guv1976

That's true for BA Avios. But not so much for IB Avios if you are redeeming on IB metal for the TATL flight. IB assesses much lower surcharges for TATL redemption flights on their own metal.

Racky

Just check the flight from SFO to Honolulu

BA Avos
40000 Avios + $ 11.20

IB Avios
42000 Avios + 29.20

Looks like BA has a better deal.

SFO to London

BA Avios
50000 Avios + $ 544.93

IB Avios

50000 Avios + $509.31

No good deal at all for both.

mia

Are the SFO-London flights operated by Iberia?

Racky

No, all 3rd party airlines. I doubt Iberia has any flight from SFO to anywhere.

guv1976

Iberia has seasonal SFO-MAD nonstops. From MAD, IB flies to most major European destinations.

One can also redeem IB Avios to fly SFO-XXX on AA, and XXX-MAD on IB for the TATL portion.

Racky

Yeah, but you might have to use double the points, since you are flying to two destinations. Right?

wlai

I've tried to read through the "Your guide to spending Avios 2018 edition" thread but I'm still unsure about the details. Any help really appreciated!

I have about 90K AmEx points that need to be transferred before I close my Business Platinum account (switching job), and this seems like a good exchange ratio. The key travel route I want to use miles on is BOS-SEA, which AS serves non-stop.

- How do I find these flights? BA isn't a partner with AS directly, but AA is, so that's why I can book AS?
- From a graphics in the thread it looks like if I can find W or A fares on AS, I'm good to go. Do I search them via AA or even AS? Any other tools you'd recommend?
- Is the W limitation basically the same as the Avios MileSAAver limitation?
- And I have to call BA to book the ticket.

Are there anything else I should know before I transfer?

Thanks in advance.

mia

I would also look at this more specific thread:

Booking Alaska Airlines with Avios

username

I have a stupid question...didn't the AMEX->BA rate change to less than 1:1 (1:0.8?) a few years back? It seems now the regular rate is 1:1 and more if you get this bonus?

Thanks.

Robl

Yes.

mia

The rate was 1000:800 from October 2015 to July 2017. It is again 1000:1000.

username

Thanks. I guess old age has not completely wiped out my memory

atojbk

any recent DPs on how long Amex to IB took?

paulzone2k

I am about to transfer my Platinum Amex miles to Avios and book LAX to Honolulu (Travel January 2019). Since I have Amex Platinum I can get $200 incidental credit. I must choose one Airline and British Airline is not in the list. But even though I am booking thru British Air, I will be flying with American Airline. Does anyone who is going to charge the bill for incidental fees such as baggage or in-flight meals? (BA or AA?)

guv1976

If you designate AA as the airline for your Amex credit, you should be reimbursed by Amex for baggage and seat fees that you pay to AA. AA provides free meals and spirits to all passengers on its Hawaii flights.