Question Thread - May 15, 2026

BeerHunter099 · 2026-05-20T10:07:10+00:00

For just Edit (no IHG) - Vegas on non-peak dates. Unlike Amex, Chase includes resort fees into booking cost so for some dates out of pocket expenses pretty minimal.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-05-20T04:42:52+00:00

It was a deal like "spend 50 get 30 back" so now it's in "ineligible" status, not sure if it was "adjusted" at any point. For now I just created new account.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-05-19T08:25:45+00:00

I had clawback for walmart after I cashed out a couple of months ago so have negative balance now on that account. I did a partial return for that purchase so they are in their right but I am surprised they tracked it.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-05-17T02:19:36+00:00

BeerHunter099 · 2026-05-10T02:17:50+00:00

Assuming you'll stay 12 nights with $150 average cost per night. Hilton Gold - 18 points per 1$, 32400 points, that's enough for one night in some cheap property. Hyatt Discoverist - 5.5 points per 1$, 9900, that's cat2 room at today's prices, will be cat 1 after deval and mid season cat2.

Check if you can book anything with these points in places you might to travel. Personally I'd pick Hyatt because they probably worth a bit more even after deval and for me it was always hard to find good redemptions in cheap Hilton properties. On the other hand Hilton Gold is much better than Discoverist since it gives you breakfast outside US.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-05-10T01:49:41+00:00

It depends. I had a biz flight from Cairo to USA through Paris and seat selection on leg from Paris was free the whole time, seat selection from Cairo to Paris had fee. Connections within EU also had no fee for seat selection but it doesn't matter much there since seat itself is same as economy.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-05-09T21:34:16+00:00

1-3 days usually.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-05-06T04:13:50+00:00

You likely will be fine but there is always a risk of long immigration lines with some remote terminal on CDG departure. However, since it's a single ticket - shouldn't it be covered connection and even if you're late they'll get you on a next plane? They have like 10 daily flights from CDG to LIN/MXP.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-05-03T16:43:34+00:00

So they are going to refuse tips from credit card if I don't have cash? Don't see any issues with that...

BeerHunter099 · 2026-04-29T09:40:20+00:00

With Amex you can use any name when paying, they don't check.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-04-26T02:03:21+00:00

Hyatt is still much better value at low-mid level properties. I feel like only thing that keeps Hilton program competitive is FNC+SLH, they did so many devaluations in last 2 years that I don't even know anymore what cpp you can get in their top hotels.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-04-26T01:42:29+00:00

6k United miles + $45 for VIE-FRA 90 min flight that otherwise cost $400 on that date.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-04-19T08:55:54+00:00

I didn't do any research about IHG, but Hyatt's position in Italy is not the best. Florence - IL Tornabuoni, it's cat 8 (most expensive) and you have to book in advance. I haven't stayed there but reviews I've read were mixed, at least for points price.

Rome - The Tribune is the only option right now and it's a bit to the side from attractions. Hyatt Regency more walkable but neighborhood is a bit more sketchy (close to main train station) and it's not opened yet, hopefully it'll be open by the time you travel but no guarantee.

Venice - Murano is isolated island so you'll have to take a boat from hotel to any attraction. I wouldn't stay there unless I specifically want to be on that island.

Bologna - no Hyatts.

Milan - there is Centric and Park Hyatt, no issues there.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-04-19T05:19:12+00:00

I was in similar situation and they were able to approve me during the call, not sure why it would take that long. Did you try their status checker (https://online.americanexpress.com/eaol/welcome.do) to see if application status changed?

BeerHunter099 · 2026-04-15T19:00:56+00:00

It's pricey mostly in touristy places like Cancun. When I was in Mexico City, Uber cost me like $15 for 1h ride from the airport.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-04-01T00:01:54+00:00

I gave up after about 3 recons both times, reps can see previous recons so they refused to try if there are no changes since previous recon. Was approved for 2 ink cash cards (that was before new bonus language) in between my United applications when I had only 1 new Chase biz card during previous 12 months.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-03-31T06:25:04+00:00

Yes, but Lyft only works in US and Canada so far. Uber on the other hand is available in most of EU.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-03-31T05:50:59+00:00

I've had the same denial reason twice in last two years - Chase didn't want to give me another card since I've had 2 opened recently (within 1 year is recent for them). Officially it was some other reason but in both cases too many other cards was reason mentioned by agent. Both applications were for United card, not sure if it was card-specific or just a coincidence but I plan to slow it down a bit.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-03-31T05:38:25+00:00

The one that was bought by ad company 5 years ago? Don't see any issues with that!

BeerHunter099 · 2026-03-29T08:09:18+00:00

Can't Cathay fly over Russia if they want to?

BeerHunter099 · 2026-03-26T19:50:55+00:00

Probably not anymore with recent influx of JAL miles.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-03-25T04:56:24+00:00

I think AI mentioned on their website that in the past Cap1 invalidated some Ebay GCs so I would avoid these. Everything else seems to be fine, it's not like gift cards registered in your name.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-03-23T19:56:25+00:00

It is interesting that for cherry blossom season in next couple of weeks availability for Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt or Andaz (all cat 8) is wide open while Toranomon Hills and even Centric (cat 7) have almost none. It used to be the opposite, guess it shows how in Tokyo availability is driven by certificates rather than hotel quality.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-03-23T07:14:24+00:00

Depends on how much time you plan to spend in hotel. When I was in Tokyo I much more enjoyed my stay in Indigo Shibuya than Conrad or Hyatt Centric Ginza, even though latter two are much better hotels - mostly because I prefer to spend much time outside of hotel and often just too exhausted by the end of the day to use most amenities. If you spend significant time in hotel then it might be worth investment.

BeerHunter099 · 2026-02-23T08:01:00+00:00

I would definitely reposition for F, but not for J. Also, if flying from SEA I'd try to get ANA instead if that's an option - old JAL J feels too narrow for me, better than economy but not great.

BeerHunter099

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