Online Travel Booking and Bidding Agencies - Can someone break PCL/Ebay/Airline into steps?

I know this topic has been covered, but it is in so many different threads that I am confused.

I have registered for the Ebay points and the Points.com account. How exactly would I bid for a hotel and get it converted into miles on AA or UsAir?

1. Place your PL bid through this link - http://pages.ebay.com/travel/index.html?ssPageName=MOPS5:HTR01

2. In the process it will ask for your Ebay ID

3. If you win the bid - the points will show up in a couple of days

4. Check for when it posts - using your points.com account

5. Once it shows up - you can transfer to any other points.com partner

I think that's about it - anyone else want to add? :)

In another thread, the question was asked (and never explicitly answered): Can one earn the Ebay points (and then move them to the airline program via the use of the points.com exchange mechanism) without the use of PayPal?

Also, is there a charge to make exchanges?

Thanks for all assistance offered :)

In another thread, the question was asked (and never explicitly answered): Can one earn the Ebay points (and then move them to the airline program via the use of the points.com exchange mechanism) without the use of PayPal?

Also, is there a charge to make exchanges?

Thanks for all assistance offered :)

I don't think you can bypass PayPal since that is the "accounting" arm of Ebay - so I believe you need to setup an account there too.

You can make one exchange on points.com without charge - however, to make multiple exchanges, you have to become a "full" member of points.com at a cost of $19.95 (but you earn 2,100 Ebay points for this charge - at least you did last month) so the net cost is basically 0. Also, you need to be a "full" member to earn the bonus transfer points (currently US miles).

peteropny - thanks for the prompt reply. I guess I'll have to lose my Ebay/paypal virginity (oh the things we do for miles) :D

You can make one exchange on points.com without charge - however, to make multiple exchanges, you have to become a "full" member of points.com at a cost of $19.95 (but you earn 2,100 Ebay points for this charge - at least you did last month) so the net cost is basically 0.

Or you can join Fairmont's President's Club and get the full membership at points.com free.

See Gary Leff's site for details (http://www.webflyer.com/blog/posts.php?entry=1602).

Or you can join Fairmont's President's Club and get the full membership at points.com free.

See Gary Leff's site for details (http://www.webflyer.com/blog/posts.php?entry=1602).

That's what I did initially but then went to the paid one since it basically is free with the Ebay points earned.

After going through the three steps outlined above on the 28th, I made my first linked PL reservation that day, and received the Ebay points two days later (not bad) :) I inititated the transfer to AA yesterday - it'll be interesting to see how quickly the points post.

BTW for anyone who isn't currently a "standard" Ebay and Paypal user (perhaps out of consideration for credit card security issues), the good news is that you do NOT need to place a credit card number on file to open the Ebay or Paypal accounts if your only intention is to use them for the Priceline aspect.

Thanks again for the assistance provided!