Featured The best travel-size toothpaste for carry-ons Upgraded to Economy, November 27, 2022November 28, 2022 We all know that whenever we’re flying, we have to adhere to the annoying 3-1-1 liquids carry-on rules. I used to think that meant I could only bring small, travel-size toothpaste (only carrying about 0.85 oz in the container) like the below: Believe it or not, those little travel size… Continue Reading
Featured How I’m requalifying for AAdvantage Platinum for 2023 Upgraded to Economy, November 27, 2022November 28, 2022 Starting for the 2023 qualification year, AAdvantage qualification is based on how many AAdvantage base miles you earn, which count as what’s called Loyalty Points. It doesn’t matter how many segments or miles you actually fly; it essentially only matters how many miles you earn, which is essentially a function… Continue Reading
Credit Cards I just turned 18. How do I get a credit card? Upgraded to Economy, November 24, 2022November 28, 2022 If you just turned 18, congratulations! Now that you can legally get a credit card under your name, it’s time to consider getting your first credit card. While it’s not as simple as going online and finding whatever credit card you want and getting approved for it, here’s a simple,… Continue Reading
Why I applied for the Bilt Rewards Card Upgraded to Economy, November 24, 2022 I just dipped below 5/24 this month. Two years ago, in October 2020, I had applied for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa and the Apple Card (a Mastercard). I was looking forward to potentially applying for another Chase card, like the Chase Ink or maybe a cobranded card such as… Continue Reading
Want to use Mastercard at Costco instead of Visa? Upgraded to Economy, November 10, 2022 Fun fact: Yes, it is possible to use Mastercards at some Costcos. What’s the catch? It has to be at a Costco in Canada. Did you know that your Costco membership, no matter where it is purchased, gets you access to any Costco in the entire world? In Canada, only… Continue Reading
Credit Cards Why you should never cancel a credit card Upgraded to Economy, November 10, 2022November 28, 2022 Ever think a credit card has no more use for you? While it may seem like canceling or closing that credit card is a great way to close that chapter of your life, it actually causes more harm than good. In short, credit cards should never be canceled because the… Continue Reading
Pre-booking flights for weekend trips Upgraded to Economy, October 19, 2022November 28, 2022 After a recent long weekend trip to San Francisco, I’ve become quite amenable to taking more trips on weekends. As I live in Seattle, Alaska Airlines has become my primary go-to airline, since this is their primary hub. Combined with my AAdvantage Platinum status, which is oneworld Sapphire, I get… Continue Reading
Discover it® Cash Back Card finally becomes useful again for 3 months Upgraded to Economy, October 19, 2022November 10, 2022 For the last 3 months of 2022, those of you with the Discover it® Cash Back Card that gives 5% back on rotating quarterly categories will find the cash back category finally widely applicable and generally useful. From October to December 2022, in addition to 5% back on Amazon purchases,… Continue Reading
Why Global Entry rocks for land crossings Upgraded to Economy, August 19, 2022July 25, 2024 Take a look at the line I passed at the Peace Arch. Continue Reading
How to scan your RFID TTP card at land crossings Upgraded to Economy, August 14, 2022July 25, 2024 Watch this video for a demonstration on how to scan your RFID TTP card at land crossings. In this example, I am using the NEXUS lane with my Global Entry card. Continue Reading
The best airline phone customer service shortcut Upgraded to Economy, August 8, 2022November 28, 2022 Something I realized in 2021, when I had to stay on the line with American Airlines customer service for long periods of time before I could reach someone, is that I didn’t have to wait for those long periods of time. In fact, I didn’t even need elite status on… Continue Reading
Flights How I got AAdvantage Platinum in January 2022 during the double dipping period Upgraded to Economy, August 8, 2022July 9, 2023 I’ve been enjoying the wonderful benefits of AAdvantage Platinum and oneworld Sapphire since January 2022. While I had qualified for AAdvantage Gold back in October 2021, I was going to be making a 2 month trip to Europe and I realized it would be really handy to have the additional… Continue Reading