Oct 9, 2013, 1:33 pm
Last edit by: gooselee
Q. Where can I find a list of the airline and hotel transfer partners?
Partner airline and hotel programs, transfer ratios, and rules vary by the country where your American Express card is issued:
Australia: Airlines & Hotels
Canada: Airlines & Hotels
International Dollar & Euro Cards: Airlines & Hotels
New Zealand: Airlines & Hotels
UK: Airlines, Hotels
USA: Airlines & Hotels Transfer ratios explained below.
Q. What are the transfer ratios to USA airline and hotel partners?
Q. How long does it typically take to compete a transfer?
MR USA airline and hotel partner transfer times.
Q. How can I use Membership Rewards points to travel on American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines or other carriers which are not transfer partners?
Membership Rewards (USA) points can be transferred to three or more frequent flyer programs in each of the international alliances. Any program can arrange award travel on flights operated by all members of the same alliance. Points cannot be transferred from one frequent flyer program to another, instead you redeem for a partner award. The number of miles required is determined by the program through which you redeem, not by the airline operating the flights. Programs in the same alliance will require different amounts of miles, and different co-payments, for the same flights. Do not transfer until you understand the full cost of the flights you need. Do not transfer until you have confirmed availability for your specific dates and route.
To travel on American Airlines, US Airways or any other OneWorld carrier redeem through:
To travel on Delta Air Lines or any other SkyTeam carrier redeem through:
To travel on United Airlines or any other Star Alliance carrier redeem through:
To travel on Alaska Airlines redeem through:
Q. Rather than transferring now, can I preserve my Membership Rewards USA points balance without paying any annual fee?
Apply for an American Express Everyday card, and link it to the same Membership Rewards account. You may then close the other cards.
Partner airline and hotel programs, transfer ratios, and rules vary by the country where your American Express card is issued:
Australia: Airlines & Hotels
Canada: Airlines & Hotels
International Dollar & Euro Cards: Airlines & Hotels
New Zealand: Airlines & Hotels
UK: Airlines, Hotels
USA: Airlines & Hotels Transfer ratios explained below.
Q. What are the transfer ratios to USA airline and hotel partners?
For most frequent customer programs, 1,000 Membership Rewards points will equal 1,000 miles, points or credits and must be transferred in 1,000-point increments unless otherwise noted.
The only exceptions are:
JetBlue Airways: 250 points = 200 JetBlue TrueBlue® points; must be transferred in 250-point increments
El AL Israel Airlines: 1,000 points = 20 Matmid points
Starwood Preferred Guest®: 1,000 points = 333 Starpoints®
Hilton®: 1,000 points = 1,500 HHonors™ points
Virgin America: 200 points = 100 Elevate points; must be transferred in 200-point increments
The only exceptions are:
JetBlue Airways: 250 points = 200 JetBlue TrueBlue® points; must be transferred in 250-point increments
El AL Israel Airlines: 1,000 points = 20 Matmid points
Starwood Preferred Guest®: 1,000 points = 333 Starpoints®
Hilton®: 1,000 points = 1,500 HHonors™ points
Virgin America: 200 points = 100 Elevate points; must be transferred in 200-point increments
Q. How long does it typically take to compete a transfer?
MR USA airline and hotel partner transfer times.
Q. How can I use Membership Rewards points to travel on American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines or other carriers which are not transfer partners?
Membership Rewards (USA) points can be transferred to three or more frequent flyer programs in each of the international alliances. Any program can arrange award travel on flights operated by all members of the same alliance. Points cannot be transferred from one frequent flyer program to another, instead you redeem for a partner award. The number of miles required is determined by the program through which you redeem, not by the airline operating the flights. Programs in the same alliance will require different amounts of miles, and different co-payments, for the same flights. Do not transfer until you understand the full cost of the flights you need. Do not transfer until you have confirmed availability for your specific dates and route.
To travel on American Airlines, US Airways or any other OneWorld carrier redeem through:
- Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific)
- British Airways
- Iberia Airlines
------------------ - El Al is not a OneWorld member, but they do have a rewards partnership with American Airlines, see HERE. Ends October 31, 2014.
- Hawaiian Airlines is not a OneWorld member, but they do have a rewards partnership with American Airlines, see HERE.
To travel on Delta Air Lines or any other SkyTeam carrier redeem through:
- Delta Air Lines
- AeroMexico
- Alitalia
- FlyingBlue (Air France, KLM, Air Europa, Kenya Airways, Aircalin and Tarom.)
*Note: DL permits one-way awards as of 01 JAN 2015, however trips originating outside of USA carry additional surcharges.
To travel on United Airlines or any other Star Alliance carrier redeem through:
- Aeroplan (Air Canada) No fuel surcharge on flights operated by UA and many other airlines. Read current list HERE.
- All Nippon Airways. Read about ANA fuel surcharges HERE. Read about changes to partner redemption charts in April 2015 HERE.
- Singapore Airlines. Read HERE
Read about Singapore Airlines' reciprocal mile conversion arrangement with Virgin Australia HERE.
To travel on Alaska Airlines redeem through:
- Asia Miles
- British Airways
- Delta Airlines
- Emirates
- FlyingBlue
Q. Rather than transferring now, can I preserve my Membership Rewards USA points balance without paying any annual fee?
Apply for an American Express Everyday card, and link it to the same Membership Rewards account. You may then close the other cards.
Transfer Membership Rewards points to which airline or hotel program? [2008 - 2014]
Nov 20, 2014, 7:39 am
#841
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
I'm not sure where 'Down South' is, but your best choices to save points should be Southwest via Baltimore (get/use Companion Pass?) or BA Avios on AA via MIA (15K RT from MIA, 24K RT from within 650 miles of MIA) or ANA miles on UA via IAH (22K RT if you live within 448 miles of Houston).
Nov 20, 2014, 8:12 am
#842
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: San Antonio
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 2,276
DFW-Costa Rica nonstop on AA booked with BA Avios is 10K each way. BA's site does not recognize LIR as a valid destination so you would have to call in to BA if you want to fly into or out of there.
Nov 20, 2014, 8:27 am
#843
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958
Nov 20, 2014, 9:14 am
#844
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Dallas-Houston-Costa Rica (or any itinerary up to 4,000 total miles flown) on United is 22K ANA miles roundtrip in coach or 38K in First class. No one-ways are allowed, but you can have an open jaw. AMEX points transfers to ANA take 2-3 days. If there is a segment on Copa or Taca there will be surcharges, which ANA will happily quote you over the phone. ANA's program changes April 2015, and this deal will go away then.
DFW-Costa Rica nonstop on AA booked with BA Avios is 10K each way. BA's site does not recognize LIR as a valid destination so you would have to call in to BA if you want to fly into or out of there.
DFW-Costa Rica nonstop on AA booked with BA Avios is 10K each way. BA's site does not recognize LIR as a valid destination so you would have to call in to BA if you want to fly into or out of there.
I'm really trying to get first class non stop, if possible.
Last edited by TheDapperDon; Nov 20, 2014 at 9:29 am Reason: Additional info
Nov 20, 2014, 9:26 am
#845
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958
Before you call, go to aa.com to check availability of sAAver award seats on the dates that you need. (Ignore AAnytime availability, those seats are not available through BA or any partner.) If you find what you need, call BAEC and give them the exact dates and flight numbers that you found an aa.com .
Nov 20, 2014, 9:34 am
#846
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Membership Rewards transfers to BA 1000:1000. There have been transfer bonuses, but for an important event like a honeymoon I wouldn't wait.
Before you call, go to aa.com to check availability of sAAver award seats on the dates that you need. (Ignore AAnytime availability, those seats are not available through BA or any partner.) If you find what you need, call BAEC and give them the exact dates and flight numbers that you found an aa.com .
Before you call, go to aa.com to check availability of sAAver award seats on the dates that you need. (Ignore AAnytime availability, those seats are not available through BA or any partner.) If you find what you need, call BAEC and give them the exact dates and flight numbers that you found an aa.com .
Nov 24, 2014, 7:11 am
#847
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: united
Posts: 104
Amex transfer to Delta?
I am Diamond with Delta
I have 700k amex points with my delta black reserve amex
I have $470k amex points with my amex business platinum
Should I consider any transfers before end of this year? not sure if there are caps or rules for 2015 that I should consider
i mainly use amex points for hotel purposes for my family
thanks
I have 700k amex points with my delta black reserve amex
I have $470k amex points with my amex business platinum
Should I consider any transfers before end of this year? not sure if there are caps or rules for 2015 that I should consider
i mainly use amex points for hotel purposes for my family
thanks
Last edited by mia; Nov 25, 2014 at 4:51 am Reason: Fix typo
Nov 24, 2014, 7:20 am
#848
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
I am Diamond with Delta
I have 700k amex points with my delta black reserve amex
I have $470k amex points with my amex business platinum
Should I consider any transfers before end of this year? not sure if there are caps or rules for 2015 that I should consider
i mainly use amex points for hotel purposes for my family
thanks
I have 700k amex points with my delta black reserve amex
I have $470k amex points with my amex business platinum
Should I consider any transfers before end of this year? not sure if there are caps or rules for 2015 that I should consider
i mainly use amex points for hotel purposes for my family
thanks
If you have a DL AmEx Reserve card, you don't have AmEx points on it. Those are already automatically DL miles and for all practical purposes cannot be transferred out into another reward currency.
Nov 24, 2014, 9:08 am
#849
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 5,689
That is a conundrum! Should you move all of your savings in your United States bank to a bank in Argentina? I am trying to be funny but I have Delta miles and in a similar situation. I think other members would say if you have specific plans than transfer from MR to Delta otherwise stay with Amex MR. The problem is if you have to go somewhere 250 is not going enough miles and certainly not enough for more than one person.
Nov 24, 2014, 10:10 am
#850
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,050
It sounds like those 700K are already Delta miles, not Amex points, so they are stuck with Delta no matter what and the 250K limit next year won't matter with respect to those miles. If you did want to transfer some of the 470K Amex Membership Rewards points to Delta, you would be subject to the 250K/year limit -- but 700K Delta miles will get you quite far, even considering the sometimes high prices Delta charges for awards. I would say worry about spending those 700K first and then think about transferring more in if necessary.
Nov 24, 2014, 6:58 pm
#851
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: united
Posts: 104
does this mean i have 1.2m amex points since they are under 2 cards in my amex account?
thx
thx
Nov 24, 2014, 9:00 pm
#852
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bellingham, WA
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Delta Gold, Alaska Air MVP Gold
Posts: 449
No, it means you have a mix of Amex and Delta points.
Nov 25, 2014, 4:49 am
#853
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958
Moderator action
I have appended your question to the established "Where should I transfer?" thread.
The rewards earned using your Skymiles credit card are already in your Delta account. The amount shown when you login to your Skymiles credit card account on americanexpress.com is the total in your Delta account, not an additional amount.
Your Business Platinum Card earns Membership Rewards points. These could be transferred to Delta, or they could be transferred to other programs listed in the Wikipost at the top of this thread. In general, it is best to hold points in your Membership Rewards account until you are ready to travel because this preserves the flexibility to transfer to the widest range of partners.
Your Business Platinum Card earns Membership Rewards points. These could be transferred to Delta, or they could be transferred to other programs listed in the Wikipost at the top of this thread. In general, it is best to hold points in your Membership Rewards account until you are ready to travel because this preserves the flexibility to transfer to the widest range of partners.
Nov 27, 2014, 9:19 pm
#854
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Southern California
Programs: AE Business Plat, Marriott Gold, Hyatt,, Priority Pass for AE & RC Chase, Global Entry, CLEAR
Posts: 110
I would love to transfer points but MR has been down all day. Other depts in AE say they can't do anything until it is back up and no one knows how long it will take. It is not the holiday, they say. Am hoping this will be solved tomorrow morning so I will not lose my award ticket that's being held.
ADDED: The technical difficulties got resolved after midnight and I was able to transfer points online then.
ADDED: The technical difficulties got resolved after midnight and I was able to transfer points online then.
Last edited by onebigworld; Nov 28, 2014 at 10:51 am
Nov 28, 2014, 11:31 pm
#855
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
Alitalia doesn't allow one way awards does it? The FCO-CDG direct flights can be $600 USD one way on Air France or Alitalia. So I am looking at ways to get miles into Alitalia or Delta (to book on Air France...for this one way FCO-CDG award ticket).
It looks like Alitalia will set me back at a cost of from 20k per ticket (no one way). And Air France might be able to do it as low as 7500 - if Rome is on the "discount redemptions" list.
It looks like Alitalia will set me back at a cost of from 20k per ticket (no one way). And Air France might be able to do it as low as 7500 - if Rome is on the "discount redemptions" list.