Originally Posted by
SJC2ISP
I have about 500K+ miles in the Flying Blue program from a match from another era. I however have been unable to use the miles for quite some time.
They rarely have any seats available on the US domestic Delta network even on major routes like SFO-JFK where there are a gazillion flights a day.
The real shocker came when I tried to book an overseas trip(SFO-DEL). I was able to find a seat using the Flex award (160K Miles) but it also required almost $600 in surcharges and taxes. I have no clue where this number comes from but this is absolutely ridiculous. This almost 30-40% of what a new cash RT costs, apart from the 160K miles.
I was thinking that I could use these miles for a family vacation to Europe where the seat availability would be better but these surcharges make it worthless. I presume even SFO-Europe flights will have these ridiculous charges.
I would like to transfer these miles out to some other program. What are your suggestions/thoughts ideas?
Unfortunately, you can't transfer them out to another program.
Taxes are indeed ridiculously high. Much higher than for a paid ticket. This has been subject of complaint many times. In case you do a direct flight to a destination in Europe the taxes will be lower.
Since when haven't you flown with Flying Blue? Don't wait too long. Your miles will expire.