Ask Me Any Travel Question and I’ll Try to Answer

by Gary Leff

One of the things I really enjoy doing is responding to reader questions and it looks like I haven’t really opened things up in a structured way since a major Q&A thread in September. So here’s your chance.

I will my best to cover many of your questions. Some I may answer right away, others that I answer will take me a few weeks.

Please leave requests in the comments section. I might answer some there while others will warrant standalone posts if they seem like topics that would help many readers.

As my boss once wrote making a similar request on his blog, “The only promise is that of weak monotonicity, namely that your mention won’t lower the chance of the topic being covered.” In other words, I won’t promise to cover everything, though I’ll read and ponder everything that’s written here in the comments.

I’d love to hear from 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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Comments

  1. If you could change your career to something else, would you ? And what would it be?

  2. We will be traveling from the east coast to Alaska in 2018. We have miles in American Airlines and Chase UR. What is the best way to book if we want/need Alaska Airlines flights? Through AA or should we begin accumulating Alaska miles and book on their website? Thanks in advance for your guidance.

  3. Why is my Citi transfer to Flying Blue taking so long? I thought they were instant.

  4. Any new info on the new SQ or EK First Class products or when they might start?

  5. Thanks for this, Gary. You’ve provided useful answers to the following kinds of questions before, but the game keeps changing. So could you provide answers or (simply links to previous answers, if they’re still basically valid) to the following:

    1. What are the current Chase, Citi and Amex rules about whether and how you can apply for a new credit card from a given credit card company if you’ve previously had that card, and still get the bonus points/miles for initial spending? (E.g., if even getting a new bonus is possible, how long you have to wait, or which personal and business cards seem to fall outside the Chase 5/24 rule). Please also include USA Bank and Barclay (or state what their apparent practices are, if the rules are unclear), if possible.
    2. What would you say are the best sweet spots for frequent flyer programs in terms of redeeming miles for international business and first class flights ? (E.g., using rewards on airline A’s program for travel on airline A or partner airline B, for travel from X to Y.)

    Thanks!

  6. I would like to try to use British Airways Avios to fly one way from Lima Peru to LAX but the BA website does not display any options. Is it possible? Thanks.

  7. What compensation is reasonable if your transcon or hawaii J award seats are downgraded from lie-flats to recliners? Especially on redeyes.

  8. I understand that Alaska is dissolving their relationship with AA so wouldn’t count on using AADvantage

  9. @Stannis from the airline’s perspective you aren’t generally due anything, they are providing you transportation on the flight and cabin ticketed. when you complain they may provide compensation as a “goodwill gesture” in amounts varying based on flight and your status, order of magnitude perhaps $100.

    if this change happens in advance you may want to change flights and the airline is likely to be accommodating. i like alerts I get set from award wallet on this and also that I can set with expert flyer.

  10. @Stuart Israel – things you cannot book on the BA.com site can still generally be booked by phone, I made a booking this morning by phone when BA couldn’t return JL options online.

  11. Although my husband and I are experienced Award travelers to Europe and Asia we have put off our dream trip to Australia & New Zealand because securing FC or Biz seats has seemed so challenging. Is flying through Asia the trick? We live in San Diego but often fly out of LAX. We have lots of Virgin Atlantic, American & Delta miles and also Amex MM, Chase Ultimate, SPG and Citi TY. After flying Singapore Suites last October we are totally spoiled. If you were us and you wanted the best seats our miles could secure which route/airline would you go for. Obviously, attainability is a factor. We are thinking of 2019 (flexible schedule) so we have plenty of time to plan. Ideally we would like to book one way each way. Thank you!

  13. What’s the best way to dispute an award ticket fuel surcharge that shouldn’t have been levied?

  14. @Kevin nothing new since the SQ configuration got leaked and also the EK configuration, I would expect we won’t have detail on either until late this year

  15. @Steve how long as your transfer taken? Chase and Amex to Flying Blue are instant, I’ve *read* that Citi to Air France is instant but don’t recall doing one with my own account

  16. @Carol – American will have access to Alaska Airlines saver awards. Chase transfers to British Airways which has access by phone to Alaska saver awards. The reason to start focusing on Alaska itself would be if you intend to spend more miles for additional availability beyond the saver level.

  19. @Wendy either fly via Asia, book last minute [Virgin Australia space in business class generally opens within a week of travel for instance] or just set alerts for when space happens to open — Australia is one of the toughest mainstream destinations for award travel.

  20. What do you think the best credit card is for RV owners who pay off their entire balance each month? We have and use the Fidelity VISA card, but am interested in your views about reward cards for travel. We use campgrounds, etc.

  21. Gary, first off – thanks for doing this.

    My question is around SPG starpoints. Is there a more efficient way to accumulate these points oustide of sign-up bonuses, everyday spend, and hotel stays?

    Thank you

  23. Hi Gary, I have a seven figure stash of SPG points and with the merger with Marriott not sure when to start making some speculative transfers, I mostly use the points for transfers to SQ,OZ, KE and JL. Wondering what your overall strategy is at this point on both the earn and burn side of things with SPG points.

  24. Hi there-

    Is it possible to book Emirates First class using JAL miles on a one way award? For the 50k oneway redemption on the MXP-NYC route.

    Thanks

  25. Gary, Many thanks for your guidance and for taking questions. I have Advantage points, Starwood, Marriott, and Chase all in the three figures (100,000 plus) range. I am trying to find two first class tickets to Bali in March, April or May of 2018 and can’t seem to find available award seats. Any recommendations on how to “discover” these tickets and best airlines? Gracias.

  26. Thanks for opening up this opportunity Gary. I’ve been trying to get this question answered…I started this miles & points hobby last September & have been reading your blog & a few others daily! My wife & I have combined about 350,000 Chase UR points, 105,000 SPG points, 20,000 Amex & 20,000 Citi TY points. We have maxed 5/24 & are trying not to sign up for any other cards unless they are absolutely generous offers. We are expecting our first child in 2 months and we are planning to bring her back to see her grandparents for the first time late next year or early 2019. Our ‘dream’ would be able to fly RT in either business or first class from either EWR or JFK (we are in northern NJ) to Malaysia (either KUL or PEN). Please advise which airlines and how (which website) best to do this. Our plan is to have our child be a lap child, but still debating if this is a good/safe idea. Thank you very much in advance for your time & attention!

  27. What is the best way to get from the U.S. to Europe, one way in business class on miles?

    I’m kind of just hoping that there is a saver date on AA around the time I want to travel but it’s such a risk.

  28. Are there any mileage programs that permit routing USA – Asia roundtrip via Europe including a stopover there? Like united used to? Tha ms

  29. How much of a hassle is it to book partner awards with Etihad miles? I have plenty of TYP, and they are going to be devalued soon. I am not sure I’ll be flying SQ in the next 3 years, so hesitate to transfer to them, I was thinking of Etihad and booking an Iberia flight. I’ve heard that you might have to HUCA several times.

    Thanks in advance!!

  30. Is there any way to get from CPT to YYY on a single ticket without flying through Montreal?

  31. Which airlines, planes and routes are best to join the mIle high club?

    Before you ban me, may I remind you that you post sex article once a week.

  32. When flying the JFK to YVR (and return) Cathay Pacific flights on an AAdvantage Award would a lap child be free? The information on American’s website would lead me to believe that the lap child would be free but I’d say it’s too vague to be conclusive. Could you confirm?

  33. Hi Gary,
    Long time reader, first time commenting. I appreciate all the useful info and tips you provide.

    I’ve noticed that Aeroplan does not abide by the DOT 24-hour flex cancellation rule, even when travel is more than one week out. AC itself does, and Aeroplan issues their tickets on AC ticket stock. Even when travel is wholly within USA on UA metal, they refuse to honor the policy. Is there any reason for this, and how do they get away with it?

    Thanks in advance!

  34. Any chance you could do a segment explaining “Married Segments” and the best ways to utilize miles with the difficulty they represent?

  35. I have a Flying Blue account that’s unused, but almost a year old. I’d like to transfer in Amex points to get tickets for a friend. Any suggestions to avoid having my account frozen?

  36. Gary,
    I will be soon reaching Egypt Air Plus Silver, does it equal to United Premier Silver? and if so, how can I make sure that happens when I fly? I know the two airlines are part of Star Alliance. Thanks! Faisal

  37. @Gary, thanks for this.
    Is there any way *ever* to book anything other than a basic room with IHG points? I have looked at many hotels around the World and all I see are the low-rent rooms for points. Any clues?

    PS: Gentlemen always drink Krug. 🙂

  38. Booking OneWorld award tickets that don’t show on AA? I know the BA website hack? Any other tricks? Specifically thinking of Etihad, Cathay, Quantas

  39. AA Concierge Key. What is the current thinking on what it takes a high-spending individual traveler to get this versus the head of a corporate travel department? Whether it actually means anything if one doesn’t use upgrades we might discuss but I am curious.

  40. In booking a round the world trip is it best to go west first or east? (Flying out of NC)?

    Is it possible to open the cabin door on an airplane? (One of my major fears and everyone always says its ALMOST impossible – see recent Delta fight)

  41. Gary, I wanted to pitch you an idea for a post or a series of posts. What is your status with XYZ? When and how did you get it last year and first time ever? Do you plan on keeping it? What CCs you use to help you maintain the status? I like the way you write retrospectives and I think it will be a nice way to know you better! Thanks!

  42. Can you change your website so your answers are indented below the questions. (I know there is a term for that!) Responses 10 posts after the question, by you or by any helpful reader, are difficult to reconcile to the original question even with the @. Thanks

  43. with the Chase BA Visa card 30K spend for the “Travel Together Ticket”
    considering whether spending that 10K (from 20-30K)is worth it for just one point per $ v the value of the companion ticket.

    do you know if you can apply it to a RTW ticket, and if so, what range the taxes and fees wld be for J or F redemption?

    any other ideas extracting best value from the companion redemption?

  45. How come CNN plays in so many airports?

    Are the airport guys getting paid off or what?

  46. Hey Gary

    I got a boatload of AA miles, some people call me cheap with my miles I prefer the term thrifty.
    Is there anyway I can hack AA Biz or First class award from BOS to TYO and get a free stop-over somewhere for a few days IE: Korea, Vancouver, Europe or anywhere else along the way?

  47. Hey Gary, great idea! I’ve sent this question to your FB last month but never really got an answer. It is a question regarding codeshare flights.. if I fly on a CM codeshare flight numbered as G3 flight I imagine that if I put my Smiles frequent flyer number, I’ll get the miles as it was a pure CM flight.. but, what if I insert my Turkish number? It will earn miles on Turkish? Because the flight will be marked as a G3 XXXX although it will be operated by Copa Airlines (CM), that is a partner os Turkish via Star Alliance.

  48. Hi Gary – any recent success booking EY apartment awards using AA miles? I see guest availability on the EY site but AA Australia is unable to see /book them.

  50. Any idea if the airlines will stop the proliferation of animals on planes? It’s getting out of hand….

  51. Is there any way to book Condor Airlines using Amex MR ‘pay with points’? They have some reasonable business class fares from the US to Europe that would be really attractive to me if I could get 2 cents per MR point (which I still have access to for now with my Amex Business Platinum card).

  52. Gary, now that all three U.S. legacy majors (UA, AA, DL) have devalued their FF programs and instituted revenue based accumulation, which, in your judgment, is the best alternative airline FF program in which to credit mileage/points for flights on each of those three?
    Thanks very much…

  54. Which of the world’s FF programs is currently your choice for obtaining the best combination of (1) the least costly (in points/miles) C or F tickets between the U.S. and Europe; (2) a good to superior seat, cabin configuration, and soft product (avoiding, for example, UA’s bunkroom C, and BA’s usual C); and (3) with a good to very good likelihood of being able to find available seats with six months to a year’s notice and some flexibility on the dates of travel? Big bonus if the FF program accepts Chase UR or Citi TY points transfers.
    Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

  55. Gary
    I am about to secure Egypt air plus silver does it equate with United premier silver benefits as well

    Thanks
    Faisal

  56. If Rosa Parks bought an economy class ticket but tried to sit in first class, would the flight attendants have told her she has to go sit in the back of the plane?

  57. Gary,
    Do you forsee American Airlines releasing premium saver awards from USA to Australia anytime soon?

  58. https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/aadvantage-program-updates.jsp
    Upgrades on award tickets
    “As a ConciergeKeySM or Executive Platinum member, you’ll be able to use your complimentary 500-mile upgrade benefits to upgrade yourself and 1 companion on AAdvantage® award tickets for travel within North America on American from Main Cabin to the next class.” So I read that as I (an EXP) get a free upgrade on a MileSaver award ticket and 1 companion gets a free upgrade on a MileSaver award ticket. If my companion is an EXP/PLPRO/PL/GOLD/no status, it is free upgrade. My companion status is irrelevant. It says “your complimentary 500-mile upgrade benefits to upgrade yourself and 1 companion”. It is clear. Free. Me and 1 companion. Very clear.

    So why does it go on to muddy the water? If companion is EXP, then no charge… If companion is no status, then there will be 1 sticker for up to 500 mile, 2 for up to 1,000 miles, 3 for up to 1,500 miles, etc.? It is clear up front. Free. Me and 1 companion. Very clear.

    On top of that, EXP desk says one thing, ticket counter says different thing, gate agent says different thing.

  59. Gary,
    Do you have any advice on how to book SCL-IPC award flights on LATAM? I can’t seem to find ANY award availability on BA search.

  60. Hi Gary,

    What are the best miles/points to use for intra Asia awards (particularly out of Thailand and Indonesia)?

  61. Hey Gary!

    I’ve got a lot of British Airways Avios (650,000) and Virgin Atlantic miles (800,000) from years of transatlantic business class travel. I live in New York and travel to Europe and transcon quite a bit. The trouble is that I’ve almost NEVER found availability on BA, AA, or Virgin for ANY trips I want to take. The miles are almost impossible to use.

    At this point I’m thinking of giving up on them and just trying to liquidate the miles into some hotel program. I can burn off the Avios pretty quickly with hotel stays and transfer the Virgin miles to IHG or Hilton.

    What do you think? Are BA, AA, and Virgin Atlantic EVER going to free up some more seats? Or will these miles always be mostly useless!

  62. I would love a post that would help me traverse how to book hotel suites or guaranteed connecting rooms. Especially with the night and flights Marriott chart. We always end up staying at extended stay type hotels (think springhill suites and residence inn) on family vacations because we need 3 beds.

  63. What is the best way to get to Asia from North America with Singapore or Aeroplan miles in premium cabins without huge fuel surcharges (or other fees)?

  64. As your site is US focussed it doesn’t benefit me being from the UK (so all these great mileage offers and deals almost never come up). Is there any website or good advice you can suggest?

  65. @Phil – Raffles’ headforpoints.com was the best I found when I lived in the UK.

  67. Can you comment on what someone should do if they booked a international trip involving two differen’t itineraries and airlines that do not have the code-share agreement. Pro’s being saving money Con’s meaning airlines won’t transport your luggage to final destination, transit visa to go through customs and change terminals, any denied boarding and recheck baggage landside etc.

  68. @jay connecting rooms need to be worked out with hotels in advance, booking suites either focus on all suite hotels or confirmed suites are a great option either for top tier hyatt elites or redeeming hyatt points [~ 60% premium over standard award redemptions]

  71. @Dave it goes in spurts and is seasonal, there are limited flights of course and LATAM is tough on awards generally until closer to departure. The flights are occasionally cheap to buy though.

  72. @Carlos EXPs and ConciergeKey members get complimentary domestic upgrades. Elites get complimentary upgrades on flights up to 500 miles. Non-elites do not.

    What’s changed here is that upgrades are now valid on awards.

    `

  73. @Ed – Magic 8 Ball? Unclear. AA goes in spurts with availability, they dump some it lasts 24-48 hours, then it’s gone. But I don’t have a great theory to predict when the availability dumps will happen.

  75. @ScottB – (1) Asiana mile flying United, (2) Air France new business class [consider Korean Air awards with fuel surcharges (3) Air France’s own miles for better availabiltiy, Asiana miles flying any Star Alliance airline with fuel surcharges.

    Chase transfers to Korean and Air France, Citi to Air France

  77. @ScottB – Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer for United [easy to top off with transfers from other programs, but watch out for mileage expiration!], Etihad for American, we’ll see how long that lasts [sadly AsiaMiles devalued earning on American a couple of months ago http://viewfromthewing.com/2017/05/03/no-longer-earn-many-miles-crediting-american-airlines-flights-cathay-pacific-heres-can-instead/ ] and Czech is interesting for Delta flights but you can’t really top off with transfers [http://viewfromthewing.com/2017/01/25/still-earn-1-mile-per-mile-flown-cheap-delta-fares/]

  78. @JRG there have been some efforts at rewriting the rules here, but bear in mind it’s really government forcing this on the airlines

  82. @rich – American AAdvantage no longer offers free stopovers, and hasn’t at all since April 8, 2014 and hasn’t outside North America since the introduction of one way awards unfortunately.

  83. @toomanybooks…

    1. CNN Airport is a separate product, they allow a few minutes an hour for local announcements, and it comes without charge

    2. In some airports they’ve provided / paid for the equipment

    3. Airports try to appeal to the broadest possible audience and are seen as less left than MSNBC and less right than FOX. Airports think they’ll get fewer complaints.

  86. @Woofie there’s no guarantee at any spending level I know someone that AA screwed up with who had spent over $100k and wasn’t renewed, she asked United for a status match and they gladly matched to Global Services ! But in general go buy a $50k AAirpass and they’ll give you concierge key.

  87. @Woofie – search BA.com for award space on the airlines AA.com doesn’t support then call AA. Search Etihad’s website for Etihad space then call American’s Australia reservations line.

  88. @Woofie IHG Rewards Club doesn’t offer redemptions for higher room categories — at least intentionally. It’s just not a feature of the program.

  91. @SG – DOT has NOT clearly applied 24 hour refund rules to award tickets. American only JUST changed policy to apply this to award tickets.

  92. @Matt — since it’s an AAdvantage redemption American rules apply here, I *believe* a lap infant should be added to the ticket free to Canada just as they do for US domestic flights.

  94. @beachfan it’s a matter of competent agents, I call Manchester in the UK and hang up call back if I don’t get a decent one. But I’ve done many of these and so have many readers.

  96. @Ethan — my favorite program for booking lap infants is Air Canada Aeroplan but you’d need SPG and Amex points for that so you’d want more there. For availability Korean Air Skypass (Chase transfer partner) is great. Of course even booking with United should give you good availability and Chase points transfer.

  97. @Mark first with American you need to search BA.com because AA.com doesn’t show the airline’s Asian frequent flyer partners. You will never get an award to Bali to show up online at AA.com.

    Chase transfers to United, check out Aeroplan.com since United.com doesn’t show Singapore Airlines award seats and SIN-DPS is one of the frequent ways to use United miles to get to Bali but you’d have to call to book that.

  99. @Michael – I don’t think I’m best-positioned to offer advice for RV owners, maybe you can be more specific about what owning an RV means for your (1) spend types and (2) reward goals?

  100. Given the change in Global Entry procedures when returning to the US – e.g. no more fast exit lane from the baggage area – don’t you think that that is a major loss in GE benefits? You now need to allow for considerable more connection time.

  101. Hi Gary,

    2 questions (1 serious and 1 fun one):

    1.) Any advice for getting started with travel hacking for someone with low income (I’m a graduate student and make about $18k a year)? I’ve opened up a few free credit cards, as well as the CSP, but I can’t generate a ton of spend (I hate debt).

    2.) If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would it be?

    Thanks for the blog! It’s my favorite miles and points blog, easily!

  102. Gary, Chase Saphirre has great benefits for air/cars in regards to protections/coverage when you charge the tickets/car to your card. If you use your Ultimate Rewards to “purchase” the ticket/car, do you also receive the same coverage/protectoins? Thx

  104. Hi Gary, have you been to a megado before and would you recommend ? I know it’s sold out but am considering next year. Thanks

  105. @Hunter you won’t be a graduate student forever. That you’re a graduate student suggests to banks you have a decent future income. You may want to focus on cards with low spend requirements, because even many of the techniques to generate spend aren’t free.

    As far as dinner with three people I’ll take a first stab strictly at the living, if we open it up to the entirety of history I’d have to spend too long both building and narrowing the list. So currently living: Peter Thiel, Anthony Bourdain, and Xi Jinping.

  106. @DJ I certainly have! They are a ton of fun, but they can be chaotic and disorganized, if you can kind of go with changes on the fly and other passengers partying in the aisles and just enjoy the ride then go for it you’ll have an amazing time with amazing people.

  107. Forgive me for the length of this comment, but my question requires a backstory.

    I live in Boston. Two weeks ago I was in LA on business when I received a call from my wife in the back of an ambulance while my daughter had a life-threatening emergency. (She has thankfully recovered). Although I wasn’t scheduled to go home for another few days, I needed to go home immediately. I dropped what I was doing and while in the back of a taxi on the way to LAX, researched flight options from my phone. It appeared that my JetBlue ticket could be changed for somewhere around $300, and walkup prices on them or other airlines was higher. Upon arriving at the airport, I approached the JetBlue counter and explained my situation, completely prepared to pay the $300 fare difference + change fee. Much to my surprise, the agent printed out a boarding pass for the next Boston flight and said “We’ve taken care of this, Mr. XXX”. I thanked her and burst into tears embarrassingly at the counter.

    They did me a solid favor when they didn’t have to, and in return, I’m going to give them more of my business. But I recognize why airlines can’t do this more (and am actually surprised that JetBlue’s systems let the agent do this). I can imagine the post on flyertalk that says “All you have to do is say that your daughter is in the hospital and B6 will move you to a more expensive ticket for free!” And suddenly legions of people are using that excuse and the airline has to clamp down on it. If I were on American or Delta, I’m sure that I would have had to pay the change fee (and I’m not even protesting that it wouldn’t be fair).

    So the question, I guess, is how can airlines preserve the ability to help a customer in a true pinch without opening themselves up to being gamed by everyone out there trying to maximize value?

  108. would love a comprehensive guide on ECONOMY ticket cancellation policies. i’m not a big miles guy (i.e. i’m not a medallion, diamond, platinum, titanium dude!!), but i do rack them up, and i do fly a lot.

    specifically, i would like a list of what the cancellation rules/penalties are for economy PAID tickets (not award travel) for each airline. AND how this contrasts with ota’s like orbitz, expedia, travelocity, etc.

    examples of my confusion : some policies state 24 hours. but it’s actually midnight until the next day…? and then, with AA, if you book through them you can’t cancel within 24 hours but if via an ota, you can? and some only allow cancellation if the date of flight is a week out?

    thanks for your site. and thanks for your help!

  109. @Corey this is a real challenge and indeed I recently read about an American agent who did just this. Airlines go through phases of being generous with helping customers in a jam and then tightening up. Delta under Leo Mullin became known for ‘No Waivers No Favors.’

    American has a system that ranks a customer’s value and the need to work to retain a customer based on recent disservicing and can evaluate whether or not to grant a favor based on either (sure we can help a profitable customer, or perhaps one who has run into a ton of bad luck with the airline for instance). That’s one idea, don’t just make it wide open but evaluate based on how many recent problems a customer has had or how many times exceptions have been made.

  110. My wife and I are flying economy in August on Lufthansa from Munich. Can we use Chase United Club One-time passes to access a Lufthansa lounge at MUC.

  111. You willing to share this blog’s ballpark monthly income? Is it $1k, $10k, $100k?

    Not judging. Just curious.

    Thanks for what you do.

  113. Gary,
    I booked round trip LAX to LHR months ago with AA miles to connect with a UK coach tour. The wife bugged about making a side trip to Paris, so added a few days at the beginning and bought FC tickets from LHR to CDG round trip. Now I find out that AA, BA, won’t check through on separate tickets, which means a lot of time at LHR to get bags, do customs, then back through security. Do you know if it’s possible to combine separate tickets after the fact.

  114. Gary,
    Now that the EU high court has spoken, and European airlines can no longer charge a cancellation fee, where does that place U.S. airlines in this issue?

  115. @Alan – this ruling has been greatly misunderstood, the EU court said an airline cannot charge a handling fee to refund taxes paid. This isn’t something that should much affect practices of US airlines for tickets sold in the US at all.

  116. @Kenton no way to combine separate tickets after the fact. It *is* possible to take your existing LAX-LHR award ticket and have an American agent sell you a flight to CDG inside the existing award reservation and then American will through-check.

  117. Two questions (and may already be blogs or worth a blog post) –

    Thanks for your blog. Its quite helpful. Here is a question that may be worth its own blog (or please link me to yours if you have done this before)

    Which are currently the best credit cards for authorized user benefits?

    I can personally see Amex Platinum due to global entry benefit for each AU, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold (and hence, Marriott Gold), Priority Pass benefits. But I was looking for a potential list of others, especially if any have trip cancellation insurance/car rental coverage, etc.

  118. Sorry – several typos in message above. Meant to delete first paragraph.

    I meant please provide a link to your blog post if you have already written about this.

    Thanks!

  120. Have you opened a credit card in a family members name?
    And then met the minimum spend on your own and used the points on yourself?

    Thanks!

  121. Gary, I really enjoy your blogs and informative emails. As a soon to be former road warrior, I have paid more attention to fare deals that are highlighted by you and through sites like FlyerTalk recently. My only issue is that 99% of the time the fares are economy section focused, which makes sense because the majority of passengers fly economy, but will you ever have a way to do the same type of fare deal reporting for other classes (Premium Economy and up) on a more regular basis, if not daily? Additionally, if you don’t have any plans at this time, could you recommend a complimentary site that may have this level of reporting, besides the FlyerTalk premium class thread, which is very hit and miss when compared to a premium blogs/sites like yours? Thank you.

  122. My question relates to cancelations. The 24-hour reservation requirement is mandated by the Department of Transportation’s consumer rule “Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections”
    Lets say I purchase a no frills ticket and pay extra for a seat, and to check a bagbaggae. If I cancel as allowed by this rule, do the airlines also refund the extra fees paid?
    I ask because I just read an article that said they do not. If this is true, it seems that airlines are cicumventing refunding all of the fate by unbundling the fare into air, seat, baggage!
    Your thoughts?

  123. @Michael – they don’t come around as often but I do report them, e.g. here are some recent ones:

    http://viewfromthewing.com/2017/05/25/fare-deal-business-class-tokyo-just-1580-roundtrip-delta/
    http://viewfromthewing.com/2017/06/17/business-class-fare-deal-new-york-sao-paulo-brazil-just-1450-roundtrip/
    http://viewfromthewing.com/2017/03/10/fare-deal-united-business-class-asia-1700-roundtrip/
    http://viewfromthewing.com/2017/03/07/amazing-fare-deal-premium-economy-several-us-cities-europe-633-roundtrip/
    http://viewfromthewing.com/2017/06/17/amex-platinum-ends-business-class-2-1-deal-relaunches-premium-cabin-discount-program/
    http://viewfromthewing.com/2017/04/05/business-class-fare-deal-oslocopenhage-us-715-roundtrip/
    http://viewfromthewing.com/2017/04/29/fare-deal-premium-economy-singapore-several-us-cities-1197-roundtrip-easy-upgrade-business/

  124. Got another one.

    Any particular reason to keep the Diners Club card any more? Used to be great for rental car protection and the ability to dump for WN CP. Neither applicable now. Am I missing something?

  126. What opportunities exist when an airline changes your flight times, and how can we capitalize on those (both for paid and award tickets?) I often get the notices that the flight has changed, and I’ve read there are ways to get better routing etc. when that happens, but I’m not sure how to do it.

    Examples:
    – Can we change to any flight that is available as long as dates, origin & destination are the same, or does that new flight have to be available with the same amount of points or for the same price?

  127. Can you modify hotel stays to use points as you earn them? For example, you reserve 4 nights flexible rate, but then earn enough points (Hilton, Hyatt, SPG, Marriott, IHG, or Club Carlson) for one of those nights. Can you reduce your paid reservation to 3 nights and pay for the 4th with points?

  128. Hi Gary,

    My question might be a bit different from the usual, I hope it will still be relevant though.
    I’d like to know, from your perspective (and whoever else would like to jump in), while travelling which are the situations (or actual past experiences) where you feel the most vulnerable or in danger? It could be from thieves, mugging, terror attacks etc…

  129. With Citi Hilton cards going away, do you recommend switching to Amex now or do you think they will improve their card and offer with it? (Worst thing is the foreign transaction fees)

  130. re with the BA Visa Companion reward ticket for that 20-30K spend, what is the best value to extract?

    is it possible to book RTW F or J tickets, and if so what range wld the taxes and fees be?

  131. @Ben Boeglin – I don’t worry much about terrorist attacks, my daily commute used to take me for several years past the Pentagon which was attacked on 9/11. Thieves? Las Ramblas and near the Louvre. I grew up in New York when New York was a very different place (late 70s, early 80s) so the rest of the world doesn’t worry me much though I avoid traveling to significant conflict zones.

  132. Hi Gary,

    You’ve had a ton of wonderful travel opportunities with this hobby… Can you share one of your favorite/most memorable experiences with miles/points travel and one of you biggest disappointment?

  133. @Bill…

    Too many amazing experiences to pick just one.

    My honeymoon on miles and points was in Air Tahiti NUi and Qantas first, with an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora and time in Australia
    My first trip to Japan was on a $3 mistake rate (for executive floor room) at the Hilton Tokyo
    I took my wife to Barcelona for dinner (British Airways business redeemed with AsiaMiles earned from Priceline bids) at the then toughest restaurant to get into in the world El Bulli
    I got to travel to the Maldives on points 5 years in a row 2012-2016

    There are so many more.

    Biggest disappointment? There are many. Cebu in the Philippines [I made the mistake of letting award availability dictate where I was going].. the Andaman in Langkawi, Malaysia..

  134. We have 500k United miles earned from business travel. What is smarter usage for this currency? Thank you Gary.

  135. I just got the CIti Advantage Platinum Select card . I can’t remember the number of months and the dollar figure to get 40000 points. Can you help?

  136. @Mike Grossfeld is it the current 60,000 miles after $3000 spend within 3 months offer? You can always call Citi and confirm.

  137. Hi Gary,
    I’ve saved almost 300,000 Amex Membership Reward points. I’d like your idea on how best to use them for a trip to Italy for my wife and I. I’m close to BWI and DCA (Baltimore and Washington).

    Thanks!
    Carmine

  138. Hi,
    I am a Hilton Diamond and I have a stay planned at a Westin next week.
    Shall I join SPG or Marriott Rewards?
    Is there a status match or a challenge currently available?
    Thanks,
    Brice

  139. Hi Gary,

    Just received my Chase Sapphire Reserve card and I’m pumped! Was hoping to pay off a few bills (bank cc, etc) before buying tix to west Africa. Alas, my bank card only allows payment from checking or savings accounts, not another cc. I know I’ve read somewhere in your blog about how to get around this situation but can’t seem to find it.

    Suggestions?

    Thanks!

    Will

  140. @William you generally cannot pay other credit cards with a credit card. At best you could buy gift cards, use those to buy money orders, and use the money orders to pay off a credit card. But there’s no reason to do that since you could also deposit the money order in a bank. And there are fees for both the gift card and money order offsetting the benefit of having done this..

  141. Thanks, Gary.

    I appreciate your insight and enjoy your writing tremendously!

    My next question may be easier. Where is the best place to look for an inexpensive flight to west Africa (Sierra Leone, Liberia)?

    Thanks again!

    Will

  142. Gary, whilst i understand you usually don’t advocate making transfers for airline miles unless for specific awards.

    can you advise if the current 40% bonus on Amex to BA Avios is worthwhile transferring to build a base? i don’t know the bonus offer history. i picked up the BA Visa, and anticipate having the 120K points from that, and thought it may be worth building a base in Avious, maybe for transfer to Iberia, as i usually redeem for five pax, and require 400-600K in a program say for a european sojourn from the east coast. thks.

  143. @Tim O’Brien you need to at least have a vision for how to use them, BA Avios can be very useful but only in narrow circumstances like short haul coach flights or short haul business in Asia/Australia. Fuel surcharges make transatlantic redemptions painful and premium long haul is very expensive in miles that the 40% bonus isn’t enough IMHO

  144. OK, thks Gary, what about for transfer to Iberia for transatlantic redemptions in F or J, do you still get hit up for the add on fuel surcharges, and fees with Iberia?

  145. @Tim O’Brien if you transfer BA to Iberia [Iberia account needs to have had activity and been open 90 days] then you can redeem on Iberia only with only modest fuel surcharges

  147. Regarding Southwest Companion Pass –

    Do you know what happens if you have some existing reservations with a companion, but want to move to designation of the companion pass to someone else? So if you have a reservation with companion X in Oct, Nov and Dec 2017, but want to add companion Y only for a trip in Sept 2017.

    Do the existing reservations remain valid?

    Thanks!

  148. Gary, I know this is somewhat after the fact but I bet you know the answer.
    I predominantly fly One World (AA, BA, >200K this year) and Sky Team (DL Dia). I need a recommendation for the best Star Alliance airline to build miles in. I have a United FF# but frankly, absent asking for status match I’d rather poke myself in the eye with a 6″ nail than fly them. Thinking mostly Thai or Singapore flying First from LHR to Far East. Suggestions?
    I do fly Emirates on that route and am a member there but the stop half way in Dubai is a killer and you can’t use the miles anywhere else..
    Thx if you get to this.

  150. Hello,
    I am planning a safari in Uganda next year and have received a quote from the Ugandan tour operator requesting 60% payment upon booking and 40% two weeks prior to the safari. This will be a substantial amount of money. I am worried that if the company goes bankrupt I could lose my money. Is there any credit card that you can recommend that would cover me in circumstances like this? My credit is excellent and I would consider a premium card.
    Thank you

  151. I forgot to use my United card to buy my ticket to get the free bag. If I buy the extra legroom seat for $45 using the United card, will I get a free bag?

  152. I’m closing my Citi card and have 64K points. We are looking to take a nice anniversary trip in 2019. Any recommendation as to which program to transfer to? Based in Denver. Plenty of MR, Chase, SPG points to augment. Would like something like Singapore 1st class, but am concerned about availability.
    Thanks.

  153. Your extremely timing coverage for Alaska air incident is amazing along with the detail and videos. You really beat your completion.

    I would appreciate you giving the ins and outs HOW TO RENEW GLOBAL ENTRY UPON ARRIVAL BACK INTO THE US.

  154. @Mike C – You go through the online renewal process to get conditionally approved. If you are required to do an interview just ask for it as you go through on arrival. It’s really just as simple as asking.

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