Strange - - I just logged in again this morning and it is still showing 12,000.

Cactuspete,
Did you go to the screen where you actually "BUY" the Ritz cert? It's the screen where you purchase it--it's telling me 20,000 points. (the other screens still erroneously say 12,000)

Yep. Even went all the way through it as if I was going to make a purchase. Perhaps each bank and/or card has its own deal (since you have to enter your account number to access the site), although that seems a bit odd. Is your card from First USA?

Yes, it's the Yale U. Premier ValueMiles card.

I called the service desk at Valuemiles.

They CONFIRMED that they are changing the Ritz reward to 20,000, but as of now, people can CALL to redeem at the 12,000 level.

Apparently, my screen shows this change earlier than your screen/card.

So, basically it's good to redeem this before their change! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Why is all the "value" going out the window? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Bummer.

I'll have to take a look at this now and see if it is time to jump to an airline MC/Visa. Value Miles may still have some value in certain air redemptions, depending a lot on which part of the country you are originating. I like the 28,000-mile Caribbean award, because fares from PHX to STT or SJU generally are high (at least in relation to tix to, say, Hawaii). I wonder if the Hyatt awards are also going to 20,000?

I completely agree with what you say. It's still is a good card, but as with the AMEX Starwood, it's "the law of diminishing returns."

One day we'll be begging for half of what we're currently receiving. LOL!

One more note on this issue. The Ritz certs are transferable (no name on them), and are neither property specific nor date specific (the certs that I just received are good through Sept. 2002). You may want to cash in for a few at 12,000 miles if you have the chance.

[This message has been edited by cactuspete (edited 09-25-2001).]

Where can you get this card?

-David

Mine was by way of several bank mergers, so I'm not certain how to apply. You might try 800/955-9900 (FUSA) or 800/787-7806 (Value Miles).

I just received in the mail the dreaded announcement of "New Value Miles Enhancements." "Great news! Your travel miles program just got even better."

The enhancements are as follows:

1. "And now with the new Value Miles enhancements you can redeem for a ... one night stay at Ritz-Carlton Hotels." The only thing enhanced here is the redemption level - - it used to be 12,000 miles.

2. "But that's not all. Now for 35,000 miles you can fly ... to the Caribbean." This enhancement costs you an extra 7,000 miles, as the previous redemption level was 28,000 miles.

I'm sure that there are other "enhancements," but I think a lot of the value in Value Miles is gone.

UPDATE: CSR advises that the new redemption levels go into effect 1/1/02.

[This message has been edited by cactuspete (edited 10-24-2001).]

Well, isn't that so typical of Last USA.

I guess you know what to do. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Here's their explanation:

I understand your frustration and sorry that you feel that way. However, First USA is trying to make the program better for the consumer and offer more options for you. The good news is that you are still able to redeem your value miles at the current levels. The current levels will be in
effect till December 31, 2001.

Most will most certainly cash out.