How to combine points [Consolidated]
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 71
How to combine points [Consolidated]
I hope it's okay to post my easy questions in the newbie section. I have disabilities and it's hard to research most of it myself.
Is there any good way to exchange some AAdvantage miles for Skymiles? I have checked out points.com, but it seems like the fees are large and that most people are only interested in trades where they benefit much more than the other trader. Am I wrong and I should use them? If there is another way please let me know. I am okay with something complicated like using miles to buy a giftcard, then sell the giftcard, but this probably does not exist.
Also, is there any good way to transfer Skymiles between friends/family, besides paying the transfer fee to Delta? Or transfer AAdvantage besides the official way with fees? I have read up on this before and found there was no way. Just wondering if there is anything I missed or anything new. I know there is probably not.
Thanks.
Is there any good way to exchange some AAdvantage miles for Skymiles? I have checked out points.com, but it seems like the fees are large and that most people are only interested in trades where they benefit much more than the other trader. Am I wrong and I should use them? If there is another way please let me know. I am okay with something complicated like using miles to buy a giftcard, then sell the giftcard, but this probably does not exist.
Also, is there any good way to transfer Skymiles between friends/family, besides paying the transfer fee to Delta? Or transfer AAdvantage besides the official way with fees? I have read up on this before and found there was no way. Just wondering if there is anything I missed or anything new. I know there is probably not.
Thanks.
#2
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BOS, BWI, DCA, IAD
Programs: American, Delta, JetBlue, United
Posts: 2,030
It's not possible to transfer miles from AAdvantage to Skymiles, in part because having the ability to do so would undercut the main purpose of operating a FF loyalty program. Transferring miles within a program requires paying a fee. What you can do, however, is use your miles to obtain an award for someone else, e.g., a family member or a friend. That's permitted, as long as the award is not being sold.
#3
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
The easiest way of using miles you don't need or plan to use yourself is to buy tickets for friends and family. Whether they choose to thank you with a handshake and a hug, or an iPad or a gift certificate for $750 is really between you and them.
#6
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Home
Programs: AA, Delta, UA & thanks to FTers for my PC Gold!
Posts: 7,676
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,111
Currently DL SkyMiles don't expire so you can just keep any you have and use them later, although miles tend to depreciate over time. If you have AA miles, watch the expiration rules.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 71
Thanks, I am aware of expiration. Problem is I have many AA, but not enough SM for a flight. The route I need is only done by Delta, unless I travel farther to another airport, which is hard. Or possibly if I have 1 connection. A friend could give me some miles but doesn't have enough to buy a whole ticket either. I will probably have to pay cash but need to conserve cash for other necessities when possible. Just trying to explore non-cash options, if any.
#9
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,949
What is the routing? We might be able to assist.
Sometimes, miles and points can be exchanged - but like exchanging other kinds of "currency", it can mean huge devaluations, particularly as you might have to carry out more than one exchange.
To see how this can be done, see WebFlyer's calculator: http://www.webflyer.com/programs/mileage_converter/
Sometimes, miles and points can be exchanged - but like exchanging other kinds of "currency", it can mean huge devaluations, particularly as you might have to carry out more than one exchange.
To see how this can be done, see WebFlyer's calculator: http://www.webflyer.com/programs/mileage_converter/
Last edited by JDiver; Aug 3, 15 at 8:54 am Reason: Add bolding for visibility
#10
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,020
Look into getting an American Express Delta credit card. http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...nus-miles.html This offer is for a 30K bonus, but there are often better offers around for 50K bonus or so. Check the Delta forum here on FT for updates.
Also consider the Amex cards which earn Membership Rewards Points. MR Pts convert one to one to Delta Miles. There are often MR earning cards available with large bonuses.
Also consider the Amex cards which earn Membership Rewards Points. MR Pts convert one to one to Delta Miles. There are often MR earning cards available with large bonuses.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 28,518
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
You can't -- at least not without a substantial devaluation (if it's even possible).
Welcome to FT.
You can't -- at least not without a substantial devaluation (if it's even possible).
Welcome to FT.
#14
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO/CDG
Posts: 318
Welcome to FT!
Not sure if still possible, however this website indicates that it is possible to do through Diners Club Club Rewards at a 2:1 ratio.
http://www.webflyer.com/programs/mileage_converter/
Convert from American AAdvantage to Delta SkyMiles
Not sure if still possible, however this website indicates that it is possible to do through Diners Club Club Rewards at a 2:1 ratio.
http://www.webflyer.com/programs/mileage_converter/
Convert from American AAdvantage to Delta SkyMiles
#15
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Traveling some where hopefully
Programs: AS, AA Gold, and Hilton
Posts: 1,954
Your best best is using them to fly AA/US. They only way you could use them on another airlines is if they are in the same alliance or have a agreement like AA, AS and Delta. Both AA and Delta have agreements for FF's on AS but AA and Delta don't have a agreement with each other, different alliances. Were AS would be a independent who doesn't have a agreement with any alliance.
You can book a one way flight with AA and a return with Delta to use them up.
Diner's Club does have exchanges but value is very low. Plus you have to have a Diner's CC.
You can book a one way flight with AA and a return with Delta to use them up.
Diner's Club does have exchanges but value is very low. Plus you have to have a Diner's CC.
Last edited by jjmiller69; Mar 31, 15 at 10:25 pm