Emirates availability + Amex points transfer
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 9
Emirates availability + Amex points transfer
I'm organising my honeymoon for next month (getting married on the 23rd), and have booked redemption flights through Singapore Airlines J class for Bali to Maldives, and Colombo back to Bali. There don't appear to be any decent business/first class options to redeem between MLE and CMB aside from Emirates, which I've never used.
My Amex MR Ascent points can (AFAIK) be transferred to Emirates, albeit at a not-great rate. I registered with Emirates to see points/fuel tax costs, and it seems to indicate F class availability for two people on my preferred date
As I haven't transferred any points into my new Emirates account, I'm not clear on whether these are actually available, or they're subject to a waitlisting as you would with a Krisflyer redemption (which indicates before booking whether it's waitlisted).
I'm hoping you guys can confirm whether:
1) Amex MR points can transfer for Emirates Skywards
2) Whether redemption availability is there (based on that screenshot) ie. is it safe for me transfer for points and book.
Thanks
My Amex MR Ascent points can (AFAIK) be transferred to Emirates, albeit at a not-great rate. I registered with Emirates to see points/fuel tax costs, and it seems to indicate F class availability for two people on my preferred date
As I haven't transferred any points into my new Emirates account, I'm not clear on whether these are actually available, or they're subject to a waitlisting as you would with a Krisflyer redemption (which indicates before booking whether it's waitlisted).
I'm hoping you guys can confirm whether:
1) Amex MR points can transfer for Emirates Skywards
2) Whether redemption availability is there (based on that screenshot) ie. is it safe for me transfer for points and book.
Thanks
#3
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,804
Welcome to the EK Forum. Am sure you won't be disappointed by EK F.
MR points are transferrable in many countries but not all, the list is on the Emirates website if you Google for "skywards partners" you'll find it.
Looks like flights are available but you didn't post the actual flight selection where it shows the flight number and timing.
MR points are transferrable in many countries but not all, the list is on the Emirates website if you Google for "skywards partners" you'll find it.
Looks like flights are available but you didn't post the actual flight selection where it shows the flight number and timing.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 9
Thanks skywardhunter, I had a look, and it looks like Amex AU can transfer to Emirates, so that concern is gone.
I've taken a better screenshot with the flight details...even if I don't currently have enough points, would there be any indication the flight is not available for redemption, or 'waitlisted'?
I've taken a better screenshot with the flight details...even if I don't currently have enough points, would there be any indication the flight is not available for redemption, or 'waitlisted'?
#5
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,804
Looks like it's available, you could call and confirm. I think I read about some Amex transfers being instant in which case you could do it while on the phone once you confirm availability. Others will have more knowledge
#7
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 18,641
Indeed, it says on the UK site that it can take up to 48 hours. However, I tested it out and it was instant. The US site actually says transfers are instant.
#8
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,280
#9
Ambassador: Emirates
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: UK/AU
Programs: QF P1 + LTS, EK Gold, BAEC Gold, QR Gold, IHG Ambassador
Posts: 1,152
You need to register your EK account with Amex. This is pretty much instant during regular office hours. I think there must be some sort of manual check because doing it on a weekend or late at night means your status will go to 'pending'.
Once you've linked your EK account, the transfers are pretty much instant. There is a disclaimer that it can take up to 1 business day though.
PS: I see you're transferring gateway miles. Are you using an Amex Explorer credit card? The redemption rate on that plan is 4 gateway points = 3 skyward miles.
Once you've linked your EK account, the transfers are pretty much instant. There is a disclaimer that it can take up to 1 business day though.
PS: I see you're transferring gateway miles. Are you using an Amex Explorer credit card? The redemption rate on that plan is 4 gateway points = 3 skyward miles.
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 9
Thanks, I'll make sure to register my EK account with Amex. I do have an Amex Explorer card, but it's link to my Ascent Premium account (not Gateway Points). I understand that it's 4 MR points to 3 Skyward points, but there seems to be a potential clause if I transfer 1:1 to Qantas, I can then transfer to Emirates? Not too sure of the language, as some previous research I did indicated I couldn't transfer from Qantas to Emirates.
#11
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,804
Thanks, I'll make sure to register my EK account with Amex. I do have an Amex Explorer card, but it's link to my Ascent Premium account (not Gateway Points). I understand that it's 4 MR points to 3 Skyward points, but there seems to be a potential clause if I transfer 1:1 to Qantas, I can then transfer to Emirates? Not too sure of the language, as some previous research I did indicated I couldn't transfer from Qantas to Emirates.
#13
Ambassador: Emirates
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: UK/AU
Programs: QF P1 + LTS, EK Gold, BAEC Gold, QR Gold, IHG Ambassador
Posts: 1,152
Wait, how did you get 1:1? Did you transfer to QF then book?
It is a really valuable little tool but note it only applies to platinum charge cards and not credit products.
It is a really valuable little tool but note it only applies to platinum charge cards and not credit products.
#14
Ambassador: Air New Zealand
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Wellington NZ
Programs: NZ Elite, EK Gold, Qatar Gold, Amex Plat, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,428
I have found AMEX transfers for NZ cardholders to EK is instant.
I needed a top up at Christmas last year and as I talked to EK I transferred the extra points i needed to upgrade from Business to First.
I needed a top up at Christmas last year and as I talked to EK I transferred the extra points i needed to upgrade from Business to First.