Some of the rationale for writing on this site is to act as a bookmark for certain information, tips & tricks that I’d like to save for myself for the future. The benefit of publishing publicly online means that if anyone else gives a crap then they might find it too. This post falls firmly in that category.
I have a bunch of Etihad Guest miles sitting in a family account from a big trip 3 people made to Australia from Europe last year. On their own the miles are enough for a business class one way to Abu Dhabi and onward to the southern Mediterranean or Middle East. Useful, but not that useful.
For just another few hundred miles I’d have a large enough stash to cover off a redemption on their somewhat odd Brisbane – Singapore routing, return, in Business class. Much more useful for a hop to Asia, and beyond.
So, how to accrue a few hundred miles at minimal cost?
- Car and Hotel Partner purchases. Budget, Europcar & Hertz are all local car rental partners; and all the major chains will allow you to credit to Etihad.
- Transfers into Etihad Guest from other programs. Priority Club, Hyatt and Hilton all allow transfers into Etihad Guest – with relevant transfer minimums though. You can transfer Australian Membership Rewards points to Priority Club at a rate of 3:2. More calculations on these can be made in the reward program conversion calculator.
- Etihad Guest ‘Earn Miles’ shopping mall. This is where it gets interesting… and possible to earn just a few hundred points with minimal outlay and effort. Take a dig around – purchases from Apple, iTunes, Dick Smith and more all could qualify.
- Flying. OK, but this is the easy option. Credit some Virgin Australia flights to Etihad, even from a family member under Etihad Guests family member rules.
There you have it. Have I missed any? Let me know in the comments.
I would like to know why I can’t (or can I?) transfer points between partner ailines?? I have a bundle on Enrich and a bundle of Etihad and a bundle of Virgin – if I add thenm all togther they would be worth something. Standing alone not very valuable. Help!
Hey Georgia – thanks for the comment. It’s a pain yes, but parter airlines are still competitors. Given that frequent flyer programs are designed to award loyalty, if they allowed program transfers they would be shooting themselves in the foot by allowing you to use your points elsewhere. Frustrating, but a fact of life (and rule of the game).
How many miles do you have in each?
Hi newformula
Thanks for responding. I see your point, but think it would be to an advantage to all, for the airlines to be more flexible.
I have about 250,000 combined.
An advantage to all the airline customers definitely – to the airlines, not so much!
That’s a fair amount of points. You should definitely be able to piece together two one way tickets, even if you have to stopover en-route, to a wide range of destinations with that kind of balance.
try http://www.e-rewards.com too although it may be by invitation only.
Pete
Thanks for taking the time to comment Pete – will add in to the post. I’ve found e-rewards can take a lot of time to accrue any points, and gave up ever getting any points from them. Has your experience been different?