Since Very Few People Read this Blog on Saturday Evening…

by Gary Leff

Since tonight it’s just the two of us, I thought I’d give away money.

I’ve got a $100 gift card, and will select a winner at random tomorrow out of those who comment by Noon Eastern on Sunday.

In case you’re looking for something amusing to occupy yourself between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, there is no limit to the number of times you may enter. You can comment as many times you wish, each comment is an entry.

Just chat away, share whatever thoughts you wish. All decisions and rulings made by me are final and unappeallable. By entering you waive any right to sue for or otherwise claim damages. Please don’t give me a hard time when I am trying to give away money or its equivalent. Thank you!

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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  3. Hello!!!! We are just boarding our flight to las vegas from ft Lauderdale. Thanks for the tips! Makes our trip affordable.

  10. Hmmmmm. If I were to win the gift card, how would I liquidate it? BB/Serve, Evolve??? Decisions, decisions.

  13. I am absolutely bummed out that CSP won’t have the 7% annual dividend anymore. I was planning to apply later this year. Is it worth keeping this card for the other added benefits?

  14. Nix that; I guess I be working at work, but clearly I am not. Let’s say I’m just taking a break and leave it at that, okay?

  17. Thanks for running these contests and alerting people to other contest opportunities. Because of your blog, and others like it, I entered a Westin contest and won the trip of a lifetime. This fall, we are going to Europe and spending an entire month at high-end properties, all paid for by my winnings. Color me grateful.

  18. Free money, wheeeeeeee, I’m reading….. i always read, i love reading, I am the View from the Wing King of reading

  20. I’ll comment! I think it’s quiet because many were watching the World Cup match for 3rd place between Brazil and the Netherlands. What a boring game. As one person from the UK tweeted, “Console yourselves, Brazil. You could be England.” Can’t wait for tomorrow’s final!

  22. Thanks Gary! I’m reading and waiting for my wine to chill and my ribs to get done. Hungry!

  24. I got CMB-DFW, twice in First earlier this year for $1700 each trip, Etihad weren’t real happy with me, but who cares about them. Not very good airine anyway, I wouldn’t have paid real price to fly them, bloody awful people.

  29. Actually I betta shut-up, the last leg of the second trip is late November, they might block me out ha ha

  30. If wonder, if I want to fly from DC to Vietnam, then open jaw from (Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand) to Maldives.
    Maldives back to DC (via Europe – probably the best option).
    What is the best miles to use? US airway or AA?
    I don’t mind the 100 GC 🙂
    thanks,

  31. Wow, mention free money and all of a sudden you’re everyone’s date on a Saturday Night.

  32. @Steve — great card for flexible earning, but if you anticipate that the majority of your redemptions will be in one program, may as well just get that program’s card.

    UA Explorer (same annual fee) gives free baggage, priority boarding, 2 annual club passes, and better rental car insurance. But you give up double points on dining, so consider how often you eat out.

    Hyatt ($20 lower annual fee) also gives 2 points on dining and travel though the travel definition here is limited. The real perk is a free night every year at a lower-category property.

  33. I am in need and would be happy to spend your give away
    My wife and I are hoping for a time for ourselves this fall

  35. Enjoy your website. The information is helpful, and as I am still a neophyte in the MS business, I need all the help I can get. Thanks, Leslie

  36. Well my first thought of the night is that no one has commented more than once so far.

  37. Just a Saturday night listening to old UPGRD podcasts featuring Gary “Not German” Leff and deciding which credit cards to apply for next…

  38. $100 should cover my grilling/beer costs for tomorrow -going to be watching the world cup final – you?

  39. my second thought is that you clearly say this is random so I dont know why people are asking for the money

  40. Planning my biz class tickets to australia. what is the very best business class experience from the east coast to Sydney/Melbourne in December. I am super flexible.

  42. my third thought is that after Brazil gave up after the second Germany goal they have been terrible

  45. Vamos Argentina para el Copa del Mundial!!! Sorry to see you lose again Brasil! (Oh…and there are a few of us who read your blog on the weekends! Thanks!)

  47. One more reason to be thankful for your blog: Because of what I have learned, I am less likely to jump at the first opportunity to book a flight or hotel on miles. Your tips have made me question how best to use my points and miles and to investigate other possibilities.

  48. I just bought my first, first class ticket with miles on Singapore airlines this week. Thanks for all the advice

  49. Saturday night cash is always nice, but this blog is awesome. Thanks for always keeping me in the know!

  51. Do you know how long Turkish Airlines will be a partner with US Airways? Is the ability to redeem US Airways Dividend Miles on Turkish Airline flights ending soon? Thank you for all your help and interesting posts.

  52. Also, I wonder how much of a drop off there is from the weekdays to weekends in readership

  56. im trying to decide if I should change it so its a first class ticket on cathay and japan airlines

  61. i can change the airlines I fly on and even the routings when booking with american miles, as long as the origin or destination dont change. i learned that on your blog

  65. My travel is always x 4. (Myself, husband, and 2 kids). So, it’s a little extra challenge when earning points and redeeming miles. But I’m up to it!

  67. i bought a business class ticket this week on emerates with alaska miles (i went on a shopping spree with miles)

  70. Im hoping the change the emerates flight i booked to first class if availibility opens up. id even be willing to pay the $125 if it was within 60 days

  73. It just occurred to me the irony of your blog being “view from the wing”. When’s the last time you actually saw a wing from where you sit? 😉

  80. Thanks for all the people that contribute here. I have learned quite a bit.

  82. Are you gonna update your site like many of the other bloggers have on BoardingArea?

  84. I also used two free night certificates and 95k points to book 3 nights at the Conrad Maldives. Retail price was $10,000 for those three nights!

  87. I just booked my first trip to Asia on Cathay flying first. Paid the taxes and phone fee $135 for my $23,793 flight, all for the 135,000 AA miles I earned in 6 moths

  88. This is fun its like having a conversation with someone, but a high stakes conversation

  98. when are you flying? im flying one way from hong kong to lax on march 11 2015

  111. I think if you had two kids both you and your spouse would need to earn miles. it would be really hard by yourself

  117. This is a nice break from desperately searching for a return one way award in biz or first class from SE Asia….thought Cathay would open up by now, but no luck only 10 days out…

  123. up and away where in south america are you going? I want to go to sao paulo and stay in the grand hyatt there. its only a cat 3

  129. So does anyone else think it was strange that UA Insider actually finally replied to a post regarding a flight delay/cancellation when the plane ended up in Midway on its way to Guam… makes me think it was really bad and his job was to make people not to continue to question what happened.

  131. @ben Hogue – we do. Or I should say, I have all his information and he’s a passive participant. 😉

  134. O my way out, so this is gonna be my only entry, therefore, no chance of winning this!

  141. I have had a whole lot of down time in the last 10 days (surgery and hospital). I read and re-read. I love free money!

  143. @Up&Away im proud of my dads gf. she actually does the work herself. my gf takes more prodding and i have to do stuff for her

  145. though after i booked the maldives trip for us she is much more excited about getting cards

  146. Wife changed her mjnd on family vaca to Paris, or any trans-Ocean trip with an 8 yr old, next spring. I’ll be sitting on over 500k AA miles once they merge.
    And two Hyatt top tier nights. And a s-ton of other points.
    Any domestic / this side of Earth include South America ideas… Including an 8 year old. Or should I call the lawyer? I think 8 year old girls should see Paris. She handled Disney. She can handle Paris.

  147. @ben hogue – rio. With 2 smallish kids though, our trips are much different from the trips I usually read about on blogs.

  148. round trip hkg to mle is $1,500 on Cathay! or 25k British airways miles. not a hard choice

  150. Even mommy points trips? How small are the kids? I work as a sunday school director and love 10 year olds. thats my favorite age

  152. I may not be in the States for a week, but it definitely does not stop me from reading your blog 🙂 PS it would also be a great birthday gift if I did win =)

  153. my friend was in rio for the world cup. he said its awesome in brazil. but he has no kids so obviously it will be different

  154. @mike h – my kids went to Europe for the first time last summer at ages 6&4. We’re doing rio this summer and Zimbabwe next. We adjust our trips to allow our kids to have a good time, but they’re very resilient.

  156. Thanks for daily deals, tips, suggestions, etc! I live on the west coast so it’s a perfect mid-afternoon daily read. I LOVE to travel and of course love a good deal, my husband thinks I’m crazy but of course without me reading these e-mails (amongst many others) we wouldn’t know of the deals/promotions and where our next night might trip! Happy travels!

  160. I wish I were a $100 gift card, that is what I’d truly like to be
    And if i were a $100 gift card everyone would be in love with me
    Oddly, I can really go for a hot dog right now.

  161. even if i dont win i still want recognition for having the most posts on this thread

  163. Something tells me that people who read your blog on Saturday read it via rss rather than on the website.

  164. I like travel! And money! Vegas in 2 weeks and I will put your prize to wholesome good.

  165. Just got home from the grocery store… Used my Barclay arrival+ to get help rack up points and to meet my minimum spend… Maybe I should think about the new Amex card…

  166. Having a stressful and challenging day so far working with children with mental health disorders. Self harm, suicidal behaviors, aggression…you name it. Hope everyone else’s Saturday is peaceful and relaxing, and I’ll get to enjoy my off day tomorrow!

  167. Happy birthday to me?!?

    BTW, your blog has improved my travel style greatly. Thanks!

  170. This will subsidized all the fees in paying to get giftcards to feed my birds..I wish win…:)

  171. mike, i never traveled out of the country as a child but i loved all our vacations. personally I love san fransisco. and there are lots of awesome things for kids to do there.

  172. mike, i never traveled out of the country as a child but i loved all our vacations. personally I love san fransisco. and there are lots of awesome things for kids to do there.

  174. Well.. I do stop by Boarding Area even on weekends… so for a $100, why not? Have a great weekend!

  175. @ben hogue – MP trips are closer to what we do, but there’s still some differences.

  179. Looking forward to using my UAL miles on flying First Class on Air India from Chicago to New Delhi.

  185. I’ve never sat in first class. At all. Anyone else here have that achievement?

  191. Pick me! I’m new to the game and am very thankful for your blog and tweets. I just got my friends/family into the game too! Thank you!

  194. I wish i could put up a picture, but in the delta terminal they had mold dropping from the cellin. and instead of fixing it they had SEVEN giant tarps catching it as it fell. and not temporary tarps. they were held up with metal poles. obviously simi permanent

  195. It would be interesting to see how many unique users posted and how many comments each one had. #nerdalert

  197. @Ben Hogue: you’ll get no argument from me about JFK sucking (or even sucking worse). Lets face it: all NY area airports suck.

  198. haha you were a math person right? Im finance so i would also love to see those numbers

  201. I have never sat in 1st either; business, yes, but I can’t justify the miles to get bumped up to first. That and the airlines I generally fly only have business. Rare that I have the option for first anyway.

  202. @Mike H – Costa Rica is beautiful and fun! Lots of ex-pats there, and many of the people speak English very well. You don’t have to know Spanish, but it’s fun to try, and your 8-year-old might pick it up quickly. There’s modern city life in San Jose, beach resorts, history, jungles, volcanoes, waterfalls, friendly people. Highly recommend.

  207. Thanks for all the info you post. You were one of the first blogs I read when I first started collecting points/miles. I now have enough points to take me, my wife, and my daughter anywhere in the world with our points (albeit in economy, but that isn’t too big of a deal for me since I don’t know what I’m missing).

  208. I once sat in business class on an AirTran flight. Besides that, I’m always in economy. Thinking about changing that for our long trip next summer. But will I actually part with that many miles???

  209. Fair enough greg. that whole city does suck. however I live in la so i cant really say anything about bad airports. but i love the city

  213. Going to Journey concert tonight and trying to win money. Saturdays aren’t what they used to be

  215. thats why im glad im getting into this when im young and no kids. no choice for me, first as much as possible

  216. Apparently there are more people who read your blog on a Saturday than you think!

  217. @ben hogue – Use to work in finance. Now I stay at home with my kids and count miles and points.

  220. Any frequent flier enthusiasts on here also flying in general enthusiasts ? Love listening to the ATC and such before take off.

  221. Ok, so Brazil didn’t beat the spread. Need some dough for the bookie or I’ll end up like Neymar.

  222. cool. like stocks and bonds? I do some finance at work and some counting miles 🙂 id like to stay home with my kids one day

  223. Awesome! I’m here reading your blog this Saturday evening while I am planning my next adventure to Budapest and Amsterdam =)

  227. I married young enough that there have always been two of us at least in the travel game. Traveling solo is a foreign concept for me!

  228. So if I’m on an international flight with two classes of service, they call it coach and business. Is that just to keep me out of the first class lounge??

  232. Speaking of…. now that we have enough points… (110,000 chase UR, 65,000 United miles, 50,000 Barclays arrival, and about 12,000 starwood) can you guys make a few recommendations on where we could go? I’ve always wanted to go somewhere exotic like India, Pakistan, Nepal, or Iceland) my wife is more into beach and spa “travel”. I had thought maybe the Philippines with stopovers somewhere in asia?

  233. Same here Up&Away…it makes being the majority points collector in the household a little more challenging.

  235. hi ben! im going to cancel mine within the 37 day mark and try to get the annual fee back. but i only got one card

  241. Citi Exec deal = 2 x the offer for us. 1 for me, 1 for husband. I don’t do much mf, so I played it safe.

  248. OK, since this is a random comment thread I’ll pose a challenge to the good folks here:

    I want to go from NYC-YUL for a long weekend in Aug for a reasonable cost. R/T non-stop tix are $300+ which doesn’t seem worthwhile to me. I have tons of Amex Membership Rewards points plus a good chunk of United MP and a boatload of Southwest RR points.

    A friend suggested BA since their distance-based awards are a super deal and I can transfer from Amex to Avios. The problem is that I can’t find any AA availability on BA’s website for JFK-YUL even though AA Saver awards are avail.

    Do I just need to call BA and have them search for AA avail manually? Is there a better approach I’m missing here? Thanks for any advice! 🙂

  249. I just got a message that said i was posting comments too quickly and to slow down

  250. I love that you’re giving money away, but I wish I was on a plane going somewhere instead.

  262. I would say mf is where I am weakest. That would boost me along quite a bit. I live in a small-ish town, though, so it’s hard to play along at times. Admittedly, though, I haven’t studied up to see what options I could pursue.

  265. 🙁 Why aren’t my posts showing up? They say “awaiting moderation” but when I reload a few minutes later they are no where to be seen. Maybe it just takes time?

  268. Giving out money must be a great way to increase clicks. Wonder how much revenue you get based on clicks…..

  269. Years of FlyerTalk have finally turned me into a cranky poster.
    Someone made a snide remark of my post, and I gave it right back!

  276. Taste of Chicago was cancelled today due to heavy rains. Some call it “Waste of Chicago,” but I rather like going to it.

  279. I will enter into the fray, and I will add that if selected to win I would provide the lowest opportunity cost to deliver the gift card.

  281. I’m over and out for a bit….have to start working on bath times. Yeah, it’s a glamorous life.

  285. I don’t get to fly as much as some of you, but I want to rack up AA miles. Which credit card is the best to get and keep? I’m not interested in opening and closing the account.

  287. I’m only going to leave one comment, if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be! Thanks for the chance.

  291. Based on the number of comments tonight, you have clearly overestimate the social activity of your readers, myself very much included. Currently wearing pajama pants (not provided by an airline) and considering grabbing an ice cream from the freezer…

  292. Any idea if chase will do the Southwest Airlines cards at the end of the year, possibly allowing me to get a companion pass in January or February 2015, lasting until December 2016. I think I might try to take advantage of that this year if the opportunity arises. Now that they fly to Mexico and the Caribbean 110,000 points plus a companion pass would be nice.

  297. Great idea! Give me the money and I’ll come to your blog every day! EVERY. DAY.

  312. Is Jeff feeling the pressure as CEO of United? I don’t see him lasting past June next year.

  313. I’m trying to figure out how to get back from Istanbul next June 14, 2015. I’ve got 3.3 million miles and am willing to spend 105,000 for the direct IST-JFK flight, but Aeroplan is my only way into TK, and they don’t have the direct flights available. I see them only on the Miles and More site. Maybe I should wait 2 more days for the 330 day window to pass? Is there anyway to transfer miles into M&M?

  316. What is everyone thinking about the CSP if it drops the 7% bonus? I’m not sure I’d keep it at that point. I’d consider the Barclay arrival+ to replace it the CSP as my regular card. Is the CSP without the bonus still one of “the best?”

  323. Hi
    Nice brother!! Your idea is nice. Planning a trip for my family to Orlando and theme parks.. can use the gift card for the same. Thanks!!

  328. I’ve got nothing to do tonight except to read this blog…………………….

  329. I’ve got nothing to do tonight except to read this blog……………………..

  331. I’ve got nothing to do tonight except to read this blog………………………

  332. Thanks for the giveaway! What is the reason behind this rather odd disclaimer “By entering you waive any right to sue for or otherwise claim damages?”

  334. I am spending my weekend planning a beach vacation during thanks giving. Where should I go? What resorts do you suggest in Thailand or Indonesia?

  336. I really need to renew my AwardWallet account. It’s well worth the $10 a year I contribute.

  337. Here’s an alternative idea: Rather than shamelessly solicit content-free posts, why not retroactively reward a poster from the past five days? I used to find this blog serious and fact-based. Lately, it’s often a link to other blogs/sources, the usual pimping of credit cards and drivel like this offer.

  338. Just left the Mexican resturaunt where many marguritas were served and couldn’t be more excited to spend my evening writing to you!

  339. I bet Gary reads all his comments. Maybe he skims, but I bet he reads everything.

  341. Does it inferiate you when customer service represenatives behave as if you are wating their time?

  345. Ending: Brother came home, and he told me that he put bugs pellet powder on the counter to kill the bugs and etc, and I was already putting my powder flour ready to make Hoodeok

  349. I could really use that prize to supplement my upcoming trip to Istanbul and Mykonos… Looking for an apt rental in Mykonos for 3 people if anyone has suggestions.

  354. There goes a good Hoodeok. Hehe

    Brazil vs Netherland, wow. Netherland won… Cannot wait for Argentina vs Germany tomorrow, it’s gonna be interesting. This year World Cup was an eye opener, wishing everyone a good day. Bye 🙂

  356. MMS is also giving away stuff. Gotta remember giving away stuff as a way to generate traffic.

    In the meanwhile, if I win, please donate the GC to a good cause. Thanks!

  358. If Gary does a tally of the person with the most entries, I predict it will be >250.

  363. Wait really… I’m back to back posts? I’m the only one entering here on a Saturday night?

  367. Sitting in the Singapore Airlines Private Room with my wife about to board SQ 12 in Suites Class. Very much enjoying myself!

  373. Thanks for the opportunity. I will use the gift card on our upcoming trip to the Turks!

  376. Thanks for keeping me up on deals – love to travel – people like you make it possible to do on a budget

  377. Instead of baby sitting my granddaughter while my son is vacationing in NYC, I rather be in Hawaii vacationing but I will settle for the cash. I will need a few drinks after this weekend. Why I am reading the blog this weekend. Lol

  379. Trying to find a last minute award ticket to Bali for last week of July and will spend all weekend doing it in hopes something becomes available last second. Maybe the money will help me with award booking fees. #Help #PickMe

  384. My guess is that a lot of people read your blog at work so the weekends are slower.

  388. Thanks for the contest and your blog in general; I have read for years and appreciate all you do.

  409. Will Rabbit actually acknowledge that someone is speaking to him/her? Or will he/she just keep posting?

  413. Has anyone ever run a speedtest.net to gauge actual WiFi speed inflight? Curious….Hulu is introducing streaming to devices – means I can watch content on my iPhone in flight and not have to carry my laptop with pre-downloaded movies…but only if wifi is fast enough.

  414. UA had TWO redeyes from SEA to IAD last night. When I saw the second one on the board, I dd a double take. Asked the UC agent why, and he said they needed the equipment in IAD. He also mentioned the redeyes have been full lately. Considering there’s no redeye in January and February, it’s a welcome surprise to see two on my normal route 🙂

  417. Amex Platinum Annual Fee Due
    My Amex Platinum card has been great over the past year, even though you have to pay the annual fee of $475 upfront. The biggest benefits for me were the $400 ($200/calendar year) airline credit and the $100 credit for Global Entry card. It’s a no brainer to cancel this card with only benefit to me for keeping it another year would be the $200 airline credit this time around, and other benefits aren’t of significant value to me.   So I called to cancel my card last week, and told the representative I couldn’t see justifying the hefty annual fee. Then began the pitch…he went over each of the benefits of the card that I knew very well, and even though I wanted to tell the guy its no use I really just want to cancel the card, but I continue to listen.  Now I’m ready to interupt the guy to save his time and mine, when he came with his offer…he said ‘as a loyal card holder would you except 50,000 points to stay?’  I had him repeat the offer cause I couldn’t believe it.  Yes, 50,000 points….no spend required!  Yikes!! Even though I will pay the $475, I will get the $200 airline credit and access to  lounges, it is definitely worth another year with this card.  call them and telling them you are thinking on canceling and see if they can make you an offer.  This is what keeps me in the Game of Cards. 

  431. Wow when I wrote my comment, there were 270 existing comments. After I posted my comment, there were 321 comments. Maybe I read it wrong!

  436. I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.
    ~ Henny Youngman

  443. BoardingArea has a guy giving money away for people making frivolous comments.

  444. Where the hell are all the flying cars of the future we were promised in the past?

  450. Amex Platinum Annual Fee Due
    My Amex Platinum card has been great over the past year, even though you have to pay the annual fee of $475 upfront. The biggest benefits for me were the $400 ($200/calendar year) airline credit and the $100 credit for Global Entry card. It’s a no brainer to cancel this card with only benefit to me for keeping it another year would be the $200 airline credit this time around, and other benefits aren’t of significant value to me.   So I called to cancel my card last week, and told the representative I couldn’t see justifying the hefty annual fee. Then began the pitch…he went over each of the benefits of the card that I knew very well, and even though I wanted to tell the guy its no use I really just want to cancel the card, but I continue to listen.  Now I’m ready to interupt the guy to save his time and mine, when he came with his offer…he said ‘as a loyal card holder would you except 50,000 points to stay?’  I had him repeat the offer cause I couldn’t believe it.  Yes, 50,000 points….no spend required!  Yikes!! Even though I will pay the $475, I will get the $200 airline credit and access to  lounges, it is definitely worth another year with this card.  This is what keeps me in the Game of Cards. 

  456. “I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.” Does this make sense?

  464. I was hoping Lebron James would go to North Korea replacing Dennis Rodman.

  477. “The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.”

  493. I just got the Ink card with 60K bonus and using selective spending, landed up with just over 100,000 UR points in the first month (this was a short billing period too).
    Isn’t this fun? Cost for “unusual spending” = $111.15 so the $100 will come in handy! Thank you for the blog, by the way.

  503. I see there are at least 355 others on our party line. We enjoy your blogs. Thanks Gary.

  505. Just got the Amex Platinum Card, any special travel perks I should know about? If you have one, please share!

  506. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world.

  511. Looking for a ndew Chase card as the Saphire and United cards are about to expire.

  513. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can.

  514. Message posted at 6:41in my mailbox and when I checked my mail at 8:09, there were already 363 comments! Obviously, someone is reading 🙂

  517. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship.

  526. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.

  529. There now is your insular city of the Manhattoes, belted round by wharves as Indian isles by coral reefs—commerce surrounds it with her surf.

  536. Its extreme downtown is the battery, where that noble mole is washed by waves, and cooled by breezes, which a few hours previous were out of sight of land.

  545. I genuinely opened this 400+ long comment list hoping it was a conversation between 2 people…

  548. What do you see?—Posted like silent sentinels all around the town, stand thousands upon thousands of mortal men fixed in ocean reveries.

  550. Some leaning against the spiles; some seated upon the pier-heads; some looking over the bulwarks of ships from China; some high aloft in the rigging, as if striving to get a still better seaward peep.

  552. But these are all landsmen; of week days pent up in lath and plaster—tied to counters, nailed to benches, clinched to desks.

  553. I need the $100 to offset my losses betting the house on Brazil. Only positive note is my bookie takes my Arrival Card so I get 2% back!

  562. Here come more crowds, pacing straight for the water, and seemingly bound for a dive.

  565. Nothing will content them but the extremest limit of the land; loitering under the shady lee of yonder warehouses will not suffice.

  574. Inlanders all, they come from lanes and alleys, streets and avenues—north, east, south, and west.

  575. Gonna keep on dancin’ to the rock and roll
    On Saturday night, Saturday night
    Dancin’ to the rhythm in our heart and soul
    On Saturday night, Saturday night
    I, I, I, I, I just can’t wait, I, I, I, I got a date

    -Bay City Rollers

  582. Tell me, does the magnetic virtue of the needles of the compasses of all those ships attract them thither?

  585. Take almost any path you please, and ten to one it carries you down in a dale, and leaves you there by a pool in the stream.

  588. Arrived in Chicago from Bangkok yesterday, Taste of Chicago was rained out today, and I leave for Orlando early tomorrow. So much for the weekend.

  589. Let the most absent-minded of men be plunged in his deepest reveries—stand that man on his legs, set his feet a-going, and he will infallibly lead you to water, if water there be in all that region.

  591. Should you ever be athirst in the great American desert, try this experiment, if your caravan happen to be supplied with a metaphysical professor.

  596. He desires to paint you the dreamiest, shadiest, quietest, most enchanting bit of romantic landscape in all the valley of the Saco.

  597. I want a gift card so I can pay for small part of my Delta Award Ticket change fees. Otherwise I may be forced to mortgage my house. I tried begging Delta but they told me I needed to be an Elite Skymiles member, have a Delta Reserve card and have the expressed written consent of The NFL for some reason. When I told them they were being unreasonable, they at least offered to put me on a Spirit flight to which I sharply replied a hell no. So I said I would pay the fees in exchange for an autographed photo of Deltailina. They said she was unavailable but offered to give me a free tour of “The Spirit of Delta” which excited me at first but then I realized it would sadden me because I once flew on that plane for 26,000 miles way back when it was easier to redeem miles. FML

  600. There stand his trees, each with a hollow trunk, as if a hermit and a crucifix were within; and here sleeps his meadow, and there sleep his cattle; and up from yonder cottage goes a sleepy smoke.

  601. Deep into distant woodlands winds a mazy way, reaching to overlapping spurs of mountains bathed in their hill-side blue.

  603. But though the picture lies thus tranced, and though this pine-tree shakes down its sighs like leaves upon this shepherd’s head, yet all were vain, unless the shepherd’s eye were fixed upon the magic stream before him.

  604. I have already run out of anything meaningful to share. Except Red Roof Inn has a stay 2 get 1 free promotion. Anyone into Red Roof Inn? Anyone?

  605. Go visit the Prairies in June, when for scores on scores of miles you wade knee-deep among Tiger-lilies—what is the one charm wanting?

  609. Were Niagara but a cataract of sand, would you travel your thousand miles to see it?

  610. Why did the poor poet of Tennessee, upon suddenly receiving two handfuls of silver, deliberate whether to buy him a coat, which he sadly needed, or invest his money in a pedestrian trip to Rockaway Beach?

  611. Why is almost every robust healthy boy with a robust healthy soul in him, at some time or other crazy to go to sea?

  614. Why upon your first voyage as a passenger, did you yourself feel such a mystical vibration, when first told that you and your ship were now out of sight of land?

  615. Just back and bumped down from business to economic. IfTAP won’t pay me Gary won’t you? 🙂

  617. How can you top breaking in a new top tier card on Sunday? Well I guess money on Saturday would do it.

  619. Android screencasting to Chromecast (via portable private router network) in the hotel is just awesome. Been waiting 2 years for this!

  622. And still deeper the meaning of that story of Narcissus, who because he could not grasp the tormenting, mild image he saw in the fountain, plunged into it and was drowned.

  627. It is the image of the ungraspable phantom of life; and this is the key to it all.

  630. Now, when I say that I am in the habit of going to sea whenever I begin to grow hazy about the eyes, and begin to be over conscious of my lungs, I do not mean to have it inferred that I ever go to sea as a passenger.

  632. For to go as a passenger you must needs have a purse, and a purse is but a rag unless you have something in it.

  634. Besides, passengers get sea-sick—grow quarrelsome—don’t sleep of nights—do not enjoy themselves much, as a general thing;—no, I never go as a passenger; nor, though I am something of a salt, do I ever go to sea as a Commodore, or a Captain, or a Cook.

  636. Who says no one reads this on Saturday night.Thanks for your generosity. I wish we, Americans, would not be so quick to sue.

  640. For my part, I abominate all honourable respectable toils, trials, and tribulations of every kind whatsoever.

  642. It is quite as much as I can do to take care of myself, without taking care of ships, barques, brigs, schooners, and what not.

  644. And as for going as cook,—though I confess there is considerable glory in that, a cook being a sort of officer on ship-board—yet, somehow, I never fancied broiling fowls;—though once broiled, judiciously buttered, and judgmatically salted and peppered, there is no one who will speak more respectfully, not to say reverentially, of a broiled fowl than I will.

  647. It is out of the idolatrous dotings of the old Egyptians upon broiled ibis and roasted river horse, that you see the mummies of those creatures in their huge bake-houses the pyramids.

  648. No, when I go to sea, I go as a simple sailor, right before the mast, plumb down into the forecastle, aloft there to the royal mast-head.

  651. True, they rather order me about some, and make me jump from spar to spar, like a grasshopper in a May meadow.

  654. It touches one’s sense of honour, particularly if you come of an old established family in the land, the Van Rensselaers, or Randolphs, or Hardicanutes.

  657. It seems there are plenty of Saturday night readers! I look forward to reading your daily updates on what is happening.

  658. And more than all, if just previous to putting your hand into the tar-pot, you have been lording it as a country schoolmaster, making the tallest boys stand in awe of you.

  659. Thanks for your blog. I appreciate this post for the amusing comments even if I don’t manage to win!

  661. The transition is a keen one, I assure you, from a schoolmaster to a sailor, and requires a strong decoction of Seneca and the Stoics to enable you to grin and bear it.

  663. It seems more people read your blog on saturday evenings than you thought. My musing? Why does alaska fly SAN-BOS? It’s a bizarre city pair for an airline with only hubs in the pacific nw.

  666. What of it, if some old hunks of a sea-captain orders me to get a broom and sweep down the decks?

  668. What does that indignity amount to, weighed, I mean, in the scales of the New Testament?

  671. Do you think the archangel Gabriel thinks anything the less of me, because I promptly and respectfully obey that old hunks in that particular instance?

  674. I enjoy learning on the blogs and cannot understand why people are negative. If you do not like what you read, do not read it or come back another day.

  677. Hey we are here in oklahoma. Best wishes and hope Argentina can win tomorrow’s world cup final.

  680. Cool! It’s actually morning here in Beijing so off to enjoy the beautiful weather here!

  682. Well, then, however the old sea-captains may order me about—however they may thump and punch me about, I have the satisfaction of knowing that it is all right; that everybody else is one way or other served in much the same way—either in a physical or metaphysical point of view, that is; and so the universal thump is passed round, and all hands should rub each other’s shoulder-blades, and be content.

  684. Again, I always go to sea as a sailor, because they make a point of paying me for my trouble, whereas they never pay passengers a single penny that I ever heard of.

  690. The act of paying is perhaps the most uncomfortable infliction that the two orchard thieves entailed upon us.

  693. The urbane activity with which a man receives money is really marvellous, considering that we so earnestly believe money to be the root of all earthly ills, and that on no account can a monied man enter heaven.

  695. “First the doctor told me the good news: I was going to have a disease named after me.”

  697. Finally, I always go to sea as a sailor, because of the wholesome exercise and pure air of the fore-castle deck.

  698. For as in this world, head winds are far more prevalent than winds from astern (that is, if you never violate the Pythagorean maxim), so for the most part the Commodore on the quarter-deck gets his atmosphere at second hand from the sailors on the forecastle.

  699. “A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.” By this measure, I am unsuccessful :(:(:(

  703. In much the same way do the commonalty lead their leaders in many other things, at the same time that the leaders little suspect it.

  705. But wherefore it was that after having repeatedly smelt the sea as a merchant sailor, I should now take it into my head to go on a whaling voyage; this the invisible police officer of the Fates, who has the constant surveillance of me, and secretly dogs me, and influences me in some unaccountable way—he can better answer than any one else.

  708. And, doubtless, my going on this whaling voyage, formed part of the grand programme of Providence that was drawn up a long time ago.

  709. It came in as a sort of brief interlude and solo between more extensive performances.

  711. I hope someone mistakenly checks the “Notify me of new posts by email” box in this thread.

  718. “My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I’ve finished two bags of M&Ms and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.”

  720. Though I cannot tell why it was exactly that those stage managers, the Fates, put me down for this shabby part of a whaling voyage, when others were set down for magnificent parts in high tragedies, and short and easy parts in genteel comedies, and jolly parts in farces–

  721. —though I cannot tell why this was exactly; yet, now that I recall all the circumstances, I think I can see a little into the springs and motives which being cunningly presented to me under various disguises, induced me to set about performing the part I did, besides cajoling me into the delusion that it was a choice resulting from my own unbiased freewill and discriminating judgment.

  726. Then the wild and distant seas where he rolled his island bulk; the undeliverable, nameless perils of the whale; these, with all the attending marvels of a thousand Patagonian sights and sounds, helped to sway me to my wish.

  727. With other men, perhaps, such things would not have been inducements; but as for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote.

  732. “The only mystery in life is why the kamikaze pilots wore helmets.” Never thought about it!

  735. Not ignoring what is good, I am quick to perceive a horror, and could still be social with it—would they let me—since it is but well to be on friendly terms with all the inmates of the place one lodges in.

  738. By reason of these things, then, the whaling voyage was welcome; the great flood-gates of the wonder-world swung open, and in the wild conceits that swayed me to my purpose, two and two there floated into my inmost soul, endless processions of the whale, and, mid most of them all, one grand hooded phantom, like a snow hill in the air.

  740. I generally prefer to travel by whaling boat but have been getting more involved in the miles game.

  741. Does anyone know of a credit card that accumulates points for whaling expeditions?

  742. I would really love to take a trip to catch the White Whale but it’s kind of expensive.

  748. I agree the CSP is overrated and did not pay the AF and downgraded to CS instead. And I only got 1 AA exec since moving across the nation messed up my game

  751. “A bargain is something you don’t need at a price you can’t resist.” My girlfriend loves a bargain.

  752. “If you think nobody cares if you’re alive, try missing a couple of car payments.” Keep track of your credit cards people.

  755. Of course you’re already up to almost 500 replies on this Saturday evening.

  756. Looks like people do read blogs on Saturday nights… otherwise nobody would notice this post was even published.

  768. Gearing up for my first JFK to LHR on AA’s busines class tomorrow (picked that over BA based on your reviews Gary). Really looking forward to it.

  769. Now small fowls flew screaming over the yet yawning gulf; a sullen white surf beat against its steep sides; then all collapsed, and the great shroud of the sea rolled on as it rolled five thousand years ago.

  779. It so chanced, that after the Parsee’s disappearance, I was he whom the Fates ordained to take the place of Ahab’s bowsman, when that bowsman assumed the vacant post; the same, who, when on the last day the three men were tossed from out of the rocking boat, was dropped astern.

  780. Guess more than a few people have nothing better to do on Saturday night. Yeah, me. Pick me. Thanks for the promo.

  784. So my 8 year old talks like someone from another age. We asked why she hadn’t done what we had asked, and she replied that she was “occupied with something else for a period of time.”

  785. So, floating on the margin of the ensuing scene, and in full sight of it, when the halfspent suction of the sunk ship reached me, I was then, but slowly, drawn towards the closing vortex.

  790. Round and round, then, and ever contracting towards the button-like black bubble at the axis of that slowly wheeling circle, like another Ixion I did revolve.

  791. Till, gaining that vital centre, the black bubble upward burst; and now, liberated by reason of its cunning spring, and, owing to its great buoyancy, rising with great force, the coffin life-buoy shot lengthwise from the sea, fell over, and floated by my side.

  792. Buoyed up by that coffin, for almost one whole day and night, I floated on a soft and dirgelike main.

  793. The unharming sharks, they glided by as if with padlocks on their mouths; the savage sea-hawks sailed with sheathed beaks.

  797. My 6 year old on the other hand… last night, she brushed her teeth at my sink. When she got there, she said, “oh, your wolverine smells terrible!” she meant listerine.

  798. It was the devious-cruising Rachel, that in her retracing search after her missing children, only found another orphan.

  799. Remember, wherever you go…….there you are.
    And points and miles get you there.

  806. “Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.” This can happen.

  808. Hi,

    Just thought I would drop in. Learned (even though not enough) a lot in past 2 yrs. last year (Sep 15 to Dec 11) had my first mileage trip, using all that I had learned & earned. First class to Japan (ANA) with a 12 day stopover in Korea. Stayed at Grand Hilton Seoul. Two months on Okinawa. Next stop 4 days at Grand Hilton Osaka. Then on to Tokyo for 8 days. Four at the Park Hyatt and 4 days at the Conrad Hilton. Return to the Us (Business) on ANA. Best part was all paid for using Miles & Points. Total cost was around $1,500. Lots of gifts and good meals and sites seen. THANKS TO ALL YOU BLOGERS (too many to name individually) THAT PUT OUT THE INFO THAT EVEN I COULD UNDERSTAND. You guys and gals are the greatest. Plannibg another trip this year to include Taiwan, Hong Kong, and possibly Singapore or Bankok(wife’s decision. Love these Saturday notes with nothing to do but catch up with all the great inputs. Sorry for the verbosity. GrizManJapan signing off for now.

  813. Trying in vain to find One World award availability out of NYC area to Europe during the Labor Day weekend…

  814. Goal is to have at least a one percent chance of winning. So at least 6 comments.

  815. “I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives.”

  845. Arrived with the family for our summer vacation at the Westin Hilton Head Island earlier today. Love SPG points. Considering the breakfast buffet (which is awesome)and runs $21.95 a head, winning could be a great help. Best of luck to the winner!!!

  862. But a wolverine would probably eat our chickens so not really practical. 🙂

  882. I’m browsing this site at 22:00 local on a Saturday night. I’m not sure what that says about me.

  892. Perhaps some limit should be in place. When 2 people account for over 100 posts it’s not worth the time even reading any comments.

  898. I really enjoy reading the blog as it is an excellent distraction from studying for the Bar Exam!

  928. I hope you are out having fun and waiting until Sunday morning to read these comments

  951. Honestly surprised no one has figured out a way to write a script and have 200+ entries by now

  956. Let’s ask the mirror: Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest blogger of them all.

  961. I’m not sure which makes me more pathetic: that I’m reading this on a Saturday night or that I’m entering this give-away with only one entry. Actually, this is a great blog, and any time is a good time to read it. Thanks!

  963. Gary, you cheater! It was supposed to be just the two of us on Saturday nights!

  971. @Octavian You’re joking, right? Worst. Movie. Ever. A complete train wreck of an amazing book. SciFi Dune much better. 🙂

  982. And now my 5th comment. Won’t help much, but won’t hurt. A few minutes of my life…. Cheers everyone!! Enjoy your weekend!

  994. We just flew to Honolulu from Clt on American for the first time….seats were old and awful. What airline is the ‘most comfortable’ to fly to Honolulu on? Our daughter lives there now and we want to go next summer too….

  995. i dont thinf few people are reading your blog while i am typing, but i will love to hear from frequent flyers experiences in latinamerica

  996. What kind of gift card is it? Well, I suppose any free money is good enough for me

  1000. I have the SPG Amex, but am interested in the new Everyday (the free one). Thoughts on at what spending level over/under I should think about switching the card type?

  1008. Spending my Saturday night thinking about vacation destinations! Would love to win!

  1026. This is a sneaky way to find out how many people are actually reading your blog on saturday night!

  1027. This is my favorite blog! It simply has the most interesting posts that apply to me.

  1040. Hope I win. Does anyone else enjoy the empty lines and numerous staff at Walmart at 9am Saturdays and Sundays? The kiosk still wasn’t working, but lots of empty lines. Have a great weekend!

  1043. So kinda nerdy being home on a Saturday night, but does it count that we are packing for our South African safari next week?

  1053. Gee, only 700 comments so far. You should join Adsense. You’d probably generate more in clicks than you gave away in gift cards!

  1066. Does anyone know if there is a site that tracks historical award seat availability?

  1071. Devaluation of points and miles takes people back to sweepstakes desperation days.

  1072. There are so many informative blogs and sites but I can’t seem to find the information I’m looking for. Specifically, which airlines release more than 4 business or 1st class awards.

  1073. Hi Gary,
    I read your posts all the days of the week. Sometimes, it’s the info, sometimes your opinion, I look to read anything about travel and what’s happening in the frequent traveler world. Keep ’em coming!

  1076. 700+ already? Yikes, I don’t have time to stud the ballot box. Here’s my 1 entry.

  1078. great idea! I do have a question- why it is difficult to find CX reawrd seat between North America And HK or from HK to London? CX has more than fours flights to London and NY…it is not diffcult to find when US Airway still in Star alliance but it is diffcult to find seat now given the truth there are more flights. I wonder why? It makes US dividend miles almost almost as valued. As before.

  1081. Wonder how much time people are spending to dump out this record number of comments. BA record yet, anyone???

  1084. Just got back from my first experience on United First Class. Now I get why you love Lufthansa.

  1085. What if we could actually turn this silly number of comments into a real (productive) chat?

  1086. Btw, re: the earlier post on the President’s line-cutting: he’s made a habit of that at popular DC dining destinations, too. It’s a contrast to President Clinton, with whom ( and a USSS entourage) I once waited in line at a DC area Roy Rogers

  1087. Are people even reading each others’ comments? This looks like a $100 party.

  1089. Best MR deal for Aegean lifetime Gold? How low (of a price) have people been able to achieve that status for?

  1094. Which CDW coverage do u prefer? Primary with mileage plus, the free coverge (not sure if primary or secondary) with Amex, or the coverage u get w Amex when u pay the $25?

  1095. I live in Brasil. Despite most information the blog shows is target to americans, I read it daily and is a pleasure to travel along with what is posted. Thank you.

  1099. Since when did AMEX stop people from downgrading and upgrading (?!?!?!) between Blue and SPG cards?

  1147. I’m reading…I enjoy your blog on Saturday evenings…and during the rest of the week too!!

  1152. While tempting to spam the comments with random comments to better my chances of free $$, I will just post this to throw my hat into the ring.

  1160. Todd,
    Cathay releases 5 business class seats at initial release 360 days prior travel date, to Asiamiles, BA, and Qantas. They may be available at 331 on American. Cathay then releases more seats the last 10 days to 24 hours prior to flight. Cathay release 2 First class initially and then later 2 more.

  1182. Mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo lah.

  1209. The crappy old Walmart six blocks from my home just reopened as a mostly rebuilt store – even the original parts had their ceilings raised and freshened up, and there’s now a grocery. I went in today to actually buy some salad dressing and A&W Ten as I had expiring coupons, and Kate was not there. So sad.

  1221. Thanks for giving me something to do while killing time in an airport hotel on a rainy night.

  1233. @Narayan Nice try you sneaky son of a gun. I once tried to get a free sandwich like that. It worked, but only after I also stole the sandwich. 🙂

  1234. A huge thank-you to Gary for keeping this blog, which taught me a faster way to 2 great vacations, plus a lifestyle change… I look forward to paying bills now 🙂

  1239. Ooops, also meant to say thanks to Gary for putting up with all emotionally unstable people who seem to get fulfillment from harassing him on his own blog. Ignore ’em!

  1242. There is nothing like someone giving away free money. God bless you for your charitable heart.

  1282. Was just talking about a trip to Greenland w one of my travel buddies tonight- could be my first $100 towards the trip ; )

  1295. One comment for the win!! Airlines have to treat people better or when another crisis hits the airlines (which it will) let them survive on their own and not government handouts. Cheers!!

  1296. Just booked a HUGE trip for my family, to Africa!! in First Class on Etihad. Thanks for all of the tips over the years.

  1309. This just shows what people will do for $100. Thank God you didn’t request nude photos.

  1311. Your great Hyatt reviews have convinced me to stay at the Andaz Maui on my first trip to Hawaii in three months. I can’t wait!

  1313. We are heading to the Huntington Beach hyatt in Sept. thanks for all of the hyatt tips!

  1318. Met you back in the Centurion Lounge at DFW in April. Thanks for chatting with me!

  1319. What a cool way to get folks chatting.

    Any tips on Carolina Beach, NC, anyone? 🙂

  1320. We visited the hyatt Beaver Creek last winter. The ski properties offer no upgrades – but the free breakfasts were amazing! We probably received around $600 in value with our free breakfasts for multiple days with our large group. We love hyatt!!

  1329. My family lives in Las Vegas and we do frequent stay-cations at MLife properties in Las vegas because they partner with hyatt and get us credit toward status.

  1330. I find myself reading your blog most saturday nights. I hope this loser becomes a winner…

  1337. … a little late to the party but just getting the Email. The only travel associated thing on my mind these days is the AA merger and which airline should I be consolidating my Top-Tier related travel with next. Hahahaha

  1338. Thanks for helping me figure out the points game! I’m in a hotel on the San Antonio river walk, booked at a discount on travel pony. We also drove here from VA and I was able to take advantage of one of the 5000 point rooms from IHG. If Marriott would just give me free internet I could enter this comment much quicker using a real keyboard!

  1343. Here I am, online on a Saturday night…again…thinking about how the last couple of years, I’ve gravitated towards trips that force me to disconnect.

  1345. Seems like there’s a lot of people reading on a Saturday night. Maybe they heard about the free money. 😉

  1351. Gary, your disclaimers make me sad. You and your fellow travel bloggers have shared a lot of valuable information over the years and I wish you wouldn’t have to head off the litigious / disruptive readers like that, though can only imagine the hate mail. Just a note that many more people appreciate what you’re doing than not.

  1352. looking forward to the world cup tomorrow…Germany was so commanding in the Brazil game that Poland got nervous and France preemptively surrendered.

  1354. I read you every day, like clockwork ! You are absolutely my favorite blogger. Even without the give-always.

  1355. I enjoy your travel tips! I always check them out before booking a trip!
    Thanks for helping so many see the world! It’s the best education.

  1370. Just reading you here in Jerusalem — three air raid sirens so far this week, including one at the Western Wall!

    Keep blogging, baby!

  1371. And sorry you had to be put that disclaimer in. I have disclaimers on all of my e-mails. Damned lawyers (including me)

  1375. NOTICE: To ensure compliance with government regulations, you are advised that, unless otherwise expressly indicated, any federal tax advice contained in this message was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law provisions or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any tax-related matters addressed herein.

    NOTICE: This e-mail or e-mail string (and any attachments thereto) is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail or e-mail string (and any attachments thereto) is strictly prohibited. If you receive this e-mail in error please immediately notify me at (323) xxx-xxxx and permanently delete the original e-mail or e-mail string (and any copy of any email or e-mail string) and any printout thereof.

  1378. Okay, so there are at least 900 of us without much happening on a Saturday night! 🙂

  1379. If we were on twitter, you’d be trending right now. Alongside that whole LeBron and World Cup thing. 🙂

  1380. First World Problem for sure, but I’m at the Courtyard in Casper, WY and my fire alarm has gone off twice for taking a shower (the steam is setting it off), it took 16 minutes to get oatmeal this morning, and housekeeping never came to my room. 🙁

  1382. Many years ago, at the emergency meeting of the UN regarding yet another conflict in the Middle East, the floor was given to the Israeli Consul. The Israeli Consul began, “Ladies and gentlemen before I commence with my speech, I wanted to relay an old story to all of you.

    When Moses was leading the Jews out of Egypt he had to go through deserts, and prairies, and even more deserts. The Jewish people became thirsty and needed water. So Moses struck the side of a mountain with his cane and at the sight of that mountain a pond appeared with crystal clean, cool water. And the people rejoiced and drank to their hearts’ content. Moses wished to cleanse his whole body, so he went over to the other side of the pond, took all of his clothes off and dove into the cool waters.

    Only when Moses came out of the water he discovered that all his clothes had been stolen. And I have reasons to believe that the Palestinians stole his clothes.”

    Yassir Arafat, hearing this accusation, jumps out of his seat and screams, “This is a travesty…It’s a lie! It is well known that there were no Palestinians there at the time!”

    “And in agreement with Chairman Arafat on that last point,” said the Israeli Consul, “let me begin my speech…”

  1383. $100 gift card would be great! Would make this overnight shift worthwhile. Thanks for all the great info day-to-day.

  1392. I am so confident that you will pick me to win, that I am only going to comment once.

  1393. I really want to spend my Chase points at the new Jamaica, adults-only property in early 2015

  1395. I like your blog very much it is very interesting and informative. Keep up the good work

  1403. trying to book award travel with my Alaska miles and almost ready to tear my hair out. They REALLY do not want me to travel to Copenhagen next spring. I am not sure it is worth it, I may pay with actual cash.(what a concept)

  1404. My all-time favorite flight was Frankfurt to Chicago. A few hours in the first class terminal, featuring a delay after pouring the (first) champagne, with just my wife and I on the upper deck of the 747.

  1407. In for the $. Wallet was stolen last week and the new one is feeling particularly light in the billfold section!

  1410. Gary I think you underestimating how popular you are! There are close to 1000 of us reading you tonight!

  1411. Who are you trying to out blog tonight? Such a loaded question had to have meant there was some sort of bet on the line about who has the most readers on a Saturday night.

  1412. I read all the blogs like it’s “just the two of us”. I hope that’s not weird…

  1413. Here is to hoping. But so far looks like there are more who read your blog at this hour than you think 🙂

  1416. In October we are going to NC for a wedding. I have “purchased” US Airways tickets using my Chase UR points. I, also, have US Airways Visa and AAdvantage Executive MC.

    I was wondering if there is a way to avoid baggage fee for two bags (2 girls = 2 bags) in this situation or will I have to pay for it. I think I seen something on this blog site or other travel blog but can’t find it now.

  1417. Sitting at my computer… on a Saturday evening…reading travel blogs… in my underwear. Thats right ladies, I’m available.

  1418. Or it was a slow day and you just wanted to see how many other folks were experiencing a similarly slow day.

  1421. Is there a prize from boarding area waiting for you if you surpass a certain number of posts. Has to be or you wouldn’t have allowed multiple comments.

  1426. Or is it an attempt to gauge the staying power of your readers? What is the most number of posts you thought you’d get from a single individual?

  1429. I have no expectation to win anything from these contests, but time to say thanks to you for the useful blog!

  1431. But only if it is usable online, mind you (not sure what kind of a card it is).

  1432. I flew Delta first glass Reno to Atlanta recently, first time in 20 years I flew first class. It was the worst food I’ve ever had, even including all the airplane meals I ever had on coach. Then I flew recently first class Alaska from Hawaii to Seattle. The food was better than Delta, but even a first class overnight, no pillows or blankets. Don’t do that anymore, they said.

    I really don’t understand this holy grail of first class people dream about. It sucks. I usually just fly coach and upgrade to the more leg room seats. That’s a nice flight.

  1434. You are hilarious and entertaining and always have the best and most reliable info! Would love that Benjamin!

  1436. I’m talking about us who are in Asia as winners.

    Say, for instance: me.

    Me, me, me, me, me.

    Myself and I. :-p

  1437. I’m done. Bet I didn’t post the most. Also bet I don’t count who had the most posts. The more you post, the more increase you odds of winning. Correct?

  1447. I really want to go to Istanbul and connect it to a Greek Islands cruise ending in Athens.

  1448. I’m surprised someone hasn’t written a script yet to just spam the comments.

    Good night everybody!

  1456. got when I thought I could post each word as a comment, it tells me I’m posting too quickly.

  1459. Cash? A lovely addition to any trip. Thanks for the give-away. I’ll have happy travel dreams tonight.

  1474. Aloha from Hawaii! Next time you folks are here, let’s meet at the yacht club for a snack & a drink.

  1476. Tired. Was just about to hit the sack. Eyes closing … oohhh, wait … what’s this ?? 🙂 Have a nice weekend.

  1479. I’m not at the office, but I am working (and checking blogs while I wait for documents to print.)

  1482. Anyone know of a best way to find cheapest rate at hotels? Need another 6 nts to complete my Hyatt diamond trial. I notice certain dates have cheaper rates

  1486. I wonder what kind of unique toys they have in Paris. I could get her a very Parisian outfit.

  1490. I volunteer for a non-profit boys choir. They’re doing a free concert in Washington, DC August 7th that’ll be filmed for PBS. Do you want to come, Gary? You could be on TV! 🙂

  1498. Still wondering what the AA/US strategy should be in regards to spending my USDM miles….

  1506. I could use it towards the $200 of hotel costs not covered by points. Not bad considering it’s 5 nts in Paris, 4 nts in Brussels, and 2 nts in London.

  1509. … and while everyone is still commenting there are great sub-$700 deals between N. America and Hong Kong being sold.

  1520. What destination is highest on your bucket list that you haven’t gone to?

  1521. nobody reads this blog on a saturday night but there are already over 1000 comments. okay.
    in the mean time, i want to book an aeroplan reward flight to yugoslavia as per their revised 2014 awards chart. LOL

  1524. What’s the best way to get to Taiwan with Chase Ultimate Reward points for business class?

  1529. Guess there are quite a few of us reading your messages on Saturday night! Always happy to try my luck!

  1533. I’ve never flown first. It’s on my bucket list. Hoping to go to New Zealand via Alaska miles on Quantas. Since Quantas changed its availability for Alaska Airline transfers, any recommendation on a different airline?

  1537. My goal is to fly first class / suites on Singapore, Cathay, Etihad, and Emirates in the next few years.

  1539. My Saturday night is so boring, I’ve been taking selfies with my dog. Yeah, I’m that lame.

  1540. I already feel like I have won the lottery, though since I have a business class ticket to London. My very first. This could be addicting.

  1555. OK,more than 1000 postings on a Saturday night. This should be more than you expected.

    I keep finding more unpublished rewards for my Amex Platinum Card. I charged a cruise on Oceania for me and my wife, and received an extra $300 shipboard credit, plus a complementary wine tasting and bottle of wine, all complements of Amex.

  1560. Question. Is it worth it to use my 250k AA points to fly bus class to Tahiti or for the same pointsI could go to Australia, right? What do you think?

  1562. It’s like a party on here. I’m going to go get everyone some drinks and hors d’oeuvres. I’ll be right back.

  1563. To Alycia: If on the South Island, try Brydan on Rose in Blenheim — great owner and good location in the middle of Marlborough wine country. If in Wellington on the North Island, try the Novotel.

  1564. $100 Giftcard from where? (See, you have a lot of people reading your site on Saturday night !!). Thanks.

  1569. I have been saving and saving points to fly AA business class to Paris (I’m a French teacher). Looks like I’ll finally get to do it.

  1571. Next year we will go to Hawaii. The big island with all the kids. It will be so much fun.

  1576. Alycia: No question — Air New Zealand. And don’t miss Napier — after a 1930 earthquake leveled the town, it was rebuilt in Art Deco style. It’s simply beautiful.

  1577. I just got the Alaska card. Woohoo. No min spend. And a $99 companion ticket. Hawaii here i come.

  1578. Thanks, too, for all the advice on how to get the credit cards I needed to get those AA points. I would never have even known about the Aadvantage Executive card.

  1584. Just got upgraded last week to a two-room suite with the much maligned IHG Platinum status.

  1585. I suspect Gary’s advertisers (or some other ‘blog traffic metric’) measures “average comments per post” or something. So he can pay a hundred bucks to drive his revenue in some other regard.

  1586. I’m getting ready to do the Hyatt Diamond Challenge. Breakfast in Paris is expensive.

  1588. after getting serious with points/miles game last august, we completed 5 trips and have scheduled 2 more. All international.

  1589. My wife and I both just got the US Airways card for the second time. Can’t wait for them to turn into AA miles.

  1591. What do you think about the Wells Fargo Propell card? It looks a lot like the Barclays Arrival card to me. I’m thinking of pulling the trigger.

  1595. Do most of you travel for business? Just wondering how you can do so many international business class tickets!

  1597. Agreed with MT, I caught this during Sunday morning coffee. That being said, it looks like you still get a fair number of readers is the comments are any indication!

  1599. I’m here with you Gary! Heading to Malaysia soon, getting super inspired by your latest trip.

  1605. @Gary70 Did you use 7 different FF programs to book those 7 flights in less than one year?

  1625. Just spent some time on the executive floor of the Hilton Princess MGA. Nice hapy hour 🙂

  1629. I think there must be few of us reading your blog on Saturday evening, unless one or two people have a LOT of time to write 1000+ replies. 🙂

  1635. Also, do you know of any good run-downs that exist on Turkish’s Miles&Smiles? I’ve ended up acquiring some points on them recently because of fares that wouldn’t credit anywhere else, and don’t have much info on the best ways to burn.

  1636. whoa! unlimited entries! you may have opened a torrent here. I wonder if somebody will code up a script.

  1650. With over 1100 comments, it looks like some people read this blog on Saturday evenings. And they are all bored.

  1653. Have you given thought to doing an article on round the world ticket purchase as the benefits

  1655. Did anyone see that American is adding a 20% bonus to the normal bonus Starwood gives for transferring points to them. I just transferred a bunch!

  1677. The Braniff commercial is shocking by today’s standards. Where was Gloria Steinem when the Braniff women needed her?! (Maybe still at Smith?)

  1681. @Cindi Anderson Wow! No pillows or blankets in first class for an international flight! Am I going to freeze all the way to Paris? Hope that’s not true for American.

  1684. I’m going to italy for the first time in September. Any recommendations? Must-sees or must-dos?

  1699. I love the headline and the disclosure of the selection process! Refreshing to see something so “my way” in a world of “it’s not fair”…. Welcome to life.

  1712. Would anyone like to see pictures of my cats? Ohhh! I hope its a $100 gift card to Pet Smart!

  1755. Does anyone know about the beef between Seth and Gary? I remember Seth got really snippy at Gary a month ago on a post.

  1756. I don’t like being home. Where’s my fold out tray? There’s no blue water in my toilet. There’s no snarling hag slamming a bloody mary down in front of me while giving me a “don’t ask me for anything else” look. Could I have more pretzels?

    Did I mention my cats?

  1772. I just cleaned the dust bunnies out of my computer. I am now going after the lint in my belly button.

    I also was approved for a IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card today.

  1776. the cat village is the only interesting thing about Taiwan, they have some nice pussy in that village.

  1778. Apparently there are very strong incentives for bloggers to have entries that generate an enormous amount of comments.

  1781. Id love a free gift card. Even if it means having to read your site on a Saturday night

  1782. Is this a gift card for cat travel? My cats love United .. the airline that lets them fly in cabin on transatlantic flights.

  1783. I meekly must say that I rather like Taipei. Interesting art scene. Good dumplings. Can’t attest to the pussy factor, though.

  1784. I’m wondering if there will be a megado in 2014. Do you have any info on this? I’d love to go on my first one!

  1791. A gift card for cat travel! I love it. My cat Ted (RIP) got to roam the cabin of a Northwest Orient (remember them) flight once.

  1795. Going to Napa for 4 nights in two weeks. Will sat at Westin Verasa with SPG points. Sure we could use the extra $100 for lunch.

  1799. Gary: Thank you for your generosity, but most of all – thank you for your informative postings.

  1802. $100 could help to pay for all these annual fees i now have thanks to all these credit cards

  1807. Seth and Gary have beef? My cats love beef too. They would prefer the beef instead of the gift card, especially Seth’s if it is snipped into bite sized morsels.

  1810. Lucky’s given up on blogging lately, I hear he’s getting into the hedge fund industry.

  1812. Imperator – are you my long lost twin? I also really like Taipei (and other parts of Taiwan). The National Palace Museum, Shilin Night Market, Taipei 101, National Concert Hall, temples, gardens, shopping, clean bullet trains. While there I kept saying, “Why don’t more Americans come here?”

  1816. Hey I can use that $100 to make up for the decreased credit from the Executive card!

  1817. Thanks Lauren, perhaps when I get done playing with the pussies i’ll take in the historical sites.

  1822. Yeah, sister. Taipei is pretty cool. It’s like a Tokyo that doesn’t have to try so hard. And apparently there’s a village of cats!!!

  1830. As to an on-point comment, if anyone can comment on the Holiday Inn in Downtown Charleston, I’m thinking of using my free IHG nights there. Thoughts?

  1834. P.S. Thanks for the generosity, Gary. I’ve used your links for some CC signups and I appreciate it when you share back with us a bit.

  1846. I now have a craving for wasabi peas. Thanks, MEOW. It’s been fun. Hope the ambien kicks in.

  1848. Other than the fact that our airport had Nude-O-Scopes, I hope you enjoyed your stay here in Charleston a while back.

  1858. And I’m reading your blog at 220am on a saturday night in NYC when i should either be out with friends or sleeping.

  1859. I just started following the flight blogs daily about a month ago, and I’ve been impressed with the content all around! I am also a proud lifelong AAdvantage member, with a trip to Spain and Thailand coming up this fall.

    Cheers!

  1862. Hmm, chances of winning don’t seem so high, but I could definitely put that $100 towards a flight somewhere.

  1864. Thank you for the Park Hyatt Maldives reports…I sent my brother there for his honeymoon and he loved it minus the treacherous boat ride from the airport.

  1865. I’m getting sleepy here in Chicagoland. Hope to see >3,000 posts tomorrow. Keep it going, Gary fans!

  1867. Oh, I should probably also say thanks for all the tips (from a relative newby to all of this)!

  1875. @ jonnie

    Rome
    Amalfi coast/Pompeii
    Orvieto/Civita
    Florence
    Pisa
    Cinque terre
    Venice
    Milan

    Then taking the Bernina Express and flying out of Zurich.

    Covering a lot of ground in 2 weeks, but I need more time!

  1885. My favorite part of this blog is the recommendations based on the math calculations, which I find hard to do myself. I know circumstances differ for everyone, but these basic value comparisons are worth their weight in gold. Thanks Gary.

  1887. So glad to have discovered your blog! Lots of useful and interesting info – thanks!

  1888. Just booked our flights to the Maldives for my wife’s 30th birthday. Now it’s time to set our sights on hotel…I”m thinking the Park Hyatt based on your glowing review. Perhaps 2 Chase cards and 75k Hyatt points for 7 nights?

  1894. Ummm, muahahaha. So i fell out of bed and could not stop laughing for 30 minutes. HAHAHAHAHA.

  1897. Have been a longtime reader, but just lurking and using the posts (caught a great deal on Santorini flights when BA announced the new route quietly and it was re-annaounced on blog) so just let me take this very early morning minute to say thanks for that, and missus thanks you. And it seemed like a good time to comment.

  1899. I have been looking at car parts for the past 4 hours… Jumped over to your blog before going to bed. That moolah would be great for my upgrades! faster car = less time to nearby vacation spots. haha

  1901. …I just realised that if you check the last box at the bottom below that says “Notify me of new posts by email” (below “Notify me of follow-up comments by email”…), WordPress unsubscribes you from the blog until you “Re”-click on the confirmation email it sends out following the submission. Lame.
    If you are already subscribed to receive the blog via email, this system should be smart enough to know that the email address already exists in the database, rather than starting out the entire process from scratch.
    Some people may check both boxes below but never click on the confirmation email again which they just received, thinking they already get the Blog’s emails; never knowing that if they checked the bottom box while posting the comment, then they have been unsubscribed as a result of this procedure.

  1904. What a nice change of pace… seeing this at the end of a long day, cleaning out the garage.

  1905. Thank you for al the great information. Love reading all your articles.

  1907. In Venice right now and realized all hotels should provide postage and mailing services. Our very kind concierge is mailing out our cards on Monday and we do not have to chase the Italian post office! Yes, we paid extra, but service costs at times and every hotel should offer such assistance.

  1929. Thanks for providing so many of us with opportunities to travel that we would never have thought possible.

  1938. If you’re flying Cathay out of HK in first beware the Wing is under construction for the next month. Flew in first on UA to HK and back today in first on Cathay. What a difference! Kudos to Cathay for great service and a great bed.

  1941. that should read ponies, not ponie, and what about the panda gary, that was just one but still…

  1942. I always thought there should be one dedicated night per week where everyone gets drunk and then posts on the internet, this may be as close as it gets…

  1952. If this is all about the “hits” … here is another one for my favorite blogger. Thanks, Gary, for the great variety of tips for all types of travelers.

  1957. Take a peek at the SuperMoon. Watching over all of us, wherever we may be traveling tonight.

  1961. Good morning from Valencia, Spain! from my window I can seen a(nother) Ryanair flight landing at VLC.

  1963. Love traveling! Thanks for the help, I am flying to Istanbul in 3 weeks business class round trip. I haven’t had to pay for a flight, unless it was a great deal and savvy mileage wise since I started following you and a couple of other travel gurus. And I don’t have to fly coach internationally! Thanks again, and LOL @Jason, “These pretzels are making me thirsty!”

  1967. If I don’t win, then I really hope that one of the absurd comments that Meow or Imperator wins.

  1980. Had to wait ~40 minutes for my bags the other day at SFO. Does anyone else think that’s a little too long? It probably didn’t help that my priority tagged bags came out towards the end.

    ps: Multiple entries = silly

  1981. Ha ha. Good way to find out how many Readers you Actually have going on. Oh btw. Hat in the Ring! Email me tex. You know I won

  1982. ‏@united 3h
    Each seat in EconomyPlus can have different prices due to the extra conveniences. ^JH

    ‏@united 11m
    Let us know how you like the extra legroom. Looking forward to welcoming you aboard. ^JT #unitedprogress

  1986. 40 minutes – outrageous. And your comment reminds me – a belated thanks to that blogger who wrote last month about from which bags items are most often stolen. No more special bag tags for me.

  1996. Live from London. Just finishing 8 days in England – all on points and miles. Thanks for all the tips. Heading home tomorrow with great memories.

  1997. All those entries on Saturday night for the gift card. There is always hope to win, and I am posting from abroad.

  2002. We are hoping to adopt soon, all money will go toward saving for that. Please pick us!

  2012. I’m staying with my family for my grandma’s birthday weekend, and my parents snoring woke me up.

  2013. And now I can’t get back to sleep, and I’ve got nothing to do until it’s time to get up and meet up with the rest of the family. So here I am! 🙂

  2016. If anyone is reading my comments in order to see how my brain rambles….. Hello! How are you?

  2020. This actually is very amusing to me, I actually did need something to occupy my time just now haha.

  2022. Just saw the headline from your other post re standing room airplanes. That sounds safe haha.

  2024. I’ve not got any credit cards at the moment that I’m working towards a bonus, which always makes me feel like I’m wasting spend.

  2025. By the way, does anyone know if orbitz only charges your credit card after the trip happens?

  2034. Daddy’s flown across the ocean
    Leaving just a memory
    Snapshot in the family album
    Daddy what else did you leave for me?
    Daddy, what’d’ja leave behind for me?!?
    All in all it was just a brick in the wall.
    All in all it was all just bricks in the wall.

  2035. Hello?
    Is there anybody in there?
    Just nod if you can hear me.
    Is there anyone at home?
    Come on, now,
    I hear you’re feeling down.
    Well I can ease your pain
    Get you on your feet again.
    Relax.
    I’ll need some information first.
    Just the basic facts.
    Can you show me where it hurts?

  2036. There is no pain you are receding
    A distant ship, smoke on the horizon.
    You are only coming through in waves.
    Your lips move but I can’t hear what you’re saying.
    When I was a child I had a fever
    My hands felt just like two balloons.
    Now I’ve got that feeling once again
    I can’t explain you would not understand
    This is not how I am.
    I have become comfortably numb.

  2037. O.K.
    Just a little pinprick.
    There’ll be no more aaaaaaaaah!
    But you may feel a little sick.
    Can you stand up?
    I do believe it’s working, good.
    That’ll keep you going through the show
    Come on it’s time to go.

  2038. Hey you, out there in the cold
    Getting lonely, getting old
    Can you feel me?
    Hey you, standing in the aisles
    With itchy feet and fading smiles
    Can you feel me?
    Hey you, dont help them to bury the light
    Don’t give in without a fight

  2039. All alone, or in two’s,
    The ones who really love you
    Walk up and down outside the wall.
    Some hand in hand
    And some gathered together in bands.
    The bleeding hearts and artists
    Make their stand.

  2040. And when they’ve given you their all
    Some stagger and fall, after all it’s not easy
    Banging your heart against some mad bugger’s wall.

    “Isn’t this where….”

  2042. Thanks for all the tips you share; free money is just the cherry on top of the sundae.

  2044. Just back from Barcelona & Madrid. United flight back from Frankfurt had the dubious distinction of offering the single worst excuse for an edible meal I’ve ever encountered on a flight. Chicken bites bathed in some sweet brown sauce that was nominally BBQ, accompanied by something gloppy (veggie? starch?) that was beyond identifiable.

  2045. This is a much better way to hopefully win $100 than from the secret millionaire, where we must look for cash in the sand in CA!

  2048. Nothing smart to say just want the money…no really this hobby has changed my life:)

  2049. Just 20 more days before we leave home to head to Anchorage to catch a cruise to Vancouver. Too bad Celebrity’s IT and shore based service sucks – their website currently shows me not having any reservations.

    PICK ME!

  2051. Interesting premise for a giveaway–I see you got a lot of comments despite it being Sat. night! Fingers crossed…

  2059. Oh,yeah. I read’em all. All the Boarding Area blogs. Daily. Even on Sat. nights. Seems I’m still working on getting a life, huh. Great fun to have opportunities like this. I mean, who doesn’t like a chance to win something?

  2064. Reading from Australia and loving the website! Thanks for all the fantastic reviews.

  2068. Who gives you a hard time for trying to give away money? Doesn’t seem right! Thanks for always posting helpful tips.

  2069. What I should do is comment like 10,000 times for a good chance but like hacking the miles and points game it seems like it is just wrong.

    Hope
    I
    Win 🙂

  2070. Looking for a Labor Day vacation and having a hard time figuring out which airline and which hotel chain – our attempt to diversify left us low on all programs #epicfail

  2072. Final thought…I wish my husband wos read these blogs and tweets to realize the amt of effort that goes into travel decisions and loyalty programs!

  2077. Can the card be used for replacement livers? I think I’ve had too much wine waiting for my flight.

  2078. I am disappointed to see airlines award revenue based redeemable miles starting in 2015. United Airlines has no other strategic business plan other than to listen to Hunter Keay and copy Delta’s loyalty program, but it does NOT offer the quality of product or operational reliability that Delta does.

  2080. This $100 gift card would help on my upcoming trip to Europe visiting family. – Thanks!

  2081. Going to NYC to American Girl Doll Store for granddaughters birthday . . . Need that $100 !

  2083. Was it my wild and crazy imagination but did someone just say they saw the birthplace of James Polk!?!?

  2089. I’m still learning the game. Canceled my United Explorer card a few months ago to avoid the fee, and now just booked a paid flight on United where I’ll have to pay the baggage charge. Oh well.

  2091. I thought if since I was traveling out of country, there would be no baggage fee, but it appears it depends on the country. Not listed on site, had to call United to find out.

  2096. Just got mugged in Brazil. Messed up pretty bad. Visited over 170 countries and always safe

  2099. And don’t I have to close some cards in order to qualify for bonus points again later…what is it..after 8 months? Or does that vary too?

  2100. Enjoying a beautiful morning at a b&b in Greenville, ME. Can’t beat the view of Moosehead Lake.

  2101. Trying to pull off a surprise trip to see Arsenal play at Emirates this fall. Could use all the help I can get!

  2102. @Brad Baker So sorry about the mugging. I know it super stings now and ruined the fun of the rest of your trip, but I had the same experience years ago. The pain will fade. And you learned a valuable lesson, I’m sure. I learned not to carry too much cash.

  2105. Does anyone have a system for making sure you always have enough miles on all cards to book an award flight? I have a feeling I’m spreading my spending over too many cards. (4)

  2109. Doesn’t seem like there’s many exciting offers on the credit cards side lately ay?

  2112. Must be the money!!!! Germany is rock solid, but destiny may serve up legend status to Messi today.

  2113. I won a frilly blouse in a small boutique store once…40 years ago — a drawing. Nothing else, ever. Maybe luck will find me again today. YooHoo, Over here!

  2116. We need a tool to find the lowest price date for a hotel. Just like for airlines.

    Search for same hotel but locating the lowest price dates for that one

    Is there one?

  2122. That would buy a lot of crackers to help with morning sickness (aka 24/7 sickness, turbulence sickness, etc)

  2124. I’ve hit six continents and am looking for a way to maximize points to reach Antartica, realizing there are no major point earning/redeeming hotels there. Ever thought of writing a post on the best way to accomplish this trip?

  2125. @Cynthia Well, it will be obvious what to do in Rome, Pompeii, & Pisa. Don’t know your interests but Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and has a gorgeous famous opera house (can tour it). In Florence just know the small shops that surround the markets usually sell the same or better quality leather goods, etc. for the prices you get in the market. But the market is such fun if you like to bargain.

  2130. @Cynthia And also of course you MUST visit the Accademia Gallery in Florence and see Michelangelo’s David and the Pieta. Sounds like a wonderful trip. Have fun!

  2131. Well this one got out of hand didn’t it…. Thanks for the opportunity. Great blog.

  2133. Money is like nectar for people and attracts bees like us from all over, whether its Saturday night or a busy Monday morning.

  2134. Had 100K Ultimate Rewards to transfer and didn’t know what to do, given my visa status (transfer to an international airline or domestic). Having a US passport is the best for travel, no doubt. This is the only reason I wish I had a US passport – you’re free to roam earth

  2140. @Cynthia I’m assuming for this trip you already have your lodging accomodations(sounds like a tour).

  2145. If I win, I’ll use the gift card on my upcoming trip to Annapolis, MD, where I will be reuniting with some old friends from my days in the Marine Corps. I managed to schedule a few days off so I decided to take the Train from Norfolk up to DC and then hitch a ride to Annapolis with a midshipman at the academy. It’ll probably pay for his gas money. I also booked my hotel with my Club Carlson points with the last night free. two nights, 38k points (hopefully upgraded to a suite!)

  2148. I am here for you, like you have been for me !! Keep the info and $$$ coming 😉

    Seriously, thanks for all the tips !

  2149. Truth be told, I didn’t read this until 6am Sunday. Every year my wife and I get to take what amounts to a trip of a lifetime, thanks to great blogs like yours! Thank you.

  2152. I posted about 6 posts yesterday, and they all showed “awaiting moderation” today none of them are here to be found???

  2154. Off to LA in a week and a half (courtesy of Avios points) — a gift card would be really handy for this trip!

  2166. I normally miss the chance to enter your competitions, as I’m in the air …

  2167. WOW! Great job in getting some comments for the post. Looks like you, me and 1,749 others are fan of this blog! I’m not really sure what to share at this point except the following random points:

    1. My dog’s name is Bacon.
    2. Austin is my hometown.
    3. I’m probably happier now than at any other time in my life.
    4. My job is great and one for which I’m grateful.
    5. I enjoy traveling to a point, but the years of being a road warrior made travel lose much of its appeal.
    6. At the end of the month I’ll travel to Dallas and am in need of a good note recommendation. Traveling is now a treat so a good gym with a post workout steam room is great.
    7. The sun will come out, tomorrow.
    8. I hope everyone reading this post (and those who didn’t get a chance) have a super Sunday!
    9. Thank you for the chance to win $100. My back account and Bacon will appreciate it!

  2168. I might use the gift card to treat a very famous SF/fantasy writer friend in LA…

  2176. Lucky I also want to thank you for your recent post on AA award change fees. I am on the lookout for two seats in F on CX from BKK to JFK. I have booked one HKG-JFK in first but the other only in J. Now that I know I can potentially change dates if 2 open is stupendous!

  2182. Pulled the suitcases down today — a trip is in my future! Thank goodness for those LNF’s & BRG’s …

  2185. Buon giorno! I’m throwing my hat in the ring. Also, since I’m saying hi- I went to the FFU in Newark two years ago (March maybe) and later that year in July I could have sworn I saw you on the train at L’Enfant Plaza going towards Alexandria after a Nationals game. Or it was your twin, anyway. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!

  2186. Just hope that someone will guest me into the GF or CCR at LHR T5 on the 23rd …

  2188. First time on a BA 380 coming up — should I pick an upper deck or lower deck seat in Club?

  2189. Trying to convince the SO to go for the new UA UK credit card, before the sign-up bonus runs out … I wish we had big bonus sign-ups, like you do in the States.

  2194. Have I mentioned how jealous I am of the US sign-up bonuses? But I guess the trade-off is, that most of our cards and bank accounts are free …

  2195. were your ears burning – ran into a guy in the maldives that had meet you (marc I was telling him how you coached me to get to Bora Bora

  2199. how do you have time to read all this? Searching this am for quick carribean trip tickets for anniversary

  2204. finally got my husband hooked on points/miles
    – after 1,000,000 aa points I think he gets it

  2206. Gary, thanks for your blog and the email notices keeping us on top of all the newest info to help us get the best travel for our miles. I depend on it!

  2208. Whats your favorie carribean island? I think maybe the one I can get to with the least miles.
    Going to take entire family of 7 next year – this one may take some planning.

  2213. Of course, the Dominican Republic shares the island with Haiti…but you know what I mean.

  2214. @Deb Well, taking your family of 7 should put a nice dent in your 1,000,000 points. But what a great way to use them!

  2215. About to head out for my weekly long run. Who else here runs marathons? I’ve run Chicago (x3) and Melbourne (x1). I’m running Mexico City and NY this year.

  2221. So much for people not reading your post on Saturday night…How about a timestamp to see the trends next time?

  2228. Am interested in a flight from Philadelphia area at end of August to Milan,but prices are skyhigh. May leave from Newark, but even then cheapest fares require 2-3 stops (!) or long layovers. Last time I used a free flight on Flying Blue w/AMEX membership miles and back on AA, but not sure I have enough AMEX points to do that this time. (Have looked aat FlyingBlue’s promos, but they’re not quite right.) Any suggestions? What about flying to Spain and then on from there? or London, have family there.

  2233. I was very annoyed when I was in Rio last month, that half my company was put up at the Marriott but the other half (including me) was stuck in a non-chain hotel.

  2236. Do you have a friend or two who refuse to collect points? Even after you have given them “the talk”?

  2240. Eminem was really loud at the Stadium last night – I’m surprised to hear that there were sound problems.

  2259. Does anyone else have a collection of liquids bags, picked up from various airports around the world? I quite like the Spanish ones …

  2260. How can you possibly think that I would rather go to a movie or out to dinner rather than sit home and read your blog!!! It’s no contest!! 🙂

  2263. Have a great Sunday everyone and enjoy some time away from your computer and phones too!
    Thanks again Gary for the contest.

  2266. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for” – John A. Shedd

  2268. “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustin

  2273. Going on three trips this fall on points – woot woot! NZ, Chile/Argentina, and Switz/Italy. Would love some spending $$ 🙂

  2275. Can’t wait to eat some more amazing food on my next trip down to Mexico!

  2277. I will use my $100 gift card to buy 100 $1 gift cards, and those 100 gift cards to buy 200 $.50 gift cards and so on until I have 1 million gift cards!

  2280. And thanks for the great info on the blog. I’m a new reader – just started looking at it last week. Great stuff

  2282. Hi Gary, great post idea! FYI I finally got a reply from IHG and they closed my account & thus caused the forfeiture of my points because I signed up for too many promotion codes! Oops… One more battle to fight.

  2283. I was once told that Sagittarius is a lucky sign, no – I’m just persistent.

  2284. I will want to take 1st class at least once to experience the different between the 3 classes

  2285. The only problem with points redemption, is that when you have to fly economy again after an amazing Business or First class flight, it is really depressing.

  2286. @Jesse – I initially just wanted to experience first. But you are right; I should add business class to my bucket list too!! Good idea Jesse!!

  2287. Found out recently that authorized users on an ink plus do not hey their lounge club membership renewed after the first year, even if the ink card is still active and in good standing. Have you heard of this before?

  2289. @theboat-why did they close your points account? Something about too many promo code uses?!? One of my fears!

  2297. Yeah! Caught the post before it
    Thanks for the chance to enter!! I’ll use it to buy Buber for my friends after WC.

  2299. Dang auto correct – should have said, “let’s see if we can get 3000 posts!”

  2304. I am on the road and I start today to schlep my stuff to another storage unit before staying in an airbnb

  2309. rental car, a night at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, or the Airbnb in Central California.

  2312. I’ve read much on View from the Wing to help me have a fantastic year – a gap year – 25 years later.

  2315. And now it’s time to find a home after flying and staying mostly all over the world at posh places on points and miles.

  2319. @Wembleygal Oh yes, I have many (all?) of my friends who say–“You can keep all that straight? I couldn’t.”

  2320. The collection of points and miles started a long time ago in a small way, and then I decided to go full out…. so that I could have my mid-life crisis in a non-traditional way, fly everywhere in First Class to see old friends of yore.

  2322. Sounds like MaryE could start a blog on traveling the world on points and miles.

  2324. This is the first year I finally got a grasp of how I can use points and awards to my advantage with just a little research, travel savvy, timing, and luck.

    Your blog and recommended blogs have helped give me a better understanding. Now only if I did this two years ago.

  2325. With Gary here to guide us, how can you not try for the good life on cheap money!

  2328. The year isn’t quite over yet, and job starts early August, and the grand finale will be back with my friends in So CA celebrating the end of the year of madness, and welcoming in other ways to gather more points and miles.

  2330. I’m moving to an area filled with festivals and fun. Sounds like the area will keep my attention for quite a while, and with the Hyatt Regency Monterey and the Hyatt Carmel Highlands… well,

  2333. it’s time to start gathering more points and miles so that I can stay there during the school breaks, or if a friend comes to visit..

  2335. Wow, what an education on this site. I had to google airbnb–didn’t know what you guys were talking about.

  2336. and now, really, I am very hungry for my breakfast. So, I bid you adieu, and well wishes for the day.

  2341. Ha, more readers than you thought–way too many for a meaningful comment thread! Since I’m just under the wire I had to jump in…

  2346. @Wembleygal Well, I figure they can just watch me take trips and marvel, if even with sites like this to help them, it’s too much trouble for them to do.

  2349. @Wembleygal What can you do? You can only lead a horse to water, you can’t make him drink! Right?

  2350. I must remember to call my credit cards next week and tell them that I am going out of the country. I have had my credit card skimmed twice — both in the UK (where I live).

  2354. The last time I was in DC, Amex refused my card in a restaurant because I hadn’t informed them I’d be there.

  2358. But I appreciate when I’m asked for ID with my card and any extra attempts to be sure it’s ME using it!

  2363. @Jonnie – yes – I had to call them once too … I think I was in New York in a drug store.

  2364. Well, Gary, thanks for this opportunity. I hope I win the $100 gift card, but it’s been fun socializing with my fellow travelers!

  2379. @David S – but then, I am wearing a Creature from the Black Lagoon, glow in the dark t-shirt at the moment …

  2384. Now I just need to understand that blasted ITA matrix and how to find good mileage runs so I can reach at least the bottom rung of the mystical elite ladder.

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