@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I love to travel. Just spent my PRG bonus (50k) on two round trip Delta tickets to San Francisco next month. Have 20K left, and am hoarding them. Next goal is another 50K MR or 120k AAdvantage (halfway there) for two round trips to Europe. I accumulate then spend, always on air travel. Never even use my cash back cards anymore, except for my autopay bills every month, which only nets me $7/mo.Depending where you live (If an AA Hub), BA Avios is better deal for MR than Skypesos.
The relative "value" of the SkyMiles does generally seem low on domestic flights, but you have to check how many miles it takes for a flight, point to point. Most airlines are generally the same, though Delta has been competing on lower miles required. Yes, Avios have situations where you can use even fewer miles, although those may be challenging to find.
Where Delta gets hammered is when folks compare the miles to the cost of the ticket. In recent trip comparisons, Delta's best dollar rate was significantly better than others, but the miles it would take are generally the same. You still need to get from point A to point B, so the lower "redemption" value for Delta is kind of irrelevant. If you are going to spend miles for the trip, and it takes fewer miles for Delta than Alaska for the same point A to point B, then Delta is the better bargain, IMO. Or, what is more likely, Delta and AK use the same miles for the same trip, but the AK tickets are generally a lot more expensive. (I got 2c for my AK miles! I could have paid more cash than Delta but I feel better spending the same number of miles on a more expensive ticket)
I'm not disputing that Delta SkyMiles tend to have lower "redemption value". What I'm suggesting is, perhaps when it comes to paying cash for the flight, Delta has the better deal available? And the same or fewer miles on a lot of routes now, not all, but many. So the days of $.02 redemption on domestic flights may be over, unless the traveler wants to give up a ton of miles to say they went first class and got 2c, have at it 
I tend to get the dinner or movie gift cards. Makes for free date nights with my fiance 
Went to Las Vegas and San Francisco for two. Flights were paid for by rewards. Still have enough in the bank for 2-4 more round trip tickets.
Generally statement credits. SimplyCash is auto cash every month, no other options there, but I love that card (3% on dining). Amazon conned me into using my last month's discover points on purchase, by including 10 promo credit 
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Usually, just take the statement credit, Amex BCE takes long time. Both chase cards accumulate rather quickly (though Amazon is on a bit of ice until January). I keep accumulating miles, and Alaska airlines just sent out email that points can be used between their program and aadvantage starting Oct 17, including US Airways. They are combining access to lounges as well. If the cost of ticket is cheaper without the points, I pay straight out (last ticket put on SimplyCash, since the Silver Aviator has not arrived yet).
I like this combo, makes the Alaska Airlines, Aviator Combo more appealing. Wonder if booking on Alaska Air will give 3x points on Silver?
.Usually, just take the statement credit, Amex BCE takes long time. Both chase cards accumulate rather quickly (though Amazon is on a bit of ice until January). I keep accumulating miles, and Alaska airlines just sent out email that points can be used between their program and aadvantage starting Oct 17, including US Airways. They are combining access to lounges as well. If the cost of ticket is cheaper without the points, I pay straight out (last ticket put on SimplyCash, since the Silver Aviator has not arrived yet).
I like this combo, makes the Alaska Airlines, Aviator Combo more appealing. Wonder if booking on Alaska Air will give 3x points on Silver?