Originally Posted by
CivicDriver
There were four options: Econ. MilesAAver, Economy AAnytime, Business/First MilesAAver, and Business/First AAnytime. Are all of those options for me? What's the difference between MilesAAver and AAnytime? Would I still need to pay for taxes, etc.? If so, how much should I expect that to be?
Here's the chart. That should answer your questions.
MilesAAver awards are regular "award" inventory that is limited. AAnytime awards are "last seat" availability. In other words, if there's a single seat that they're still selling for money, you can book it with miles. AAnytime awards require double the miles that MilesAAver requires. (Or in case of off-peak, more than double since there isn't an off-peak AAnytime category.)
Taxes will probably be $10-80, not sure for CUN.
Originally Posted by
CivicDriver
For the CO miles - I'm not sure what you mean by "on Star Alliance". I would still be booking that flight on the CO website, correct?
Yes, but you can use any combo of Star Alliance carriers (CO, UA, US, AC, LH, SK, OS, SQ) and Virgin Atlantic to get to Europe.
Originally Posted by
CivicDriver
How do you transfer miles? And how do I know what programs I can transfer miles between?
On the Chase or Amex website. Research.
CO is the best Chase transfer partner. (Though I think Hyatt's a decent option as well, but don't quote me as I don't actually have the Sapphire.)
After CO leaves the Amex program as a transfer partner, your options for Star Alliance dwindle to basically AC and NH, which aren't bad options, depending.
Remember, you can use (basically) any Star Alliance miles on an any Star Alliance carrier's flights!