n00b question
Nov 11, 2013 | 8:56 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: EK
Posts: 103
n00b question
[Mod note: This thread/post moved from the flame-free Information Desk forum. Thanks for contributing respectful responses.]
how would i go about exchanging amex points to an airline that would allow me to upgrade on Saudi Airlines? i see that they're part of Skyteam, but i don't see anywhere i can exchange direct to SA. does that mean i purchase a ticket on another airline? i'd like to fly my elderly folks direct from IAD to JED.
thx
how would i go about exchanging amex points to an airline that would allow me to upgrade on Saudi Airlines? i see that they're part of Skyteam, but i don't see anywhere i can exchange direct to SA. does that mean i purchase a ticket on another airline? i'd like to fly my elderly folks direct from IAD to JED.
thx
Last edited by jackal; Nov 16, 2013 at 12:42 am
Nov 11, 2013 | 9:06 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, A3 Gold, Former UA 1K
Posts: 6,365
To upgrade from another Skyteam program you have to buy the top 2 most expensive economy fare classes. Chances are you can get discount biz cheaper if planned in advance and save your miles/points.
Typically I only see the alliance wide upgrades as an attractive option when either 1) company is paying but requires an economy ticket (remember economy only policies aren't always cheapest available policies) or 2) was rebooked into Y from another airline due to schedule cancellation in advance, etc.
Typically I only see the alliance wide upgrades as an attractive option when either 1) company is paying but requires an economy ticket (remember economy only policies aren't always cheapest available policies) or 2) was rebooked into Y from another airline due to schedule cancellation in advance, etc.
Nov 11, 2013 | 9:09 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 26,113
how would i go about exchanging amex points to an airline that would allow me to upgrade on Saudi Airlines? i see that they're part of Skyteam, but i don't see anywhere i can exchange direct to SA. does that mean i purchase a ticket on another airline? i'd like to fly my elderly folks direct from IAD to JED.
With very few exceptions (which typically require very expensive "unrestricted" fares, by the way), you cannot upgrade on partner airlines, only on the airline whose miles you have.
You can use miles from partner airlines to outright book awards in premium cabins, but you can't use miles from partner airlines to upgrade paid discount economy flights to premium cabins.
Nov 11, 2013 | 9:38 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: EK
Posts: 103
ok so would i be able to move my amex points to one of the partners and just get 1 award biz class ticket and purchase the other one? would that allow them to both fly on SA direct?
thx for the quick responses.
thx for the quick responses.
Nov 11, 2013 | 11:57 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,939
Yes. And I think SV has good availability. You can transfer to DL or AF. Note that if for some reason you don't end up using the AF miles, it can get pricey trying to use it on other airlines as you will be hit with fuel surcharges. Using AF miles on SV does not have this problem. Also with AF you can avoid an Amex transfer fee and can get one-way tickets.
Nov 11, 2013 | 1:32 pm
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
To upgrade from another Skyteam program you have to buy the top 2 most expensive economy fare classes. Chances are you can get discount biz cheaper if planned in advance and save your miles/points.
Typically I only see the alliance wide upgrades as an attractive option when either 1) company is paying but requires an economy ticket (remember economy only policies aren't always cheapest available policies) or 2) was rebooked into Y from another airline due to schedule cancellation in advance, etc.
Typically I only see the alliance wide upgrades as an attractive option when either 1) company is paying but requires an economy ticket (remember economy only policies aren't always cheapest available policies) or 2) was rebooked into Y from another airline due to schedule cancellation in advance, etc.