I recently got back from my vacation to Costa Rica. Instead of going on American’s or Delta’s website and inputting SEA->SJO like a normal person, I ended up booking 6 different legs, on 2 different airlines. Here are the legs for the trip:

SEA->BWI on Alaska
BWI->ATL on Delta
ATL->SJO on Delta
SJO->ATL on Delta
ATL->BWI on Delta
BWI->SEA on Alaska

The first thing you’re probably wondering is why did I fly to Baltimore if my final destination was San Jose, Costa Rica. I’m so glad you asked. There are four reasons:

1. I needed the miles to re-qualify for MVP status on Alaska (I actually ended up re-qualifying due to a last minute business trip to New York)

2. The arrival time of flights from the east coast to San Jose were much better than flights from the west coast. (Afternoon arrival from Atlanta vs late night arrival from the west coast.)

3. For this trip I used the last of my skymiles (sky pesos) to book the trip. The mileage redemption on Delta was much better from the east coast vs the west coast. The number of miles needed from the west coast was almost double vs the east coast. I only had enough miles for a 1-way business class redemption on Delta and the price of a business class fare was inexpensive.

4. The round trip from SEA->BWI was very inexpensive and it gave me chance to catch up with some friends. (The fare class booked also allowed me to upgrade to first class automatically due to my MVP status on Alaska)

In all, the airfare for the trip cost:

SEA->BWI->SEA – $281 ($49 cash back from BankAmeriDeals with my Alaska airlines visa)

BWI->SJO – 30000 skymiles

SJO->BWI – $63.11 ($150 e-cert bought using a my barclay arrival miles, $250 airfare credit from Cit Prestge, $100 from discover cash back)

Cards Used:

Citi Prestige – 50,000 bonus ThankYou Points after $3,000 in purchases within 3 months. $250 airfare credit. 3x points on Hotel and airfare, 2x points on Dining and Entertainment, 1x points on everything else.

Barclay Arrival Card – 40,000 miles (redeemable for $440 in travel) when you spend $3000 in the 90 days. Earn 2x miles on all purchases. 5% miles back every time you redeem for travel. $89 annual fee.

Discover It – 5% cash back in categories that change each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum. 1% cash back on everything else No annual fee.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® – 25,000 Bonus Miles upon approval, Free first checked bag, $121 Companion Fare, 3x miles for Alaska Airlines purchases, 1x miles for everything else