Last edit by: geclub1
1.3 is conversion rate to Mileageplan
#31
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 187
Then use that VGC and buy the 20k starpoints for $455. Then go treat yourself and the lady to a nice dinner and pat yourself on the back.
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,834
While killings off the last remaining reason to take VX on premium transcontinental routes. Now they have a weaker product at a much higher price point earning less status points and requiring many more flights to get status with AS. Nice recipe to turn that into loss making capacity quickly.
#34
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 398
Here's direct from the FAQ on buying starpoints:
"Which credit cards may I use to purchase Starpoints?
You may use any valid American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, JCB or Diners Club card. If you use the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express to purchase Starpoints, you will earn additional Starpoints for the dollars you charge on the card."
#35
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 398
A noble approach as well.^
#36
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: Marriott - Titanium, AA - Lifetime Gold
Posts: 333
Better Deal: Transfer SPG to Marriott reward points 1:3 ratio. So, 90,000 SPG -> 270,000 Marriott. Use Marriott points to purchase "Nights and Flights" reward deal. Get 120,000 AS points PLUS 7 nights in Cat 1-5 Marriott Hotel.
This is best use of SPG points.
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,337
Well, given that Elevate's going to be eliminated permanently, why on earth would SPG and AS bring the option back?
I suspect they both realized 20k SPG -> 25k VX -> 32.5k AS was problematic especially since at the moment a number of people can buy SPG at 50% discount thanks to SPG's latest buy points promo. This was in effect buying AS miles at 1.1 cpm ($350 for 20k SPG->32.5k AS). AS has a history of looking at large SPG dumps into brand new AS accounts rather suspiciously.
I suspect they both realized 20k SPG -> 25k VX -> 32.5k AS was problematic especially since at the moment a number of people can buy SPG at 50% discount thanks to SPG's latest buy points promo. This was in effect buying AS miles at 1.1 cpm ($350 for 20k SPG->32.5k AS). AS has a history of looking at large SPG dumps into brand new AS accounts rather suspiciously.
#42
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Preferably waiting for takeoff
Programs: AA EXP, MVPG, DL Silver, United Silver, Accor Platinum, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 458
Well, given that Elevate's going to be eliminated permanently, why on earth would SPG and AS bring the option back?
I suspect they both realized 20k SPG -> 25k VX -> 32.5k AS was problematic especially since at the moment a number of people can buy SPG at 50% discount thanks to SPG's latest buy points promo. This was in effect buying AS miles at 1.1 cpm ($350 for 20k SPG->32.5k AS). AS has a history of looking at large SPG dumps into brand new AS accounts rather suspiciously.
I suspect they both realized 20k SPG -> 25k VX -> 32.5k AS was problematic especially since at the moment a number of people can buy SPG at 50% discount thanks to SPG's latest buy points promo. This was in effect buying AS miles at 1.1 cpm ($350 for 20k SPG->32.5k AS). AS has a history of looking at large SPG dumps into brand new AS accounts rather suspiciously.
#43
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LAX, LGB, SNA
Programs: AA EXP OWE, DL DM ST+, AS MVPG, UA, BA, WN CP, Hyatt E, Ritz Plat, HH GM
Posts: 3,185
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,834
VX is no longer on the list of SPG transfer partners--only VS is. As I stated in some thread earlier, I knew they would cut this off quickly. Ever since the EK "loop hole" which AS shut down, they are quite vigilant in cutting off people transferring points to take advantage of any "good deals" in Mileage Plan.