The AMEX MR forum is a good place for you to get feedback on how to redeem your points. If you're looking for more specific information about the differences in the classes of service, you should find some threads addressing these issues in the ANA forum:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=443
Originally Posted by
littlenicky
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!