Originally Posted by
j-rad
Since AA and BA are part of the same alliance, could I use 40k AA miles to get to South America?
As guv1976 alluded to previously, it can be even cheaper than that.
If you're going into "northern" SA or central america the cost is just 30k AA miles roundtrip. Same alliance does not mean same award rules/rates. As intimidating as it might be, it really helps to take some time to study the award charts and rules of all programs you are participating in.
Originally Posted by
j-rad
If I want to go to South America, and use BA miles, I'd most likely be redeeming on LAN, correct?
Yes, most likely. You could either use LAN or AA but not both without increasing the cost of the award and LAN gives you the most options for stopovers, etc.
Originally Posted by
j-rad
I assume the answer is yes, but if I used AA miles (instead of BA) I couldn't do the multiple stop deal - correct?
Correct. However, you could use a combination AA and LAN if using AA miles.
Originally Posted by
j-rad
Also, does anyone know the frequency of AMEX running promotions for BA transfers? I know one just passed not too long ago, but is it a regular (every couple of months) deal or pretty scarce?
Since last summer, it has been an every couple months deal. It actually had been increasing from 20% last summer to 30% last fall to 40% this past winter to the most recent 50% which just ended.