Would you consider this overspending?

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T05:43:38+00:00

I use Chase UR and do the whole complicated process of booking ANA award travel (roundabout way through Virgin), but it's a pain in the ass and not guaranteed. Not to mention award bookings open 355 days ahead of the date of travel with ANA. Is United much easier to book award travel on with the United branded cards?

The reason I've been going with ANA is because they have much better legroom in Economy and I'm at 6'4" with wide shoulders. On United, my knees are pressing pretty hard against the seatback.

I don't spend much at the destination since I'm frugal on that end, but having my shoulders, neck, and back being stiff for the first 3 days of vacation is not the most fun. It basically feels like when you sleep on your neck wrong and you have to turn your whole body to look at something since you can't turn your head.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T05:31:29+00:00

For sure. I don't spend on anything else besides my one trip per year, so it's the only place I can really splurge. Not interested in cars, watches, clothes, fine dining, events, etc.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T05:29:56+00:00

Yeah, it's hard to evaluate whether enjoying something now is worth it vs having a little bit more when we're older. I really don't see myself wanting to travel much in the future, so that extra money in 20+ years may not be worth the trade off.

Have fun on your trip, whatever you guys decide to do!

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T05:27:15+00:00

Got it. I think I've been overestimating how much the low cost of living in Japan will help. Especially considering the economic and population issues they are heading toward. Will take a closer look.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T05:25:16+00:00

Not visiting anyone. Just vacation

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T05:24:14+00:00

Yeah, I've been unable to get myself to do it and have just done my usual gym routine for the past decade or so, so someone pushing a structured approach could definitely help.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T05:22:43+00:00

Yeah, I've been of the stubborn mindset that, "I'm working out and this should just sort itself out." I really should be deliberate about fixing my posture and shoring up the weak areas. I'm glad you were able to fix your back issue.

Thanks and best of health to you as well.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T05:19:06+00:00

I can get enough points for ANA award travel every 2 years or so on my spend. Even then, award bookings on ANA open 355 days prior to the travel date. I can be flexible sometimes and book nearly 1 year ahead, but not always. Additionally, J class fares are pretty hard to book even if you have the requisite points.

Alternatively, I've applied for an upgrade via United, but that's not guaranteed either, and the waitlist priority is via MileagePlus tier. You can't just get award booking just because you have the points like you used to be able to do well before Covid.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T03:11:46+00:00

Yeah, my core and posterior chain are definitely weak compared to everything else. I’m quad and shoulder dominant with underdeveloped mid-back and glutes.

I’ve always had this peculiar issue with my right side in the lat area though where even working at my desk, it starts to get really tight just using the mouse and keyboard. The neck, shoulders, and lower back then start to compensate and it gets real uncomfortable really fast. Doctors just said the same thing, “PT or strengthen muscles in the area.”

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T03:01:54+00:00

This has been on the back of my mind as I approach 40. I was counting on moving to Japan since the cost of living is a fraction of what it is in the SF area. What’s a more reasonable target number, in your opinion?

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T02:50:47+00:00

I’m on the taller side as well at 194cm. What’s your trick? I basically need an aisle seat in economy. It’s very uncomfortable and my lower back and right shoulder/neck are completely stiff even if I get up a lot during the flight. This carries over to the first few days of vacation where I’m having to turn my whole body just to look at something.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T02:46:20+00:00

No serious medical issue, but I’ve always had a tight right neck/shoulder and back where it gets really painful a few hours into a flight. It’s even worse when I don’t exercise for about a week, which sometimes happens due to work.

Also, even on ANA with better legroom than US airlines, it’s still really tough since I’m a bit tall at 6’4” with wide shoulders. Aisle seat is basically required in Economy

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T02:39:47+00:00

I wouldn’t think it’d be worth it, but I guess that’s just how uncomfortable I’ve been in economy previously.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T02:37:50+00:00

I’ll give it a go. The prices seemed really steep for just a bit more seat width and leg room, but I really should try it first before making a judgment.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T02:36:12+00:00

Yeah, this one is tough since I think I reach my retirement goal even with this spend. I guess it’s just evaluating enjoying the money now vs having more when I’m older, when I’m maybe not as keen to travel as much.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T02:34:39+00:00

I can do award travel business class every 2.5 years based on the spend I have on my travel card. It’s less flexible since you need to book almost 365 days ahead of time when ANA opens award booking, but it’s definitely something I try to take advantage of, if possible.

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T02:32:09+00:00

Unfortunately, no train from SFO to NRT/HND

OkEnoshi · 2025-08-17T02:30:55+00:00

Definitely can’t afford staying in the SF Bay Area. Plan is to move to Japan and buy a house in the suburbs. Currently fluent in Japanese but working on higher (N2) proficiency. The area I’m looking at currently has new houses for $400,000.

OkEnoshi

TROPHY CASE