84Horn

Just to clarify but GE is really helpful when you come back into the states. I don't think it helps any getting into other countries. As stated you also get TSA PreCheck which helps when leaving on your flights.

That would be the infamous “four shit hut-out” that I believe Steve Ross announced to the crowd. Hotter than hell that weekend but great baseball.

Seconded. That thing is worth every penny.

I think you have your conversion rates wrong. SPG does transfer to Marriott at 3:1 but Marriott does not transfer to United 1:1. 240K Marriott Rewards will get you about 110,000 United miles if you transfer directly. Or you can use 270K Marriott points and get a 7 night certificate at a category 1-5 hotel plus 132K United miles with the flights and hotel package. Just keep checking United website or any of the mile and points blogs and they will definitely publicize any award availability. If you get a chance to use United miles for Air New Zealand business class you can try to get Auckland to Houston nonstop. My wife and I flew Air New Zealand from LAX to Auckland and loved it.