FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Combining miles from different FF programs -- possible?
Old Aug 21, 2010 | 3:45 am
  #1  
PKV1
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 15
Combining miles from different FF programs -- possible?

This one should be good, but then again I'm a FF virgin so maybe not...

I'm looking to book a one-way flight SYD-ICN in the coming months, and I'd like to do it for free if at all possible (current price $500-$900 US). From SYD, one can fly:
- KE or OZ direct
- MH via KUL
- SQ via SIN
- D7 via OOL then KUL so not really an option

I currently have the following FF balances:
- CO onepass: 83,000
- DJ Velocity: 17,000
- Westpac Altitude CC Points: 38,000 (can convert to 19,000 DJ Velocity, 19,000 SQ Krisflyer, or 19,000 MH Enrich)

Question #1: When booking, is it possible to combine FF balances as long as the airlines are in the same alliance / interline agreement, or are you forced e.g. to use Krisflyer miles only if booking with SQ, onepass only with CO, etc? Or is it possible to convert e.g. Velocity to Enrich, onepass to Krisflyer (i.e. within alliances)? I don't care if it's difficult, just as long as it's possible. Reason I've posted this in the Star Alliance group is that I'd think my CO points are worth more than anything else I've got at the moment, but what do I know?


Question #2: If #1 is possible, which do you think would net me the best value?

1. SQ is in Star Alliance together with CO (so potential combination of onepass and Krisflyer miles via conversion from my credit card?)

2. MH has interline agreement with DJ, (so definite use of existing & converted Velocity miles, or combination Velocity + Enrich)


Question #3: Does 19,000 Krisflyer = 19,000 Velocity = 19,000 Enrich? This one is important if I decide to fly MH and have the option to convert my CC points to either DJ/MH/SQ.


Question #4: If #1 isn't possible, which of the above (83k onepass, 17k + 19k Velocity, 19k Krisflyer, or 19k Enrich) works out to be the best?


I imagine my question is a royal pain in the ......it certainly is confusing for me to write, and I obviously don't have a grasp of the basic mechanics of FF programs, let alone the minute nuances that maximize value.

Basically I'd really like to get the best use of my FF miles and CC points instead of shelling out $500-900 for a ticket. Any help is GREATLY appreciated!
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