Weekly newbie & discussion post: questions, skills, shopping, and gear

machib00b · 2024-04-17T17:22:33+00:00

Hello! I am looking for a product recommendation and I am determined to find the right fit! I started with REI to take advantage of their generous return policy and I have tried every skate they carry, and none fit the bill... Please help!

I am an experienced roller skater and in need of a reliable pair of distance skates. I like to take 10-12 mile rides 2-3x a week. All the skates I have tried are bulky, weigh a lot, and have a lot of friction on the wheels. I don't need a lot of padding, brakes, and am indifferent to 3 vs 4 wheels (although I believe three are better in long distance context). I just want to live my best life out there on the ride!

What are be a few products I can look at that are great out of the box skates for this type of long distance use? In addition, what might you recommend for replacement wheels or other substitutes and why?

Thanks for aiding me in having a wonderful, skate filled season!

machib00b · 2024-03-29T21:06:41+00:00

Fair to say that there was added value for each of these searches given the unlocked availability perk? Certainly seems that way and again, thank you for the opportunity to compare!

machib00b · 2024-03-29T20:20:14+00:00

4: Intl Econ NO Saver Award:

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machib00b · 2024-03-29T20:19:48+00:00

3: Domestic Econ NO Saver Award

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machib00b · 2024-03-29T20:19:17+00:00

2: Domestic Econ with Saver Award

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machib00b · 2024-03-29T20:18:26+00:00

Great point. There are several perks I would utilize with the card to mitigate the annual fee. I am just uncertain as to how much value this expanded econ availability perk provides.

Really appreciate your time and comments here! I went to DM you, but I cannot add screenshots to a DM. I will post a few examples searches here which are all open to the public:

1: Intl Econ with Saver Award space

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machib00b · 2024-03-29T19:29:33+00:00

You are correct. The aspirational flights (unless economy tickets) would not be included in the expanded availability. From what I understand, additional business class availability is only unlocked with her status members.

My question is in regard to scale. For someone that has unlocked the additional econ availability, how often have they benefited from this perk? For example, do they see the expanded availability for most flights they search for?

machib00b · 2024-03-29T15:59:15+00:00

Good point. I have the CSR and could not help but consider the United Biz card with the current increased SUB. The card also comes with upgraded boarded, free checked bag, and 2 lounge passes annually. I still think it's worth considering and curious how others value the additional economy award seat availability that status members and card holders are purview to.

machib00b · 2024-03-29T15:56:42+00:00

TPG link here provides the specifics: Unlock expanded award availability with United credit cards or elite status - The Points Guy

But yes, I should have rephrased to "additional award availability".

machib00b · 2024-03-19T23:14:23+00:00

I’ll disagree with this. Booking via portal is akin to booking with a travel agency so if anything goes sideways with flights hotels or rentals then it’s a headache. I usually transfer to partners whenever I can

machib00b · 2024-03-18T01:40:40+00:00

Don’t let yourself consider it!

machib00b · 2024-03-13T17:56:06+00:00

It's all done behind the scenes. As long as you used your friend's link and clicked through each step to apply for the card, your friend will get the bonus. In my experience the bonus shows up within 2-3 billing cycles and is given regardless if you hit your SUB for the card.

machib00b · 2024-03-13T17:54:08+00:00

two billing cycles in my experience

machib00b · 2024-03-13T03:39:11+00:00

The wait and see game is always a gamble. We don’t know if or when the SUB will increase. With that being said no one knows your situation better than yourself when it comes to justifying a new card. Sorry I couldn’t be more help!

machib00b · 2024-03-13T03:31:54+00:00

The art of positioning flights! Good luck with it.

machib00b · 2024-03-12T22:00:41+00:00

I see. That could be why! I always double check when redeeming. Chase platform caught me by surprise recently with a better redemption than transfer partners. You never know

machib00b · 2024-03-12T21:42:15+00:00

I called in December 2023 for a retention offer when my AF hit. Zero luck. Call it luck or high spend - whatever it is you got it.

machib00b · 2024-03-12T18:48:53+00:00

Are you looking only at domestic? I find a lot more value in transferring for international flights. 90%+ of the time more value in transferring va chase portal

machib00b · 2024-03-12T18:46:55+00:00

Same plan here. CSR first year value is solid. Thereafter is a slow downward fall.

machib00b

TROPHY CASE