Tag Archives: Southwest Airlines

More Info Regarding Chime Card Loads After October 8 and my App-O-Rama Planning

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More Info Regarding Chime Card Loads After October 8 and my App-O-Rama Planning

Literally a few minutes before writing this post, I received the following email from Chime regarding the previously announced changes to debit card loads (link). Starting October 8, you will be able to load up to $200 per day, with a minimum load amount of $25.  If you use a debit card from Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Comerica Bank, or USAA, your debit card loads will remain free.  If you use a different debit card (including the PayPal Business Debit Card), you will *most likely* get hit with a “fee of up to 3%” per load.  We still need to wait and see what Chime does regarding the PayPal Business Debit Card.  If you use a debit card from one of the previously mentioned banks, the October 8 change will benefit you.

Chime Debit Card Updated Terms

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Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Worth the $95 Annual Fee?

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Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Worth the $95 Annual Fee?

Thank you Amanda for asking me why the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card was not used on my recent trip to Cabo.  Great question Amanda, let me explain why…

There is no doubt that the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great credit card.  Double points on travel and dining purchases is awesome.  Transferable points to many of the best airline and hotel loyalty programs is awesome.  No foreign transactions fees and no annual fee (for the first year) is awesome.  I think that if you could only have 1 Chase credit card, most people would say the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best card (we will assume you are not a business owner).  I totally agree 100%.  But what about the second year and the third year and the fourth year when you have to pay the $95 annual fee.  Is it still worth it?

Yes and no.   Continue reading →

Weekend Trip to Cabo – Part 1: Southwest Airlines Flight and Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort

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Weekend Trip to Cabo – Part 1: Southwest Airlines Flight and Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort

Buenos dias amigos!  After my short weekend trip to Cabo, I present my 2 part trip report.  In part 1, I discuss the Southwest Airlines flight from Orange County, CA (SNA) to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (SJD) and my experience staying that the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort.  In Part 2, I discuss the activities and places we ate in Cabo as well as the different methods of transportation around Cabo.

Southwest Flight 624 SNA to SJD

I booked this flight as soon as Southwest Airlines announced the new international routes, so I got a pretty good deal, in my opinion.  The price at the time was 11,400 Southwest Airlines points plus $85.48 in taxes/fees (mostly Mexican international fees).

SWA Cabo

As far as I know, Southwest Airlines only flies to Cabo from Orange County and Denver.  However, if you live in another city, I saw several flights on different airlines:

  • Alaska Airlines flies from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco
  • American Airlines flies from Los Angeles and Dallas
  • Delta flies from Salt Lake City
  • Frontier flies from Denver
  • Spirit flies from San Diego and Dallas
  • United Airlines flies from San Francisco and Houston
  • US Airways flies from Phoenix
  • Virgin America flies from San Francisco
  • WestJet flies from Vancouver and Calgary

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TWG is Flying to Cabo this Weekend on Southwest Airlines

SWA MEX

TWG is Flying to Cabo this Weekend on Southwest Airlines

Buenos noches amigas! (No need for Google translate) Good evening friends, I am taking a really early or really late spring break trip to Cabo this weekend.  As far as I know, Southwest only flies non-stop to Cabo from Orange County, CA (SNA) and Denver (DEN).  I got a good deal on my flight and it only cost 11,400 SWA miles and $85.48 in taxes/fees (Mexico apparently has much higher taxes than the US).

SWA to SJD Route Map

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Chase Marriott Rewards and Chase Southwest Airlines Premier Credit Card Retention Successes

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Chase Marriott Rewards and Chase Southwest Airlines Premier Credit Card Retention Successes

It’s that time of the year… annual fees start charging, free night certificates start appearing, and bonus points start posting.  Earlier this week, I received the following email from Chase / Marriott about my free night certificate valid at any Marriott hotel category 1-5.  The one thing I don’t like about the Marriott free night certificates is that they are only valid for 6 months from the date they are issued.  If you cannot use them by then, call Chase and they will usually extend the certificate for another 6 months.

Since my free night certificate posted to my Marriott account before the annual fee posted to my Chase Marriott, I was planning on closing the credit card and keeping the free night… for free.

Marriott Free Night Certificate Email

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