Best way to get "rid" of 300k+ points?
Aug 22, 2021 | 12:29 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,402
Best way to get "rid" of 300k+ points?
Hi all, I was an spg plat, but declined to continue that given bonvoy. My status is focused on Hyatt and American airlines (top tier) at both.
I don't really want to stay at Marriotts with my points given lack of status, so am looking at the best redemption of my points.
I tried booking flights directly with my points but got horrible value 0.3/1000. Wish I could convert these to membership rewards or Hyatt points. I can't be the only one who's been in this predicament, can anyone share their solution?
I guess I could transfer to American Airlines if all else fails.
I don't really want to stay at Marriotts with my points given lack of status, so am looking at the best redemption of my points.
I tried booking flights directly with my points but got horrible value 0.3/1000. Wish I could convert these to membership rewards or Hyatt points. I can't be the only one who's been in this predicament, can anyone share their solution?
I guess I could transfer to American Airlines if all else fails.
Aug 22, 2021 | 1:20 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: IB+ Gold, TK E+, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, IHG Diamond
Posts: 14,191
Check out Moments. Maybe there's a concert or some other unique experience that appeals to you.
Also, look beyond AA to airlines with a better award chart. 300k Marriott --> 125k miles, which can get you to Europe or Asia in F with the right ffp.
Also, look beyond AA to airlines with a better award chart. 300k Marriott --> 125k miles, which can get you to Europe or Asia in F with the right ffp.
Aug 22, 2021 | 1:59 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,402
Any suggestions for good airline transfers?
Aug 22, 2021 | 9:31 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, MR LTT, HH Dia, IHG Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 37,364
Aug 22, 2021 | 11:59 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K2MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,315
Just keep them given that you have time prior to any non-usage forfeiture - you never know where you will have to go to some random small town where a limited service property might be the best option. Or you might find a city on occasion (getting fewer each month) where the Hyatt options are subpar or not available relative to Marriott, and then might be a good time to burn (even w/o the benefits).
Aug 22, 2021 | 12:04 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 649
I would transfer them to an airline program in 60k to 25k chunks (3:1 plus 5k extra) or 120k to 50k, 180k to 75k, etc, wait for a transfer bonus if possible, if you aren't in a hurry to spend them (I have gotten transfer bonuses to Aeroplan and AAdvantage pre-covid).
Otherwise send them to a program that is not an available transfer partner of Amex/Chase where you can maximize the redemption values that are hard to obtain otherwise or that reserves better award space for its own members. For instance Turkish Miles and Smiles, 60k Marriott to 25k miles transferred would be enough for a round trip premium transcon business on United (space allowing of course...).
Otherwise send them to a program that is not an available transfer partner of Amex/Chase where you can maximize the redemption values that are hard to obtain otherwise or that reserves better award space for its own members. For instance Turkish Miles and Smiles, 60k Marriott to 25k miles transferred would be enough for a round trip premium transcon business on United (space allowing of course...).
Aug 22, 2021 | 4:25 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,359
I'm with UA-NYC on this one. Just keep the points in case you or a close friend/family member needs a hotel room in an out-of-the-way place or a quick one-night when status doesn't matter.
If you do save the points, keep your ears open for ways to use them. Years ago, I had a very pregnant friend who had her air conditioner break down in the summer. It took two days to get fixed. It wasn't dangerous, just uncomfortable for her. So, used points to get her and her husband a hotel room for a couple nights.
If you do save the points, keep your ears open for ways to use them. Years ago, I had a very pregnant friend who had her air conditioner break down in the summer. It took two days to get fixed. It wasn't dangerous, just uncomfortable for her. So, used points to get her and her husband a hotel room for a couple nights.
Aug 23, 2021 | 10:53 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 11,571
there are quite a few marriott options where hyatt does not have presence - i would save pts for that.. if you are traveling with kids you can redeem for vacation club properties