…..only to be told what I already knew (but forgot). That being that you can’t change an Avios award within 24 hours of departure. Better yet, the time on hold approximately equals the length of the flight I was calling about. If you saw my post yesterday, you know the basics of how and why I booked an award trip for a 250 mile flight. I did not share my reason for needing to be in North Carolina in the first place. MJonTravelMom is in the hospital. She is much improved, but it doesn’t look like she is going to be released from the hospital quite as rapidly as initially thought, so I need to stay an extra night or two. Of course, this revelation was unknown until less than 24 hours before my planned flight back home to DC.

You can’t change an Avios award online so I dialed up BA, and waited. Then I waited some more. And then some more waiting, and finally they answered. Award space is available on the flight I want, but I was quickly reminded that it is within 24 hours of departure so my flight cannot be changed, hospitalized parent or not, thank you very much. So…do I blow 4500 more Avios on another award, or just take a $200 dollar Southwest nonstop into BWI and Super Shuttle myself home? Time will tell. I haven’t made up my mind yet. At least we aren’t talking about losing an enormous wad of points here, but it still annoys me just a little. But in truth, do a few points really matter when you’re talking about MJonTravelMom or anyone being in the hospital? Not really. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

I found out late last night that I would need to travel to Raleigh (RDU) today. I priced various airline options and found fares ranging from $700 to $900 dollars roundtrip. I might pay that to fly somewhere, but certainly not for a 50 minute flight on an RJ from Washington, DC (DCA) to Raleigh. Yes, I have miles, but I just couldn’t bring myself to consider using miles for a 50 minute flight. I settled on Amtrak for $100 bucks, and booked the ticket this morning before 6am. I packed and dropped by my office to pick up my work laptop and tie up a few loose ends. While there, the thought of a 5 hour plus train ride began to weigh on me. Yes, I could spend that time getting some work done, but it really seemed to defeat the purpose of a last minute trip. I really needed to get to NC sooner rather than later.

I took a look at AA.com and sure enough, they had seats at the 12,500 mile one-way level for a flight leaving in 2 hours. Great! I immediately cancelled my train ticket, and started booking a mileage award ticket. I could figure out the return later. $2.50 and 12,500 miles and I was done. And then it hit me. What the heck was I thinking?!?!?! I could have transferred some Ultimate Rewards points earned through my Chase Sapphire Preferred card to my British Airways Avios account and booked an award on AA that way!!! Ugh! Oh well, life goes on, and things have turned out so well in NC that I can now think about making plans to get back home to DC.

This time, I searched for availability using ba.com. I found 2 flights that would work for me with award availability. 4,500 Avios and $2.50. You can’t shake a stick at that!! Heck, I could buy 5,000 Avios for under $200 dollars. Could it be that the real beauty of Avios and the British Airways Visa Signature Card from Chase is using it on short-haul flights in the USA? I know I’ve had readers comment to that affect, and read similar thoughts from other bloggers. This experience has made a believer out of me. Now, I’d probably still prefer to use Avios on a long-haul premium class trip, even with their fuel surcharges, but Avios may be an ideal solution to short-haul flights that are priced way to high. This settles the “do I get the Avios Visa or not” question for me.

Chase Sapphire Preferred℠ Card

British Airways Visa Signature Card®

Disclosure: If you apply for and receive a credit card through the links provided here, I will receive a referral bonus. I appreciate your readership whether you apply for a card through my links or not.

I’ve read a few articles lately opining that the bag fee revenue take for the airlines is down (slightly) because people are checking less baggage due to the fees. I say not so fast. Has anyone noticed that there are now a ton (ok…that’s probably an exaggeration) of ways to avoid paying the fee to check baggage. Of course, there’s always elite status as the airlines waive the fee for at least the first, and sometimes more pieces of checked baggage for their elite frequent fliers.

Another reason the baggage fee take may be heading down is that many airlines now waive the first checked bag fee for holders of their credit card products. For a family of 4 that flies 2 times per year, the benefit of carrying a credit card that includes a baggage fee waiver for the first bag usually exceeds the annual fee of the card. For example, a family of 4 flying 2 times per year would pay $400 dollars in checked baggage fees assuming each person checks 1 piece of luggage each way. However, if a member of the family carries the Delta SkyMiles Card from American Express, which carries an annual fee of $95 dollars, those baggage fees are waived (for up to 9 passengers in the same reservation). For American fliers, the Citi Platinum Select AAdvantage Visa card offers similar benefits (for up to 4 passengers in the same reservation) for those who are inclined to check baggage. United’s MileagePlus Explorer card offers a baggage fee waiver as well for up to 2 passengers in the same reservation.

Notably absent from the baggage fee waiver list is the US Airways Dividend Miles MasterCard, though it does offer useful benefits liked priority check in, boarding, and a 5,000 mile discount on booked award travel. These cards and others can offer numerous benefits to make your air travel more comfortable and save you money too. If you fly more than once a year and check luggage, you should probably consider obtaining the affiliate card of the airline you fly most.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are my affiliate links and will provide me with a referral bonus if you apply for and receive a credit card through my link. There may be other card offers available that provide a higher mileage bonus. If you are aware of more beneficial offers, please apply for the offer that benefits you most. I appreciate your readership no matter what link you use.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.

InlawsofMJ are sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas this week. They departed Boston this afternoon and snapped this picture of an American Airlines Boeing 737-823 on short final for Boston Logan (BOS).

I love American’s 737s for their wi-fi, in seat power, and comfortable first class seats. That this shot was taken from a cruise ship….even better.

I laughed at a comment made by a fellow Frequent Traveler University attendee upon being introduced last month. That comment? Referring to me as “the happy cruiser.” That is, of course, a highly accurate moniker. I am a happy cruiser, also known as a frequent floater (and flyer). I’ve led a pretty Royal Caribbean centric cruising life so far, with some Celebrity in between. I’m pretty happy with my cruising choices, but also recognize that there are a tremendous number of other cruising options out there. One that I am most curious is about is Disney Cruises. I’ve heard time and time again that nobody does cruising like Disney, and having experienced their parks, I don’t have any trouble believing that. I thought readers might enjoy hearing about a recent Disney experience aboard Disney Magic. Thanks to friend of MrsMJ and MJonTravel Kristina Morgan Rose for sharing the scoop on her recent family vacation.

Which ship did you sail on?

We sailed the Magic, one of their original ships.

How did you reach the decision to take a Disney cruise?

Just a few general thoughts. This was our second 7 day family cruise. I feel like cruising is a great family vacation. Cruises provide, at a more moderate price point, more family activities than you can find in pretty any much vacation type. Additionally, the travel time is play time. Day at sea? The kids are in the pool, or in the kids area. But if you are on a long train ride in Europe, or a long international flight or series of flights, the comfort level is not there. So we knew we liked the cruise experience. Our kids like warm weather and we needed to fill spring break week, so we decided to go Caribbean this time. The deciding factors in picking this cruise were the itinerary (ports were Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay with 2 days at sea), our familiarity with the Disney experience (we have been park passholders for 3 years) and relative value.

A Shot of Disney Magic From Castaway Cay

Did you consider other cruise lines?

Yes. We were looking at Caribbean trips with Royal Caribbean, also out of Port Canaveral. We had previously sailed Royal Caribbean with the kids. Their children’s offerings were solid, but the Disney offerings for the kids seemed like a better fit.

Once your decision was made, how did you book the cruise? (Travel agent, direct with line?)

We booked two cabins, two different ways. One via the cruiseline and one via Costco Travel. The Costco booking came with a Costco card.

Overall, what were your impressions of your Disney cruise?

Overall we were impressed. The cabins were each over 200 sq ft and included a split bathroom model with a toilet and sink in one bathroom and a sink and tub/shower combo in the other even in the basic cabins. The Disney service is really apparent as well. There were lots of nice little touches. The ships horn plays “When you wish upon a star”. The shipboard entertainment was amazing. Their is a shipboard fireworks show that also features an actor dressed as Mickey taking a zipline across the pool deck. There was a variety of dynamic musical shows. The theater had amazing effects including indoor fake snow. The day spa had a great variety of services. Appointments were flexible. The cocktails of the day were well blended. The shore excursions were well-run. The one in Cozumel in particular involved only 14 guests and it was amazing.

How was the dining experience on board?

They use a rotational dining plan. You and your table mates move through 3 different restaurants. Your table mates and and servers rotate with you. Each restaurant is a unique experience and vibe. On the Magic, there is Lumiere’s (formal, French), Parrot Cay (It looks like a Caribbean resort) and the Animator’s Palate (the restaurant starts out black and white and adds color over the course of the meal. The restaurants are kind of more the star of the show than the food. That said, the buffet was fresh and had great variety.

Animator's Palate Aboard Disney Magic

Did your kids enjoy their activities? Tell us about those.

On this point we are comparing apples to apples, we had previously done a 7 day cruise on another GREAT line. Our kids came out of that experience feeling like they enjoyed cruising. They made art projects that they liked, and the staff reported to the dining room at 9:00 p.m. at second seating to take the kids back to the children’s area. However, when we were in port in Key West, the children quickly asked us to return them to the ship because they so enjoyed the activities. The activities included an opportunity for the kids to appear in an end of cruise show on the main stage. There were science activities where the kids made flubber. There was a variety of toys, lots of computers and each day they provided a good list of activities. The check-in and check out was orderly. Parents had to use a password to check their kids in and out and the children get water proof wristbands that allow them to be tracked on the ship.

How did the experience compare to your prior cruises?

We loved our prior cruising experiences, but this was that much better. The spacious cabins, the children’s enthusiasm for their programs, the amazing entertainment and the attention to detail made for a truly spectacular week.

Were there adults only venues and did the cruise line ensure they really were adults only?

Yes. There was an adults only pool, coffee house and several bars. They were truly adults only. Given the popularity of the children’s programs, even people traveling with children end up having the opportunity to enjoy the adults-only venues.

Do you think adults traveling without children would enjoy a Disney cruise?

Yes. There are more than adequate adults-only spaces. Many of the arts offerings (animation work shops, cooking demonstrations, trivia games) would have adults only sections. There was also a good beverage program including tequila tastings, beer tastings and wine tastings. There was a complex of bars called Beat Street. It included a sports bar, a piano bar and music club. Beat Street is 21 and over after 9 p.m.

Another interesting point, there are refrigerators in the cabins and you can bring on liquor so long as it fits in your carryon. You can bring your own wine to the restaurants, albeit with a corkage fee. Also, there is 24 hour access to free coffee, water and sodas. We thought this was neat.

Will you cruise on Disney again?

We’re already booked for our next spring break cruise. This time on the Disney Dream.

A Word From MJ

Wow! Sounds like a truly great vacation. Considering my first visit to Disney World was for my 40th birthday (and I had a GREAT time), perhaps it’s time I add a Disney cruise to my cruising bucket list! Seriously, I’ve always heard great things about Disney cruises, and this interview with a trusted cruiser and friend just confirms everything I’ve heard.

Book certain 9-night or longer Mediterranean cruises with Royal Caribbean and children 11 and under receive free cruise fare. I was 34 before I ever took my first cruise. I can’t imagine what a vacation a Mediterranean cruise would be if I’d started cruising as a kid!

Click here for details. Act soon as this deal goes away May 31, 2012. Just note that you have to enter code SIG3 during the booking process, and the credit for the child’s fare will be applied by June 15.

I like blogging and sharing experiences. Hopefully, readers will learn something as helpful as the information that I’ve received from other blogs. Readers don’t always agree with me, and they aren’t shy about letting me know when they do. That said, they are almost always polite and respectful about it. Then, there are emails like this.

“ak airlines…..bogus reviews……lived there for over 25 years…ever fly in a plane unheated at 50 below?  Yea..thought not…try ak in the winter….on their cargo/passenger bs flight fbks to Anc…..walk outside to board….no effin heat for the entire flight a**hole!!!!  Price to travel over 2x per mile what it cost in the lower 48….what did they give you a complimentary drink for your review????  btw no service at all for these flights…..pls jet blue come to alaska…..ak airlines whould be renamed seattle’s worst!!!”

I first had to think for a second, when in the world did I review Alaska. Then I remembered my trip out to Seattle just before Christmas. I took a look at what I said. This review begat that email. Love it! Nothing like a little spam not from the can to give me a good laugh. Happy Sunday!

In the next few weeks, the MJonTravel juggernaut hits Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Atlanta again. A little Delta here, a little American there, and maybe even some US Airways salted in between. It’s been a long slow crawl to get to this point, but soon, MJ is getting out of the office and on the road for both business and pleasure.

I’ll be taking in the inaugural festivities for one of several new “beyond perimeter” nonstop flights from Washington National Airport (DCA) to do a little research on behalf of the blog. In between I’ll take both a business and a personal trip to Atlanta, which include stays at my favorite Atlanta W hotels! It’s been a long time coming, and I’m so happy to be getting back on the road that I just had to shout about it on the blog.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Yes, I realize that I am on a bit of a Chip & PIN crusade right now, but darn it, I think it’s important for people that travel outside the US from time to time. I read in one of the online forums that CitiBank would exchange my Citi AAdvantage Visa for another card with an embedded EMV chip if I asked. I tried online a few weeks ago and was told that the Citi AAdvantage Visa products did not qualify. But after checking out Flyertalk, I read that the Visa cards could indeed be switched to a Chip card if you asked so I went for it.

I started by emailing from the the online portal. Within an hour or 2, I received a reply that I would need to contact a customer service rep to facilitate issuance of an EMV enabled card, so I did. I called yesterday and was connected to a US based agent who put me on hold for just a minute after I related my story about email customer service saying that the Citi AAdvantage Visa could be issued with an EMV chip. She quickly returned to say that she was issuing a new card with an EMV chip and would overnight it to me.

The new card arrived today, and it is equipped with an EMV chip, although it still requires a signature. Not sure how useful it will be in Europe this fall, but at least it is a start.

Just based on the number of views of my Chip & PIN credit card post, it is clear to me that this is an issue for many travelers. While it is an issue, it’s also fairly clear from the comments to my post that if I carry some cash in Europe I should be ok, even if inconvenienced…..fully automated gas stations and some other merchants excepted.

It’s obvious to me that this is a hot button for people that travel outside the USA, and I do not know why credit card companies are not coming around to reality. One other interesting tidbit….. my go-to card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred, may have a kink in its armor when it comes to traveling outside the USA. While it’s probably fine for major hotels and restaurants, the cards lack of raised numbers may be an issue in some shops that would use a swipe and carbon copy machine to accept your card in the absence of Chip & PIN.

I wonder why card companies are not moving out on this? I, for one, would actually pay a small fee to have a real Chip & PIN card. Would you?

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This fall’s trip to Europe has me thinking about Chip & PIN credit cards. I may never forget running up and down the platform at the train station in Rome very late one evening trying to buy a ticket from Roma Termini to FCO with no luck because I did not have a credit card with a stupid chip in it. As it turns out, I need not have run so much because they took cash on the train, thankfully. Suffice it to say I got my exercise that night. While it turned out ok in the end, I haven’t stopped asking every credit card company I’ve done business with when they would be issuing Chip & PIN cards.

Each of my emails has been met with a response that merchants are required to accept the card I have. That might be true, but try telling that to the ticket machines on the platform at Roma Termini. So here’s the discussion point….. I’ve got a trip to Europe coming up, and I’ve been thinking about pocketing the Chase BA Visa just because of the chip. But that card like most US issued Chip cards at this point is “Chip & Signature.” Would I be able to buy petrol at an automated station in Tuscany with one of those? I’m not so sure. Will one of the US issued Chip & Signature cards be good enough? I’d love to hear about your experiences on this.