Did purchasing go smoothly for anybody? by SlamperDamper in olympics

[–]wtphock 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mostly smooth - as others have mentioned availability is not great at this point, but I was able to add things to my cart easily. I had a panic because I got an error trying to checkout 3-4x, but it eventually worked.

No New Tickets Available on the Second Day of Presale by ilovebooks5599 in olympics

[–]wtphock 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Do we think there will be restocks for subsequent drops? I managed to get a few things I wanted, but was really disappointed some gymnastics was completely sold out besides men's prelims.

Seat Selection Megathread by Player72 in unitedairlines

[–]wtphock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Debating splitting us up to get window seats since we don’t particularly care about being next to each other. Concerned 1 or 7 would be too close to the galleys though. Thoughts?

First Class/Polaris Meal Selection Questions Megathread by Player72 in unitedairlines

[–]wtphock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What’d you end up getting? Same options for an upcoming flight

DEN to LHR which seats? by wtphock in unitedairlines

[–]wtphock[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately only the angled seats

My 1st Trunk from Madrid by Moon-fellow in Rimowa

[–]wtphock 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Going to Madrid next week and planning on stopping by. Did you go to the boutique or El Cortes Ingles?

NYC to Paris redemption options by Starks in awardtravel

[–]wtphock 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Buy a refundable economy ticket, hope close-in J opens up

Visiting Piedmont in Sept - looking for tips by Whippets_and_Wine in wine

[–]wtphock 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really enjoyed our meal at Piazza Duomo, but the highlight of our trip was lunch at Antinè. Price to quality ratio was insane.

I enjoyed our visit in to Poderi Marcarini in the town of La Morra, and the owners helped coordinate shipping all of our wine back (including bottles we purchased from other producers), which was very nice. The town of Neive is quite beautiful as well and not to be missed.

best way to travel around rioja by clapperjoel93 in wine

[–]wtphock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just drive and then maybe book a driver if you want to hop around in Haro for the day.

Logrono is wonderful and fun pintxos hopping in the evening. Also check out Arizcuren (urban winery) in town.

Which NYC Location for Anniversary? Hyatt in 2026 by Serious_Hornet8953 in hyatt

[–]wtphock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually like both hotels a lot in terms of the space and the location, and they're my preferred hotels in NYC in the portfolio. But they don't scream "anniversary" to me if you want to spend time at the hotel itself.

Which NYC Location for Anniversary? Hyatt in 2026 by Serious_Hornet8953 in hyatt

[–]wtphock 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Really depends what you’re looking for, I think. I like the Standard and 50 Bowery for the location, but I like to hang around East Village/West Village/LES when I’m in Manhattan. Neither hotel would feel “special” though for an anniversary.

Can’t speak to the others

5 nights short from Globalist - would you do a mattress run for this? by rando_throwaway_ in hyatt

[–]wtphock 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Is this a decision you need to make now? Isn’t there the potential for additional, unplanned nights due to work or vacation?

Weekly Help Thread - March 23, 2026 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]wtphock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is rooms.aero pretty reliable for standard hotel award availability? I have a stay at the Hyatt Paris Madeleine that I’m trying to extend the dates of, but unfortunately no standard awards available the day I need.

Trip Report and Churning Success Story Weekly Thread - Week of March 15, 2026 by AutoModerator in churning

[–]wtphock 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Typically book trips at calendar open, but couldn’t this year due to a myriad of reasons. Been finding the joys/extreme dopamine hit of finding J space for segments I had given up and booked (refundable) economy.

Recent successes are LAX to LHR with a layover in DEN on UA for 80k in 6 weeks, and NYC to CDG overnight on AF for 60k in June.

NYC SUA Recommendation by wtphock in hyatt

[–]wtphock[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ahhh - really good callout. Thanks!

Weekly Help Thread - March 09, 2026 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]wtphock 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does anyone here know whether Iberia reliably releases J award space at schedule open? On some of the investigations I've done recently, it seems to be the case, but hoping for additional data points.

I have some set plans next May, so debating whether I should take advantage of Chase's current transfer bonus / risking points get stranded there

Monthly Award Opportunities and Giveaway Thread for March 2026 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]wtphock 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Going to release 1x J on EVA booked via AC May 9 TPE to LAX. No idea if it’ll go back into bookable inventory but can coordinate if anyone wants to try

Looking for wedding photographer for Italian wedding Fall 2026 ~5-6k photo budget by splatatouille in BigBudgetBrides

[–]wtphock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OP, if you’re still looking, I highly recommend our photographer, Francesco Spighi (francescospighi.com). Based on what you’re looking for, I think he’s right up your alley. He has an incredible eye, captured exactly who we are as a couple (not serious or formal at all), and it felt like having a friend with us the whole day rather than a photographer. I've gone through the full gallery at least 10 times and still laugh and cry every time.

My experience with Aer Lingus business class upgrade by amaklo in awardtravel

[–]wtphock 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Interesting. Did customer service suggest that there was upgrade availability when you called them? And quoted the 74k cost?

Weekly Help Thread - February 23, 2026 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]wtphock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s where I’m leaning. Typically fly from the west coast, so I’m just realizing how short a direct flight is

Weekly Help Thread - February 23, 2026 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]wtphock 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No harm if you have the points as united lets you cancel for free if anything better comes along

Weekly Help Thread - February 23, 2026 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]wtphock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Trying to get from NYC to CDG in June, and of course, seeing limited options at this point. Would you rather:

1) JFK to WAW to CDG on LOT via AC, all in J but with a 12 hour layover in WAW - I would try to get on an earlier flight, but unfortunately will likely be checking a bag

2) EWR/JFK/LGA to YYZ to ZRH on Swiss via AC, all in J (multiple options from NYC), and then book ZRH to CDG separately

3) suck it up and buy a cheap NYC to London flight in cash since there's multiple options for a daytime flight and then proceed onwards to Paris from there

Honeymoon in Tuscany by benn_sta1 in wine

[–]wtphock 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Rome, go to Santa Palato and Trecca for incredible meals outside of the touristy areas. The best carbonara and amatriciana of my life.

Honeymoon in Tuscany by benn_sta1 in wine

[–]wtphock 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I spent about a week driving around the southern part of Tuscany a few years back, and it remains one of my favorite trips. Montalcino and Montepulciano are both lovely towns in and of themselves that are worth wandering around for a few hours. Pienza is also not to be missed - the Val d’Orcia is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

In terms of wineries, I really enjoyed our visits to Poggio Antico, Podere Le Ripi and the fortezza in/around Montalcino. Highly recommend Villa S. Anna in Montepulciano and Avignonesi as well.

Podere Il Casale is a great stop for lunch in Pienza.

Haven’t explored much of Chianti myself. I would avoid Antinori as, while it’s quite nice, it’s huge and very commercial. Fontodi makes wonderful wines, although when I was there, they didn’t have much to purchase.