Let’s be clear…learning the “rules” associated with miles, points, and credit cards can be extremely overwhelming and confusing. Rest assured you are not alone. Today, in my continuing series to answer reader questions…
Category: Reader Question
Reader Question: “What tool(s) do you use to locate these luxury hotels that you highlight?”
A few minutes ago, I received an email from a 1TP subscriber on a subject that I believe everyone will find useful. I admit that sometimes I (unconsciously but apologetically) use…
Reader Question: What Is The Difference Between A Pre-Qualified And Pre-Approved Credit Card Offer?
Becoming accustomed to credit card lingo is very similar to learning a new language. If you don’t spend time learning the foundational “language,” like APR, variable interest rate, and credit utilization ratio, the big picture can seem overwhelming. Unfortunately, Rosetta Stone and Babbel don’t offer…
Reader Question: “Do I Receive More Miles For Flying In Business Class?”
Most travelers understand the concept that when you fly, you accrue miles. However, many travelers don’t understand how to calculate the amount of miles they are going to obtain for flying. In fact, the overwhelming majority of flyers don’t check their…
Reader Question: What Credit Score Do I Need To Be Approved for An American Express Credit Card?
The points and miles hobby can appear complicated at first glance but before you even delve into the hobby…you need a credit card. One of the most frequently asked questions that I receive is “what score do I need to obtain (insert card name)?”…
Reader Question: “I’m Worried About My Frequent Flyer Miles. What Should I Do?”
The current pandemic has brought the travel industry to it’s knees and many travelers (understandably) have questions about aspects of the airline industry. 1TP subscriber Dana asks:
Reader Question (Follow-up): “Let’s Talk More About Redeeming Points For Cash”
A few days ago, I responded to a reader question and spoke about whether it was a good idea to redeem points for cash. Surprisingly, I received quite a few private questions after that post and wanted to dive a bit deeper than I did in the original article.
Reader Question: “Should I Cash Out My Points For Cold, Hard Cash?”
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The travel industry is bleeding hard, no one knows when or how it’s going to stop, many analysts say the “financial bailout” isn’t enough, and that ultimately makes travelers, particularly those involved in the points and miles hobby, uneasy.
Reader Question: Is There a Solution To My Expiring Hyatt Free Night Certificate?
Over the past few days, I’ve received several questions about expiring free nights certificates and I wanted to speak, specifically, about the Hyatt free night certificate (FNC) because I am in the same boat as many of you. I want to be clear by saying…
Reader Question: Can You Get A Refund If Your Flight Is Canceled?
Airlines are going great lengths to try and deny people cash refunds for canceled flights and they’re doing quite a good job at it as most consumers appear to believe they aren’t entitled to cash refunds.
Reader Question: Is It Possible To Cancel A Trip (Booked via Chase Travel Portal) Online?
If you’re listening to the radio, watching TV, or hanging out with friends and family (while, of course, social distancing of 6 feet), the topic of discussion is COVID-19. Understandably, it’s important to know the latest details but instead of focusing on how airlines have now adjusted their schedules and which countries have closed borders, I’ve decided to…
Reader Question: “I’m Stuck in Hong Kong & Need Your Help!”
This morning I received an email from a 1TP subscriber that, at first, may seem very complex but also highlights the benefits have having miles and points. The message read…
Reader Question: “Is Buying Points A Good Idea? What’s The Catch? And When Should I Buy Miles?”
Over the last few weeks we’ve been diving a bit deeper into points and miles. I recently received an email from a subscriber and I thought the question would make a great post and…
Reader Question: Should I Buy My Airline Ticket Through An Online Travel Agency (OTA)?
I redeem points for a lot of my flights but I also book many paid tickets. Recently, I received a message inquiring about my thoughts concerning Online Travel Agencies (OTA) and whether it…
Reader Question: Am I Eligible To Apply For Business Credit Cards?
Let’s be candid…credit cards points can be a challenging subject to understand (at first). Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Even after years of experience, you’ll find…
Reader Question: Is There A Reason You Switch Hotels So Much?
A few days ago I posted an article explaining some of the details about my upcoming trip to Fiji. In the article I detailed my expenses for the trip and which hotels I planned to review. I’m not surprised that I received…
Reader Question: “I have a Chase credit card but can I transfer points to an airline/hotel with it?”
One of the things that make flexible points like Chase Ultimate Rewards so valuable is the ability to transfer the points to various airlines and hotel partners. For example, at the moment, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Reward points directly to…
Reader Question: What is the Gulf Blockade?
We have some very perceptive readers on this blog and I wanted to explain a concept that I have received a few emails about. Over the last few days I have been publishing an extended trip report where I…
Reader Success Story: How She Booked A Flight To Bermuda During Christmas For $130 Roundtrip
A few days ago, I posted an article to remind everyone that American Express was offering a 40% bonus for another 10 days. Within an hour I received an email from a reader asking…
