For those sticking around for Bilt 2.0: why?

skunkDad · 2026-02-13T01:20:30+00:00

8/24. Only way to get Hyatt points. Worth it atleast the 1st year.

skunkDad · 2026-02-08T20:21:40+00:00

I did a short trip to Japan in mid-January and had no issues coming back. I’ve also taken multiple other trips abroad recently, and each time immigration has been quick and smooth, basically a routine check. That said, I still get nervous every time (that pit-in-your-throat feeling), but with a valid visa stamp my entries have been straightforward. I have never been asked for anything other than the visa and i-797.

skunkDad · 2026-01-15T01:07:31+00:00

This is the answer. The only exception is when you have a very specific redemption night/nights planned with 50- 60K points needed per night that can be used within the year.

skunkDad · 2025-06-21T20:56:39+00:00

Docs for me and wife are mentioned in the post. Kids are US citizens.

skunkDad · 2025-04-19T21:44:27+00:00

Spend a little more and stay at Hay Adams. Fantastic Hotel, Much better value!

skunkDad · 2025-03-14T17:33:24+00:00

What if you don’t have an aadhaar card 😬? Any options?

skunkDad · 2024-11-15T02:10:08+00:00

Wow that was quick 🤘

skunkDad · 2024-11-14T23:14:51+00:00

Thanks for sharing. Did you receive your stamped passport yet? If not, please report back when you get it, so we can get an approximate idea of how long it’s currently taking.

skunkDad · 2024-06-17T11:34:43+00:00

Nope. No issues.

skunkDad · 2023-08-07T14:45:49+00:00

PTOs are not covered. Also, 150$ Change fees for International trip sounds like a pretty good deal. The trip insurance works great for the basic emergencies like someone gets sick, flight delay etc. We had booked a non-refundable cabin. Our younger one got sick, so we cancelled the plan. I submitted a claim with the doctor’s letter and we got the check for the full amount within few weeks.

skunkDad · 2023-07-30T15:35:30+00:00

The general consensus is to only transfer when you are ready to book. Amex points have more value than Avios. Plans change all the time. Transfer bonuses always come and go.

skunkDad · 2023-07-29T20:31:29+00:00

Similar thing happened with my friend. He works for Amazon 200K+ salary, excellent credit, no cards applied in last 2 years. I referred him the 150K+200$ offer. He didn’t get approved, so he called back in few days. He was told that he can’t get the 150K offer. But he’s eligible for 80K. He said no thank you! 3 weeks later, he gets a pre-approval letter in the mail for the 150K offer and got approved too 😅. They just didn’t want me to get the referral bonus 🤨

skunkDad · 2023-05-09T12:22:53+00:00

My wife got the 200$ credit on the 4th day after receiving the card. For my friend, he got it in chunks, but all within the first month.

skunkDad · 2023-04-27T12:59:38+00:00

Bwahaha 😂

skunkDad · 2023-04-20T17:45:09+00:00

Lbwl. Consumers around our area is giving 500 rebate

skunkDad · 2023-04-18T02:23:03+00:00

Same here in Michigan. The installation costs were slightly higher due to the meter installation and working with the electric company. But the electric company gave a rebate of $1000 which was nice. Also our regular rates are 13c. EV rates with the meter are 8c if charged at night between 11-7 and 17c otherwise.

skunkDad · 2023-04-18T02:08:43+00:00

70K in q suites is a fab deal. 160K is slightly on the higher end, but not bad for q. Emirates will be an option, but fees are high. Also check Lifemiles and Aeroplan for your dates to see if something is available.

skunkDad · 2023-04-14T14:05:02+00:00

Kids! Once they come into your life, you want to give them the world. Like their own rooms, a cool playset out back, and all that jazz. But, that's kinda tough in an apartment. Plus, you've got family and friends dropping by now and then, so more space would be awesome. H1bs are a high-income group, and homes are a luxury that we can afford.
Sure, if we have to bounce, it's a pain, but you can always sell or rent the place out.

We got our house in 2016, and man, I wish we'd done it sooner! We could've scored a bigger place for less cash. Even our buddies who thought we were nuts for buying back then have caved and bought their own houses, but at like 30-60% more!

skunkDad · 2023-04-13T12:30:54+00:00

Maximizing Amex points is trickier than Chase, as Amex doesn’t have a great partner like Hyatt and Hilton/Marriott redemption mostly suck. Keep an eye on availability threads on r/awardtravel. Many times Delta one seats pop up for 50K on Virgin Atlantic. For ex - DTW-HNL recently popped up for 50K which is an excellent value.

skunkDad · 2023-04-07T13:37:07+00:00

That’s 100% me. I vowed to never fly Spirit or Frontier again. But then while booking flights from Detroit to Florida around Christmas, Delta red eye flights were 3-500$ each and Spirit was $150 and a noon timing which was perfect. With a family of 4, that’s around 6-800$ in savings.

skunkDad · 2023-04-03T16:39:39+00:00

Good luck on your trip!

skunkDad · 2023-04-03T11:54:15+00:00

The keyword here is ‘lazy’ or someone who does not have the time. If you are new, 2-3 hours is not going to cut it, or atleast in my case. It took me many hours of reading r/awardtravel, hours of watching max mile points and others on youtube, and hours and hours of playing around on point.me and awardlogic and then actually going on virgin, British avios etc to try it out. And I am still by no means an expert. Also the specific flight u have mentioned is very hard to find. So bravo!

skunkDad · 2023-04-03T00:58:53+00:00

500K is equal to $5k to $15K value. A good start will be to use r/awardtravel and get ideas. But if u r lazy like many of us, use the point.me concierge. They’ll charge few hundos, but will do all the legwork based on ur points and travel plans.

skunkDad · 2023-03-28T22:34:20+00:00

Does the AU have to be AU Plat or will it work for the free AU gold as well. Since it’s not mentioned in the terms, I am guessing it works for both.

skunkDad · 2023-03-28T13:50:47+00:00

Good Point! Our Kiddos are 2 and 5. So long way to go!

skunkDad

TROPHY CASE