tarmand,

Here's what I would do if I had all those orphaned points. I would concentrate on accuring Hilton points.

1. The Continental frequent flyers have a hard time getting an award date they want. So if you think it will take a long time to build up your accounts to 25,000 miles, I would exchange the miles (in 5,000 mile increments) for Hilton points (which would give you and your husband each 10,000 points. But you must do this right away, because effective September 1, Hilton will no longer exchange Continental miles for points. It will take several weeks for the points to post to your accounts. You may have to have help from Hilton to speed up the process. They have liasion people to work with Continental.

2. Redeem your 12,000 Mypoints to Hilton points.

3. Then after all of the above takes place, go to the Hilton website and apply for the Hilton Mutual Fund.

You will now have 46,000 points in one account. If you go to Minneapolis often, there are several category 2 Hilton brands in the Bloomington/Minneapolis area and one in category 1. And these hotels have several point stretcher dates now, which means you can stay 3 nights for 45,000 points.

Also, if you don't have the no annual fee Hilton credit cards (Hilton American Exress platinum and the Hilton Platinum Visa) you can apply and get more points. See the Hilton website.