FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - AIR MILES introduces expiring miles too

Dec 28, 2011, 4:21 pm

#11

will5404

Join Date: Jul 2008

Programs: Via Preference Privilege, AC*A, Fairmont Plat, SPG Gold

Posts: 1,334

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shareholder

AC is a redemption partner in AIR MILES, and AIR MILES is a competitor to AE so I am justifying posting this here. And because AM is following in AE's footsteps by introducing expiring miles...

Although not formally announced I stumbled upon a new AM web site for a major redemption option being started some time next year.

www.airmilescash.com

However, the key news found in the lower corner of this site is that AMs will now have a 5-year lifespan with new earnings "time stamped". Existing miles must be redeemed by the end of 2016.

The site itself is for a new redemption option whereby members can instantly redeem (in multiples of 95 AMs) miles for cash credit at various AM partner outlets. The rate is 95 AMs for a $10 credit. This is consistent with the current gift card rates.

I value Airmiles at $.14 each, for example a Via Rail gift card is 700 air miles for $100 or $.14/mile.

This would be $.105/mile or about 25% worse than some gift card redemptions. I guess it depends how much you need the $$. Personally once I earn enough Airmiles for a $25 or $100 gift cert I redeem them.

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