FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - What is the best way to use membership points??

Oct 11, 2009 | 6:36 pm

#13

troyb

Join Date: Jul 2005

Location: NJ/NYC

Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver

Posts: 2,789

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baertracks

Perhaps a bit off topic, but I think that the best way to use miles is to earn them on the right card into the right program.

I made the mistake of earning lots of points with AMEX. At that time I thought that I'd be able to easily transfer them from AMEX MR for use with US Air (which was at that time my local airline).

Then, after 9/11, US Air dropped out and was replaced by United. However, transferring from AMEX to UA is not direct.

I finally got a Visa Mileage Plus card so that I can now earn my miles directly into the United program (and basically have stopped using my AMEX card).

FRANK

As pointed out elsewhere here, United and US Air flights are easily accessible using MR points via the other Star Alliance partners in the MR program.

There are many, many cards that are better to use, even if you have every intention of redeeming on UA. It's crazy, but given Starnet blocking and generally atrocious award pricing, it's true. Unless you are trying to upgrade on UA metal or redeeming for some random award that UA has advantageous pricing, your spend is better allocated elsewhere.

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