Using someone elses Amex points

[Bindibuys]

Hi every one,
A dear friend has given me access to his Amex Rewards Points (I have log-in and password access) balance 389,000 points.

I need to book a flight for my daughter from Sydney to Edinburgh, Scotland for her to attend Uni starting from 6th Jan 13.

I found some old posts regarding the best way to use these points, but as things constantly change, would like to know what is the best option THIS WEEK, as I wish to have her ticket completed by end of this week.

The site shows me that he has a registered transfer partner with Singapore Airlines (he used them a lot in his travel days), but the next column shows the other airlines I can transfer to ie. Etihad.

Should I use this OR just go to American Express Travel Agent directly, not sure how they would feel about me using some one elses account, even though I have access. (I do have full power of attorney & endearing power of attorney over my friend, but dont want to pull that card, when he is giving me access, he used to have a secretary that did all this for him, so I dont think he even knows how to use the site)

As usual, this group if full of up to date info and the best ways to fly, I look forward to finding out the best/easiest way for me to book a flight.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

My guess would be that your friend (or you for them) join Krisflyer and then move points (normally is a day or less) to Singapore Airlines.

Krisflyer Members can have 6 nominees one of which can be your daughter.

Once there you can look to book on Singapore direct, or call the Sydney number and book a Star Alliance Award. Thai normally has very good availability.

Availability on Star Alliance airlines via SQ is normally pretty good and much better than QF and Oneworld.

You may need to redeem to a nearby country and then get a cheap local fare if you cannot get to Scotland direct. Lots of budget airlines over there and so should be easy.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

You can get more options if she repositions to another city in Australia too.

mas period is a busy time for redemptions, and you are booking late.

 

[The Rok]

My guess would be that your friend (or you for them) join Krisflyer and then move points (normally is a day or less) to Singapore Airlines.

Krisflyer Members can have 6 nominees one of which can be your daughter.

Once there you can look to book on Singapore direct, or call the Sydney number and book a Star Alliance Award. Thai normally has very good availability.

Availability on Star Alliance airlines via SQ is normally pretty good and much better than QF and Oneworld.

You may need to redeem to a nearby country and then get a cheap local fare if you cannot get to Scotland direct. Lots of budget airlines over there and so should be easy.

Edinburgh is in Scotland, not Ireland.


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition

 

[lovetravellingoz]

For example I can see availability in Y on Dec 31 from Melbourne to Amsterdam.

Or if you want to spoil her...

A First Class Suite Saver for 132K on Jan 2 Mel to London

 

[Bindibuys]

For eample I can see availability in Y on Dec 31 from Melbourne to Amsterdam.

Or if you want to spoil her...

A First Class Suite Saver for 132K on Jan 2 Mel to London

We live Hunter Valley, so Sydney is our nearest, but for a good deal can get her Newcastle to Mel.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

From Syd: FIRST CLAS - 132K

[TABLE="class: chooseFlightsData"]
[TR="class: jQflight"]
[TD]


[/TD]
[TD="class: chooseFlightSelection space, colspan: 3"][/TD]
[TD="class: chooseFlightsLastTd"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: jQflight firstLeg"]
[TD="class: chooseFlightLegData"]

• SQ222 Singapore Airlines (Airbus Industrie A380-800)
• DepartsSydney (SYD) 16:15 (31 Dec)
• Arrives Singapore (SIN) 21:20 (31 Dec)
• Layover time 3hrs 55mins Layover time 3hrs 55mins

[/TD]
[TD="class: chooseFlightSelection"] Available
[/TD]
[TD="class: chooseFlightSelection"] Available
[/TD]
[TD="class: chooseFlightSelection"] Available
[/TD]
[TD="class: chooseFlightsLastTd"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR="class: jQflight lastLeg"]
[TD="class: chooseFlightLegData"]

• SQ306 Singapore Airlines (Boeing 777-300ER)
• DepartsSingapore (SIN) 01:15 (01 Jan)
• Arrives London (LHR) 07:20 (01 Jan)
• Total travel time 26hrs 5mins

[/TD]
[TD="class: chooseFlightSelection"] Available
[/TD]
[TD="class: chooseFlightSelection"] Available
[/TD]
[TD="class: chooseFlightSelection"] Available [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

That gives her several days to adjust and move onto Scotland by plane or train.....

 

[lovetravellingoz]

And as mentioned calling Sydney number fora Star Alliance Award would most likely turn up other options.


Note that Saver Firsts have only just become available as an option....so is probably the reason why there is still availability.

Cheers.

 

[Bindibuys]

sorry for my ignorance, I have only used QFF points before.
you are saying 132K points is all that is needed for the flight?

 

[lovetravellingoz]

sorry for my ignorance, I have only used QFF points before.
you are saying 132K points is all that is needed for the flight?

Plus taxes. I would guess around $300-400.
Points are taxes are for one way.

For QFF that would not even get you Business. Their taes would be similar.

If you can get Business on Thai via SQ...point cost would be much lower again.