What to do with found miles?
 

I haven't flown TWA since 1994 and stumbled across my FF card this morning. I was about to throw it out, but decided to check the balance first and was shocked to learn that I have 27,000 miles sitting in the account. (I was even more surprised to learn that they hadn't expired!)

Any advice on what to do with these miles? I live in San Francisco and like I said, haven't used TWA for a very long time. Ditto with American, though they at least have some presence at SFO. UAL gets most of my business. Very much appreciate your suggestions!

Some of the most obvious options:

1. Get an award on TW (25,000 miles for travel within Continental US and between US and Canada).

2. Get an award on AS (20,000 miles for travel within Continental US and between Continental US and Alaska).

3. Get an award on AW (25,000 miles for travel within Continental US and between US and Canada).

For more details see Aviators Award Guide.

4. Wait until TW miles would become AA miles, and get an award on AA (25,000 miles for travel within Continental US, Alaska and Canada).

5. Wait until TW miles would become AA miles, and get an award on SR, or SN (20,000 miles within Europe or between Europe and North Africa in Coach or 25,000 in Biz). That may or may not be useful for you, but could be a nice add-on to a European trip.

6. Transfer miles to HHonors through ther Reward Exchange program (25,000 TWA miles --> 50,000 HHonors points, but only 25,000 HHonors points if you transfer AA miles).

I'm pretty sure you'll get other suggestions as well.

I would just wait and have them converted into American miles. You will have a wider choice of award destinations for the same miles. If you lived in a city where you could use the 750-mile award (15,000 miles) that would be another issue, but just hold onto them. Later this year they will be turned into AA miles and then even if you don't touch them you will have another 3 years to use them. FF

Even though I haven't flown TWA since 1990, I researched my account and discovered 46,000 miles still sloshing around. I'll wait until later this year when AA combines them with my AAdvantage miles.

Appreciate the advice! I'm really low on options, since I generally don't use any of the airline partners or Hilton. Sounds like waiting for the American conversion may be the best option, but eager to hear of any other creative ideas!