Air Miles Archives

American Express to Delta, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I know you can transfer American Express points to Delta Skymiles point, but can you do the opposite - transfer Skymiles to AmEx points? Thanks for your time.... [Read on]

Maui Condo for miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
Joel, We have a condo on Maui, and want to trade time in the condo for Mileage Plus miles, so we can fly over for free. Do you know how we could go about making this happen - where to... [Read on]

Helpful hints on FFP's, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
Hi there.... You wrote a nice article about the frequent flyer programs and how accessibility may become easier. I hope so. I have been trying to get 2 first class seats from Ft Lauderdale, FL to Australia using Continental/Qantas for... [Read on]

Expiring points, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I love your website and your articles -- thanks! Question: I generally travel a "fair" amount -- approx 75-100K miles per year (to me, that's a fair amount). Over time, I've saved up (and used) a lot of FF miles... [Read on]

Missing credit card points, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I'm a frequent flyer with USAirways. I recently applied for, received and used a Bank of America USAirways credit card. (In Jan. I should have received 20,000 points). Unfortunately, none of my points have posted, with each company saying it... [Read on]

Miles for Thailand, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I'm planning a trip to Thailand and would love to fly there direct with Thai Air. I have 60k miles with AA and my boyfriend has 200k miles with Delta. Is there any way I can use Delta miles for... [Read on]

Trying to use miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
Yesterday, I tried to get two tickets - for myself and my 12 year old son - on Delta to fly from Washington to Denver with my 50,000 miles June 22. Even though the plane was more than half empty,... [Read on]

Travel to Europe, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I usually travel to Europe every year, or at least once every two years, and I am finding it impossible to obtain frequent flyer upgrades this year. I am wiling to pay the "full cost coach" to upgrade and haven't... [Read on]

Using partner airlines, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 13, 2006
I recently booked a 6,000 mile multicity trip through Orbitz - of the seven segments, six are on Delta. My primary loyalty program is with Alaska, a Delta partner. What (if anything) can I do to have the miles I... [Read on]

Loyalty counts, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 13, 2006
I am travelling to Istanbul with my wife from Toronto with Lufthansa. Any possibilities they could upgrade me to business class?... [Read on]

Time for a professional, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 13, 2006
Hi, I am planning a trip to India with 1 stopover, following are the details. Can you let me know the total cost? If possible do provide the Cost per ticket in each three options with taxes and every other... [Read on]

Air or hotel points?, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 13, 2006
I have a job that requires extensive travel throughout the year (70+ nights per year). My employer pays for all of my airfare, and thus does not allow me to accumulate/keep air miles for my own personal use. Therefore, I... [Read on]

Giving Relatives Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 08, 2006
Can I transfer my miles to a relative's account? George... [Read on]

Transferring Credit Card Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 02, 2006
Dear Joel, Can I transfer miles from an Emirates card to either BA or a United card? Best. Thanks. Jim... [Read on]

Transferring Mileage, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 02, 2006
My son is in Iraq for his second tour, I have a friend who wants to donate some of his frequent flyer miles to me and my husband so we can go see him when he flies home. We don't... [Read on]

Extended Time Limits, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 02, 2006
Dear Joel, Do you have any creative solutions to the 331 days in advance when booking a ticket with the return greater than this time? We use our Delta FF miles to book a ticket that the return extends the... [Read on]

South African Honeymoon, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 03, 2006
Hi Joel, I really enjoy your articles and commentary, and your book is top of my reading list for an upcoming trip to Africa, which is the subject of my question. My fiance and I are traveling to South Africa... [Read on]

Round Trip to Istanbul, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 03, 2006
I have over 80,000 sky miles with Delta. My husband and I will be flying from LAX to Istanbul, Turkey. We wanted to fly business class for the 20-hour trip. Delta informs us we barely have enough miles for one... [Read on]

Australia in the Spring, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 03, 2006
I will be traveling to Australia this spring with a companion. Between us, we have tons of miles on American, United, and US Air. Can any of these be used to upgrade on Qantas to business class? Or, failing that... [Read on]

KLM/Air France, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 03, 2006
Dear Joel, I have earned many air miles with KLM / Air France. What is the best way to spend them? I travel frequently to China on company business, and am simply getting more and more miles. Do you loose... [Read on]

Elite Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 23, 2005
Hi Joel, I just started reading your Penny Pincher's book and decided I'd give some of the techniques a try since they sounded so great. I have 17,666 FF miles on NWA (accumulated over the last 2 years). I don't... [Read on]

Upgrading Traveling Companions, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 23, 2005
First of all, I want to say how fascinating I have found your articles. I hopped online today intending to be here for a few minutes, and have been here a few hours, mostly because you reminded me that I... [Read on]

A Seat Next to Husband, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 23, 2005
I just started reading your column and am quite excited about the tips you have to offer. I also have a question with which you may be able to help me out. I recently decided to tag along with my... [Read on]

AA Lifetime Membership, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 23, 2005
AA is offering senior lifetime membership in their club for $2500. Would you comment on the airline clubs and their amenities, etc. Thanks. John... [Read on]

Eye-Opening, Answered by The Penny Pincher on June 18, 2005
Mr. Widzer, I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that your Passport to Luxury Travel book has completely changed my outlook on travel. Thanks to your advice, I will be earning Platinum level status in just... [Read on]

The Right Start, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 30, 2005
Hi Joel! I just discovered you and your column, "Five Contrarian Travel Tactics" for MSNBC, and I appreciate your travel savvy. I am going to be traveling more and more these days and I realize I need a strategy. I... [Read on]

Any Upgrade Strategies?, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
I read your book "Penny Pinchers Passport" and need your help on an upcoming trip. I understand that it is important to build up loyalty and a track record before I request favors but I am scheduled to fly Cathay... [Read on]

Community Service, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
My daughter, a college student, will be flying to India for a community service project in May on Virgin Atlantic and then Sri Lanka Airlines. Are these airlines affiliated with the frequent flier program of any American Airline (A/A, Delta,... [Read on]

On the Right Track, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
Joel, I saw your post on a forum website. I also recently purchased your book as I will be doing quite a bit of travel in my new job. I have been loyal to AA since 1995 and have accumulated... [Read on]

Flights to Tel Aviv on Continenta, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
Any hints on getting upgradeable coach tickets on this nonstop, Newark to Tel Aviv, flight? We use our NWA mileage for upgrades. Plan to travel next in Oct/Nov 2005. Thanks, Carolyn... [Read on]

Getting a Good Seat, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 13, 2005
My husband and I have been loyal credit card holders of the AA Visa for a number of years. Our jobs do not involve much travel (I am a school counselor and he is a project manager for a public... [Read on]

Upgrade Low-Down, Answered by The Penny Pincher on March 05, 2005
Hello, I liked your article on Elite status, but I have a question or two. With elite status with Delta, do you get free upgrades, or do you just get the right to get an upgrade? And if you pay... [Read on]

Bulkhead Blues, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 20, 2005
Joel, We have faithfully and LOYALLY flown Continental for years, and though my husband usually easily makes platinum elite and I do all I can to see that I make gold elite, they still give the bulkhead seats to parents... [Read on]

Willing Your Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 17, 2005
I have a friend who is dying. Can she put her unused air miles in her will? How? Carolena... [Read on]

Confusing Mileage Rule, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 29, 2004
I am a member of Aer Lingus gold circle club. Probably the worst frequent flyer program in the world but as I live in Ireland I have little choice. My wife is booked on an Aer Lingus operated flight from... [Read on]

First-Class Planning, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 19, 2004
Hi, I will be travelling to Sri Lanka next September with Sri Lankan airlines for my honeymoon and wondered what the chances are of an upgrade to business class. What is the best approach to obtain upgrades? Regards, Steve... [Read on]

Elite Transfer, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 28, 2004
I enjoyed your article, Deceptively Worthless Miles, and was curious how you were able to get Alaska Airlines MVP-Gold membership? Did you just ask or need to tell them you were another airlines' elite member to get them to match... [Read on]

Credit Card Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 28, 2004
Dear Joel, I read about your "conquests" of the airline industry with great admiration. I am stuck in a rather uncommon spot, and would truly value your advice. I am a member of Singapore Airlines' Krisflyer FFP, and have around... [Read on]

Deep Discounts, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 28, 2004
Can you tell me which FF programs credit 100% of miles flown on the deep discount tickets (U, V, etc.) towards elite status? Skymiles, my present program, only credited 50% of my miles flown, so although I flew over 25,000... [Read on]

Consolidating Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on September 27, 2004
I have miles in both NW Airlines World Perks programs & Delta's Skymiles program. Can I combine the two miles? Tuhin... [Read on]

US Airways Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
Hi Joel, I have about 55,000 miles in US Airways Dividend Miles Program. Considering that USAir may file bankruptcy again, how can I protect these miles? I understand that USAir is part of the StarAlliance. Does this mean that these... [Read on]

Credit Card Choice, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
Do you know a credit card with no annual fee or any other fees that will reward miles? If there are none that exist, how about a credit card with a really low annual fee? Thanks. Jessica... [Read on]

Getting Your Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
As we are travelling to Thailand and Australia at Christmas on Thai Airlines/ Business class our Travel rep said we should join Thai's frequent flyer program. We joined online however we were unable to print out the membership cards (you... [Read on]

Upgrading Hong Kong, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
Hi there, really like your site by the way. I am travelling to Hong Kong from London with British Airways on a reduced economy ticket and I was wondering what was the best way to get an upgrade. I have... [Read on]

Frustrated In Israel, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
Dear Joel, First of all I would like to praise your second book, which I recently finished reading. Although I have some experience as a flight attendant with an American carrier and as a traveling junky, I was overwhelmed from... [Read on]

Delta and NWA Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
I am flying a delta flight number to Korea on Kal. I have NWA miles. Is there a way I could use the NWA miles for an upgrade? Jim... [Read on]

Losing Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
I traveled to China on Northwest in mid-May of this year (started and returned from Cincinnati), but I only got credit for my outbound flight when I registered for my frequent flier miles. I have tried to call Northwest's frequent... [Read on]

Holy Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
Can several people donate their miles to put together a trip for their minister? Nita... [Read on]

Charging It, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 11, 2004
I have several hundred thousand American Express points that I would like to turn into two non-stop first class tickets to France, Italy, Switzerland, or Germany from San Francisco. My Rewards guidebook only lists economy or business class packages. Can... [Read on]

Ticket from Grandma, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 11, 2004
How can I transfer my Delta Skymiles to my grandson who is in the US Marines? He wants to make a trip home. Anita... [Read on]

Elite Qualifying Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 11, 2004
Hello Joel, Thank you for replying so quickly to my email. I appreciate the advice. I have one question regarding what you wrote above: What exactly are "elite Qualifying miles"? I assumed that all miles I get are going to... [Read on]

Bi-Coastal Commute, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 11, 2004
I have been flying Delta's shuttle for the last five months, sometimes four times per week. I have just become a gold level member of their frequent flyer club. Starting in August, my weekly commute will change from the shuttle-based... [Read on]

Credit Card for Greece, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 01, 2004
Hi. I was wondering what would be the best credit card to get if I want to earn miles that I can use for international flights. We try to travel to Greece every year so I want a miles card... [Read on]

AAdvantage-Qantas Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 01, 2004
I would like to travel business class to Australia in August to visit my family. I have 140,000 miles on American Airlines, transferable to Qantas, but there are no seats available that month. Is it possible to purchase a discount... [Read on]

Trying to Fly Untied Airlines to Mexico, Answered by The Penny Pincher on June 10, 2004
Dear Joel, I read your response to trading miles being against the airlines' wishes. How could I get to Puerto Vallarta? I have enough United miles, but they do not go there. Is there any way to use these miles... [Read on]

Aviator Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on June 09, 2004
Dear Joel, I had about 40 thousand aviator miles with TWA which I never used. Have I lost them? Thank you Pete Henriquez... [Read on]

Donating Air Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on June 07, 2004
Dear Joel, How can I donate my air miles to a charitable organization? Bradley... [Read on]

Using Credit Card Points, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 27, 2004
My fiancé and I are wondering if his mother can use her air miles (from Visa credit card) to buy a ticket for him. If so, how is that done since the airline ticket would not be issued in the... [Read on]

When Can I Use My Miles?, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 24, 2004
Hi. I've just signed up to AAdvantage having booked a flight 3 weeks ago. I was wondering if it's possible to redeem miles from a reservation that is already made? Also, is it possible to redeem miles from the One... [Read on]

Mastering the Art of Upgrades, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 24, 2004
Hi there, I'm traveling on Lufthansa next week from Los Angeles to Frankfurt. The ticket I have is some sort of reduced fare ticket, do I have any hope of somehow getting an upgrade? Is it worthwhile to dress up... [Read on]

Trading Aeroplan Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 24, 2004
Hello. I would like to know if you have any information with regards to trading in Aeroplan air miles (Canada), for other things such as hotels, or other airlines here in Toronto, Canada. Thank you. Ray... [Read on]

Upgrading Low-Fares, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 19, 2004
Hi Joel, A friend and I will be traveling to the UK this summer (July) and are approximately in our early twenties. Thus we could only afford coach when purchasing tickets with American Airlines through StudentUniverse.com, a discount travel site... [Read on]

Bankruptcy & SkyMiles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 13, 2004
Dear Joel, What will happen to my Delta sky miles if Delta goes bankrupt? Thank you. Donald... [Read on]

Transferring Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 10, 2004
Dear Penny Pincher, I'd like to obtain two free domestic round trip tickets on Delta using my Sky Miles, but I've only got 42,457 miles and need 50,000. However, I do have 13,500 United Airlines Mileage Plus miles. How can... [Read on]

Changing Alliances, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 06, 2004
Dear Joel, I've heard that South African Airways is going to join the Star Alliance, possibly this summer. Since I'm planning a trip to South Africa for October, how soon would a switch in alliances lead to a switch in... [Read on]

Transferring Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 05, 2004
My friend has a little over 112,000 FF on Delta Sky Miles. How can he transfer those miles to my FF account? He is too ill to travel and has offered to give them to me, but we are not... [Read on]

Mastering Upgrades, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 30, 2004
Dear Joel, First of all my compliments on an excellent book, just finished reading it and it's great. As a matter of fact there only seemed to be two copies left in the entire Greater London, at least according to... [Read on]

Retro Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 30, 2004
Hi, My wife just returned from a round-trip to Pakistan—flights originated with American Airlines. Can she get frequent flyer miles if she was not previously signed up? Thanks, Mark... [Read on]

Delta vs. Northwest, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 22, 2004
Dear Joel, I know you are partial to Delta's First Class (read your book), but just thought I'd ask...for a long haul flight on 767 to HNL, who, in your opinion, has the better first class, Delta or NWA? Thanks... [Read on]

Distances between Cities, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 22, 2004
Dear Joel, How can I know how many miles (flying miles) are between two cities? (In Europe, for example.) Are there are any sites on the www that can you tell me? Thanks Diogo Brazil... [Read on]

Closed Account, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 22, 2004
Hi Joel, I just discovered Alaska Airlines canceled my Mileage Plan account considering it abandoned after three years' inactivity. No warning of this was sent to me. Is there any Alaska Airlines official who might authorize my recovery of the... [Read on]

Miles for International Adoption, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 06, 2004
Hi Joel, My wife and I are looking at creative ways people can help us with our upcoming international adoption. Is it possible to donate frequent flyer miles in such cases? Thanks. Steve.... [Read on]

Using Old TWA Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 06, 2004
Dear Penny, My folks never did anything with their TWA FFB miles...does American still honor the "no expiration date" printed on the vouchers? Thank you.... [Read on]

Choosing an Airline Alliance Member, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 19, 2004
Last November I flew return from London to Melbourne on Thai Airways, thus accruing a fair amount of miles. I belong to the Varig air miles programme, although I have no miles accumulated with them at present. My question regards... [Read on]

Overseas Adoption, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 03, 2004
Dear Joel, We will be adopting a child from China in the early fall 2004. We live in London. We are probably going to get Star Alliance RTW tickets, but my husband flatly refused my request for Business Class for... [Read on]

Award Tickets—Winning the Lottery?, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 02, 2004
Joel, Currently my girlfriend and I are planning a trip to New Zealand for Christmas to visit her family. She usually goes every year, and for the last five years with business trips tacked on she has accumulated enough points... [Read on]

Leveraging a Premium Ticket for an Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 29, 2004
Dear Joel, My spouse and I will be traveling to LHR in May 2004. We're both FF members with Hawaiian Air who is a partner with Virgin. We have only one roundtrip from LAX to OGG on our record. We... [Read on]

Award Tickets & Catch 22, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 29, 2004
Hi, I'm planning to fly to Sydney from San Francisco in November this year. I have enough miles with United to fly business class, but both via their web site and telephone operators, business class is not yet available. Economy... [Read on]

Miles from Dad, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 19, 2004
Is it possible for my dad to give me his airline miles? I am short on a trip, and he is never going to use his. Thanks, Scott DeKok... [Read on]

Debit Cards & Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 19, 2004
I was wondering if you know of any secured credit cards that also offer frequent flyer miles? I have only recently resolved my credit issues and know I won't qualify unless it's secured, but I love to travel and really... [Read on]

Miles for the Troops, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 19, 2004
A friend told me I could transfer my sky miles to a person in the Army. Is this true? If so, how do I do this? My friend has several thousand miles that she would like to give to my... [Read on]

Upgrading an Award Ticket, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 05, 2004
I have purchased two tickets to Hawaii using my American Airlines miles. I had hoped to upgrade to first class paying cash or using additional miles, at least for one leg, at check-in, but was told they no longer allow... [Read on]

Star Alliance, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 16, 2003
Dear Joel. I am an officer in the military and currently stationed in Italy. I am a member of Lufthansa's frequent flyer program, a Star Alliance partner. I will move to Japan in August 2004. I am all about the... [Read on]

Airline Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 15, 2003
I have made several flights on Spirit Air, that I booked through Travelocity. Does Spirit Air have a frequent flyer program that I could sign up for, or is there some way I can sign up through Travelocity? Thanks. Janice... [Read on]

Poor Credit Card Service, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 03, 2003
Hi Joel, I have decided to close my BofA checking and credit card accounts due to poor service. However, I have approximately 300,000 unused miles remaining on Alaska's Mileage Plan. My questions are: 1. Will I loose the mileage if... [Read on]

TWA Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 03, 2003
Dear Penny Pincher, I have a large number of frequent flyer miles with TWA. Is there any way that I can recover these since their bankruptcy? Pat Dickey... [Read on]

Family Travel, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 06, 2003
My family of 4 adults and 1 child is considering a trip to Bombay India next year. I am looking for ways to cut expenses and have started to look into these credit cards that offer frequent flyer miles. Could... [Read on]

Consolidating air miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 06, 2003
I have mileage on United Airlines and US Airways Alaska Airlines, and I don't fly too much anymore now that I am retired. Can I combine these air miles with another carrier to utilize some later? Thank you. Terry... [Read on]

Consolidating miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 06, 2003
I have many miles with Midwest Airlines and some miles with American Airlines. Can I use Midwest Express Airlines miles on flights to Europe? Can I combine miles from both Airlines? Thanks.... [Read on]

Credit card for travel miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
We are planning on going to Hawaii in DEC. 2004 or Jan 2005. I'm interested in getting a credit card for travel miles. I will be building a new home spring of 2004 so I thought that I could use... [Read on]

Frequent flier miles to Hawaii, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
Do you know what credit cards offer frequent flier miles that can be used to get to Hawaii?... [Read on]

Transferring miles from AAdvantage VISA, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
I've had AAdvantage VISA for years and collected a lot of FF miles. Unfortunately AA no longer flies to the city I frequent (next closest city serviced by AA is 3 hrs away). Delta is my only choice of carrier.... [Read on]

Credit Card and Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
Which credit card is the best to earn miles? We want to take our family is Israel next year. 3 adults, one 10 year old. Any advice?... [Read on]

Credit card for international miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
You had a similar answer to a question from "Roger" who inquired about a credit card for international miles and just one airline. I am interested in a credit card whereby accumulated miles could be redeemed across many airlines, mostly... [Read on]

Flying to India, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 22, 2003
I am just about to order your book. What a deal at 13 bucks! (I hope I get it before I leave.) Anyway, here's my question for you: I am not a very frequent flyer—the last time I flew was... [Read on]