Need 115,000. Should I buy/transfer AA or transfer Marriott?
 

Hello,

I need to redeem a 115,000 mile award from Zurich to Perth on QR.
Only first is open on the long haul so that's why it's 115,000.

I have 53,000. I can transfer from another account 2000 miles for $10 and 33,000 miles for $165 so total there is $175.
That would bring me to 88,000 so I would still need 27,000.
I can transfer 81,000 Marriott points to AA and receive 27,000. I'm not sure the value of that.

Alternatively, in addition to the transfer fees of $175, I would need to buy 27,000 AA miles. That's $863.50.

So...81,000 Marriott + $175 in AA transfer fees or $175 in AA transfer fees plus a purchase fee of $863.50.

Any advice is appreciated.

Were you able to place the award on a free hold? I would always be concerned about possible phantom availability.

81000 Marriott points are worth well below $500 these days with the dilution. I wouldn't think twice about transferring 81000 MR if it tops me off for a first class long haul ticket on QF. But as mentioned upthread - put it on hold and actually make sure it's available.

I'd transfer the Mariott points and don't forget about the 5k transfer bonus. If you transfer 60k Marriott points, that would equate to 25k AA points so keep that in mind so you don't have to waste too many points. I was in the exact same situation over Thanksgiving and had to transfer 60k to book CDG-DOH-PER with the latter being in F. It's a great flight, make sure to spend some time in the Al Safwa in DOH.

No 5k transfer bonus to AA , it was cut may be a year ago.

Ah... good to know, I must have transferred before that rule came into effect.

Thank you.
I'll transfer Marriott.
It is on hold for sure.
I don't like paying AA anything anyway.
I've irriated about their May 1 change in earnings regarding traditional travel agencies.