Mods : feel free to move this if it is not in the correct forum : I am still new to the FT community.

I am wondering about this community's thoughts on transfers like AA --> Diner's Club --> Continental Airlines. I realize that half of the miles would be lost, but my question is actually more along the lines of ethics, in a way.

Do you see any problem with transfers such as this - that is to say, does it seem in any way wrong to any of you to use the miles that one company awarded you in order to gain free travel on its direct competitor? Would it be worse for AA in this example b/c they provided a means to use the competition, even for free, or worse for Continental, since they gave away a flight?

I am really just interested in the opinions of you out there in FTland - is it a bit "unethical," or do the companies ask for it by having a partnership with DC, which can act as such a portal?

I look forward to your responses.