Author Topic: how to use my points flying from nyc to lhr for pasover (Read 3681 times)

moshe80 · « **on:** March 09, 2011, 12:20:41 PM »

hi i would like to know by best option i need 3 tickets to fly from nyc to lhr for passover . i have 120.000 bank of americe points i have 30.000 starwood and 85.000 american express points and i dont wont to pay any tax. thanks

Avid Reader · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2011, 12:26:05 PM »

I don't have the answers, but welcome to the forum!

aussiebochur · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2011, 02:26:19 PM »

Everyone pays tax...
Do you want Economy or Business class?

Cholentfresser · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2011, 02:46:10 PM »

that's a lot of bank of america points.

moshe80 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2011, 03:09:35 PM »

i wont to fly economy only

aussiebochur · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2011, 03:13:55 PM »

Obviously based on availability, the best options,

For Economy, transfer enough points to ANA to have 114k miles (3x38k) and book on Virgin Atlantic. I would transfer 20k starpoints for the 5k bonus and try to get 89k Amex (they allow you to borrow).

For business class, transfer 120k BofA worldpoints, 20k starpoints (5k bonus) and 95k Amex (if you can, otherwise the rest of starpoints) to Aeroplan (Air Canada) to have 240,000 miles
(3x80k). Note, direct availability will be very limited but you should manage with a stopover.

moshe80 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 09, 2011, 03:39:40 PM »

first thanks for helping me out i am still new with this point stuff . whats ana and how do i transfer my points to ana and which points do i transfer to and . also how do i get the 5k bonus and how mouch will come out the tax ?

and about business class can i fly none stop to please explain thanks for the big help

daganster · « **Reply #7 on:** March 09, 2011, 07:00:01 PM »

You transfer your amex points to ANA.

chuchem · « **Reply #8 on:** March 09, 2011, 07:04:53 PM »

Guys, you have to start with first grade teaching!

sam28 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 09, 2011, 09:14:33 PM »

Chuchem if youre so well versed how bout being the teacher?

I also dont know what ANA is, and how I go about transfering my points.

aussiebochur · « **Reply #10 on:** March 09, 2011, 09:26:27 PM »

ANA is a Japanese airline which is part of the Star Alliance. Meaning, you can use their miles on any Star Alliance carrier, e.g. United, Continental, Air Canada, US Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss etc. etc.

They also have non-alliance partners, e.g. Virgin Atlantic, Jet Airways, Qatar.

Since their award chart is distance based (dependent on actual miles you fly on the award as opposed to regions) in some instances the value is very good.

But beware they charge a heavy fuel surcharge (extra $$$ you'll pay on your free ticket) so unless you are redeeming on a US carrier or Virgin Atlantic its usually not worth it.

As with all airlines, the transfers can be done from the SPG and Amex MR sites respectively.

sam28 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 09, 2011, 10:23:01 PM »

Can I call ANA or AMEX to find out how much miles I will have to use? I wanna know exact details before I transfer.

aussiebochur · « **Reply #12 on:** March 09, 2011, 10:35:10 PM »

GC Mapper is your friend. Type in all the segments of the round trip e.g. JFK-FRA-TLV-MUC-JFK, hit map and you'll see how many mileage is your total trip.

Click on "award chart" in my previous post and find which zone your award is and how many miles you'll need.

moshe80 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 10, 2011, 11:29:37 AM »

so where can i see my total what i will have to pay on ana website ? i see that i need to have 38000 for 1 ticket but i dont see where i can book the ticket and see my total cost

aussiebochur · « **Reply #14 on:** March 10, 2011, 11:59:24 AM »

Quote from: moshe80 on March 10, 2011, 11:29:37 AM

so where can i see my total what i will have to pay on ana website ? i see that i need to have 38000 for 1 ticket but i dont see where i can book the ticket and see my total cost

It will only tell you the price of the taxes online if you have enough miles in your account. Otherwise, you'll news to call.
Just remember, there still has to be availability...

moshe80 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 10, 2011, 12:36:18 PM »

so what can i do now i cant transfer and then find out its not worthe to do it is there a phone # to call ? or can see it online and try to book it and there price ?

aussiebochur · « **Reply #16 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:16:17 PM »

Quote from: moshe80 on March 10, 2011, 12:36:18 PM

so what can i do now i cant transfer and then find out its not worthe to do it is there a phone # to call ? or can see it online and try to book it and there price ?

First you need to find availability. What dates do you want to go?

sam28 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 10, 2011, 10:56:32 PM »

04/17 till 03/01

moshe80 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 11, 2011, 09:00:05 AM »

04/17/04/28

aussiebochur · « **Reply #19 on:** March 11, 2011, 09:13:46 AM »

Quote from: moshe80 on March 11, 2011, 09:00:05 AM

04/17/04/28

Continental is available both ways EWR-LHR-EWR direct.

Great because ANA doesn't charge a fuel surcharge for CO.