Originally Posted by sdflyer04
Is it possible to transfer DC points to family members to top off their accounts (if they live at same address?)? If so, huge benefit. If not, not a deal killer as you can't do that easily anyway.
I am interested in DC for several reasons:
1. It is the only way that I know of to earn Starwood points using a Visa or mastercard. Unfortunately, the transfer to starwood nets 60% of the original dollar value. Nevertheless, it is still the only option of which I am aware.
2. In spite of the fee to transfer points to frequent flyer programs, I wonder if the flexibility of using the miles on multiple carriers is worth the cost. Plus, as I understand it you can make unlimited purchases per year (not true without status on all the majors using their credit cards). I'm wondering if DC points would allow you to call several carriers and find the one that is available for an award ticket on the dates that you want and then transfer the DC points to that airline. If so, then I think I'm a DC convert.
SDFLYER
First of all - transferring to family members varies by FF program, but yes it is possible for some programs. When I got out of Diner's in 2003, I moved miles into several of my wife's FF accounts. The FF program dictates that rule, AFAIK.
Second - yes, I've called around to airlines to line up an award seat, and then made the DC conversion to top off the account to reach the miles necessary. I think this was easier a few years ago when airlines would hold award seats for you for several weeks: now some carriers have tightened up the time they will hold a seat for you without ticketing. Still, if DC can expedite the transfer and the airline is giving you a week or two, you can get it done.
I agree with pederson's advice: go check out the FAQ, the Diner's site, and probably your best source for info: the Diner's board here on FT. I'm a year-plus removed from the program, but I will probably get back in after the Mastercard integration is complete.