Between snoozy aircraft controllers, post-9/11 security measures, and the high cost of fuel air travel has gotten suckier at almost (but not quite) the same rate as it’s gotten more expensive. You’d think that taking away all the meals and legroom and free baggage check-ins would save enough money that you wouldn’t have to worry about the plane cracking in half mid-flight, but the recent Southworst debacle peeled back the curtain on just how janky the industry can be. This piece from yesterday’s NYT outlines the problem of aging airplanes, with alarming phrases like “structural cracks from metal fatigue remain a persistent problem on older planes”; “the discovery of some of the most serious damage had been ‘a purely random occurrence.'”; and “The potential for catastrophic structural failure is very significant.” Still, we want to see the world, so we save our pennies and subject ourselves to all of it. One silver lining is that airlines are starting to motivate to replace older planes with bigger and more fuel efficient models, though it may well be naive to think the increased affordability will be passed down to us average schmucks. The steady increases over the past few years have gotten me much more interested in sites like Airfare Watchdog and I’m considering ditching my current credit card for one with better airline rewards. Which brings me to you, Blogtown readers: Can anyone recommend a credit card that has easy to track/understand/redeem airline rewards? I’ve heard mixed things about Alaska’s, even though they’re my favorite domestic carrier. And signing up for mileage programs even if you skip around on various airlines: worth the hassle? Any other programs, web sites, or techniques to game the system for maximum travels at minimum cost?
sorry marjorie but this seems more like a question to be posted to your facebook feed
I have been a member of Alaska Airlines’ program for close to ten years. I like it. It is especially good if you frequently fly west coast routes. Mileage can accrue pretty quick if you are savvy about using the VISA card. Limited award seats on certain routes can be a bit of a hassle, but if you have a flexible schedule, scoring a free ticket to Mexico or Hawaii is pretty easy.
If you are going to get the AS-VISA, get an application from a flight attendant next time you fly. The bonus miles for applying this way are much higher than the other application routes.
Check out: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/alaska-airl…
There’s no such thing as a free lunch. The only reason they’re offering you the “rewards” is to mask the fact they’re screwing you over like a drunken New York Cop in a broom closet.
Your avatar found a free lunch. I have actually been waiting for a chance to tell you that your avatar betrays the fact that you are a fucking idiot. That’s great that you liked that video so much, but the fact that I have to see it wherever you leave comments sucks. You are a cunt.
I haven’t turned in any of my miles yet but I signed up for Alaska Airline’s card. They were offering a deal that by the time I was approved I have enough miles to get a round trip ticket to Mexico or Hawaii which is amazing. It also comes with two board room passes, per year I think, and a voucher for buy one get one for $99 which is a pretty amazing deal as well.
I have an Alaska card. I like it.
Cash sweet cash and always ask for a cash discount. That 2-5% racks up to some quick ticket money.
Yeah i have the Alaska one too and think it’s fine. As a West Coast traveler who goes down to Cali a lot, it’s very logical. I never keep a balance on my card, so I pay zero interest, making the annual fee a drop in the bucket. And as Joe2x mentions, the $99 (Round Trip) Companion Fare is pretty freaking sweet — that’ll get you to Cancun & back for a bill!
If only the Mercury had some sort of Website designed for the asking and answering of questions. If only….
Marjorie, this is a flagrant misuse of the Ice and Fire tag.
I was going to get an Alaska Airlines card until I found out the servicing bank is Bank of America. There aren’t enough miles to entice me into any agreements with those fuckers.
Also, if you aren’t using Questionland, why should anyone else?