Help me use 200K Amex Points to fly my sister over!
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DXB
Programs: EK, AA, DL, UA, SPG, HGP, Amex
Posts: 1,207
Help me use 200K Amex Points to fly my sister over!
I would like to fly my sister from YUL/YYZ to DXB for the holidays.
There are a number of airline partners that could work, either directly (AF, KL, BA, VS, DL...) or via the alliances.
The complication is that the ticket would be for my sister (same last name) rather than myself, so it would have to be done by either transferring points to her FF account or issuing tickets in her name from my FF account.
One option I'm not that excited about is using Points as Cash (on amex travel, for example). Conversion rate too poor in my experience.
Any personal experience or strategies would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
There are a number of airline partners that could work, either directly (AF, KL, BA, VS, DL...) or via the alliances.
The complication is that the ticket would be for my sister (same last name) rather than myself, so it would have to be done by either transferring points to her FF account or issuing tickets in her name from my FF account.
One option I'm not that excited about is using Points as Cash (on amex travel, for example). Conversion rate too poor in my experience.
Any personal experience or strategies would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
#2
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,519
I think you need to find out which program can get you the ticket that you need for the dates and how much Surcharge it will be. I heard BA Avois also has high surcharge, so even with a lower transfer ratio to one of the SkyTeam member (Alitalia’s or Delta SkyMiles), you might still end up save money by not need to pay a high surchage.
BA web site let you look up reward ticket with 0 miles in the account, so you can play with the dates and flight options. Not sure about Alitalia’s or Delta SkyMiles web site.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
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In which country was your Amex card issued? Is ANA a transfer partner?
For most FFPs, redeeming miles for an award in someone else's name is not a "complication": most programs explicitly permit this.
Originally Posted by extramileage
I would like to fly my sister from YUL/YYZ to DXB for the holidays.
There are a number of airline partners that could work, either directly (AF, KL, BA, VS, DL...) or via the alliances.
The complication is that the ticket would be for my sister (same last name) rather than myself, so it would have to be done by either transferring points to her FF account or issuing tickets in her name from my FF account.
One option I'm not that excited about is using Points as Cash (on amex travel, for example). Conversion rate too poor in my experience.
Any personal experience or strategies would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
There are a number of airline partners that could work, either directly (AF, KL, BA, VS, DL...) or via the alliances.
The complication is that the ticket would be for my sister (same last name) rather than myself, so it would have to be done by either transferring points to her FF account or issuing tickets in her name from my FF account.
One option I'm not that excited about is using Points as Cash (on amex travel, for example). Conversion rate too poor in my experience.
Any personal experience or strategies would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
For most FFPs, redeeming miles for an award in someone else's name is not a "complication": most programs explicitly permit this.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,784
and very very very bad ratio
read more at this blog
American Express Adds Emirates as a New Points Transfer Partner - View from the Wing - View from the Wing
http://boardingarea.com/viewfromthew...nsfer-partner/
#8
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UA is not an Amex MR transfer partner in the U.S. But ANA is.
Originally Posted by Cana2013
If you are in the US then UA is better. Very low tax and fees for long haul.
#9
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Aeroplan Diamond, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, Marriott
Posts: 1,839
Sorry, did not know that. Then Aeroplan is still a good chioce because you can use Aeroplan miles book UA flights and availability is very good.
#10
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But Aeroplan will charge 80,000 miles for YYZ/YUL-IAD-DXB-IAD-YYZ/YUL in Economy. ANA would only charge 65,000 miles for the same redemption.
Originally Posted by Cana2013
Sorry, did not know that. Then Aeroplan is still a good chioce because you can use Aeroplan miles book UA flights and availability is very good.
#11
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 196
Then you're risking availability and having to verify familial relationship.
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DXB
Programs: EK, AA, DL, UA, SPG, HGP, Amex
Posts: 1,207
That is for USA AMEX MR, so now we can safely say you're USA-based (which you never provided before asking help)
and very very very bad ratio
read more at this blog
American Express Adds Emirates as a New Points Transfer Partner - View from the Wing - View from the Wing
http://boardingarea.com/viewfromthew...nsfer-partner/
and very very very bad ratio
read more at this blog
American Express Adds Emirates as a New Points Transfer Partner - View from the Wing - View from the Wing
http://boardingarea.com/viewfromthew...nsfer-partner/
I have a US card but currently Dubai based and EK is my main carrier. It's convenient for me to use miles on EK (mostly for upgrades). Fees/taxes were historically low on EK awards but they are joining than train now too, unfortunately.
One nice thing about EK, however, is that both award tickets and mileage upgrades are eligible for op ups so you can get some nice surprises if you have status.
Thanks for the other tips as well.
Last edited by extramileage; Oct 31, 2013 at 1:39 am Reason: typo
#14
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How much is the YQ on Aeroplan redemption?
But Aeroplan will charge 80,000 miles for YYZ/YUL-IAD-DXB-IAD-YYZ/YUL in Economy. ANA would only charge 65,000 miles for the same redemption.
How much is the YQ on Aeroplan redemption?
But Aeroplan will charge 80,000 miles for YYZ/YUL-IAD-DXB-IAD-YYZ/YUL in Economy. ANA would only charge 65,000 miles for the same redemption.
My understanding is, both programs charge YQ. Aeroplan also has yet another major devaluation earlier this year.
#15
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