milage conversions
 

I don't know if this has been suggestd previously (although it probably has and in that case I'm fishing). How about an area in FlyerTalk-land where one can learn the various ways to convert FF miles from one program into another, for instance how does one convert AMEX miles into NW miles or United miles ?? It seems that I regularly see queries on this very subject. I know that program rules change with some regularity and it would require some modifications periodically. How about it ?


just my $0.02 worth

Given the number of FF programs, & the number of programs which can function as "intermediaries" or as preliminary "way stations" in a conversion, not to mention the reality of reciprocal program partnerships for which miles from one program are redeemable in another (though not officially "converted" into that program's miles), it comes down to many possible "connect the dot"-like associations (& the respective ultimate conversion rates which could potentially be unfavorable).

For a given conversion "pair", one should take into account whatever relevant options exist outside of an absolute from-this-to-that conversion (e.g. program reciprocity).

Lastly, the relevant forums related to the conversion in question would be a good place to start (w/ a search) (in addition to reading details of conversion options for various programs [frequently found on the programs' web sites]).

If one were to ask a "how do I?" conversion question, one would do well to state what one's ultimate goal is--because while an answer to one's question could be provided, alternative options which could allow one to achieve one's goal could be taken into account (& presented/discussed, accordingly) if the ultimate goal itself was known. Don't be surprised if a question of, "how do I convert this to that?" is met w/ the question of, "what is it you want to do?"...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

If you search various forums you will see that, in general, you always lose when you convert one airline's miles to another. If you didn't lose, FF programs would have no loyalty because you could simply fly whatever airline you wanted and then convert the miles.

You can convert miles through, say, Milepoint.com or Hilton, but you'll always lose a lot of value.

The better advice is to top off orphan accounts with credit cards or transfers (such as ClickMiles) and then redeem an award. You'll get a lot more cents/mile than if you flush an account through a conversion.

True...


Agreed...though it is always wise to examine relevant program reciprocity options, to determine just which account(s) should be topped off--it can turn out to be something other than the airline-specific program associated w/ the airline one desires to fly.

To clarify, in case there is any confusion, my original response was not an advisement for miles/points conversion--if anything, it was meant to highlight the importance of identifying the ultimate goal, so alternative advice could be provided. That alternative advice would tend not to include a conversion, particularly when it came to anything miles-to-miles, but could, depending on the circumstance. Regarding miles-to-points conversions, miles-to-HHonors points are sometimes justifiable (re: $-per / value).


With few exceptions, this is true.

A notable exception = the annual-for-several-years-thusfar Diners Club BA miles conversion promo, in which 1:1 conversion of UA, DL, & AA miles -to- BA miles is possible. Nice...! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by ILTE_Miles (edited 09-08-2001).]