Airmiles and other loyalty programs 2012 roundup

[snow00774]

Hi folks,

My new husband and I have been saving our airmiles to use for our honeymoon (just got married) but as I look at the redemptions it seems we will screwed on taxes for the flights.

We're hoping to find something that wont break us with taxes & fees (any tips for that welcome), but I'm also thinking about what we want to put our spending power towards going forward. We have been pretty good about collecting the airmiles, but I'm wondering what is the best travel rewards or otherwise best value rewards/loyalty programs out there at the moment that we should consider switching to - or do we stay with airmiles and look at redeeming for rewards other than travel in the future?

Help canuckers!!

p.s. mods not sure where this is most appropriate - move as you see fit, thanks!

[Tommycoupons]

Hi folks,

My new husband and I have been saving our airmiles to use for our honeymoon (just got married) but as I look at the redemptions it seems we will screwed on taxes for the flights.

We're hoping to find something that wont break us with taxes & fees (any tips for that welcome), but I'm also thinking about what we want to put our spending power towards going forward. We have been pretty good about collecting the airmiles, but I'm wondering what is the best travel rewards or otherwise best value rewards/loyalty programs out there at the moment that we should consider switching to - or do we stay with airmiles and look at redeeming for rewards other than travel in the future?

Help canuckers!!

p.s. mods not sure where this is most appropriate - move as you see fit, thanks!

Not sure if you have the BMO Gold Airmiles card, but you will get a 25% discount on the amount of airmiles it costs. I would also travel in low season.
You can never avoid taxes and fees unfortunately.
Congrats on the marriage!

[operabob]

Flights, regardless of taxes are still your best redemption at AirMiles, especially if you have the BMO card.

[marmaduke]

We have cashed in our AM for Marlin GC. We booked vacation packages and were able to use them against our costs.

[operabob]

Gift cards are all set to a value of $0.105/AM now.

A recent flight I was looking at clocked in at $0.37/AM with the BMO card. 3 1/2 more value.

I do improve value on the Best Western GCs by using personal AMs to buy them but then using them on business creating a further tax benefit.

[KewKewForCoupons]

Check out cheapOair.com They have good prices. I when to Maui for 1,100 for ten days , included all flights and car, gas and entertainment.

[snow00774]

Congrats on the marriage!

thanks Tommy!




Thanks everyone for the input so far. We were shocked when we looked at flights to the UK and realized we'd only save about $150 over booking through the airline because of the taxes and fees. We'll keep looking and I guess look in to getting the world class mastercard (I just have the regular bmo mastercard).


What are people's thoughts about aeroplan vs airmiles?

[Abby1]

If you collect 1000 air miles + shop at 5 different sponsors throughout the year, you'll qualify for Air Miles' Gold Status (you don't need to apply for Gold Status & there's no fees for becoming Gold, but you must qualify each year to remain Gold for the next year). Air Miles offers Gold promos throughout the year, for example, saving 25% off redeeming for flights. I also second going during low season, and this always isn't in some crappy time of year. For example, I've found leaving May 31st instead of June 1st saves a lot of miles. You can also use miles for hotel stays.

For me, it's easier to earn Air Miles instead of Aeroplan points, but I still have an Aeroplan card as well (find it's good to redeem points for other items, such as gift cards).

[marstec]

Check out cheapOair.com They have good prices. I when to Maui for 1,100 for ten days , included all flights and car, gas and entertainment.

Count yourself lucky, there are lots of people on the TripAdvisor forum that have a very poor opinion about this company.

The Airmiles program has changed a lot, and not for the better. I switched to the Avion card which has a high annual fee, but is far less restrictive. What is the point of collecting travel rewards if you can't use them for travel when and where you want to go? The fees and surcharges to travel can be quite ridiculous, but that's the price of travel these days.

I have the Aeroplan and Airmiles, and collect them when it is convenient - these cards are free. Most of my charges go on my Avion since I have to pay for that one.

[RMurp007]

I too use my Air Miles for Marlin Travel Gift Cards and Best Wester Gift Cards.

[katie333]

I think it really depends on the flight, for some the taxes and fees are much higher than others, and I can see where that eats into your travel budget.

I have never redeemed for flights with AM, it has never been worthwhile when I comparison shop flight prices against the 'free' option with AM. I use my AM for gift cards and now, the much less valuable, cash reward option.

At any rate, I have the TD travel Visa and I end up saving between $600-900 a year off flights and travel I book by using that card for everything. It has fees and you need to spend a fair bit to earn anything substantial. I did the math and it was worth it to me.