Author Topic: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each  (Read 8264 times)

OutBy40

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Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« on: February 10, 2015, 07:34:35 AM »
Gotta admit - all that credit card travel hacking stuff sure is starting to pay off.  With what I learned here on these forums and also elsewhere on the larger Internet, my wife and I were able to take advantage of the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card deal early this year...which means we have a companion pass for the next year and 10 months.  First stop, Glacier National Park for my birthday in July for the low, low cost of $11.20 in fees, each.

Thanks guys, this rocks.

going2ER

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2015, 08:21:57 AM »
Enjoy your vacation!

NotJen

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2015, 08:50:01 AM »
Me too!! (On Delta into Kalispell.) It's my favorite place in the world, so far. Knocked out some of my lodging pre-paids with the Barclay Arrival card, too.

OutBy40

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2015, 08:56:55 AM »
glad you were able to take advantage of the offer!

Where are you flying in to?  Spokane?

Yup, Spokane.  It's a 4-hour drive out there, but that was the closest airport that we could fly into for the price (in points) that we wanted to pay. 

Eric

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2015, 10:02:22 AM »
Nice!  That's less than your park admission fee!  GNP is at the top of my "to do" list.  I'm sure you'll love it.

kpd905

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2015, 06:34:53 PM »
What are you going to do for lodging?  If you're doing a cabin or hotel, you could get it covered using the Barclay Arrival card.

OutBy40

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2015, 07:24:17 AM »
What are you going to do for lodging?  If you're doing a cabin or hotel, you could get it covered using the Barclay Arrival card.

We found a cheap-ish lodge about 10 minutes outside the park.  I've been looking into the Barclay card as well, though...

gimp

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2015, 01:46:58 PM »
Pitch a tent, it's reasonably warm in July. Get a permit if necessary to camp in the backcountry. Fantastic.

tyleriam

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2015, 02:58:21 PM »
I recently got the Southwest card to get the 50,000 pts to bring my family with me to Vegas for a conference followed by a 2 week family vacation.  I have spent (and paid off) the required amount and am waiting for the 50,000 pts to hit my Southwest account.  Two questions;

(1)  Do you know about how long it will take?  Trip is in mid-May, I'm anxious to book the flights. 
(2)  Am I missing something on the companion pass?  I didn't see anything about that, really don't understand what it is.

Thank you!

iamlindoro

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2015, 03:02:37 PM »
(1)  Do you know about how long it will take?  Trip is in mid-May, I'm anxious to book the flights. 

Points will post a couple days after the statement date of the billing cycle you completed the minimum spend in.

(2)  Am I missing something on the companion pass?  I didn't see anything about that, really don't understand what it is.

The companion pass is awarded when you earn 110,000 miles in a single calendar year.  It allows a designated companion to fly with you for free for the remainder of that year, PLUS the entire following calendar year.  It is arguably the single most amazing travel hacking benefit out there.

Most of us with a CP got it by signing up for two Southwest cards (50K + 50K), completing minimum spend on each (+4K) and then spending 6K on the card on top of that.  The idea is to have all those bonuses hit in January of a year so that you get nearly two full years of free flight for your companion, plus 110K points to make your own flights free.

So for your case, you'd sign up for another SW card (if you have the Premier, get the Plus, or any of the business cards), complete the spend on that, get both bonuses, do a little bit more spending, and then your spouse, SO, or whomever will fly for free with you until 12/31/2016.
« Last Edit: February 11, 2015, 03:05:39 PM by iamlindoro »

WYOGO

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2015, 03:19:31 PM »
GNP is wonderful! Love Western Montana. Amazing country in which to roam free! Gotta get there before it becomes GlessNP which is certain to happen probably within the next decade or so.

tyleriam

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #11 on: February 12, 2015, 08:19:18 AM »
(1)  Do you know about how long it will take?  Trip is in mid-May, I'm anxious to book the flights. 

Points will post a couple days after the statement date of the billing cycle you completed the minimum spend in.

(2)  Am I missing something on the companion pass?  I didn't see anything about that, really don't understand what it is.

The companion pass is awarded when you earn 110,000 miles in a single calendar year.  It allows a designated companion to fly with you for free for the remainder of that year, PLUS the entire following calendar year.  It is arguably the single most amazing travel hacking benefit out there.

Most of us with a CP got it by signing up for two Southwest cards (50K + 50K), completing minimum spend on each (+4K) and then spending 6K on the card on top of that.  The idea is to have all those bonuses hit in January of a year so that you get nearly two full years of free flight for your companion, plus 110K points to make your own flights free.

So for your case, you'd sign up for another SW card (if you have the Premier, get the Plus, or any of the business cards), complete the spend on that, get both bonuses, do a little bit more spending, and then your spouse, SO, or whomever will fly for free with you until 12/31/2016.

Good stuff.  Thank you for the info.

bacchi

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #12 on: February 12, 2015, 10:13:07 AM »
Most of us with a CP got it by signing up for two Southwest cards (50K + 50K), completing minimum spend on each (+4K) and then spending 6K on the card on top of that.  The idea is to have all those bonuses hit in January of a year so that you get nearly two full years of free flight for your companion, plus 110K points to make your own flights free.

Isn't there a year-1 annual fee? Or are there occasions when they offer it free the first year?

Quote
$69 annual fee will be applied to your first billing statement.†


themessenger

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #13 on: February 12, 2015, 10:26:52 AM »
That's awesome!  I've been there twice and it's my favorite place in the world.  I flew into Spokane the first time and went north on 95 in Coeur d'Alene to Bonners Ferry, then east on Highway 2 through NW Montana into Kalispell.  It's a longer route, but gorgeous.  If your flight arrives early enough, I recommend that over the interstate.   Enjoy!

iamlindoro

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #14 on: February 12, 2015, 10:33:30 AM »
Isn't there a year-1 annual fee? Or are there occasions when they offer it free the first year?

Yes, the cards have an annual fee.  So you're looking at ~$140 in card fees to get $1837 in travel on points, and $1837 in free companion pass travel if you bring a companion with you on each flight (and you pay the taxes on the flights too, so ~$11 per round trip per person).  Pretty good trade.

MsFrugalista

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #15 on: February 12, 2015, 10:41:25 AM »
Nice! Enjoy GNP, on my list to see as well - we are hoping to go to Olympic NP and/or Mt Rainier NP later this year.

My partner was my Southwest companion from 2013/2014 and now I'm his companion for 2015/2016 (we are still in the midst of meeting the 110K and hoping to meet it by the next statement).  We have already booked our flights to Austin and Seattle for this year - $11.20 X 4 (little one will fly free of charge with us) ...not too bad!

bacchi

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #16 on: February 12, 2015, 11:05:09 AM »
Yes, the cards have an annual fee.  So you're looking at ~$140 in card fees to get $1837 in travel on points, and $1837 in free companion pass travel if you bring a companion with you on each flight (and you pay the taxes on the flights too, so ~$11 per round trip per person).  Pretty good trade.

Oh, I don't doubt that it's worth it. It's only that I struggle to meet the minimums and a free first year makes the risk worth it. I'd hate to pay $70-100 and not meet the $4000 minimum.

The whole Serve/prepaid game sounds like too much work but I may have to go that route.

iamlindoro

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #17 on: February 12, 2015, 11:12:16 AM »
Yes, the cards have an annual fee.  So you're looking at ~$140 in card fees to get $1837 in travel on points, and $1837 in free companion pass travel if you bring a companion with you on each flight (and you pay the taxes on the flights too, so ~$11 per round trip per person).  Pretty good trade.

Oh, I don't doubt that it's worth it. It's only that I struggle to meet the minimums and a free first year makes the risk worth it. I'd hate to pay $70-100 and not meet the $4000 minimum.

The whole Serve/prepaid game sounds like too much work but I may have to go that route.

Just to be clear (since I realize my own explanation may be been a bid muddy), it's 2K per card.  You're right that it's a total of $4K if you go with two cards.

For me, hitting minimum spends is pretty easy since I can put almost everything on the card.  If you are spending less than 4K per three months I bow down to your frugality!  One thing you might consider is buying gift cards to your grocery store, costco, Amazon, etc. that you know you will use at other times in the year.
« Last Edit: February 12, 2015, 11:13:53 AM by iamlindoro »

arebelspy

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #18 on: February 12, 2015, 02:17:12 PM »
Travel hacking is pretty great, huh?

Congrats on jumping in, sounds like it was well worth it.  :)
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be

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #19 on: February 12, 2015, 02:23:30 PM »
Enjoy the no sales tax in Montana.  Just so you know, there's a Costco in Kalispell.  (think gas before you return the car.)   And if you forgot something, plenty of places to provision up in Kalispell.

Have a great time.

OutBy40

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #20 on: February 17, 2015, 03:43:09 PM »
That's awesome!  I've been there twice and it's my favorite place in the world.

I'm a photography nut (and hope to turn it into a money-making career post "retirement", so I have a feeling that Glacier is gonna be one of my favorite places too.  :)

Neustache

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #21 on: February 17, 2015, 03:56:29 PM »
That's great!  We are driving to GNP on our way to Seattle this summer.  I'm way excited!

jennc123

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #22 on: February 17, 2015, 04:02:55 PM »
Congratulations! I will also be visiting Glacier this year with my 4 kids... We will however, be driving, cross country (starting in the SE)

This will be my 2nd year taking the kids on an "Out West" road trip.  Last years highlights included Grand Canyon, White Sands, Amarillo, Vegas, Zion, Colorado, St Louis, Mempis, Nashville (not in that order!) We (I) drove 5500 miles total and we were gone for 18 days.  It was awesome!! 

Looking forward to seeing Glacier, Mt Rushmore, Bad Lands, Yellowstone, Seattle to name a few..  I am a late planner (by MMM standards) so it will come together as it gets closer.

Neustache

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #23 on: February 17, 2015, 05:03:30 PM »
Dang, JennC  - when are you leaving?  We are going to Badlands/Mt. Rushmore - Yellowstone - Glacier Nat'l Park and then Seattle.  We leave on June 11th.   Last year we did Zion, Bryce, Sequoia (we have two kids, not as badass as you with your 4!).  Sounds like we take similar trips!

JoJo

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #24 on: February 17, 2015, 05:48:11 PM »
Try to do the hike to Iceberg Lake.  Amazing views all the way up and icebergs really are floating in the lake!

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #25 on: February 17, 2015, 08:14:44 PM »
In Glacier I highly recommend hiking the highline trail (Logan pass to the loop, or if you are more adventurous uphill in reverse. Absolutely beautiful scenery and pretty accessible: https://alavigne.net/Outdoors/TripReports/2014/Rockies/?p=glacier

Eric

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #26 on: February 17, 2015, 09:13:00 PM »
That's awesome!  I've been there twice and it's my favorite place in the world.

I'm a photography nut (and hope to turn it into a money-making career post "retirement", so I have a feeling that Glacier is gonna be one of my favorite places too.  :)

Well then we certainly expect to see some pictures when you get back!  :)

savedough

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Re: Flying to Glacier National Park this summer for $11.20 each
« Reply #27 on: February 17, 2015, 09:25:29 PM »
Since we live in Montana, about two hours east of GNP, I forget that so many people have never been there.  Enjoy your trip.   
I'm sure you will love it.  If you plan on hiking in the backcountry, bring bear spray.  Our winter has been warm and the bears are waking up early and their schedules will be off.