Airline prices

[Mike_D]

Yup, I've been using the AA Mastercard for quite some time and the US Airways card before that (when they switched from USAir to AA, the benefits got crappier and the fees higher, but that's another discussion). Problem is, with higher airfares you need more miles to purchase those same flights. From my home airport, flights to MBJ are now at least 40,000 miles. It can take me quite a bit of time to rack-up that kind of mileage in credit card purchases. I have been meaning to check out the Capital 1 Venture card, but I was skeptical about how well their miles/points would work on AA flights. Thanks Marblehead & Booger for confirming that it works as advertised.

The AA card I have is the Aviator Red (Barclay Bank). I will likely cancel that card before they hit me with another annual fee and sign up for their Citi/AAdvantage card. That way, I can snag the 50,000 miles as Marblehead said. It seems AA is pushing their customers to that card, anyway.

[agregory]

This year we signed up for a Chase Sapphire Reserve card which came with 100,000 points after $4000 purchase in the first 4 months. Plus it came with lots of other travel benefits - airport lounge access (incl Club Mobay), travel insurance (incl med evac), lost/delayed baggage reimbursement, and more... It has a $450 annual fee, but you get $300 back for any travel expenses you charge to it. I booked the lodging for our upcoming Ja trip with it and the $300 was refunded automatically We always fly with miles/points and rarely ever pay for flights - other than the taxes and fees - it's the best! And cheers to Southwest Airlines!

[Irie John]

There is no mention of "non-stop flights" in the original post. I was replying
to the OP comments.

[Mike_D]

Your are right, the OP did not mention nonstop flights. As I had been monitoring prices from the same airports I assumed that airfares the OP mentioned were for nonstop flights. They are consistent with nonstop fares that I and others have found.

I often get sucked into to the low fares that pop-up on Matrix. Until I realize that the 1 stop flight is actually 8+ hour trip. For me, it's hard to justify the savings when I could be in Jamaica in less than half the time without the hassle of changing planes. Looks like all those cheap flights are JetBlue flights with long (4+ hour) layovers. The same is true for Southwest (which doesn't come up on Matrix or Google flights).

[Marblehead]

Mike_D wrote, "I have been meaning to check out the Capital 1 Venture card, but I was skeptical about how well their miles/points would work on AA flights." The Cap1 Venture miles are agnostic. You can cash them out, buy stuff or book travel anytime, anywhere - no blackout dates. I can't remember how many points we had to use, but I do remember that it was less than what AA required and our preferred return date was unavailable. The Chase Saphire is a good choice if you travel a lot. You can find reviews and recommendations online - Best Rewards Card.

[booger]

Mike_D wrote, "I have been meaning to check out the Capital 1 Venture card, but I was skeptical about how well their miles/points would work on AA flights." The Cap1 Venture miles are agnostic. You can cash them out, buy stuff or book travel anytime, anywhere - no blackout dates. I can't remember how many points we had to use, but I do remember that it was less than what AA required and our preferred return date was unavailable. The Chase Saphire is a good choice if you travel a lot. You can find reviews and recommendations online - Best Rewards Card.

Outstanding card. I also like the Citi Prestige which pays for the 4th night. Great for a split stay in Negril where you can stay 8 nights and pay for six with two 4 night stays. No limit on the rate either, so you can stay at the Caves if you want, and you can also take advantage of any published rate on their site. So if they offer a 5th night free, and you get the 4th night reimbursed, you can stay for 5 and pay for 3. You just have to use the Citi concierge to book it.

[TAH]

Outstanding card. I also like the Citi Prestige which pays for the 4th night. Great for a split stay in Negril where you can stay 8 nights and pay for six with two 4 night stays. No limit on the rate either, so you can stay at the Caves if you want, and you can also take advantage of any published rate on their site. So if they offer a 5th night free, and you get the 4th night reimbursed, you can stay for 5 and pay for 3. You just have to use the Citi concierge to book it.

Okay I'm sold on this. That's awesome.

[gully_boston]

Are you from Marblehead, MA? I think I'm gonna do a LAS->BOS->MBJ for April I am from Lynn, MA

[Phil & Cindy]

Here is what we did: Got an offer from Southwest for 50000 points if we get their credit card and spend 2 grand in first 3 months. Got it and charged our room on it. Now flight from MDW to MBJ is about $180.00 for both of us. May have to try AA or Delta next time.

[gully_boston]

Hi guys, I used to work at itasoftware.com, aka the people behind matrix....they have the best info in the industry...even though they are now google. If you need help finding a fare pm me, and I'll see what I can dig up, just know when dealing with airfare, the direct route might not be the best route. Stay safe. Heading down in a bit to catch a few days off. Heya Rob and the boardies I know, Merry Christmas

matrix.itasoftware.com, you cant book through there, but they will point you to the cheap flights.