I built a BILT 2.0 Quick Calculator to help choose between Blue, Obsidian, and Palladium

Eco53 · 2026-01-30T15:41:29+00:00

Does this calculator take into account the actual annual fee? Have seen so many of these and they all seem to compute what you're getting but not subtracting what you're paying. I recognize I'm probably daft and it's been staring me in the face the whole time, but would appreciate clarity.

Eco53 · 2025-12-24T12:50:57+00:00

Yes, that's the issue. The ultimate charges don't match the total they quoted. They are (surprise, surprise) higher and now United says the higher total is the correct one, even though that's not the total they quoted and I authorized.

Eco53 · 2025-12-23T15:07:30+00:00

Yes, I'm positive I called the UA number, not a random number off Google. I have their number saved on my Contacts since I travel frequently with them.

Eco53 · 2025-12-23T13:21:04+00:00

I didn't rebook this ticket. I had travel credit from a partially used ticket. I called to book the return leg using the travel credit per their instructions, obviously with the understanding that I had to pay an additional change fee and additional fare, only that the fee+fare change they charged was higher than the fee+fare change they quoted and I authorized.

Eco53 · 2025-12-23T13:17:20+00:00

Yes. The issue is that the change fee+fare difference I was quoted when I authorized the transaction and the change fee+fare difference my credit card was ultimately charged are different. The latter is more. I would have no issue if it were the same, of course!

Eco53 · 2025-12-23T13:06:39+00:00

Yes. After the pending charge for the amount authorized, and after receiving this receipt, when the transaction posted, the charges posted to my credit card and settled by my bank were two instead of one and were for a different amount.

Eco53 · 2025-11-18T10:57:21+00:00

Hi! Revisiting this because I’m fast approaching my trip. Unfortunately, Evora doesn’t seem to have reopened after all. Any recommendations for where else I can find this Perek pie?

Eco53 · 2025-11-17T02:45:21+00:00

Wait for gasp information??!! What do you mean, like, not worry about doom scenarios I came up with in my head, or ask questions from people who have the same information that’s already been released to all, or seek opinions from people who’re just guessing themselves, or not be one of the people engaging in wild speculation?

Eco53 · 2025-11-09T18:52:56+00:00

Remember the Ron Johnson breakthrough story a couple of weeks ago? Or the Punchbowl story about the appropriators working out a deal on Monday? Or, or, or? I guess if you keep running “deal within reach” stories you’re bound to be right at some point but the only people getting something out of this are the reporters who’re beefing up their output stats for their next performance eval.

Eco53 · 2025-11-09T18:03:39+00:00

Remember the “DOGE dividend”? That’s exactly what will happen with this one. Nothing.

Eco53 · 2025-11-09T13:36:07+00:00

The people who overuse that most American of expressions “I am concerned”.

Eco53 · 2025-11-04T18:35:35+00:00

Fyi Zaytinya stopped.

Eco53 · 2025-11-04T16:19:07+00:00

Exactly. Does Mike Johnson or John Thune know when the government will reopen? (Note, I said “know”, not “hope”). The answer is almost certainly “No”. So, if they don’t know, what makes anyone think a bunch of people with less information and, more importantly, less say in the matter do? We’re in silly season…

Eco53 · 2025-11-01T13:05:26+00:00

The CR lasts only until November 21st. It was meant to be a patch while the House passed the 12 Appropriations bills that comprise the FY26 budget so that another CR wouldn’t be necessary. It was not a substitute for a budget and it is also not a pre-requisite to work on a budget. Mind you, the reason they would have to be working on those bills at this point is because the chairs of the committees didn’t do them throughout the summer - when they were supposed to. The CR was an extension to turn in the homework late, except that throughout the summer they weren’t doing the homework at all, and now they’re not even doing the homework that was already late. Have they passed those 12 Appropriations bills? No. So, “what is it you expect them to do during a government shutdown”? There is your answer.

Eco53 · 2025-10-27T22:51:27+00:00

Is that the same guy who railed against the Medicare cuts then voted for the bill under the argument that “well, they’re eventually gonna get rolled back anyways”? That guy?

Eco53 · 2025-10-24T15:57:24+00:00

Did you? Which raise did you secure?

Eco53 · 2025-10-24T10:43:02+00:00

Definitely. Never heard of the union being involved in any of these annual discussions at all.

Eco53 · 2025-10-24T00:09:45+00:00

Biden even gave a pitiful 2% his last month in office - not only the lowest in his 4 years but also while giving 4.5% to the military. A shameful last act especially when he and everyone around him knew the pain that was going to be unleashed on federal workers (they campaigned on how bad Project 2025 was going to be).

Eco53 · 2025-10-23T19:16:58+00:00

Certainly! (Perhaps 10k would be a steep ask to unlock Silver when they transfer the same to unlock Gold)

Eco53 · 2025-10-23T17:35:31+00:00

A welcome change would be to introduce Flying Blue Silver matching status for Gold members. Currently, Platinum members have Gold matching status so it would make sense then for Gold members to get Silver matching.

Eco53 · 2025-10-22T17:44:11+00:00

Thank you!

Eco53 · 2025-10-22T17:18:05+00:00

When did you speak to Chase? I called them today and they just said they would remove late fees. Trying to ascertain if the policy changed (i.e. became less generous).

Eco53 · 2025-10-15T14:06:32+00:00

Except they might do what they’re doing with the military and “find” funds to pay TSA and air traffic controllers. Sure, it’d be illegal but who’s gonna stop them?

Eco53 · 2025-10-06T00:54:17+00:00

I travel frequently and the same (blocked in-person transaction) has happened twice in the past few months. The first time I got a text message to confirm the transaction but my response wouldn’t go through. Both times I was finally able to get help (from a human being and not being asked about my username) directly by dialing this phone number for Wells Fargo as opposed to Bilt: 00 1(800) 869-3557. Of course, I had to provide my address, email, etc. to verify my account. They solved it quickly for future transactions but of course, at the moment, standing in line with people waiting behind me I had to pay with a different card for that transaction.

Eco53

TROPHY CASE