To Buy or Not to Buy? - That Is the Question.

[robd]

Given the talk about the possible US Air & AA Merger -

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....l-news/possible-us-air-aa-merger-38907-2.html

- and what it may mean to the current F/J redemption value, is anyone still purchasing miles?

I set up 3 accounts last month with the view to purchasing miles under a 100% bonus offer, which is being offered this month by US Airways, but I'm concerned that the value may be devalued by the time I get to redeem the miles. It's a fair bit of money to have sitting outside of a bank account.

My hope was to redeem for travel in August/September 2013 or April/May 2014.

Buy or not?

 

[smit0847]

I would buy and book ASAP. Aug/Sep now and April/May 330 days out.

Nothing merger will happen that quickly though.

I wouldn't be surprised if this deal is gone in 2014.

 

[The Rok]

3 accounts? Your name is not Shane is it?

 

[robd]

3 accounts? Your name is not Shane is it?

Please, not in the same breath

Definitely, all legit. In all likelihood, only two of us will travel at the same time; me and #1 or me and #2, just not sure which at this time. I am certainly not one to bet more than I can afford to lose on risky/loop hole endeavours, hence why I posed this question.

 

[Rallo]

Likewise , looking to travel in 2014 but unsure if or when to pull the trigger.
You would hope that if the points are devalued then it is still better value than outright purchases, does the merger threat make Lifemiles any more appealing?

 

[Alanslegal]

My hope was to redeem for travel in August/September 2013 or April/May 2014.

Buy or not?

Buy.

Redeeming for travel in Aug/Sept 2013 is currently open, so if the merger magically happened this week (and it was detrimental to USDM holders) then book immediately for those travel dates. Otherwise its another 6-7 months before April/May 2014 awards are open so I think its pretty safe to buy points now for travel in the future.

 

[robd]

Likewise , looking to travel in 2014 but unsure if or when to pull the trigger.
You would hope that if the points are devalued then it is still better value than outright purchases, does the merger threat make Lifemiles any more appealing?

Thanks for throwing the spanner in the works Rallo!

I never entered the Lifemiles thread........ until 5am this morning! I am now a Lifemiles member awaiting a bonus purchase offer

I think I going to buy some DM's this month though.

 

[burmans]

I would buy and book ASAP. Aug/Sep now and April/May 330 days out.

Nothing merger will happen that quickly though.

I wouldn't be surprised if this deal is gone in 2014.

If a deal was done (and I'm still in the IF bucket) my estimate is that it would take 6-12 months at a minimum until we get to the point where integration is complete. So I can't see any devaluation happening until that point, indeed if they are going to merge they probably will deliberately not tinker with redemptions in that period. And then you can book 330 days out.

But as a general rule I'd be buying for a trip I already have planned or almost planned given that as a general rule airlines can play with their schemes at any time. I don't think the possible merger increases those chances (in fact I think it decreases it in the medium term) but they are there for any airline.

 

[smit0847]

'make hay while the sun shines'.

We have it really good at the moment with both USDM and Life miles to choose from, constant promos, loopholes and a strong $A. Enjoy it now for what it is but be prepared that it could be taken away at any time. If the promos are on and your travel dates are online I would not be waiting around to book.

You never know, BMI left *A and took their program with them and Avianca come along soon after with a similar-ish offer. If US leaves *A maybe we'll be lucky enough to someone come along and take their place.

 

[Rallo]

Thanks for throwing the spanner in the works Rallo!

I never entered the Lifemiles thread........ until 5am this morning! I am now a Lifemiles member awaiting a bonus purchase offer

I think I going to buy some DM's this month though.

You're Welcome
Also signed up with my Lifemiles just to keep my options open.