I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[smallsy]

I totally get it-I've been to Scotland around 8 times in 6 years and have another trip planned-it's where I'll spend my 50th!

Another thought is flying to Dublin-often much cheaper fees/fares/miles wise and Ireland also actually meets your criteria above--although puffins are more seen on the West Coast of Ireland. It's also easy and cheap to fly to Scotland if you wanted to spend 2 or 3 days there-I've done that before, too. I'm spending a night in Dublin when I return from the London/Paris ABD because I couldn't find flights I wanted from CDG.

Honestly, once you get across the Atlantic you can use one place as a jumping off point and go other places.

That’s a good idea about hopping. I noticed several of the flights had layovers in DUB. Although, Ireland is the only international destination I’ve actually been to (DH hasn’t though). I loved it, but felt Dublin was too much like a typical American city. I really loved the West coast, Dingle, Galloway, and the Aran islands.

 

[mmmears]

It helps with my kid’s spread out ages! My oldest is in college and no longer performing. She was my theater kiddo. Dd17 is a dancer and singer but parents can’t really sit in the studio and watch classes so I really only see dress rehearsals and performances. My boys are young enough that I do stay at practices and unless games are overlapping, go to all their games. My ds11 golfs now though too and that’s hard to go and watch so I don’t get to see much there.

My mom never came to a single track meet of mine (I ran for 5 years) and she only came to one theater performance of the many I did. I even competed at state and she didn’t go. So, it’s important to me to be at everything I can to show support to my kids

That's amazing that you make it to every event. I have only one, and I made it to many (as did DH) but not every one (she really didn't mind, though, so that helped). I've sat through any number of gymnastics meets, cheer competitions (not my fave and only for one year), swim meets (14 years of those) and dance performances (my favorites) and I can't even imagine how you can do that for four!

True. Driving from LAX on a Friday afternoon is one of my worst memories! Even though we'd probably Uber and not rent a car this time, it would still be a rough trip. I guess we'll see when I go to book what's available. If SNA is an option, I think it's my best bet.

Totally agree with Afan and Tink1970 - nothing is worth dealing with LAX and LA traffic if you don't have to. I'd much rather fly into SNA.

Thanks for the tips. I finally figured out how to search the partner sites for reward flights, but I didn’t even think about the fees. Had no idea they could be that much . Is there a way to check what the fees are when searching?

I’m really hoping for Scotland, but we are open to other destinations too. We’ve never been to Italy or France (we’ve never been anywhere really). A typical tropical vacation really isn’t our thing, but Hawaii is appealing since at least there are some hikes and things we could do. The good news is our dates are flexible, assuming my parents are free to watch the kids. We’re looking at late May-early June or early August but honestly could do almost anytime.

What really appeals to me about Scotland is:

• A tourist destination that’s not too touristy (sites to see but nothing we HAVE to see— if we went to Italy DH would HAVE to see Rome and do all the things).
• I adore the culture and love the idea of just being laid back and immersed in the community with no big plans other than drinking whisky, seeing a castle here and a puffin there (Puffins!)
• English speaking (ok I know, but I have an irrational fear of being the dumb, lost American that doesn’t know the language)
• ETA also DH and I both have Scottish clan heritage and would love to visit the highlands

Oh, I think Scotland is a great destination. We only had one day in the Highlands and I would love to get back there. As for fees, I'm not sure how exactly, but it does show up as part of the cost. As Tink1970 said, you just need to get over to the continent and then you can get to Scotland (or whatever your destination is). Some of those inter-Europe flights are really inexpensive, too. I'm not sure what your local airport is, so I can't tell you what to look for, but look for the more typical flights to Europe from there. (ex - we needed to get to Copenhagen and there was only one direct from here, and those seats never showed up, so we flew through CDG. We've also positioned from LHR, and have friends that use Lufthansa for the same thing. Also Dublin is really popular since you can avoid those pesky LHR fees).

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I completely agree with @afan. Avoiding the hassle of LAX is worth slightly demoted seats, plus you'll save on saver rates. Complete win. SNA is so manageable it's my preferred airport when visiting DL definitely-I'll even pay MORE to fly into it v. LAX.

Same. Next year we’re doing USH and DLR. I’m planning on flying into BUR and home through SNA if it works out.

 

[ten6mom]

Comparing currencies is a bit like dollars and pesos. UR is considered one of the most valuable currencies, and Hilton is one of the weakest per point. 1 UR point used on your CIP through the UR travel portal is worth 1.25 cents (and 1.5 cents on the CSR); by comparison, most people value Hilton points somewhere around 0.4 cents per point. It takes a lot more Hilton points to book what you could book with UR.

Let's do some early morning math.

15,280 UR x 0.0125 = $191/night. 73,721 x 0.0125 = $921.51/4 nights. With Chase UR, you're getting a fixed $0.0125 per point redemption value.

Let's use these numbers to compare with Hilton points.

$191/66,000 = $0.0029 per point on a 1 night reservation. $921.51/264,000 = $0.0035 per point on a 4 night reservation

@Haley R remarked that 66k/night seems a bit high, but you're getting 0.3-0.35 cents per point on the redemption using Hilton points, which is not totally off from what most people value Hilton points.

Now, there may be good reasons to book with Hilton points vs. Chase UR points.

Booking via Chase UR is effectively booking through Expedia, a third-party online travel agent, and you likely will not receive the benefits of any elite status you may have. As you know, the Hilton Biz and Hilton Surpass cards come with Hilton Honors Gold status. Gold status will get you complimentary breakfast and might get you a room upgrade. The Hilton Aspire card comes with Diamond status, which is Hilton's highest elite tier and gets you free breakfast, room upgrades up to a suite when available, lounge access, and apparently access to the Hilton Tokyo Bay's guest services manager who can charge park tickets to your room. Booking with Hilton points will get you the benefits of your status.

Have you considered spending 5 nights at the Tokyo Hilton Bay? I know the location isn't ideal for traveling around and seeing the rest of Tokyo. However, you're already planning to stay 4 nights. Booking through Hilton points will get you the 5th night free. You do not get a 5th night free by booking through the Chase UR portal. Let's do some math again.

$191/66,000 = $0.0029 per point on a 1 night reservation. $921.51+191 ($1,112.51 for 5 nights)/264,000 = $0.0042 per point on a 5 night reservation, and that's where most people value Hilton points.

264,000 Hilton points may seem like a lot, but that's basically two Hilton cards. The Hilton Biz and Hilton Surpass are regularly offering a 125,000 points SUB. If you go with the Hilton Biz, that doesn't count against 5/24. The Hilton Aspire regularly comes with a 150,000 points SUB. If you were to get any mix of 2 Hilton Biz, Hilton Surpass, Hilton Aspire, you're set; or if you get 1 and P2 gets 1, Hilton makes it really easy to pool the points you'd get from the SUBs. Also remember that Amex expects you to continue spending on their cards after you've met MSR and gotten the SUB, which is fine for the Hilton Biz and Hilton Surpass because both these cards award a Free Weekend Night certificate when you've spent $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, and you can apply these certificates to a weekend night (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) during your stay.

That. Is. Amazing. Thank you for doing the math because.... I hate math.

You know, it's funny you ask about considering spending a 5th night, because I was poking around the Hilton website last night (or I guess it's actually the AMEX website) reading about the benefits of the Aspire, and I was reading about that 5th night free. We most certainly COULD stay there an extra night instead of moving hotels into "Tokyo proper"... the original plan was 2 nights in Tokyo and probably 4 at TDL.

And I've been reading about the other Diamond status perks to see if those would be beneficial. I do love the option of getting in touch with that GSM who can charge the tickets to the room... I mean, I have to pay for them anyway, but if they can be covered by the cost of the card to begin with (through the resort credit), then it's a win/win, right? Plus less cash that I have to carry. I hate cash.

The biggest drawback to an AMEX for me is that I am not sure (nor is anyone else, I think) how much is a reasonable monthly spend after meeting MSR. I was hoping that I could use it for some recurring bills through Plastiq (so that I could set it and forget it, as it were) but with the limitations, I am just worried that I wouldn't keep the spend up and then all those benefts and MRs go POOF! And then all my "hard work" for nothing. I need to research this further.

ALTHOUGH.... here is a question. Does AMEX Claw back Hilton Points too, or only MRs?????

@ten6mom I feel like maybe you had previously asked about breakfast/status options, so that's important to remember too. Booking with URs will not get you those options that will come with a points booking through Hilton.

I am definitely interested in breakfast. I mean, we honestly ate out of the little bakery each morning we were there (and it was fine, although very carb heavy for my husband), but if they're going to "give" us a hot breakfast with a booking on HH points, then hey, why not???

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Question about PC to CSR. I know you can only the bonus for a sapphire once every 48 months. Does PC effect being able to apply for a new CSR later down the road when you are eligible for the bonus?

No you are fine to PC now but would have to cancel or PC the CSR to a CF or CFU before you apply for the CSR

 

[Lain]

Oh, I think Scotland is a great destination. We only had one day in the Highlands and I would love to get back there.

I've said this before, but the Scottish Highlands is a bucket list destination for me.

 

[wendow]

Question about PC to CSR. I know you can only the bonus for a sapphire once every 48 months. Does PC effect being able to apply for a new CSR later down the road when you are eligible for the bonus?

It doesn’t affect that eligibility but we will need to PC the card to a CF or CFU before applying again. My dh isn’t eligible until early 2021 so plenty of time to do all that!

 

[mmmears]

I've said this before, but the Scottish Highlands is a bucket list destination for me.

We made the most of our only day there, hiring a private tour guide, but there is so much more I would like to see. Definitely worth a visit, or a few!

 

[amalone1013]

I sort of want to buy this bag but I would only use it at universal and I'm also too practical to want to take two bags when we do a Uni/Disney trip lol

 

[tink1970]

Same. Next year we’re doing USH and DLR. I’m planning on flying into BUR and home through SNA if it works out.

BUR is such a great little airport-I always seem to fly with someone well known when I’ve
flown through it too

 

[amalone1013]

@wendow I removed my AU card via sM. Probably should have waited lol.

@afan @kidsfirsttrip so I went into my account after PC to request my PP card but it already said activated. I SMd and they said they'd send it. It took about a week, I just got it Saturday or Friday

 

[amalone1013]

Churning fail. Got my CSR in the mail today plus onr for my middle name AU. I totally forgot I had an AU on the CFU. The rep never mentioned it just the fee and I was like no prob I don't have an AU. I sent an SM though I'm sure I need to call.

This is what happened to me! Forgot I did it for the sub wayyyy back in 2017 lol. Was successful removing with SM

 

[smallsy]

Ok so I just did a search on United and we can both fly RT to GLA in early August for 354K miles and $562 in fees. Is that a decent deal? I have no idea.

ETA that’s for business class

 

[Haley R]

Thanks for sharing. I would have never thought of that. I have never had that.

I wonder if it’s a Midwest thing? You definitely should try them! They are delicious and so easy to make. You’ll want to set out the pickles to dry first then let the cream cheese soften before you put it on the pickles. Some people make pickle wrap dip that has small chunks of meat and pickles and is mostly cream cheese. Then they dip wheat thins or chips in it

 

[Lain]

The biggest drawback to an AMEX for me is that I am not sure (nor is anyone else, I think) how much is a reasonable monthly spend after meeting MSR. I was hoping that I could use it for some recurring bills through Plastiq (so that I could set it and forget it, as it were) but with the limitations, I am just worried that I wouldn't keep the spend up and then all those benefts and MRs go POOF! And then all my "hard work" for nothing. I need to research this further.

ALTHOUGH.... here is a question. Does AMEX Claw back Hilton Points too, or only MRs?????

The most popular theory about why people get "pop ups" – warnings that they're ineligible for the SUB on the card they're applying for because of their "history" with Amex cards – when applying for a new Amex card is that their spending on a previously approved card, or across open Amex cards generally, dropped after they met the MSR and received the SUB. If it looks like you're putting only enough spend on a new Amex to get the SUB, or if you're not spending on your already open Amex cards, Amex is not going to approve you for a new card with a bonus. There are probably a lot more factors that go into who and why they get pop ups. We've discussed these theories previously, but no one knows the "secret sauce" to Amex's pop ups; it's all anecdotal.

As for an Amex MSR, we do suggest maybe not hitting it with one or a few big charges and then sockdrawering the card. Keep your spend relatively consistent from month to month during the MSR period, so you can taper down more inconspicuously afterwards. Again, remember that on the Hilton Biz and Hilton Surpass, if you spend $15k in a calendar year, you earn a Free Weekend Night Certificate.

Amex is not going to claw back a SUB if you stop spending on a card; but there's probably a high likelihood Amex won't approve you for another card with a bonus until you bring your spendings back up.

It also appears that it's harder for Amex to claw back points from it's co-brand partners (e.g., Hilton, Marriott, Delta) than their own Membership Rewards (MR) points, because once those co-brand points post and are deposited into their partners' programs, it's a lot harder for Amex to reach into another company's loyalty program to take the points back.

 

[wanderlust7]

Thanks for the tips. I finally figured out how to search the partner sites for reward flights, but I didn’t even think about the fees. Had no idea they could be that much . Is there a way to check what the fees are when searching?

I’m really hoping for Scotland, but we are open to other destinations too. We’ve never been to Italy or France (we’ve never been anywhere really). A typical tropical vacation really isn’t our thing, but Hawaii is appealing since at least there are some hikes and things we could do. The good news is our dates are flexible, assuming my parents are free to watch the kids. We’re looking at late May-early June or early August but honestly could do almost anytime.

What really appeals to me about Scotland is:

• A tourist destination that’s not too touristy (sites to see but nothing we HAVE to see— if we went to Italy DH would HAVE to see Rome and do all the things).
• I adore the culture and love the idea of just being laid back and immersed in the community with no big plans other than drinking whisky, seeing a castle here and a puffin there (Puffins!)
• English speaking (ok I know, but I have an irrational fear of being the dumb, lost American that doesn’t know the language)
• ETA also DH and I both have Scottish clan heritage and would love to visit the highlands

Edinburgh in August is really crowded with the festivals. The Military Tattoo was very cool to see, but I think we would have enjoyed the city more without the crowds. Trade offs I guess.

Puffins! We flew to Iceland first (they have puffins too, lol) using URs on Icelandair. Then a cheap flight to Edinburgh on Easyjet.

Puffins on the Isle of Staffa:

 

[Lain]

We made the most of our only day there, hiring a private tour guide, but there is so much more I would like to see. Definitely worth a visit, or a few!

Where can I wield a claymore and shout, "There can be only one!"?

 

[ten6mom]

The most popular theory about why people get "pop ups" – warnings that they're ineligible for the SUB on the card they're applying for because of their "history" with Amex cards – when applying for a new Amex card is that their spending on a previously approved card, or across open Amex cards generally, dropped after they met the MSR and received the SUB. If it looks like you're putting only enough spend on a new Amex to get the SUB, or if you're not spending on your already open Amex cards, Amex is not going to approve you for a new card with a bonus. There's probably a lot more factors that go into who and why they get pop ups. We've discussed these theories previously, but no one knows the "secret sauce" to Amex's pop ups; it's all anecdotal.

As for an Amex MSR, we do suggest maybe not hitting it with one or a few huge charges and then sockdrawering the card. Keep your spend relatively consistent from month to month during the MSR period, so you can taper down more inconspicuously afterwards. Again, remember that on the Hilton Biz and Hilton Surpass, if you spend $15k in a calendar year, you earn a Free Weekend Night Certificate.

Amex is not going to claw back a SUB if you stop spending on a card; but there's probably a high likelihood Amex won't approve you for another card with a bonus until you bring your spendings back up.

It also appears that it's harder for Amex to claw back points from it's co-brand partners (e.g., Hilton, Marriott, Delta) than their own Membership Rewards (MR) points, because once those co-brand points post and are deposited into their partners' programs, it's a lot harder for Amex to reach into another company's loyalty program to take the points back.

Thank you for the tips....I have zero history with Amex so getting the first one should not, theoretically, be a problem.

After MSR period, I can use an Amex to buy gift cards at grocery stores, yes? As far as we know?

I will keep the other points in mind.. I am still on the fence about it but that Aspire would be super nice for us for this trip. Perhaps I'll even rearrange my tentative itinerary so that we END our trip at TDL and then have all the perks to go with it! Ahhhh, so much planning and strategizing to do!

Never, in a million years, would I have even known about any of this if not for this amazing thread and the amazing people who contribute their expertise! Thank you so much!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

BUR is such a great little airport-I always seem to fly with someone well known when I’ve
flown through it too

Fingers crossed it works. Plus I need to figure out the transportation between USH and DLR

 

[nickle831]

Ugh! Bonvoyed!
I had a points advance booking for next summer in Seattle for 2 nights. One night I was planning on having enough points for and then use my 35000 anniversary night for the 2nd night. Nope not anymore. Points went up to 40,000. I'll still have enough points for one night, but I'll have to shell out the cash for night #2. No switching hotels either. Boo.