Redeem for miles or merchandise?
Feb 13, 2003 | 12:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Beverly Hills,CA, USA
Posts: 246
Redeem for miles or merchandise?
Sorry in advance if this is the wrong forum...
Recently, I found out I had 40,000 miles on Continental (had forgotten and not received statements in years). I then read that it could be transfered to Amtrak-United, where I do have miles/CC. However, I've decided that I'd prefer to fly AA (based in LA), not only for the legroom, but also they actually have awards available when I want them, esp. to Hawaii. United was a joke to Hawaii, even 10 months in advance.
So I'm about to transfer the miles from Amtrak, when I see I can buy Hertz/Bloomies etc. vouchers. While the transfer is only a penny a mile, at least getting something I'll (or in the case of bloomies, my wife :
) ) enjoy. Not be stuck with more miles. I currently have only about 15000 on United, my wife about 10000. We don't have elite status.
Comments.
Manku
Recently, I found out I had 40,000 miles on Continental (had forgotten and not received statements in years). I then read that it could be transfered to Amtrak-United, where I do have miles/CC. However, I've decided that I'd prefer to fly AA (based in LA), not only for the legroom, but also they actually have awards available when I want them, esp. to Hawaii. United was a joke to Hawaii, even 10 months in advance.
So I'm about to transfer the miles from Amtrak, when I see I can buy Hertz/Bloomies etc. vouchers. While the transfer is only a penny a mile, at least getting something I'll (or in the case of bloomies, my wife :
) ) enjoy. Not be stuck with more miles. I currently have only about 15000 on United, my wife about 10000. We don't have elite status.Comments.
Manku
Feb 15, 2003 | 3:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Franklin, TN HHonors Diamond, Worldperks Platinum, Priority Club Platinum
Posts: 168
Unfortunately, with Continental, your options are extremely limited.
With purchasing merchandise, from what I remember, it can only get you up to 50% of the purchase price of something (which is usually valued at list price).
That is enough for a free ticket. Perhaps a nice weekend somewhere.
Another nice gesture would be to donate miles to charity and see if there is a value you can assign to a tax deduction. Helping yourself and someone else. You didn't mention when the last time you had activity on your account, but keep in mind that Continental has the option of closing an account if there is no activity in the last 18 months.
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NW Worldperks Plat
HHonors Diamond
Priority Club Platinum
My home: Doghouse
With purchasing merchandise, from what I remember, it can only get you up to 50% of the purchase price of something (which is usually valued at list price).
That is enough for a free ticket. Perhaps a nice weekend somewhere.
Another nice gesture would be to donate miles to charity and see if there is a value you can assign to a tax deduction. Helping yourself and someone else. You didn't mention when the last time you had activity on your account, but keep in mind that Continental has the option of closing an account if there is no activity in the last 18 months.
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NW Worldperks Plat
HHonors Diamond
Priority Club Platinum
My home: Doghouse
Feb 16, 2003 | 12:16 am
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Programs: DL estranged 1MMer and lifetime gold, F9/CO/NW/UA/AA once gold/plat now dust, Spirit RIP
Posts: 42,182
It all depends on your preferences. I tend to personally value miles at 1.5 to 1.66 cents per (valuation is itself a subject of hot debate, though). Merchandise is usually keyed to list price or close and isn't a deal, and car rental certs are maybe penny-a-mile. I haven't been thrilled with hotel conversion rates, either.
So I usually go with air travel. But if you have trouble finding the time for trips or getting a round total for the award, it may be different. Also note that CO is one of the most complained-about airlines for award availablility. You'll do fine, though, as long as you don't want Europe, Hawaii, or Asia.
So I usually go with air travel. But if you have trouble finding the time for trips or getting a round total for the award, it may be different. Also note that CO is one of the most complained-about airlines for award availablility. You'll do fine, though, as long as you don't want Europe, Hawaii, or Asia.