I've done some searching but could not find a clear answer. Given the recent increase in redemption values, it seems there is a consensus that transferring AMEX points even with a 25% bonus is not a good value but if my strategy was to use skymiles for international upgrades vs. reward tickets, its a transfer such a poor value? It seems the required miles have remained fairly static across all airlines over the last several years.

CF

It really depends. I used the 30% bonus that was available recently to top up family members' accounts. I am able to find low level award seats because I often book 10-11 months in advance and my dates are flexible. If you can't be very flexible, then medium and high award levels can be aggravating. I have 3 business class seats to Europe and 5 seats to Alaska booked for this coming year using SM and WP miles. The AK seats are mostly economy though one is F.

Using SM for international upgrades can be problematic too. You need to buy Y/B/M class in order to use miles to upgrade. Often the upgradeable fare class is not available at the time of purchase. So you are left biting your nails wondering if you will indeed be upgraded. If not, you could have paid 3-4 times less for your ticket to sit in coach vs. the Y/B/M fares. Personally, I would never use miles to upgrade unless the upgrade was available at the time of purchase.

I don't think it's a terrible use.

I've gotten up to 35% bonus before, so feel like the 25 is a bit low, but still not bad.

I fly almost exclusively TATL and I am usually very flexible, so I have had plenty of luck using my miles at low rates and am generally satisfied with the ability to spend miles. Could it be better? of course. It all really depends on what works for you.

But I will definitely +1 what fti said - miles for upgrades are not really a great way to use them. I just look for BE award flights - still a bargain at 100k.
(or 80k Amex miles with this bonus).

Thanks for the feedback. I've got about 265K AMEX points that I am trying to clear out by the end of the month as my employer is changing cards. With about 1M CO miles, I thought this might be a viable alternative for upgrades although I recognize the upgrade game is a bit different with DL. Being in Asia, I would primarily use them for TPAC upgrades or perhaps biz awards on DL or KE. I also saw that it is possible to upgrade on Singapore. Is that award really attainable with their new equipment?

CF

Slightly off topic...Normally in the past when I participated in the AMEX bonus point offers I received my 25% (or 30%) bonus immediately after the miles were trasnferred. I transferred miles about a week and a half ago after registering for the promotion and still have not seen any bonus miles post. Anyone else having the same experience??

Just to alert you, flights originating outside US carries high YQ surcharges on any award redemption issued using DL miles.

Just to clarify, jeelele means originating OUTSIDE of the US.

Earlier this year when I used a bonus, it took a while (a week?) to get the bonus miles. Subsequent transfers to other accounts had the bonus post immediately. It is certainly a case of YMMV. I am sure the terms say it takes 4-6 weeks or some timeframe. So you really can't complain until that timeframe is over.

Thanks for correcting me. I have edited my post to reflect the correction.