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]
Sep 19, 2014, 10:57 am
#796
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Welcome to FlyerTalk. No one can tell you the best trip, because we don't know your interests or preferences. Are you content to fly in economy, or would you value the experience of flying in a premium cabin? What is your budget? (You cannot pay the full cost of any trip with miles or points, there are always expenses.) Would you travel alone?
I am open to economy or premium cabin.
Budget I suppose is 2-10k for 2 adults.
Don't mind travelling alone or with my girlfriend. Really am a complete noob in regards to Amex MR points.
Thanks,
Sep 19, 2014, 11:01 am
#797
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
Thank you for the clarification. Start by reviewing this thread, which explains that while Aeroplan does collect fuel surcharges on flights operated by Air Canada, and several other partners, there are many partners on which they do not:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...rd-travel.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...rd-travel.html
Sep 19, 2014, 11:08 am
#798
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 11
Thank you for the clarification. Start by reviewing this thread, which explains that while Aeroplan does collect fuel surcharges on flights operated by Air Canada, and several other partners, there are many partners on which they do not:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...rd-travel.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...rd-travel.html
What would be the best use of 200,000 - 250,000 MR points?
Let me know if I am still too vague in terms of describing my request.
Much appreciated!
Sep 22, 2014, 10:50 am
#799
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Canada
Programs: Marriott LT Gold, IHG Club, Hertz Gold, Aeroplan, Avios, SkyMiles, Thrifty, AMEX
Posts: 985
Thanks. So let's say the goal is either Toronto to Europe (Italy, France, Spain as a few examples) or Toronto to Asia (Hong Kong, India, China, Japan as a few).
What would be the best use of 200,000 - 250,000 MR points?
Let me know if I am still too vague in terms of describing my request.
Much appreciated!
What would be the best use of 200,000 - 250,000 MR points?
Let me know if I am still too vague in terms of describing my request.
Much appreciated!
And definitely go Business. The additional points are so worth it!
Ultimately, the best use is to use them to travel to somewhere you actually want to travel to. Sounds obvious, but I think people get a little too focused on getting the best monetary value out of their points, and forget that it's a waste unless the points buy you something you actually want. So my best advice would be to start researching where you'd like to go, and figure out how you can get there.
Sep 23, 2014, 2:51 pm
#800
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 25
Hi -
I am looking to book flights from DC to the Caribbean (preferably St. Thomas) around President's Day weekend.
Is BA my best bet? Their online tool was not very helpful as it was not giving me the option to search partner airlines, so I am assuming a call would be more helpful. United didnt have any availability, so I assume ANA/Aeroplan is out? Delta was absurd (as per usual).
Thanks for any thoughts, tips, etc.
I am looking to book flights from DC to the Caribbean (preferably St. Thomas) around President's Day weekend.
Is BA my best bet? Their online tool was not very helpful as it was not giving me the option to search partner airlines, so I am assuming a call would be more helpful. United didnt have any availability, so I assume ANA/Aeroplan is out? Delta was absurd (as per usual).
Thanks for any thoughts, tips, etc.
Sep 23, 2014, 2:56 pm
#801
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
*You must find sAAver availability. Partner airlines cannot use AAnytime seat inventory.
Sep 24, 2014, 8:08 am
#802
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: MA
Posts: 23
Hello I need to travel from Seoul to Taipei and Tokyo and back. May I have Flyertalk help to which airline company to use. I was thinking British, any suggestions,please.
Sep 24, 2014, 11:29 am
#803
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: YVR
Posts: 1,465
ICN-TPE 15000
TPE-NRT 20000
NRT-ICN 15000
AC Aeroplan does not allow stopovers within one region, but you could do an open jaw:
ICN-TPE-NRT
Bookable on aeroplan.com for 30000 + ~$40 on EVA Air.
Then buy a separate one way NRT-ICN for 15000 BA Avios.
Sep 24, 2014, 1:21 pm
#804
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
Updated Wikipost to add information about reciprocal mileage transfer agreement between Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia. However, it is unclear if this agreement means that those who reside outside Oceania will be eligible to even join Virgin Australia's program. To follow this topic:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/singa...alia-ffps.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/singa...alia-ffps.html
Last edited by mia; Sep 24, 2014 at 1:33 pm
Sep 25, 2014, 6:09 am
#805
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: MA
Posts: 23
Thank you. To clarify, if I want to spend 3-4 days in TPE and then same in NRT and back to ICN my best option BA?
BA avios costs for one way business class are:
ICN-TPE 15000
TPE-NRT 20000
NRT-ICN 15000
AC Aeroplan does not allow stopovers within one region, but you could do an open jaw:
ICN-TPE-NRT
Bookable on aeroplan.com for 30000 + ~$40 on EVA Air.
Then buy a separate one way NRT-ICN for 15000 BA Avios.
ICN-TPE 15000
TPE-NRT 20000
NRT-ICN 15000
AC Aeroplan does not allow stopovers within one region, but you could do an open jaw:
ICN-TPE-NRT
Bookable on aeroplan.com for 30000 + ~$40 on EVA Air.
Then buy a separate one way NRT-ICN for 15000 BA Avios.
Last edited by mia; Sep 25, 2014 at 6:57 am Reason: Repair formatting
Oct 12, 2014, 1:58 pm
#806
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: 25 million points to burn!
Posts: 1,522
I still say Singapore is the play. Their F product is one of the 3 best in the world, along with Etihad and Emirates. And their availability is great! I just booked 2 F suites, Sin-Lax and 2 F seats, SIN-DXB last week. Factor in access to the "Private Room", one of the 3 best lounges in the world, along with Emirates in DXB and LH in Frankfurt, and you've got a can't miss transfer partner!
Oct 16, 2014, 12:54 am
#807
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 50
hi there! newbie and first post. so glad I found this as I have Amex MR points I've been holding onto as I didn't know how best to use them!
tried to read up on the thread, but hopefully someone can help me out....
I travel mostly on United and SWA - as there isn't straight trade to United, would best option be to transfer to Air Canada? and is it easy to book United flights from there?
Also I saw that I can transfer to Hilton? Right now looks like 1000MR = 2000 Hilton points. I know Hilton points aren't very valuable, but looking to see if this is another option to use my MR points.
Finally, for travel to Taiwan, on United website they have partner airlines...I'm assuming if I went the Air Canada route as above, I could use that option too?
Thanks so much!!!!
tried to read up on the thread, but hopefully someone can help me out....
I travel mostly on United and SWA - as there isn't straight trade to United, would best option be to transfer to Air Canada? and is it easy to book United flights from there?
Also I saw that I can transfer to Hilton? Right now looks like 1000MR = 2000 Hilton points. I know Hilton points aren't very valuable, but looking to see if this is another option to use my MR points.
Finally, for travel to Taiwan, on United website they have partner airlines...I'm assuming if I went the Air Canada route as above, I could use that option too?
Thanks so much!!!!
Oct 16, 2014, 7:34 am
#808
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
The transfer rate to HHonors is 1000:1500 -not- 1000:2000.
Oct 16, 2014, 12:15 pm
#810
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 50
hilton transfer
Welcome to Flyertalk. I suggest that you read the Wikipost at the top of this thread to see that there are three Star Alliance transfer partners from which to choose for flights operated by UA. Which you use will depend on the routing, because the programs require different amounts of miles for the same trip.
The transfer rate to HHonors is 1000:1500 -not- 1000:2000.
The transfer rate to HHonors is 1000:1500 -not- 1000:2000.
as far as the partner airlines for United, I see 3 listed in the Wiki....this may be a totally dumb question so please bear with me, but...do I just sign up for those partner programs, and then book through them to travel from US to Taiwan if they have that available? doesn't matter that I live in US if I book or travel on air canada, all nipon, or singapore correct?
thanks!