Best redemptions for J trips to Southern Africa
May 24, 2016, 8:41 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 238
Best redemptions for J trips to Southern Africa
Hi Guys,
MR and UR are pretty foreign to me as I've been using cards within the OW universe and have been flying US/AA for the last several years.
I don't have much reason to continue being loyal to AA as I'm not flying as often and have also applied for many of their cards already. Amex is an untapped CC space for me and I'd like to start delving into this area before the end of the year.
My main thing is J class awards to Southern Africa. I was wondering if anyone sees a sweet spot with Amex MR/UR transfer partners with this type of award.
There are quite a few airline transfer partners so rather than look through every single one, I figured someone may have some insights or loopholes on the topic.
MR and UR are pretty foreign to me as I've been using cards within the OW universe and have been flying US/AA for the last several years.
I don't have much reason to continue being loyal to AA as I'm not flying as often and have also applied for many of their cards already. Amex is an untapped CC space for me and I'd like to start delving into this area before the end of the year.
My main thing is J class awards to Southern Africa. I was wondering if anyone sees a sweet spot with Amex MR/UR transfer partners with this type of award.
There are quite a few airline transfer partners so rather than look through every single one, I figured someone may have some insights or loopholes on the topic.
May 24, 2016, 9:11 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CLT
Programs: AA, UA, BA, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,074
From Amex MR, ANA charges 104k round trip in J. Singapore charges 57.5k one way for US-northern Africa or 70k one way for US-southern Africa.
For Chase, Korean charges 120k round trip. Chase also transfers to Singapore. All of these airlines pass on fuel surcharges, so you have to minimize/avoid those.
For Chase, Korean charges 120k round trip. Chase also transfers to Singapore. All of these airlines pass on fuel surcharges, so you have to minimize/avoid those.
May 24, 2016, 9:15 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 238
From Amex MR, ANA charges 104k round trip in J. Singapore charges 57.5k one way for US-northern Africa or 70k one way for US-southern Africa.
For Chase, Korean charges 120k round trip. Chase also transfers to Singapore. All of these airlines pass on fuel surcharges, so you have to minimize/avoid those.
For Chase, Korean charges 120k round trip. Chase also transfers to Singapore. All of these airlines pass on fuel surcharges, so you have to minimize/avoid those.
May 24, 2016, 11:26 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CLT
Programs: AA, UA, BA, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,074
I believe flying on Air Canada, United, and/or Etihad to Africa would avoid fuel surcharges.
May 24, 2016, 4:51 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,933
http://travelisfree.com/2015/05/18/r...s-award-chart/
I believe flying on Air Canada, United, and/or Etihad to Africa would avoid fuel surcharges.
I believe flying on Air Canada, United, and/or Etihad to Africa would avoid fuel surcharges.
And United only flies to western Africa with its own planes per their route map.
May 28, 2016, 8:28 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,933
Update:
And not even that soon. United is ending its last service to Africa with its own planes:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel...rica/85027594/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel...rica/85027594/
"United’s exit will leave Delta as the only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service between the USA and Africa."
May 28, 2016, 3:12 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP , Delta Gold Medallion, "Credit Card" status for various hotels
Posts: 672
You may also want to look into booking a one way award for your flight there and pay for a one way flight on your way back. One way business class flights to the US originating in JNB or CPT can be a good value.
May 31, 2016, 7:30 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 238