Citibank Points need to be redeemed before March 18

[shmock]

Hi all,
I have 900,000 Citibank points over 2 cards that I can convert into QF or VA or KF. I wish to do so prior to March 18 when their redemption rate changes. (If I don't, I will lose 25% of the value).
I prefer to use the points for Business class on long haul overseas trips booked well in advance

I prefer flying KF, but points only last 3yrs, then expire, worried I may not use them all in time.
Every time I look at VA business The number of points needed are exhorbident, 2-3 times what the min number are.
QF lasts a lifetime (as long as activity in account), but seats also a bit hard to find.

Any suggestions or stategies?
Shmock

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Dump them into VA and transfer across to SQ as you can use them - taking a small hit on the transfer in exchange for longevity.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Dump them into VA and transfer across to SQ as you can use them - taking a small hit on the transfer in exchange for longevity.

Given the 3 years life at SQ (and one can book 11 months out and so is almost 4 years. Plus can be extended for 6months but at a cost) I would suggest that the OP move at least some to KF direct. As a further failsafe one can redeem domestic flights on VA with no fees with some routes being good value at a low point cost. so handy to mop up expiring points.

Cautious approach would be to estimate say 2 years worth of flights in points and move over. If the OP books for 2 rather than 1 pax then two years of holiday flights in J/F would be a fair total.


Having some points at VA is not a bad thing as reduction in the points required specials on flights can occur. Also for some destinations VA points can be handier that SQ (and its *A and other partners). ie To NBO on Eithad it was easy to get J seats.

 

[burmans]

Given the 3 years life at SQ (and one can book 11 months out and so is almost 4 years. Plus can be extended for 6months but at a cost) I would suggest that the OP move at least some to KF direct. As a further failsafe one can redeem domestic flights on VA with no fees with some routes being good value at a low point cost. so handy to mop up expiring points.

Cautious approach would be to estimate say 2 years worth of flights in points and move over. If the OP books for 2 rather than 1 pax then two years of holiday flights in J/F would be a fair total.


Having some points at VA is not a bad thing as reduction in the points required specials on flights can occur. Also for some detinations VA points can be handier that SQ (and its *A and other partners). ie To NBO on Eithad it was easy to get J seats.

Personally I have 700K in KF points and am fairly comfortable myself and wife will use in 3 years (in fact you can first extend by 6 months, then book 11 months out then change for up to another 12 months - i.e. nearly 5 years all up).

In fact I had very similar dilemma myself, ended up with 700K in KF and 200K in VA, there is my answer!

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Personally I have 700K in KF points and am fairly comfortable myself and wife will use in 3 years (in fact you can first extend by 6 months, then book 11 months out then change for up to another 12 months - i.e. nearly 5 years all up).

In fact I had very similar dilemma myself, ended up with 700K in KF and 200K in VA, there is my answer!

The most I have moved in the past to KF in a single hit was 1.5 million from MR when there was a 10% transfer bonus = 1.65 million landed. Though my 3 daughters were all younger then and so I was often redeeming for upto 5. I mainly now book for 2 of us.

Landing about 700K would probably be my "prudent" limit too these days provided I did not already have too large a stash at KF. However between my wife and I cleaning out our Citibank accounts will only net about 200K and so it will all go to KF.