Originally Posted by
kayexalate
No, but they do expire if you don't pay the $95 AF every year. I'm struggling to find good use of these certificates. Either the point fares are astronomical (moreso than the equivalent on other *A carriers for the same route) or <50k so not of good value. I'd rather trade in my 2 certs for 70k miles I can use when I want and not have to pay a $95 AF every year. I'll probably end up taking some terrible routing just to burn these certs soon since it seems like it's hard to use (at least in my case, looking for anything from SFO to Europe, Asia, or S.AM). Everything I check has min 2 connections often with 5+hours in some canadian airport where I can't even pay an extra 5k to do a stopover.
Really don't understand how people have these problems. Used one of my certs on LHR-YYZ, direct on AC next July, 55,600 points total. You can book SEA-TYO on ANA for 55k points, further airports for 75k which is in-line or better than mileage cost other *A programs.
I just took a stab at a random date next year, and there was business class space on NH107, 75k points.
If you're into last minute trips there's F space on LH455 both days this weekend. Almost has me wanting to go now that I see it. Not sure if you're able to use both certificates for one booking, 100k points. There's a whole bunch of UA and LH business class space too. If you're trying to get to Europe, SFO-FRA/MUC have plentiful space close-in.
The card can also generate 25K status forever for a pittance by (over)paying taxes every other year.
I sure wish there was some way for me to trade people 70k points for two 50k certs.