About a week ago, I needed to top off my United account to make an award reservation for a trip next week. I was just under 2,000 miles short and transferring from Hilton seemed less costly than buying the additional miles from United.

I went to the website and completed the form. While there is small print at the bottom of the page that says it can take up to 30 days, I missed it. I completed the 20,000 point to 2,000 mile exchange and expect it to appear in a reasonable time frame. United tells me that nothing has been submitted for my account from Hilton (and that they would post any incoming miles within 24 hours of receipt).

The Hilton agent I just spoke with tells me that it's a 30 day process and if I wanted it faster I should have called and paid a fee.

Transfers with such a long delay seem completely pointless. Why does it take so long?