Should I join USDM now

[spudwa]

My wife and I have been using USDM for a couple of years now with a few redemptions. Some friends who have been following our adventures want to go to Europe next year.

Do AFF'ers think now is a good time for our friends to start buying miles Yes/No

 

[Beta4Me]

Do AFF'ers think now is a good time for our friends to start buying miles Yes/No

I would open accounts with everything under the sun: LifeMiles, Alaska, United, BA/Avios, US, American etc.
Then they're sitting there when they want to decide to travel/buy for a future trip(s).
Whether it's a good time or not? I'm hesitant with US given recent devaluations and the strong likelihood that there will be more to come, however it's more so because I don't really have the money to spend on it right now so I wouldn't want to stretch with such risk. If I had cash burning a hole in my pocket, though, I would have bought.
Just remember, points are a currency that can be devalued at any time and certainly do not appreciate. They don't earn interest, are generally non-transferrable and you are at the mercy of draconian T&C's. Your friends need to know exactly what they are getting themselves into along with the possible rewards for creative use.

 

[Beta4Me]

And it's worth mentioning USDM have been noticeably stricter with enforcing the rules they've always had. This is making it harder to redeem.

 

[Mwenenzi]

....I'm hesitant with US given recent devaluations and the strong likelihood that there will be more to come, however it's more so because I don't really have the money to spend on it right now so I wouldn't want to stretch with such risk.

US DM miles will become AA miles in the AA freq flyer program. Its just a matter of when. 1 Jan 2015 is a possibility as that is the start of the status year

 

[Beta4Me]

US DM miles will become AA miles in the AA freq flyer program. Its just a matter of when. 1 Jan 2015 is a possibility as that is the start of the status year

I trust AA even less now. The loss of free stopovers at international gateway cities burned me.

 

[Alanslegal]

Joining is free so just join.

To buy or not to buy miles ..... make a decision after 12 days of joining