This one should be good, but then again I'm a FF virgin so maybe not...

I'm looking to book a one-way flight SYD-ICN in the coming months, and I'd like to do it for free if at all possible (current price $500-$900 US). From SYD, one can fly:
- KE or OZ direct
- MH via KUL
- SQ via SIN
- D7 via OOL then KUL so not really an option

I currently have the following FF balances:
- CO onepass: 83,000
- DJ Velocity: 17,000
- Westpac Altitude CC Points: 38,000 (can convert to 19,000 DJ Velocity, 19,000 SQ Krisflyer, or 19,000 MH Enrich)

Question #1: When booking, is it possible to combine FF balances as long as the airlines are in the same alliance / interline agreement, or are you forced e.g. to use Krisflyer miles only if booking with SQ, onepass only with CO, etc? Or is it possible to convert e.g. Velocity to Enrich, onepass to Krisflyer (i.e. within alliances)? I don't care if it's difficult, just as long as it's possible. Reason I've posted this in the Star Alliance group is that I'd think my CO points are worth more than anything else I've got at the moment, but what do I know?


Question #2: If #1 is possible, which do you think would net me the best value?

1. SQ is in Star Alliance together with CO (so potential combination of onepass and Krisflyer miles via conversion from my credit card?)

2. MH has interline agreement with DJ, (so definite use of existing & converted Velocity miles, or combination Velocity + Enrich)


Question #3: Does 19,000 Krisflyer = 19,000 Velocity = 19,000 Enrich? This one is important if I decide to fly MH and have the option to convert my CC points to either DJ/MH/SQ.


Question #4: If #1 isn't possible, which of the above (83k onepass, 17k + 19k Velocity, 19k Krisflyer, or 19k Enrich) works out to be the best?


I imagine my question is a royal pain in the ......it certainly is confusing for me to write, and I obviously don't have a grasp of the basic mechanics of FF programs, let alone the minute nuances that maximize value.

Basically I'd really like to get the best use of my FF miles and CC points instead of shelling out $500-900 for a ticket. Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

Welcome to FlyerTalk, PKV1. And congratulations on some very imaginative thinking. Unfortunately, the options for combining / converting points are somewhat limited. Have a look at this

http://www.webflyer.com/programs/mileage_converter/

for some of the possibilities.

cheers,

Henry

The short answer is that it is not possible. The longer answer is that it can occasionally be possible but not with any reasonable value retention. Figure 75-90% devaluation when making such transfers.

If you've got points in CO OnePass you can redeem them on any OnePass partners (including OZ, SQ or NZ) but you are subject to the rules of their program, one of which is that one-way rewards are not discounted from the return trip price. That would cost you 70K in Y - not a great value for those miles at all.

I don't know if the 36K Velocity points is enough for a one-way. If not then the CO redemption is probably your only choice if you don't want to pay cash.