Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Credit, Debit and Prepaid Card Programs > American Express | Membership Rewards
Reload this Page >

When is next airline transfer bonus? [See Wiki for USA history]

Old Aug 9, 13, 5:38 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: weezl
Membership Rewards USA Transfer Bonus History:
Transfer bonus offers are NOT announced in advance, and do not recur on a fixed schedule.

All normal transfer rates are 1:1 unless otherwise noted. Dates use the American format (MM/DD/YYYY).

Aer Lingus AerClub
  • 40% 08/01/2019 10/01/2019
  • 40% 09/15/2018 11/15/2018

AeroMexico Club Premier
Membership Rewards Points transfer to Club Premier at a 1000 MR = 1600 mile ratio.
  • 25% 01/14/2019 02/14/2019
  • 20% 02/02/2015 03/06/2015

Air Canada Aeroplan:
  • 20% 11/10/2017 12/10/2017 Targeted
  • 25% 11/22/2010 12/05/2010 5,000 bonus miles for 20,000 points, max

Alitalia Millemiglia
  • 40% 11/24/2016 12/31/2016
  • 25% 10/01/2016 10/31/2016

Air France/KLM FlyingBlue:
  • 25% 10/23/2019 11/30/2019
  • 25% 03/18/2019 04/29/2019
  • 25% 05/01/2018 06/15/2018
  • 30% 10/16/2015 11/26/2015 Targeted
  • 30% 11/20/2014 12/15/2014 Targeted
  • 35% 09/10/2012 09/16/2012
  • 25% 02/02/2012 02/29/2012

British Airways Executive Club:
  • 40% 08/01/2019 10/01/2019
  • 40% 09/15/2018 11/15/2018
  • 40% 07/17/2017 09/17/2017
  • 07/13/2017 Transfer ratio restored to 1000:1000.
  • 50% (1000:1200) 08/10/2016 10/10/2016
  • 10/01/2015 Transfer ratio changed from 1000:1000 to 1000:800.
  • 40% 12/15/2014 01/31/2015
  • 20% 10/15/2013 12/31/2013
  • 35% 04/22/2013 06/7/2013
  • 30% 12/03/2012 02/14/2013
  • 40% 08/28/2012 09/27/2012
  • 50% 03/15/2012 05/31/2012
  • 30% 11/28/2011 01/31/2012
  • 50% 06/01/2011 07/31/2011
  • 40% 02/02/2011 03/31/2011
  • 30% 11/02/2010 12/31/2010 USA Platinum and Centurion cards only.
  • 20% 04/01/2010 06/30/2010

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
  • 25% 01/15/2020 12/31/2020 Targeted, likely appears only once.

Delta SkyMiles:
  • 30% 11/14/2011 11/30/2011 Additional 15,000 bonus with every 50,000 transfer.
  • 67% 07/25/2011 09/30/2011 40% Rebate.
  • 50% 06/09/2011 09/30/2011 25,000 MQM with 100,000 transfer.
  • 40% 06/01/2011 06/30/2011 25% if less than 100,000 points.
  • 40% 04/01/2011 05/30/2011 25% rebate; 40% on 100,000 transfer, 25% on lower amounts.
  • 50% 01/22/2011 05/31/2011 First time transfers only. 25,000 MQM bonus.
  • 30% 01/18/2011 03/31/2011
  • 67% 11/30/2010 12/31/2010 20,000 Bonus with 50,000 transfer.
  • 50% 11/01/2010 12/15/2010 25,000 MQM with 50,000 point transfer.
  • 20% 08/11/2010 09/30/2010
  • 25% 05/10/2010 06/30/2010
  • 40% 01/23/2010 02/28/2010 10% for transfers up to 49,000 miles, 20% for transfers up to 149,000, 40% for transfers over 150,000 miles.

Etihad Etihad Guest
  • 20% 10/01/2016 - 10/31/2016 Bonus not sponsored by AMEX.
  • 30% 05/01/2016 - 06/15/2016

El Al Matmid Frequent Flyer Club:
Membership Rewards Points transfer to Matmid Frequent Flyer Club at a 1000 MR = 20 point ratio.
  • 20% (1000:24) 11/3/13 11/30/13
  • 25% (1000:25) 11/1/10 ???

Emirates Skywards:
  • 25% 11/07/2013 11/21/2013

Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles:
  • 25% 06/1/2021 06/30/2021
  • 25% 06/12/2018 06/26/2018
  • 25% 06/07/2017 06/21/2017
  • 25% 06/08/2016 06/21/2016
  • 25% 12/08/2015 12/21/2015
  • 25% 06/11/2014 06/23/2014

Iberia Iberia Plus:
  • 40% 08/01/2019 10/01/2019
  • 40% 09/15/2018 11/15/2018
  • 40% 07/17/2017 09/17/2017
  • 07/13/2017 - Transfer ratio restored to 1000:1000.
  • 50% 11/15/2016 12/15/2016
  • 25% 12/01/2015 12/31/2015
  • 10/01/2015 Transfer ratio changed from 1000:1000 to 1000:800.
  • 20% 09/19/2011 ???

JetBlue TrueBlue:
Membership Rewards Points transfer to TrueBlue at a 1000 MR = 800 point ratio.
  • 25% (250:250) 10/23/2019 12/21/2019
  • 40% (250:280) 06/05/2019 ???
  • 25% (250:250) 08/01/2018 10/01/2018
  • 25% (250:250) 11/01/2017 11/30/2017
  • 25% (250:250) 05/01/2017 05/31/2017
  • 30% (250:260) 11/01/2015 11/30/2015 Targeted
  • 40% (250:280) 11/01/2014 11/30/2014 Targeted
  • 25% (250:250) 08/15/2014 09/15/2014
  • 30% (250:260) 06/12/2012 06/17/2012

Qantas Qantas Frequent Flyer:
  • 20% 06/05/2019 06/30/2019

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer:
  • 15% 11/15/2020 12/27/2020 Bonus not sponsored by AMEX.

Virgin Atlantic Virgin Points:
  • 30% 12/01/2019 12/28/2019
  • 30% 05/01/2019 07/01/2019
  • 30% 08/01/2018 09/12/2018
  • 30% 10/10/2017 11/30/2017
  • 30% 04/17/2017 05/22/2017
  • 30% 05/01/2016 05/31/2016
  • 30% 10/07/2015 10/31/2015
  • 25% 04/01/2015 04/30/2015
  • 35% 10/16/2014 11/30/2014
  • 30% 05/01/2014 05/31/2014
  • 30% 10/15/2013 11/30/2013
  • 30% 08/27/2012 09/02/2012
  • 25% 04/01/2012 5/15/2012
  • 35% 11/27/2012 12/29/2012
  • 25% 06/03/2011 ???
  • 15% 01/10/2011 02/28/2011
  • 20% 10/01/2010 10/31/2010
  • 15% 07/19/2010 07/30/2010
  • 15% 02/22/2010 03/16/2010
Print Wikipost

When is next airline transfer bonus? [See Wiki for USA history]

Old Jul 11, 12, 7:17 pm
  #31  
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: LAX
Posts: 298
Originally Posted by mia
I think the assumption is that American Express could know Delta's plans. They wouldn't be acting based on rumor. However, I think it's more likely that Delta and American Express agreed that the frequency of transfer bonuses had reached the point where the offers were no longer perceived as bonuses, but rather as recurring events.
I agree that American Express would know DL's plans, given that they buy billions of dollars worth of SkyMiles. I also agree that it has more to do with the bonuses becoming too frequent (and perhaps leading to DL's concerns over the glut SkyMiles).

My point regarding the rumor was that there is no substantial evidence of an impending devaluation of SkyMiles. Flyer Talk is fantastic, and I've learned so much from "lurking" and now joining, but the DL forum can be far too speculative.
LAX88 is offline  
Old Jul 11, 12, 9:19 pm
  #32  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,832
Originally Posted by carofly
Seriously? You could try searching...
Yes seriously. The only extensive discussion based on a.net rumors was around earning miles based on $ spent rather than miles flown. Is there anything else?
(of course i am well aware of DL being in constant state of skypesos devaluation pretty much since merger but i doubt you are referring to that)
azepine00 is offline  
Old Jul 11, 12, 9:20 pm
  #33  
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 687
Originally Posted by savscott
I really need to transfer my MR points to Delta but had been holding out for a transfer bonus like the ones from 2011. Anybody know if there is a transfer bonus coming any time soon ?
I'm waiting for a Delta transfer bonus too since United is no longer an option.
rtraveler is offline  
Old Jul 11, 12, 10:25 pm
  #34  
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 316
Originally Posted by rtraveler
I'm waiting for a Delta transfer bonus too since United is no longer an option.
I am wating for Delta transfer too. I am planning to close AmEx Biz Gold in the next few days, then I will have 30 days to transfer.
koolr is offline  
Old Jul 12, 12, 7:19 am
  #35  
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 687
Originally Posted by koolr
I am wating for Delta transfer too. I am planning to close AmEx Biz Gold in the next few days, then I will have 30 days to transfer.
Why are you closing? If it's due to the $125 annual fee, I was offered and accepted 25k MR points to keep the card but I had to pay the annual fee.
rtraveler is offline  
Old Jul 12, 12, 1:14 pm
  #36  
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: CHA/TYS
Programs: The Mac Daddy of Heimlich County (and low-ball status)
Posts: 2,868
Originally Posted by carofly
Seriously? You could try searching...
with that attitude, we're glad you only post about once a month
mrredskin is offline  
Old Jul 12, 12, 1:57 pm
  #37  
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 37
Originally Posted by azepine00
Yes seriously. The only extensive discussion based on a.net rumors was around earning miles based on $ spent rather than miles flown. Is there anything else?
That's the deval.

The last DL bonus, IIRC, coincided with Continental leaving the program? The *A uncertainty may have contributed to all the DL bonuses last year.
jlbdca is offline  
Old Jul 12, 12, 2:00 pm
  #38  
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 316
Originally Posted by rtraveler
Why are you closing? If it's due to the $125 annual fee, I was offered and accepted 25k MR points to keep the card but I had to pay the annual fee.
I got 10K about 3 months ago, and now the fees are posted. I tried calling but they would not offer me a bonus again. I will try again and see if I can get a bonus, otherwise, I will cancel it.
koolr is offline  
Old Jul 12, 12, 2:16 pm
  #39  
mia
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,209
Originally Posted by azepine00
... only extensive discussion based on a.net rumors was around earning miles based on $ spent rather than miles flown....
Originally Posted by jlbdca
That's the deval.
How would changing the basis on which Skymiles are earned devalue them for redemption purposes in a way which would adversely affect those who transfer from Membership Rewards?
mia is online now  
Old Jul 18, 12, 8:15 pm
  #40  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,081
Any transfer promos to FF accounts on right now?

guys

i've been scouting websites of partner airlines like delta, avios, etc and don't see any current promotions at all. Does anybody know differently?

Thanks
sam007 is offline  
Old Jul 19, 12, 6:40 pm
  #41  
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,634
From AXP's Q2 conference call transcirpt:
So for years, we've been focused on the cost per point and endeavored to manage it, and we will continue to do that as we go forward. In this period, it was really not a result of changing the offerings within the program. It was really driven by customer behavior and a change in mix. So in this quarter we just had a shift in mix, really, away from the amount that was being redeemed for airlines compared to what we have had in prior quarters. And that's what really drove the weighted average cost per point down in this given period.
My reading of this is that it costs AXP more when a point is redeemed for miles. Whether this points to more transfer bonus or not is anyone's guess.
geclub1 is offline  
Old Jul 19, 12, 8:28 pm
  #42  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,081
Can you explain me the statement "So in this quarter we just had a shift in mix, really, away from the amount that was being redeemed for airlines compared to what we have had in prior quarters"
sam007 is offline  
Old Jul 19, 12, 10:44 pm
  #43  
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,634
Originally Posted by sam007
Can you explain me the statement "So in this quarter we just had a shift in mix, really, away from the amount that was being redeemed for airlines compared to what we have had in prior quarters"
I see without context this statement was not clear.

This answer was in response to an analyst's question on why the cost for MR is not more for Q2 compared to prior quarters. AXP's answer was that the number of points issued was slight more in Q2, but their $ per mile was slightly less. You multiply these two factors together to arrive at the accounting cost of MR program for Q2.

The $ per point was less, as they were saying in the quoted paragraph, was due to the fact that MR redemption mix has changed to less airlines miles.
geclub1 is offline  
Old Jul 20, 12, 10:27 am
  #44  
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: All of them
Posts: 214
Originally Posted by geclub1
From AXP's Q2 conference call transcirpt:


My reading of this is that it costs AXP more when a point is redeemed for miles. Whether this points to more transfer bonus or not is anyone's guess.
I think you're spot on with your interpretation. And I hate to say it, but this leads me to believe that they will offer fewer transfer bonuses. I mean, why would they want to encourage customers to redeem points in ways that cost them more money? On the other hand, I do have a small shrivel of hope that they may offer transfer bonuses to keep customers from jumping over to Chase.

Originally Posted by geclub1
I see without context this statement was not clear.

This answer was in response to an analyst's question on why the cost for MR is not more for Q2 compared to prior quarters. AXP's answer was that the number of points issued was slight more in Q2, but their $ per mile was slightly less. You multiply these two factors together to arrive at the accounting cost of MR program for Q2.

The $ per point was less, as they were saying in the quoted paragraph, was due to the fact that MR redemption mix has changed to less airlines miles.
To put it more simply, more people redeemed MR points for overpriced merchandise, gift cards, and statement credits.
goAsia is offline  
Old Jul 20, 12, 10:37 am
  #45  
mia
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,209
In previous financial disclosures American Express has indicated that miles are the most expensive type of redemption, and they work to encourage other uses. It is to our advantage when the popular press reports that frequent flyer miles are difficult to redeem, or offer poor value, because it encourages some people to redeem for giftcards or merchandise. Keeping the average cost per point below budget is beneficial.

I assume, but do not know for certain, that American Express obtains some type of price concession from their partners when they offer transfer bonuses. In other words, the incremental cost of the promotion is probably shared between American Express and the partner.
mia is online now  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.