Questions and Answers

I currently have approx. 80k points in Chase Ultimate Rewards, 60k points in AMEX Membership Reward, and 70k points in Citi Thanks you program. In my next trip (early 2016), I plan to transfer 93.5k points to Singapore Airline to redeem first class from US to Sin, and the following trip (hopefully late 2016) I like to experience Emirate first class from US to Europe with stopover.

Based on what I read, correct me if I am wrong, it seems like the easiest way to experience Emirate first class is to purchase Alaska Airline miles.

Since AMEX program can transfer point to Emirate program, should I use more Chase points for 1st trip and save AMEX points for 2nd trip Emirate? Or I should use more AMEX points for 1st trip, since I probably won’t have enough AMEX points to redeem 2nd trip by late 2016 and likely end up with purchasing Alaska mileage?

Given these conditions, what would you suggest me in transferring point for my 2016 trip?

Booking an Emirates award with Emirates miles in first is not a good redemption. You’re going to pay at least $500 in fuel surcharges each way plus redemption rates are not that great. You’re going to want to buy Alaska miles for the Emirates redemption. You could also sign up for the personal and business Alaska credit cards, those combined will net you 50k miles. Or if you want to do an “App-O-Rama” you could apply for the personal and business versions of both the Alaska cards and the Amex SPG cards. Transferring the Starpoints from the SPG bonuses to Alaska, plus the Alaska miles from the Alaska cards bonuses will net you 110,000 Alaska miles.

I also just want to make sure you understand that these mileage prices are one way. That US to Singapore trip you mentioned is 93,500 (plus about $260 in fuel surcharges) for one way. Round trip is 187,000 (plus ~$520).

Thank you, Mike.

I do know 93.5k between US and Sin is one way, and I also have some AA and United mileage, which is enough to get me back to US.

Since it’s not good redemption to book an Emirates award with Emirate miles, then I will follow Mike’s advice, using credit cards

So, to redeem Singapore first class flight from US to SIN, what would you suggest me to transfer how many miles from Chase Ultimate Rewards and AMEX Membership Rewards? I can’t decide.

I’m also curious what you think of these 2 program’s partner Frequent Traveler program? Which one is better? (I know it may depend on personal preference, location, and destination, etc, but I really need some advice to decide)

Thanks!!

Redeeming Emirates miles for Emirates tix is a horrible redemption value.
When transferring I would start with TYP & MR. If you have plans for using the TYP on Fying Blue then start with MR, then TYP. If not other way around. Any day, try to keep the stash of UR among the 3. Good Luck!