US Airways 2011 Grand Slam Promotion - Hotel Transfers [GS 2011 master thread]

And now for a quick warning:
Trades/barters between members are prohibited on Flyertalk outside of Coupon Connection.

If you haven't for a while, now would be a good time to visit the Flyertalk Guidelines & Rules on this subject.

Any posts outside of Coupon Connection referencing trade/barter will/have been removed.

Per the FAQ (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/2011-grand-slam-promotion/1249944-grand-slam-2011-faq-up.html), one can earn a hit for transferring hotel points that result in a minimum of 850 dividend miles being deposited. There apparently was an error in the first tier sweep on 9/29 that resulted in transfers of exactly 850 deposited dividend miles *not* counting as a hit. This has since been fixed.




Best Western: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 5,000 points to 1,000 miles. Elites can apparently buy points, $10 for 1,000 points and they will generally status match most other hotel programs. It should be free and fairly straightforward to transfer points to another Best Western Rewards member for them to do a transfer to their own DM account (see posts #314 to 318). The activity date for the transfer is the date the transfer was initiated. Best Western forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/best-western-rewards-416/)

Choice: Minimum transfer size for anyone (non-elite or elite) is 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 dividend miles. Normal cost to buy points is $11 for 1,000 points. Through December, $11 will get you 1,100 points. It's possible for some to transfer e-rewards to Choice once per quarter for $100=>4,000 points, $60=>2,200 points, or $30=>1,000 points. E-rewards transfer happened instantly for me. Purchasing points might take 24 hours. At least one transfer to a different person's DM account was taken back last year. Transfers to DM take about a week. Choice forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/choice-privileges-640/)

Club Carlson: Other posts on FT look like minimum transfer size for anyone is 2,000 points to 250 miles, which would mean 8,000 points to 1,000 miles to meet the minimum requirement for a hit. Make sure to do the transfer as one transaction with a quantity of 4 to get the hit. Transfers to a different person's DM account work, or you can just freely transfer to someone else's Club Carlson account. It looks like Club Carlson backdates transfers by one day (which might be good at the end of the promotion if you need one last hit). Club Carlson forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/club-carlson-formerly-radisson-goldpoints-plus-428/)

Hilton: Minimum transfer size for anyone (non-elite or elite) is 10,000 points to 850 miles. Normal cost to buy points is $0.0125 per point for under 10,000 points or $0.01 per point for 10,000 or more points. Note that this means you should never, ever buy 8 or 9 thousand points as it'll be cheaper or the same price to buy 10 thousand points. If you have no stays or partner activity, your account must be open for 90 days before you can purchase points. Purchased points should post within 30 minutes. Also, the ability to transfer AA miles to Hilton points will be going away sometime (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/1246957-no-more-transferring-aa-miles-hh-points.html) in the near future. Transfers to DM take about a week. Transfers to another person's DM account should work. Hilton forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors-417/)

Hyatt: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 5,000 points to 2,000 miles. Normal cost to buy points is $24 per 1,000 points. Through September 30, $24 will get you 1,200 points. Looks like Hyatt transfers post once a month, with the correct activity date. Hyatt forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport-418/)

La Quinta: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 6,000 points to 1,000 miles. Normal cost to buy points is $11 per 1,000 points. There's a 25% bonus promotion running at the moment (expires Nov 30), which should lower the cost for a hit to $55 if you start with zero LQ points. It's possible to transfer e-rewards once per quarter for $100=>4,000 points, $60=>2,200 points, or $30=>1,000 points. Please note that La Quinta is listed in the Terms and Conditions, but not the Rules, and that US Airways has confirmed via e-mail that LQ counts as a transfer hit. Watch out for activity dates, post 330 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17193178-post330.html) says that a transfer initiated 9/24 posted with an activity date of 9/29 so probably not a good end-game hit. Transfers should post on Thursdays.

Marriott: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 10,000 points to 2,000 miles. Normal cost to buy points is $12.50 per 1,000 points. Transfers to another person's DM account should work. Looks like Marriott posts pretty quick. Marriott forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards-427/)

Priority Club: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 10,000 points to 2,000 miles and must be done by calling in. It's possible to buy 10,000 points for $60 or 5,000 points for $40 and they post pretty much immediately (see post 222 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17131889-post222.html)). There has been one report of a transfer to a different person's working, even though the previously generally accepted wisdom was that transfers to another DM account won't work, and more recently that the loophole has been closed. Transfers to DM take about a week. Priority Club forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-priority-club-inter-continental-ambassador-426/)

SPG: Minimum transfer size for anyone (general or preferred members) is 2,500 starpoints, for golds 1,500 starpoints, and for platinums 1 starpoint (although the Grand Slam minimum is 850 starpoints) and you'll receive 1 mile per starpoint. There's a 5,000 point bonus per 20,000 starpoints in a transfer. You can normally buy starpoints for $.035 per point with a 500 point minimum ($17.50/500), but there's a 20% discount through the end of the year which means the cost is $14/500. Transfers to DM take about a week and transfers to a different person's DM account should work. SPG forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest-429/)

Wyndham: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 8,000 points to 3,200 miles. No way to buy points directly that I can see. Transfers to a different person's DM account should work. Wyndham forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wyndham-rewards-430/)


Accor does not count as a transfer hit.

If you don't want to buy points, it looks like for a lot of programs it's quite easy to earn points with cheap rental cars, see lowfareair's post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16965220-post12.html) for more info.

What is the minimum number of points per transfer for non-elites?

What is the minimum number of points per transfer for non-elites?

5,000 points for 1,000 US miles.

Hopefully this type of thread is OK in here. If you anticipate that there will be hits for hotel points transfers again, and that Choice points might be one of those transfer partners, there's currently a 10% bonus on buying Choice points ($11/1,100 instead of $11/1,000) that expires Aug 31.

I think it's great that you are jumping in and offering tips already even though the promo isn't out yet. A lot of us have been planning for a couple of months now. Go team!

I do however agree with the suggestions of other members that rather than create a separate thread for every question or idea that we should have some threads that go by category. So perhaps we could start one called "Hotels" and merge this post in to that.

Not sure how we do that though.

Not sure how we do that though.

only us customers are able to purchase choice points. i simply signed up a new choice account with a us fake address, purchased the points and will transfer them in the beginning of september. did the same last year.

I think it's great that you are jumping in and offering tips already even though the promo isn't out yet. A lot of us have been planning for a couple of months now. Go team!

I do however agree with the suggestions of other members that rather than create a separate thread for every question or idea that we should have some threads that go by category. So perhaps we could start one called "Hotels" and merge this post in to that.

I've asked the mods to change the title to "Hotel Transfer Points" or something similar, and I'll try to keep it updated for all transfer options.

The FAQ also states that a minimum of 850 miles must be transferred in, so no more SPG Plat 1 starpoint => 1 mile transfers, which means that as an SPG Gold with a 1,500 starpoint minimum transfer, I might as well "waste" the extra 650 starpoints and just do the transfer myself, as the incremental cost over transferring just 850 starpoints from some other SPG plat member is minimal.

I've asked the mods to change the title to "Hotel Transfer Points" or something similar, and I'll try to keep it updated for all transfer options.



^

With US Airways®, you can transfer up to 79,999 of your Starpoints® into Dividend Miles® at a 1-to-1 ratio. And for every 20,000 Starpoints transferred within the same transaction, you will earn 5,000 bonus Starpoints which will be automatically added to your transfer up to a maximum of 94,999 miles per eligible transfer.

There is no minimum point transfer requirement for Platinum members.
Gold members have a minimum point transfer of 1,500 Starpoints and Preferred members have a minimum point transfer of 2,500.

SOURCE (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/starpoints/transfer/airline/detail.html?PartnerCode=USAIR&IndustryType=AIRLINE)

Starwood points can be purchased for $17.50 per 500.
BUY HERE (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/starpoints/transfer/airline/detail.html?PartnerCode=USAIR&IndustryType=AIRLINE)

Assuming La Quinta qualifies as a transfer hit -- we'll know soon enough -- the transfer is probably 6000 points -> 1000 miles. I'm considering an eRewards $100 deposit for 4000 LQ, then buying the remaining 2000 from the LQ website ($22), giving me enough for the DM transfer. That's $22 out of pocket just for a hit. Sound all right? Guess we should wait for GS terms before assigning values, and values depend on tier levels, but what do you think at this point about this plan? Too soon to say? (I'd still have enough eRewards for DM deposit hit.)

UPDATE: Confirmed, La Quinta IS part of Grand Slam.

Assuming La Quinta qualifies as a transfer hit -- we'll know soon enough -- the transfer is probably 6000 points -> 1000 miles. I'm considering an eRewards $100 deposit for 4000 LQ, then buying the remaining 2000 from the LQ website ($22), giving me enough for the DM transfer. That's $22 out of pocket just for a hit. Sound all right? Guess we should wait for GS terms before assigning values, and values depend on tier levels, but what do you think at this point about this plan? Too soon to say? (I'd still have enough eRewards for DM deposit hit.)


Sounds all right, BUT it's not only 22 $, it's also the (opportunity) costs for the 100 $ e Rewards credits @:-)

Assuming La Quinta qualifies as a transfer hit -- we'll know soon enough -- the transfer is probably 6000 points -> 1000 miles. I'm considering an eRewards $100 deposit for 4000 LQ, then buying the remaining 2000 from the LQ website ($22), giving me enough for the DM transfer. That's $22 out of pocket just for a hit. Sound all right? Guess we should wait for GS terms before assigning values, and values depend on tier levels, but what do you think at this point about this plan? Too soon to say? (I'd still have enough eRewards for DM deposit hit.)

A couple of other options to consider depending on how many e-rewards points you want to use and what transfer partners are available to you:

1) Choice Privileges: Do two e-rewards redemptions, one in Sep and one in Oct (4K points for $100, 1K points for $30) since the redemption limitation is based on calendar quarters to get the 5K that was last year's transfer minimum).

2) La Quinta: Again, it appears you could do two e-rewards redemptions ($100 and $60 in Sep and Oct respectively) to get 6200 LaQuinta points.

Assuming you have the e-rewards currency to spend more than $100, the trade-off with both these options is whether $30 in e-rewards currency is worth more to you than $11 out-of-pocket. If the e-rewards are worth more to you, just buy the last 1000 (CP) or 2000 (LQ) points as discussed above and in the original post.

Priority Club and Hilton also are options, and assuming no current points in either program, the total e-rewards cost of getting to last year's transfer amount of 10K points would be:

Hilton HHonors: $175 e-rewards total, but it seems like it is already too late to make two e-rewards transfers before the end of Grand Slam since the redemption limitation is once per 90 days, and Aug 21 to Nov 14 is less than 90 days. But, for people with some HH points now or an alternate source of getting points (e.g., dining program, shopping, stays) the $100 e-rewards redemption provides 7000 HH points)

Priority Club: $260 e-rewards total, with no redemption limitations

I agree with your prioritization of getting the USAirways e-rewards transfer hit first.

I also agree with the other respondent about considering the opportunity costs of using your e-rewards on hotel transfers for GS versus other uses.

rob_flies_ua, here's what I posted in the advance planning thread, updated with current info:

One thing I noticed that's missing is how easy it is to earn some/all of the hotel points needed with Avis/Budget to transfer to US for hits. Here are their good REGULAR hotel rewards (no coupon code required, free except noted):

Best Western(Avis only): 1000 per rental (5 rentals for a transfer)
Choice(both offer it, Avis charges $.75/day surcharge: 1000 per rental (5 rentals)
La Quinta: 1000 per rental (6 rentals)
Programs with a much more meager amount of points, but good for a small top-up:
Hilton: 250 per rental (40 rentals for a transfer)
Hyatt (Avis only): 300 per rental (17 rentals)
IHG: 125 per day (80 days)
SPG (Avis only): 50 per day (50 days)
Wyndham: 50 per day (160 days)

Other rental agencies don't offer as much as Avis/Budget does, although Hertz has 500 Marriott points per rental. Weekend rates can be cheap as well if you use a good corporate code.

Current promos that help (via Evan!'s thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/1232494-q3-2011-car-rental-bonus-promos.html) in Milesbuzz), details there:

5000 bonus HHonors points on 2+ day rentals with Budget (2 rentals = hit)
3x IHG points at Avis (375/day) with 2+ day rental
1,750 Best Western points at Avis with 2+ day rental (3 rentals = hit)
1,150 Wyndham points at Alamo on 3+ day rentals
1,000 Hyatt points at Avis on 2+ day rentals

Not everything here is lucrative, but it can help if you need to 'top off' an account to make a transfer. Plus, it's a way for car rentals prior to the start date of GS to count towards a hit, or if you'll have more than 6 car rentals during GS.

In the hope that this thread will be renamed to encompass everything related to hotel transfers for the GS:

I was looking for a way to top up my Priority Club account so that there would be enough points to transfer, and I noticed that in their shopping mall there is a section specifically for gift cards. I don't know whether purchasing gift cards from their other merchants earns PC points*, but at least those listed in the gift-card section are supposed to.

And I was a bit surprised to find beauty.com listed and drugstore.com not, considering that they have a combined check-out and their gift cards are interchangeable. My purchase of a beauty.com gift card was acknowledged by drugstore.com.


--------------

*Last year there was a lot of discussion about whether purchasing gift cards through the US shopping mall earned DM or not.

rob_flies_ua, here's what I posted in the advance planning thread, updated with current info:

One thing I noticed that's missing is how easy it is to earn some/all of the hotel points needed with Avis/Budget to transfer to US for hits. Here are their good REGULAR hotel rewards (no coupon code required, free except noted):

Best Western(Avis only): 1000 per rental (5 rentals for a transfer)
Choice(both offer it, Avis charges $.75/day surcharge: 1000 per rental (5 rentals)
La Quinta: 1000 per rental (6 rentals)
Programs with a much more meager amount of points, but good for a small top-up:
Hilton: 250 per rental (40 rentals for a transfer)
Hyatt (Avis only): 300 per rental (17 rentals)
IHG: 125 per day (80 days)
SPG (Avis only): 50 per day (50 days)
Wyndham: 50 per day (160 days)

Other rental agencies don't offer as much as Avis/Budget does, although Hertz has 500 Marriott points per rental. Weekend rates can be cheap as well if you use a good corporate code.

Current promos that help (via Evan!'s thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/1232494-q3-2011-car-rental-bonus-promos.html) in Milesbuzz), details there:

5000 bonus HHonors points on 2+ day rentals with Budget (2 rentals = hit)
3x IHG points at Avis (375/day) with 2+ day rental
1,750 Best Western points at Avis with 2+ day rental (3 rentals = hit)
1,150 Wyndham points at Alamo on 3+ day rentals
1,000 Hyatt points at Avis on 2+ day rentals

Not everything here is lucrative, but it can help if you need to 'top off' an account to make a transfer. Plus, it's a way for car rentals prior to the start date of GS to count towards a hit, or if you'll have more than 6 car rentals during GS.

One missing partner on your list: Club Carlson, which offers 750 points per rental from Avis, Budget or Sixt. They also have what looks like pretty good discount w/ bonus coupon codes right now, 5000 total points for 2+ day rentals from Avis (25% discount) and Budget (20% discount).

link: http://www.clubcarlson.com/fgp/earn/home.do

One missing partner on your list: Club Carlson, which offers 750 points per rental from Avis, Budget or Sixt. They also have what looks like pretty good discount w/ bonus coupon codes right now, 5000 total points for 2+ day rentals from Avis (25% discount) and Budget (20% discount).

link: http://www.clubcarlson.com/fgp/earn/home.do

Thank you, knew I forgot a program!

Noticed the hotel stay and hotel transfer threads were merged, does this make the most sense?

Thank you, knew I forgot a program!

Noticed the hotel stay and hotel transfer threads were merged, does this make the most sense?

I was actually just going to PM a mod since it seems like there are slightly different strategies for stays versus transfers (although you can earn points by staying then transfer them, which I guess is the traditional way of doing things ;))

two options so far

4 x 61.60 $ = 246.40 $
=
4 hits, plus,
2k us miles (4 x 500)
12k us miles (30k wyndhamrewards points)
--> average cost per hit = 61.60 $, average return per hit = 3'500 miles

one hit = 70 $
=
1 hit, plus
200 us miles
--> average cost per hit = 70 $, average return per hit = 200 miles

both options easy, no hassle but too expensive

I am a newb here, so sorry if silly question. So you are renting a car to have it credit a hotel program, to then convert/transfer to US?

Wouldnt it be cheaper, easier to just either:

1. Rent and have it credit/hit DM. Just checked local airport, you can rent for about $25 to $27 with all taxes. DM also having a double up promo, so 500 miles per rental.

2. Just to buy the points required for the hotel programs?

I am a newb here, so sorry if silly question. So you are renting a car to have it credit a hotel program, to then convert/transfer to US?

Wouldnt it be cheaper, easier to just either:

1. Rent and have it credit/hit DM. Just checked local airport, you can rent for about $25 to $27 with all taxes. DM also having a double up promo, so 500 miles per rental.

2. Just to buy the points required for the hotel programs?


I was talking about the hotel earning hits, not about the hotel transfer hits. That are two different things.

To your questions

1. Renting a car gives you a "car renting hit", not a "hotel stay hit". You may either earn US miles or hotel points per car rental but not both.

2. Buy points in a hotel and then transfer to US Air gives you a "hotel transfer hit", but again, I was talking about a "hotel stay hit"

ps: 25 $ per car rental is not bad, go for it!

Agree with those who urge splitting the threads. Hotel transfers are much different.

Last year, I tried to stay away from hotel transfers, because they just don't make sense to me, or if they do, just barely so. They are my last resort hits. The values just don't make sense to me on a lot of them and, in general, I really don't like having to give up points to get miles unless there's no other way.

I think hotel rewards really test how much each hit is worth. The way I see it, there are basically three ways to value hits. Some would say last year that, once you get to the higher echelons, each hit is worth 5,000 US miles. That's the marginal value, to be sure, but you could also make the case that each hit has the same value and thus 36 hits for 100,000 points means each hit is worth 2,777 miles. Then again, if you're stuck on 35 hits and have no other realistic option to get to 36, one hit is theoretically worth 20k. But generally speaking, the hotel transfer hits aren't worth it to me unless I have no other choice

For example, I value Marriott points pretty highly. Giving up 10k to get 2k miles, plus the hit, is not ideal, unless the only other hit I could get costs me more than the cost to buy 10k Marriott. Same with Hyatt and Hilton. Last year, hotel transfers were my last hits, except for Carlson, because that was so low. I did 1500 Starwood and 10,000 priority club, which I won in the anywhere challenge. Otherwise, the hotel hits are just too expensive. We'll see what this year brings, but I agree with those who say they need their own thread for issues such as the above.

Thanks to aztimm for splitting the threads back apart!
I've updated the original post to reflect the rules as of 8/23 that Accor and La Quinta do not count as transfer hits.

It appears that I have 7k Club Carlson in an account and I didn't even know about it.

I don't suppose anyone knows of any easy ways to get the last 1,000? I'd prefer to do it without a car rental, since, if I get a car, I'll use it for a hit.

I'm in the same situation. 7000 club Carlson points. They do allow gifting of points for free to another account. Looked for a valid signup bonus to create another account but no luck.

They do allow gifting of points for free to another account.

Where do you see the option to gift points for free to another account on Club Carlson's website? Maybe I'm just staring right through it. Or do you have to call in? This could definitely come in handy for those of us just shy of the transfer minimum.

UPDATE: Typed too soon. Found on the hotel's FAQ:

"Can I transfer my Gold Points to another Club Carlson account?
Yes, if you have the name or account number of another Club Carlson member, you may transfer points to that person by calling Member Services."

Sorry, realized too late the hotel tread had been split. Request for Mod to delete if possible.

Does anyone know if there is a method to transfer points into Carlson and Wyndham? I want to use my car rentals and e-rewards for hits and don't want to use them for collecting points in these two programs. I see that it isn't possible through points.com either. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Also- thanks for breaking the stay and transfer threads apart. Most appreciated!

Probably not much help to you, but you can transfer Amex MR point to Club Carlson if you are in the UK.

Can I earn hits if I transfer hotel points from my friend's account (hilton, marriott, best western etc) to my DM account?
Or should I transfer the points from MY hotel account only, to earn the hit.

For hotel transfers, can I transfer hotel points from my account with the loyalty programs to the DM account of my wife or daughter? I forget if I did this last year or not. Basically, must the names match on the accounts on both sides of the transaction?

I've never done the GS before and I have no hotel points in any programs. What I'm wondering is there a good option to transfer AMEX MR's points to score some of these hits easily?

For hotel transfers, can I transfer hotel points from my account with the loyalty programs to the DM account of my wife or daughter? I forget if I did this last year or not. Basically, must the names match on the accounts on both sides of the transaction?

I believe it varies by program. I transferred to other accounts from SPG, Hyatt and Radisson (Club Carlson) with no problems last year and earlier this year, was able to do the same with Wyndham.

I am not sure about the other major programs, and would like to know whether the above holds for Priority Club.

I've never done the GS before and I have no hotel points in any programs. What I'm wondering is there a good option to transfer AMEX MR's points to score some of these hits easily?

Yes, you can transfer Amex to Hilton, Priority and SPG I believe, but some transfers, especially Hilton, are so unprofitable it might not be worth it (10,000 Hhonors = 850 DM miles). All depends on which tier of GS hit it gets you.

I believe it varies by program. I transferred to other accounts from SPG, Hyatt and Radisson (Club Carlson) with no problems last year and earlier this year, was able to do the same with Wyndham.

I am not sure about the other major programs, and would like to know whether the above holds for Priority Club.

Great; thank you. I'll try the xfers early on and see how I fare. Then I'll report back here.

When I first saw that there was a hit for each hotel chain to transfer to US Airways, I somehow was naive enough to think that you would only have to transfer 1,000 points from each hotel program. That would be too good to be true I guess :/

Hi,
I'd love to get some hits for the hotel transfers but I have barely any hotel points (78 Hyatt, 924 SPG). I do have some airline miles (listed below) and will have 50K Sapphire reward points when they post.

What should my next steps be to transfer the minimum # of points I do have into hotel programs, and then transfer them to DM for hits? Or is the conversion loss just not worth it in the end?

Also, I only belong to Hyatt, SPG, PC, and Marriott. Are there any promos for miles to sign up for other hotel programs?

BA - 106K
US - 40 (just redeemed a 120K F LH award ticket)
AA - 155K (not posted yet from 2 Citi offers)
Sapphire - 50K (not posted yet)

Can I earn hits if I transfer hotel points from my friend's account (hilton, marriott, best western etc) to my DM account?
Or should I transfer the points from MY hotel account only, to earn the hit.

For hotel transfers, can I transfer hotel points from my account with the loyalty programs to the DM account of my wife or daughter? I forget if I did this last year or not. Basically, must the names match on the accounts on both sides of the transaction?

I believe it varies by program. I transferred to other accounts from SPG, Hyatt and Radisson (Club Carlson) with no problems last year and earlier this year, was able to do the same with Wyndham.

I am not sure about the other major programs, and would like to know whether the above holds for Priority Club.

This is all great info. I wonder if we could get the answers for each program and ask the OP to put them in the OP? It would facilitate trading, whether in a designated thread or CC.

Thanks,
Mike

This is all great info. I wonder if we could get the answers for each program and ask the OP to put them in the OP? It would facilitate trading, whether in a designated thread or CC.

Thanks,
Mike

I'd be happy to update the OP with confirmations of which programs allow different-name transfers. I remember one case last year where someone's different-named transfer was actually reversed after the fact.

I don't actively participate with Best Western so I can't confirm, but according to their website (Rewards Home/Membership Benefits/Questions & Answers), FAQ # 24, it looks like you can buy 1,000 points for $10 (max 10,000 points). No language about this being available for elite members only.

"24. Q. Can I purchase Best Western Rewards® Points?
A. Yes. Best Western Rewards® members may purchase 1,000 points for $10 (maximum of 10,000 points per transaction). To process your request, please email our Customer Service team today."

Rob, unless someone confirms this FAQ is incorrect, could you perhaps update the OP? Thanks

I don't actively participate with Best Western so I can't confirm, but according to their website (Rewards Home/Membership Benefits/Questions & Answers), FAQ # 24, it looks like you can buy 1,000 points for $10 (max 10,000 points). No language about this being available for elite members only.

"24. Q. Can I purchase Best Western Rewards® Points?
A. Yes. Best Western Rewards® members may purchase 1,000 points for $10 (maximum of 10,000 points per transaction). To process your request, please email our Customer Service team today."

Rob, unless someone confirms this FAQ is incorrect, could you perhaps update the OP? Thanks

In addition, they will match your ELITE status in any other hotel loyalty program, FREE of charge.

Okay after looking into this I've found that for me it makes basically no sense to try to fill up any of these accounts with other FF programs or AMEX MR points.

For example, 6,000 AA miles can be transfered for 10,000 HHonors points, which then can become 850 US Miles for the hit. But you're losing 5,150 total airline miles (if you value AA miles and US miles equally), for a hit that nets you 5,000 miles. Not worth it for me. I guess it could work if you really need that last hit in a group of four.

Likewise 7500 AMEX MR points become 2500 SPG starpoints, which can become 2500 US Miles. But you "lost" the opportunity cost of 5000 Continental miles, or Aeroplan, or 7500 Delta miles. Again this is a wash for me.

Another example, 10,000 Amex MR points become 10,000 Priority Club points, which become 2,000 US miles. (Opportunity cost 8,000 CO/ANA/etc. miles).

And just glancing at the first page, none of the purchases (except priority – see below) for hotel points make much sense considering how cheap you can buy US miles anyways.

So it seems to me the value here is for people with lots of hotel points already that they don't plan on using, and also people with the AMEX SPG card.

For most of the rest of us these hits don't seem worthwhile, except in a situation where you really need a fourth hit in a group of four and there are no alternatives.

These are the exceptions I can find so far:

1) One interesting exception. 5000 CO miles -> 5000 Amtrak AGR points -> 15000 Choice points -> 3000 US Miles. Plus 5,000 for the hit and you turned 5000 CO miles into 8000 US miles.

You need to have an Amtrak credit card or elite status though.

2) Buy priority club points. $60 for 10,000 –> 2,000 US miles plus 5,000 for the hit, so 7,000 miles for $60.

********

But the big conclusion for me is that these make marginal economic sense ONLY once you get into the 5000 miles per hit territory. So I won't be really looking into any of these for the first month or so of the GS.

Probably not much help to you, but you can transfer Amex MR point to Club Carlson if you are in the UK.

Possible in Germany as well. Minimum is 1000 MR, that equals to 2000 Club Carlson points. Needs up to 42 days.

Possible in Germany as well. Minimum is 1000 MR, that equals to 2000 Club Carlson points. Needs up to 42 days.


Thank you. Unfortunately I don't have an Amex from Germany. I have used my Diners Club card to position/move points to all the other hotel programs, so I am short just these two. These two don't sell points and I didn't do the Discover America deal. Any other thoughts on how to transfer points into these programs? :confused:

Okay after looking into this I've found that for me it makes basically no sense to try to fill up any of these accounts with other FF programs or AMEX MR points.

I think that MR points are too valuable to use on MR-Hotel-US transfers. But there are other starting points. For instance, I have been collecting a ton of e-rewards. 100 e-rewards dollars equals 2000 miles or 7000 hilton points, or 4000 choice points, ... almost enough to make a transfer without loosing too much.

I'd be happy to update the OP with confirmations of which programs allow different-name transfers. I remember one case last year where someone's different-named transfer was actually reversed after the fact.

Thanks! And you may be referring to me in that example. I lost a Choice hit that was reversed and cost me my 36th hit (I had actually done one back-up, but a second hit didn't credit, either.). Ouch.



These are the exceptions I can find so far:

1) One interesting exception. 5000 CO miles -> 5000 Amtrak AGR points -> 15000 Choice points -> 3000 US Miles. Plus 5,000 for the hit and you turned 5000 CO miles into 8000 US miles.

You need to have an Amtrak credit card or elite status though.


If you are doing the Amtrak CC, don't they also require a minimum of $200 spend on Amtrak in order to be able to transfer points, or am I losing my mind (keeping in mind the fact that the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive)?

Mike

Club Carlson transfers 2K points to 250 miles. To meet the minimum 850 miles to get the hit, we'd need to transfer 8K. If you try to do this on the Club Carlson site, you have to say 4 x 2K - are we sure that will post as 1K miles and not 4 x 250 miles?

Club Carlson transfers 2K points to 250 miles. To meet the minimum 850 miles to get the hit, we'd need to transfer 8K. If you try to do this on the Club Carlson site, you have to say 4 x 2K - are we sure that will post as 1K miles and not 4 x 250 miles?

It would be nice to get confirmation on this. On the other hand, I have 80xx Carlson points and have no other use for them than this promotion, so I will try this on September 16th. I promise to report back with a result.

If you are doing the Amtrak CC, don't they also require a minimum of $200 spend on Amtrak in order to be able to transfer points, or am I losing my mind (keeping in mind the fact that the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive)?

Mike

Yes indeed Mike you are correct. But for me it works as I'm doing $230 of travel on Amtrak in October. Just waiting for my card to arrive to book it on the Amtrak card. But yes for most people this is not a good hit to get.

Although the Amtrak card I believe is a great card. No annual fee, and $3000 in spend gets you 3000 points, which is one way on the NE corridor Washington to Boston. That's 12,500 airline miles for a similar flight, which may or may not be faster since the train stops at intermediate stops. So if you're like me and going to a midway point between major cities the train is even better.

Okay, sorry to be off-topic.

I don't actively participate with Best Western so I can't confirm, but according to their website (Rewards Home/Membership Benefits/Questions & Answers), FAQ # 24, it looks like you can buy 1,000 points for $10 (max 10,000 points). No language about this being available for elite members only.

"24. Q. Can I purchase Best Western Rewards® Points?
A. Yes. Best Western Rewards® members may purchase 1,000 points for $10 (maximum of 10,000 points per transaction). To process your request, please email our Customer Service team today."

Rob, unless someone confirms this FAQ is incorrect, could you perhaps update the OP? Thanks

Done (and mentioned status matching).

I just logged into topguest via facebook and there was a link to get 500 bonus best western miles, if you join the program via the link. Also I think you still get the 50 for registering the program on in. So 550 points closer to a hit. You can also get 50 priority club, and 50 Hilton for registering those programs, I don't know if the others have join bonuses because I had already registered them :D.

As of 8/28, La Quinta is listed as a transfer hit.

As of 8/28, La Quinta is listed as a transfer hit.

Where do you see this? It's listed as a stay hit, but not a transfer hit.

Where do you see this? It's listed as a stay hit, but not a transfer hit.

On the terms and conditions page, not the rules page.

On the terms and conditions page, not the rules page.

Aha, yup. Maybe sometime soon the rules page and conditions page will match each other. Hmph. Thanks.

rob_flies_ua, thank you for keeping the first post updated! Greatly appreciated.

For Canadians, MBNA has no-fee Best Western (20K bonus) and Choice (8K bonus) cards on first use. Does it make sense to convert these to dividend miles for hits or is it better to take the one night bonus? I don't see myself ever actually earning free nights in these hotels as I do more of the hostel stays than hotel stays. I also have 10K Marriott points from the Chase visa (Canada) which is certainly not enough for a night anywhere, so would it make sense to convert this as well?

Where do you see this? It's listed as a stay hit, but not a transfer hit.

On the terms and conditions page, not the rules page.

But US isn't listed as a trade partner on the La Quinta site.

http://www.lq.com/lq/returns/nmembers/airline.jsp

That one would be gettable via E-Rewards if it works out.

Okay after looking into this I've found that for me it makes basically no sense to try to fill up any of these accounts with other FF programs or AMEX MR points.

[...]

So it seems to me the value here is for people with lots of hotel points already that they don't plan on using, and also people with the AMEX SPG card.Not sure I follow you. It seems to me that transfers from SPG -- which can be done in amounts as low as 850, 1500, or 2500 points, depending on one's SPG status -- are a perfectly sensible option regardless of whether one has the SPG Amex.

True, low-level transfers don't earn the 25% transfer bonus applicable to 20K transfers, but we're still talking 1:1. And while SPG points are worth more than US miles, the modest loss in value would be more than made up by using such a transfer as one's 4th/8th/12th/etc. hit to reach a reward level.

So what am I missing here?

But US isn't listed as a trade partner on the La Quinta site.

http://www.lq.com/lq/returns/nmembers/airline.jsp

That one would be gettable via E-Rewards if it works out.

When I logged into my La Quinta account it shows up as a transfer option.

6000pts for 1000 miles
10000pts for 2000 miles

But US isn't listed as a trade partner on the La Quinta site.

http://www.lq.com/lq/returns/nmembers/airline.jsp

That one would be gettable via E-Rewards if it works out.

And it's not on the hotel transfer hit list (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html) either! So, why is La Quintag in this thread? It's wrong and doesn't belong here!

Not sure I follow you. It seems to me that transfers from SPG -- which can be done in amounts as low as 850, 1500, or 2500 points, depending on one's SPG status -- are a perfectly sensible option regardless of whether one has the SPG Amex.

True, low-level transfers don't earn the 25% transfer bonus applicable to 20K transfers, but we're still talking 1:1. And while SPG points are worth more than US miles, the modest loss in value would be more than made up by using such a transfer as one's 4th/8th/12th/etc. hit to reach a reward level.

So what am I missing here?


It might make sense to do the calculation in a whole. For me as a non-US resident it will cost me around 900 $ in order to get 100k miles (or I can purchase them for 1'475 $). I am not yet sure if I do the Grand Slam this year because the savings are rather small.

And yes, you are right, hotel point transfers are a bad business for the account holder

US Airways is indeed listed as (new) partner on the La Quinta Page:

It could be found here: http://www.lq.com/lq/returns/nmembers/airlines.jsp (airlines with "s" and not without "s" as in the other link)

There are two links on the La Quinta page, one is linking to a list witout US and one to a side with US Airways.

(and it is on the GramdSlam Rules page as well: http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html)

Since US did not officially announce this promo on their own DM page and the promo has not started yet, I assume, we will see some adjustments on the list.

And it's not on the hotel transfer hit list (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html) either! So, why is La Quintag in this thread? It's wrong and doesn't belong here!


Wow, relax. Just trying to help, but why is it wrong?

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html

Wow, relax. Just trying to help, but why is it wrong?

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html



wowo, they have two different lists? i can already feel the pain with different interpretations. us airways, can you not be better organized!

biggdeebee, according to your link, i agree they should count.

the question is now: how much does it cost to purchase the required (5k or 6k?) hotel points for the transfer?

Wow, relax. Just trying to help, but why is it wrong?

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html

I think, Zurich Flyer is referring to this link:
http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html

There, LQ is not listed, but it is on the list you mentioned. So yes, there is a discrepancy. And this is not uncommon in the time not everything is settled for the promotion to start.

Some of us are very (too ?) exitced about this promotion getting the most with spending close to nothing. But too relax now and wait until Sept. 15th seems not a bad idea ...

I think, Zurich Flyer is referring to this link:
http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html

There, LQ is not listed, but it is on the list you mentioned. So yes, there is a discrepancy. And this is not uncommon in the time not everything is settled for the promotion to start.

Some of us are very (too ?) exitced about this promotion getting the most with spending close to nothing. But too relax now and wait until Sept. 15th seems not a bad idea ...

Sept 15 is one day too late. :D

I would hope US has their act together and have the actual T&C's together when registration officially opens on Sept 1.

Sept 15 is one day too late. :D

I would hope US has their act together and have the actual T&C's together when registration officially opens on Sept 1.

well, with the usual delay, Sept. 15 will be nearly on time :D

But I agree, Sept. 1 might be hopfully everything set up and all discrepancies found by them. (at least, we helpf them by finding it)

@Zurich Flyer
If you sign up for LQ Returns, you should be able to see, how much it costs to buy the required points. I do not have my LQR card with me right now, so I can't log in.

well, with the usual delay, Sept. 15 will be nearly on time :D

But I agree, Sept. 1 might be hopfully everything set up and all discrepancies found by them. (at least, we helpf them by finding it)

@Zurich Flyer
If you sign up for LQ Returns, you should be able to see, how much it costs to buy the required points. I do not have my LQR card with me right now, so I can't log in.



haven't signed up (yet). if you could later on update the price would be great

haven't signed up (yet). if you could later on update the price would be great

For La Quinta it's $11/1K points. 6K points --> US DM 1K miles.

For La Quinta it's $11/1K points. 6K points --> US DM 1K miles.

thanks for clarification. that means that choice is cheaper (i.e. 5 * 11 $)

In addition, they will match your ELITE status in any other hotel loyalty program, FREE of charge.

Whoa, I just realized my free HHonors Gold from VISA Signature status ends in 2 days (never had a chance to get the stays to extend it). I'll have to send the form in ASAP!

I thought it might be useful to post the link to Lucky's thread about the value of points on a per point basis at a number of partners. Obviously, YMMV depending on how important the program is to you or how you manage to use your points, but for those looking for a quick and dirty method to calculate "cost per hit," this is one way of doing it.

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemileatatime/2010/06/27/whats-a-mile-or-point-worth/#comments

Mike

I thought it might be useful to post the link to Lucky's thread about the value of points on a per point basis at a number of partners. Obviously, YMMV depending on how important the program is to you or how you manage to use your points, but for those looking for a quick and dirty method to calculate "cost per hit," this is one way of doing it.

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemileatatime/2010/06/27/whats-a-mile-or-point-worth/#comments

Mike

Thanks for posting that, i hadn't come across it previously.

I wonder how those values would have changed in the intervening year?!:D

I just logged into topguest via facebook and there was a link to get 500 bonus best western miles, if you join the program via the link. Also I think you still get the 50 for registering the program on in. So 550 points closer to a hit. You can also get 50 priority club, and 50 Hilton for registering those programs, I don't know if the others have join bonuses because I had already registered them :D.

Just learning about topquest.com from your post. I'd like to get the 500 points for signing up for Best Western rewards but I can't find the Facebook link. I'd also like to sign up for Hilton and get those 50 points. Can you send the links?

Thanks for posting that, i hadn't come across it previously.

I wonder how those values would have changed in the intervening year?!:D

No doubt have gone down, but I just assume they all go down at about the same rate. ;)

Mike

Transfers from Diners Club to Best Wester and Choice are pretty decent. For BW, it's 1250 Diners > 3300 BW. For Choice, it's 1250 Diners > 2400 Choice. May be worth it for some.

Does anyone know how long it takes to transfer Diners Club to either of these hotel programs?

Transfers from Diners Club to Best Wester and Choice are pretty decent. For BW, it's 1250 Diners > 3300 BW. For Choice, it's 1250 Diners > 2400 Choice. May be worth it for some.

Does anyone know how long it takes to transfer Diners Club to either of these hotel programs?


I JUST did this and it took approximately 7 calendar days to post. I don't know if DC only does this at certain times or its whenever you initiate the transaction.

Per the FAQ (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/2011-grand-slam-promotion/1249944-grand-slam-2011-faq-up.html), one can earn a hit for transferring hotel points that result in a minimum of 850 dividend miles being deposited.


Best Western: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 5,000 points to 1,000 miles. Elites can apparently buy points, $10 for 1,000 points and they will generally status match most other hotel programs. Best Western forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/best-western-rewards-416/)

Choice: Minimum transfer size for anyone (non-elite or elite) is 5,000 Choice points to 1,000 dividend miles. Normal cost to buy points is $11 for 1,000 points. Through Aug 31, $11 will get you 1,100 points. It's possible for some to transfer e-rewards to Choice once per quarter for $100=>4,000 points, $60=>2,200 points, or $30=>1,000 points. E-rewards transfer happened instantly for me. Purchasing points might take 24 hours. There's also the possibility of buying a game from Big Fish Games for something like $5 for 1,500 points. Choice forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/choice-privileges-640/)

Club Carlson: Other posts on FT look like minimum transfer size for anyone is 2,000 points to 250 miles, which would mean 8,000 points to 1,000 miles to meet the minimum requirement for a hit. Club Carlson forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/club-carlson-formerly-radisson-goldpoints-plus-428/)

Hilton: Minimum transfer size for anyone (non-elite or elite) is 10,000 points to 850 miles. Normal cost to buy points is $0.0125 per point for under 10,000 points or $0.01 per point for 10,000 or more points. Note that this means you should never, ever buy 8 or 9 thousand points as it'll be cheaper or the same price to buy 10 thousand points. If you have no stays or partner activity, your account must be open for 90 days before you can purchase points. Points should post within 30 minutes. Also, the ability to transfer AA miles to Hilton points will be going away sometime (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/1246957-no-more-transferring-aa-miles-hh-points.html) in the near future. Hilton forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors-417/)

Hyatt: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 5,000 points to 2,000 miles. Normal cost to buy points is $24 per 1,000 points. Through September 30, $24 will get you 1,200 points. Hyatt forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport-418/)

La Quinta: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 6,000 points to 1,000 miles. Normal cost to buy points is $11 per 1,000 points.

Marriott: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 10,000 points to 2,000 miles. Normal cost to buy points is $12.50 per 1,000 points. Marriott forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards-427/)

Priority Club: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 10,000 points to 2,000 miles. It's possible to buy 10,000 points for $60 or 5,000 points for $40 and they post pretty much immediately. Priority Club forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-priority-club-inter-continental-ambassador-426/)

SPG: Minimum transfer size for preferrers is 2,500 starpoints, for golds 1,500 starpoints, and for platinums 1 starpoint (although the Grand Slam minimum is 850 starpoints) and you'll receive 1 mile per starpoint. There's a 5,000 point bonus per 20,000 starpoints in a transfer. Transfers should happen in less than two weeks. You can buy starpoints for $.035 per point with a 500 point minimum ($17.50/500). SPG forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest-429/)

Wyndham: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 8,000 points to 3,200 miles. No way to buy points directly that I can see. Wyndham forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wyndham-rewards-430/)


Accor as of 8/28 does not count as a transfer hit.

If you don't want to buy points, it looks like for a lot of programs it's quite easy to earn points with cheap rental cars, see lowfareair's post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16965220-post12.html) for more info.

Sigh, put this all together then saw http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16360684-post146.html

Thanks for your info!!^

can someone educcate me on the point of the hotel transfers?
they seem a hopelessly inefficient and expensive way to get a hit

you can also get points for best western by sending tagged photos thru topguest

For hotel transfers, can I transfer hotel points from my account with the loyalty programs to the DM account of my wife or daughter? I forget if I did this last year or not. Basically, must the names match on the accounts on both sides of the transaction?

I'd like to know this as well. Especially for Best Western.

Don't have any Hyatt Points, but if you really need a hit later on, you can transfer 5000 Chase Ultimate Rewards --> 5000 Hyatt ---> 2000 DM. If it's a next-tier hit in the 30s, 5000 Chase UR for 22,000DM seems like a pretty good deal.

You can also transfer to Marriott, but that requires 2x as many points, so not as good a deal.

can someone educcate me on the point of the hotel transfers?
they seem a hopelessly inefficient and expensive way to get a hit
You're not required to do any hotel transfers. If they don't make sense for your personal situation, don't do any.

choice online shopping currently offers 1500points for frst time buyers at safeway online

choice online shopping currently offers 1500points for frst time buyers at safeway online

This is excellent, thanks -- limited to select states though, but good deal. Even with Choice points lined up already, the Safeway thing's more than worth it on its own, yielding all those Choice points for almost nothing. Sometimes it's easy to get so GS-focused I need to remind myself there're non-GS deals too, like accumulating hotel points for hotels themselves! (If only I still lived in one of Safeway's delivery states.)

noprobs-i thought it looked good too-any idea when the offer expires?i couldnt see that bit

hi so i have a US residence address whats the cheapest thing i can buy to get those 1500 choice points? Also is there a maximum i can earn?

hi so i have a US residence address whats the cheapest thing i can buy to get those 1500 choice points? Also is there a maximum i can earn?
What's the cheapest thing you found so far at Safeway?

I Don't even know what a safe way is. I'm guessing something to put your valuables in :confused:

I Don't even know what a safe way is. I'm guessing something to put your valuables in :confused:
You can find more info at: https://www.choiceprivilegesmall.com/searchResults.jsp?searchTerm=safeway

What's the cheapest thing you found so far at Safeway?

Minimum delivery order is $49.

hi so i have a US residence address whats the cheapest thing i can buy to get those 1500 choice points? Also is there a maximum i can earn?

Safeway is a grocery store.

1500 Choice points is a one time offer for "new customers" only for delivery of groceries in some, not all states.

Check at www.safeway.com/IFL/Grocery/Store-Locator for locations.

If the current resident of your "US address" already has a safeway.com account - your order will most likely not qualify as a "new customer".

If you use a credit card with billing address outside of US = no points.

Don't have any Hyatt Points, but if you really need a hit later on, you can transfer 5000 Chase Ultimate Rewards --> 5000 Hyatt ---> 2000 DM. If it's a next-tier hit in the 30s, 5000 Chase UR for 22,000DM seems like a pretty good deal.

I have a Chase credit card with Ultimate Rewards but I didn't know that I could select Hyatt points. I searched Hyatt while logged in and only the gift certificate showed up....

I have a Chase credit card with Ultimate Rewards but I didn't know that I could select Hyatt points. I searched Hyatt while logged in and only the gift certificate showed up....

Only premium cards (with fee) have the ability to transfer points to programs. I was converted into a free card and don't have any of the points transfer options. The Hyatt transfer may inspire a call to Chase to upgrade for me though...

Only premium cards (with fee) have the ability to transfer points to programs. I was converted into a free card and don't have any of the points transfer options. The Hyatt transfer may inspire a call to Chase to upgrade for me though...

The current offer of Sapphire Preferred card has the first year annual fee waived, in addition to the 50k signup bonus. Though not sure if you can get that by upgrading from Sapphire card.

Please use caution with my approach and carefully ready my post!
On the PriorityClub Shopping site (https://www.priorityclubshopping.com/me____.htm?keywords=stamps.com&mnpos=1560|8036|1|1|search_box&mids=1582), Stamps.com has an offer for 3,500 PCR points for new accounts. The company is very deceptive about its monthly fee and canceling is by phone only and it is a horrible process. I signed up months ago thinking it was free except for postage purchases. I was charged for several months without my knowledge. Never-the-less, I saw this promo and thought I could get something back for the GS so we signed my wife up and we were received 3,500 PCR points and we were able to cancel before the first monthly payment.

Hyatt has a 20% off promo.. per Lucky

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemileatatime/2011/09/03/20-bonus-on-purchasing-hyatt-gold-passport-points-through-september-30-2011/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+boardingarea%2Fonemileatatime +%28One+Mile+at+a+Time%29


What is the minimum cost Hyatt Points I would have to buy for the transfer for a US hit?

What is the minimum cost Hyatt Points I would have to buy for the transfer for a US hit?

Can you read the 1st post on this thread ? or is it invisible for you ?:td:

Hyatt has a 20% off promo.. per Lucky

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemileatatime/2011/09/03/20-bonus-on-purchasing-hyatt-gold-passport-points-through-september-30-2011/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+boardingarea%2Fonemileatatime +%28One+Mile+at+a+Time%29


What is the minimum cost Hyatt Points I would have to buy for the transfer for a US hit?

If you have no Hyatt points, you need to buy 5,000. Just doesn't seem worth it, even with 20 percent off. Turns out to be $100 for 2,000 miles plus a hit. I think it's best used to top off if you're close to 5k. More fundamentally, even if you do it to get a hit worth 5k US miles, for a total of 7k miles, I value 5k Hyatt as worth more. Can't see doing this transfer unless it was the only way to get to a new tier.

Can you read the 1st post on this thread ? or is it invisible for you ?:td:

Im sorry ffI (5000 hyatt x 2cpp), but I have to agree with max here. I urge all regulars to have standard replies like this to questions that are clearly posted in post#1, or the rules.

Wyndham: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 8,000 points to 3,200 miles. No way to buy points directly that I can see. Wyndham forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wyndham-rewards-430/)


There might be another good way to earn Wyndham points and get the hit.

Register for the free night promotion (http://www.wyndhamrewards.com/freenight). You need to have a EU address. Then make tw reservations for the Super 8 Phoenix Metro North and get the owner to credit you the stay to Wyndham. That's 15,050 points for $50.98.

http://www.wyndhamrewards.com/freenight

Then make tw reservations for the Super 8 Phoenix Metro North and get the owner to credit you the stay to Wyndham. That's 15,050 points for $50.98.

This guy must be able to fill his hotel every night with no-shows. When you convert the points to miles you end up with .85 cent per mile. That is less than most airline credit cards. And if you can wait for a transfer promotion like the one US had earlier this summer, then you can really push the cent/mile ratio down. :cool:

BTW. The promotion is over for new people. You should have made your reservations before august 31st.

This guy must be able to fill his hotel every night with no-shows. When you convert the points to miles you end up with .85 cent per mile. That is less than most airline credit cards. And if you can wait for a transfer promotion like the one US had earlier this summer, then you can really push the cent/mile ratio down. :cool:

BTW. The promotion is over for new people. You should have made your reservations before august 31st.

Oh right - I went through registration (and it still worked for me) and just focused on the deadline Sept 30th for stays. But the time for bookings is over indeed.

Thru 9/30 there is a 50 percent bonus on purchasing amtrak points if you buy at least 5k. There is a 10k per year cap. But if you have the ability to transfer amtrak points (either status on amtrak or you have the amtrak chase card) this brings the cost of choice points way down. The caveat is that there is no way to just buy 5k choice, but if you have use for choice points, you can buy them very cheap this way and use some for a hit.

$275 gets you 15,000 amtrak, which transfers to 45,000 choice points, so .61 cents per choice point, making this a $30 hit (and you get the 1,000 US miles on top of the hit).

My husband and I had an idea, which has worked perfectly, and would help those who have lots of hotel stays but not enough hotel transfer points. Marriott has a Refer-A-Friend program where a member can refer up to 5 people annually. Each time the new (referred) member stays, both the new member and the referrer get 2,000 points. I had a MR account with zero points. I referred my husband, who had 5 one-night stays. I now have 10,000 MR points (enough for a transfer for a "hit,") and he now has 11,xxx (enough for a "hit" with some left over.) Referred person's 5 stays have to be paid ones, and you must keep your earnings preference set to points until the 5 stays have posted, but you might be able to get those 5 stays in by directing other stays to Marriott until Grand Slam starts or shortly after, and thus have enough, with minimal effort, for a GS hit.
If you would like one of my 4 remaining referrals (I guess my husband has 5 available, too), please PM me, with your name and email address.

Deleted - wrong info :(

Thru 9/30 there is a 50 percent bonus on purchasing amtrak points if you buy at least 5k. There is a 10k per year cap. But if you have the ability to transfer amtrak points (either status on amtrak or you have the amtrak chase card) this brings the cost of choice points way down. The caveat is that there is no way to just buy 5k choice, but if you have use for choice points, you can buy them very cheap this way and use some for a hit.

$275 gets you 15,000 amtrak, which transfers to 45,000 choice points, so .61 cents per choice point, making this a $30 hit (and you get the 1,000 US miles on top of the hit).

sure, you can simply purchase 5k choice for 55 $ (if you open an account with a us address).

what was the calculation if you purchase the amtrak points and want to do the smalles hit?

sure, you can simply purchase 5k choice for 55 $ (if you open an account with a us address).

what was the calculation if you purchase the amtrak points and want to do the smalles hit?

You can't because the smallest transfer is 5k for 15k. If you have no use for choice then buying them for $55 is most efficient. I dont much care for hits that cost more than $50.

I just discovered that Ultimate Rewards has several good options to get the points for the transfers:

- buy a $100 Marriott gift card, which gets you 10k points (not sure if Chase or Marriott points though) and you can use the $100 against any future stay (much better than buying points IMHO)

- buy a $100 Hyatt gift card (same deals as above)

- UR also allows direct transfers to PC but teh ratio is 1:1 and I guess buying teh points directly is the better deal here

I'm sure I am misunderstanding, but how are you getting 10k points for buying a$100 gc?

You can't because the smallest transfer is 5k for 15k. If you have no use for choice then buying them for $55 is most efficient. I dont much care for hits that cost more than $50.

You can buy 7500 Amtrak points for $137.50. Transfer 5000 to Choice = 15,000 choice points. Transfer those to US = 3000 US miles plus a hit.

So you spend $138 and end up with:

2500 Amtrak points (A one-way in the Northeast is 3000)
3000 US miles

If you just bought 5000 choice points for $55 you'd end up with 1,000 US miles.

So the question is, is the extra $83 worth 2500 Amtrak points plus 2000 US miles?

Of course this presumes you have status on Amtrak or the Amtrak Chase card and have spent $200 on rail fare. I just got the 32,000 sign up bonus, and have 5 Amtrak trips to take this fall (some are on blackout dates), so I will just use my existing Amtrak points for the hit.

Keep in mind 5000 Amtrak points can also be transferred to 5000 Continental miles.

Conclusion: This is worth it at the high redemption level (5000/hit) if you already have status and points with Amtrak. For the average GS participant it's not a worthwhile hit.

I would never trade all 15k to US. The exchange rate of 5:1 is too poor to convert any more than I must to get a hit. The value of the ability to buy amtrak points with the 50 percent premium is if you use choice points, which I do.

If I did this (and I probably will) I would spend $275 for 15k amtrak, and transfer all 15k to choice, for a total of 45k choice for $275, or just over .6 cents per choice point. I would use 5k for a hit. So for $30 I get 1,000 US plus a hit. I would keep the rest of the 40k points in choice, because I can pretty easily get at least 1 cent per point value out of choice -- the way I look at it, this is a chance to buy 45k choice for .6 cents per point. 5k can be used for grand slam and maybe even 5k can be saved if they do a gs next year. The rest, I use for choice redemptions.

Edit: one other minor point -- I think you get 2x points if you use the amtrak credit card to buy the points, so that's a bonus 275 amtrak points, which I value pretty highly.

You can buy 7500 Amtrak points for $137.50. Transfer 5000 to Choice = 15,000 choice points. Transfer those to US = 3000 US miles plus a hit.

So you spend $138 and end up with:

2500 Amtrak points (A one-way in the Northeast is 3000)
3000 US miles

If you just bought 5000 choice points for $55 you'd end up with 1,000 US miles.

So the question is, is the extra $83 worth 2500 Amtrak points plus 2000 US miles?

Of course this presumes you have status on Amtrak or the Amtrak Chase card and have spent $200 on rail fare. I just got the 32,000 sign up bonus, and have 5 Amtrak trips to take this fall (some are on blackout dates), so I will just use my existing Amtrak points for the hit.

Keep in mind 5000 Amtrak points can also be transferred to 5000 Continental miles.

Conclusion: This is worth it at the high redemption level (5000/hit) if you already have status and points with Amtrak. For the average GS participant it's not a worthwhile hit.

Does anyone know if any of the hotel programs can transfer to a different person's US Airways account? For example, same address but different name? What if last name is same, say spouse?

Thanks

sorry-dont quite follow this
do you have to have amtrak status to be able to buy/transfer miles?

sorry-dont quite follow this
do you have to have amtrak status to be able to buy/transfer miles?

Status can transfer 50k per year. Holders of amtrak chase card can transfer 25k per year if they have $200 in amtrak travel spend on the card.

Choice Privileges shopping mall also allows Staples gift cards to be bought, and counts as 4 points per 1 dollar spent. According to their rules on the staples merchant description:

"As of May 19, 2010 purchases of gift certificates and gift cards ARE eligible to earn Choice Privileges Rewarwds points. Gift cards cannot be used to make online purchases, and if a Rewards card is used for any portion of your payment, that portion of the payment is not eligible to earn Choice Privileges Rewards."

https://www.choiceprivilegesmall.com/detail.jsp?plc=4761&

Choice Privileges shopping mall also allows Staples gift cards to be bought, and counts as 4 points per 1 dollar spent. According to their rules on the staples merchant description:

"As of May 19, 2010 purchases of gift certificates and gift cards ARE eligible to earn Choice Privileges Rewarwds points. Gift cards cannot be used to make online purchases, and if a Rewards card is used for any portion of your payment, that portion of the payment is not eligible to earn Choice Privileges Rewards."

https://www.choiceprivilegesmall.com/detail.jsp?plc=4761&

Excellent catch and much appreciated. Wish I could give you a thumbs up.

What do they mean by Rewards card where they say, "if a Rewards card is used for any portion of your payment, that portion of the payment is not eligible to earn Choice Privileges Rewards?" Do they mean a Choice Rewards credit card or, heavens forbid, any credit card that earns rewards? I know that sounds nuts, but I've seen everything with these promos.

Mike

Status can transfer 50k per year. Holders of amtrak chase card can transfer 25k per year if they have $200 in amtrak travel spend on the card.Correct; see https://amtrakguestrewards.com/catalogitems/category-description?type=redeem&cat=airlineMiles

Oh right - I went through registration (and it still worked for me) and just focused on the deadline Sept 30th for stays. But the time for bookings is over indeed.

Folks I spoke to two agents at Wyndham Rewards that this promotion is still going on! They both confirmed that their documents say booking period (as is the stay period) goes until September 30th :) I have a voice recording of it.

Folks I spoke to two agents at Wyndham Rewards that this promotion is still going on! They both confirmed that their documents say booking period (as is the stay period) goes until September 30th :) I have a voice recording of it.


First of all, booking period ended on the last day of August.

Second, did you inform them that you will record the phone call? No? ---> You did an illegal phone call @:-)

First of all, booking period ended on the last day of August.

Second, did you inform them that you will record the phone call? No? ---> You did an illegal phone call @:-)

Hehe of course I announced my recording :)

Both booking and stay period end Sept 30th. They both verified that the website is wrong and it should say Sept 30th. They read out their official document aloud to me.

That's an odd one I admit but I'll give it a try.

Hehe of course I announced my recording :)

Both booking and stay period end Sept 30th. They both verified that the website is wrong and it should say Sept 30th. They read out their official document aloud to me.

That's an odd one I admit but I'll give it a try.

Interesting as the web links in english and german shows the promo as expired.

Excellent catch and much appreciated. Wish I could give you a thumbs up.

What do they mean by Rewards card where they say, "if a Rewards card is used for any portion of your payment, that portion of the payment is not eligible to earn Choice Privileges Rewards?" Do they mean a Choice Rewards credit card or, heavens forbid, any credit card that earns rewards? I know that sounds nuts, but I've seen everything with these promos.

Mike

Hm, since it says "Rewards card", it's probably a choice rewards card that you can't use, otherwise it could end up counting as double dipping. So they probably prohibit that. The only way to order things is via credit cards so I think any other credit card should be safe.

First of all, booking period ended on the last day of August.

Second, did you inform them that you will record the phone call? No? ---> You did an illegal phone call @:-)

In some places, as long as one of the folks being recorded is aware, then it is perfectly legal. So since the person DOING the recording knew it was recording, no problems. YMMV

No, Staples has their own rewards card that earns rebates (ie, $2 for each recycled ink cartridge) that you can use to offset your bill. So if you spend $20, but use $5 of Staples Rewards to pay for it, you only get miles/hotel points for the $15 you paid.

Kicking around this idea (and didn't notice it in the thread) - please let me know if there's any problems with the logic.

Sign up for the Hyatt fall promo (i.e., 3 stays --> 5000 bonus points). Each stay earns 500 Dividend miles and the 3 should earn 5000 points which is enough for a transfer. Supposedly, the bonus points accrue even if the Hyatt member's earning preference is set to miles. So 3 stays -> 3 hits and the transfer -> 1 hit.

Hyatt stays may be a little more expensive (I found local for about 58$), but seems like it may be worth it to get more base miles and the transfer.

Any problems with this? Is it likely that the bonus points won't post until after GS is over?

9000 Carlson points from Avis for 3 day rental, valid at locations worldwide. Details, coupon code, and booking form at Avis website:
Carlson Avis promotion (http://www.avis.com/car-rental/html/partner/carlson/cc_9000.html?MID=avis.com_cc9000&ep_mid=8821817&ep_rid=1704116663)

9000 Carlson points from Avis for 3 day rental, valid at locations worldwide. Details, coupon code, and booking form at Avis website:
Carlson Avis promotion (http://www.avis.com/car-rental/html/partner/carlson/cc_9000.html?MID=avis.com_cc9000&ep_mid=8821817&ep_rid=1704116663)

Yes, 9000 points but if you chose points you won't get a rental hit because no US miles @:-)

Kicking around this idea (and didn't notice it in the thread) - please let me know if there's any problems with the logic.

Sign up for the Hyatt fall promo (i.e., 3 stays --> 5000 bonus points). Each stay earns 500 Dividend miles and the 3 should earn 5000 points which is enough for a transfer. Supposedly, the bonus points accrue even if the Hyatt member's earning preference is set to miles. So 3 stays -> 3 hits and the transfer -> 1 hit.

Hyatt stays may be a little more expensive (I found local for about 58$), but seems like it may be worth it to get more base miles and the transfer.

Any problems with this? Is it likely that the bonus points won't post until after GS is over?
IME, when Hyatt has a promo like this, the bonus points post shortly after, or with, the final qualifying stay: You will see stay 1 post, then stay 2, then stay 3 and the 5,000. So, depending upon your stay pattern, it might be a great strategy. And, yes, one of the beauties of Hyatt's GP program (unlike some others) is that choosing miles over points does not negate stay credits, progress towards status or bonus points offers.
Of course, it goes without saying that YMMV.

Am I the only one struggling with the idea of doing hotel transfers to generate hits? These can be expensive hits.

Using the rates from the OP. My value are 1.75 cpm for US Airways, based on my usual use for them to redeem R/T's to Canada on routes that would be expensive from my origin. My values for each hotel currency are based upon my normal use for each - either a recent redemption or a reservation I'm currently holding, always benchmarked against what I'd realistically spend for a hotel in that situation if I didn't have hotel points. In general, I'm conservative on these...erring downward slightly to account for the time-value of money.

HH. My value: 1 cpp. 10,000 HH for 850 US -> My cost for the hit: $85.
Hyatt: My value: 2 cpp. 5,000 HY for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $65
Marriott: My value: 1.6 cpp. 10,000 MR for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $125(!)
SPG: My value: 4 cpp. 850 SPG for 850 US -> My cost for the hit: $19
Priority Club: My value: 0.75 cpp. 10,000 PC for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $37

I'll probably pull the trigger on SPG and Priority Club immediately. Beyond that, I'm going to wait and see a bit. I always knew that burning hotel points for air miles was a bad proposition (until you hit Marriott Travel Package levels) but I don't think I was aware of quite how bad it really was.

My valuations are independent of *how* I get the points: they're based on how I use them. (Yes, I realize that the hotel chains will all sell me a small amount of points for less than I can actually redeem them for. Smart business on their part from a cashflow perspective, but it doesn't really change my math.)

Am I the only one struggling with the idea of doing hotel transfers to generate hits?

Nope -- see post 19, where I sort of said the same thing, although I think you do a good job of quantifying it.

I view hotel some of the hotel transfers as my last choice hits. There are different ways to value each "hit." I start to look at hotel transfers at the very end. If you're stuck on 31 hits, and you need one more hit to get to the next 20k mile tier, you sort of need to do what you need to do to get there. If I'm in that position and a hotel transfer that I value at $80 is the cheapest one left on the board, I guess I'll go ahead and do it. But I pick all the low hanging and medium hanging fruit before I consider hotel transfers.

I kind of agree with your way of looking at it. Some people will say, "hey, Avis is having a promo where you get 9,000 club carlson easily, so that's an easy hit." To me, that's the wrong way to look at it. Once you get the 9k carlson, however you got them, you still have to ask whether they are worth transferring for a USAirways hit. Their value doesn't change just because you get them pursuant to a really cool promo. If you value club carlson at 1 cpp, it's an $80 hit to transfer 8,000.

Please stop making so much sense and particularly stop making it persuasively, pinniped and lkar. Now I have to reexamine my approach. I was planning on hotel transfers right away because they don't require cash outlay, but you're right, they require considerable value outlay. Lasik, you are missed.

Yes, 9000 points but if you chose points you won't get a rental hit because no US miles @:-)Indeed, but potentially useful if you've already got your six rental hits, or could use a spare 1000 Carlson points.
I agree that hotel point transfers are very expensive. I try to focus my business on Hilton and will not transfer those points to USAir. However, I've got just a bit over 10,000 PC points which I have accumulated without any hotel stays (contests and E-Rewards and so forth). The balance is good for one night in a Holiday Inn Express but it would be a while before I got enough points for a higher end hotel. So that's an easier point balance for me to part with.

Cool. Glad I'm not going insane. I'm fairly certain that I'll reach at least the middle tiers where a $19 and a $37 hit are worth it, so I'll initiate those next week.

I'm guessing those will be my only two transfers unless I get all the way to the top end and have milked all of the 1-point partners pretty dry. If a $65 hit has to be, say, my 32nd hit...so be it...

La Quinta

Is a partner for hotel stay hits
but
is NOT a partner for hotel point transfer hits

Earn 1 hit when you convert hotel points from a hotel partner into Dividend Miles (max 1 hit per hotel partner). There are 9 hotel partners: Best Western Rewards, Choice Privileges, Hilton HHonors, Hyatt Gold Passport, InterContinental Hotel Group (Priority Club), Marriott Rewards, Radisson (Club Carlson), Starwood Hotels (SPG) and Wyndham Rewards. Source (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html)

Am I the only one struggling with the idea of doing hotel transfers to generate hits? These can be expensive hits.

Using the rates from the OP. My value are 1.75 cpm for US Airways, based on my usual use for them to redeem R/T's to Canada on routes that would be expensive from my origin. My values for each hotel currency are based upon my normal use for each - either a recent redemption or a reservation I'm currently holding, always benchmarked against what I'd realistically spend for a hotel in that situation if I didn't have hotel points. In general, I'm conservative on these...erring downward slightly to account for the time-value of money.

HH. My value: 1 cpp. 10,000 HH for 850 US -> My cost for the hit: $85.
Hyatt: My value: 2 cpp. 5,000 HY for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $65
Marriott: My value: 1.6 cpp. 10,000 MR for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $125(!)
SPG: My value: 4 cpp. 850 SPG for 850 US -> My cost for the hit: $19
Priority Club: My value: 0.75 cpp. 10,000 PC for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $37

I'll probably pull the trigger on SPG and Priority Club immediately. Beyond that, I'm going to wait and see a bit. I always knew that burning hotel points for air miles was a bad proposition (until you hit Marriott Travel Package levels) but I don't think I was aware of quite how bad it really was.

My valuations are independent of *how* I get the points: they're based on how I use them. (Yes, I realize that the hotel chains will all sell me a small amount of points for less than I can actually redeem them for. Smart business on their part from a cashflow perspective, but it doesn't really change my math.)

You can buy 1K choice preferred miles for $11. It takes 5K to transfer, so that hit would be $55; cheapest one after SPG and PC =/

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/GPBuyPoints?sid=xfb36i.KXwyOgVKri.1

La Quinta

Is a partner for hotel stay hits
but
is NOT a partner for hotel point transfer hits

Source (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html)

La Quinta is a partner for both hotel stay hits and hotel point transfer hits. Source (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html)

OK, this is good to keep in mind - it looks like La Quinta and Choice can both be had in the $55-60 range or, allowing value to the miles generated from the transfer itself, $40-45. I'm willing to accept the cost-of-acquisition as the value since I don't generally have a need for these motels to begin with. (When we go rural, we go all the way rural and tent camp. :))

La Quinta

Is a partner for hotel stay hits
but
is NOT a partner for hotel point transfer hits

Source (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html)

Didn't we go over this before?

OK, this is good to keep in mind - it looks like La Quinta and Choice can both be had in the $55-60 range or, allowing value to the miles generated from the transfer itself, $40-45. I'm willing to accept the cost-of-acquisition as the value since I don't generally have a need for these motels to begin with. (When we go rural, we go all the way rural and tent camp. :))

What we can do: Transfer 130 e-Rewards currency into the hotel programs and then transfer from there to US Airways @:-) This should also be possible for non-US residents @:-)

Cool. Glad I'm not going insane. I'm fairly certain that I'll reach at least the middle tiers where a $19 and a $37 hit are worth it, so I'll initiate those next week.

I'm guessing those will be my only two transfers unless I get all the way to the top end and have milked all of the 1-point partners pretty dry. If a $65 hit has to be, say, my 32nd hit...so be it...

The cost of PC is actually lower since it is easy to buy 10000 PC for 60 USD, instead of 75.

I plan to do transfer for WR, PC, SPG and CP only. maybe best western if i can find a way to buy points.

The cost of PC is actually lower since it is easy to buy 10000 PC for 60 USD, instead of 75.

I plan to do transfer for WR, PC, SPG and CP only. maybe best western if i can find a way to buy points.
become an elite then you can buy
you can status match

La Quinta is a partner for both hotel stay hits and hotel point transfer hits. Source (http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html)

Agreed and the US Airways mag for September has Quinta listed for hotel transfers as well.

You can buy 1K choice preferred miles for $11. It takes 5K to transfer, so that hit would be $55; cheapest one after SPG and PC =/

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/GPBuyPoints?sid=xfb36i.KXwyOgVKri.1

Wrong, BW is 50$.

Wrong, BW is 50$.

Bear in mind that you can only purchase BW if you have a US account and a US phone number where they can call you @:-)

Bear in mind that you can only purchase BW if you have a US account and a US phone number where they can call you @:-)

Correct. But US BW accts can transfer to non US BW accts.

Bear in mind that you can only purchase BW if you have a US account and a US phone number where they can call you @:-)

why do they call you?

can credit card be overseas one

The cost of PC is actually lower since it is easy to buy 10000 PC for 60 USD, instead of 75.

True, but I'm actually willing to stay in Intercontinental Hotels, and I usually get 0.75cpp out of PC points. (Sometimes even up to a penny, as I've found Manhattan award availability even on weekends when everything in the city is $350+tax or higher.) So for me, it's $75 minus whatever my perceived value of the transferred US Airways miles is.

Still, PC is a relatively cheap hit in the grand scheme of things.

Sorry - posted to wrong thread.

I just noticed yesterday that Avis has a promotion where you can earn 9,000 Club Carlson points for a 3-day rental or 5,000 Club Carlson poitns for a 2-day rental. Although not the source of this information for me, I see there is a thread about this that was started yesterday as well in the Club Carlson forum: Avis 9k Pts w/3-day rental (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/club-carlson-formerly-radisson-goldpoints-plus/1256464-avis-9k-pts-w-3-day-rental-till-end-year.html).

You need 8,000 Club Carlson points to transfer 1,000 US miles in.

You might be able to find some pretty cheap weekend rates that would make it worth it to do this strictly as a hit, though it will probably be a bit pricey. Of course, if you need to rent a car anyway one advantage to this is you can earn the Club Carlson points in the next week before the Grand Slam promotion actually starts, then do the transfer once the points post during the promotion period (hopefully they'll post in time, I'm not familiar with Avis to Club Carlson posting times I must confess).

For Avis, you can also get 4% cash back on rentals on top of everything else through Ebates.com (http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=hoaMSu22JbU%3D).

Edited to add: Oh yeah, they have the same deal for Budget as well, see here (http://www.clubcarlson.com/offers/3558672).

why do they call you?

can credit card be overseas one

On the US BW website it says one must send them an email if one wants to purchase points. I did so. The answer was that I shall submit them my US phone number so that they can call me back in order to do the transfer :confused: I then asked them to provide me with their direct number so that I can call them. Answer: Niet, they want to call me! :confused::rolleyes: :td:

On the US BW website it says one must send them an email if one wants to purchase points. I did so. The answer was that I shall submit them my US phone number so that they can call me back in order to do the transfer :confused: I then asked them to provide me with their direct number so that I can call them. Answer: Niet, they want to call me! :confused::rolleyes: :td:

Can you sign up for a Google Voice number? http://www.google.com/voice

On the US BW website it says one must send them an email if one wants to purchase points. I did so. The answer was that I shall submit them my US phone number so that they can call me back in order to do the transfer :confused: I then asked them to provide me with their direct number so that I can call them. Answer: Niet, they want to call me! :confused::rolleyes: :td:

why didnt u justsay you were travelling overseas

@rob_flies_ua

Thanks for the VoIP number. Didn't know that service. Will have a look at it


@bryanwallace;17077044

I did write them that I am traveling overseas but they insisted that they are calling me :eek:

Can you sign up for a Google Voice number? http://www.google.com/voice

You need to have a US phone number [and address] in order to sign up.

does that mean overseas credit card bad?

Am I the only one struggling with the idea of doing hotel transfers to generate hits? These can be expensive hits.

Using the rates from the OP. My value are 1.75 cpm for US Airways, based on my usual use for them to redeem R/T's to Canada on routes that would be expensive from my origin. My values for each hotel currency are based upon my normal use for each - either a recent redemption or a reservation I'm currently holding, always benchmarked against what I'd realistically spend for a hotel in that situation if I didn't have hotel points. In general, I'm conservative on these...erring downward slightly to account for the time-value of money.

HH. My value: 1 cpp. 10,000 HH for 850 US -> My cost for the hit: $85.
Hyatt: My value: 2 cpp. 5,000 HY for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $65
Marriott: My value: 1.6 cpp. 10,000 MR for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $125(!)
SPG: My value: 4 cpp. 850 SPG for 850 US -> My cost for the hit: $19
Priority Club: My value: 0.75 cpp. 10,000 PC for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $37

I'll probably pull the trigger on SPG and Priority Club immediately. Beyond that, I'm going to wait and see a bit. I always knew that burning hotel points for air miles was a bad proposition (until you hit Marriott Travel Package levels) but I don't think I was aware of quite how bad it really was.

My valuations are independent of *how* I get the points: they're based on how I use them. (Yes, I realize that the hotel chains will all sell me a small amount of points for less than I can actually redeem them for. Smart business on their part from a cashflow perspective, but it doesn't really change my math.)

They are definitely expensive hits. They make good "last-minute" hits if you need one to push you over the top. The one consolation is that I have so many of some of these that I will never use them all and am willing to pay the price. Maybe.



Edited to add: Oh yeah, they have the same deal for Budget as well, see here (http://www.clubcarlson.com/offers/3558672).

Thanks! I didn't know about that one. The car I want is way more expensive at Avis than at Alamo, but only $13 more at Budget. It's December, so it won't help me this year, but is it ever too soon to start planning for GS12?

Mike

I had some buyers remorse for cashng in 5K hyatt points twice last year. (One for me and one for a friend)
Hilton,SPG,Best Western and Wyndham are good redemptions imo.
Carlson was also a great value last year before the min mileage of 850.

Too late for this year but ...
5K HA -> 10K HH -> 850 US

It's fairly easy to accrue HA miles with the toolbar (1000 per 3000 searches per month). Yes, that is a lot of searching and screwing around with that lame ... toolbar.

10K HH is worth a lot more than 850 US to me but I may do the transfer if I need to push it over the top.

Too late for this year but ...
5K HA -> 10K HH -> 850 US

It's fairly easy to accrue HA miles with the toolbar (1000 per 3000 searches per month). Yes, that is a lot of searching and screwing around with that lame ... toolbar.

10K HH is worth a lot more than 850 US to me but I may do the transfer if I need to push it over the top.

I love this idea, but if only it weren't 15,000 (!) searches. For a single hit. Over five months. Daunting.

I love this idea, but if only it weren't 15,000 (!) searches. For a single hit. Over five months. Daunting.

There's always bots. I don't recommend using one, but surely some people will exploit all the angles.

HA also participates in the Amazon shopping for miles thing or so I've read. I suppose one could purchase a HUGE gift card, collect the miles and then sell the GC on ebay or plasticjungle. Seems super risky but possible.

I have a printout of the rules dated 9/7/2011 and there is no La Quinta transfer option. Now there is one. This thing is a moving target, the rules change like the wind direction. It's nice that now there are 10 hotel transfer options however, it could save some money instead of buying some expensive contract from Energy Plus or something. Some people can stay a night or two at a super cheap La Quinta (some are in the low 40 dollar range) and transfer some e-rewards and voila they have a hit. I think it's time to look into the Expedia BRGs and see if I can find some free La Quinta nights.

I think it's time to look into the Expedia BRGs and see if I can find some free La Quinta nights.

Hasn't it been settled that Expedia BRGs don't get LQ points? There was conflicting info upthread at first, but isn't it no for third-party bookings?

Has anyone figured out the quickest way to accrue/obtain the necessary Wyndham points for a transfer?

I have a printout of the rules dated 9/7/2011 and there is no La Quinta transfer option. Now there is one. This thing is a moving target, the rules change like the wind direction. It's nice that now there are 10 hotel transfer options however, it could save some money instead of buying some expensive contract from Energy Plus or something. Some people can stay a night or two at a super cheap La Quinta (some are in the low 40 dollar range) and transfer some e-rewards and voila they have a hit. I think it's time to look into the Expedia BRGs and see if I can find some free La Quinta nights.

La Quinta was always listed in the Terms & Conditions. As usual with any US promo, a discrepancy existed between that and what was listed on the rules. They fixed that one, fortunately.

Has anyone figured out the quickest way to accrue/obtain the necessary Wyndham points for a transfer?

Wyndham rewards recently had a 3x points promo. I'm not sure if it is over. I think it ended on 9/6/11. That got me to the 8000 points I needed to transfer. There was also a 1000 point per stay bonus. Topguest is also a partner of Wyndham so if you haven't been banned by them like I have you can get 50 points a day for little effort and no cost. Finally they have a credit card offer that gives up to 3 free nights. I think that translates into at least 12,000 points which is more than enough to transfer to DM. If you apply for the credit card now you probably will have the points by the 14th of November. I checked out the credit card offers and there is one with no annual fee which gives 12,000 points and one with an annual fee of $39 which gives 18,000 points. If you get the $39 card you'll have enough points for GS 2011 and GS 2012.

There was also a 1000 point per stay bonus. Topguest is also a partner of Wyndham so if you haven't been banned by them like I have you can get 50 points a day for little effort and no cost.

I signed up to topguest, entered my wyndham member # (no points in it) and cant see where I can earn 50 points/credits per day, unless I have an actuall stay to check in to. Am I missing something?

I signed up to topguest, entered my wyndham member # (no points in it) and cant see where I can earn 50 points/credits per day, unless I have an actuall stay to check in to. Am I missing something?

You need to connect your topguest account with a site like foursquare.com which allows you to 'check in' at certain locations. I put check in in quotes because this doesn't mean check in to a hotel as is most common but it is actually a virtual check in. You can use foursquare to check into any place on earth and not actually be there. This is how I got banned, I was checking into places that I have not been to in months or years or ever and for 7 programs every day. I think there are threads here on FT that go into more details on how it works. It's best to check into places that are close to where you actually are to avoid getting banned. They can tell from your ip address where you physically are and if it is way far from the place you are checking into they will eventually ban you.

You need to connect your topguest account with a site like foursquare.com which allows you to 'check in' at certain locations. I put check in in quotes because this doesn't mean check in to a hotel as is most common but it is actually a virtual check in. You can use foursquare to check into any place on earth and not actually be there. This is how I got banned, I was checking into places that I have not been to in months or years or ever and for 7 programs every day. I think there are threads here on FT that go into more details on how it works. It's best to check into places that are close to where you actually are to avoid getting banned. They can tell from your ip address where you physically are and if it is way far from the place you are checking into they will eventually ban you.

Do they actually get the location data from foursquare, or do they base it off frequency? In other words, if I space my 5 check ins throughout the day, will I avoid scrutiny? Or can they actually see that I'm not close (usually < 10 miles, but not within 1 mile) of the location.

Just learning about topquest.com from your post. I'd like to get the 500 points for signing up for Best Western rewards but I can't find the Facebook link. I'd also like to sign up for Hilton and get those 50 points. Can you send the links?

sorry I didn't see this earlier
I can no longer view the link on topguest since I enrolled in best western via my link, you should see it in you list
but here is a link to the terms
http://www.topguest.com/terms/bestwestern

1,000 point Hilton point dining bonus for new members who spend $30 in their first 30 days and complete the after meal survey. Not bad if you were going to dine at one of the establishments anyway.
http://www.hhonorsdining.com/bonus.htm

1,000 point Hilton point dining bonus for new members who spend $30 in their first 30 days and complete the after meal survey. Not bad if you were going to dine at one of the establishments anyway.
http://www.hhonorsdining.com/bonus.htm

If I register 1 credit card with all of these Dining programs, will I get points/miles for each program when I use that card at a restaurant? Anyone try that?

If I register 1 credit card with all of these Dining programs, will I get points/miles for each program when I use that card at a restaurant? Anyone try that?

If that worked, we would all be on it.

Unfortunately the Dining rewards processor automatically unregisters the card from the existing program when the card is registered with a new program. You are free to change the program the card is registered to as often as you please but you can only earn miles in one program per dining visit.

If I register 1 credit card with all of these Dining programs, will I get points/miles for each program when I use that card at a restaurant? Anyone try that?

I wish! The way I am going to do it, dine in and pay the check with card registered for one program, but before I leave I order something to go and ask them to put it on a different check and pay for it with the card for the second program.

Too late for this year but ...
5K HA -> 10K HH -> 850 US

It's fairly easy to accrue HA miles with the toolbar (1000 per 3000 searches per month). Yes, that is a lot of searching and screwing around with that lame ... toolbar.

10K HH is worth a lot more than 850 US to me but I may do the transfer if I need to push it over the top.

I love this idea, but if only it weren't 15,000 (!) searches. For a single hit. Over five months. Daunting.

This has GS12 written all over it.

In fact, I've got a container of that Biscoff spread in it for anyone who has the chutzpah to start a GS12 thread before GS11 officially starts. Of course, you have to come over to pick it up...

Mike

La Quinta was always listed in the Terms & Conditions. As usual with any US promo, a discrepancy existed between that and what was listed on the rules. They fixed that one, fortunately.

Good to know. I didn't read the T&Cs and have 8000 orphan LQ points.
Plus I just went over $125 worth of eRewards credit. $25 goes to GS '12 and the other $100 goes to HH which will underwrite my transfer of Hilton Points to US.

I wish! The way I am going to do it, dine in and pay the check with card registered for one program, but before I leave I order something to go and ask them to put it on a different check and pay for it with the card for the second program.

That's what I did last year. I like to earn AA miles with the dining program, so I use my card registered with AA dining whenever I got to one of the locations and I work toward VIP status with that card and that program. Last year, I paid separately for a small item for takeout and got my US hit with the card I registered for the US dining plan.

Do they actually get the location data from foursquare, or do they base it off frequency? In other words, if I space my 5 check ins throughout the day, will I avoid scrutiny? Or can they actually see that I'm not close (usually < 10 miles, but not within 1 mile) of the location.

I wouldn't worry about a distance < 10 miles. I was checking into Las Vegas hotels from Southern California, 7 of them a day for weeks and that's what caught me.

Excuse me if this is already somewhere on this thread but is there any info about which hotel programs "tolerate" transfers to a DM account that belongs to someone else versus the ones that absolutely do not tolerate this?

Excuse me if this is already somewhere on this thread but is there any info about which hotel programs "tolerate" transfers to a DM account that belongs to someone else versus the ones that absolutely do not tolerate this?

Not yet, but I'd be happy to update the first post with that info if people have had recent experiences.

Not yet, but I'd be happy to update the first post with that info if people have had recent experiences.

Last year BW was one that tolerated this. I can't say if they still do. Also Hyatt and SPG seemed to tolerate it last year. Can't say anything about recently or the other programs.

priority club will not allow this.

After reviewing last year's discussion, the partner from last year's Grand Slam that used an activity date one day prior to the actual activity date was the Radisson Goldpoints transfer. So to avoid any surprises, I would advise against doing the Radisson Goldpoints transfer on the first day of the promo (today).

I just called BW and was told that they can transfer the points to US airways but it will take one to two statement cycles. Does anyone have any thoughts on if this will make it in time for the promotion?

After reviewing last year's discussion, the partner from last year's Grand Slam that used an activity date one day prior to the actual activity date was the Radisson Goldpoints transfer. So to avoid any surprises, I would advise against doing the Radisson Goldpoints transfer on the first day of the promo (today).

It is now called Carlson Club and not Goldpoints. That doesn't mean this issue is gone but it might be. I will wait until tomorrow to do the transfer just in case.

Points were deducted from my BW account IMMEDIATELY... highly doubt it takes two full months to have the points transfer.

Points were deducted from my BW account IMMEDIATELY... highly doubt it takes two full months to have the points transfer.
yeah, he said the deduction was immediate, but the posting takes time. i guess i will just try and see...

Only took a week last year for mine. Requested 10/20, Posted to US on 10/27. YMMV of course, but certainly doesn't take 2 months. Haven't seen any of the hotel transfers take that long - Wyndham seems to be the worst and takes a while.

The activity date (which is the date used for the GS) will show as the date you requested the transfer.

Club Carlson just popped up as a redemption option in e-Rewards. $25 for 1,000 points, $50 for 2,500, $75 for 4,500. I cross-posted this in e-Rewards thread and, as suggested there, figured it's useful here too. Good enough to top off Club Carlson for the transfer hit if people have thousands to begin with.

Also, as of this morning, WyndhamRewards.com shows a system error for online redemption but it's just a glitch, and reps say it's being fixed ASAP.

Excuse me if this is already somewhere on this thread but is there any info about which hotel programs "tolerate" transfers to a DM account that belongs to someone else versus the ones that absolutely do not tolerate this?

No problem with Hilton last year, although YMMV this year. SPG was also good last year, although word on the street is that they are beginning to crack down.

Mike

SPG was also good last year, although word on the street is that they are beginning to crack down.For the record, I note that same-household members can move points between SPG accounts freely (and for free). It takes SPG about 3-5 days to process such requests in my experience.

This won't help for those looking to do trades with others on FT, but if you're stage-managing GS for your spouse and/or next-gen FTer, it's a safe way to get the hit no matter how much SPG cracks down.

For the record, I note that same-household members can move points between SPG accounts freely (and for free). It takes SPG about 3-5 days to process such requests in my experience.

This won't help for those looking to do trades with others on FT, but if you're stage-managing GS for your spouse and/or next-gen FTer, it's a safe way to get the hit no matter how much SPG cracks down.
But, I would think, if you are a SPG Plat and spouse or smallfry are not, they'd still have to transfer 2,500 or 1,500 or whatever, right? (Not just 850)

But, I would think, if you are a SPG Plat and spouse or smallfry are not, they'd still have to transfer 2,500 or 1,500 or whatever, right? (Not just 850)Good point. That said, SPG Gold is kinda easy to get, and transfering 1500 *points 1:1 for miles -- as I did yesterday -- is the least punitive hotel xfer AFAICT.

This comparison of SPG levels points out something that I usually don't consider significant. For this promo, there's a 1K point difference between having SPG Preferred Plus or Corporate Preferred status vs. SPG Gold.

Good point. That said, SPG Gold is kinda easy to get, and transfering 1500 *points 1:1 for miles -- as I did yesterday -- is the least punitive hotel xfer AFAICT.
Has anyone here presented their judgment of the transfer "cost"/value for each of the hotel programs based on the cost of purchasing the points? I'd like to see how they rank based on that. (I realize that those purchase prices are not always a good indicator of what we all actually value them at.)

Has anyone here presented their judgment of the transfer "cost"/value for each of the hotel programs based on the cost of purchasing the points? I'd like to see how they rank based on that. (I realize that those purchase prices are not always a good indicator of what we all actually value them at.)There's a great and very informative post about that a couple of pages back in this thread. Check it out!

Am I the only one struggling with the idea of doing hotel transfers to generate hits? These can be expensive hits.
...
HH. My value: 1 cpp. 10,000 HH for 850 US -> My cost for the hit: $85.
Hyatt: My value: 2 cpp. 5,000 HY for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $65
Marriott: My value: 1.6 cpp. 10,000 MR for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $125(!)
SPG: My value: 4 cpp. 850 SPG for 850 US -> My cost for the hit: $19
Priority Club: My value: 0.75 cpp. 10,000 PC for 2,000 US -> My cost for the hit: $37
...
My valuations are independent of *how* I get the points: they're based on how I use them. (Yes, I realize that the hotel chains will all sell me a small amount of points for less than I can actually redeem them for. Smart business on their part from a cashflow perspective, but it doesn't really change my math.)

There's a great and very informative post about that a couple of pages back in this thread. Check it out!
Is that the post that you were referring to? I'm trying to build on that for the full list of all the brands and taking into account the alternative to purchase the points.

I have a difference of opinion with some of pinniped's values, and that's okay. But it means that I need a different way of comparing them all. I have a draft of a spreadsheet to make all of the comparisons, but I need to review a couple programs with which I'm still less familiar. And I need to add in some figures for handling variables such as whether or not someone has SPG elite status.

My initial opinion:
For an SPG Plat, the SPG transfer is the cheapest hit. For SPG Gold, it's the 3rd cheapest. Without SPG status, it's the 4th cheapest.

As an SPG Plat, I'd rank them as follows (cheap-to-expensive):

SPG
Choice
Priority Club
Best Western
La Quinta
Hyatt
Hilton
Marriott

(I have excluded judgment on Wyndham and Carlson, so far, since they can't normally be bought from the hotel.)

I may change my opinion about this ranking as I review the numbers in my spreadsheet.

After reviewing last year's discussion, the partner from last year's Grand Slam that used an activity date one day prior to the actual activity date was the Radisson Goldpoints transfer. So to avoid any surprises, I would advise against doing the Radisson Goldpoints transfer on the first day of the promo (today).

I really hope this not the case this year... I've already done my Carlson transfer and was not aware of this "quirk"... :mad::mad::mad:

Marriott redemption says 10K MR points will give you 2K DM but when I was ready to redeem 10K MR points it is giving me just 788 DM instead.

Anyone else seeing this?:td:

I just called BW and was told that they can transfer the points to US airways but it will take one to two statement cycles. Does anyone have any thoughts on if this will make it in time for the promotion?

But won't they still report the date the transaction was initiated?

Marriott redemption says 10K MR points will give you 2K DM but when I was ready to redeem 10K MR points it is giving me just 788 DM instead.

Anyone else seeing this?:td:

I saw that but read that as their posting code and not the number of miles I was going to receive as it said I would receive 2k miles in the confirmation

I am 100% sure that Wyndham will allow the transfers for someone else as I have done 3 in the last couple months topping off accounts.

I went ahead and updated the first post with the Wyndham info, but I'd like to hear a more recent experience before updating the other programs :)

I saw that but read that as their posting code and not the number of miles I was going to receive as it said I would receive 2k miles in the confirmation

I saw the same thing, had an initial moment of panic, then realized it was the promo code, as it also later said 2,000 miles.

Just learning about topquest.com from your post. I'd like to get the 500 points for signing up for Best Western rewards but I can't find the Facebook link. I'd also like to sign up for Hilton and get those 50 points. Can you send the links?

Here's the link for the TopGuest promo for Best Western points: http://www.topguest.com/programs/bestwestern

Just learning about topquest.com from your post. I'd like to get the 500 points for signing up for Best Western rewards but I can't find the Facebook link. I'd also like to sign up for Hilton and get those 50 points. Can you send the links?
Check out this AAA BW enrollment offer for 500 bonus points upon enrollment + 1000 bonus points upon first stay.
https://goldcrownclub.bestwestern.com/offers/aaapet.asp

Please don't: (http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q71)
nothing is to be offered for sale or conditioned on an exchange of money or barter. Nothing in this rule is intended to prohibit exchange of travel coupons as allowed by the rules of Coupon Connection

Moderator's note--

Trades/barters are prohibited on Flyertalk outside of Coupon Connection.

If you haven't for a while, now would be a good time to visit the Flyertalk Guidelines & Rules on this subject (http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q71).

Any posts outside of Coupon Connection referencing trade/barter will/have been removed.

Thanks.


aztimm

I saw that but read that as their posting code and not the number of miles I was going to receive as it said I would receive 2k miles in the confirmation


Thanks Reggae. You rock!

Moderator's note--

Trades/barters are prohibited on Flyertalk outside of Coupon Connection.

If you haven't for a while, now would be a good time to visit the Flyertalk Guidelines & Rules on this subject (http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q71).

Any posts outside of Coupon Connection referencing trade/barter will/have been removed.

Thanks.


aztimm

I went ahead and added this warning to the first post, even though I know you could too :P

So, from reading this thread (and others), I get the following in terms of whether or not the hotel programs name-check transfers:

OKAY IN THE PAST:
- Hyatt
- SPG
- BW
- Carlson
- Wyndham

NOT OKAY IN THE PAST:
- Priority Club
- Choice

NOT REALLY DISCUSSED YET:
- LQ
- MR
- HH

Is this a good overview for now? When people start seeing miles post we can confirm them...although it's a bit disturbing to read about Choice posting and then getting ripped after the fact...

Moderator's note--

Trades/barters are prohibited on Flyertalk outside of Coupon Connection.

If you haven't for a while, now would be a good time to visit the Flyertalk Guidelines & Rules on this subject (http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q71).

Any posts outside of Coupon Connection referencing trade/barter will/have been removed.

Thanks.


aztimm

And where can I find the Coupon Connection?

And where can I find the Coupon Connection?

I hesitate to post this here, but I will with some caveats--

* not everyone on Flyertalk has access to Coupon Connection
* if you cannot access the link, DO NOT POST TO THIS THREAD that you are unable to


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/coupon-connection-373/

If I see this thread going further off-topic, I'll remove this post.

Thanks.


aztimm

Minimum delivery order is $49.

To get a free delivery on your first Safeway order (and get 1,500 Choice points - excellent find - thanks to BryanWallace upthread), enter Promotion Code EASY7 at checkout. [Safeway has been bombarding me with the same code for the last two years].

I think I am going to finally place that delivery order from Safeway for the "novelty" of it (the supermarket is just 2 miles up the road :D) instead of buying 1,000 Choice Points for $11. The other 4,000 Choice points I got from transferring $100 E-rewards which limits to 1 transfer per calendar quarter. I am not sure I'll earn enough E-rewards in time for another Choice transfer after 9/30.

So, from reading this thread (and others), I get the following in terms of whether or not the hotel programs name-check transfers:

OKAY IN THE PAST:
- Hyatt
- SPG
- BW
- Carlson
- Wyndham

NOT OKAY IN THE PAST:
- Priority Club
- Choice

NOT REALLY DISCUSSED YET:
- LQ
- MR
- HH

Is this a good overview for now? When people start seeing miles post we can confirm them...although it's a bit disturbing to read about Choice posting and then getting ripped after the fact...

LQ is a new partner with E-rewards and from reading other threads I thought it was a piece of cake to change names back and forth on on E-rewards accounts?

LQ is a new partner with E-rewards and from reading other threads I thought it was a piece of cake to change names back and forth on on E-rewards accounts?

Changing names is piece of cake, yes. I opened an account with La Quinta and I thought it would cost me 5k points for 1k US miles. To my big surprise I had to learn that it needs 6k points :td:

1000 US Airways Miles

6,000 Points Required |

You do not have enough points for this item, buy more points

You can convert your La Quinta Returns points into Dividend Miles where 6,000 La Quinta Returns points gets you 1,000 Dividend Miles.

I saw that but read that as their posting code and not the number of miles I was going to receive as it said I would receive 2k miles in the confirmation

My marriott hit posted today at 2000 miles for 10000 marriott points. Congratulations to Marriott for being the first of the hotels to post!:)

I just had a friend with a ton of Carlson points just try to transfer them to me. I'll let everyone know if it still works.

I really hope this not the case this year... I've already done my Carlson transfer and was not aware of this "quirk"... :mad::mad::mad:

I did the same damn thing. Stupid stupid stupid. Arrgggh. Jumped the gun and didnt check the new rules. Rookie mistake. I guess the question is whether or not we can go in and add another 750 transfer to collectively beat the 850 minimum.

I guess we should wait until after the first sweep to even think about it but...arrrghghghghghghg!!!!!!

Changing names is piece of cake, yes. I opened an account with La Quinta and I thought it would cost me 5k points for 1k US miles. To my big surprise I had to learn that it needs 6k points :td:


sorry i came late to this
how do you change a name on the acct

Changing names is piece of cake, yes. I opened an account with La Quinta and I thought it would cost me 5k points for 1k US miles. To my big surprise I had to learn that it needs 6k points :td:

It's too bad the first post doesn't include a listing for LQ that explicitly says you need 6k points. Oh wait, it does!

Priority Club: Minimum transfer size for anyone is 10,000 points to 2,000 miles. It's possible to buy 10,000 points for $60 or 5,000 points for $40 and they post pretty much immediately. Transfers to a different person's DM account won't work.
Priority Club forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/intercontinental-hotels-priority-club-inter-continental-ambassador-426/)



where to buy PCR points $60 for 10k? thanks

P.S. Someone mentioned that
Continental miles ->amtrak --> choice -->us miles for hit, which is misleading.

It is VERY difficult to transfer amtrak points to other hotel points as you have to be amtrak elite member or have amtrak mastercard.

sorry i came late to this
how do you change a name on the acct

I have the same question? Can I somehow use my husband's e-rewards currency to transfer into one of my hotel accounts?

Not sure if this has been posted on here...or if this will work? I'm just doing some thinking on how to get the hotel transfers because my PC points are really not worth it IMO....

The Choice credit card has a 40k bonus and no fee. It's 24k automatically and you get the rest once you've stayed in a Choice hotel.

I take it as you get a hotel stay hit, then you have 40k points. You can transfer 5k at a time according to the first post (didn't verify it) and that can take care of 8 hotel transfer hits.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but this is a wonderful deal. Especially the no fee part.

Not sure if this has been posted on here...or if this will work? I'm just doing some thinking on how to get the hotel transfers because my PC points are really not worth it IMO....

The Choice credit card has a 40k bonus and no fee. It's 24k automatically and you get the rest once you've stayed in a Choice hotel.

I take it as you get a hotel stay hit, then you have 40k points. You can transfer 5k at a time according to the first post (didn't verify it) and that can take care of 8 hotel transfer hits.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but this is a wonderful deal. Especially the no fee part.

Except that you'd only net 2 hits (1 for the stay, 1 for the first transfer). You can't get multiple hits for multiple transfers from the same hotel program.

Except that you'd only net 2 hits (1 for the stay, 1 for the first transfer). You can't get multiple hits for multiple transfers from the same hotel program.

Ahh, didn't realize you couldn't do multis....thanks for that...

Still might be a decent enough deal - converting them all straight through for the hits and 8k miles. I have no desire to have Choice points because I usually can just buy the hotel room outright.

where to buy PCR points $60 for 10k? thanks

P.S. Someone mentioned that
Continental miles ->amtrak --> choice -->us miles for hit, which is misleading.

It is VERY difficult to transfer amtrak points to other hotel points as you have to be amtrak elite member or have amtrak mastercard.

Do a cash and points stay at a priority club hotel and then cancel/refund the reservation and the points will be put into your account. I think that's the high level view, if you need more details, there are threads in the IHG forum that should show up if you search for them.

Oof, the last two pages show some people really not understanding the promo or talking past each other.

Oof, the last two pages show some people really not understanding the promo or talking past each other.

Any suggestions for improvements to the first post will be gratefully accepted and (possibly) implemented :)

is anyone having trouble transferring points from US to Hilton as the last few days it has been showing an error so maybe a setting on my PC? or is anyone else having a problem

Thanks

Babs

is anyone having trouble transferring points from US to Hilton as the last few days it has been showing an error so maybe a setting on my PC? or is anyone else having a problem

Thanks

Babs

I don't think anyone else is transferring point into Hilton from US.

EDIT: You as shown below you must do 50k to get 8k to get the hit with 850 min for hit to count! RATZ

But you can get a start below and then also use e-rewards to get over the top if you need to!
Get the points free with one night stay new accounts here:

http://www.clubcarlson.com/privatePage.do?privateCode=NEXTSTAY2K

@:-)


BTW if you have $50 in e-rewards you can convert that to 2k in CC points!

But I think you need to convert min 8000 Points from CC !?!

But I think you need to convert min 8000 Points from CC !?!

Nope 2k will do just fine!

http://www.clubcarlson.com/fgp/redeem/airlinemiles/home.do

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6162753124_5095424ec9_b.jpg

Sorry to say but you the minimum needs to be 850 DM to get a hit! SO you need 8000 CC points to convert!

Sorry to say but you the minimum needs to be 850 DM to get a hit! SO you need 8000 CC points to convert!

Now that is just sneekie. In the main rules no such terms:

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html

But in the next level I do see what you say:

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html

RATZ!

Any suggestions for improvements to the first post will be gratefully accepted and (possibly) implemented :)

You're doing a great job. I don't know what the problem is; people not reading it or just looking past the complexities of the promo.

All the info you need is in that first post, but people seem to be confusing concepts. I don't know what to do other than we can each set them straight, which seems to be happening.

But people not understanding what is meant when others post about transferring from one account to another's, or not understanding fundamental rules about the program like not transferring more than once from each partner -- not sure what any one can do except correct it as it comes along.

Not sure if this question has been answered.

I tried to buy 10k Points on Priority club, the first thread says you can buy them for 60 USD.
However, i can't find it, on the PC website i can buy them for around 130 USD... same on points.com

Where can you buy them for 60 USD?
Thanks

Not sure if this question has been answered.

I tried to buy 10k Points on Priority club, the first thread says you can buy them for 60 USD.Answered in post #222 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17131889-post222.html).

I did the same damn thing. Stupid stupid stupid. Arrgggh. Jumped the gun and didnt check the new rules. Rookie mistake. I guess the question is whether or not we can go in and add another 750 transfer to collectively beat the 850 minimum.

I guess we should wait until after the first sweep to even think about it but...arrrghghghghghghg!!!!!!

ugh.. did the same minimum transfer of 2000 pts -> 250 miles :(

If anyone still has a Diners Club card, you can transfer Club Reward points into many hotel accounts.

Here's the number of Club Rewards points needed to make the minimum transfer
BestWestern: 2500 -> 1000 DM
Choice: 3750 -> 1000 DM
Hilton: 6250 -> 2000 DM
Hyatt: 8750 -> 2000 DM
Marriott: 8750 -> 2000 DM
Priority Club: 8750 -> 2000 DM
SPG: 5000 -> 2500 DM

Dear Mr. ArizonaGuy,

Thank you for contacting US Airways.

As long as the minimum of 850 miles is earned per the hotel conversion,
you can use LQ Rewards®. We apologize for the error but this hotel is
included.

This is the response I got when asking for validation of whether La Quinta is a qualifying transfer hit due to the difference between the rules and the T&C's. They went on to quote the T&C portion that references 10 participating partners for hotel points conversion.

Now that is just sneekie. In the main rules no such terms:

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslamrules.html

But in the next level I do see what you say:

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/grandslam-tcs.html

RATZ!

Can't you just order a quantity of 4 of the 2K for 1,000 miles ?

You're doing a great job. I don't know what the problem is; people not reading it or just looking past the complexities of the promo.

All the info you need is in that first post, but people seem to be confusing concepts. I don't know what to do other than we can each set them straight, which seems to be happening.

But people not understanding what is meant when others post about transferring from one account to another's, or not understanding fundamental rules about the program like not transferring more than once from each partner -- not sure what any one can do except correct it as it comes along.

Repetitively.

Can't you just order a quantity of 4 of the 2K for 1,000 miles ?

Someone needs to try it to find out.

Wyndham works this way - multiple quantities of one conversion type post as a single transaction. Just don't know about Club Carlson.

I did the 4x250 for Carlson. I'll let everyone know what posts.

Someone needs to try it to find out.

Wyndham works this way - multiple quantities of one conversion type post as a single transaction. Just don't know about Club Carlson.

Did the transfer from CC yesterday and simply put 4 in the box on the left side and the total came to 8K CC = 1k US

Did the transfer from CC yesterday and simply put 4 in the box on the left side and the total came to 8K CC = 1k US

Have the US miles posted? If not, then the question remains.

The fact a quantity of 4 Carlson transfers is 8000 for 1000 is not in dispute. What is uncertain is whether that will post to your US account as four separate transactions or as a single transaction. One way will get the hit, the other will not.

Have the US miles posted? If not, then the question remains.

The fact a quantity of 4 Carlson transfers is 8000 for 1000 is not in dispute. What is uncertain is whether that will post to your US account as four separate transactions or as a single transaction. One way will get the hit, the other will not.

Got ya I you may be onto something, my CC statement today shows this:

Sep 18 Redeem USAirways-250-250 mi Quanity 4 -8000

so indeed it may go over as 4 x 250 instead of 1000 in 1 amount, then if its 4 transactions sent over I will argue with US that I transferred 1000 which is 150 more then needed in 1 transaction and since they didnt specify the 850 had to be all in 1 transaction they should credit me with the Hit, if a no-go (and what Id expect but nothing to lose by trying, Id call CC and have CS replace those 8k in pts since it showed as 1000 and not 4 x 250

US-US AIRWAYS
Frequent Flyer Number
Points To Redeem
Quantity Miles Points
250 2,000 8000
8,000 50,000 0
18,000 100,000 0
4 1000 Total: 8000

CCs CS claims the 4 x 250 is only with their system and that they send over only the total amount of Miles you cashed in for, time will tell once it posts to US

also anyone who stays at a Country Inn & Suites and chooses Miles they will earn 250 miles but no Stay Credit or any other CC Pts they would have had they been earning CC pts eg 2000 pts for Elites who book online, Radissons earn 500 Miles

my order confirmation form ClubCarlson shows:

Total Points Redeemed: 8000
Airline Miles: 1000
Sent to -US AIRWAYS FF#

so I think there will be 1000 on my US Account in a few days.

I need 155 Club Carlson points to reach 8000 to be able to make a qualifting transfer. Any ideas on how to get them. Can't do e-rewards because they are not a transfer option for me (because I signed up for e-rewards through Hilton). A stay seems to be too expensive to justify at this point.

I need 155 Club Carlson points to reach 8000 to be able to make a qualifting transfer. Any ideas on how to get them. Can't do e-rewards because they are not a transfer option for me (because I signed up for e-rewards through Hilton). A stay seems to be too expensive to justify at this point.
A 1-day car rental from Avis or Budget could get you 750 Club Carlson points. At PHL, it looks as if you can get an Economy car on a weekend for about $21.50 all-in -- perhaps less if pre-paid. A 3-day rental for about $58.91 would get you 9K Club Carlson points. That leaves you with enough for you and also for someone else with the same last name.

From the Club Carlson page for redemption to miles: "Note: the last name on a Frequent Flyer account MUST be the same as the name on your Rewards account or your miles will not be awarded."

I have 20k Marriott rewaurds points. Is ther anything i can do with these that is cooler than just getting a hit for turning them into 5k US DM?

I could transfer 10k and still ahve 10k to do something else with. Is there anything I can do with points.com? I still need all my hits from there.

Thanks!

Is the only way to transfer Priority Club points to DM to call or am I missing some online form?

Thanks