That's helpful. Thanks for the info.

Unfortunately I'm not in the states, but I'm hoping the card will be around for the next few months. When I'm home then, I can apply and go for the pre-screening.

Guys even if you don't throw me the sign-up bonus, sign up through someones link. Otherwise that money/those points are just lost in the ether. I keep seeing guys say they signed up for this and that - I hope you're using a friend's sign up link for these cards. I have links for basically every card being discussed, even the CSR.

*****

Hilton has been running a crazy double promotion recently. First, 3x points for bookings made through the app. That alone is a strong reason to choose Hilton (if you've a platinum AMEX, you automatically have Hilton Gold status as well, which includes a room upgrade, breakfast, etc. - just need to link the account).

In addition, they have a promotion with Visa - 5000 points for Hilton stays where you pay with Visa. HERE'S THE NEWSWORTHY PART - it applies for award stays (as well as revenue stays) where you use your visa to buy a meal in the hotel and charge to your room (and presumably other incidentals). 5000 points on the Visa stay plus 3x points is a sizable cost rebate. But 5000 points on an award 10K point stay is half priced award stay.

Many emerging countries have decent Hilton hotels that cost 10K, or even 5K (Turkey and Egypt are the one's in the OMAAT article). If you were in Turkey, bouncing around 5K a night Hiltons, you could stay for free so long as you changed hotels nightly, and earn status to boot (the promotion doesn't last forever, of course).

Anyway, for those who've already made status for the 2017 calendar year in the programs they're after, Hilton definitely is running the most attractive promotion right now. The Hyatt bonus points one just ended, and SPG's is fairly good, but requires 2 night stays, which may or may not work for you. Anyway, see if it fits in your travel plans.

Giftcardmall has 20% off Airbnb gift cards and various other gift cards through December 17.

https://www.giftcardmall.com/promotions

(12-11-2016 09:48 PM)BallsDeep Wrote:  Giftcardmall has 20% off Airbnb gift cards and various other gift cards through December 17.

https://www.giftcardmall.com/promotions

When it says good through Dec 17, does that mean it has to be used before that date, or just the voucher has to be purchased?

(12-11-2016 10:16 PM)churros Wrote:  

(12-11-2016 09:48 PM)BallsDeep Wrote:  Giftcardmall has 20% off Airbnb gift cards and various other gift cards through December 17.

https://www.giftcardmall.com/promotions

When it says good through Dec 17, does that mean it has to be used before that date, or just the voucher has to be purchased?

You must simply purchase the gift card by December 17th. They do not expire.

Quote:Once a gift card has been added to an Airbnb account, the funds on it will not expire.

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/981/...cards-work

The real question is whether you can buy one for yourself.

Update: I just wrote to Airbnb. Here is the response:

Quote:Gift cards cannot be applied to your own account I'm afraid, sorry for the inconvenience.

So I need to have someone buy it for me?

Thanks

Edit: Has anyone used this site before? The reviews are not good haha.

(12-11-2016 11:50 PM)Mentavious Wrote:  So I need to have someone buy it for me?

Thanks

If it works the way that I think that it does, you buy someone a gift card and in return you receive a 20% discount on your next airbnb stay. Because you cannot buy yourself a gift card, that probably means that two friends would need to buy each other a gift (offsetting the cost) and then each receive a 20% discount in return.

(12-12-2016 01:23 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  [quote='Mentavious' pid='1462658' dateline='1481518212']
So I need to have someone buy it for me?

Thanks

If it works the way that I think that it does, you buy someone a gift card and in return you receive a 20% discount on your next airbnb stay. Because you cannot buy yourself a gift card, that probably means that two friends would need to buy each other a gift (offsetting the cost) and then each receive a 20% discount in return.

I did send an inquiry to airbnd, asking whether the 20% discount applies to the benefit of the buyer of the gift card -- or to the recipient of the gift card. I am waiting for a response:

Quote:As this offer is through a 3rd party I do not personally know how they operate their discounts. I have sent a question to their customer support and will let you know when I receive a response.

Its sounds like you guys haven't been to the site.

You go to the site, you buy a $500 gift card (or whatever you want), and it checks out as $400.

The next day a promo code arrives in your email, and you input that at your airbnb checkout.

Not rocket science folks.

(12-12-2016 10:41 AM)BallsDeep Wrote:  Its sounds like you guys haven't been to the site.

You go to the site, you buy a $500 gift card (or whatever you want), and it checks out as $400.

The next day a promo code arrives in your email, and you input that at your airbnb checkout.

Not rocket science folks.

Please do not be condescending. I have been to the web site. The problem is that you cannot buy a gift card for yourself (verified by multiple agents at airbnb), which means that persons interested in buying a gift card for themeselves never reach the checkout page -- because you must input information for the gift recipient on the initial order page.

Are you saying that despite this airbnb "rule," that you have purchased one of these gift cards for YOURSELF and successfully applied it to your OWN airbnb account. Now THAT would be useful information -- and a useful life hack to obtain a decent airbnb discount. We would all appreciate a clarification regarding that point.

If this is a third-party vendor, it is entirely possible that airbnb does not even know who purchased the gift card. All that airbnb might see in its system is the discount code itself. It may not even care.

^ you can't buy a gift card for yourself ON Airbnb. That wouldn't make any sense anyway.

BallsDeep is correct, except that you can input the code anytime via your profile on the site. It's a code you get in an email. Not complicated.

(12-12-2016 01:32 PM)getdownonit Wrote:  ^ you can't buy a gift card for yourself ON Airbnb. That wouldn't make any sense anyway.

BallsDeep is correct, except that you can input the code anytime via your profile on the site. It's a code you get in an email. Not complicated.

No one here is discussing buying a card FROM airbnb. Read the comments posted above and the response from airbnb regarding "3rd party" gift cards:

Quote:Gift cards cannot be applied to your own account I'm afraid, sorry for the inconvenience.
* * *
As this offer is through a 3rd party I do not personally know how they operate their discounts. I have sent a question to their customer support and will let you know when I receive a response.

Suit yourself man. Me and anyone else who can comprehend English will take our 20% off

(12-12-2016 02:51 PM)getdownonit Wrote:  Suit yourself man. Me and anyone else who can comprehend English will take our 20% off

Great! Please cite the English.

Quote:Give Airbnb eGift Cards to friends and relatives who love to travel and see more than the usual tourist places.

https://www.giftcardmall.com/e-gift-card...egift-card

Aside from airbnb unequivocally stating that you cannot use third-party gift cards yourself, the "English" in the ad clearly envisions use by "friends and relatives." Making assumptions causes untold human misery. If you have not learned that by now, you will.

Again, if someone has actual experience buying these cards and applying them to your own account, we would love to hear about that.

(12-12-2016 03:16 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(12-12-2016 02:51 PM)getdownonit Wrote:  Suit yourself man. Me and anyone else who can comprehend English will take our 20% off

Great! Please cite the English.

Quote:Give Airbnb eGift Cards to friends and relatives who love to travel and see more than the usual tourist places.

https://www.giftcardmall.com/e-gift-card...egift-card

Aside from airbnb unequivocally stating that you cannot use third-party gift cards yourself, the "English" in the ad clearly envisions use by "friends and relatives." Making assumptions causes untold human misery. If you have not learned that by now, you will.

Again, if someone has actual experience buying these cards and applying them to your own account, we would love to hear about that.

I do, pansy. You're lucky Airbnb are even bigger fags than you otherwise I'd be glad to see them take your money

Damn guys chill out.

Anyways,

I booked a non refundable reservation with a Sheralton less than 30 days ago. I just so happened to come back and check the price and I see that it's nearly 120 cheaper for the same dates and room.

Am I entitled to a refund in the difference or am I SOL?

(12-12-2016 04:11 PM)getdownonit Wrote:  

(12-12-2016 03:16 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(12-12-2016 02:51 PM)getdownonit Wrote:  Suit yourself man. Me and anyone else who can comprehend English will take our 20% off

Great! Please cite the English.

Quote:Give Airbnb eGift Cards to friends and relatives who love to travel and see more than the usual tourist places.

https://www.giftcardmall.com/e-gift-card...egift-card

Aside from airbnb unequivocally stating that you cannot use third-party gift cards yourself, the "English" in the ad clearly envisions use by "friends and relatives." Making assumptions causes untold human misery. If you have not learned that by now, you will.

Again, if someone has actual experience buying these cards and applying them to your own account, we would love to hear about that.

I do, pansy. You're lucky Airbnb are even bigger fags than you otherwise I'd be glad to see them take your money

You could not cite the language to support your point (as you claimed), so you already lost the debate. No need to continue trolling here. Try to do something positive with your life.

I recommend purchasing these in smaller values and not one large lump sum.

I've had 2 Airbnb accounts flagged not for my behavior as a guest, but rather for simply logging on from a new device.

It'd be a shame to lose a bunch of credit for something silly like that.

I've been traveling for two years guys and here are some good tips I have for beginners.Always create a rewards account no matter what. I have a reward account on Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Enterprise, Sixt, Avis, Budget, United Airlines, Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, and Spirit. I'm probably missing out on a couple as well. Whenever I book something using anything I always call and ask for a free upgrade. The majority of the times they will whether I am a Gold member or just a regular member. This especially works with cars and hotels. I've had BMWs and Suites all because of making a rewards account. If you travel this is a must have. Here are some tips below on Rental Cars, Airplanes, and Hotels I have used.

Rental Cars

1. Always check Priceline everyday and check rates. Rates change everyday. If you see a better deal book the car. I've had 5-6 reservations on the same car before.

2. At the counter negotiate the price with the sales person. One thing that you can do is ask for a lower price if you add insurance. The sales person will normally accommodate and give you a lower rate. As soon as you drive off the lot call the corporate and tell them to take the insurance off. Works everytime!

3. Always ask for a free upgrade!! Always.. no matter what! I've gotten a free upgrade almost everytime I've rented a car.

4. If you ever Uber anywhere and you are even the slightest dissatisfied make sure Uber knows it. If you do a review Uber will normally give you a 5$ voucher. Uber has great customer service and they are great and keeping the customer happy. There has been times I've Ubered a chick back to her place and got charged a ride of 50$. I complained and said I wasn't in the Uber and they give the money back. I've only done this once or twice but I must say Uber has great service but don't abuse it.

Hotels

1. Always ask for an upgrade. Upgrades aren't as common as Rental Cars but it has happened. I always call ahead weeks before my stay as soon as I know where I'm staying and ask for an upgrade if possible. If your nice on the phone with the front desk staff they may oblige.

2. Some hotels have a policy on Wake up calls. Always request one. If they ever miss one you can complain and some hotels give you points and some even give you a free night if missed (IHG). Same thing with bugs, if you ever see one complain. Make sure they know that it wasn't a perfect stay.

Airplanes

1. I live in Atlanta. One thing about the airport in Atlanta is it's always slammed. One of the most busiest airports in the world. If you don't come 2 hours before your flight you may have trouble catching your flight. Unless you do what I do. Atlanta airport has two sides and they are all connected. Domestic side of the airport and International side of the airport. They are about 12 minutes driving away from each other but they are connected. The line for Domestic is always slammed. An average wait is 45 minutes if busy. The International side however isn't always slammed. I've actually never seen it too packed. You can easily get through in 10-15 minutes. They don't care if you have a domestic flight or international flight before going through security. I've arrived at the airport 5 minutes before boarding and easily gotten on the plane with no problems thanks to this.

2. Always be nice to the gate agent. Ask them if they want coffee or anything. These people are the people that control the extra seats. If your nice to them they will look out for you. I've been upgraded to first class before and gotten better seats because of it. I'm 6'3 and I find it more comfortable sitting down on seats with more room. Gate agents have the opportunity to upgrade you for free! Remember that.

Those are some of my tips and tricks for now.

(12-12-2016 10:41 PM)NewDayNewFace Wrote:  I've been traveling for two years guys and here are some good tips I have for beginners.Always create a rewards account no matter what. I have a reward account on Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Enterprise, Sixt, Avis, Budget, United Airlines, Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, and Spirit. I'm probably missing out on a couple as well. Whenever I book something using anything I always call and ask for a free upgrade. The majority of the times they will whether I am a Gold member or just a regular member. This especially works with cars and hotels. I've had BMWs and Suites all because of making a rewards account. If you travel this is a must have. Here are some tips below on Rental Cars, Airplanes, and Hotels I have used.

Rental Cars

1. Always check Priceline everyday and check rates. Rates change everyday. If you see a better deal book the car. I've had 5-6 reservations on the same car before.

2. At the counter negotiate the price with the sales person. One thing that you can do is ask for a lower price if you add insurance. The sales person will normally accommodate and give you a lower rate. As soon as you drive off the lot call the corporate and tell them to take the insurance off. Works everytime!

3. Always ask for a free upgrade!! Always.. no matter what! I've gotten a free upgrade almost everytime I've rented a car.

4. If you ever Uber anywhere and you are even the slightest dissatisfied make sure Uber knows it. If you do a review Uber will normally give you a 5$ voucher. Uber has great customer service and they are great and keeping the customer happy. There has been times I've Ubered a chick back to her place and got charged a ride of 50$. I complained and said I wasn't in the Uber and they give the money back. I've only done this once or twice but I must say Uber has great service but don't abuse it.

Hotels

1. Always ask for an upgrade. Upgrades aren't as common as Rental Cars but it has happened. I always call ahead weeks before my stay as soon as I know where I'm staying and ask for an upgrade if possible. If your nice on the phone with the front desk staff they may oblige.

2. Some hotels have a policy on Wake up calls. Always request one. If they ever miss one you can complain and some hotels give you points and some even give you a free night if missed (IHG). Same thing with bugs, if you ever see one complain. Make sure they know that it wasn't a perfect stay.

Airplanes

1. I live in Atlanta. One thing about the airport in Atlanta is it's always slammed. One of the most busiest airports in the world. If you don't come 2 hours before your flight you may have trouble catching your flight. Unless you do what I do. Atlanta airport has two sides and they are all connected. Domestic side of the airport and International side of the airport. They are about 12 minutes driving away from each other but they are connected. The line for Domestic is always slammed. An average wait is 45 minutes if busy. The International side however isn't always slammed. I've actually never seen it too packed. You can easily get through in 10-15 minutes. They don't care if you have a domestic flight or international flight before going through security. I've arrived at the airport 5 minutes before boarding and easily gotten on the plane with no problems thanks to this.

2. Always be nice to the gate agent. Ask them if they want coffee or anything. These people are the people that control the extra seats. If your nice to them they will look out for you. I've been upgraded to first class before and gotten better seats because of it. I'm 6'3 and I find it more comfortable sitting down on seats with more room. Gate agents have the opportunity to upgrade you for free! Remember that.

Those are some of my tips and tricks for now.

I'm for exploiting loopholes, but committing fraud by saying you didn't order an Uber crosses the boundary for me, unless the girl took the long way round. Not to mention that driver probably didn't get paid. Don't be a cheap ass.

I've done it twice for two various reasons. The driver does get paid and I always rate 5 stars. Uber takes it out of their bottom line I'm assuming.

The Uber driver will not get paid. The question is whether the driver noticed it come out of their pay or not.

If the driver is taking the long way, tell them instead of being sleazy and indirect and writing to Uber begging for a refund of $2 on your $6 fare

Guys as Mentavious mentioned lets ease it down a notch. This isn't the Everything Else forum.

Mentavious, unfortunately prepaid rates are pretty much that (and with SPG exactly that). I don't think you're gonna get a rebook at a lower price. Hotel prerogative but I don't see why, unless you promised to book more nights.

Putting aside the Uber issue, I also like to use Priceline for car rentals. I find they have the best prices - its not bid and save, but rather straight pricing - they'll have a grid of all companies and all car classes typically for your location. I have some favorite companies for this reason, that differ by location (e.g., Sixt in Los Angeles has treated me very well in getting premium cars at low prices - they're always out of the smaller ones and I've gotten a Mercedes SUV there for 60/day).

Incidentally, National often has codes available (search via google) for free Executive Status (car class upgrade, some time saving perks) - you just need to apply it to your account. Once you have that, do a couple of rentals, can match into Hertz so you have the ability to choose between companies and get the best price.

I think SkyScanner is retarded or is pulling a bait and switch.

When I look up a flight and put my settings, before hitting search, I see the following:
from $187
Price per adult.

When I click on search I get results that say:
From $230 per adult

Does anyone know why? It's the same for other places, I tried 2-3 cities. I know it's only 86 bucks but I dislike it when websites turn into little bitches Thanks guys.

(12-18-2016 12:26 AM)Cattle Rustler Wrote:  I think SkyScanner is retarded or is pulling a bait and switch.

When I look up a flight and put my settings, before hitting search, I see the following:
from $187
Price per adult.

When I click on search I get results that say:
From $230 per adult

Does anyone know why? It's the same for other places, I tried 2-3 cities. I know it's only 86 bucks but I dislike it when websites turn into little bitches Thanks guys.

Usually the OLTAs cache the first set of results and only go check them for real when you go deeper. Happens all the time.