A special points.com USDM thankyou offer (another 100% buy offer)

[zainman]

I am taking a long term view in regard to AAdvantage amalgamation - no intention of any DM redemption (*A or anything else).

So, for me there is no risk. If no future share promotions then so be it ...

isn't there a larger risk that when the two programs do actually merge and mileage balances are combined, a totally new award chart will be released that will probably be nothing like the AA/USDM redemption rates ATM? It could devalue the "new" AA miles significantly.. That's why I have never understood hoarding USDM miles in anticipation that all values will stay the same..

 

[deejo77]

1 out of the 3 accounts I managed got the offer.......didn't realise I had only used the other two for share promotions......

 

[markis10]

isn't there a larger risk that when the two programs do actually merge and mileage balances are combined, a totally new award chart will be released that will probably be nothing like the AA/USDM redemption rates ATM? It could devalue the "new" AA miles significantly.. That's why I have never understood hoarding USDM miles in anticipation that all values will stay the same..

Given the massive difference in generosity of bonuses between the program's when it comes to buying miles, and the falling AUD, I think the risk of serious devaluation is very small versus the likelyhood of kicking oneself continuously when you realise the lost opportunities down the track.

 

[diningdecadence]

Does anyone happen to know re; the T&C's whether I can purchase 50K (receive 50K bonus) and Gift 50K to a friend (receive 50K bonus)?

Or Can I just pick up 50K only?

you can gift as many times as you want, the limit is on the account receiving the bonus.

so effectively you can end up with an additional 100k in your account, and 100k in anyone else's account that you gift to (assuming that they only receive 1 'gifting')?

 

[markis10]

so effectively you can end up with an additional 100k in your account, and 100k in anyone else's account that you gift to (assuming that they only receive 1 'gifting')?

Yes, that sums it up.

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

Thanks for the tip

Just done some dummy bookings. Direct flights not always available, but at least some 1 hop flights usually around.

Very tempted to buy some more points now.

 

[smit0847]

Thanks for the tip

Just done some dummy bookings. Direct flights not always available, but at least some 1 hop flights usually around.

Very tempted to buy some more points now.

what routes and carriers are you looking at?

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

SYD LAX - seemed only via HNL on the days I looked at

SYD BKK - via HKG but then not much different with QF these days.

Star Alliance certainly seemed the better option for the Asia Region

 

[smit0847]

SYD LAX - seemed only via HNL on the days I looked at

As had been said many times on this site, direct trans-pac J and F on QF availability is rare for QFFers and almost non-existant for QF partners.

 

[drron]

SYD LAX - seemed only via HNL on the days I looked at

SYD BKK - via HKG but then not much different with QF these days.

Star Alliance certainly seemed the better option for the Asia Region

There is SYD-MEL-LAX in J on Dec 2,3.For USA really have to be booking the 11 months out to have a chance at J or F.
Not had problems with SYD-BKK in past but we don't travel in school holidays generally.

 

[alieninperth]

I have it too. I'm just about to pull the tigger on a trip to the US as well. I am thinking about holding out until US joins OW though. Gambling on CX opening awards within 2 weeks of departure. Do I book now and then cancel if OW availability opens up, or hold on for 10 weeks? decisions.

Not really concerned about devaluation given the similarities between the award charts and the cost to purchase points during promos..

 

[boomy]

Received the email this morning. Second 100% bonus in less then 2 months... Very tempting...

 

[QF029]

As had been said many times on this site, direct trans-pac J and F on QF availability is rare for QFFers and almost non-existant for QF partners.

From an AA perspective, the only reason for this is that AAdvantage redemptions open up a few weeks after QF. After that, they seem on an even footing to me. I routinely see J & F transpac available but more often than not they're single seats.

 

[burmans]

I am taking a long term view in regard to AAdvantage amalgamation - no intention of any DM redemption (*A or anything else).

So, for me there is no risk. If no future share promotions then so be it ...

Agree with the theory of longer term view.

Also don't really agree with the view that we should use historical data from 3 years ago, recent US shows a ramp up in promos and for me for now that's the new normal.

Finally on the devalue view, well all FF programs can devalue but given one of the aims of a merger is to keep customers devaluing during a merger is a really good way not to realise merger benefits.

 

[cove]

I think another 100,000 miles for each of my two sons accounts is pretty sweet.

 

[anat0l]

Funny how my dad received an email about the promotion but I have not. Ah well.

The email is marked as from points.com, not US Airways. Also interesting.

As for devaluations, sure they may be on the way anyway. But no matter if you are in a devalued situation or not, having a larger balance is a better way to face it anyway! At the cost supplied, I'd say the risk is minimal. Even if the devaluation is so bad that it almost doubles the net cost of the tickets now (or the CEO reneges on their 1:1 conversion deal - unlikely), someone with a small balance will effectively be shunted to a useless situation, compared to one with a larger balance who can at least exploit something.

Of course, the best way forward is to have clear goals on what you want to get out of your miles and work around that (and the quicker and more set, the better). That's always the best way to play the game.

 

[cove]

Time to bash my US Amex again for both of my sons. 100% bonus is not as good as the recent cheapie but as long as we can use the points between Los Angeles and London in First then the family can do lots of round the world trips at reasonably modest cost. I have been using Kris miles for the other bits.

 

[PapaRubbery]

I've stocked up for my F trip to NYC in NYE, my fiancee only needs another 40,000 (she bought at last buy promo). Old man has 30,000 left over from a LHR-MEL R/T redemption - might be time for him and mama to buy big and get themselves somewhere exotic this year.

Lots of room on OZ, so Seoul it may have to be!

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

After learning it's possible to do a stopover on a one way AAvantage award I decided to top up my account for next year. Hoping I might be able to get stop over in HNL (never been) and one on the way home in LAX.

Now to hope there will be some flights available for me in March 2015

 

[Jimgotkp]

After learning it's possible to do a stopover on a one way AAvantage award I decided to top up my account for next year. Hoping I might be able to get stop over in HNL (never been) and one on the way home in LAX.

Now to hope there will be some flights available for me in March 2015

Technically, you're allowed a stopover in HNL if that's your N. American gateway city.