United Promo

It’s time, once again, to check in with United’s Mile Play promo and see what bonuses they’re offering.

Personally, I got nothing.

But it ranges from zero to “This is borderline garbage” to “I’m not offended” to “That’s pretty damn good.”

Also, I know I need to write something here. We’re on the doorstep of the last month of 2018 and tons of you have been asking end-of-MileNerd questions. Part of waiting was that I really wanted to get through the year here in a “business as usual” way. Another big part is…I’ve just had a ton to organize…a lot to think about…and so much that I want to say. So, here’s how I’d like to close out 2018…

I’ll finish the year as usual. Meaning, writing 5 posts a week until taking a few days off for the holidays. And then January 1st, I’ll come back and write those posts. Most likely over a couple of weeks…to talk about what it meant to do this for so many years, why anyone would spend those hours on a “job” with no paycheck, how this will be evolving, what I want to give you, the future outlook of this game, and all the rest of the stuff that is on my mind. Those will be longer, wide-ranging, fiery posts…the type of stuff a lot of you guys seem to like/want from me. There’s a ton to be said. And I promise I’ll be saying it. I’d just really like to finish out the year first. Have a great weekend, nerds!

Island Fares

I got a bunch of emails from readers booking island flights yesterday. Nothing too unusual about that. But it was both coasts and totally different islands. So…

If you’re anywhere (but particularly on the West Coast) and looking to pay for a Hawaii flight between December and March…it’s worth a search right now. Multiple readers booked low fares (most under $400 and some under $300 for the round-trip).

Also, for people not on the West Coast looking for a paid Puerto Rico flight in the first half of 2019…that’s also worth a look.

 

Midweek Cameron

A pair of tidbits from reader Cameron…

The first (which won’t be for everyone) is up to 10,000 miles for joining/flying Qatar Airways.

The other one is potentially useful information. Especially if Bank of America currently likes you…

Apparently Cameron was charged fees on a closed Alaska card. First an annual fee and then a late fee for not noticing/expecting/seeing it. Another reader mentioned something VERY similar a few days ago. At this point, even after you close a Bank of America credit card…keep an eye on it.

Tuesday Triple

If I had to guess the 3 most regularly appearing deals of the year…

Gun to my head, I’d go with Delta sales, IHG PointBreaks, and Southwest sales.

They’re all here today.

What are the odds?

(Probably like 80%)

Start Of Week

  • Some good coupons will be available from Expedia on each hour from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST today. It’s limited availability…which means this is most likely a get-there-a-little-early-if-you-want-to-take-advantage type of thing. Some of the best ones (like 90% off in the Expedia app) will disappear in a hurry.
  • Kimpton’s newest last-minute deals are here, their Cyber Monday deals are here, and the current password to say at check-in is “Chilled to perfection” (through February 17th).
  • Hotels.com gift cards are available in most Walmart stores. The $50 ones have an extra $15 bonus code coupon included right now. If you’re looking to buy a bunch, just be aware of the terms. They do say, “Merging of gift cards is permitted but customers are limited to one coupon per booking.” Reader Rizwan says he was able to merge the two together. Just go slow at first and make sure it works.
    …
    That’s what she said.
    …
    Sorry. I’m an idiot.
  • If you’re shopping today, take a look at Ebates first – for up to 7x the usual cashback rates.
  • Silvercar always has a discount floating around for new people. But 35% off their Audi car rentals for everyone through 12/20 is probably worth mentioning.