Planning Business Class to the Seychelles
I live in Chicago and am considering a trip to the Seychelles next September. I’m thinking of going on Air France by transferring Amex Rewards points to the carrier’s Flying Blue program. But is there a better alternative?
George Miz, Chicago, IL
Before transferring miles, check whether award seats are available and if possible, hold the space until the transfer is completed. (The transfer time is usually 24 to 48 hours.) Also keep in mind that Air France charges 160,000 miles for a Business Class award ticket to the Seychelles, whereas Delta (also a SkyTeam member) charges only 120,000. Another option is to try the Star Alliance, and get a ticket on Emirates through its partner, Continental. Emirates flies to the Seychelles from New York via Dubai, Its Business Class seat costs 125,000 miles; First Class is 160,000.— mb
Will I qualify for Elite Status with American Airlines?
My wife, daughter, and I made two trips to South America on American this year, enrolling in the AA double Elite Qualifying Miles promotion, to double our elite miles on each trip. We returned from the second trip on December 6. I’ve been advised by American that the bonus miles will not be posted for six to eight weeks. If the miles aren’t credited until next year, will they still go toward our 2009 total?
Larry Gasco, Palos Verdes Estates, CA
The qualification period for American elite miles is from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, which means that travel completed in 2009 counts for that year, even if the EQMs aren’t posted until 2010. Good question. — mb
Cash In or Keep Searching?
I plan to travel to Sweden next summer, flying from Los Angeles to Stockholm on July 23 and from Copenhagen to Los Angeles on August 9, but I have a day or so of flexibility. I want to use my Delta miles (127K+) for a Business Class ticket. (I am not a Delta elite.) On the Delta website, I found an Air France flight for 100K miles that meets my needs. Should I spring for it or search for a better deal (First Class award, fewer points …)?
Kris Raney, Manhatten Beach, CA
Since your miles are with Delta, this Business Class award ticket is a good deal. The mileage charge is reasonable (a rare bird on Delta’s redemption chart) for a Business Class seat on partner airline Air France. The return on your miles is around 3.1¢, which is about average (for more on calculating mileage value, see page 5). When it comes to getting the most for your miles through Delta’s SkyMiles program, this is as good as you can do. Go for it. — mb