Should I Jump to Delta?
I see Delta is offering a 40% premium on transfer miles. I have a couple of million Amex miles. Should I do a major shift?
David Altshuler, Cambridge, MA
Everybody loves mileage-transfer bonuses, and if Delta or its partners are your primary carriers, 40% is a generous incentive. Generally, though, Delta’s program earns lower marks than other U.S. carriers in our comparison report cards, and I’d be reluctant to invest such a large bank of miles there. I prefer the flexibility afforded by keeping a healthy balance in an Amex or Starwood account, so your miles are available when special offers arise from any of their partner airlines.
Also, keep in mind that Delta does not offer a First Class cabin on international flights, and transferred miles don’t count toward elite status. — MB
Alitalia Business Class
I am planning a trip to Sicily in May, departing from LAX. Alitalia starts flying from LAX to Rome in June. The Business Class fare is $4,049. Is there a way to save? I would be willing to fly in June with Alitalia or with another airline in May. Presently I have only 32,000 Amex Starwood points.
Marilyn Glendinning, Dana Point, CA
As Alitalia is a Starwood partner, points transfers are allowed, however, the lowest Business Class award-redemption ticket requires 80,000 miles. You can only buy 20,000 points from Starwood, so that’s not an option for you.
My best recommendation is to go with US Airways, which charges 100,000 miles to Europe in Business Class and is currently running a 100% buy-miles bonus promotion. Transfer your Starpoints to US Airways and buy the remaining miles, which will cost you $945. But before you buy, check award-space availability.— MB
Success Story
Many months back you wrote about Alaska Airlines’ frequent traveler program, which allows you to buy an unlimited amount of miles and has numerous airline partners. Taking your advice, I opened up an account, have never flown on Alaska, but by transferring Starwood points and purchasing 100,000 miles for $2,750, I flew First Class on Cathay Pacific from JFK to Manila on the exact dates I wanted—at a price that was half that of a Business Class ticket! Alaska Airline’s agents were very helpful, and I just bought more miles for the same trip in June. Your newsletter has already paid for itself many times over, so thank you very much!
Stuart Moss, Mahwah, NJ