Is There a Way I Can See How Much My AmEx Points Are Worth for Flights?

Bronica on 25/05/2016 - 19:04

I'm new to Amex, and i recently just signed up for the Platinum Edge. I'm a bit confused about how rewards points worth, would appreciate answers to these questions.

  1. Am i correct that i have to convert my rewards points to flights points (FF, Velocity), depending on the airline i want to fly with? (Qantas, Virgin respectively)

  2. If so, before i convert them, am i able to see how much they are worth or how much i'll need, and will i be able to convert them back to rewards points at the same rate?

  3. Also, i have read guides and most of them recommend that points should be used for flight upgrades. I will mostly be looking to do economy-business, are their preferred airlines that have good points value for these sort of upgrades?

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Comments

  • Wyn-Ryder on 25/05/2016 - 21:01

    Unless you've specifically chosen Qantas rewards you won't be able to transfer your points to them.

    Use this link, about halfway down: http://www.pointhacks.com.au/credit-cards/american-express-m… (assuming you didn't choose the qantas option)

    As far as I know you can't transfer points back to Amex once they've been transferred out (could be wrong).

    Unsure of which airline gives the best ratio.

    • yycan on 25/05/2016 - 21:07

      It talks about conversion rate, but I think what would be more useful is knowing how many points are needed for particular destination across all frequent flyer programs. For example, what's the best frequent flyer to transfer to if I want to fly first class to Europe?

      I'd also be interested to know what people think are the best way to use those Amex points. I've heard Singapore first class to Europe being mentioned, is there anything else?

      • ninjawarrior on 25/05/2016 - 22:58

        Your best bet is http://www.awardnexus.com - it's a pay-to-use system, but as far as I know there are no free alternatives other than manually searching redemption flights on each airline's web page.

        In terms of maximum value, I've redeemed a few return business class flights SYD to HKG, which is 80,000 Asia Miles (1 AMEX MR = 1 Asia Mile) and taxes on top of that. If you value MR at 1c/point (which is low as far as I'm concerned), that's $1000-1200 for a business return which is usually $4000+, and as much as $7,000 during peak season.

        Singapore Airlines does really good deals for its Suites/First SYD to SIN as well, but the saver fares are usually booked out a long time in advance, and you have to find the 787 flights to take advantage of their Suites class.

  • ca4cpa on 25/05/2016 - 21:50

    I have used my amex points with Helloworld they can withdraw your point @100 = $1; @10000 = $100 etc.

  • ninjawarrior on 25/05/2016 - 23:04

    1. Yes, that's correct. As Wyn-Ryder pointed out, Platinum Edge doesn't let you transfer your rewards points to Qantas.

    2. They're not really "worth" anything in that sense, until you have redeemed them for flights and put a market price on those same flights. You won't be able to transfer them back to AMEX points, and important to note that once you transfer them to the airlines, each airline's point expiry policy will start ticking. That's why people recommend you keep them as AMEX points until you know what you want to redeem.

    3. Most economy-business upgrades these days are based on status - they'll be waitlisted and difficult to get unless you're a frequent flyer with that airline.

    If you give us an idea of where you like to travel, sure someone here will be able to help you out with more specific redemption ideas!

  • tristanium on 25/05/2016 - 23:11

    1. I dont think you have to convert your points out - i think AMEX have a travel reward service within their programme, but you will probably get better rates by transferring to the programme you want to fly with.

    2. Yes you can see how many points you need. There are award charts or calculators online to work this out for all programmes (i think). You make need to open an account (usually free, QANTAS being one exception, but keep an eye on OZB as there are often chances to join for free). You can google award chart sweet spots or something to that effect to find a few good ones - boston to ireland comes to mind as this is within the milage threshold of some programmes.
      The problem is often not how many points you will need - but more whether there is availability when you want to fly. Often this may mean you need to book approx. one year in advance (when the availability comes out) - or very close to departure - and often only for two or so seats - so can be difficult if you want to fly in a group.

    2b. No, you cant transfer typically back and forth. You can transfer between Krisflyer & velocity, but you lose 35% in the process. You can convert your AMEX points to SPG and from there onto airline points, but as a rule, no - you cant transfer them around the place. Your AMEX account would be considered a 'warehouse' option, your points dont expire - and you have multiple options for transferring out. Not to QANTAS as mentioned by WynRyder…unless you chose this at the beginning.

    1. it is correct that the best dollar per point is in upgrades, but these often mean you will be buying a fairly costly economy fare to get the best value upgrade. going from the low cost economy fares to business will either be not available or cost a lot of points. Personally, I prefer to use my points for outright business class redemptions. I need to save points for longer, so will mean I take less business flights, but they will only cost me taxes and not an economy fare.

    Where do you want to go, and where from?

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