What To Do With Alaska Airlines Miles
 

Alright...I've got just about 5,000 miles in my account, and don't know if I can "use" these orphan miles anywhere.

Anyone know if I can transfer them somewhere (i.e. - Hilton), or maybe combine them with other miles in my NW account, or something?

Thanks, oh knowledgeable ones!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Apply for four Alaska Platinum Visas one at a time, and if accepted you will get an additional 20,000 for $300. This will then be good for a ticket on American connecting with Alaska.

I am in the same boat as yourself. I would suggest looking at some Amtrack awards. Also considering topping off your account with Greenpoints and mypoints, and with cards like Diners Club (12K miles for $80 if you do not have the card).

If you don't want to go the route of 4 credit cards, you could sign up for one and then convert to a r/t first class upgrade. Plus you get those great coupons with the Visa Platinum card. (one way FC upgrade, 50% companion cert and 2 Alaska boardroom passes)

Or if you happen to be in Alaska you could take a flight on Bearing Air or Era Aviation.

Era flys to Valdez, Kenai, Homer, Kodiak, Whitehorse and Cordova from ANC.

And please add your positive comments to: http://www.saveskymiles.com

You should look into donating them for any possible tax break.

I believe that there's no tax deduction for donating frequent flier miles to charity. (Well, strictly speaking, you can deduct whatever you want, but good luck at the audit that Murphy [of Murphy's Law] will no doubt arrange for you.)

Last time I checked, you could get a round-trip Amtrak ticket within CA or the Pacific Northwest for 5000 AS miles.

Yonatan