Use of OnePass Miles
 

Here's the situation: I will have 55k OnePass miles (maybe 75k); 91K Amex MR; and 23.4K US Air miles.

Given CO's move to *A, I'm trying to figure out the best combination of miles and points to use. If I convert my MR to OnePass miles, should I wait for CO to join *A to redeem an award (I'm guessing Biz to Asia) or take my chances with SkyTeam?

I don't know how availability on SkyTeam is, but I figure some of you gurus would be able to shed some light on the *best* use of miles.

In general, don't move anything until you have held the award reservation you're looking for. If you find one you want now on CO or a partner, or later on *A doesn't matter - just transfer when you are holding the reservation. Never hurts to look.

OK. As far as redeeming OnePass miles on *A partners, I assume I'd have to wait until after oct 24th to book anything?

After Oct 24, yes, but no one knows the exact date. The only announced date is the Oct. 24 Skyteam departure. No *A join date has been revealed; the only certainty is that it will be after Oct. 24.

As far as international business goes, what is the best way to spend miles NYC-NRT?

Looking for a combination of comfort and service. A full flat bed is preferable, but I'd be happy with a near flat bed with great food and entertainment options. Already tried through LHR, no luck!

If you can get the BusinessFirst upgrade EWR-NRT on a CO 777 it's not bad. That'll cost you 25,000 miles plus copay depending on fare class. People here will relate various types of experiences in terms of getting upgrades. Right now with business travel down as far as it is, and with the ability to upgrade within the 24 hour window I'd say your chances were decent.

The seats are not flat beds but the AVOD is great and the food is tolerable. The Japanese option is usually relatively palatable. I would stay away from the onigiri that they attempt to serve you as the mid-flight snack though. Be warned!

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Thanks for the tip! Looks like CO availability is nil for the dates I want and. I don't think I want to burn the miles on NW...

FYI...onepass website is not showing skyteam partner bookings (other than dl/nw) past oct 24.

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The CO website never did a good job of showing partners for either reward or revenue flights. That has changed a bit recently for revenue but for reward it is still rather limited.

The CO reward policies require that rewards to the far east take a Pacific routing so you would not be permitted the LHR (or CDG/AMS) flights to get to TYO.

To best see availability for SkyTeam use nwa.com. It will show a much better (though not perfect) collection of flights including KE to Asia.

Keep in mind that having upgradable space on any flight is rare, particularly if you book it well in advance. Almost everyone will have to waitlist for an upgradable BF seat. If you're plat and buy a ticket early your chances are very good. If you're silver/gold your chances, especially in this economy, still aren't bad. But as you've discovered it's unlikely you'll be able to confirm the seat at the time of booking. That's just the gamble you have to take each time.

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I should clarify, I'm not looking for an upgradable seat, I was looking for a business award (unless they are the same per capacity controls).

Different buckets. Best availability for platinum elites.