New Joiner and Maximizing Miles
Dec 1, 2010 | 7:12 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 2
New Joiner and Maximizing Miles
As a first time FlyerTalk contributor and a new Platinum member with SPG, I wanted to add my first post and see if anyone experienced SPG members had some general tips for maximizing the points for free travel. I live in the Middle East and take trips to the US and Europe several times a year. Is it better to book travel using SPG, or to transfer miles to specific airlines, or does it all depend on where you want to go and with whom? Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
Dec 1, 2010 | 10:14 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,326
Welcome to FT, Helms!
It really depends on your travel patterns and other earning methods. Personally, I find Starpoints to be most valuable as Starpoints (I have more miles than I can use already), while others feel it's more valuable to transfer them to an airline (using the 25% bonus and other promos). I don't think you'll get a consensus one way or the other, except that I don't think you'll find (m)any people transferring miles to CO or UA with that 2:1 transfer ratio.
It really depends on your travel patterns and other earning methods. Personally, I find Starpoints to be most valuable as Starpoints (I have more miles than I can use already), while others feel it's more valuable to transfer them to an airline (using the 25% bonus and other promos). I don't think you'll get a consensus one way or the other, except that I don't think you'll find (m)any people transferring miles to CO or UA with that 2:1 transfer ratio.