Oct 9, 2013, 1:33 pm
Last edit by: gooselee
Q. Where can I find a list of the airline and hotel transfer partners?
Partner airline and hotel programs, transfer ratios, and rules vary by the country where your American Express card is issued:
Australia: Airlines & Hotels
Canada: Airlines & Hotels
International Dollar & Euro Cards: Airlines & Hotels
New Zealand: Airlines & Hotels
UK: Airlines, Hotels
USA: Airlines & Hotels Transfer ratios explained below.
Q. What are the transfer ratios to USA airline and hotel partners?
Q. How long does it typically take to compete a transfer?
MR USA airline and hotel partner transfer times.
Q. How can I use Membership Rewards points to travel on American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines or other carriers which are not transfer partners?
Membership Rewards (USA) points can be transferred to three or more frequent flyer programs in each of the international alliances. Any program can arrange award travel on flights operated by all members of the same alliance. Points cannot be transferred from one frequent flyer program to another, instead you redeem for a partner award. The number of miles required is determined by the program through which you redeem, not by the airline operating the flights. Programs in the same alliance will require different amounts of miles, and different co-payments, for the same flights. Do not transfer until you understand the full cost of the flights you need. Do not transfer until you have confirmed availability for your specific dates and route.
To travel on American Airlines, US Airways or any other OneWorld carrier redeem through:
To travel on Delta Air Lines or any other SkyTeam carrier redeem through:
To travel on United Airlines or any other Star Alliance carrier redeem through:
To travel on Alaska Airlines redeem through:
Q. Rather than transferring now, can I preserve my Membership Rewards USA points balance without paying any annual fee?
Apply for an American Express Everyday card, and link it to the same Membership Rewards account. You may then close the other cards.
Partner airline and hotel programs, transfer ratios, and rules vary by the country where your American Express card is issued:
Australia: Airlines & Hotels
Canada: Airlines & Hotels
International Dollar & Euro Cards: Airlines & Hotels
New Zealand: Airlines & Hotels
UK: Airlines, Hotels
USA: Airlines & Hotels Transfer ratios explained below.
Q. What are the transfer ratios to USA airline and hotel partners?
For most frequent customer programs, 1,000 Membership Rewards points will equal 1,000 miles, points or credits and must be transferred in 1,000-point increments unless otherwise noted.
The only exceptions are:
JetBlue Airways: 250 points = 200 JetBlue TrueBlue® points; must be transferred in 250-point increments
El AL Israel Airlines: 1,000 points = 20 Matmid points
Starwood Preferred Guest®: 1,000 points = 333 Starpoints®
Hilton®: 1,000 points = 1,500 HHonors™ points
Virgin America: 200 points = 100 Elevate points; must be transferred in 200-point increments
The only exceptions are:
JetBlue Airways: 250 points = 200 JetBlue TrueBlue® points; must be transferred in 250-point increments
El AL Israel Airlines: 1,000 points = 20 Matmid points
Starwood Preferred Guest®: 1,000 points = 333 Starpoints®
Hilton®: 1,000 points = 1,500 HHonors™ points
Virgin America: 200 points = 100 Elevate points; must be transferred in 200-point increments
Q. How long does it typically take to compete a transfer?
MR USA airline and hotel partner transfer times.
Q. How can I use Membership Rewards points to travel on American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines or other carriers which are not transfer partners?
Membership Rewards (USA) points can be transferred to three or more frequent flyer programs in each of the international alliances. Any program can arrange award travel on flights operated by all members of the same alliance. Points cannot be transferred from one frequent flyer program to another, instead you redeem for a partner award. The number of miles required is determined by the program through which you redeem, not by the airline operating the flights. Programs in the same alliance will require different amounts of miles, and different co-payments, for the same flights. Do not transfer until you understand the full cost of the flights you need. Do not transfer until you have confirmed availability for your specific dates and route.
To travel on American Airlines, US Airways or any other OneWorld carrier redeem through:
- Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific)
- British Airways
- Iberia Airlines
------------------ - El Al is not a OneWorld member, but they do have a rewards partnership with American Airlines, see HERE. Ends October 31, 2014.
- Hawaiian Airlines is not a OneWorld member, but they do have a rewards partnership with American Airlines, see HERE.
To travel on Delta Air Lines or any other SkyTeam carrier redeem through:
- Delta Air Lines
- AeroMexico
- Alitalia
- FlyingBlue (Air France, KLM, Air Europa, Kenya Airways, Aircalin and Tarom.)
*Note: DL permits one-way awards as of 01 JAN 2015, however trips originating outside of USA carry additional surcharges.
To travel on United Airlines or any other Star Alliance carrier redeem through:
- Aeroplan (Air Canada) No fuel surcharge on flights operated by UA and many other airlines. Read current list HERE.
- All Nippon Airways. Read about ANA fuel surcharges HERE. Read about changes to partner redemption charts in April 2015 HERE.
- Singapore Airlines. Read HERE
Read about Singapore Airlines' reciprocal mile conversion arrangement with Virgin Australia HERE.
To travel on Alaska Airlines redeem through:
- Asia Miles
- British Airways
- Delta Airlines
- Emirates
- FlyingBlue
Q. Rather than transferring now, can I preserve my Membership Rewards USA points balance without paying any annual fee?
Apply for an American Express Everyday card, and link it to the same Membership Rewards account. You may then close the other cards.
Transfer Membership Rewards points to which airline or hotel program? [2008 - 2014]
Jul 17, 2013, 3:52 pm
#451
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: USA
Programs: All major programs
Posts: 1,403
Heard too many bad things to try DL.
I'm considering ANA or Kris for now. Let's see. I still have some time to decide.
Can't downgrade my card, because it's a business card. Is there a business card with no annual fee that I could downgrade to?
I took a look at the site, but didn't see one.
I'm considering ANA or Kris for now. Let's see. I still have some time to decide.
Can't downgrade my card, because it's a business card. Is there a business card with no annual fee that I could downgrade to?
I took a look at the site, but didn't see one.
ANA and especially Krisflyer has its own issues in that the miles are usually useful for special situations only. So YMMV.
Last edited by gv111; Jul 17, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Jul 17, 2013, 4:08 pm
#452
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: In CT,left my heart in Leicester.
Programs: Work in progress.
Posts: 1,237
It all depends. As mentioned earlier DL might work well for US domestic. I once booked 3 X 25 K DL for a US domestic round trip. Easily my best redemption. DL also allows domestic layover which no other airline provides. Of course DL has it own issues especially for Intl travel.
ANA and especially Krisflyer has its own issues in that the miles are usually useful for special situations. So YMMV.
ANA and especially Krisflyer has its own issues in that the miles are usually useful for special situations. So YMMV.
But you've given me a better idea. I don't need to use/burn these points right now. Also, the likelihood of MR devaluing it's points is slim (as opposed to an airline devaluing theirs), so I'd rather let the MR sit in my account.
So, is there a way for me to downgrade my biz plat to a no-fee card? Even if I didn't have the ability to transfer the points out, it wouldn't make a difference, because I'm sure that an offer for a PERSONAL Plat or Gold card will surely come around, and I'll apply for that and get that ability back.
Jul 17, 2013, 4:35 pm
#454
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: In CT,left my heart in Leicester.
Programs: Work in progress.
Posts: 1,237
Looks like the only option is to apply for the Blue card anew.
Jul 17, 2013, 5:23 pm
#455
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: In CT,left my heart in Leicester.
Programs: Work in progress.
Posts: 1,237
So, I think for now, the best idea is to just get the Blue card. Apply for it and keep my points alive until I'm ready to transfer.
Aug 3, 2013, 3:01 am
#456
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 343
BUT the twist is that I'd been saving these points to use with KrisFlyer for suite redemption with my girlfriend and since this trip isn't going to happen for another year atleast, I'm very afraid of just parking 120k in a KrisFlyer account.
What do you think? Good idea? Terrible idea?
What do you think? Good idea? Terrible idea?
Aug 4, 2013, 9:23 pm
#457
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: In CT,left my heart in Leicester.
Programs: Work in progress.
Posts: 1,237
My information is based off the search that I did.
Random date:
I chose "two adults". And it showed me as "available".
Did I not to do that the right way?
Aug 4, 2013, 9:26 pm
#458
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: In CT,left my heart in Leicester.
Programs: Work in progress.
Posts: 1,237
And I did end up getting the Business Blue card.
No AF. 10k free points
And lets me keep my points AND earn 30% on my earnings.
No AF. 10k free points
And lets me keep my points AND earn 30% on my earnings.
Aug 10, 2013, 5:59 pm
#459
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 21
I have around 200K amex points and would need to book 3 tickets to Europe from ATL next spring. We want to visit Barcelona and would be interesting to have an open jaw or/and stopover in say Paris or any other city in France.
A couple of questions:
1/ Is booking with Amex point using Delta skymiles still the best option? still nothing on the web-site - is calling still the only option?
2/ I see some direct flight from Atlanta to Barcelona on AirFrance, or via Paris or Amsterdam, but I am not able to find an award ticket with open jaw on flyingblue directly - is it possible?
General question - I see flights on Flyingblue ATL-BCN-ATL for 50K points + around 200 euros in fees - will I get the same using delta skymiles?
A couple of questions:
1/ Is booking with Amex point using Delta skymiles still the best option? still nothing on the web-site - is calling still the only option?
2/ I see some direct flight from Atlanta to Barcelona on AirFrance, or via Paris or Amsterdam, but I am not able to find an award ticket with open jaw on flyingblue directly - is it possible?
General question - I see flights on Flyingblue ATL-BCN-ATL for 50K points + around 200 euros in fees - will I get the same using delta skymiles?
Aug 10, 2013, 6:59 pm
#460
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 244
I got the BGR card with the 50K bonus and 5K spend. I fly UA & AA. I'm struggling to find a decent use for these points. I'm tempted to just use them to offset purchases, but I do understand that's only .6 cents per point. The other alternative is to buy some gift cards at .8 cents per point. I do understand that using the points for purchasing airfare is the best bet, but I don't have enough points to get the flights I want/need.
At this point, I'm thinking that I'll just get some "reward" for my sign-up bonus by using the points for purchases, and then focus on more valuable and flexible programs.
I'll still get over $300 for the sign-up & hard pull, and that's a good if not a great deal.
At this point, I'm thinking that I'll just get some "reward" for my sign-up bonus by using the points for purchases, and then focus on more valuable and flexible programs.
I'll still get over $300 for the sign-up & hard pull, and that's a good if not a great deal.
Aug 10, 2013, 7:13 pm
#461
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CLT
Programs: AA, UA, BA, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,074
I got the BGR card with the 50K bonus and 5K spend. I fly UA & AA. I'm struggling to find a decent use for these points. I'm tempted to just use them to offset purchases, but I do understand that's only .6 cents per point. The other alternative is to buy some gift cards at .8 cents per point. I do understand that using the points for purchasing airfare is the best bet, but I don't have enough points to get the flights I want/need.
At this point, I'm thinking that I'll just get some "reward" for my sign-up bonus by using the points for purchases, and then focus on more valuable and flexible programs.
I'll still get over $300 for the sign-up & hard pull, and that's a good if not a great deal.
At this point, I'm thinking that I'll just get some "reward" for my sign-up bonus by using the points for purchases, and then focus on more valuable and flexible programs.
I'll still get over $300 for the sign-up & hard pull, and that's a good if not a great deal.
Aug 10, 2013, 7:32 pm
#462
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 244
I'm trying to get a J (or F ticket) from SFO to Europe (TBD where) early next year for my wife and me using points/miles.
I have enough UA & AA miles, but I can't figure out how to use 50K+ MR points to supplement/complement what I already have. If only I could transfer them to UA or AA, but Points.com does)n't allow this (at least directly).
TIA for your help!
Aug 10, 2013, 7:58 pm
#463
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
Transferring to BA to redeem on AA will bring BA's 'fuel surcharge' on the TATL and intra-Europe segments. An AA AAdvantage booking on AA metal will not.
Aug 10, 2013, 8:16 pm
#464
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: San Antonio
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 2,276
I got the BGR card with the 50K bonus and 5K spend. I fly UA & AA. I'm struggling to find a decent use for these points. I'm tempted to just use them to offset purchases, but I do understand that's only .6 cents per point. The other alternative is to buy some gift cards at .8 cents per point. I do understand that using the points for purchasing airfare is the best bet, but I don't have enough points to get the flights I want/need.
At this point, I'm thinking that I'll just get some "reward" for my sign-up bonus by using the points for purchases, and then focus on more valuable and flexible programs.
I'll still get over $300 for the sign-up & hard pull, and that's a good if not a great deal.
At this point, I'm thinking that I'll just get some "reward" for my sign-up bonus by using the points for purchases, and then focus on more valuable and flexible programs.
I'll still get over $300 for the sign-up & hard pull, and that's a good if not a great deal.
Last edited by KennyBSAT; Aug 10, 2013 at 8:24 pm Reason: Fix idiotic oversight
Aug 10, 2013, 8:53 pm
#465
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CLT
Programs: AA, UA, BA, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,074
dukerau: thanks for your suggestion and it's a good one.
I'm trying to get a J (or F ticket) from SFO to Europe (TBD where) early next year for my wife and me using points/miles.
I have enough UA & AA miles, but I can't figure out how to use 50K+ MR points to supplement/complement what I already have. If only I could transfer them to UA or AA, but Points.com does)n't allow this (at least directly).
TIA for your help!
I'm trying to get a J (or F ticket) from SFO to Europe (TBD where) early next year for my wife and me using points/miles.
I have enough UA & AA miles, but I can't figure out how to use 50K+ MR points to supplement/complement what I already have. If only I could transfer them to UA or AA, but Points.com does)n't allow this (at least directly).
TIA for your help!
But your best redemption value would be to get your MR up to 68,000. Then transfer those to ANA, and use the ANA miles to book on UA any itinerary up to 9,000 miles. That looks pretty easy from EWR/JFK to Europe and you could also get to most of Western Europe from ORD in less than 9,000 miles round trip. Book that RT in J for 68K. Then book a domestic RT award with your UA or AA miles to get from SFO - ORD/EWR/JFK for 25K in Y. For your wife, use UA or AA miles to get her on the same itinerary as you. If you can do this, you are spending 68K MR and saving yourself 75K UA/AA miles vs a 100K J RT award with UA/AA. Granted you have to sit in Y for the domestic leg (and your wife won't have to!), but you could spring for domestic J for 50K, just would lower the redemption value. MR cpm = 10% above what you value UA/AA since you are using BA instead of UA/AA at 1.1:1 ratio.
Or, you could even better that if you decide to go to one of the very western cities in Europe (anything you can get to from NYC area in under 3,500 miles - Dublin, Shannon, London, Lisbon only I believe). Since that would keep you under 7000 miles RT from NYC, the ANA award in J would cost only 63K. Then use AA/UA to book domestic award to get from SFO-NYC. 63K MR saves you 75K UA/AA. MR cpm = 19% above what you value UA/AA since you are using BA instead of UA/AA at 1.19:1 ratio.
Last edited by dukerau; Aug 10, 2013 at 9:03 pm