Finding a flight using redeemable points is overwhelming!

[TylerDurden]

Hey team

I recently received the American Express Platinum Card. I want to start using the points to book flights, but do I really have to go to every partner airline to find flights? Is there a platform that consolidates all possible flights in one place?

From what I can tell, using the American Express travel portal is not the most efficient way to utilise points. I tried logging into amex.point.me, but I get an error message no matter what I do. And point.me has an annual fee, and I don't book that many flights.

Any advice for making this overwhelming process easier would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you...

 

[SYD]

There are some subscription sites that provide some award availability across multiple programs. Seats.Aero is one that’s become popular.

Thread 'Seats.aero - a useful tool for finding Qantas & Velocity reward availability'

Jul 31, 2023

Seats.aero has recently added support for both Virgin Australia Velocity and Qantas Frequent Flyer.

We've written a guide explaining how to use this tool, which you can read here:

Easily Find Qantas & Velocity Reward Availability with Seats.aero

Seats.aero shows award availability across many routes and dates on one page, including Qantas and Velocity Frequent Flyer reward seats.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Feel free to leave a comment or discuss Seats.aero in this thread!

• AFF Editor
• Replies: 144
• Forum: Frequent Flyer Tools & Resources

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PS
Welcome to AFF!

 

[TylerDurden]

Awesome, thank you for the feedback.

 

[drron]

Welcome to AFF @TylerDurden . Good advice from @SYD . That is usually what I do but often just check the 2 programs i have the most points and success with.

 

[SYD]

Welcome to AFF @TylerDurden . Good advice from @SYD . That is usually what I do but often just check the 2 programs i have the most points and success with.

Yeah, I just persevere with the programs I have points with. Pretty adept at searching with those.

But the OP has AMEX so knowing what’s available BEFORE transferring points has multiple degrees of difficulty!

 

[Noah Count]

But the OP has AMEX so knowing what’s available BEFORE transferring points has degree of difficulty!

You raise a good point, IMO it is also knowing how quick the points will transfer and then the rules of the program if you need to make changes. I am happy to transfer to CX as it is instant and if you need to change a flight it is pretty straight forward but slightly different to QF. QR on the other hand, the transfer is instant but if you need to make changes it can be a little more tricky. Once your points have left AMEX to the best of my knowledge there is no way to transfer them back and if you need to make changes or cancel flights your points are subject to the program rules and could expire if you cannot use them.