Originally Posted by
jpeslis
Well, I called AMEX today and for a $10 fee, they combined my points into one account and I can transfer them out. I made an account with KLM (which so far has the best itinerary for my needs and budget) and I will transfer those points into there and purchase that way. I still have the 145,000 World Points so I may end buying one ticket separate through the WorldPoints Travel and get the rest through KLM or AMEX travel if they can match KLM's price.
I'm confused by the reference to "budget". Are you redeeming miles for the tickets or are you buying them with money or some type of combination? In general you do not want to transfer points to an airline program on speculation, only transfer when you have verified that award inventory is available for your exact trip.
I second the idea to slow down. Double check itinerary options on
ITA. Since you are doing reward travel on a budget, be flexible and expect to do 2-3 layovers. A week ago, I was able to book 4 (low) skymiles tickets from 2 accounts (with a layover in CDG, but AMS was an option) and 1 booked through Citi TYN. It took a significant amount of time and the use of expertflyer but it is done
.
Your best bet may be to avoid KLM/DL as redemption is tough. Check other airlines. Once you place the itinerary on hold, transfer the MR points.