IAH reserve survival guide
08-30-2024, 08:15 AM
#131
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Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant credit card is probably worth it if you’re commuting a few months. Platinum status, good signup bonus, a few other perks. Should get free breakfast with Platinum at the Sheraton. Hefty annual fee like the United Club card but the perks and signup bonus make it worth it the first year.
08-30-2024, 08:42 AM
#132
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It feels like the number of hotels that allow lounge access even to Titanium members on layovers is dropping precipitously. This is a purely subjective observation, of course.
08-30-2024, 09:53 AM
#133
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I’ve noticed the same. Sheraton New Orleans comes to mind as one that has rejected me recently. That compounded with the fewer hotels that have lounge access, make the benefit primarily one for commuting, not on the road.
08-30-2024, 11:14 AM
#134
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didn't know that it changed. The FA's stayed there and had a shuttle every 15 minutes that pilots could ride as well. Regular customers were every 30, crew every 15. It has been a couple of months since I stayed there though.
08-31-2024, 02:23 AM
#135
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there is a passenger shuttle every 30(top and bottom of the hour). There is a crew shuttle that runs for the 15 and 45.
08-31-2024, 06:02 PM
#136
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A lounge breakfast twice a month saves you what $30-$40 a month. Multiply that by 12 and you easily cover the remaining annual fee. Anything above that is gravy. I've got a running list of Marriott overnights that don't allow access. Only 4 on the list so far.
08-31-2024, 07:07 PM
#137
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09-01-2024, 05:38 AM
#138
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The free breakfast is a nice perk when the van time allows an opportunity to go down and eat, but what is the real benefit of lounge access in the afternoons? Some of the bigger lounges serve appetizers for a happy hour, but other than that it's usually just a fridge with soft drinks and an assortment of chips and snacks. As someone who bids earlier trips, my van time often doesn't allow time to sit down for breakfast, and in the evening I'd much rather pay $30 for a healthy salad with some type of protein than fill up on free food that is horribly unhealthy. For someone who only buys a dozen or so rooms per year, what is the benefit of paying for status? Wouldn't it be much cheaper to just buy breakfast?
09-01-2024, 09:05 AM
#139
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The free breakfast is a nice perk when the van time allows an opportunity to go down and eat, but what is the real benefit of lounge access in the afternoons? Some of the bigger lounges serve appetizers for a happy hour, but other than that it's usually just a fridge with soft drinks and an assortment of chips and snacks. As someone who bids earlier trips, my van time often doesn't allow time to sit down for breakfast, and in the evening I'd much rather pay $30 for a healthy salad with some type of protein than fill up on free food that is horribly unhealthy. For someone who only buys a dozen or so rooms per year, what is the benefit of paying for status? Wouldn't it be much cheaper to just buy breakfast?
09-01-2024, 10:56 AM
#140
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Quite a few of the nicer lounges offer decent appetizers and even light dinners in the evening. I bid late report times as a breakfast and morning workout is my jam. Midday the lounge is only good for a coffee, water, snacks etc. Do the math for you. It doesn't make sense for everyone. But for me it's a no brainer.
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