View Full Version : My turn for a rant...
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 01:21
Mother fawking, worthless, god damn people.
Had a great vacation in San Diego with the wife and kids, today we were supposed to fly home but all day we kept getting emails saying our flight was postponed later and later. We got to the airport, checked in, and then get an email that they canceled the flight.
I go to the ticketing counter to see what they can do for us, best they can do is get us home Wednesday night with a 9 hour layover in Vegas. I make some phone calls and find a minivan to rent one way to Denver, screw it we'll drive 16 hours home Clark W. Griswold style.
Go to pickup the van, but no they won't give it to us because I refuse to be a slave to debit and I don't own a credit card. It was fine to rent me a fawking car for the last week with just a debit card, but not anymore. Who gives a shit if my credit is over 800. Load the kids up and take a shuttle to the next place, same story. Spend an hour in the parking lot on the phone and everyone is the same, no car with no card. Bullshit.
At this point we are stranded, no flight, no car, no way to get a car.
I logged onto Expedia and started looking for flights, found something for tomorrow, $1800 will get us home tomorrow night, fawk me. We saved for a year to afford a nice vacation now to have to spend another couple grand for no reason sucks major ass.
As of now we found a hotel close to the airport for $200, spent $1800 on another flight, and the in laws get to keep the dogs for another night, the extra day I took off work to decompress after vacation is gonna be burned up as well. The original airline gave us what we originally paid 6 months ago when we bought the tickets, $359 and that was it, didn't even offer a reach around, some lube or even try to get us a room.
Their or story was a flight from Chicago got canceled, which snowballed into our flight from San Diego to Denver being canceled. It's a bunch of bullshit they can't figure out how to bring in a plane from somewhere else.
I get to sit at a hotel all day tomorrow get home more than 24 hours late and $2000 lighter in the wallet, it's a bunch of bullshit that the airline I booked with months ago to ensure my family safe travels basically told me to piss off and gave me my money back.
lead_magnet
06-16-2015, 01:45
That blows ass! Hope you make it home tomorrow. They should have comped a hotel or the flight back, what a crock of shit.
GilpinGuy
06-16-2015, 01:59
Damn. You got the old [sheepshagger]with no lube.
We don't have credit cards either. We were just talking about renting a car here in August too. Gotta rethink that I guess.
Uber? [Dunno]
All seriousness, I did avis for a one way (San Jose to LAX) with just my bank card.
hurley842002
06-16-2015, 05:22
Crappy deal on the whole flight issue.
I ran into the same thing with the car rental issue. I finally found a company willing to take debit, but since then I've had a credit card, and have come to terms with the fact that they are an essential part of finances. I don't feel like a slave to anything, as I don't carry a balance.
Hmm. Sounds like you don't travel often. Between the wife and I we deal with this kind of stuff quite often. Usually it works out in our favor in the end other than getting home a little later than planned.
For many years she and I didn't have credit cards. Never had an issue renting a car on the debit card but they usually put some sort of higher amount on the card until the car is returned. I actually rented a car in Houston three weeks ago on my debit card. There was an $800 pending charge on the account until we returned the car then the charge pushed through for $250 after we returned it.
I do actually recommend you get a credit card for stuff like this. You really aren't going to be going into debt if you pay it off every month.
Anyhow, still sucks for you. Hope your luck changes.
Was it Frontier Airlines? They are going downhill fast.
Traveling sucks! I hate flying, but I hate long drives more.
I'm like Ray, Ive rented with my debit card. They hold a larger amount until the car is returned.
There are benefits to credit cards if you can control your spending. Usually it's easier to get your money back from a credit card vs a Bank issued debit card. Some cards offer extended warranties. Just pay the balance monthy and it won't get you in the hole.
Hope you have safe travels home.
funkymonkey1111
06-16-2015, 06:59
Was there an explanation for the refusal to allow the rental on the debit card? Was it because it was a one way rental? Or was there a balance issue?
I understand the reluctance to carry a credit card, but you can see where that position could hang you up in the future. What is there was an emergency and you had to get home and you needed the rental ASAP--and you get the run around with this credit card position?
Just because Dave Ramsey says don't get a credit card doesn't mean their not useful in these situations--their cars, their rules.
Also, if it was Frontier--i had a similar situation last week but luckily my flight was only delayed 5 hours, not cancelled. Seems like one is rolling the dice booking with them these days.
Spirit airlines I assume?
it happens, part of the airline experience at any airline unfortunately. Stuff breaks, weather happens, people happen. Sorry to hear for your troubles, I'd definitely get a credit card just for these types of things, toss it in the safe most days, but traveling it is almost a must anymore.
Was it Frontier Airlines? They are going downhill fast.
I was going to ask this. GF and her daughter had a similar runaround at LAX a few weeks ago. They ended up driving back.
A friend was suppose to fly back east yesterday morning at 7:30a from DIA, he finally got out at 2:00p the excuse he got was weather and air traffic issues on the east coast. He fly's every week and has issue's with at least one of his flights a week. Also seems like when his flights get shuffled his baggage gets lost and shows up a day later.
I have one credit card used for flights, car rental, hotel and for online purchases. I feel I'm protected more than if I was using a debit card, get points and don't have issues as described. I learned long ago you pay the balance off every month.
TEAMRICO
06-16-2015, 08:01
Well, at least you got the T-shirt that's says........Nevermind.
Welcome to the New America!
Great-Kazoo
06-16-2015, 08:27
1: the rental issue was probably due to you wanting a 1 way rental
2: The few times we fly the extra $$ for flight ins (cancelled or over booked flight) paid off
3: the airline should have covered an overnight stay
4: I would have gone on CL looking through those Ride Share threads. Gotten to LV then flew out of there, or grabbed a car. but that's how we are, not loaded down with kids and pets
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/rid/5034653605.html
When I was an auto adjuster, I often ran into problems with being able to provide a rental car for someone, but not actually being able to get them into one because they didn't have a credit card.
On a side note, if you're working a rental desk and some angry dude comes in yelling about his credit score, but doesn't have a single credit card, are you going to believe him? It doesn't matter since credit worthiness isn't a direct requirement to rent a car, but just something to think about.
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 10:36
Damn. You got the old [sheepshagger]with no lube.
We don't have credit cards either. We were just talking about renting a car here in August too. Gotta rethink that I guess.
We had no issue with renting a car for the entire week we were here, but being that it was a one way rental this time the rules changed.
Uber? [Dunno]
All seriousness, I did avis for a one way (San Jose to LAX) with just my bank card.
Avis was the company I tried the hardest with and spent an hour in their lobby. If you use a debit card they do a "soft" credit check that literally takes 2 seconds. For whatever reason this was denied for both my wife and I. I know my credit usually hovers just over 800 and hers just over 750 so we have no clue why we both got denied seperatly.
Was it Frontier Airlines? They are going downhill fast.
Nope, Spirit. We're done flying with them.
Was there an explanation for the refusal to allow the rental on the debit card? Was it because it was a one way rental? Or was there a balance issue?
I understand the reluctance to carry a credit card, but you can see where that position could hang you up in the future. What is there was an emergency and you had to get home and you needed the rental ASAP--and you get the run around with this credit card position?
Just because Dave Ramsey says don't get a credit card doesn't mean their not useful in these situations--their cars, their rules.
Also, if it was Frontier--i had a similar situation last week but luckily my flight was only delayed 5 hours, not cancelled. Seems like one is rolling the dice booking with them these days.
The balance in the account was plenty sufficient, they just stated that one way rentals require credit cards. Looks like we'll be getting one now.
Spirit airlines I assume?
it happens, part of the airline experience at any airline unfortunately. Stuff breaks, weather happens, people happen. Sorry to hear for your troubles, I'd definitely get a credit card just for these types of things, toss it in the safe most days, but traveling it is almost a must anymore.
You got it, Spirit.
There re were a lot of pissed off people at the ticket counter lastnight. I never understood people screaming and yelling profanities at the poor ladies at the desk, it's not their fault.
I am pretty upset at the way it was handled. All day long they just kept pushing it back until finally they just canceled it. Spirit would allow us to rebook with them at a later date, or give us our money back, that was it. The next possible flights they had were Wednesday with a 9 hour layover in Vegas or Saturday with a 9 hour layover in Vegas.
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 10:41
On a side note, if you're working a rental desk and some angry dude comes in yelling about his credit score, but doesn't have a single credit card, are you going to believe him? It doesn't matter since credit worthiness isn't a direct requirement to rent a car, but just something to think about.
For the record I am from the camp of treating people like I'd like to be treated. I never once used profanity or raised my voice at either spirit or the rental places in fact the first thing I did when I got to the Spirit counter was apologize to the poor lady for all of the other people that had yelled at her.
Was I throughly pissed off and wanting to scream at someone, of course, I just know that doesn't get you anywhere in life.
my credit score:http://rccrawler.smugmug.com/Other/JasonRandom/i-kC9tkjN/0/O/IMG_4221.jpg
I finally got my first real credit card this year. For reasons above plus I kept being told that no credit is bad. I have a house loan for 10+ years now, car loans that were all paid off in the past but thats not enough these days. The system is rigged.
ChunkyMonkey
06-16-2015, 11:13
Traveling sucks! I hate flying, but I hate long drives more.
I'm like Ray, Ive rented with my debit card. They hold a larger amount until the car is returned.
There are benefits to credit cards if you can control your spending. Usually it's easier to get your money back from a credit card vs a Bank issued debit card. Some cards offer extended warranties. Just pay the balance monthy and it won't get you in the hole.
Hope you have safe travels home.
$250 hold is standard. Wait til you must travel 4-5 different cities within a month, they put well over $1800 just as deposits. On our last vacation, we decided to just hire a car w driver. $100 a day no headache.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So.. you went with a discount carrier and are shocked that they lack the availability to cover mishaps quickly? I give it a 1/10.. just for expecting 40 acres and a mule when you went with a low cost carrier.
You get what you pay for in life.
ChunkyMonkey
06-16-2015, 11:18
I finally got my first real credit card this year. For reasons above plus I kept being told that no credit is bad. I have a house loan for 10+ years now, car loans that were all paid off in the past but thats not enough these days. The system is rigged.
3 kind of credits.. Revolving, installment and mortgage. Whoever told you revolving aka credit card is good is wrong.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
funkymonkey1111
06-16-2015, 11:20
For the record I am from the camp of treating people like I'd like to be treated. I never once used profanity or raised my voice at either spirit or the rental places in fact the first thing I did when I got to the Spirit counter was apologize to the poor lady for all of the other people that had yelled at her.
Was I throughly pissed off and wanting to scream at someone, of course, I just know that doesn't get you anywhere in life.
my credit score:http://rccrawler.smugmug.com/Other/JasonRandom/i-kC9tkjN/0/O/IMG_4221.jpg
Try this card:
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/spirit-airlines-credit-card.go
3 kind of credits.. Revolving, installment and mortgage. Whoever told you revolving aka credit card is good is wrong.
I was told (by multiple people) that I just didn't have enough credit, basically. I suppose that could also apply to home equity lines, etc but I just got a CC to simplify things and get rewards. Also helps for hotels and car rentals. :shrugs:
Aloha_Shooter
06-16-2015, 11:38
The airline is supposed to cover costs incurred when the delay is their fault, including lodging and meal vouchers. They are not responsible for weather delays.
I'm confused though. Spirit offered to get you back tomorrow night but you're spending $1800 to come back tonight on a different airline? Wouldn't it have been cheaper to make the airline cover the hotel for two nights and just take an extra day off, explaining to your boss that the airline messed up your return? or is that not an option (I realize it often isn't)?
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 11:40
So.. you went with a discount carrier and are shocked that they lack the availability to cover mishaps quickly? I give it a 1/10.. just for expecting 40 acres and a mule when you went with a low cost carrier.
You get what you pay for in life.
I didn't expect 40 acres and a mule, I expected a ride home as that is what I paid for.
Try this card:
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/spirit-airlines-credit-card.go
haha, yea. NO!
3 kind of credits.. Revolving, installment and mortgage. Whoever told you revolving aka credit card is good is wrong.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Same can be said about anybody who says they're bad, just depends on how you play it.
Good rant. Sounds like a messed up situation all around.
I have generally found that when you make the airline's decisions/situations their problem (not yours) things get resolved more quickly and sometimes faster/easier then they will let on. This is because they can't do the extraordinary for everyone on a cancelled flight. Unexpected hotel cost, meals, all of that might have been partially covered if you had a ticket and the cancellation was within the airline's control.
Had United do this to me years ago... Was told I might get home the next day. Stayed at the airport making it their problem and found a flight that got me home at 2:00AM. They bought dinner. Checked bag made it home a week later after spending some time in Las Vegas without me. :(
Of course this also means you have to tell work you won't be in on time and don't know when. I've worked in places that are okay with certain people saying that but not always others. YMMV. Also why I always book an extra day on the return off or come home over a weekend.
About the credit card... Credit card <> credit card debt. Most people don't draw a distinction but it's an important one. I use a credit card for nearly everything and pay it off a day or two before the close date. Haven't paid interest in years and get cash back. Much safer than using your debit for everything--look at the fraud protection/liability on each.
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 11:50
I'm confused though. Spirit offered to get you back tomorrow night but you're spending $1800 to come back tonight on a different airline? Wouldn't it have been cheaper to make the airline cover the hotel for two nights and just take an extra day off, explaining to your boss that the airline messed up your return? or is that not an option (I realize it often isn't)?
At first Spirit offered to get us home Wednesday night with a 9 hour layover in Vegas, but no guarantee they could get the 5 of us all on the same flights. I called Avis, reserved a minivan and explained to them that I only had a debit card, they said no issue. We grabbed our shit and went to Avis, then the story changed. We then tried every other rental company and realized that wasn't going to work so we went back to see what spirit could do. By then she said the soonest she could get us home was late Saturday night.
I asked for hotel vouchers, she said they couldn't do anything, but suggested I ask local hotels for a "distressed passenger rate"
As there were over 200 other pissed off people all trying to figure out how to get back to Denver filling every ticketing counter in the place I jumped onto Expedia and bought what I could.
Spirit blamed weather, therefore all they gave me was my original money back. I've honestly been disconnected from the world for the last 7 days so I have no idea if there were weather issues anywhere or not.
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 11:55
Of course this also means you have to tell work you won't be in on time and don't know when. I've worked in places that are okay with certain people saying that but not always others. YMMV. Also why I always book an extra day on the return off or come home over a weekend.
Yea I'm fine missing work, I have over 4 months of leave time built up and have been there 20 years. I also scheduled an extra day in, so as of now I won't be missing any more work than I originally planned. I did call my boss lastnight and let him know what was going on, his response was be safe and do what you gotta do.
I was told (by multiple people) that I just didn't have enough credit, basically. I suppose that could also apply to home equity lines, etc but I just got a CC to simplify things and get rewards. Also helps for hotels and car rentals. :shrugs:
I get dinged on my score because I don't carry enough mortgage debt... Then again, the cosign on the student loans isn't helping either. Terrible thing that I live within my means.
All my revolving credit gets paid every month, they still show a balance due to cycling so that kills it. The one I guess that pisses me off the most is taking a hit on Amex, for which I am NOT on a pay later plan. Second is my United miles card, which I use for business travel mostly (less air due to corporate,) but now also primarily in place of the Amex for the reward miles, which also gets paid off every cycle but often carries at least $5k or more as a "balance."
Yes, the system is rigged.
funkymonkey1111
06-16-2015, 12:14
Easy to Monday morning quarterback this thing--but wonder if you could've just rented a car for two days, then just turned it in in Denver. Oops!
Back to the OP, this is one of the reasons why I hate flying. Driving may take longer but at least I'm in control of my schedule. I know that driving isn't always feasible but what a headache.
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 12:50
Easy to Monday morning quarterback this thing--but wonder if you could've just rented a car for two days, then just turned it in in Denver. Oops!
I totally thought about doing that, but figured I'd probably get hit with some crazy outrageous fees. My uncle is a merchant marine and one time they were on shore on the east coast, he rented a car for what was supposed to be a couple days, then they found out the ship needed repairs and told him to just be in Seattle in a month to get on another ship. He just kept the rental car and toured the country. He didn't have a cell and no one cod get ahold of him. My grandpa had access to his bank account so my dad and grandpa hunted him down watching where his purchases were.
Anyway when hen he turned the car in in Seattle he had to pay a shit load. They charged him the normal rental, plus a fee for an unscheduled rental, plus a fee for returning it in a different location, plus a fee for shipping it back across the country.
1 thing that pisses me off about the system is that if I was a lowlife that had 10 maxed out credit cards, didn't pay my bills and had in the past filed bankruptcy they'd have rented me a car because I could have handed them a card. Since I choose to not live a life of debit, pay for what I purchase with money I have on hand and held the same job for 20years I get screwed.
The system is fucked. If you go to college max out student loans for degree in a career field that doesn't pay well we'll forgive those loans. If instead you choose to skip college and go straight to work and bust your ass from the bottom and make it to the top we'll just take money from your check to help pay for everyone else.
Everyday they make it easier for people to just sit on the couch and smoke weed, and harder for those of us who bust our asses.
What a wretched way to end what would otherwise be a perfectly good vacation!
Shop around for credit cards- there are CCs that won't charge you a yearly fee for the privilege of having a card, and you can rack up points that offer a discount on purchases.
Be aware that most credit card companies are bloodsucking weasels. That way, you won't be surprised.
HoneyBadger
06-16-2015, 15:15
1 thing that pisses me off about the system is that if I was a lowlife that had 10 maxed out credit cards, didn't pay my bills and had in the past filed bankruptcy they'd have rented me a car because I could have handed them a card. Since I choose to not live a life of debit, pay for what I purchase with money I have on hand and held the same job for 20years I get screwed.
The system is fucked. If you go to college max out student loans for degree in a career field that doesn't pay well we'll forgive those loans. If instead you choose to skip college and go straight to work and bust your ass from the bottom and make it to the top we'll just take money from your check to help pay for everyone else.
Everyday they make it easier for people to just sit on the couch and smoke weed, and harder for those of us who bust our asses.
Nailed it.
Great-Kazoo
06-16-2015, 15:33
What a wretched way to end what would otherwise be a perfectly good vacation!
Shop around for credit cards- there are CCs that won't charge you a yearly fee for the privilege of having a card, and you can rack up points that offer a discount on purchases.
Be aware that most credit card companies are bloodsucking weasels. That way, you won't be surprised.
I have my CC through our bank. Use it to buy tax stamps and occasional vehicle service.
IMO the rental places don't crack off with one way rentals , especially in large airport hubs.
I don't get it. Why go into "PANIC MODE" in that situation and spend a shit ton of extra money to get home a day earlier than what the original airline proposed as a solution? You and your family could have simply extended your vacation and enjoyed what the town had to offer, then fly out the next day. Sure, this might cost you an extra day of hotel or local rental, but that sure as hell wouldn't be $1800.
Lastly, we ALL know that the travel economy pretty much runs on credit cards. There would be no way that I would try to travel without a credit card. What cash you have in hand, in your bank account or what your credit score is doesn't matter when their requirement is the use of a Credit Card to secure a transaction.
Two lessons should have been learned here. First, Don't fly on "Cheap-O" airlines and expect "compensation" when they screw up. You do get what you pay for. Second, ALWAYS have a credit card available to leverage when traveling.
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 15:52
I don't get it. Why go into "PANIC MODE" in that situation and spend a shit ton of extra money to get home a day earlier than what the original airline proposed as a solution? You and your family could have simply extended your vacation and enjoyed what the town had to offer, then fly out the next day. Sure, this might cost you an extra day of hotel or local rental, but that sure as hell wouldn't be $1800.
as I posted earlier the lady told me that there was no guarantee they could get us all on the same flight, and with 200 more pissed off people there I wasn't willing to risk it.
Lastly, we ALL know that the travel economy pretty much runs on credit cards. There would be no way that I would try to travel without a credit card. What cash you have in hand, in your bank account or what your credit score is doesn't matter when their requirement is the use of a Credit Card to secure a transaction.
I have traveled all around the country, been to 40+ states and have never owned a credit card, nor has it ever been an issue.
Two lessons should have been learned here. First, Don't fly on "Cheap-O" airlines and expect "compensation" when they screw up. You do get what you pay for. Second, ALWAYS have a credit card available to leverage when traveling.
Agreed with not flying cheap airlines, but I never expected compensation I only expected what I paid them to do, get me home.
I I will also be looking into getting a credit card even though I despise them.
Sorry to hear your vacation ended badly.
If I had a vehicle large enough, I would have come and picked you up and driven you home for less than $1000.
I hope this is the worst thing that has ever or ever will happen to your family while traveling as it soon will be over and you all will be home.
Be safe.
theGinsue
06-16-2015, 16:46
If you use a debit card they do a "soft" credit check that literally takes 2 seconds. For whatever reason this was denied for both my wife and I. I know my credit usually hovers just over 800 and hers just over 750 so we have no clue why we both got denied seperatly.
As I understand it, debit cards usually have a $300 or $500 maximum daily charge to reduce the effects of stolen cards. Avis likely tried to do their "soft" check for more than that amount - which resulted in the denial for each of you.
Just my best guess.
As far as not getting the reach around, the airlines have contracted that out to TSA these days. (Sorry Chuck, I couldn't resist)
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 17:04
All in all we had a great trip, just the one hiccup, I'm just pissed it was a $2000 hiccup that we had no control over. I understand it could have been worse, I understand many people have had much worse vacations, I just was pissed and needed to vent, thank you guys for listening.
We're in the airport now waiting to come home, got checked in, got seats assigned, and it's showing on time as of right now so we'll see.
hurley842002
06-16-2015, 17:07
As I understand it, debit cards usually have a $300 or $500 maximum daily charge to reduce the effects of stolen cards. Avis likely tried to do their "soft" check for more than that amount - which resulted in the denial for each of you.
Just my best guess.
As far as not getting the reach around, the airlines have contracted that out to TSA these days. (Sorry Chuck, I couldn't resist)
Oh I've put quite a bit more than either of those amounts on my debit card. I suppose every institution is different tho.
RCCrawler
06-16-2015, 19:04
And the saga continues we were supposed to blast off 10 minutes ago but we're locked into a holding pattern they say flights are screwed up and they have landings shutdown in Denver due to weather.
At least on this flight the captain is cool he keeps coming out and doing jokes on the intercom and he's keeping us all well informed. He says we should be able to peel out in about 10 minutes.
I finally found a company willing to take debit, but since then I've had a credit card, and have come to terms with the fact that they are an essential part of finances. I don't feel like a slave to anything, as I don't carry a balance.
Winner winner, chicken dinner.
Holger Danske
06-16-2015, 21:39
couldnt you catch a bus or shuttle to LAX? Im sure they would have more flight choices.
I imagine you are out of there by now, weather is much better.
Glad you are at least getting home, my aunt and uncle and cousins just came into town on spirit...they always fly united and this time they got hosed.
I have no credit card (my last one was cancelled for never being used), my credit is wonderful and it fluctuates monthly by about 30 points. Debt to income is good, since the only debt I have is a mortgage. I take a hit on my credit for not having any credit cards, then it goes up the next month, then back down for not having a card...
It's a horrible cycle but it's a fact of life in this day and age and I've been seriously considering getting a good rewards card to use. I just can't decide which.
The struggle is real in paying with cash for nearly everything. People look at you funny when you say you don't have debt
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
Costco membership up till now has required an AmEx card. I don't use it anywhere else.
Work actually requires me to have a credit card, managed through my employer but still my responsibility and is reflected on my credit record. No exceptions made for anyone in my work series. I am required to have it and use it for certain reimbursable expenses. Misuse, including failure to use it on mandatory expenses may be used to support administrative action against me.
My ATM card is also a credit/debit card (can be used either way).
I am impressed when people are able to live with no plastic. So many places just expect them.
I even bought two cars at a Manheim auction with one of my credit cards. The money was transferred from savings to pay the balance for both purchases within a week of making the purchases.
Any card I carry is paid in full by the due date. I do not carry balances.
Credit can be as addictive as meth for some people. It is sort of a function of 21st century living in the USA. It is possible to make it work for you, but it is a personally choice.
Choices are good.
I have no credit card (my last one was cancelled for never being used), my credit is wonderful and it fluctuates monthly by about 30 points. Debt to income is good, since the only debt I have is a mortgage. I take a hit on my credit for not having any credit cards, then it goes up the next month, then back down for not having a card...
It's a horrible cycle but it's a fact of life in this day and age and I've been seriously considering getting a good rewards card to use. I just can't decide which.
The struggle is real in paying with cash for nearly everything. People look at you funny when you say you don't have debt
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
I agree- my folks are having to deal with this as well. They're driving down from MN to visit us, and they won't be able to do it with cash because so many of the gas stations in Moobraska only take cards. We set up a joint account with a debit card, so their trip will be covered in case of emergency. They also now have a credit card that they have in case of emergency.
The credit noose is tightening around everyone's neck.
I have no credit card (my last one was cancelled for never being used), my credit is wonderful and it fluctuates monthly by about 30 points. Debt to income is good, since the only debt I have is a mortgage. I take a hit on my credit for not having any credit cards, then it goes up the next month, then back down for not having a card...
It's a horrible cycle but it's a fact of life in this day and age and I've been seriously considering getting a good rewards card to use. I just can't decide which.
The struggle is real in paying with cash for nearly everything. People look at you funny when you say you don't have debt
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
i have a chase rewards card, 5% cash back on several categories each month, and 1% for everything. Best one I have found.
it takes discipline, but I put everything I possibly can on it, pay it off each month and make easily $500+ a year in cash back rewards, never pay any interest.
i have the Costco Amex and hate paying the additional fee. So I'm dumping it this year and wil be looking for a good second card for my international travels that don't charge fees for converting currency.
Richard K
06-16-2015, 22:52
We have American Express/Costco. We use it for everything and got $1,000 cash back this year. I pay the balance in full each month and have no debt.
RCCrawler
06-17-2015, 00:04
Just walked in the door. Glad to be home.
jhood001
06-17-2015, 01:42
Just walked in the door. Glad to be home.
Welcome home!
Just walked in the door. Glad to be home.
Get some gawdamn rest, bro, you're home now!
What a friggen headache.
Welcome back! Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. :)
SouthPark
06-17-2015, 12:43
The joys of modern vacations!
I did a lot of biz travel and we do Hawaii annually. Airline options are declining in quality and ony a few are like the good old days, e.g. Hawaiian and the internationals. Domestic, I hate it. I do like Alaska.
If you don't have a credit card, a lot of travel is going to be a bitch because a requirement for a credit card is universal now, such as hotels and rental cars. There is no reason not to have a credit card, particularly if you can find a no fee or rewards type. Not having a card is like not having a social; it's the modern era.
We had a six hour delay on Hawaiian due to engine trouble. I am OK with waiting to fix mechanical issues. Cancelled flights, no; they used to move heaven and earth to get you on another fight; now the planes are sold out and you are screwed if you miss the one you booked. You are also screwed if you want to fly to a location served by only one airline, such as United which is horrible with fare gouging.
When airlines were de-regulated, a lot of competition went by-by. Quality went by-by. Service the same. United has the only non-stop to Maui from Denver, which in itself is bizarre in the winter. The shrunk the plane from a 767 to a 757, jacked up the fare, reduced the comfort, and it's packed, sold out, months in advance. Bah humbug.
OtterbatHellcat
06-17-2015, 18:52
Just thinking outside the box here a little bit.....I wonder if having looked into renting a truck or a van from U haul or one of those type moving rental folks could have worked out on the one way rental thing.
Aloha_Shooter
06-17-2015, 23:22
When airlines were de-regulated, a lot of competition went by-by. Quality went by-by. Service the same. United has the only non-stop to Maui from Denver, which in itself is bizarre in the winter. The shrunk the plane from a 767 to a 757, jacked up the fare, reduced the comfort, and it's packed, sold out, months in advance. Bah humbug.
A lot of cost went bye-bye too. Airfares between Hawaii and the mainland were north of $2000 for coach in 1970s dollars. So yeah, you got a hot meal (which still wasn't great by any standard) and a higher likelihood of having an empty seat next to you but you paid 2-3 times the cost of flying first class today for a coach fare then.
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