With the current BA promo going on, to convert hotel points at 1.5 times their normal conversion ratio, I am unsure of whether I should convert points to BA miles, and what is the better value.
We would typically use miles for European trips, and would prefer to be in business (either via upgrade or via Bix FF tickets). Typically use Starwood points for upscale Starwood properties in the Caribbean (ala Westin Casuarina in GC) or upscale Starwood properties in Europe (.
Now, with with the usual 20,000 SPG to 25,000 airline miles, and the 1.5 conversion on top of that, 60,000 SPG points, by my calculation, will turn into about 112,500 BA miles, more than enough for a 100,000 Club World ticket to Europe from NA.
So, exchange 60,000 SPG points (or multiples thereof) for 3 nights at a Cat. 6 somewhere, or one Club ticket to Europe, and pay for the hotel nights?
What say you?
Djlawman
VolleyballFerd
Dec 31, 04, 12:00 pm
With the current BA promo going on, to convert hotel points at 1.5 times their normal conversion ratio, I am unsure of whether I should convert points to BA miles, and what is the better value.
Now, with with the usual 20,000 SPG to 25,000 airline miles, and the 1.5 conversion on top of that, 60,000 SPG points, by my calculation, will turn into about 112,500 BA miles, more than enough for a 100,000 Club World ticket to Europe from NA.
Djlawman
Not to answer your question - but will you really get 112,500? I'd think that for 60,000 SPG points you would get 90,000 BA Miles at a 1.5 to 1 conversion - and then you would get a bonus of 5,000 for each 20,000 SPG points - or 15,000 for a total of 105,000. Don't know if I'm right, but usually with these things bonuses don't compound on top of other bonuses, so you might want to check.
stevens397
Dec 31, 04, 1:35 pm
djlawman is right:
20,000 *points = 25,000 miles
60,000 *points = 75,000 miles
75,000 time 1.5 = 112,500
The only negative is that last year they had a limited time two for one offer, so at that time 60,000 *points = 150,000! Not a bad deal. But certainly the current one is very useful if you can plan a trip to use it. I have no idea about BA's redemption policies - can you use points to upgrade a low discount ticket? Is it easier to use them than, say, Continental? I'd love to see these issues addressed.
Converting 120,000 BA points for 2 First Class tickets to Europe is a reasonable deal considering they list at $25,000 for the pair.
Steve
VolleyballFerd
Dec 31, 04, 6:05 pm
djlawman is right:
20,000 *points = 25,000 miles
60,000 *points = 75,000 miles
75,000 time 1.5 = 112,500
I actually understood the math that went into the 112,500 - my question was whether that is the way Starwood would do the math. They do not say they give you 1.25 miles for your SPG points - they say they give you 1-1, and then give you a bonus of 5000. So if the transfer rate is 1.5 to 1, they could still choose to only give you 5000, thus not increasing the bonus. Remember when you receive "double" or "triple" Starpoints on a stay promo, it is only double or triple the base points, and does not include the gold or plat bonus point.
My math is this:
60,000 times 1.5 = 90,000
3 times a bonus of 5,000 = 15,000
total = 105,000
So I called SPG desk, and they had no idea - were not even able to find anything about the 1.5, only said it was 1-1 ratio.
So, as I originally stated, you should make sure of what you are going to get before counting on it.
USAFAN
Jan 1, 05, 7:22 am
With the current BA promo going on, to convert hotel points at 1.5 times their normal conversion ratio, I am unsure of whether I should convert points to BA miles, and what is the better value....
Do you have a link to the promo?
That's what I found on BA's website:
StarpointsŪ Redeemed BA Miles Awarded
1 point ................................. 1 mile
Pretty clear to me. BA never sees the points - Starwood takes 20,000 points and has BA credit 25,000 miles. Except until Jan 31, that is, when they will take that 25,000 and give you a 50% bonues to 37,500.
That said, I've never done it - but I have seen it discussed on this board before during the 2 for 1 time.
bigjim
Jan 1, 05, 9:05 am
Pretty clear to me. BA never sees the points - Starwood takes 20,000 points and has BA credit 25,000 miles. Except until Jan 31, that is, when they will take that 25,000 and give you a 50% bonues to 37,500.
That said, I've never done it - but I have seen it discussed on this board before during the 2 for 1 time.
Where's the link for the 50% BA bonus?
Jet2K
Jan 1, 05, 11:06 am
Here it is: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/hotelptm/public/en_us
Pretty clear to me. BA never sees the points - Starwood takes 20,000 points and has BA credit 25,000 miles. Except until Jan 31, that is, when they will take that 25,000 and give you a 50% bonues to 37,500.
That said, I've never done it - but I have seen it discussed on this board before during the 2 for 1 time.
1. Transfered 20K from SPG on 12/23.
2. Miles + Bonus 37.5K on 12/28. :)
Djlawman
Jan 1, 05, 9:39 pm
1. Transfered 20K from SPG on 12/23.
2. Miles + Bonus 37.5K on 12/28. :)
OK, now we know the math is right. Still leaves open the big question of what is more important, the guaranteed availability of Starwood Hotels for their good properties, or a quality trip over the pond to get there. Tough question.
Djlawman
dgordon
Jan 2, 05, 12:05 am
I was spoiled by the 2 for 1 offer and I am hoping that they will do it again - and until they do, unless I REALLY need more BA miles (have 500K as a result of DC and SPG transfers) I'll leave it be. At that point 20K became 25K which became 50K...so it was a VERY good deal and compensates for their increase in mileage needed for Business class to Europe and North Africa. so the 20K becoming 25K becoming 37.5K would be the correct math.