Judy, we've dropped mileage credit cards period. Now we use our Costco Amex card for everything then cash in the refund certificate at end of year (you don't have to use it for Costco purchases). Then we put the money in the bank saving it for "business air." We add a little of our own money each month. Now we have a tidy sum to fly business on our own terms. So glad to stop wasting time and effort of ff miles (although we do have a few miles to spend).

Editing to answer your original question. We often use Regent air. Lately, they have been flying us in on the day of the cruise. Of course we could pay the deviation fee and come in early (plus pay for hotel room ourselves). We will probably start doing this. When we cruised from Vancouver to Singapore, Regent brought us in on day of the cruise. We were some of the very last passengers to board. What if our plane had been delayed? Also, read the fine print in the contract before assuming that it's there responsibility to get you to the next port.