Does AMEX ecosystem make more sense if I fly out of JFK?

Help Needed / Question Forum
21

Zoran said:

Fane said:
@LucyPiper
This is for cashback, right? I included internet in that cost: ~$150 electric, $50 internet.

Cashback is usually better for domestic-only travel :heart:.

Got it. I plan mostly for international travel though.

22

@Fane
Ah, that makes a difference. Still, it’s only $200/month—you could go either way :man_shrugging:.

23

How often do you actually fly? Is LGA or EWR not an option?

24

Drue said:
How often do you actually fly? Is LGA or EWR not an option?

My father-in-law lives in Manhattan, so JFK is easiest since we stay with him. We live in Albany, but ALB airport prices are insane for international travel.

25

Yes, and EWR is a terrible airport. Or just use Chase points for Hyatt.

26

Caiden said:
Yes, and EWR is a terrible airport. Or just use Chase points for Hyatt.

So flights with AMEX and Chase points for Hyatt?

27

Fane said:

Caiden said:
Yes, and EWR is a terrible airport. Or just use Chase points for Hyatt.

So flights with AMEX and Chase points for Hyatt?

Exactly. Some people prefer that strategy. I don’t bother much with Chase points myself, though. I might grab a signup bonus and downgrade.

28

Delta is only worth about 1.2 cpp for domestic flights, so it might not be worth switching if better transfer partners are available. With CIP, you can use the Chase travel portal and get a 25% points bonus, plus shop for the cheapest flights.

29

@Baylor
This might be the kicker. I plan to do mostly international travel. Someone else mentioned doing flights with AMEX and hotels with Chase, which is a solid idea, but I’m not sure I can manage both with $1200-$1500 in monthly spend (not including electricity). I plan to churn for bonuses, though.

30

@Fane
I agree with the flights-AMEX, hotels-Chase strategy. AMEX has more international airline partners, and Hyatt makes Chase UR points more valuable. I prefer Chase because of Hyatt and fewer annoying AMEX credits. But I also see value in having both ecosystems. I’d take the AMEX BBP over CFU for 2X MR points versus 1.5X UR.

31

It all depends on your circumstances. Check delta.com to see how many points you’d need for the flights you want, then calculate how long it would take you to earn those points.

For most people, an optimized cashback setup makes more sense than chasing travel points.