I am a stranger here (and thus a newbie). But here goes anyway.

I colleague called me today asking if I had a spare 4k UA miles - he was about to book na 120k award to HI and only had 116k miles. He wanted to swap me for AA miles.

I told him he should book and hold the award for 2 weeks and then we can figure out how to get him the 4k miles.

Transfer would not be cost effective, neither would buying top up miles. My quick research revealed that 1800Flowers could be the easiest/quickest way. The Visa card would be good but the miles won't post until at least the first month's statement - not quick enough.

But I don't really know that much about M+ so thought I would ask the experts here.

What's his best chance and reasonably cost effective?