Earn 25% Extra on SPG transfers to American AAdvantage through June 15, 2017. As there's already a 25% bonus when you transfer Starpoints in increments of 20,000 points, the 25% extra mileage bonus gives you an effective 56% SPG transfer bonus to AAdvantage miles:
- 20,000 SPG points = 31,250 AAdvantage miles
- 40,000 SPG points = 62,500 AAdvantage miles
- 60,000 SPG points = 93,750 AAdvantage miles
The least expensive option of generating AAdvantage miles, if you're not earning AAdvantage miles by flying, is with the 60K Citi AAdvantage and 60K CitiBusiness AAdvantage Bonus Offers, and if you already have a large stash of AAdvantage miles I wouldn't recommend transferring SPG Starpoints even with the bonus, since Starpoints are so valuable as a means to top up a number of different frequent flyer programs. See SPG Airline Partners: Transfer Starwood Points to Miles
FAQ
Isn't This Bonus Also Good for Other Hotel Point Transfers?
Yes, although SPG Starpoints are the hotel loyalty points that transfer 1:1 to AAdvantage; all the other programs transfer at a disadvantageous rate:
- Best Western: 5000 points = 1000 AAdvantage miles
- Club Carlson: 2000 points = 200 AAdvantage miles
- Choice Hotels: 5000 points = 1000 AAdvantage miles
- Hilton HHonors: 10,000 points = 1500 AAdvantage miles
- Hyatt: 5000 points = 2000 AAdvantage miles
- IHG: 10,000 points = 2000 AAdvantage miles
- Marriott: 10,000 points = 2000 AAdvantage miles
- Wyndham: 6000 points = 1200 AAdvantage miles
Must the SPG Account and AAdvantage Account Name Match?
Yes, the account names must match, or the transfer will be rejected. Keep in mind you can transfer Starwood points to a spouse, partner or other person resident in your household.
When Will the Starpoints Transfer to My AAdvantage Account?
The bonus miles will transfer to your AAdvantage account within 7 business days, although usually the number of Starpoints that you're transferring to AAdvantage (although not the bonus miles) will transfer within 2-3 days. So a good strategy is to first put the award you want on hold, then transfer the same number of Starpoints that you'll need to book the award. The bonus miles may not transfer in time to book the award on hold, so those would have to be used for another future award.
What Are Good Uses of AAdvantage Miles?
Our favorite awards are on oneworld and American partner airlines in international first class or business class, such as Cathay Pacific First Class, JAL First Class, JAL Business Class, Etihad First Apartment on the A380, Qantas First Class, etc.
But Doesn't Alaska Mileage Plan Charge Fewer Miles?
In many cases yes–but also consider that Alaska Mileage Plan often has trouble booking all the partner first class award space–I often see much less JAL First Class award space with Alaska, and agents also often have trouble seeing Cathay Pacific First Class on some dates. Also see Book 2 Cathay First Class Awards with Alaska Mileage Plan Miles?
Keep in mind as well that the Alaska Mileage Plan award calendar opens one day after the AAdvantage calendar, so you're at a disadvantage not only vis-a-vis those using Cathay Asia Miles and British Airways Avios, but also vs. those using AAdvantage miles. And Alaska Mileage Plan does not allow award holds, unlike AAdvantage.
What About Domestic Awards on American?
Not recommended: there is very sparse AAdvantage saver award space, and often not for the nonstop that you want. Award availability (at least booking far in advance) and ROI will be far better using AAdvantage miles for international premium class award tickets.
Do you plan to transfer any SPG points to AAdvantage with the 56% bonus (when transferring in increments of 20K points)?
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