How to jump on the USDM or Lifemiles bandwagon?

[bcworld]

Wow. Ok so I logged into my US Airways account, and tried searching for award bookings. The only Australian airport they can pick up is Alice Springs. WTF? Alice Springs!

Is there some trick I'm missing? Sorry for the noob questions if this widely known.

You're missing the trick that partner award checking and booking is only by phone.

 

[markis10]

Wow. Ok so I logged into my US Airways account, and tried searching for award bookings. The only Australian airport they can pick up is Alice Springs. WTF? Alice Springs!

Is there some trick I'm missing? Sorry for the noob questions if this widely known.

You cannot book online, suggest you have a closer read of the threads, its worth the time to prevent U turns!

 

[Buzzard]

I'm new to this USDM thing. Certainly seems worthwhile joining & buying miles esp when bonus miles on offer.
A question however to which I can't find the answer on this forum or USDM site.
How long can you keep the miles for before they expire :?:
A big thank you in advance.

 

[sergeyvzn]

I'm new to this USDM thing. Certainly seems worthwhile joining & buying miles esp when bonus miles on offer.
A question however to which I can't find the answer on this forum or USDM site.
How long can you keep the miles for before they expire :?:
A big thank you in advance.

In 18 months since your last account activity

 

[Programme]

Been reading about USDM redemptions - it all sounds like a steal, but I've become a little confused. Does anyone see a problem with this?

1) Sign up to USDM, wait 12 days.
2) Check availability on Awardtravlr/ANA/etc, call USDM to book the route and place it on hold. This might take a few calls if the agent is clueless. Also TG releases two seats at a time, so if booking for >2 for TG in J, bookings will probably have to be split.
3) Buy the miles. Hopefully on a 100% bonus!
4) Call the operating airlines (TG/NH/BR/whatever) and confirm seats and the ticket number against the booking.

Does that sound right?

Also, it looks like there is a 50,000 bonus point limit per account, but is there a total limit to purchased points? i.e. Is it OK to buy 60,000 points and receive 110,000 (50k paid +50k bonus + another 10k paid at normal rate)?

 

[hossein_au]

Been reading about USDM redemptions - it all sounds like a steal, but I've become a little confused. Does anyone see a problem with this?

1) Sign up to USDM, wait 12 days.
2) Check availability on Awardtravlr/ANA/etc, call USDM to book the route and place it on hold. This might take a few calls if the agent is clueless. Also TG releases two seats at a time, so if booking for >2 for TG in J, bookings will probably have to be split.
3) Buy the miles. Hopefully on a 100% bonus!
4) Call the operating airlines (TG/NH/BR/whatever) and confirm seats and the ticket number against the booking.

Does that sound right?

Also, it looks like there is a 50,000 bonus point limit per account, but is there a total limit to purchased points? i.e. Is it OK to buy 60,000 points and receive 110,000 (50k paid +50k bonus + another 10k paid at normal rate)?

*) Note that USDM takes a couple of days to process your purchase; so if you place a hold and then buy points, the hold might expire before the points come through. Buy the points first and then call and book once the points hit your account.

*) You can buy more than 50,000 points (in multiple transactions), but the current promotion is limited to only 50,000 bonus points per account.

*) Enjoy!

 

[Programme]

*) Note that USDM takes a couple of days to process your purchase; so if you place a hold and then buy points, the hold might expire before the points come through. Buy the points first and then call and book once the points hit your account.

Thanks!

Good that AFF exists - I had presumed that the points would post instantaneously. So the plan would be safer if there were sufficient points in the account already and one would book and pay for the itinerary all at once.

 

[hossein_au]

Thanks!

Good that AFF exists - I had presumed that the points would post instantaneously. So the plan would be safer if there were sufficient points in the account already and one would book and pay for the itinerary all at once.

I'd say so; at least that's what I did.

Cheers.

 

[bcworld]

Thanks!

Good that AFF exists - I had presumed that the points would post instantaneously. So the plan would be safer if there were sufficient points in the account already and one would book and pay for the itinerary all at once.

More often than not they do post instantly but you can't be certain of that.

 

[hossein_au]

More often than not they do post instantly but you can't be certain of that.

I have bought twice and gifted once. In each occasion the points posted between 24 and 48 hours of purchase. I have read it might take up to 72 hours, but it is good to know it might also be posted instantly.

 

[bcworld]

I have bought twice and gifted once. In each occasion the points posted between 24 and 48 hours of purchase. I have read it might take up to 72 hours, but it is good to know it might also be posted instantly.

I've been buying since 2009 and I think only once had a delayed purchase. Bought in July's targeted promo and that was instant.

 

[hossein_au]

I've been buying since 2009 and I think only once had a delayed purchase. Bought in July's targeted promo and that was instant.

Cool! Something to look forward to for my next purchase

 

[burmans]

*) You can buy more than 50,000 points (in multiple transactions), but the current promotion is limited to only 50,000 bonus points per account.

And note they currently seem to have promos every second month and sometimes every month. Over a year you could buy 600K plus if you really want to.

 

[Buzzard]

And note they currently seem to have promos every second month and sometimes every month. Over a year you could buy 600K plus if you really want to.

Thats a lot of (cheap?) flying.

 

[smit0847]

Thats a lot of (cheap?) flying.

If you had a travel budget that allowed Y+ for intl, and status was not important, you could fly J pretty much everytime......

 

[burmans]

Thats a lot of (cheap?) flying.

Not that hard if you try dependant on your family situation, this year took my family to Europe and invited my sister to join us from NZ. 3 * J tickets at 120K plus 2 * F at 150K = 660K.

For one person sure, a lot of flying.

 

[comehither]

Not that hard if you try dependant on your family situation, this year took my family to Europe and invited my sister to join us from NZ. 3 * J tickets at 120K plus 2 * F at 150K = 660K.

For one person sure, a lot of flying.

So I can make bookings for others using my points?

 

[smit0847]

So I can make bookings for others using my points?

Yes, of course.