until the real first class lounge is completed and opened. Perhaps if you've an American Express platinum card, or status with another alliance, you'll be able to get into Orix or one of the other lounges (there appeared to be signs for three different lounges).

Give is a search and see, report back if you would.

Quote: (09-14-2014 09:42 AM)Cheetah Wrote:

What's Doha airport like if you fly economy, how much for lounge access?

The question is if 8 hours waiting there in the middle of the night is reasonable?

Mentavious · 09-15-2014, 03:13 PM

Just got a message saying I can buy IHG points and get a 100% bonus. Don't have time to elaborate much so I will let someone else do it.

unbowed · 09-15-2014, 03:47 PM

delete

Global Entry · 09-15-2014, 09:23 PM

Can you order it on a toll free number?

With their quarterly promotions, this might make sense. How much are the points, Mentavious? They have their Intothenights promotion going on right now, which is a better way to get chunks of points even assuming you have a little bit of travel upcoming. It can be earned by staying in even very inexpensive hotels.

Google Into the Nights IHG, sign into your account, and you'll find your specific offer.

Quote: (09-15-2014 03:13 PM)Mentavious Wrote:

Just got a message saying I can buy IHG points and get a 100% bonus. Don't have time to elaborate much so I will let someone else do it.

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