[Helena]

Call and ask!

You never know what kind of wheeling and dealing you can do.

[Helena]

Generally, any suite you find labeled Standard Suite is in the SUA upgrade pool, yes. And a “premium” suite is not.

You are also correct that you CAN be further upgraded to a Premium Suite at check-in at the discretion of the hotel.

I’ve definitely had luck being in a Standard Suite where the Premium version had a balcony and asking politely for a balcony suite and getting it easily.

All is property dependent.

And sometimes there are two or three standard suites that are vastly different so always look at the website rooms page and call while it’s up if they aren’t marked.

[Helena]

Personally, I would choose Singapore business class.

The seats are much wider, and their service and food are leagues better than United!

Mileage Plus Gold = Star Alliance Gold so you are entitled to one extra piece of luggage on any Star Alliance carrier, so yes to 3 suitcases 70lbs each.

[Helena]

BJs Wholesale had a great discount on Disney gift cards when we went a few years ago!

https://www.bjs.com/product/500-disney-gift-card/3000000000000964090

[Helena]

It varies a lot.

I travel on United a lot and what I end up usually having to do is book the economy award, then also book a business award (even if the points are crazy high).

As the date approaches, sometimes the business award becomes lower priced then I’ll do that (and cancel the economy award).

To be honest, I’ve had basically zero success while using United mileage plus points for either Swiss, Lufthansa or United to pay for an upgrade.

There are way too many people in line ahead of lowly ole me (people who paid cash already, have some status, etc and are upgrading from a cash ticket).

United Mileage Plus website will outline their specific complex upgrade policies if you want to read at least that carrier.

By the way, I’ve also had zero success upgrading when my original flight was on points with Air France, British Airways, or Lufthansa — could be just me and my luck.

I have though, often had luck upgrading from an original cash ticket on those carriers.

They will email an upgrade offer or they will notify you at the point of check-in.

[Helena]

Nope, I tried to do the exact same thing and it didn’t work.

[Helena]

If your phone number is from the US, I’ve seen notices on several of my international awards programs saying the US has blocked their ability to use SMS.

Try using email verification.

[Helena]

Don’t hold annual fee cards that have no benefit specifically to you.

Forget any claims of adverse to your score.

It’s inconsequential.

What I do suggest is getting Citi Double Cash because it has no annual fee and you can hold that forever.

Make sure even if you don’t use it much, do a few charges per year.

Maybe even a Discover no annual fee card because they have some promos.

The same applies.

I find that the majority of information online about credit scores is either misleading or 100% wrong, or both.

Barclays does no retention that I have heard of but Citi does (sometimes).

If you don’t use the benefits then don’t bother.