dougouolo

I've got five days before my 57,xxx starpoints expire. I live in HNL, so a one night stay to extend life would be pretty expensive. And don't have an SPG credit card.

The problem here is that I will be accepting on a new job overseas which I don't know where I will be assigned to, so I don't know where I will travel from or to.

I have most of my miles with BA, a pretty good chunk at United, and small amounts with AA and Delta.

I'm leaning towards transferring to Star Alliance, either ANA, Aeroplan or US Airways (none of which I have membership with nor have flown on, but am considering because the transfer rate of 1:1 is better than United/Continental's 2:1), but wondering if you folks think *Alliance is the best general program to go with.

Thanks.

myperks

go dine at one of the HNL properties will get your points extended. for 57k+ starpoints, i would probably do something to keep it in the account...

EDIT:
link to:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...hout-stay.html

jerry305

Agree with dining out at a Starwood hotel restaurant. Note: not every restaurant server or even restaurant manager knows how to credit the points. Just confirm with the front desk staff if there's confusion. And make sure to verify that the points register within a day or two.

Also, phone SPG. Tell them that OMG, you just realized that your Starpoints will expire; ask if they can waive the expiration deadline by a few weeks or months.
1. Worked for me.
2. Doesn't hurt to ask.

I'm sure you know, but just in case... you don't need to turn over all your points, you just need some qualifying activity in the account.

Good luck.

vandalby

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you just need activity to keep your points in good standing. You could always punt and just get a magazine subscription or do a points donation. It's not a great redemption, but I think it's less than 2,000 points.

freeloader

That's incorrect. the activity needs to come from a hotel or CC.

The hotel dining thing is probably the easiest.

Out of my Element

Cash and points stay or points only stay would also keep the account alive.

dougouolo

Thanks, didn't know about the dining option and that's what I'm gonna do.

I don't think spending points on stays is considered an eligible activity. I remember a couple of years ago that it wasn't for me.

Out of my Element

You are correct. Glad you didn't follow my recommendation blindly.

Happy

No.

The ONLY ways are:

1) a pay stay.
2) a $10 and above dining at a restaurant onsite that is owned by the property, not a 3rd party outfit.
3) own the SPG CC.

It is well explained by the Lurker in the link posted a few posts above.

Out of my Element

Thanks.

It was also already corrected 2 posts up. I got told.

ExitRowAisle

Shouldn't this be "use the SPG CC"? If there's no activity on SPG, they won't know that you have the CC.

vandalby

Thanks, I stand happily corrected.