I currently have an Alaska Airlines VISA card and accumulate around 5000 miles/month on it. We have used it several times over the years for free flights to Europe through it's partner airlines. However, I've read that the CapitalOne Venture Rewards Card is the best for two primary reasons: 1) You get 2 points for every dollar spent, 2) It can be used on all airlines, not just partner airlines. My only concerns about changing are: 1) AVAILABILITY OF FLIGHTS: Getting lots of points is great but the really important thing is your ability to redeem them. Are there any availability issues I should know about between the two of them? 2) SERVICE: Alaska's partner desk has been great. I'm currently searching for two return award tickets from Italy for the summer of 2012 (crazy expectations, I know) I've been calling every morning for the last month trying to get something and the process is quick and efficient. I know I couldn't be that dedicated with my calls if I had to sit through a long menu or a 20 minute wait for an operator each time. How is Capital One in this area? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by
Tuscaloosa, AL
1152 posts
I've got a Capital One card, but I haven't tried to redeem any miles or credits yet. I'm not sure, strictly speaking, that you are earning miles because the credits convert to dollar amounts. The advantage is that you get 2 credits when other cards only give you 1 for each dollar spent. Being a cash benefit, the "miles" can be used for any ticket on any airline simply because they are funds that go towards whatever you paid for your ticket. I'm looking forward to input from others because Capital One also offers a travel booking service. Maybe that provides some other benefit. No foreign transaction fee on the card I have, so there's that benefit, too.
Posted by
OP
Lakewood, Wa
78 posts
So how much do you actually get in dollars? If I spend $60,000 on VISA over a certain amount of time and I want to get credit towards an airline ticket how does it work? How many "real dollars" do I get credit for? Does it apply to any flights and not just award seats?
Posted by
Minneapolis
1216 posts
Hi Bob. If you get the card with the $59 fee (usually waived the first year) you get 2 cents travel credit for each dollar you spend. If you spend $10,000, you get $200. $60,000 = $1200. It can be used for any travel; it is not tied to a particular airline; has nothing to do with award seats. You purchase your travel as normal, but use your 'travel credit' to pay for it.
Posted by
OP
Lakewood, Wa
78 posts
Thanks for clarifying that Bob. So once again, I can get my tickets through any discounted means possible. It simply is discounted on my VISA statement when I pay for it?
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
203 posts
That's right, Bob. You just purchase your airline ticket through any means, (i.e. discount website, airline website) and charge it on your Capital One Card. Your miles are used to issue a refund of the purchase amount. You can read about it here: http://www.capitaloneventure.com/#/Redeem_Easily
Posted by
OP
Lakewood, Wa
78 posts
Thanks for all the advice. - It sounds like I'm better off using a more traditional credit card to maximize my points PROVIDING I can actually redeem them for a ticket.
I have another related question that I think I'll add as a new post.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I have United's Mileage Plus card and Continental's card. Both cards came with thousands of miles credit on them. United and Continental are now one airline. Recently I merged my FF miles from the two accounts to the Mileage Plus card and was able to book a FF flight for next spring. I have had very little problem booking FF flights with United over the past 5-10 years. However, I always travel in spring or fall, so haven't tried for the more popular summer months. I think Alaska and United are "partners." If so, you could try booking a flight with United. A travel agent might be able to get you a FF flight more easily than you can yourself. Just a guess.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3099 posts
Alaska and United are not partners. Alaska's partners are British Airways, American Airlines, Delta, and Air France, all of which fly from Seattle. United is partnered with Lufthansa, which also flies from Seattle. I have always found the Alaska partner desk to be very helpful, and willing to work with me on alternate dates to find something. I don't see how a travel agent could help at all with getting award tickets, that would just add another layer to the process.