Category Archives: Uncategorized

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Here’s what I consider the most interesting and useful posts in May 2013.

1.   Use your miles the way YOU want to use them.  And don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.

Use Your Miles the Way YOU Want to Use Them

Continue reading →

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Tickets for Star MegaDo 5 go on sale at noon CST today!  Star MegaDo is a chartered Air Canada Airbus A321 flight from Toronto to Tucson, Arizona to San Francisco.  You can find lots more information on the official MegaDo website.

Star MegaDO 5

Like all Mega DOs (as in big party or get together) there will be lots of socializing and tours of a Rimowa factory, meeting executives from Air Canada and lots more.

The Mega Do is from October 22nd to October 25th and you can find more information on this MilePoint thread.  Million Mile Secrets is helping sponsor the event, but I won’t be able to attend, though I did attend StarMegaDo 3. Continue reading →

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The Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund (a tax-exempt IRS 501 (c)3 charity) honors the late United pilot, Captain Jason Dahl.  He was the captain of United Flight 93 which crashed into a field and not into its intended target on September 11, 2001.  And just as Captain Dahl worked to qualify and train United pilots, his scholarship provides tuition for students to attend flight school.

Via Captain Denny, The Scholarship Fund is raffling off a chance to ride in a 1929 Stinson Tri-Motor aircraft - American Airlines’ oldest surviving aircraft!  The winner will be able to invite one guest to join them on June 1, 2013 at the Anoka County Airport, near Minneapolis.  Winners must provide their own transportation to/from the Anoka County airport.

Here are some photos that FlyerTalk member Pat89339 was kind enough to post.  And here’s a blog post from last year’s winner.

1929 Stinson Tri-Motor

To enter the raffle just make a donation via paypal to the scholarship fund between now and 11:59 PM EDT on May 10, 2013.  To be eligible, please ensure you note that the donation is for the FlyerTalk raffle. Continue reading →

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Frequent Traveler University is just 1 weekend away!

Do it For The Points has put together a guide on how to get from Washington Reagan or Dulles airport to the Hilton in Tyson’s Corner.  But the most convenient way to get there is either to rent a car or take a taxi.

Cheap Transfers to FTU – DC

Million Mile Secrets reader, Titan Limousine is also a sponsor of Frequent Traveler University and has some great offers for private car service from the airports to the hotel.  I usually don’t like paying extra for car service, but these flat rates are virtually similar to what a taxi would cost.

• Washington Dulles or Reagan transfers are $45 one-way or $80 round-trip
• Baltimore transfers are $100 one way or $180 round trip

This price is all inclusive with gratuity, fuel surcharge and service fees. This is a flat rate per car (with no extra charges for additional passengers) so you can book a car and share it with other folks to save money!

I’ve never used Titan Limousine, so I don’t have personal experience to share.  But they are attending & sponsoring Frequent Traveler University, so they have to be good!

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[Disclosure:  Emily and I get a referral for the Chase Freedom Visa, Chase Freedom MasterCard, Chase Ink Bold, Chase Ink Plus, American Express Premier Rewards Gold cards.  We do not get a referral  for the Penfed Cash Rewards, Mercedes Benz, & Costco True Earnings Business card as of the post publication date.  You don't have to use our links, but we're very grateful when you do!]

Gas Category Bonuses

Readers often ask what the best cards are for gas purchases.

I prefer to keep it simple and:

• Use the Chase Freedom Visa whenever gas is in their 5% quarterly category
• Buy gift cards to grocery stores (which usually work at the grocery store pump) when grocery stores are in the 5% quarterly category
• Use the Chase Ink Bold or Chase Ink Plus for most other times

Which are the Best Gas Credit Cards?

Mostly I use whichever card for which I have to complete a minimum spending requirement.  I would much rather have a high-sign up bonus on a new card rather than earn a few extra miles and points on an existing card.  But not everyone is like me.

I also don’t think it is worth the effort of chasing after gas category bonuses if you are only going to get 1 or 2 more points per $1.  Because it usually isn’t going to add up to much.  That’s why I try to max out the Chase Freedom 5% category bonuses, but don’t worry if Emily didn’t use her Ink Bold for gas (which earns only 2 points per $1 on gas)! Continue reading →

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Congratulations to Lantean for winning the $100 Best Western Gift card for leaving this comment:

I get 3 weeks and I use them all…actually, I am short every year and don’t get to do all trips i would want to. My works stands in the way of me enjoying my life.

I’ll be in touch on how to claim your prize!

I was very happy to read that Million Mile Secrets readers had no problem using all their vacation days! Continue reading →

[Disclosure:  Emily and I get a referral if you sign-up for Top Cash Back using our link.  You will get 3% cash back if you go to Priceline's "Name Your Own Price" through Top Cash Back.]

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I’ve used Priceline’s “Name Your Own Price” to bid for cheap car rentals.

However, it takes a bit of work to determine the best price to bid for Priceline, but more importantly, you can’t cancel or modify a Priceline “Name Your Own Price” reservation.   So this is useful only if you know that your plans won’t change.

Priceline’s Name Your Own Price

You can get an additional 3% cash back if you click through to Priceline using Top Cash Back.

Lately, I’ve had better luck with the Ultimate Rewards & Capital One Portal and Costco car rentals. Continue reading →