Points or pay?

[Lauri Byrnes]

Hi, we are looking at a return trip Melbourne - Paris in Dec/Jan using Amex points. Is it better to join affiliated airlines frequent flyer programmes or just pay with points?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[JohnK]

Welcome to AFF Lauri Byrnes!

Apologies but I am struggling to understand your question?

Are you trying to compare using Amex MR points to purchase flights from say Harvey World Travel or Amex Travelkey or transferring points to a frequent flyer program?

In my experience a FF program will win hands hands down 99.99% of the time.

Just as an example 80,750 KrisFlyer miles (or 80,750 Amex MR points) + ~AUD600-800 in taxes and surcharges is enough for a MEL-CDG return in economy.

I believe when purchasing flights from Harvey World Travel and the like using Amex MR points then the MR points get converted to cash at the rate of ~13,000 MR points = AUD100 which is not a good conversion rate.

Anyway this question can only be answered by you when you have done your research on costs and value of MR points. What is right for me may not be necessarily right for you.

 

[Lauri Byrnes]

Hi JohnK, thanks so much for responding. I am new to this so wasn't really sure if I had asked the question in the right area.

Basically, we have a substantial amount of Amex MR points and yes, I was wondering which would be the better value - paying via an associated travel agent using the points as a dollar value, or via an airline frequent flyer programme.

I have been trying to find out how may points are needed with different airlines to fly Melbourne - Paris return, but the only points figure I can find is for Singapore Airlines.

I thought that once I had those figures I could then do the conversions and figure out the best value.

Would you know of anywhere where I could access this sort of information?

I did think it would be better value to join a frequent flyer programme but now need to work out which one.

Thanks again for replying.

 

[Alanslegal]

And also what class of travel are you hoping for?

Welcome to AFF Lauri Byrnes

 

[Lauri Byrnes]

Hi, only economy at this stage (unfortunatley).

 

[straitman]

Lauri Byrnes,

Welcome to AFF.

The other question that needs to be asked iswhich type of MR points are they :?: This is detirmined by CC type. ie if they are associated with an Amex Platinum Charge card they can be pretty much transferred anywhere.

 

[Lauri Byrnes]

Hi Bill,

Yes, they are with a plantinum card.

Thanks

 

[straitman]

Hi Bill,

Yes, they are with a plantinum card.

Thanks

Platinum Credit or Charge card :?:

 

[Lauri Byrnes]

Credit card

 

[JohnK]

Basically, we have a substantial amount of Amex MR points and yes, I was wondering which would be the better value - paying via an associated travel agent using the points as a dollar value, or via an airline frequent flyer programme.

Definitely better value out of a FF program if the flights are easily available.

I have been trying to find out how may points are needed with different airlines to fly Melbourne - Paris return, but the only points figure I can find is for Singapore Airlines.

I thought that once I had those figures I could then do the conversions and figure out the best value.

Would you know of anywhere where I could access this sort of information?

The best way to access that information is to look at the various award charts from the airlines. Generally this does not require membership or miles in that FF program.

Simply do a google search for SQ KrisFlyer award chart, Thai Royal Orchid Plus award chart, CX Asia miles award chart etc...

I did think it would be better value to join a frequent flyer programme but now need to work out which one.

Studying award charts will give you some idea on which program is best.

Take note that if your MR points are in Australia then the FF programs you can transfer MR points are limited which is why I have not mentioned American Airlines or BMI Diamond Club.

Your best value economy awards Australia-Europe would have to be SQ KrisFlyer and CX Asia Miles depending on how you value points and how much cash you want to spend on taxes and surcharges.

There are also TG Royal Orchid Plus, MH Enrich, VS Flying Club, NZ Airpoints and Velocity.

 

[Lauri Byrnes]

Thank you so much. I will start researching tomorrow.

 

[Alanslegal]

Also if you give us some rough dates like + - 3 days then we can try and have a quick look to see what's available before you want to move points from MR -> x FF program for redemption.

 

[gsia]

My dad reckons upgrade is usually better - pay and then use points.

I agree...right now im planning to go paris via business class from melb using enrich. Does anyone know how many points is needed??

 

[KLN]

My dad reckons upgrade is usually better - pay and then use points.

I agree...right now im planning to go paris via business class from melb using enrich. Does anyone know how many points is needed??

I know that between Syd - KUL, 25,000 Enrich points are required. (so in my case it would be 50,000 points transfer to MH Enrich with my Westpac Altitude Visa/Amex)

 

[gsia]

I know that between Syd - KUL, 25,000 Enrich points are required. (so in my case it would be 50,000 points transfer to MH Enrich with my Westpac Altitude Visa/Amex)

Ahhh...thanks..We're thinking of going to Paris but we might not have enough points. Do you know how to get more points? Other than credit cards? I think we can buy but thats quite exp...what about transferring b/w friends and family?

 

[KLN]

between family members i'm sure, but not sure of the details.
i know i've transferred between myself/husband and daughter.

 

[gsia]

between family members i'm sure, but not sure of the details.
i know i've transferred between myself/husband and daughter.

Hey,

Thanks for your help Do you travel a lot?
Did you find it was worth transferring b/w family? Or you wouldnt recommend it so much?

 

[gsia]

Hey I can see you online! ahhaa...

no points because we used them all up on the last trip. Takes a while to make enough to go overseas...esp with the conversion :/...do u know of any enrich specials at the mo?

 

[KLN]

i've done it a couple of times so that i could combine everyone's points, and then have just transferred what we need then into my account, and have put in for everybody's business upgrade out of the one account, being mine. i just find it easier dealing with MH that way sometimes.
just remember to check that your economy fare is in an upgradeable class before you book it. i semi-book it over the internet, and then ring MH and ask them whether there upgradeable seats available for that flight that i want. i have been known to change flights before, as they will tell you what's available.
they are very good over the phone i have found, and i haven't ever had a knockback on my upgrade requests.
MH Business class is very good.
The Lounge in Sydney is simple but good, better than sitting out with the masses, and the Lounge in KL is fantastic.

 

[renatica]

Lauri,
I suggest you go to webjet.com.au/flights and use the dealfinder to find the prices for your destination. The search results will show prices in dollars but next to this option you will also see American express points - you can tick the radio button for Amex to see prices in Amex points. The results screen also shows the whole month so you can see which days are cheaper flights. Also you can change the month or change the departing Australian city in drop down menu.
Good luck.