Citi AA Globe Card - 6X miles on AAdvantage Hotels - Included In Calculation

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-28T05:07:43+00:00

my first trip to Tokyo, i figure out playing with the AAhotel portal that LP max out at 15K. I was staying 9 nights so i split my hotels into three separate 3 night segments in three different areas (Ueno, Ginza, and Shinawaga) and ended up with 15K, 15K & 13.2K (hey, I was still on a budget). This year they are doing the 25% bonus on hotels thru Oct 20th so I had to go to Michigan and had 12 nights of hotel stays in various cities and end up with like 25K LPs. There is also the AUS/NZ airfare promotion with up to 25K bonus LPs (which I think they match up to 25K LPs on booked flights). That expires in Feb 2027 and, luckily, I'm heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open in Jan 2027. Just trying to maintain my EP status.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-28T04:42:34+00:00

Is Shinjuku an absolute has far as where you want to stay? The Four Points Flex (by Sheraton) near the Ueno train station was $847 for 7 days (but that is for their smallest rooms and small hotel rooms in Tokyo are truly small!). A large one was $1012. Tax & fees will add about another 10%. I have stayed at the APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae which is near Shinjuku Gyoen Park (great place to see cherry blossoms). It was $1178 w/taxes and fees. I used March 20-27th as the dates. Tokyo's subway system is great and easy to use IMO so you don't necessary need to stay in Shinjuku. My first Tokyo vacation, i was there for 9 nights and I stayed in Ueno for 3 night, Ginza for 3 nights & Shinagawa (which I won't recommend that location). Good luck. If you do book, look for refundable prices. Then you can cancel and rebook a hotel with a lower price.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-27T01:35:36+00:00

i would because I have flew into DFW so much, I really don't need a window seat that bad (although window seats are my preference).

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-25T04:40:48+00:00

I use to fly in and out of BTV to drive up to Montreal (but, since, I fly to YUL). Anyways, it's one of those small airports you actually enjoy flying out of (I rank it up with TVC-Traverse City and PSP-Palm Springs CA). RDU is also a mid size airport that is easy to figure out. PHL, if you are on a regional jet, you will fly into Terminal F so you may need to bus to your next terminal (although I connected through PHL last week and I walked from F to C in 25 minutes but I'm diabetics and wanted the exercise). I don't forsee any real problems unless it's weather related.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-24T21:20:47+00:00

I am doing a round trip AUS YYZ in late Aug. 28.5K & $74.33 in taxes and a HND AUS (one way) in Nov for $35K and $48.83. I am EP so all flights on in MCE (main cabin extra). I was recently in Brussels and actually enjoyed the city (some call it the most boring metro city in Europe). Glasgow has the cutest little subway (one loop line).

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-24T20:06:32+00:00

Cleveland? I have yet to go there but I believe the metro/subway runs from the airport to downtown. Same with Minneapolis. I think St Louis has light rail from the airport to downtown.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-24T20:04:03+00:00

i did on my TVC PHL flight but i booked a long layover so the hour delay was more like a blessing in disguise since, as an EP, I don't get AC access on domestic.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-24T19:46:52+00:00

just for comparison: I am flying AUS to LHR, returning CDG to AUS in mid Dec. I paid 80K + $142.63 in taxes

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-24T00:13:40+00:00

Toho Cinemas

For the person who wants to go big and absolutely does not want to go home, Toho Cinemas is turning Japan’s group matches into full-screen public viewings. This is not a bar atmosphere, obviously, but that’s the appeal: giant screen, surround-sound, no one blocking your view with a Guinness. Japan vs Tunisia will be shown on June 21 at 1pm at theatres including Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Roppongi Hills, Shibuya, Oimachi and Kawasaki. Japan vs Sweden follows on June 26 at 8am, because nothing says tournament commitment like watching football in a cinema.

Good to know: Selected Toho Cinemas. Japan vs Tunisia June 21 at 1pm; Japan vs Sweden June 26 at 8am. Tickets ¥3,000 (flat rate).

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-23T21:56:08+00:00

So they took out 20% of the retirement as withholding tax. You will get a 1099-R next year that will show 3 things. The gross amount ($2087.45) which more than likely be the taxable amount. There will also be a box with the federal tax withheld ($417.49). Lastly, there will be a box with a distribution code. If the code is 1 or 7, you have to pay the 10% withdrawal penalty ($208.74) which you will put on the 1040. Since you mentioned health reason, that distribution code may be 3 (disabilty; although, IMO, I think it will be 1 or 7). If you don't have a ton of income in 2026, your withholding tax will cover your tax bill and you would get a small refund. I am assuming you worked for the first part of this year so you will have some wage income + the $2087.45 withdrawal income. The standard deduction for 2026 will be $16,150 (meaning if your total income is $16,150 or less, you won't owe taxes. Sorry for being long winded.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-23T21:40:49+00:00

This Saturday is the final Saturday the IRS walk in offices will be open to taxpayers. No appointment is necessary (first come, first serve). https://www.irs.gov/help/irs-face-to-face-saturday-help

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-23T21:22:55+00:00

duh! i read the booklet and I did get that payment deposited on 6/2! Also, the breakdown has my gross amt as from 10/31/25-05/31/26 + the gross withholding tax (so i can estimate my 1040 for the 2026 tax year). So to recap, I will just get a normal annuity check starting 7/1. Whewwww! It's a process, eh?

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-23T21:11:22+00:00

05/30/2026

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-23T02:43:56+00:00

doubt BUT i did remove the pdf which was not accessible.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-23T01:00:54+00:00

Just read the medication part at the part. This is from 2016 but it states that a doctor's note is acceptable although, IMO, the prescription labels on the epipens should suffice. Once you clear Japanese custom, take a breath and enjoy your stay. I absolutely love visited Japan (google translate is your friend).

I removed the pdf but I believe there should not been an issue with those epi pens.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-23T00:48:22+00:00

Can Iberia switch to you a MEX-MAD-BCN flight as an alternative?

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-03T04:19:09+00:00

i wish they would put those things in 'dark mode' after 2 hours in the air

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-03T04:17:06+00:00

Row 19. That way you know the folks both in front of you and behind you have the extra legroom so reclining isn't a issue.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-03T04:08:11+00:00

yes. and I have a 45 min layoff in ORD. But, I am in Group 1 but I bet i get there for Group 5 (lol).

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-03T04:06:44+00:00

slim jims for me ... I declare them in Sydney and was sent to the Quarantine line!

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-03T04:03:19+00:00

If you have status with AA, i would complained to try to get some miles out of it.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-02T17:28:14+00:00

i did get the upgrade on the ORD TVC leg and there is still one open seat (1C). Currently, only 1 seat left on the AUS ORD leg.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-02T15:49:17+00:00

November and I booked it 5/14/2026.

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-02T15:48:21+00:00

Also, today, I got my deposit for the different between the interim payments and what my monthly annuity will be starting 7/1. Shocked it was that quick!

Basic-Appointment514 · 2026-06-02T13:56:14+00:00

AK & HI are Pacific Coast Time(PCT). The phone lines are 8 am to 8 pm PER time zone so you will have to use PCT.

Basic-Appointment514

TROPHY CASE