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Points and Miles Required Reading
In May, I wrote the inaugural edition of this recurring points and miles post, herding a bunch of random topics of questionable value into a slightly-less (or -more) painful article to read. Four months or so later, it’s back by popular demand, or more accurately, the absence of not-negative-enough feedback. In reality, I was going to write it, anyway, primarily because I wanted a reason to start using Roman numerals in article titles. Here’s my latest roundup of topics not noteworthy enough for stand-alone articles.
Uber Eating at Marriott
I easily subsidize dining expenses while traveling with discounted Uber and Door Dash gift cards. Of course, experiencing the local fare while out and about is part of what makes travel fulfilling. But every now and then, my family and I just need a quiet meal in. Oh yeah, those Amex Gold and Platinum Uber credits play a role, too.
I was happy to notice that our Uber Eats delivery orders while staying at Marriott properties still trigger 6x Bonvoy points. This partnership has changed over the years – order minimums and Uber Eats pickup eligibility, in my experience – but it’s nice to see strong 6x earning is still around. It takes a $40 delivery now, but that’s easier by the day with Uber Eats prices, amirite?
Disney+ Getting More Expensive? Not Really.
Disney announced price hikes for their streaming services, which also include Hulu and ESPN+. The changes are effective 17 October. Regardless, these changes minimally matter, if at all. First off, the top-tier, no-ad bundle of Disney+ and Hulu is not increasing from its current $19.99 monthly rate. Second, the rates on other options are increasing only $1 or $2 monthly (yes, by saying “only” I’m falling into the psychological trap). Third, I and many of you have these services covered by the Amex Platinum Digital Entertainment Credit or something similar.
But finally, and maybe most importantly, I’m hopeful the following option will continue for avoiding these rate hikes. For the past few years, streaming services have offered promo rates in November around Black Friday. I’d be surprised if Disney+, Hulu, and/or ESPN+ don’t have a version this November where individuals can save.
But for me, the next Disney-related change stings more.
Comfort Suites Lake Buena Vista No More!
Last spring, I shared how a satisfactory “free” breakfast exists here and there, including on my Comfort Suites Lake Buena Vista visit. I guess I spoke too soon about that location. While recently wasting time online, I couldn’t find the Comfort Suites Lake Buena Vista anymore.
That’s because it now doesn’t exist. It subsequently became the Pestana Orlando Suites. Pestana is a small Portuguese chain of hotels and resorts. I enjoyed the shiny, new Comfort Suites LBV, its Disney World-friendly location, reasonable award rates, and a serviceable breakfast while it lasted (one visit for me). While I don’t have this option anymore for a free Choice stay, I now know that Pestana exists. So there’s that.
Always Use an Online Portal
I still use portals when buying excluded items when I have no guaranteed portal options elsewhere. I recently reminded myself why I do so. Recently, I noticed a few online portals tracked rewards on excluded items. My batting average here is low, but it’s higher than not trying at all. Long story short, always take that extra few seconds and go through a portal.
Chase IHG Premier Business > Chase IHG Premier?
Despite being very similar cards, it seems hobbyists talk more about the Chase IHG Premier more than its business cousin. Yes, their annual fees, benefits, and earn rates largely line up. But I noticed the business version offers a unique benefit on the high end.
A Chase IHG Premier Business cardholder can earn an additional 40k-point free night certificate by spending $60k per calendar year. Of course, that’s a significant overall threshold to hit, and many will be better off spending on other cards. But I’m confident some IHG loyalists with paid stays (including business travelers, shocker) can easily leverage this benefit.
Points and Miles Required Reading – Conclusion
Okay, that’s enough for this second edition of Points and Miles Required Reading. I don’t foresee this being a monthly article at this point, but I’ve been wrong before. Indeed, with our hobby, I’m often happy to be wrong. We’ll see what the future holds for fall. Two things are for sure: colors of leaves will change, and I will be looking at them. I’ll see you next time!
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