I have a ton of AMEX MR points and am looking to finally use them. The only thing I have done is transferred 100 points to a couple of SWA accounts to get the companion pass and redeemed gift cards.

I'm trying to maximize my points and get as high of a value out of them as I can.

I'm looking to fly to Japan w/ my significant other late December to early January for 1.5 to 2 weeks. I'm budgetting about 500k points for plane and hotels.

What would be my best way of utilizing the points? I've searched and notice that some people have gone the ANA route. I checked their website and it appears that its 110k for a first class flight and 80k business class to Japan. Is there a huge difference between the two classes on ANA? Is there a time frame where it is best to book the award. I noticed many people say 6 months out is what is recommended.

Or would it be better to pay for a flight and use points to upgrade to first class on another airline?

As for hotels, does anyone suggest anything that might work out? It's a shame they took out the double points transfer method for hilton. I'd prefer to stay somewhere really nice.

If hotels don't work out with these points, should I try to get the Business Starwood Card to gain points for a few months. I can probably put about 200-300k spending in 2 months.


Currently, I have a Gold Card, Blue, and Business Platinum w/ Amex. I probably should avoid any more personal cards w/ AMEX to avoid a potential financial review.

What do you guys suggest would be the best to attack this? TIA!