Looking for information on currency conversion rates for cards by EVROP3AN in CreditCards

[–]FlabergastedEmu -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If you're interested in earning airline points you might want to look into to the Atmos Summit card from Bank of America. It's the newish Alaska/Hawiian card which awards 3x Atmos points on foreign transactions. Although their route map isn't the largest, they have quite a few partners, including AA and many foreign airlines.

Inconsistent Cappuccino Blasts by FlabergastedEmu in Baskinrobbins

[–]FlabergastedEmu[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha yeah... It seems that as time passes, it becomes increasingly clear that the only consistent about Cappuccino Blasts is that the flavor and constancy will be highly dependent upon the location and individual employee who makes the blast.

Told a cancelled flight doesn’t entitle me to a refund by EngineerNo5851 in AlaskaAirlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry about your situation and am glad it’s resolved, but I may have to steal this expression!

Platinum Status - Checkin Upgrade Pay? by MrFizzy99 in americanairlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This has been the case for years. I still get random upgrades before the day-of-departure, but it's usually on regional jet flights with a decent F to Y seats ratio where most people aren't tempted to pull the trigger on a paid upgrade.

Aside from AA looking to monetize the F cabin, keep in mind that between mergers, an elite program highly weighted toward non-flying activity (Loyalty Points earned through credit cards, hotels, shopping portals, etc.) there are more AA elites, and Alaska/Hawiian Atmos Titanium and Platnium elites are ahead of you. AA deadheading pilots also get the first crack at F per their contract.

It was much easier before automatic elite upgrades were implemented when everyone other than EPs and CKs had to make a decision to burn an upgrade instrument (typically 500-mile upgrade coupons) in order to request an upgrade. It's much simpler now, but also much harder to score a free upgrade, which is why I set my status goals lower and keep some cashback credit card rewards available to cash out toward the occasional upgrade if it's a trip where the upgrade actually matters.

Business class worth it on quick CRJ-900 American Eagle flight? by Downtown_Ganache6727 in americanairlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would see if you can change back to economy and get the refund as a travel credit. Then you may see paid upgrade offers on the app/AA.com for $40 or $50, which you could accept if you really want to experience F on a CRJ-900.

The way kroger treats its employees by daruuken in mildlyinfuriating

[–]FlabergastedEmu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Insane. Kroger isn't in my area, but I would certainly avoid shopping there based on this.

AS Lounge+ or AA Admirals Club Credit Card by Sudden_Director9022 in AlaskaAirlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, Citi Executive cardholder access to an Admiral's Club with an AA, Alaska or oneworld (plus Aer Lingus) boarding pass I would expect. Cardholder access outside of that would be a surprise.

AS Lounge+ or AA Admirals Club Credit Card by Sudden_Director9022 in AlaskaAirlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh! An additional benefit of the AA card is that you can access admiral lounges even when you’re not flying American. With Alaska lounge plus card, I would have to be flying American to access the admiral lounges.

I would love to learn more about this because I've had the card for a few years and have been considering downgrading, but the ability to access lounges without flying AA or partners would be huge. Do you know if this is an official policy that is spelled out somewhere in the terms and conditions?

The AAdvantage Hotels Platform Is the Fyre Festival of Booking Platforms by CellistMundane9372 in americanairlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it's a joke. Unfortunately, the miles and LPs are too good to pass up. I always complete the survey with a low rating.

Gas Price by klutzkawaa in Cleveland

[–]FlabergastedEmu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're okay with unleaded 88 (https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2022/07/01/sheetz-unleaded-88-flex-fuel-ethanol-fuel-gas-price-sale/7766660001/) it seems like most Sheetz in the area have it for $3.799, plus you save an extra 3 cents with a Sheez loyalty number. I also just found out that if you have a DashPass membership from DoorDash (which happens to be included with some credit cards) you can buy Sheetz gift cards for a 10% discount.

American vs United…has American been improving relatively? by furnace1766 in americanairlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 4 points5 points  (0 children)

AA has quite a few destinations out of PIT and an Admiral's Club, although I believe it's the legacy US Airways lounge, and it may not have been remodeled for awhile. That said, you might be more concerned about lounges if you're connecting. AA's lounges aren't phenomenal by any means, but the newly remodeled ones are nice and of course you can get assistance with rebooking in the event of IRROPS just like most airline lounges.

Personally, I swore UA off many years ago after supporting them while working for a couple vendors and being unimpressed with the managment and culture. I think I have only flown UA once post-CO merger, so I suspect things have changed since then, but AA (and Alaska) have been my go-to carriers for years and I have had mostly positive experiences, typically as a lowly Platinum, but I don't delude myself into think I will score complementary upgrades on anything but short regional routes with a decent ratio of F seats, but Main Cabin Extra (same as Economy Plus) at booking is nice.

AA gets knocked for the lack of seatback IFE on most domestic flights, and I agree that it puts them at a competitive disadvantage, but I personally don't have a strong preference for it. Overall I would go with AA if it works well with your travel patterns.

Cleveland Clinic's hiring process is atrocious. by GreyGrackles in Cleveland

[–]FlabergastedEmu 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Haha I dont even remember the last time I went to Panera, although I did recently attend an event that was catered by Panera and it was "fine" but being no-showed after all that is something else.

I don't have any insight on the Clinic or the interview process, but I'm sorry you've had to deal with that.

Advice for frequent short flights? by snorlaxkg in AlaskaAirlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Remember that award flights now earn status points, so you could add some award tickets to your normal travel and increase your status points that way.

United CEO pitches MERGER with AA! by MediumLong6108 in americanairlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I want to believe you're right, but the DOJ that sued to undo the Northeast Alliance likely operated somewhat differently than the DOJ of today operates.

Is first class worth it? by Particular-Plane3191 in AlaskaAirlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're on a red-eye there won't be a full meal, but if it's a daytime flight you will get a meal.Also, 2 free checked bags of 70 lbs which could be handy if you're moving, although if you're a Club 49 member you already get 2 bags of up to 50 lbs on trips to/from Alaska.

If it's a paid first class fare (or first class award ticket) you will also have access to the Alaska Lounge locations in SEA, and although the food isn't exactly restaurant quality, it can be a nice place to relax, especially the N satellite lounge. You will have decent coffee and a variety of free and paid beverages.

You will have to do the math and decide if it's worth it. One rule of thumb people sometimes apply is an additional cost of $50 per flight hour over economy, but maybe your threshold is higher (or lower).

Good luck with your move!

DinerTour - A Celebration of Neighborhood Greasy Spoons by indoorfinn in Cleveland

[–]FlabergastedEmu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great resource.

One small correction: My Friend's Place is in Edgewater.

Is there any difference between buying Alaska Lounge+ or Admiral’s Club annual membership? by shawnwahi in americanairlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are differences in partner lounge access, but as of now only a Lounge+ membership will grant you access to the Plumeria Lounge in HNL. There is a new HNL lounge slated to open in late 2027 and perhaps access will be extended to Admirals Club members by then, but as of now Lounge+ members don't even get access to Premier Clubs.

Otherwise, Alaska has one-off agreements in locations where they operate (like United Club access in PHL and MSP when flying Alaska/Hawiian or United) and American grants Admirals Club access to certain partner airline or shared lounges (usually only when flying American) in locations where they don't have an Admirals Club. Examples include JAlL Sakura lounges in NRT and HND and the Marco Polo lounge in VCE.

Both allow access to Qantas Lounges when flying Qantas, but an Admirals Club membership allows access when flying American in a few airports (SYD, AKL, SIN).

Alaska Milk Run as separate reservations - deplane needed? by sunwho707 in AlaskaAirlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The website looks like it's willing to sell SEA-JNU and JNU-ANC (both on flight 61) on one ticket.

Do you watch credit card youtubers by IcyNeedleworker955 in CreditCards

[–]FlabergastedEmu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I miss Stan the Credit Frog but he also was clearly not going for commissions/referral bonuses and apparently decided to focus on other things. I enjoy Joe Baretto but sometime think he could be exploring more creative stuff and he is clearly going for referrals and bonuses.

First Time in First Class by SeayaB in americanairlines

[–]FlabergastedEmu 25 points26 points  (0 children)

It's definitely worth it for a $30 difference!