AMEX to SPG

[NM]

I have been really interested in the concept of
AMEX->SPG->AAdvantage

Can anyone comment on the availability of ff flights on AAdvantage...
For instance a flight from SYD -> LHR business class is non existent most of the time via Quantas Frequent Flyers but what about on AAdvantage? Do they exist... are there lots available? unfortunately there is no way to check on line... so i am relying on your experiences
MANY THANKS
David

Not sure about availability on Quantas, but availability on Qantas is the same for AA members as for Qantas FF members using Classic awards. But Qantas is the not the only airline that flies from Sydney to London and can be used for AA redemptions.

 

[simongr]

Although likely to be less availability on QF when booking as an AAdvantag member as QF release award seats to their members about 25 days before they are available to be booked by AA due to limitations on AA's systems that they can only book flights 330 days in advance.

 

[openseat]

I set up the SPG link from AMEX on Wednesday last week, made the transfer on Thursday and it was showing in the SPG account on Friday. I did a test run of 33,400 points to see how it would go. I think I'll transfer the whole lot now that a successful transfer has taken place.
It's a shame the 0.6 transfer rate doesn't become the standard transfer ratio.

 

[michaeljs]

Is the 1000 Amex points for 600 SPG points still current?

What is the general view of the SPG program? Is it easy to get free hotel nights?

And I assume there are no tax issues with free nights (like with airline seats).

TIA

 

[DTM1]

140k AA would be 2 J tickets to Asia.

How is that the case ?

Other than for a Oneworld explorer ticket, I thought that AA points can only be used for AA metal or AA codeshare - I'm not aware of any AA codeshares from AU to anywhere in Asia :-|, although I am happy to be corrected.

 

[futaris]

And I assume there are no tax issues with free nights (like with airline seats).

Read this page on the ATO site.

 

[Flashback]

Read this page on the ATO site.

I think he may of meant in regards to additional taxes to pay on the booking...

 

[NM]

Is the 1000 Amex points for 600 SPG points still current?

Yes, until the end of September, I believe.

What is the general view of the SPG program? Is it easy to get free hotel nights?

No idea, I just use it in the process of laundering points to AAdvantage.

And I assume there are no tax issues with free nights (like with airline seats).

Not that I am aware of, but as always, its best to check with your qualifies taxation advisor.

 

[simongr]

How is that the case ?

Other than for a Oneworld explorer ticket, I thought that AA points can only be used for AA metal or AA codeshare - I'm not aware of any AA codeshares from AU to anywhere in Asia :-|, although I am happy to be corrected.

Not sure what you mean by this. AA have a range of awards:

Oneworld aawards - mileage based and bookable on any OW carrier
Partner awards - continent based

Check out this link https://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/AAdvantage/partners/airlines/All_Airline_Award_Chart.jsp

So if wanting to fly J to HKG you could fly CX up and QF back for 140K points.

I am not sure on the rules regarding transits via other locations - such as SYD-SIN-HKG-SYD but I am sure someone could clarify for me.

The AA program is just like the Classic QF program without the fuel fines and some cheaper awards but no one way awards (unless you book a OW award and say fly syd-hkg-lhr on QF then BA).

 

[ejb]

Is the 1000 Amex points for 600 SPG points still current?

What is the general view of the SPG program? Is it easy to get free hotel nights?

And I assume there are no tax issues with free nights (like with airline seats).

TIA

Hi Michaeljs,

I find it very easy to book award nights. They are always available.

Also the points needed for a night are all inclusive, so nothing extra to pay.

ejb

 

[michaeljs]

Yes, sorry, I meant tax on bookings.

I think I might just transfer to Qantas - it's a known beast.

 

[vt]

How is that the case ?

Other than for a Oneworld explorer ticket, I thought that AA points can only be used for AA metal or AA codeshare - I'm not aware of any AA codeshares from AU to anywhere in Asia :-|, although I am happy to be corrected.

2 J return tickets from Australia to Asia is 140K AA miles.

AAdvantage All-Partner Airline Award Chart

 

[DTM1]

2 J return tickets from Australia to Asia is 140K AA miles.

AAdvantage All-Partner Airline Award Chart

I have been happily corrected !

 

[drron]

The problem with J awards to Asia with Aadvantage is they do not become available until a month after QFF members have had their pick.Also AA dont seem to have the same availability as QF-earlier this year I could get a J award BNE-NRT on QFF but AA could not access it when I rang.And I have no status with QF but explat with AA.

 

[Tiki]

OK I crunched some numbers and figured the best use of MR until the end of Sep is to launder them to AA via SPG.

The Amex and SPG accounts are in my name. My husband and I both have our own AAdvantage accounts. Can I transfer the SPG points in lots of 20,000 for 25,000 AAdvantage to both of our accounts or can I only transfer them to MY AAdvantage account. We need to keep the AAdvantage accounts equal to get the 75,000 miles required for BNE-CMN.

 

[futaris]

You can open two SPG accounts and transfer between those as long as they are both at the same residential address. This can only be done over the phone though.

 

[Tiki]

You can open two SPG accounts and transfer between those as long as they are both at the same residential address. This can only be done over the phone though.

So if my husband has a SPG account, does he have to show a "stay" before he can accept a transfer from me? Does it cost anything to transfer 20,000 SPG to him? Does it cost anything to transfer to AA?

I looked on AA, it's like $250 USD to transfer AA miles from one account to another.

 

[simongr]

Definitely no charge SPG->AA

 

[Tiki]

Definitely no charge SPG->AA

So how much is it to give my husband 20,000 SPG (after setting him up a new account) out of my account?

And does he have to earn points by staying or at least eating in a Starwood hotel? He can't do that until we go to the States mext month.

I vaguely remember back in 2006 when I got my Starwood account, it wasn't active until we had lunch at Le Meridien Port Vila while on a cruise.

 

[Flashback]

I've only had an SPG account for a few weeks. No stays, 20,000 AMEX points have gone in, and 25000 to AA without issue.