Hey everyone,

Been a long time lurker and finally decided to sign up and participate more in this great community. I was hoping if someone could guide me a bit more on how to make the most of my points and miles that i've accumulated and use them towards a reward ticket.

Currently I am based in Toronto however I will be in Dubai next year and I am planning on going to Sydney, Australia in the first quarter next year most probably around March 2014. I havent decided on any specific dates but looking to leave around March 7, 2014 and returning on March 28, 2014. I am actually looking to fly J or F class if possible

I have the following points and miles across the following accounts and I dont mind signing up for a few earn n burn credit cards (SPG?, Marriott Visa?).

1. AMEX Membership Rewards = 51,000
2. RBC Infinite Avion = 30,000
3. Aeroplan = 25,000
4. Emirates = 29,600
5. Etihad = 16,035

I was considering transferring my MR points and RBC Avion points to BA Avios(esp since RBC has a 1.5 conversion promotion going right now) and converting the Aeroplan to Avios too via Esso Extra points through points.com. Do you guys think that the BA Avios program is suitable or should I convert my points to any other FF program?

From my limited knowledge I believe I can fly on Qantas or any other oneworld affiliate. But I have also read that BA charges a lot of surcharges but would it still be a factor if im flying Qantas, Cathay, or Malaysian?

Sorry for the long post but just wanted to be as comprehensive as possible.

Any help you guys can provide would be appreciated.

Qatar will be joining Oneworld probably later this year if you don't already know that. Also, might be worth posting in the EK forum as there are some really helpful folks there with lots of info about the route(s) you will be doing.
I am not the best with detailed knowledge of transferring miles etc, sorry I cannot help with that.

Welcome to the Forum

You need to carefully check the possible expiry of your points. Miles conversion nearly always result in a loss of value. Not 100% sure but AMEX Membership Rewards can go to SPG then to various airlines.

Several airlines go from the Middle East to Australia non stop (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad). And many others via Asia. Remember SYD is not the only airport in Australia.

Both BA & Qantas have high fuel surcharges when using BA avios / QF points for award flights.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/onewo...help-here.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/star-...post-here.html

Thanks for your reply. Yes ive been reading that Qatar is going to be joining one world sometime in October 2013 i believe. I'll post the question in the EK forum too.


Thanks for your reply Mwenenzi. You are correct, AMEX MR points can be transferred to SPG but its a 1:0.5 conversion so wont I lose out on a lot of points that way?


Maybe I'll pose the question to the forum threads that you posted.

Any conversion can result in loss of value: All depends on what you can get out of each program to match your needs

I posted this response in your thread on the BA forum:

BA will charge YQ on QF redemption, which I think is $155 since QF and EK recently changed it and isn't really high IMO. However, the avios calculator prices DXB-SYD as 50k in Y, 100k in J, and 150k in F, which is ridiculous. If you connect, then you could probably fly DXB-HKG-SYD or DXB-KUL-SYD which would be 45k in Y (because Avios charges per segment), 90k in J, and 135k in F. However the YQ (fuel surcharge) would likely be higher.
You are probably better off transferring your RBC Avion to AA and their award charts are much lower, only 45k in J and 60k in F as AA will not let you route via Asia. You can also redeem AA on Etihad.
I'd suggest getting an SPG with a 21k signup offer, which will generate another 26k AA. Then you can transfer your RBC Avion which should be enough for a one-way ticket!
You should also considering buying AA miles given that there is a sale, which means it would be around $1550-1650 for 65,000 miles, given that transferring your AMEX MR to Avios still isn't enough for a business class ticket and will probably cost you a few hundred dollars in fuel surcharges.
This might be a bit confusing and should you need any help feel free to PM.