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14 Simple Ways to Keep Your American Airlines Points Active

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image credit: aa.com

The American Airlines points program, called AAdvantage, is how American Airlines thanks its customers for continued loyalty and how frequent flyers can earn miles that stretch their money farther. If you qualify for the AAdvantage program and want to know how to keep your account active, find out how to prevent your miles from expiring.

In a nut shell, you need to earn more miles or redeem what you already have to keep your points active. Flying is just one way to earn and keep miles from expiring, but it might not be the most convenient choice. There are countless other ways to earn miles through American Airlines that don’t involve boarding a plane at all, and plenty of ways to redeem miles too. Keep reading for 14 simple tips that will keep your points active.

Do American Airlines Miles Expire?

Yes, American Airlines miles do expire, but it takes 18 months of inactivity for this to happen. This is a relatively short expiration period, but it can easily be reset (an option that not all airlines offer).

Qualifying activity includes earning or redeeming miles, so all you have to do to keep the miles in your account from lapsing is to use miles or get more. And as soon as activity is registered on your account, the expiration date is automatically reset to 18 months from the time of most recent activity. 

At this time, American Airlines is extending the expiration period for miles set to expire between April 2nd and June 30 of 2020 to July 1st due to travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders that make it harder to get and use points. So you might not have to worry about keeping your miles just yet, but you’ll want to know how to when that time comes.

Here’s how.

Fly

image credit: aa.com

You don’t have to fly to earn miles, and you don’t even have to fly American if you are going somewhere. A trip through any of American Airlines’ one world or other partner airlines counts and will help you get points. Your miles can then be put toward American or partner flights, once you have enough. 

So if you’re already planning to go somewhere, make sure you maximize your spending—and reset your account—by flying American or an American partner.

Use Your Miles to Shop

image credit: aadvantageeshopping.com

The AAdvantage e-shopping mall provides an opportunity for members to earn points per dollar spent at over 950 online stores. There are many participating stores to choose from, and the portal lets you sort these by name or earn rate, top stores, featured deals, store type (including at home comforts, food and drink, entertainment and education, and more), and trending stores. 

But don’t think that shopping through a portal means your options are limited. This is far from the case, as you’ll have access to popular brands and companies like Apple, Nike, and Target. Some places will only give you a point per dollar spent, but some will give you seven. Keep in mind that earning even just a few miles is enough to prevent your balance from expiring.

Your first thought when you need new clothes, tech, or other household essentials might not be to make your purchases through American Airlines, but as long as this thought occurs to you at least once every 18 months, you could keep your American points active through online shopping alone.

Enroll in the AAdvantage Dining Program

image credit: aadvantagedining.com

Just like everyone has to shop, everyone has to eat, and American Airlines is prepared to reward you with more than just a full stomach when you dine at any of their 10,000 restaurant partners. AAdvantage Dining lets you earn miles per dollar when you eat out at thousands of local and nationwide establishments that you probably already eat at anyway. You won’t earn a whole lot unless you do this often, but at least your points won’t expire.

Just input your location into the search tool to see your options and find out how many miles you can expect to earn. Right now, AAdvantage Dining is also rewarding members one point per dollar for orders placed online and/or for delivery.

Transfer Miles

More miles than you know what to do with? Share them with someone else. Transferring miles to another person’s AAdvantage account will incur fees of $20 or more per 1,000 miles (login here for current rates) and processing fees on top of that, but it’ll also keep your points active, so it may or may not be worth it. You may transfer no more than 200,000 per year and transfers are not reversible or refundable. Keep this option in mind for when other methods, for whatever reason, aren’t going to work.

Buy Miles

image credit: aa.com

Use the BGT Portal to buy, gift, or transfer miles.

Full disclosure: this is not the most practical or economical way to keep your points active, but it’s a choice nonetheless. Buying more miles will cost upwards of $30 per 1,000 miles and at least as much in processing, but you can do this quickly and easily in a pinch and it’s better than coughing up the cash to have miles reactivated if they expire. Plus, there are often promotions that’ll essentially match the miles you buy, making the fees more worthwhile.

Get (And USE) an AAdvantage Credit Card

Using an American Airlines branded travel credit card is one of the easiest ways to earn miles without having to remember to do anything special. With one of the following four CitiBank / AAdvantage credit cards, you can earn miles for everyday spending on groceries, American Airlines purchases, food and drink, gas, and nearly anything else.

American Airlines credit cards include the: 

Each card has its own unique perks, but all of them have mileage benefits (as well as travel discounts and perks). The MileUp card, for example, earns 2X miles at grocery stores, the Platinum Select earns 2X miles at restaurants and gas stations, the Executive card earns 2X miles on American Airlines purchases, and the Platinum Select business card earns 2X miles on cable and satellite purchases. No matter how you do most of your spending, one of these is likely to fit your lifestyle.

You probably don’t need to be told to not get credit cards you don’t need or for the miles alone, but one of these travel cards may just be right up your alley. And because there is no limit to the number of miles you can earn, spending with one of these cards might also be the perfect way to not only keep your points active but earn rewards effortlessly. Just be aware that some of these cards have annual fees.

Book a Hotel Stay

image credit: hyatt.com (AAdvantage hotel partner)

If using your credit card isn’t simple enough, the AAdvantage program makes it possible to earn miles in your sleep—as long as you’re sleeping in an American Airlines partner hotel. With big-name partners like Hyatt, Marriott, and Best Western, you can find a participating hotel just about anywhere in the world. 

You can either stay at a partner hotel to earn miles—either flat rate or per dollar miles—or convert hotel points to American miles, and both of these actions count as qualifying activity on an account. You’ll maximize your return by staying at a partner hotel, so if you know ahead of time that you’ll be traveling, do this rather than converting points afterward (hotel points are not redeemable for an equal amount of airline points, so converting should be a last resort).

Book a Cruise

image credit: royalcarribean.com

You might not associate cruises and flying with each other, but maybe you should. Similar to the partner hotel program, the American Airlines cruise program grants members miles when they take to the seas. Earn bonus miles well into the thousands per cruise when you book through American Airlines Cruises, with fares backed by a 110% best price guarantee (if you find a better price somewhere else within two days of booking through American, you’ll be refunded 110% of the difference). 

Cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and even Disney participate in this program, so don’t worry about not finding the trip you’re looking for. Tickets are sold at exclusive American Airlines discounted rates and, of course, earn major miles. Through June 30, 2022, earn one AAdvantage mile per $1 spent on cruises up to 10,000 miles.

Rent a Car

AAdvantage members can also earn when renting cars—at least 500 miles per rental day, in fact. When you book a car with American Airlines, you can rent through car rental programs including but not limited to Budget, National, Avis, and Hertz. Today’s featured deals, valid through May 31, 2020,  include:

  • Save up to 35% and earn 1,000 bonus miles through Avis 
  • Save up to 30% and earn 1,000 bonus miles through Budget

Save With Bask Bank

Want a way to earn miles while saving money? Bask Bank—an online, FDIC-insured bank that offers the only savings account that earns miles instead of interest—can make that happen. Right now, they are offering 5,000 miles when you deposit $5,000 into a savings account and maintain this balance for at least 30 days. Rather than an interest rate, you’ll earn a mile on the dollar with this account.

A single AAdvantage mile is estimated to be worth 1.4 cents, so you’re looking at sizable returns if you go this route. However, unless you fly a lot, you probably don’t want all of your interest in the form of miles; but if you do, this is an easy way to keep the deposits coming and your points active.

Sign up for e-Rewards or Miles for Options

American Airlines and other companies want your feedback, and they want it so badly that they’re willing to give you miles for it. Get 250 AAdvantage miles just for signing up with e-Rewards, an online market research community, then keep answering surveys of your choice (they don’t all have to be about flying) to earn e-Rewards currency that can be converted into miles. You’ll need a balance of $12 or more in e-Rewards to redeem, and these can be redeemed as miles.

You can also (or instead) sign up for Miles for Opinions, an American Airlines partner with a similar program. Participate in any surveys, panels, or focus groups you’d like to and receive miles deposited directly into your AAdvantage account.

Enroll in LifeLock

Protect yourself from identity theft and get 12,000 miles by enrolling in a LifeLock membership. You’ll need to be an active member for 31 days before the miles are yours, but then you’ll get even more (dependent on membership plan) in the second and third years of your membership if you choose to continue your LifeLock protection.

LifeLock will monitor your SSN and credit activity and scan for potential threats for $8.99/month (standard) and bank and investment activity on top of that for $22.49/month (ultimate plus). Obviously, signing up for a new identity theft protection service isn’t exactly going to save you money, but it’s something to consider if you want this type of insurance anyway.

Donate to Charity

If you’re feeling charitable, consider donating to an organization in collaboration with American: Stand Up to Cancer. This charity is committed to researching cancer treatments and cures, and American Airlines is committed to helping them do that by presenting members with the option of donating to earn miles. You’ll get 10 miles for every dollar you give over $25, and this action can be performed at any time. Just make sure to donate through American Airlines to get your miles.

Donate Some Miles

If you don’t want to donate cash for miles, you can go a slightly different route and donate your miles. This is an especially good option if you don’t have enough points to help with flight costs and/or want to support a worthy cause for no additional cost.

Donate miles to any of the following programs: 

  • Miles for Our Well-Being, which supports the health and wellness of patients in partnership with Stand Up to Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Make-A-Wish
  • Miles for Our Heroes, which honors American military service members in partnership with Medal of Honor, the George W. Bush Institute, and the Gary Sinise Foundation
  • Miles for Our Social Good, which performs humanitarian work in partnership with the Red Cross, Feeding America, and UNICEF.

There is no minimum donation required and donations made in this fashion are not tax-deductible.

Final Thoughts

Since there are so many ways to earn and redeem miles, there’s no reason that your AAdvantage points need to expire before you can use them—to let this happen is not only wasteful but entirely avoidable. If you follow these tips and tricks, it’s easy to keep your account active and maximize your earnings. 

But if you regularly come close to letting your points expire, keep in mind that adding more points to your account is only going to drive your total miles up and you’ll still have to use them at some point. There are certainly worse problems to have than too many miles, but the AAdvantage loyalty program isn’t going to do you much good if you’re not using your points.

Ryanair Baggage Fees, Allowances & Loopholes [2020]

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Ryanair, the Irish budget airline, has highly specific baggage policies and allowances. Are you up to date on their current policies? If not, here’s all of the information you’ll need regarding baggage for Ryanair flights in 2020.

Carry-On Rules for Ryanair

Ryanair passengers have ​one small bag​—such as a laptop, purse, or small backpack—included in their fare as a carry-on. This carry-on must be no larger than ​15.7” x 7.9” x 9.8” ​(40 x 20 x 25cm) and must fit underneath the seat in front of you. This is the policy for ​non-priority​ passengers.

Ryanair airports have bag sizers stationed around various terminals that you can use to make sure that your carry-on bag meets size restrictions and will fit under a seat (these sizers will also show whether your checked baggage is the right size). If a small bag does not fit in the sizer, non-priority passengers must pay a fee of about $28 (€/£25) to check their bag as cargo and will not be able to take it as a carry-on.

Priority t​ ravelers are allowed to take ​two bags ​onboard: ​one wheelie bag ​(a rolling suitcase) and o​ ne small bag. ​The wheelie bag has a weight limit of about ​22 pounds ​(10kg) and a size limit of ​21.7” x 7.9” x 15.7” ​(55 x 20 x 40cm).

This 22-pound carry-on is available for purchase by non-priority passengers for a price of between $11 and $28 (€/£10 – 25), depending on the flight. This can be done during check-in, at the time of booking, or up to 40 minutes before take-off through the ​Ryanair app​. If added to your flight at the gate, expect to pay $28. These carry-ons must be checked-in at the airport bag drop desk. Alternatively, passengers can pay between $7 and $16 (€/£6 – 14) to add priority to their trip and bump up their cabin bag allowance.

Checked Baggage Rules for Ryanair

Every passenger may purchase up to ​three checked bags​ ​per flight and these are each restricted to a maximum weight of ​44 pounds ​(20kg). Baggage is charged per person, per one-way flight. Checked baggage may not exceed ​70.5 pounds ​(32kg) and/or ​31.9” x 46.9” x 46.9” ​(81 x 119 x 119cm), for safety reasons. Weight restrictions do not apply to medical and mobility assistive devices.

If you add checked baggage to your flight at the initial time of ​booking​, you will pay $28 (€/£25) per bag. If you add checked baggage to your flight online, through a call center, or in-person after booking, you will pay about $45 (€/£40) per bag. These prices are subject to change during peak travel times.

For those traveling in groups, know that you are allowed to pool per-person baggage allowances as long as everyone checks in at the same time. Otherwise, if you exceed your personal bag limit of three, you will be charged additional fees by weight.

Items allowed to all passengers free of charge include:

  • One child stroller
  • One child restraint seat or carrier
  • Medical/mobility assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes

2020 Ryanair Excess Baggage Fees

Ryanair offers an in-depth ​guide to all additional fees ​(from extra legroom to flight-change fees) on its site, but the table below gives a complete list of charges for oversize and overweight sports and musical equipment. Prices vary based on whether you add an excess baggage item at the time of booking or after booking.

During BookingAfter Booking
Bikes$67 | €/£60$84 | €/£75
Large Sports Items$61 | €/£55$72 | €/£65
Sports Equipment$39 | €/£35$45 | €/£40
Ski Equipment$50 | €/£45$56 | €/£50
Golf Clubs$33 | €/£30$45 | €/£40
Musical Instruments$56 | €/£50$72 | €/£65

If a piece of sports or musical equipment weighs more than the 44-pound (20kg) allowance, extra baggage fees apply on top of the above fees. The current rate for extra baggage is $5.70 per pound (€/£11 per kilogram) for every bag you check outside of your three-bag limit. In addition, extra child/baby equipment may be purchased for about $17 (€/£15) a piece.

Get Baggage Fees Reimbursed With These Cards

If you’re on the hunt for top-rated travel credit cards that will reimburse you for baggage fees, keep these five in mind:

  • American Express Platinum​: $200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve​: $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

How to Get Free Checked Bags Through Ryanair

At this time, Ryanair does not have its own airline credit cards that will get you free checked baggage, so you’ll have to try to save money on flights in other ways. Other than the small personal bag that’s free for everyone and the free 22-pound bag for priority flyers, there is no way to get checked bags for no cost or to have fees waived.

Ryanair is already a discount airline, so tracking down additional discounts is nearly impossible. With that said, follow these tips to save the most money:

  1. Add baggage to your reservation at the time of booking.
  2. Travel priority if your baggage weighs 10kg or less.
  3. Pool your bag limit with other passengers in your reservation.

Ryanair Fee Waivers and Loopholes

Ryanair Choice​ is an annual frequent-flyer membership, launched in 2019, that offers free priority boarding, flight discounts, and exclusive access to members. It costs about $222 (€199) annually, so be sure that joining is something that makes sense for you before committing. Consider joining the Ryanair Choice frequent flyers program only if you plan to do a lot of flying through Ryanair in a year.

Ryanair does ​not ​offer a miles-earning program. However, booking stays with ​Ryanair Rooms​ ​earns flight credit that can be used on any Ryanair purchases.

Ryanair does not offer military discounts to U.S. active-duty military members and/or their dependents.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to fly Ryanair, you can already be sure that you’re getting some of the best flight prices out there. But if you travel light and book smart by taking advantage of ways to save on baggage fees, you can score low fares on any number of international flights.

Icelandair Baggage Fees, Policy & Loopholes [2020]

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You might know that the aptly-named Icelandair can get you to and from the lush Nordic island of Iceland (and several other European countries), but do you know everything there is to know about this alternative airline’s baggage policies and allowances for the year 2020? If not, and for more information about ways to save, keep reading.

Carry-On Rules for Icelandair

When it comes to baggage fees for Icelandair flights, what you’ll pay and what you’re allowed to bring is entirely dependent on your flight class. There are ​five flight classes​ for this airline:

  • Economy Light
  • Economy Standard
  • Economy Flex
  • Saga Premium
  • Saga Premium Flex

Every​ flyer is allowed ​one free carry-on​ and ​one free personal item ​aboard their flight, and Saga Premium Flex passengers are allowed ​two free carry-ons​ and one personal item.

Carry-ons are restricted to a maximum dimension of ​21.6” x 15.7” x 7.8” ​and maximum weight of ​22 pounds​ and these must fit in the overhead compartment of your plane.​ ​Personal items are restricted to a maximum dimension of ​15.7” x 11.8” x 5.9” ​and these must fit under the seat in front of you. These size and weight restrictions for carry-ons and personal items apply to all passengers.

Checked Baggage Rules for Icelandair

Size and weight restrictions for checked baggage, on the other hand, are ​not ​the same for all fare types on Icelandair flights. If you’re in a premium Saga class, you are permitted to check heavier bags for no additional fee. With that said, the standard weight allowance for checked bags is ​50 pounds​ and the standard dimension ​62 linear inches.

See the chart below for bag allowances by class.

Number of Checked BagsWeight
Economy Light0–
Economy Standard150 lbs
Economy Flex150 lbs
Saga Premium270 lbs
Saga Premium Flex270 lbs

But flying Economy Light doesn’t mean flying with no checked baggage. These allowances are simply what’s included in your fare.​ Any passenger can purchase additional bags or heavier bags than their fare permits. The maximum per person is 10 checked bags.

Certain ​baggage is allowed free of charge​ to qualifying passengers, either onboard or as cargo. This includes:

  • Folding strollers
  • Approved child car seats
  • Wheelchairs (read about maximum dimensions ​here​)

Excess Baggage Fees For Icelandair

Icelandair enforces excess baggage rules depending on flight route. Flights from Iceland to Europe, from Iceland to the U.S. or Canada, and from Europe to the U.S. or Canada all incur distinct oversize, overweight, and additional bag fees. See these below.

1 Additional Bag (50 lbs)1 Additional Bag (50 – 70 lbs)
Iceland to Europe$59$50
Iceland to U.S. or Canada$69$58
Europe to U.S. or Canada$95$80

Icelandair’s website does not specify what you’ll pay for items that are oversize in dimension but not weight (A.K.A. too large but not too heavy). Though if your items fall into one of the following oversize baggage categories, here’s exactly what you’ll be charged per item for a one-way flight:

Skis, Angling, Golf Equipment, Skateboard, Weapons, Diving, HockeyBikes, Kites, SurfboardsKayaks, Vaulting Poles, Windsurfing, Surf BoardsOversize Musical Instruments
Iceland to Europe$42$83$126$42
Iceland to U.S. or Canada$49$99$148$49
Europe to U.S. or Canada$58$116$174$58

Keep in mind that heavy bags can only be paid for at the airport and that excess baggage fees are non-refundable.

Money saving tip:​ If you pre-purchase extra baggage through ​Manage Booking​ or an Icelandair service center ​before checking in ​for a flight exclusively through Icelandair, your baggage charges will be discounted 20% ​(a maximum of three additional bags can be discounted in this way).

How to Get Reimbursed For Baggage Fees

Travel credit cards are the way to go when it comes to getting the money you pay in incidental flight fees back. For more cash in your pockets, consider one of these credit cards:

  • American Express Platinum: ​$200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve:​ $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

Travel reimbursements will save you some serious money long-term.

Credit Cards That Let You Check Bags For Free

The Icelandair Mastercard and Icelandair Premium Mastercard are the two airline-exclusive credit cards to look into if you’re wanting to earn more points for Icelandair flights and purchases. These cards, issued by ​First Bankcard​, have no foreign transaction fees and can earn you points, called Saga Points, on Icelandair purchases and purchases made anywhere else. These can be spent on baggage fees, flights, and more. To apply for these cards, you must become a member of the ​Saga Club frequent flyer program (more on this next).

The Icelandair Mastercard comes with no annual fee and awards 5,000 points as a first purchase bonus, one point per dollar spent on Icelandair purchases, and 0.5 points per dollar spent everywhere else. The Icelandair Premium Mastercard costs $39 a year, awards 10,000 points as a first purchase bonus, two points per dollar spent on Icelandair purchases, and one point per dollar spent everywhere else.

Icelandair Fee Waivers & Loopholes

Because it is a European airline, Icelandair does not offer discounts or fee waivers to U.S. active duty military members or their dependents. However, there are a couple of ways to hack your way to discounted prices through Icelandair. The first is to become a member of the ​Saga Club​.

Anyone over the age of 12 can ​become a member​ of the Saga Club, but only members with 40,000 or more Saga points are upgraded to Saga Silver status and only members with 80,000 are upgraded to Saga Gold. Silver and Gold flyers earn more rewards and have priority access to exclusive offers (remember those free extra checked bags?) and upgrades that other passengers do not. The Saga Club does not cost anything to join.

Another way to save is to use Alaska Airlines points and miles on Icelandair flights and fees. This works because ​Alaska Airlines is Icelandair’s largest U.S. partner​, so many rewards between these airlines are interchangeable. Of course, always opt for economy class when possible, check your bags ahead of time, and keep your baggage under the size and weight restrictions, as well.

How to Save Money Flying Icelandair

You’ll find that there are many ways to cut costs when flying with Icelandair. By knowing the (above) baggage rules, policies and potential waivers, you’ll be in the best position to fly Icelandair at the lowest possible cost to you and your family.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees, Policies & Loopholes [2020]

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Unfortunately for travelers today, every airline has different baggage rules and policies. Fortunately for you, you’re in the right place to learn about baggage rules associated with Spirit Airlines for 2020. Here is everything you’ll want to know from size allowances to baggage fees for this budget airline.

Spirit Airlines Carry-On Rules

Spirit Airlines gives its customers ​one free personal item​ per flight but, unlike many other major airlines, charges for standard carry-ons. A personal item like a laptop, small backpack, or purse must not exceed a dimension of ​18” x 14” x 8”​ or ​40 linear inches ​(height + length + width). Carry-ons can be a maximum of ​22” x 18” x 10”​.

Passengers are allowed carry-on bags on Spirit flights, but exactly how much they will need to pay for these depends on a few factors. Exact prices for carry-on and checked baggage vary by date, flight route, and booking type, but the ​Spirit Bag-O-Tron​ can give you the numbers you need. Here are the approximate averages you can expect for carry-ons (which must be within the above size dimensions) obtained after running several searches.

During BookingBefore Online Check-InDuring Online Check-InReservation DeskAt the Gate
Standard$40$50$50$60$65
$9 Fare Club$31$41$41$60$65

Remember that these are only typical prices and your fees could be different. The price of a carry-on bag for a standard passenger ranges from $37 – 76 and for a $9 Fare Club passenger from $23 – 76. The sooner you add a bag to your reservation, the more money you’ll save.

Becoming a member of the ​Spirit $9 Fare Club​ (called the $9 Fare Club not because it costs $9 to join but because a 60-day trial membership ​used to​ cost $9) is also a great way to save on baggage fees. This club offers its members discounted prices and exclusive deals, and it costs $59.95 to join in 2020 and $69.95 to renew annually.

Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Rules

Checked bags through Spirit Airlines may be a maximum size of ​62 linear inches​ ​and a maximum weight of ​40 pounds. ​Frequent flyers know that this weight restriction is slightly low when compared to that of other airlines, but that a 62-inch total length is fairly standard. Keep this in mind when flying Spirit.

Like carry-ons, checked bags are charged differently for standard passengers and $9 Fare Club members and prices also vary based on booking. This price breakdown shows what most people will pay per checked bag.

BagStandard$9 Fare
During Booking1$35 $26
2$45 $36
3 – 5$85 $76
Before Online Check-In1$45 $36
2$55 $46
3 – 5$95 $86
During Online Check-In1$45 $36
2$55 $46
3 – 5$95 $86
Reservation Desk1$55 $55
2$65 $65
3 – 5$105 $105
At the Gate1 (only)$65 $65

You’ll notice that all passengers checking bags at the gate are only allowed one piece of checked luggage. Checked baggage fees are also dependent on route and travel dates, but fluctuate less than the prices for carry-ons. The Bag-O-Tron will be a useful tool when calculating checked baggage fees, as well.

There are certain flight restrictions you’ll need to know about if you plan to either fly to or from South America at any point during the year or internationally between December 1st and January 10th. If either of these applies to you, see the list of special restrictions for such flights at the bottom of ​this page​.

Spirit Airlines Excess Baggage Fees

A passenger may not bring a bag measuring more than ​80 linear inches​ and/or weighing more than ​100 pounds ​aboard a Spirit flight (unless under special circumstances), but bags under these limits and over the standard dimensions are allowed to be checked. Passengers will just have to understand that oversize and overweight checked baggage is charged an additional fee.

Oversize and overweight fees are:

  • +$30 for items between 41 – 50 lbs
  • +$55 for items between 51 – 70 lbs
  • +$100 for items between 71 – 100 lbs
  • +$100 for items between 63 – 80 linear inches
  • +$150 for special items over 80 linear inches

Examples of items that may count as checked bags or carry-on luggage but that could incur oversize/overweight fees include:

  • Musical instruments
  • Sports equipment
  • Bicycles
  • Wedding dresses
  • Art Supplies

Mobile and medical assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes can be checked free of charge at the gate. For a complete list of restriction exceptions, read the ​Spirit Contract of Carriage​. Note that any oversize/overweight equipment not packed securely with the rest of your baggage will be charged separate fees. That means you should do your best to pack bulky items like hockey sticks safely within your bags.

Flying families will want to know that guests are allowed ​one FAA-approved car seat ​and ​one stroller aboard their flight ​for no additional charge​. If these do not fit on board, they will have to be checked at the gate (again, this is free to you). See ​this list​ of seat dimensions for various types of Spirit aircraft if you would like to ensure that your child’s car seat will fit on your plane, in their designated seat.

Get Your Baggage Fees Reimbursed

No matter what baggage fees you are charged for a Spirit flight, you can get reimbursed for these if you’ve got the right credit card. Credit cards that reimburse travel fees include:

  • American Express Platinum:​ $200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve:​ $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

Get 1 Free Checked Bag Through Spirit

Unless you are in the military,​ there is no way to get free checked bags through Spirit Airlines. Even ​Spirit Airlines Mastercard​ holders and members of the $9 Fare Club are charged for every carry-on and checked bag. Spirit’s Bare Fare guarantee is what keeps flights ultra low-cost, but it’s also what makes obtaining baggage waivers and additional discounts difficult.

The only free allowance on a Spirit flight is a personal item and unless your baggage includes medical devices or strollers, you will be charged baggage fees. You’ll have to find other ways to save on flights through Spirit Airlines, like joining the $9 Fare Club and adding bags to your reservation right away.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Fee Exceptions

As mentioned, active-duty military personnel are the only passengers that qualify for ​free checked bags​. These individuals are allowed two free checked bags and one free carry-on, so long as they present valid identification.

Knowing Spirit Airlines Baggage Policies

Spirit Airlines is a company already known for offering affordable flying rates, but you can save yourself even more money by learning about their baggage policies. By knowing what counts as oversize or overweight bags and taking advantage of opportunities to check your bags for less, you can keep more of your cash for spending wherever you go rather than on how you get there.

2020 Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees & Loopholes

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Scroll down to find clever ways to avoid or reduce baggage fees when flying on Alaska Airlines.

If you haven’t visited the Alaska Airlines baggage information page in a while, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with current rules. Knowing the ins and outs of baggage policies makes it possible to save as much time and money as possible when flying, and this guide to 2020 fees and allowances can help with that.

From up-to-date bag size restrictions to every potential fee and waiver, here’s every baggage policy you’ll need to know before flying Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines Carry-On Rules

Alaska Airlines passengers are allowed two free carry-on items per flight: one personal item and one standard carry-on bag.

In 2020, carry-on bags must be no larger than ​22” x 14” x 9”​. Current size guidelines stipulate that your total bag measurement (length + height + width) should not exceed ​45 inches ​(linear).

There is no size rule for personal items, but Alaska Airlines lists purses, laptops, and briefcases as examples of acceptable carry-on items. Lap infants are ​not g​ iven separate baggage allowances, so diaper bags must be counted toward the standard carry-on allowance.

Other items that can count as a carry-on bag but that may exceed size restrictions (as long as they still fit safely on board) include:

  • Human Organs
  • Art/advertising portfolios
  • Paintings
  • Delicate scientific equipment
  • Fishing poles
  • Small musical instruments

Items that can be brought on board that do not count toward the carry-on limit include:

  • Coats, hats, and umbrellas
  • Pillows
  • Food to be consumed on the flight
  • Child restraint seats and transportation devices such as car seats and strollers
  • Properly documented service animals
  • Mobility and medical assistive devices such as wheelchairs, breast pumps, and walkers

Alaska Airlines Checked Baggage Rules for 2020

  1. Alaska Airlines allows a weight of ​50 pounds​ and linear measurement of ​62 inches​ for standard checked baggage. Bags weighing and/or measuring more than this will be charged additional fees (outlined in the section below).

For bags within the standard size and weight restrictions, the fees are as follows:

1 bag2 bag3 bag3+ bags
$30$40$100$100 (each)

Items exempt from checked baggage charges include:

  • Strollers and car seats
  • Pineapple from Hawaii
  • Mobility and medical ​assistive devices
  • Wine—for ​Mileage Plan​ members through select US airports only

Fees for checked baggage may be paid at any airport counter or during check-in online. If your flight is eligible for ​self-tagged baggage​, you can print your luggage tags at home beforehand or at a self-tag kiosk to save yourself time in lines (note: size and weight fee restrictions still apply).

It’s useful to know about the Alaska Airlines 20 minute baggage guarantee. Alaska Airlines commits to getting its customers their checked bags within 20 minutes of their plane’s arrival at the gate. If this time guarantee is not met and a customer is kept waiting at baggage claim for their luggage, they are eligible to receive either a $25 discount code or 2,500 bonus miles.

Excess Baggage Fees in 2020

Bags weighing more than 100 pounds and/or measuring greater than 115” (linear) are strictly prohibited, but checked-baggage may exceed the standard limits as long as it does not exceed these maximums. Oversize and overweight baggage incurs additional charges.

Here is a chart of price per bag for checked luggage that exceeds size allowances.

AllowedFees
< 50 lbs and < 62” YesStandard
51 – 100 lbsYes$100
63 – 115”Yes$100
> 100 lbs and/or > 115”No–

If a bag weighs more than 50 pounds ​and​ measures more than 62 inches, only $100 is charged. ​Special baggage items​ including firearms, sports equipment, fragile/bulky items, musical instrument, and big game have their own restrictions, so make sure you know those as well. Also see ​seasonal checked baggage limits​ per person during peak travel times in 2020.

These Credit Cards Reduce Baggage Fees

Many travel credit cards reimburse cardholders for incidental fees associated with flying, and that includes checked bagged charges. The following major credit cards offer annual baggage fee reimbursement:

  • American Express Platinum:​ $200 annual reimbursement
  • American Express Gold​: $100
  • Bank of America Premium Rewards:​ $200
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve:​ $300
  • Citi Prestige​: $250

Many cards also offer luggage reimbursement for lost or stolen luggage, which is probably worth looking into if you do a lot of traveling or are flying with valuables.

Credit Cards That Give You 1 Free Checked Bag

Alaska Airlines has a few airline-branded credit cards that you can use to automatically get free checked bags rather than having to get your payments reimbursed. These cards, associated with Bank of America, are:

  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Business
  • Alaska Airlines World Elite Mastercard

Each of these cards offers its members ​one free checked bag​. This baggage fee waiver applies for up to 6 guests traveling in the same reservation. In addition to free checked bags, Alaska Airlines credit cardholders can earn miles, get cashback on in-flight purchases, take advantage of ​Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare​, receive discounted lounge passes, and more.

Waivers and Loopholes

Travel cards aren’t the only way to hack the system. Some flyers that do not hold qualifying credit cards can still have baggage fees waived through Alaska Airlines if they meet certain guidelines. These include:

  • Active duty US Military personnel and dependents​: first 5 bags free (see more exemptions below)
  • First Class flyers, upgraded before baggage has been checked​: first 2 bags free
  • Flyers traveling within Alaska​: first 3 bags free
  • Elite Mileage Plan members: first 2 bags free
  • Club 49​ (a Mileage Plan program for Alaska residents) members:​ first 2 bags free

To qualify for military discounts, individuals must present valid military ID at the time of baggage check. In addition to free checked bags, active duty military personnel and their dependents have overweight and oversize fees waived for bags weighing up to 70 pounds and measuring greater than 115.”

Knowing Alaska Airlines Baggage Fees and Policies

Find out if you qualify for baggage fee exemptions, whether your baggage meets acceptable guidelines, and what you are allowed to bring with you ​before ​you board your plane. Be an informed traveler to make the most of every flight.

Chase Private Client Review – Are The Benefits Worth It?

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The Chase Private Client Welcome Kit was designed by AlyssaStrand. Image courtesy of AlyssaStrand.com

In 2020, banking is more sophisticated and nuanced than just putting money into an account for safe-keeping. And with so much at stake, you want to make sure that you’re partnering with the right bank to meet all of your financial goals and needs.

If you’re a Chase customer with considerable assets under your belt, you may be considering the Chase Private Client Program. This personalized membership offers countless member-exclusive benefits, including one-on-one time with various financial advisors, banking and lending perks, and discounts on loans and transactions.

Here is a detailed look at everything this elite club has to offer.

What Is the Chase Private Client Program?

The Chase Private Client Program (CPCP) is an invite-only program that offers countless exclusive benefits and services to its members. According to the bank, Private Clients enjoy a “personalized relationship” with Chase through which they receive access to only the best banking features and services offered.

From customized ​J.P. Morgan investing guidance​ to exclusive lending programs, there’s almost no end to the special treatment you’ll get as a Private Client. Other benefits include but are not limited to:

☎️Priority banking service (24/7 on-call access)
💳Member-only credit cards
🏠Loan discounts
👵🏻Extensive retirement and financial planning resources
💰Lower fees on most transactions (including those made abroad) and higher withdrawal and credit limits
🤵Access to dedicated lending advisors

Who Is Eligible for the Private Client Program?

Not just anyone can become a Private Client (PC) with Chase. This invitation is given only to Chase’s “best customers,” and you’ll either need to request a meeting with a Private Client banker to discuss your qualifications or wait around for a letter just to be invited. There are two ways to qualify for an upgrade to top-tier status with Chase:

Have a combined total of $250,000 or more between all of your Chase personal and business checking, savings, and investment accounts. This does not include online self-directed investment accounts with ​You Invest​ or retirement accounts.

Have a family member extend their Private Client membership to you. Though being a Private Client does not technically cost anything in membership fees, members not invited by a family member must maintain a daily average of $250,000 for continued status. Within 45 days of upgrading, Private Clients must disperse this sum across whichever qualifying accounts they choose.

For most, that’s quite a chunk of cash and not a lot of time. You’ll want to consider any opportunity loss you may incur from moving money out of another investment or savings vehicle to meet this $250,000 requirement. If you don’t have that kind of money lying around, you might find yourself selling shares of stock, pulling from a savings account that was accruing interest, and even missing out on countless investment opportunities you were consider pulling the trigger on – just to meet this target. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the program is worth the sacrifice.

The second way to hack your way into the CPCP is to become a joint account owner with another Chase Private Client that is an immediate family member. All adult members of a shared Private Client deposit account are awarded the privileges of a membership, whether each of them has $250,000 or not. This loophole is utilized by many Chase customers that would otherwise never qualify for elite status.

Benefits of the Chase Private Client Program

Several aspects of modern banking are changed for Chase members elevated to Private Client status—overall, the program has many strengths, but it also has many caveats. Chase works hard to keep its Private Clients, but be sure to read the fine print before you make any decisions.

A Sign-Up Bonus That’s Hard to Beat

Opting to upgrade to Private Client status immediately comes with a hefty reward—no, not in the double or triple digits. Until April 27, 2020, just for becoming a Chase Private Client, members are instantly awarded a 💰$2,000 sign-up bonus 💰deposited directly into their account. This particular offer won’t last long, but there’s usually some type of promotion year-round.

Credit Cards and Rewards

Behold! These are Chase Bank’s most illustrious credit cards. Image courtesy of AlyssaStrand.com

The Private Client Program does not have any unique cards except for the debit card given to members; even the highest-rated Chase cards are available to all. Any Chase member can apply for the ​Chase Sapphire Reserve​ card, an elusive travel card that un​officially requires a credit score of 750 or higher​, and the ​Chase Sapphire Preferred​ card, which requires a 700 or higher.

Private Clients are more likely to have these cards, but their approval odds are only higher because they have more money and better credit to begin with. If a person is likely to qualify as a Private Client, they are also likely to qualify for the top cards. The CPCP does not guarantee credit card approval and card rewards and points are the same for everyone.

Unless you’re a long-time personal finance junkie, you’re probably not familiar with the Chase 5/24 rule. This quietly enforced “no more than 5 credit card accounts opened in the course of 24 months” rule includes ​all​ cards that contribute to a person’s credit (not just Chase), and it’s firm for everyone. That means that PC’s aren’t likely to get around this stipulation even though they are Chase’s “favorites.”

Convenient Banking

Members of the Chase Private Client Program never have to go long without getting help. Private Clients have access to a 24/7 exclusive Banking Services line ​(Domestic: 1-888-994-5626, International: 1-405-235-4847) to answer questions the moment they have them, no in-person appointment or hours on the hold required.

Members of this program also have a dedicated banker ready to help them navigate and make the most of their membership. There’s a lot to the private program, but clients don’t have to figure it out alone. ​In addition to these helplines, Private Clients are offered a number of banking benefits, including:

●  Higher daily ATM withdrawal limits (up to $2,000)

●  Higher daily purchase limits (up to $7,500 with Chase Private Client debit card)

●  Higher QuickDeposit and QuickPay limits ​($25,000 per day and $100,000 every 30 days and $5,000 per day and $40,000 every 30 days, respectively)

●  Rushed (free) card replacement

●  No Chase fees at non-Chase ATMs or on wire transfers

●  No monthly service fees on checking or savings accounts

Business Account Bonuses

Chase members with Private Client status that also use ​Chase for their business banking​ can count on a few special accommodations. Specialized business banking advisors are assigned to every Private Client business owner. These advisors can answer any of your questions and help you strategize your business spending so that you’re using your money as effectively as possible.

Private Clients do not pay any fees on electronic deposits to Platinum or Total Business Checking Accounts or service fees on these accounts. Even better, minimum balance requirements are lower for Private Client Platinum Business Checking accounts. If you’re wondering whether your business account funds can be used to qualify you to become a Private Client, the answer is yes.

Investment and Retirement Counseling

Members of the Chase Private Client Program get to partner up with dedicated J.P. Morgan investment advisors. Because J.P. Morgan is one of the biggest investment banking companies in the business, that means access to global expertise and vast market research. Clients meet with their advisors regularly to discuss immediate financial needs and market and economic trends as well as smart next moves.

Chase Private Client members also get help p​repairing for retirement​ in the form of a comprehensive 4-step plan. Through this plan, clients identify what they want to get out of retirement, evaluate their current financial situation, develop strategies for success, and assess their goal progression, all with the help of an investment professional.

However, there is a catch. Giving J.P. Morgan the reigns to manage your investment portfolio and offer advice isn’t free, even for Private Clients. An annual fee of 1.25%, billed quarterly, is charged for portfolio management services from J.P. Morgan. Many professional portfolio advisors, through firms like Vanguard and Personal Capital, charge less than this (the average is more in the 1% range). If users choose to use You Invest, a self-directed free trading platform, instead, their investment opportunities will be severely limited and their returns much lower.

H2. Mortgage and Loan Advice

The stressful process of taking out a home mortgage or auto loan is made less stressful for Private Clients because these Chase members receive discounted rates on lending and top-notch personal loan advice. Through the Chase Private Client Mortgage Rate Program, members work with home lending advisors and other team members such as underwriters and processors to plan their home loans with big picture financial goals in mind.

When it’s time to take out a loan, Private Clients can expect up to 1.25% off the standard variable rate for a home equity line of credit and a 0.25% rate discount off standard auto loan rates with an additional 0.25% off of that when refinancing.

Privileges for the Whole Family

While Chase Private Clients can extend their benefits to other members of their immediate family with whom they share accounts, the family privileges of this membership don’t stop there.

Parents might like the fact that they can set withdrawal and spending limits on authorized debit cards for use by their kids through the Private Client Program, but young adults can learn more about responsible banking themselves through ​Chase’s Student Banking Program​. However, these features are not exclusive to the CPCP.

Additional Benefits

There are a few final hidden perks to the Chase Private Client Program that shouldn’t be overlooked for those that enjoy skipping lines and being treated like a VIP. Chase Private Clients have access to annual member-exclusive events, early ticket purchase on select entertainment, and can even utilize their membership to gain special entry into certain institutions through the Chase Private Client Arts & Culture Program​ (though use of this perk is limited).

Does It Pay to Be a Chase Private Client?

The CPCP likely isn’t for anyone still improving their credit, new to investing, paying off large loans (other than perhaps home loans and mortgages), or just beginning to plan for retirement.

The Chase Private Client Program is best-suited for larger asset-holding Chase customers that favor convenience and may want a little help with big financial decisions but have already made some progress towards long-term financial goals. It’s also worth noting that not all Chase banks participate in this program, so this is very much a case by case offer.

As with anything, there are pros and cons. There are discounted loan rates, waived service fees, and member-exclusive events, but there’s also that massive $250,000 ​minimum ​account balance requirement.

Do you have experience being a Chase Private Client? Please share in the comments.