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yes you can book directly if you are the one that will be travelling

Hey Soap! Thank you so much for your feedback! First, you're totally right. I should of totally added my travel to the budget and see how that affected it! Definitely will try to keep it in mind for any future cost videos. While I was editing the video, the bad news for 1000 max cap and the Taxes came out and I was like DANGIT ... It definitely made the 2x scenario less and less worth it and more emphasis on the CSP and it's sign-up bonus!

@@thetravelpointsdad No worries, yes the Bilt news just kept getting worse. Though as a base card it's still good for no AF. But as you've shown in the video, there is still value with the CSP over it if you look at the entire picture. Too many people kept claiming Bilt is better than the CSP for no AF without actually doing the math.

That's a great point N K! I tried to weight the 60K at the end when I ran the numbers! Thank you for the feedback.

Hi Fei Fei, unfortunately not directly. Your Sapphire Preferred / Reserve must match names with your world of hyatt account. However, your brother can transfer his points to HIS world of hyatt account. And then through world of hyatt, you can transfer the points from his WoH account to yours. All you have to do is fill out a WoH transfer form and email / fax it in.

Hi Summer, for Fine Hotels and Resorts you do NOT need to stay two nights. However, Amex has a separate similar partnership / collection called the The Hotel Collection. For those properties, you would have to stay 2 nights in order to be eligible for the credit. On the search results page, make sure to see which property is part of which program.

Hi, in the US, tampering with United States Postal Mail is a Federal Felony. I would recommend USPS.

Hi Janet, that's awesome! So glad you were able to book that flight. There is news that Virgin devalued their Delta partnership so glad you were able to book it earlier.

@@thetravelpointsdad Oh. No. I will look into that because I was thinking about getting my husband signed on for a card so we could do it again next year.

Hi Jennifer, great point! Some carriers do not allow for credit cards / give incentives for a cash discount. Luckily we're on TMobile and am able to use their loophole still. But definitely a great point to see if it's worth it or not for your family.

Yup! totally. Our family was able to get the 5x. However, I wanted to err on the safer side since there is likely many people who watch this video who will not get the 5x and I dont want them to feel cheated by the information in the video.

I recommend the 14 or 15 ending rooms!

Thank you Frank for supporting this channel!

Hi Mario! Definitely. Your family is a legal property owner and you can pay by check to the owner of the property + earn points. BILT some times will audit rental payments and ask for a rental contract as proof. That's the only legal document you would need to provide if they did such an audit.

Hi May, I'm so glad this was helpful! Please let me know how else I can help

Thank you so much! What was your best flight?

@@thetravelpointsdad You're welcome. What was my best flight?

Any time! :) hope this helps

Aww Thanks Tim! Any time!!!

Great question. According to their website, no. However, there is an interview with the VP of travel where he does say they are looking into it.

Hi Wuyi! Definitely. This is a GREAT TIP! I recommend people to always try different ACH payments :D

Hi Gina, yes they do expire. Points expire when there is 2 years of inactivity. However, one way to reset the full clock is to take a cheap Delta flight and credit it to Air France for example.

Thank you so much!

Thank you Anthony! I totally panicked when they asked for the card haha :)

Hey Aidan! Unfortunately, I don't have the B of A AF/KLM card. However, happy to put that card on my list of future things to cover! :) Thank you for the suggestion!

Hey Andres, I think the majority of the time, transferring is the better option. However, some Mr and Mrs Smith properties that can be booked on the Hyatt website are using dynamic pricing. I recommend against booking those specific properties. The points community has a standard calculation called CPP = cost per point = cost of stay in cash / points cost for award redemption. People aim to have this value above 1 cent per point. However, I also believe, while maximizing is important, it's ultimately up to what your family wants to do and see! You can always earn more points!

Hey DK, definitely. Here are some of the most common factors where Hyatt might not have available award space: 1) It's a really popular Hyatt award redemption amongst award travelers that when Standard rooms come up, they get booked up. Some examples are Alila Ventana, Andaz Maui, Park Hyatt Vienna, park Hyatt Kyoto etc ... 2) How far you're booking out? The further your reservation, usually the higher the chance it's available. if it's last minute trip and it's popular, then you'll most likely see the error 3) Also, some properties have occupancy limits. For example, if you enter 5 into the reservation, then you will not find any rooms. But if you enter say 2 adults, then you will most likely find more award availability for a property. Hope this helps!

@@thetravelpointsdad I tried to book out 5 months in advance but the issue may be as you pointed out is that I have too many in my party. I have 3 kids so that would make sense as to why I get that message from Hyatt. I will keep that in mind as I plan future trips. Thanks so much for your response!

Hey DK, what property are you booking? Hyatt has an incredible perk called "Family Rate". Depending on the property, you can book a second room for families specifically that have children greater than a standard room occupancy (ex: 4) to book that second room at 35-50% off.

@@thetravelpointsdad The property I am trying to book is Hyatt Place Moab in early November. When selecting the option of using points, the only rooms that are available have one king size bed with one sofa bed. How do you take advantage of the "family rate" when booking? That's a great perk especially if it's 50% off. Thank you for sharing!

I just did a quick search of JW Marriot Palm Desert for July. Only 27,200 for Weekday in mid July. From a points perspective and pricing very competitive with Indians Wells (if not better). I have never been to the JW itself, but from pictures seems like the amenities does not have some of the more fun features for the kids. If you have a Marriott 35K cert seems like a great place to try! let me know if you try both properties? I would love to get your thoughts!

Hey Rick, in this specific instance yes, since we're using points to upgrade. You definitely can upgrade with Economy depending on fare code. Here is the cost for upgrading from economy to business class!

@@thetravelpointsdad wrong link?

@@superazn264 OMG! I'm so sorry. I literally put my dealership website :( Here is the correct link: www.evaair.com/en-us/infinity-mileagelands/mileage-award-program/mileage-redemption/upgrade-award/eva-uni-air/ I'm so sorry!!!