danang
Aug 2, 03, 4:10 pm
Disclaimer: I haven't tried this, and I'm by no means an expert on Asia Miles. This is by isn't a stunningly good deal, but it's 80% more useful than the alternative! In the sprit of FT, I'm sure collectively we'll know whether or not it has any worthwhile applications.
One problem: AA miles can't be used to upgrade CX flights.
Another problem: Converting AA miles to Asia Miles (points.com) leaves only 25% of the miles.
A solution: Launder via eBay Anything points (also on points.com) and retain 45% of the miles.
This of course doesn't sound very attractive at first, but using this method, AA elites in effect earn 90% Asia Miles on their flights (200% * 45%), which isn't much worse than the 100% mileage CX elites get. All the while maintaining AA status and progress toward lifetime GLD/PLT. Also, I read that Asia Miles members only get 50% mileage on discounted fares; if that in fact applies to AA fares, one comes out substantially ahead using this method.
Here's the math:
10,000 AA miles = 5,000 eBay Anything Points = 4,500 Asia Miles
The Anything Points (http://anythingpoints.ebay.com/) are typically intended to buy stuff on eBay at a rate of one cent per point. They can be earned for various partner transactions, which looks like a fine way to get Asia Miles.
When you sign up for a points.com "plus" subscription for $19.95, you can get a bonus of 1,350 Anything Points, as well as free transfers for a year. With a basic account, the first transfer is free and subsequent transfers cost $5.95 each. Since this method requires two transfers per laundering session, the subscription might be useful.
[This message has been edited by danang (edited 08-02-2003).]
One problem: AA miles can't be used to upgrade CX flights.
Another problem: Converting AA miles to Asia Miles (points.com) leaves only 25% of the miles.
A solution: Launder via eBay Anything points (also on points.com) and retain 45% of the miles.
This of course doesn't sound very attractive at first, but using this method, AA elites in effect earn 90% Asia Miles on their flights (200% * 45%), which isn't much worse than the 100% mileage CX elites get. All the while maintaining AA status and progress toward lifetime GLD/PLT. Also, I read that Asia Miles members only get 50% mileage on discounted fares; if that in fact applies to AA fares, one comes out substantially ahead using this method.
Here's the math:
10,000 AA miles = 5,000 eBay Anything Points = 4,500 Asia Miles
The Anything Points (http://anythingpoints.ebay.com/) are typically intended to buy stuff on eBay at a rate of one cent per point. They can be earned for various partner transactions, which looks like a fine way to get Asia Miles.
When you sign up for a points.com "plus" subscription for $19.95, you can get a bonus of 1,350 Anything Points, as well as free transfers for a year. With a basic account, the first transfer is free and subsequent transfers cost $5.95 each. Since this method requires two transfers per laundering session, the subscription might be useful.
[This message has been edited by danang (edited 08-02-2003).]