Things you like about the US
#61
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2016
Location: California
Posts: 96
Re: Things you like about the US
I pay for just about everything with credit cards to take advantage of points and miles, using particular cards for particular bonus categories. Because I only charge what I would have spent anyway and pay off the entire balance each month, it works out the same as cash, except that I get to do a lot of free travel etc. Although airline miles and hotel points have become quite devalued, the more flexible bank points (e.g, Chase Ultimate Reward points or Amex Membership rewards points) are still quite good to accumulate and redeem.
Admittedly, I am not low income, but the same principle really applies regardless of income or spending; low income folks simply earn and redeem at a slower pace. Unless you cannot qualify for decent credit cards or are not disciplined about paying cards off each month, I think you leave a lot on the table by paying cash.
#62
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,541
Re: Things you like about the US
I can't understand why anyone would buy a ticket originating in the U.K. Before emigrating, I visited The Husband numerous times. If I couldn't get a staff ticket I would always go from Dublin, Oslo, Copenhagen or Stockholm and use air miles or easyJet to get to said departure point. My cheapest revenue ticket (not employee discounted) was Copenhagen to Seattle return for £121.52 - unfortunately it was Air Canada but for that price I'll put up with them. United from Oslo to Seattle were a close second at £135 and some change. Over the last 5 years I have never paid more than £280 return from Europe to the west coast.
I use Air Canada, Ottawa to Heathrow, all the time and I think they have consistently excellent & reliable service. Have you had bad experiences with them?
#64
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2016
Location: California
Posts: 96
Re: Things you like about the US
However, UK does have large fees/taxes, so it can be much cheaper to fly into Dublin or other alternative. Also, TATL flights with BA on award flights incur huge "fuel surcharges" so I try to avoid BA for the TATL portion if flying to the UK or via the UK to Europe.
#65
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 10,009
Re: Things you like about the US
I can't understand why anyone would buy a ticket originating in the U.K. Before emigrating, I visited The Husband numerous times. If I couldn't get a staff ticket I would always go from Dublin, Oslo, Copenhagen or Stockholm and use air miles or easyJet to get to said departure point. My cheapest revenue ticket (not employee discounted) was Copenhagen to Seattle return for £121.52 - unfortunately it was Air Canada but for that price I'll put up with them. United from Oslo to Seattle were a close second at £135 and some change. Over the last 5 years I have never paid more than £280 return from Europe to the west coast.
Buying in states takes some doing on fares, and trying to do online I have found is not the most cost effective. Recently looked at airfares looking for price. (1) On same airline cheaper to buy a separate ticket to Chicago, then round trip ticket to UK than buying all the way through (2) through two different airlines, fly to Toronto first, the UK via Dublin. Both prices several hundred dollars less for two people than what could be found on computer as "lowest fare".
I remember in 80's and 90's regular air fares more expensive than US, but now with these package deals much better than the USA and more to offer- a few hundred pounds airfare or train to Paris for a few days with hotel.
#66
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Things you like about the US
Stores around here do it as well if you purchase from them. Most dont push the service or really advertise it. Just a screen that pops up on the screen.
Most can only give small amounts back however. If you need 900 for rent your not getting that cash back at a store...lol
Plus an ATM doesnt require a debit purchase and sometimes you need money and cant buy something such as when paying rent.
Most can only give small amounts back however. If you need 900 for rent your not getting that cash back at a store...lol
Plus an ATM doesnt require a debit purchase and sometimes you need money and cant buy something such as when paying rent.
Last edited by scrubbedexpat091; Dec 31st 2016 at 6:43 pm.
#67
Re: Things you like about the US
I believe they have improved a lot in recent years, but on one air travel forum I used to frequent about 20 years ago they were known as "Mapleflot".
#68
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Things you like about the US
I would like a rewards type card, and while my credit is fine, they deny me based on income being too low for that type of card.
I do have a credit card, the limit is so small it's effectively useless except for making small online purchases.
RBC for example on their travel credit card, min personal income is 60,000 or a household income of 100,000.
I do have a credit card, the limit is so small it's effectively useless except for making small online purchases.
RBC for example on their travel credit card, min personal income is 60,000 or a household income of 100,000.
I actually love all the great credit card offerings in the US. The sign up bonuses and rewards earning structure are often not nearly as good in Europe and elsewhere.
I pay for just about everything with credit cards to take advantage of points and miles, using particular cards for particular bonus categories. Because I only charge what I would have spent anyway and pay off the entire balance each month, it works out the same as cash, except that I get to do a lot of free travel etc. Although airline miles and hotel points have become quite devalued, the more flexible bank points (e.g, Chase Ultimate Reward points or Amex Membership rewards points) are still quite good to accumulate and redeem.
Admittedly, I am not low income, but the same principle really applies regardless of income or spending; low income folks simply earn and redeem at a slower pace. Unless you cannot qualify for decent credit cards or are not disciplined about paying cards off each month, I think you leave a lot on the table by paying cash.
I pay for just about everything with credit cards to take advantage of points and miles, using particular cards for particular bonus categories. Because I only charge what I would have spent anyway and pay off the entire balance each month, it works out the same as cash, except that I get to do a lot of free travel etc. Although airline miles and hotel points have become quite devalued, the more flexible bank points (e.g, Chase Ultimate Reward points or Amex Membership rewards points) are still quite good to accumulate and redeem.
Admittedly, I am not low income, but the same principle really applies regardless of income or spending; low income folks simply earn and redeem at a slower pace. Unless you cannot qualify for decent credit cards or are not disciplined about paying cards off each month, I think you leave a lot on the table by paying cash.
Last edited by scrubbedexpat091; Dec 31st 2016 at 7:02 pm.
#69
Banned
Joined: Aug 2016
Location: Cascade Mountains, WA
Posts: 1,089
Re: Things you like about the US
How long ago was that ? I never considered Oslo, but a few times have chosen Dublin or Shannon.
Buying in states takes some doing on fares, and trying to do online I have found is not the most cost effective. Recently looked at airfares looking for price. (1) On same airline cheaper to buy a separate ticket to Chicago, then round trip ticket to UK than buying all the way through (2) through two different airlines, fly to Toronto first, the UK via Dublin. Both prices several hundred dollars less for two people than what could be found on computer as "lowest fare".
I remember in 80's and 90's regular air fares more expensive than US, but now with these package deals much better than the USA and more to offer- a few hundred pounds airfare or train to Paris for a few days with hotel.
Buying in states takes some doing on fares, and trying to do online I have found is not the most cost effective. Recently looked at airfares looking for price. (1) On same airline cheaper to buy a separate ticket to Chicago, then round trip ticket to UK than buying all the way through (2) through two different airlines, fly to Toronto first, the UK via Dublin. Both prices several hundred dollars less for two people than what could be found on computer as "lowest fare".
I remember in 80's and 90's regular air fares more expensive than US, but now with these package deals much better than the USA and more to offer- a few hundred pounds airfare or train to Paris for a few days with hotel.
#70
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,541
Re: Things you like about the US
I've heard complaints, especially about domestic flights. But I've used AC for twenty years, mostly transatlantic but also domestic, they've always been very good and reliable - certainly streets better than BA or any US carrier.
#71
Joined on April fools day
Joined: Apr 2012
Location: 30 miles from a decent grocery store.
Posts: 10,642
Re: Things you like about the US
I have never had to pay a landing fee. Only two or three times in 48 years have I ever had to even pay a overnight tie down. AV gas here (TN) has been a good deal also between $3.40 and 3.80 for quite a while. When I started flying in 1969 in a Air Force flying club near Santa Maria, Ca I paid $7.00 per hour for a wet Cessna 150. I still could barely afford it on my measly enlisted military pay.
#72
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,381
Re: Things you like about the US
Yes, I spent about 2 1/2 years there. I worked at the tracking station between the base and Santa Maria. The one with the 60 foot dish under the huge radome. Was there from 68 to 71. I got out to go to college, and later took a year off from school to work as a civilian at Thule AFB Greenland.
#73
Joined on April fools day
Joined: Apr 2012
Location: 30 miles from a decent grocery store.
Posts: 10,642
Re: Things you like about the US
Yes, I spent about 2 1/2 years there. I worked at the tracking station between the base and Santa Maria. The one with the 60 foot dish under the huge radome. Was there from 68 to 71. I got out to go to college, and later took a year off from school to work as a civilian at Thule AFB Greenland.
#74
Re: Things you like about the US
I'm slowly becoming an Americanophile; I have come to see that our long term future is here and we will probably be here for a very long time if not for the rest of my life.
The little things I enjoy the most:
The little things I enjoy the most:
- Salsa options
- Cost of Levis
- On a webpage, I don't have to scroll all the way down to the 'U' section as United States is always at the top
- Turn right on a red
- Dive through ATM's
- Crushed ice straight from the fridge door
- Self wash car wash. Hella fun with the kids.
- Drive-thru everything
- Sunshine
- Palms
- Eight lane freeways are actually exciting to drive on
- Half and half in my coffee
- Decent coffee
- Landscaping/plants/fauana
- Beaches
- General positivity/friendliness
#75
Joined on April fools day
Joined: Apr 2012
Location: 30 miles from a decent grocery store.
Posts: 10,642
Re: Things you like about the US
I'm slowly becoming an Americanophile; I have come to see that our long term future is here and we will probably be here for a very long time if not for the rest of my life.
The little things I enjoy the most:
The little things I enjoy the most:
- Salsa options
- Cost of Levis
- On a webpage, I don't have to scroll all the way down to the 'U' section as United States is always at the top
- Turn right on a red
- Dive through ATM's
- Crushed ice straight from the fridge door
- Self wash car wash. Hella fun with the kids.
- Drive-thru everything
- Sunshine
- Palms
- Eight lane freeways are actually exciting to drive on
- Half and half in my coffee
- Decent coffee
- Landscaping/plants/fauana
- Beaches
- General positivity/friendliness