Miles about to expire
 

I have some miles about to expire at the end of this month and do not have quite enough for a US-Asia R/T (need 60K). I know that a "pop-up" option is available to spend $$ for the 4K miles needed to get me to 60K, nut have a few questions...

1. Once I do the pop-up, must I redeem my miles for a ticket immediately? I do not have any immediate travel plans.

2. Could I redeem for a "voucher" that is good for a year or so?

3. Are there any ways to redeem less than 60K miles for a US-Asia ticket?

Here's the stats...currently at 56K with 40K about to expire...I'm desperate for some sage advice.

Thanks!

YVR-NRT is 45k.

Most places to the UK only costs 45k in Econo and 54k in Premium Econo on BA (this excludes SFO and LAX which costs 60k).

Since I'm based in SoCal it would make sense to depart from LAX.

To your questions..

1) Your miles will still expire. Even if you top up.
2) No. You may redeem award and have one year from date of issue to use it.
3) SEA-LHR/CDG on BA in Business Class return for 60K miles. Not worth it for US-Asia in coach for same number of miles.

Thanks for the answers...but only begets more questions...

2. Must redeemed award be used for TO/FROM cities or can it be exchanged at a later date (even for a fee) once my actual travel plans are firm?

3. Any opportunities for cashing in on International travel (prefer from LAX) for less than 60K points?

2. It could be rerouted on the same airline for a fee of US$30/3000AMs but would have to be used within 12 months of the original issue.

Sounds good so far...here's a scenario with a different twist...

Can I cash in 40-50K miles for a reward ticket now (to anywhere) and then pay the $30 for a 60K reward ticket once I obtain the additional 4K miles needed for 60K? Of course, I would need to complete everything within a year.

Yes provided that it is all on the same airline (and it will be much easier if that airline is CX or KA). I'm not sure if you could now reissue between CX and KA - you couldn't in the past.

Thanks to all for the advice on my dilemma...it's time to call CX and get this in motion. :D