Has anyone seen a "connection" plot between FF programs (how to move points around)?
 

I was thinking that it would be pretty informative to have a plot that shows all the possible links between (major) FF programs, and how it's possible to move miles around between them. Kind of like "six degrees of frequent flier programs". I suspect Starwood would be a very busy hub in such a plot?

If I were more familiar with the various programs out there, I would try to create something like this, but I'm only familiar with UA MP, so I'm not an expert here. Has anyone seen such a plot, or thought about this too?

It would be HHonors and not Starwood.

Starwood has the best conversion rate but does not allow Miles --> Points and Points ---> Miles.

Too bad the conversion rate sucks. Then again, its better than Points.com http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

About the only methods of transferring between programs are either via HHonors or Diners Club. Diners Club offers the best deal (either 2-1 or 1-1 for double BA promo), but you can only convert out of AA or UA. HHonors transfer is worse, the best ratio is a bit less than 2-1.

I think you could lay out such a plot using a bunch of programs. And it could include Starwood, if that's where some of the points originate (read: InsideFlyer). I guess it would be a lot like a city street map, where some streets are one-way, and others are two-way, so, to go to some programs from others, it may require going a few blocks on a one way street, to turn left on a two way... It would be time consuming, but certainly interesting. Maybe if I'm really bored some day.

I actually started writing a program that would calculate the best exchange, so I have most of the partners and ratios already. It might not be too difficult to put as a flowchart somehow (though my graphics skills are rudimentary).
Another way to exchange miles (indirect): I suppose you could also buy stuff via milesmall, sell it on ebay, then buy miles via buymiles or the individual programs. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Don't forget the 3-D Glasses

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