Seeking advice on the differences between CO and DL programs, from the point of view of a "never-to-be-elite-on-either." I've perused the forums of both, but it's hard to get a feel for which might be better vis a vis the other. Here's the situation...

Over the years I've amassed about 300K of Amex (Canada) Membership Rewards points, that I can transfer to either DL or CO. (I can also use them for other awards, but get very little value for them.) Problem with Amex MR is that in 3 weeks (Dec 15) they substantially reduce the number of airline points you get. Right now it's 1:1, but Dec 16 I'll receive only .75 DL or CO points for each MR point -- a 25% instant devaluation of my MR points.

And here's my expected standing in DL and CO programs: Zilch. Zip. Nada. Nothing. I don't expect, or even intend, to attain status in either program. The airline situation in Canada is such that I'm pretty much bound to Star Alliance, which means AC and UA. But I still have these points I want full value for.

I expect/hope to use them for two possible purposes -- first is for high-value overseas awards, in the best class of service possible. (If I had my druthers, I'd be putting them into a program where I could still get BA First awards, like I used to with Canadian Airlines (R.I.P.)) These are once a year type vacations, usually for 2-3 weeks. But probably to my advantage, my dates are very flexible, and I usually holiday/adventure in less popular places (i.e. not Hawaii, etc.) India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey, and Egypt are a few of the places BA First has taken me in the last several years. In fact even the destination is flexible. If I was offered Singapore 'cause there were no awards available on Copenhagen, I'd probably say "sure!"

My first choice would be to use my points to obtain a similar class of travel to similarly atypical destinations.

The second possible use, and it would be secondary, would be to upgrade domestic/North American flights, on an occaisional basis. For example, this coming weekend I've used some long stagnant NW miles to upgrade a CO flight on SEA-ANC. It's pretty rare that I'd be in this situation, but like many I have a real aversion (read: fear) to flying in coach.

I'd be most grateful for any and all opinions one which is the best option. Splitting my MR points anywhere from 50/50 to 100/0 or 0/100 is within the realm of possibility. I'd also be grateful for any other suggestions, or suggestions for beyond what I've described above.

Thanks for reading, especially this far.

[This message has been edited by Ken hAAmer (edited 11-27-2001).]