Meme In Command

I got the gold DL Amex as my backup just because we get the annual fee waived

CoefficientX

Plus 4% cash back using their card?

Khantahr

Yes, charge it to the room in that case and you'll get points for whatever you spend.

FyrePilot

Sometimes this strategy works to get a night credit towards status. Sometimes it doesn't

freezingflyboy

Used to be much more common to get the stay credit with putting the card on file and then charging something to the room but it's becoming less and less common with Marriott/Bonvoy properties (changes to the contracts Delta has with the hotels, or so ive been told). Also, it might be my imagination, but it seems like a lot of our hotels are switching over to Hilton and Hyatt lately. Being Platinum or better is nice but if it becomes too hard to maintain status then I may be reconsidering my Bonvoy card for the Chase Sapphire or another hotel card that gives us stay credit towards status.

notEnuf

What does status do for you? The only time I recall was at one hotel I didn't get access to the hors de ovaries lounge. I have the cards (not CC) but I don't go outof my way to build points.

freezingflyboy

I could not care less about some cheese cubes and cheap wine when I'm on a layover. Hell, i probably know a better bar in every town anyway 😉. Half the time they give you the stink eye when you ask about status perks when you're on a discounted contract rate you didn't pay for so i usually dont bother. The real payoff is when I'm traveling for me. Suite upgrades, early check-in/late checkouts, free/discounted parking, bottles of champagne delivered to the room and free/50% off breakfast when traveling with the family are great (and can really add up!). Using points vs paying out of pocket is also a great option when there are promotions or you just need a room for work.

The difference really is remarkable when you have status and are staying in a room you paid for vs when staying on a layover and trying to get status benefits on a deeply discounted Delta contract rate.

FyrePilot

Build status however possible (credit card, regular nights purchased when commuting, any nights I can get from the hotel even when staying under work contract)

Saved enough points, had bonuses from credit cards, and then non-revved in American Business JFK to Doha, and then econonomy Doha to Male. Spent $1500 on seaplane, and $3000 at resort (food, beverage, diving, private boat ride). All at St Regis Maldives Sunset Bungalow, average rate of $3500 per night all for 6 nights free on points. That status that I chased for years payed off big for that trip. Currently saving nights and points for the next big trip. Halfway to lifetime platinum status where we get free breakfast and more likely upgrades, that I will use 30 years from now. Then I can start account in each of my kids names to start getting them to lifetime status.

No- its not about the lounge or anything else while I am at work. I get whatever room they give me. Its about getting status to use at the best resorts while on my own time and dime. Earn nights at the fairfield, use status at the St Regis

freezingflyboy

This is the way. What an awesome trip!

Verdell

This is where I stuggle with point chasing. Just how much spend on a credit cards did you have to accrue enough points to make this happen?