Hi everyone, i'm new to this mileage/points earning game. I applied for Chase Sapphire yesterday and got approved with the 50K bonus miles. My goal is to be able to go to Paris or London by next year after i accumulate enough miles to fly for free or minimal cash out for a family of 3. I also currently have 23K American Express points that I can use. My question is, what is the best mileage program/airlines to transfer my points to get maximum use of my points with little cash out.
AFAIK, your best value will be to transfer to UAL miles. BUT, no transferring yet. You may want some flexibility later on and transfers can be done at any time.
First step, get some more bonus miles. For example, apply for Chase INK Bold with 50K bonus. Spouse should also apply for Sapphire Preferred and INK Bold cards RIGHT NOW.
Also think about the new UAL Explorer card with 50K bonus.
Once you have the 150K potential UAL miles available for both you and spouse consider options.
You need 60K for a r/t reward in coach, and 100K in business if using UA's program.
Also, it would not be easy to get 3 business class seats on the same flights unless you book months ahead. Even that, you may only find 1 to 2 business class seats.
AMEX MR pts currently running a 50% bonus bonus for transfer to BA which tends to have excellent availability because BA charges hefty YQ on its awards which are priced by segment. If you are willing to shell out the YQ, BA actually would be a good option due to the 50% transfer bonus (ends on May 31st) and the excellent award seats availability, direct flight from West Coast.
Get the two Citi AA 50k cards, get the 50k biz (60? 90?) days later (60 I think but don't remember offhand). Then get 3 AA tickets at 40k each if you go between September and May.
AA allows one ways so you can fly into London, chunnel to Paris and come home from there.
Get the two Citi AA 50k cards, get the 50k biz (60? 90?) days later (60 I think but don't remember offhand). Then get 3 AA tickets at 40k each if you go between September and May.
AA allows one ways so you can fly into London, chunnel to Paris and come home from there.
Good idea, although AA is Oct 15th to May 15th.
Also check to see if you or SO are targeted for the PRG Amex with 75k MR after 1k in spend (see Amex forum). You can transfer to ANA for Star Alliance (United) but I don't have experience with that so do a little research. I would check Delta partners out of SFO as they can have good availability and in the past there have been frequent transfer bonuses. It is also easy to add Delta miles with a Delta Amex, and if necessary they have good pops to buy miles cheaply.
Maximize points - SFO to Paris or London
