What do I do with 100k miles?

[Wallitron]

I'm new to this frequent flyer gig (understatement), and I have 100k on MileagePlus that are set to expire in 90 days. I had been just sitting on the points hoping to see if I could swing two SYD-JFK-SYD tickets, but raking up another 60k in the next 12mths looks unlikely.

Options:
* Buy something cheap that will stop the points expiring, what's the minimum spend for that?
* Book one of the JFK tickets for some point in the future, and hope that I'm good to travel by then. How far in advance can you book these things?
* Use them for two flights some place closer, like South East Asia. When I go to the UA website, it gives no options for flights to SE Asia from Sydney. Can I get something on the Star Alliance network with these points? Why does it seem so difficult find info on how to spend these points?
* I have no clue when it comes to points transfer. Are there any transfer options that will let me redeem other useful things or stop them expiring? The UA rewards outside of flights look useless.

 

[futaris]

United Airlines FAQ - FlyerTalk Forums

* Buy something cheap that will stop the points expiring, what's the minimum spend for that?

Here are some good options, if your miles are expiring.

* Book one of the JFK tickets for some point in the future, and hope that I'm good to travel by then. How far in advance can you book these things?

Probably not a bad option, since you'll need 60k for a Economy Return to Asia, or 80k for a economy return to North America. You can try redeeming on United, Air New Zealand or Air Canada in case you can't find availability. Read this to find out more about the ANA tool.

* Use them for two flights some place closer, like South East Asia. When I go to the UA website, it gives no options for flights to SE Asia from Sydney. Can I get something on the Star Alliance network with these points? Why does it seem so difficult find info on how to spend these points?

To redeem on Star Alliance, call United. You can redeem for anything using the Star Alliance chart, provided that United doesn't block that redemption. Ever since the latest round of enhancements, the value of United Miles has considerably dropped. Any Star Alliance member should be available. One of the better redemptions is Australia - South Pacific, e.g. Perth to Tahiti (via Auckland).

It may be worth considering crediting to a different *A program in the future (for a better burn rate), unless you are close to 1MM or 2MM on United flights.

* I have no clue when it comes to points transfer. Are there any transfer options that will let me redeem other useful things or stop them expiring? The UA rewards outside of flights look useless.

Most of the "other" redemptions are designed to be that way. See the above link for other suggestions on how to renew the expiry date (for 18 mths).

Incidentally, I have 11k in an United Mileage Plus account that will expire soon at the end of April. I haven't found anything useful to do with them.

 

[stryker]

* Buy something cheap that will stop the points expiring, what's the minimum spend for that?

The minimum spend is zero, but you'll have trouble finding anything at that price.

A quick trip over to NZ may be the cheapest option, but be careful to ensure that your fare is mileage eligible (ALL of Air NZ's cheap fare are NOT, so avoid them like the plague).

Perhaps Emirates may be an answer, but you'll need to check the T & C's of the fare.

But, to be honest, it's quite tough for the average Mileage Plus member in this part of the world.

 

[Wallitron]

Thanks for the feedback. 1000 points charity donation and I have another 18mths.

 

[clifford]

FWIW, I recently redeemed 100,000 UA miles as follows:

2 x Y-class tickets SYD-BKK (stopover) - NRT (stopover) - SIN-SYD.

I think it's not a bad deal. Airlines used include TG, NH and SQ.

What would good old QF charge for a similar trip (if you could get it)?

 

[StevePER]

2 x Y-class tickets SYD-BKK (stopover) - NRT (stopover) - SIN-SYD.

I think it's not a bad deal. Airlines used include TG, NH and SQ.

What would good old QF charge for a similar trip (if you could get it)?

122,500 per person (zone 8 oneworld classic award).