Earning Miles instead of Points Discussion Thread
Jan 25, 2021 | 5:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: United 1k/1MM-LTGold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Pond-scum and LT-Plat
Posts: 2,639
Earning Miles instead of Points Discussion Thread
I am sure this has been discussed somewhere extensively, but in light of 2021
thoughts, pro's/con's of taking miles (United in particular, in my case) vs points?
I just completed a 10d CY stay - and was quite underwhelmed by the miles for the stay......
-m
thoughts, pro's/con's of taking miles (United in particular, in my case) vs points?
I just completed a 10d CY stay - and was quite underwhelmed by the miles for the stay......
-m
Jan 25, 2021 | 7:09 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E50, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb
Posts: 16,449
Never, ever take the miles. If Im not mistaken, you get the same number of miles whether you stay 1 night or 10 nights, possibly as little as 500 miles/stay. (I havent looked at this in years so maybe the numbers have changed.) Youre far better off collecting hotel points and bonuses and converting into miles (often with additional bonuses).
Jan 25, 2021 | 7:33 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E50, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb
Posts: 16,449
Well, thats better than a flat number per stay, but quick math shows points are far better. Lets assume you are Plat. You would get 15 pts/$ not including any bonuses. So if you spent $1000, youd get 15K MAR pts. 60K MAR pts =25K UA miles (sometimes more if there is a conversion bonus).
So $4000 spend would get you 4000 UA miles or 60K MAR pts (=25K UA miles). Plus when you choose miles instead of points, you miss out on all the promotional offers.
So $4000 spend would get you 4000 UA miles or 60K MAR pts (=25K UA miles). Plus when you choose miles instead of points, you miss out on all the promotional offers.
Dec 17, 2021 | 6:34 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Marriott Titanium, United Silver, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 49
Elite Earnings when selecting Miles?
I searched forum and read program T&C, but couldn't find a direct answer on this. I am shooting for status with American next year (no judgement please, in Austin they have many nonstop flights, expanding, I can't stand Southwest's boarding procedure with a family, plus an new lounge coming). With their switch to Loyalty Points, you can earn status from many ways not including flying.
Question: I see I can choose miles for earning for my Marriott stays. As a Titanium elite, I usually would earn bonus points on stays. If choosing miles, do you get bonus miles, bonus points still, or only the base earn (2 miles per dollar at most Marriott hotels, except the basic brands)?
Question: I see I can choose miles for earning for my Marriott stays. As a Titanium elite, I usually would earn bonus points on stays. If choosing miles, do you get bonus miles, bonus points still, or only the base earn (2 miles per dollar at most Marriott hotels, except the basic brands)?
Dec 17, 2021 | 1:58 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador, AA EXP
Posts: 2,716
Airline status is so direct. You see people skipping the lines at checkin, security, and boarding. Then, you see people getting comfy in the big seats in the front of the plan, hidden behind the curtain. Everybody else will know that you get the special treatment. 
Hotel status is so discrete. There is no way to show off that you are comfy in your upgraded Presidential Suite.
Hotel status is so discrete. There is no way to show off that you are comfy in your upgraded Presidential Suite.