Question
I called up United mileage plus to see about getting an award ticket:
LAX-Florence
Rome-LAX
United counted this as one trip (i.e. 50K Miles using Economy Saver).
When I called up the Citi ThankYou Rewards desk and asked them for the same itinerary, they said that is two trips and would cost 100K miles (European trips are usually 50K).
What gives?
Answer
Unfortunately Citi doesn't allow stopovers or open jaws with their awards. With most airline awards you could actually do LAX-FLR, FLR-FCO, FCO-LAX on one ticket. They also don't have reduced one-way pricing.
Answer
I saw the title of this thread, and think it a good place to start a related discussion.
Citi has recently changed its flight ticket redemption rule. For example, domestic rountrip now "starts at 25k points" instead of "costing" 25k points previously. And I've seen people report using many more than the start-at number of points to redeem a ticket. If we keep a list of the number of points used to redeem tickets (together with itinerary) after the change, everyone can get a better sense of the actual value of Thankyou points when spent for flight tickets. I suggest the following format if one cares to report:
1. date of redemption
2. date of travel
3. itinerary/airline/class
4. number of points cost
5. tax and fees, if any
It doesn't have to be an actual trip; it could as well be a quote by Thankyou redemption that you later declined.
Answer
I have had 2 for 2 successful attempts to redeem Thank You points. The first was for a trip to Punta Cana, DR in December. It was 30K per person or 60K for the two of us. I also just set up 2 award tickets at 30K per person for Grand Cayman for Thanksgiving this year.
Also, when I contacted Thank You about setting up the Caymans trip, they have some kind of promotion going now where they waive the taxes (or pay them for you) that a person normally has to pay when redeeming points or FF miles. Typically for an international trip this can be as much as $100-$150 per person. For some reason, they offered to waive my taxes for this trip, saving me probably a total of $1500.
Answer
1. March 1, 2006
2. June 2006
3. LAX-FCO:FCO-LAX/AA/Economy
4. 50,000
A few notes:
1. I called in about 4 different times in the past week. Everytime I called itineraries on Alitalia, Delta and Continental were offered to me for 50K. Sometimes American, British Airways and Air France itineraries were also available for 50K. If they were not available for 50K, you could get them for more points (100K? 120K? I can't remember). United and Lufthansa were never available for 50K. I would always do a search on ITA before I called. From what I could tell, they were offering me itineraries that were available at the time for less than $1,200 (approx).
2. I took a look at my flight details/receipt on aa.com after I finished up with the ThankYou Rewards travel center. It shows the price of the ticket ($1,115.72). It is also interesting that, according to aa.com, my ticket was paid for with a Mastercard. It even shows the last four digits of the account. Are they simply purchasing the ticket on my behalf?
3. I can confirm tanyalewis' post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5392548&postcount=4), ThankYou Rewards travel is currently running a promotion where they cover all taxes.
4. They said they are working on puting the travel rewards booking online.
Answer
1. March 2, 2006
2. May 2006
3. SFO-PVG(asia)-SFO/United/economy(fare class V)
4. 60k
a few notes:
Tried to book another departure date, no UA flights qualified for 60k (quoting 120k). Fare for that date turned out to be $12xx on united.com. Changed to a nearby departure date (united.com fare lowered to $9xx), got the ticket with 60k points.
taxes and fees waived.
transferred from pp elite to a 'travel specialist'. very nice customer services on both parts.
Answer
transferred from pp elite to a 'travel specialist'.
the reward center does not seem to handle any travel, they always transfer you to their "travel dept." which according to this post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5040934&postcount=31), is expedia.
Answer
there are now several threads on Thank You travel redemption, but I'll post here b/c it's most current. Maybe we can get a Mod for this forum (anyone? anyone?) who can then combine the posts.
Date called: 3/16/06
Travel: PDX-YUL (montreal)
Date of outbound travel: 5/19/06
Date of return travel: 5/24/06
Availability on: CO, DL, NW - all on desired dates.
Cost of travel in miles: 25,000. Taxes and surcharges completely waived, as per the above promotion.
Cost of travel in dollars, if purchased separately: Cheapest was NW at $550 all in.
Value in points was approximately 2.2 cents each if you include the fact they paid for the taxes. A great deal in my opinion!
My only comment is that while I got flights that met my needs very well, the exact flights I wanted were not available even though there was equivalent fare class availability at continental.com and nwa.com. For example, I wanted the CO outbound at 12:30 AM on 5/20/06 that ran PDX-IAH-CLE-YUL. CO.com showed availability in B class. However, TY Redemptions only offered me 5/19/06 at 2200 PM, also in B class. As with almost any rewards program, flexibility remains the key.
Answer
I suggest we use this thread to solely keep a record of flight ticket redemption details, like we are doing now, so that people can come in and find the information without digging into hundreds of posts in a multi-purpose thread.
Answer
I saw the title of this thread, and think it a good place to start a related discussion.
Citi has recently changed its flight ticket redemption rule. For example, domestic rountrip now "starts at 25k points" instead of "costing" 25k points previously. And I've seen people report using many more than the start-at number of points to redeem a ticket. If we keep a list of the number of points used to redeem tickets (together with itinerary) after the change, everyone can get a better sense of the actual value of Thankyou points when spent for flight tickets. I suggest the following format if one cares to report:
1. date of redemption
2. date of travel
3. itinerary/airline/class
4. number of points cost
It doesn't have to be an actual trip; it could as well be a quote by Thankyou redemption that you later declined.
1. 3/15/06
2. 11/21/06-11/26/06
3. DTW-MCO/NWA/economy
4. 65,728 :eek:
Needless to say, I did not book this flight thru Thank You Redemptions. Ticket price for the flight was $422. There was 1 flight available through Thank You (US AIR) for 25K miles that left at 5am each way and changed planes twice. Didn't book that one either.
Answer
I have a Chairman Card and called TY for a tiucket Business class to Asia. Here is how it went:
Wanted a Business class ticket to Shangai -- leaving Sept 6th and returning Sept 9th.
Got availability on Vietnam, Phillipine and Korean Air -- but cost me 300,000pts...
Asked why -- no Saturday night stay -- so changed date from Sept 9th to Sept 10th and -- 165,000pts
So got booking on Korean Air (ranked by T&L as one of the top 10 airlines for intl travel) ... have not been ticketed...but it is reserved...need to finalize plans...as soon as I ticket it...will let you know what booking code and so forth...
Answer
1. date of redemption
2. date of travel
3. itinerary/airline/class
4. number of points cost
5. tax and fees, if any
1. 3/24/2006
2. 4/23
3. SFO<-->PEK(asia)/Air China/economy
4. 60k (see below)
5. waived
Ticket redeemed at 60k TY points. I was told I would be charged another 2.5k for paper ticket as the airline won't allow the csr to issue e-ticket. I have not seen that 2.5k points deducted from my TY account yet.
Answer
My dad is not having a lot of luck with an attempted redemption.
He wants to fly NW DTW-PDX, for July 22-July 30.
There are flights available, but they are only offering Frontier and HP/US.
A quick look at ITA reveals that Frontier and HP/US are the cheapest available fares for those dates. So this is in keeping with our previous experiences - they will tend to offer cheapest flights.
But when he tried to search FNT-PDX on the same dates, TY Network is only offering him AA - even though NW is now the cheapest airline. This is frankly surprising and had not been my experience up until this point. Any insights?
Answer
1. 3/15/06
2. 11/21/06-11/26/06
3. DTW-MCO/NWA/economy
4. 65,728 :eek:
Needless to say, I did not book this flight thru Thank You Redemptions. Ticket price for the flight was $422. There was 1 flight available through Thank You (US AIR) for 25K miles that left at 5am each way and changed planes twice. Didn't book that one either.
I called back last week, as the price on the NWA website had dropped a bit, to $407. Thank You had access to the exact flight that I wanted, for 25K points. The CSR had previously told me to keep checking back, because their access to flights changes frequently. I'm very happy with this card now. :)
Answer
1. 9-May-06
2. 26-May-06 to 29-May-06 (Memorial Day weekend - 17 day advance)
3. MSP-IAH-PNS on CO (avail also on AA via ORD) in coach
4. 2 seats @ 25,000 each
Cheapest ticket I could find was $570pp on AirTran. The particular itin on CO was $738. In a nutshell, I'm amazed. I need to figure out if this is more valuable than my AmEx SPG.
Answer
About 6 months ago, I talked to TY and asked for a ticket to India - business class and they told me the usual restrictions with one restriction thrown in -- max 30 day stay allowed...That threw my plans off course since my wife planned to stay for 2 months..
So, I went ahead and got a DL Skymiles card and started charging the hellout of it to get a ticket on business class...
Today, I call Chairman Card CSR and the guy asks me why my charges have dropped suddenly...I tell him the reason and he proceeds to tell me that there is not a max stay restriction...We call TY CSR and they also tell me that there is not a max stay involved...
I call another TY CSR on my own and same story...no max stay...why would someone tell me 6 months ago that there is a max stay...now they say there is not...Was I told wrong information? or was it always this way?
Answer
Possible reasons:
1. The CSR you got 6 months ago misunderstood the restrictions.
2. TY travel was run by Global Impact but now by Expedia. And on multiple counts it obviously changes for better.
About 6 months ago, I talked to TY and asked for a ticket to India - business class and they told me the usual restrictions with one restriction thrown in -- max 30 day stay allowed...That threw my plans off course since my wife planned to stay for 2 months..
So, I went ahead and got a DL Skymiles card and started charging the hellout of it to get a ticket on business class...
Today, I call Chairman Card CSR and the guy asks me why my charges have dropped suddenly...I tell him the reason and he proceeds to tell me that there is not a max stay restriction...We call TY CSR and they also tell me that there is not a max stay involved...
I call another TY CSR on my own and same story...no max stay...why would someone tell me 6 months ago that there is a max stay...now they say there is not...Was I told wrong information? or was it always this way?
Answer
Right. 6 months ago is an eternity in terms of the TY flight redemption program. :)
anaggie, any reason why you're going with DL to try to get the ticket? AA offers the ORD-DEL nonstop now. And generally has better award availability than DL anyway. Regardless, it was good to get the DL credit card for the signup miles. But if you're trying to maximize accumulated FF miles, you should be putting your points on the Amex SPG card. 20k SPG points -> 25k miles on many airlines (including AA and DL). Also, unless you have status on DL, there's probably an annual cap on mileage accrual that is much lower than the miles needed for a J ticket to India.
Answer
Right. 6 months ago is an eternity in terms of the TY flight redemption program. :)
anaggie, any reason why you're going with DL to try to get the ticket? AA offers the ORD-DEL nonstop now. And generally has better award availability than DL anyway. Regardless, it was good to get the DL credit card for the signup miles. But if you're trying to maximize accumulated FF miles, you should be putting your points on the Amex SPG card. 20k SPG points -> 25k miles on many airlines (including AA and DL). Also, unless you have status on DL, there's probably an annual cap on mileage accrual that is much lower than the miles needed for a J ticket to India.
Going with DL because I can get a J clas ticket on Korean Air....had 25000miles in the acct so I would not have run the mileage cap on the card....plus booking a ticket on TY with Korean is easy and they have many flights...my wife and I wanted to fly back on the same flight...She would have gone on Korean on a separate date and we would have been able to fly back together...
AA -- flight much more expensive than than Asian airlines economy class...
Answer
Just talked to TY to a supervisor named LIZ (Excellent customer service -- highly praise her)....
Anyway, I had a confusion with the stay requirements and she cleared it up ... NO MAX STAY RESTRICTIONS on the BIZ CLASS TICKET TO ASIA for 165000pts ....I have had 2-3 TY CSR and they have told me different things so now I was annoyed with the different answer, so I went to the top thru Chairman service...
She gave me her direct line to take care of anything I wanted. I think their customer service is better than most other award agencies...especially AMEX
Answer
Called the travel dept today to get a 2 biz class tickets to India except that my wife is leaving before me and we need to come back together:
1) Want to leave LAX/BOM or DFW/BOM -- Got DFW/FRA/BOM
2) Lufthansa Business to FRA from my wife and then AI business to BOM
Lufthansa Business for me all the way from DFW-BOM
3) Her ticket departure is on Nov 3rd and mine is on Dec 12th. I work...she does not
4) Return is Jan 5th for both -- Lufthansa business all the way back from BOM-DFW
5) Total points for tickets: 330,000 -- I have earned 350,000 points since OCT 2004 and only charge approx 4-5k a month...also have a business card but travel alot so I earn a lot of flight points...TY does not know whether these are flight point or purchase points....
When I recieve the tickets, will let you guys know what class was booked in and see I can earn miles...
All this took approx 30min....
THANY YOU ROCKS !!!!
Answer
Called the travel dept today to get a 2 biz class tickets to India except that my wife is leaving before me and we need to come back together:
1) Want to leave LAX/BOM or DFW/BOM -- Got DFW/FRA/BOM
2) Lufthansa Business to FRA from my wife and then AI business to BOM
Lufthansa Business for me all the way from DFW-BOM
3) Her ticket departure is on Nov 3rd and mine is on Dec 12th. I work...she does not
4) Return is Jan 5th for both -- Lufthansa business all the way back from BOM-DFW
5) Total points for tickets: 330,000 -- I have earned 350,000 points since OCT 2004 and only charge approx 4-5k a month...also have a business card but travel alot so I earn a lot of flight points...TY does not know whether these are flight point or purchase points....
When I recieve the tickets, will let you guys know what class was booked in and see I can earn miles...
All this took approx 30min....
THANY YOU ROCKS !!!!
prices out at lufthansa.com at $3368... each ticket. at 165,000 miles you got 2 cpm. great deal! ^
Answer
Hi everyone:
I have had a Premier Pass (that was upgraded later to a Chairman Card) since November 2004. Since then, I have successfully booked 2 separate trips of 2 tickets each, one to the Dominican Republic and the other to Grand Cayman.
I called earlier this week to see about using 30K points to fly my sister in law (who is currently living in GCM) home for 3 weeks this summer. Her route would be GCM-SLC-GCM. The folks at the Citi rewards travel desk told me that TY points can only be used for flights originating inside the United States.
Does anyone know if this is true? Has anyone been able to get around it? I don't mind paying $$$ to flying Sis home, but would rather use the points if I can. Thanks much for any assistance or advice. TL
Answer
Yes, it's true. In fact, the flight must originate in the 48 continental states. Go here:
https://www.thankyounetwork.com/faq.jspx
and click on Travel Rewards.
Answer
1. date of redemption
2. date of travel
3. itinerary/airline/class
4. number of points cost
5. tax and fees, if any
1. May 25
2. Sep 6-10 SEA-HNL
3. NW coach
4. 35k
5. None
The ticket price at NWA is $553.35. That is $0.01581/TY pt. The particular flights I booked will cost 70k NW WP pts. I think in this case TY is way better than WP program.
Answer
1. May 23
2. June 7-11 LGA-OGG
3. UA coach
4. 35k
5. none
Ticket price at UA website is $635
1. May 25
2. Sep 6-10 SEA-HNL
3. NW coach
4. 35k
5. None
The ticket price at NWA is $553.35. That is $0.01581/TY pt. The particular flights I booked will cost 70k NW WP pts. I think in this case TY is way better than WP program.
Answer
These days I cannot login to my thankyou account. I typed correct username/password but the system cannot recognize. Tried to reset password by using phone number, zipcode and SSN, but the system cannot find my account. Called custom service and they cannot get my account. Was told that it would be fixed but cannot tell how long it will take.
Everyone else has the same problem?
Answer
These days I cannot login to my thankyou account. I typed correct username/password but the system cannot recognize. Tried to reset password by using phone number, zipcode and SSN, but the system cannot find my account. Called custom service and they cannot get my account. Was told that it would be fixed but cannot tell how long it will take.
Everyone else has the same problem?
I am able to log in.
Answer
These days I cannot login to my thankyou account. I typed correct username/password but the system cannot recognize. Tried to reset password by using phone number, zipcode and SSN, but the system cannot find my account. Called custom service and they cannot get my account. Was told that it would be fixed but cannot tell how long it will take.
Everyone else has the same problem?
Had that problem a few months ago, was able to reset the password, no problem afterwards.
Answer
1. 26MAY06
2. 22JUN to 27JUN
3. CMH (Columbus, OH) to ONT (Ontario, CA) - original request was to SNA (Santa Ana, CA) - US Airways and Continental
4. 25,000
5. No taxes and fees
Although I could not get a ticket to SNA, it would cost 50,000 points. The CSR checked multiple airports for me. I had the guy on the phone for 45 mins trying to find a flight that best suited my needs. Overall, I would have to say I am happy because this ticket would have cost me $526 on Orbitz. Customer service was excellent and the guy hung in there with me.
I saw the title of this thread, and think it a good place to start a related discussion.
Citi has recently changed its flight ticket redemption rule. For example, domestic rountrip now "starts at 25k points" instead of "costing" 25k points previously. And I've seen people report using many more than the start-at number of points to redeem a ticket. If we keep a list of the number of points used to redeem tickets (together with itinerary) after the change, everyone can get a better sense of the actual value of Thankyou points when spent for flight tickets. I suggest the following format if one cares to report:
1. date of redemption
2. date of travel
3. itinerary/airline/class
4. number of points cost
5. tax and fees, if any
It doesn't have to be an actual trip; it could as well be a quote by Thankyou redemption that you later declined.
Answer
I'm taking bets on how long this program lasts without significant enhancements. I say the announcement comes October 15, 2006 effective January 1, 2007. They can't continue to redeem 25k points for $500 tickets, especiallyl because the 25k points may only cost me 10k in actual spending. In the meantime, smoke 'em if you got 'em!
Answer
I'm taking bets on how long this program lasts without significant enhancements. I say the announcement comes October 15, 2006 effective January 1, 2007. They can't continue to redeem 25k points for $500 tickets, especiallyl because the 25k points may only cost me 10k in actual spending. In the meantime, smoke 'em if you got 'em!
I hope your prediction is wrong but perhaps you are right. It is mind bogling to get airline tickets with such an ease (ofcourse with some flexibility). Last month I purchased a ticket with 25k points which was worth $500 on orbitz and expedia. I think they have a special quota beacuse the actual price on my ticket is shown as $300. How did they buy this ticket? As long as there are not many people in this program and the demand for ticket availibilty is not saturated up to the neck, enjoy the party.
Answer
I'm taking bets on how long this program lasts without significant enhancements. I say the announcement comes October 15, 2006 effective January 1, 2007. They can't continue to redeem 25k points for $500 tickets, especiallyl because the 25k points may only cost me 10k in actual spending. In the meantime, smoke 'em if you got 'em!
psychtobe,
My neighbor only uses his Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card at the supermarket, gas stations, and pharmacy. He recently just got to 25,000 points and it only cost him ~ $5,000 because he gets 5 points for each dollar spent at a supermarket, gas stations, or pharmacy.
Let’s say that he gets a plane ticket for that 25K points that might cost ~$500, he spent $5k and got a $500 ticket. That’s 10% back on purchases! I have a *wood card and have never received more then a 4.6% redemption. 10% is just crazy.
Answer
I have been saying that the TY is a great program, but I get burned by SPG as the greates card...BULL...
I earned 65,000 points this month thru my Chairman and Business Premier Pass like this:
Business Card:
Ticket from LAX-HKG-LAX -- 14000+ pts
Ticket from ELP-DFW-MFE -- 2000+ pts
Spending -- approx 1100 points
Chairman Card:
Ticket from LAX-HKG-LAX for a friend -- 14000+points
Leftover points from tickets of in-laws -- BOM-ELP-ELP -- approx 18000pts
Bought a TV froim Cruthfield.com (7 TY PTS per $) -- 6600 points
Actual Spending -- 5600 pts
Am not counting bonus points at supermarkets/gas stations/ and so forth...
Not bad for 1 month...I go to India approx every 2-3yrs.,..so all I really want is biz class ticket for me and my wife -- who care what airline as long as it is not DELTA/AA/UA/CO...
if you go back and see a post of mine...I got 2 biz class seats on Lufthansa with the dates and schedule I wanted...so this works perfect.
Can any card out there beat this system?
Answer
I have been saying that the TY is a great program, but I get burned by SPG as the greates card...BULL...
I earned 65,000 points this month thru my Chairman and Business Premier Pass like this:
Business Card:
Ticket from LAX-HKG-LAX -- 14000+ pts
Ticket from ELP-DFW-MFE -- 2000+ pts
Spending -- approx 1100 points
Chairman Card:
Ticket from LAX-HKG-LAX for a friend -- 14000+points
Leftover points from tickets of in-laws -- BOM-ELP-ELP -- approx 18000pts
Bought a TV froim Cruthfield.com (7 TY PTS per $) -- 6600 points
Actual Spending -- 5600 pts
Am not counting bonus points at supermarkets/gas stations/ and so forth...
Not bad for 1 month...I go to India approx every 2-3yrs.,..so all I really want is biz class ticket for me and my wife -- who care what airline as long as it is not DELTA/AA/UA/CO...
if you go back and see a post of mine...I got 2 biz class seats on Lufthansa with the dates and schedule I wanted...so this works perfect.
Can any card out there beat this system?
I agree. The point earning potential is pretty amazing. I take 2-3 cross country flights a month. Thats 8000-12000 points per month. Citibank gives me 1000 per month just for banking with them. Thats approximately 100-150k points per year, excluding spending.... Unbeatable.
Answer
I have been saying that the TY is a great program, but I get burned by SPG as the greates card...BULL...
I earned 65,000 points this month thru my Chairman and Business Premier Pass like this:
Business Card:
Ticket from LAX-HKG-LAX -- 14000+ pts
Ticket from ELP-DFW-MFE -- 2000+ pts
Spending -- approx 1100 points
Chairman Card:
Ticket from LAX-HKG-LAX for a friend -- 14000+points
Leftover points from tickets of in-laws -- BOM-ELP-ELP -- approx 18000pts
Bought a TV froim Cruthfield.com (7 TY PTS per $) -- 6600 points
Actual Spending -- 5600 pts
Am not counting bonus points at supermarkets/gas stations/ and so forth...
Not bad for 1 month...I go to India approx every 2-3yrs.,..so all I really want is biz class ticket for me and my wife -- who care what airline as long as it is not DELTA/AA/UA/CO...
if you go back and see a post of mine...I got 2 biz class seats on Lufthansa with the dates and schedule I wanted...so this works perfect.
Can any card out there beat this system?
Am I missing something here? Isn't there a rule about converting your flight points to thank you points by having the same amount of purchase points to do so? If so, your points are worthless until converted to thank you points, aren't they?
Answer
Am I missing something here? Isn't there a rule about converting your flight points to thank you points by having the same amount of purchase points to do so? If so, your points are worthless until converted to thank you points, aren't they?
Once your points get to Thank You Network, TY does not know which are purchase and which are flight....
All they see are points in one acct....
Answer
Once your points get to Thank You Network, TY does not know which are purchase and which are flight....
All they see are points in one acct....
I'm lost... Let's say I purchased two tickets with my PPE card for myself and my associate. We both flew R/T of 13,000 miles each (total of 26,000) and I charged my card for regular charges, no bonuses, $1,000 that month. Are 27,000 points going to be deposited to my Thank You Network account?
Answer
I'm taking bets on how long this program lasts without significant enhancements. I say the announcement comes October 15, 2006 effective January 1, 2007. They can't continue to redeem 25k points for $500 tickets, especiallyl because the 25k points may only cost me 10k in actual spending. In the meantime, smoke 'em if you got 'em!
I am afraid that you may be right. My husband and I are racking up 15K points a month at least, half in flights and half in spending. Chairman is ou primary card. If they shut down this program, we'll switch our primary card to the American Express Platinum but until then we'll continue to make out like bandits!
On a side note, has anyone had success redeeming TY points for travel from the US to the Caribbean in business or first class?
Answer
I'm lost... Let's say I purchased two tickets with my PPE card for myself and my associate. We both flew R/T of 13,000 miles each (total of 26,000) and I charged my card for regular charges, no bonuses, $1,000 that month. Are 27,000 points going to be deposited to my Thank You Network account?
pretty much...yes....they might not transfer all at once....maybe 50% at a time...but still not bad....
until they catch it...ROCK ON !!!!!
Answer
pretty much...yes....they might not transfer all at once....maybe 50% at a time...but still not bad....
until they catch it...ROCK ON !!!!!
Count me as another confused one.
I have more than 25,000 Flight Points that have not transferred over many months. I spend fairly lightly on the card.
Every month, *exactly* the number of spend points I earn match the existing flight points and, in effect, I get 2X my purchase points transferred to TY each month. The rest remain banked as flight points.
Is there a programming bug allowing some of you to beat the system? If so, I hope they correct it soon before the whole program gets tossed.
My last statement looked like this:
Flight Points Summary | Period ending 05/16/06
Beginning Flight Points 25213.00
Flight Points Earned What is this? 0.00
Flight Points Adjusted / Expired What is this? 0.00
Flight Points Transferred to ThankYou Account What is this? 1092.00
Remaining Flight Points Balance 24121.00
Purchase Points Summary | Period ending 05/16/06
Purchase Points Earned What is this? 1092.00
Select Spend Points What is this? 0.00
Special / Bonus Points What is this? 0.00
Purchase Points Adjusted What is this? 0.00
Total Purchase Points Earned 1092.00
Purchase Points Transferred to ThankYou Account What is this? 1092.00
Total Points Transferred to ThankYou Account What is this? 2184.00
Answer
pretty much...yes....they might not transfer all at once....maybe 50% at a time...but still not bad....
until they catch it...ROCK ON !!!!!
This is not correct, at least not as you've described it.
If you flew 26k miles on tickets purchased with your cc, and spent 1k in the same month, you would have 1k "purchase points" and 1k "flight points" = 2k "Thank you points" transferred to your thank you account. You would also have 25k remaining flight points sitting on your cc account that would not be converted to TY points, nor transferred to your TY account, until you had earned 25k purchase, select, and/or bonus points. Until that happens, you do not have access to that 25k flight point stash.
Of note, all bonuses (sign-up and select category) do count as purchase points and can match unused flight points.
To my knowledge there is no way around this system, but if someone is in the know, please share!
Answer
There is a minor programming bug that seems to "afflict" some accounts. I have two PP cards: a PP Elite and a PP regular. My regular PP card seems to work as advertised. My PP Elite one seems to transfer too many points. It's not unlimited as I usually have a flight point surplus sitting on the card. But it's more than a 1 to 1 match. And that's all I'll say on this matter. At least in a public forum. :)
Those of you whose cards aren't quite working right, I suggest you count your blessings and not speak about this too loudly. The more chatter there is about this bug, the more likely Citi will fix it.
Answer
deleted.....
public forum.....I suggest we do not discuss this matter anymore....for it does not exist..
Answer
Anyone ever purchase an airline award (taxes and fees portion) from an airline using this card? If so, do they still credit your flight balance with the amount of flown miles for the award ticket even though you only paid for taxes and fees? I am assuming they would because the ticket number and city pairs show up on the statement even if all you are paying for is the taxes and fees. How would they know that my $50 charge for a ticket to Europe wasn't simply a mistake fare or some crazy sale????
Answer
Anyone ever purchase an airline award (taxes and fees portion) from an airline using this card? If so, do they still credit your flight balance with the amount of flown miles for the award ticket even though you only paid for taxes and fees? I am assuming they would because the ticket number and city pairs show up on the statement even if all you are paying for is the taxes and fees. How would they know that my $50 charge for a ticket to Europe wasn't simply a mistake fare or some crazy sale????
Good point. Moreover, let's say that you paid for an upgrade with your card... What happens then? For instance, I just paid for a one way upgrade on a transatlantic segment charging $450 to my card. It shows the following in my statement (I put "X" to block the real data):
CONTINEN00503296559991 XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
NAME: XXX/XXXXXXMR
DEPART: 06/01/06
XXX TO XXX : CO: CLASS: Y : STOP: O
Looks like I am going to get points for it, doesn't it?
Answer
Anyone ever purchase an airline award (taxes and fees portion) from an airline using this card? If so, do they still credit your flight balance with the amount of flown miles for the award ticket even though you only paid for taxes and fees?
Yes, multiple times w/o any problems. There are a few PremierPass threads such as this one:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=390111&highlight=premierpass
where this is discussed. This thread is more geared towards people sharing their experiences redeeming TY points for flights.
Answer
Anyone ever purchase an airline award (taxes and fees portion) from an airline using this card? If so, do they still credit your flight balance with the amount of flown miles for the award ticket even though you only paid for taxes and fees? I am assuming they would because the ticket number and city pairs show up on the statement even if all you are paying for is the taxes and fees. How would they know that my $50 charge for a ticket to Europe wasn't simply a mistake fare or some crazy sale????
I suspect this is the real reason why they now waive the taxes and fees.
Answer
I suspect this is the real reason why they now waive the taxes and fees.
Welcome to FT!
I'm not quite sure what you mean. If you mean that you suspect that taxes and fees are waived on flight redemptions through TY Network to avoid giving you flight points for it, that's definitely not true. Under the old system (with Global Impact), the taxes charged for flight redemptions were coded to prevent that from happening.
Answer
Welcome to FT!
I'm not quite sure what you mean. If you mean that you suspect that taxes and fees are waived on flight redemptions through TY Network to avoid giving you flight points for it, that's definitely not true. Under the old system (with Global Impact), the taxes charged for flight redemptions were coded to prevent that from happening.
Thanks for the welcome! If I could find a way to eliminate the persistent pop-up attempts on this site I'd be thrilled.
You correctly guessed what I meant, although I may be completely wrong. I seem to recall getting credit under the old system whenever I paid taxes/fees. So I would earn flight points for award travel, which I loved :D .
Answer
You correctly guessed what I meant, although I may be completely wrong. I seem to recall getting credit under the old system whenever I paid taxes/fees. So I would earn flight points for award travel, which I loved :D .
Yes, you do earn flight points when you use the PP card to pay for the taxes for award travel when using e.g., AA miles. I think in the T&C it says you don't, but their systems can't seem to tell the difference.
But when you use ThankYou points for a flight redemption, under the old system with Global Impact, I got a BOS-LHR RT and the flight info on the taxes was just coded as "XAA TO XAO : XD: CLASS: Y : STOP:" so you wouldn't earn any flight points.
Answer
1. date of redemption
2. date of travel
3. itinerary/airline/class
4. number of points cost
5. tax and fees, if any
1. June 20, 2005
2. Jul 8 - Jul 22
3. PHL (Philadelphia) - IAH (Houston) - MID (Merida, MX)
4. 30,000
5. $0
Same flight through Continental was $505, so for 30,000 points I'm happy to get the tickets. When I checked the confirmation the price on the receipt is $578.62.
Answer
I have to wonder what the actual redemption statistics are... For everyone of us getting 2x value on our points, I'll bet there are 10 others calling up to spend 25,000 points on a $150 trip to Vegas or Disney...
For many people, maximizing value of points is something they don't even think about. "I've got 25,000 points, time for a trip to see Mickey!"
Now a question, are these tickets eligible for upgrades if you have status on the airline?
Answer
I doubt it that someone from this forum will act like that...
Answer
Now a question, are these tickets eligible for upgrades if you have status on the airline?
of course - that's the whole point!
Answer
I am wondering if anyone in this forum has come across this situation:
My wife, baby and myself are planning a trip to India in OCT and return in Jan and will redeem points to get Biz class seats on Lufthansa...here is my dilemma:
1) My baby will be 1 yr old when she travels to India, but on the way back she will have turned 2 yrs old...Do I have to use points to buy her own separate seat or can she still travel as a lap child? If so, will I have to pay the 50% fare for her own seat? and then 75% on the way back?
Does TY offer a point reduction for children since they do seem to offer higher priced tickets such as Virgin/BA/Cathay at a higher point redemption?
I wanted to ask this forum before I went to TY....
Answer
chalk up another TY Network success!
1. date of redemption - Aug 3, 2006
2. date of travel - Thu Nov 23, 2006 - Mon Nov 27, 2006
3. itinerary/airline/class - PDX-DTW-FNT and return in NW; economy
4. number of points cost - 25k each (total 2 tickets)
5. tax and fees, if any - waived (would have been $71 each)
6. price if purchased - $461 each
7. value of TY points - 1.84 cents each
the scoop: ideally I would have traveled PDX-DTW, but since NW tickets were outpricing AA by $100 each, they only offered me AA. The FNT itinerary showed NW as having the cheapeast flights, so I asked - and received.
The actual purchase price of these tickets with taxes and fees was $458 each if purchased at nwa.com. sweet!
Answer
Last march I booked a skyteam award to Europe on Continental Business First for travel in August. This cost 100k Delta skymiles. I had to change the outbound leg in July and this cost $50 which i charged to my Prem Pass Citi M/C. I paid the taxes back in march with my Delta skymiles Amex. I will let you know if i get any flight points. ;)
Answer
I used delta skymiles to book rt ticket to HNL. I used a different card to pay the $10 fee. I needed to make a change to the reservation, and I paid the $50 change fee with my citi premier pass card. I got point credits for the flights to/from HNL eventhough I didn't originally book the ticket with the premier pass card.
Makes me wonder if I had booked the original flight with the citicard and paid a change fee, if I would have gotten double flight points.
Answer
[QUOTE=kms007]I used delta skymiles to book rt ticket to HNL. I used a different card to pay the $10 fee. I needed to make a change to the reservation, and I paid the $50 change fee with my citi premier pass card. I got point credits for the flights to/from HNL eventhough I didn't originally book the ticket with the premier pass card.
You probably would have gotten the double points...I have done it 3-4 times and each of the times, I have recvd double flight points...
I just paid to change the ticket and it showed thr flight routing with the flight points posting in 60 days.....
Answer
has anyone used thankyou points to redeem a flight from Seattle (or Portland) to Tokyo (NRT)? I would like to know how many points it cost during low season for coach.
Answer
has anyone used thankyou points to redeem a flight from Seattle (or Portland) to Tokyo (NRT)? I would like to know how many points it cost during low season for coach.
thankyounetwork.com
the answer is listed there
Answer
has anyone had any sucess upgrading a TY econ ticket to J class? especially on American?
Would like to use up TY pts for econ and upgrade to J class thru VIPS...have lots of AA miles but prefer not to use them for personal vacations...use them for long haul businesstrips...
Answer
Just tried to book the following;
1) Dec 14-19
2) ELP- MBJ (Montego Bay, Jaimaca)
3) 2 tickest in BUsiness Class
They had it twice for 60,000pts each, and they lost it both times (pt requirementchanged on them)...
Will call back and see if I get it...
Answer
1. date of redemption - Sept 28 2006
2. date of travel - Wed Nov 22, 2006 - Sun Nov 26, 2006 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
3. itinerary/airline/class - JFK-DFW-PHX and return in AA; economy
4. number of points cost - 25k
5. tax and fees, if any - waived
6. price if purchased - $594.20 USD (from AA.com and listed my AA reciept)
7. value of TY points - 2.38 cents each
Answer
sweet deal!
Answer
1. date of redemption - Sept 22 2006
2. date of travel - Sat Dec 9, 2006 - Sat Dec 30, 2006 3. itinerary/airline/class - IND-MEM-HYD and HYD-DTW-IND in NW economy B
4. number of points cost - 60 K
5. tax and fees, if any - waived
6. price if purchased - $3070.00USD (from nwa.com)
7. value of TY points - 5.12 cents each
Answer
1. date of redemption - Sept 22 2006
2. date of travel - Sat Dec 9, 2006 - Sat Dec 30, 2006 3. itinerary/airline/class - IND-MEM-HYD and HYD-DTW-IND in NW economy B
4. number of points cost - 60 K
5. tax and fees, if any - waived
6. price if purchased - $3070.00USD (from nwa.com)
7. value of TY points - 5.12 cents each
NICE GOING !!!!!
Answer
I just started to go after Thank You Points heavily (got a Premier Pass Elite and mtvU card, already had a Diamond Rewards card, though I wish I didn't so I could get the 5 points/dollar offer) with the intention of eventually redeeming for Premium international tickets, does anyone have recent experience trying to redeem for international business class tickets using the fixed price option?
Answer
Nice!!!
1. date of redemption - Sept 22 2006
2. date of travel - Sat Dec 9, 2006 - Sat Dec 30, 2006 3. itinerary/airline/class - IND-MEM-HYD and HYD-DTW-IND in NW economy B
4. number of points cost - 60 K
5. tax and fees, if any - waived
6. price if purchased - $3070.00USD (from nwa.com)
7. value of TY points - 5.12 cents each
Answer
1. date of redemption - Nov.28, 2006
2. date of travel - Dec 29, 2006 - Jan 3, 2007
3. itinerary/airline/class - DCA-PDX delta; economy
4. number of points cost - 25k
5. tax and fees, if any - waived (would have been $66 each)
6. price if purchased - $470 each
7. value of TY points - 1.9 cents
chalk up another TY Network success!
1. date of redemption - Aug 3, 2006
2. date of travel - Thu Nov 23, 2006 - Mon Nov 27, 2006
3. itinerary/airline/class - PDX-DTW-FNT and return in NW; economy
4. number of points cost - 25k each (total 2 tickets)
5. tax and fees, if any - waived (would have been $71 each)
6. price if purchased - $461 each
7. value of TY points - 1.84 cents each
the scoop: ideally I would have traveled PDX-DTW, but since NW tickets were outpricing AA by $100 each, they only offered me AA. The FNT itinerary showed NW as having the cheapeast flights, so I asked - and received.
The actual purchase price of these tickets with taxes and fees was $458 each if purchased at nwa.com. sweet!
Answer
A bump for beckles earlier question. Could folks who have had success getting INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS tickets provide details on destinations, points needed, availability, etc. I also am considering getting the Diamond Preferred plus other Citi cards but only if international business tickets are a viable option for a reasonable number of points with the Thank You Network.
Answer
I have redeemed Thank You points atleast ten times.
My cents/miles continues to be amazing (only because I need tickets on expensive dates).
Some of my redemptions:
1. June 2006
2. July 2006
3. UA/LH ORD-FRA-LCA return
4. 50K
5. $0 taxes - 2500 points for required paper ticket
6. $2300 cheapest ticket
1. October 2006
2. Dec/Jan 2006/2007 - peak Christmas travel dates
3. AA to DEL
4. 60,000
5. $0 taxes/fees
6. $3900 cheapest ticket
1. October 2006
2. Nov 2006 - peak Thanksgiving dates
3. AA to see family in CID
4. 25,000
5. $0 taxes/fees
6. $700 cheapest ticket
For me, Thank You points are excellent because I use them for peak date travel. Excellent enough for me to value them at more than any other kind of point on coupon connection. (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=623072)
I LOVE Thank You points! :D
Answer
A bump for beckles earlier question. Could folks who have had success getting INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS tickets provide details on destinations, points needed, availability, etc. I also am considering getting the Diamond Preferred plus other Citi cards but only if international business tickets are a viable option for a reasonable number of points with the Thank You Network.
The way Thank You Points works right now, you can choose your dates and they will offer you atleast one itinerary for 165K points in business class. They will have one or more itineraries at this point level.
If you specify airline/times/connections, etc they can offer you anything you want...but valuing your points around 1 cents each.
What they offer for the 165K simply depends on what is cheapest in their system (usually the same as Expedia.com). If you want something else, be prepared for the points cost to multiply even if the $ difference is minimal.
If you are not picky about airine/time/connections, you can choose your dates and fly business class for 165K (provided you meet the 2 weeks advance and Sat night stay requirements). You may want to play around with your choice of dates to get airlines you llike.
Be prepared for the points requirements to go up to say 500,000 points (if the cheapest ticket is ~$5K) if you don't choose one of their 165K option(s).
Answer
they will offer you atleast one itinerary for 165K points in business class. This is what matters to me ... as long as I'm flying Business Class on a major airline, I'm not too concerned which airline it is ... Since I no longer earn elite status on international airlines (Southwest only these days!), I just want another good option for international premium travel and I thought this was a great deal.
Answer
...you can choose your dates and they will offer you at least one itinerary for 165K points in business class. They will have one or more itineraries at this point level.)
Am I correct that Thank You Rewards will offer only a domestic carrier for the transatlantic fixed rate business class redemption 165,000 points? There is a substantial difference in the quality of seats in transatlantic business class between (for example) AA or DL verus BA or VS, and it looks as if it will be 2008 or later before the domestic carriers approach the comfort level of the British carriers.
dennis
Answer
Thanks, wanaflyforless for your clear and very helpful explanation. I think I'll give the TY Network a try.
Answer
Am I correct that Thank You Rewards will offer only a domestic carrier for the transatlantic fixed rate business class redemption 165,000 points? There is a substantial difference in the quality of seats in transatlantic business class between (for example) AA or DL verus BA or VS, and it looks as if it will be 2008 or later before the domestic carriers approach the comfort level of the British carriers.
dennis
No; it depends what is cheapest in their system. This may or may not be domestic carriers. If one domestic carrier is their cheapest option (for them) on a given route, they will only offer itineraries with that carrier. Change route and the carrier will often change. What they offer is usually the cheapest on Expedia.com
They often can offer you more than one itinerary/carrier at the fixed level...but you cannot count on this.
Answer
Can you use your TY points to upgrade from economy to business? If yes, how do you do this?
Thanks
Answer
Can you use your TY points to upgrade from economy to business? If yes, how do you do this?
Thanks
No.
Remember, Citi is buying normal paid tickets. You cannot use $ to upgrade to a business class seat, so Citi cannot pay $ to upgrade you to a business class seat.
Citi is not an airline issueing "funny money" (a self generated miles currency) to do things on itself that $ cannot do. Airlines are.
You can use $ to pay the difference between coach and business on any ticket - technically cancelling the coach ticket and applying its value towards a new business class ticket. Citi may be willling to do this through their wish fulfilled program. In most cases, the $ difference is massive. If the $ diffference is $3000 - it would cost atleast 300,000 Thank You points as the most you would get through "your wish fulfilled" is 1 cent per point.
No thank you! I will redeem those points for free tickets!
Answer
Thanks, so I take it from your response, you can't convert TY points to another carriers miles program?
No.
Remember, Citi is buying normal paid tickets. You cannot use $ to upgrade to a business class seat, so Citi cannot pay $ to upgrade you to a business class seat.
Citi is not an airline issueing "funny money" (a self generated miles currency) to do things on itself that $ cannot do. Airlines are.
You can use $ to pay the difference between coach and business on any ticket - technically cancelling the coach ticket and applying its value towards a new business class ticket. Citi may be willling to do this through their wish fulfilled program. In most cases, the $ difference is massive. If the $ diffference is $3000 - it would cost atleast 300,000 Thank You points as the most you would get through "your wish fulfilled" is 1 cent per point.
No thank you! I will redeem those points for free tickets!
Answer
Thank You Points are their own currency directly redeemable for points. If used for needed expensive trips, they are extremely valuable.
But they are not convertable to airline miles at this time. I do not see this a major weekness.
If your goal is conversion, get one of three cards:
- SPG AMEX
- Diners
- Amex Membership Rewards
If you goal is award availability for peak dates and miles earning redemption tickets, choose Thank You Points. Different products for different needs.
Answer
Has something changed with the thankyou airline redemption policy? I've finally started getting credited with my some of my flight points, and was hoping I could maybe get a domestic round trip for 25,000 points. However, the new site basically looks like expedia where you get $.01 per point, instead of the nice fixed prices.
I fear I may have missed out on all the good deals people were getting...
Answer
Has something changed with the thankyou airline redemption policy? I've finally started getting credited with my some of my flight points, and was hoping I could maybe get a domestic round trip for 25,000 points. However, the new site basically looks like expedia where you get $.01 per point, instead of the nice fixed prices.
I fear I may have missed out on all the good deals people were getting...
the fixed rate redemption is still there, you just have to call them.
Answer
1. date of redemption - Dec 11, 2006
2. date of travel - Dec 26 - Jan 2
3. itinerary/airline/class - Dec26ATL-PBI DL - A class (FO auto upgrade?) Jan2PBI-ATL L class
4. number of points cost - 25k (1ticket)
5. tax and fees, if any - waived (would have been 62.33)
6. price if purchased - approx $550 (fare no longer available)
7. value of TY points - 2.2 cents
As a side note, I originally wanted 12/27 flights, but they were all connections. So I went with 12/26.
They seemed willing to grant an award for an available ticket as long as it was 14 days out and had a sat. night stay. I was able to go through all of my flight options before making the reservation. The delta itenerary showed up in the delta skymiles account very quickly. Agent said (1) change was available, but TY would charge $30 and DL would charge $50 and the difference in fare.
The other available fares on the DL flights at the time of booking are as follows:
DL923ATL11:40PBI13:22763-0-F9 A9 Y9 B7 M4 H3 Q0 K0 L0 U0 T0
DL524PBI16:16ATL18:07757-0-F7 A3 Y9 B9 M9 H9 Q9 K9 L7 U0 T0
The L fare on PBI-ATL evaporated after this ticket redemption.
Rewarding. Very, very, very rewarding!
Answer
deleted
Answer
has anyone had any sucess upgrading a TY econ ticket to J class? especially on American?
Would like to use up TY pts for econ and upgrade to J class thru VIPS...have lots of AA miles but prefer not to use them for personal vacations...use them for long haul businesstrips...Did you ever get this question answered?
Answer
Did you ever get this question answered?
NOPE.....
bujt now I have so many points that it is really irrrerelavant...
Answer
1. date of redemption - 12/13/06
2. date of travel - 1/3-1/7/07
3. itinerary/airline/class - SFO-BOS/UA/ECONOMY
4. pts cost: 25k
5. tax and fees - 40 something, waived
6. price if purchased - $360
7. value of TY pts - 1.4 cents/pt
Answer
I didn't see the upgrade question, or I would have answered. Yes, Thank You Point tickets can be upgraded so long as they were booked into an upgradeble fare class. This depends on what was available at time of booking. So long as O and Q are not available on AA for your dates, if TYP book an AA itinerary, you can upgrade. Most dates do not have O or Q fares interntional, so you are fine.
Answer
1. date of redemption - 12/13/06
2. date of travel - 1/3-1/7/07
3. itinerary/airline/class - SFO-BOS/UA/ECONOMY
4. pts cost: 25k
5. tax and fees - 40 something, waived
6. price if purchased - $360
7. value of TY pts - 1.4 cents/pt
May I assume you never need more expensive tickets?
Answer
I didn't see the upgrade question, or I would have answered. Yes, Thank You Point tickets can be upgraded so long as they were booked into an upgradeble fare class. This depends on what was available at time of booking. So long as O and Q are not available on AA for your dates, if TYP book an AA itinerary, you can upgrade. Most dates do not have O or Q fares interntional, so you are fine.Thanks.
Just for clarification, is there any way to positively know the fare class before TYN finalizes the transaction?
Answer
Thanks.
Just for clarification, is there any way to positively know the fare class before TYN finalizes the transaction?
I start by doing my own Expedia search. I also ask the CSR what fare class the tickets are in. Usually their answer matches my own search.
Answer
I start by doing my own Expedia search.
Bingo.
Answer
Long time lurker at FT but first time posting.
1. date of redemption - 12/21/06
2. date of travel - 2/10/07-2/18/07
3. itinerary/airline/class - DAY-OGG/UA/Economy
4. pts cost: 40k/ticket 80k total
5. tax and fees - 180 something, waived
6. price if purchased - $750 each, $1500 total
7. value of TY pts - 1.9 cents/pt
Thanks again for all the help guys...cant wait to get to Maui... :)
Answer
on the last 2 pages I saw one that was 2.2cent/pt for a flight between ATL and PBI (such a short distance flight!)
the norm seems to be around 1.5 to 1.8cent/pt.
The Hawaii ticket was the poorest ratio.
Has anyone achieved 3cent or above?
Our situation does not normally involve travel at peak period (in fact we would avoid it, unless for the bump, lol), so that takes one positive out of the equation.
I used to redeem the TY pts for the plain 1c/1p giftcards - now I may rethink this.
Answer
Post #67 had a 5.2 cent/mile ticket and post #73 had a 6.5 cent/mile ticket (the India one).
Answer
I dont know if you are referring to my ticket as being the "poorest" ratio but I guess I shall take 1.9c/pt when "the norm seems to be around 1.5 to 1.8cent/pt." :)
Anyways I doubt if people are going to be getting much more than 2c/pt in economy- think about it, domestic flights on expedia cannot cost much more than $500 (unless some short notice trips during peak seasons). So 2c/pt max.
Even the guys who redeemed for the trips to India, travelling in economy, dont have to pay much more than $1500 normally (again unless it was on short notice or in peak seasons)-and I think TY requires 80,000 points now.
The best thing about TY is its availability- you WILL be offered a ticket if you book 14 days in advance and have a Sat night stay in there, it might not suit your itinerary but you have an option. Dont think the other FF programs can offer that.
I love the TY program- just signed up for the EZ-checking to get 20,000 TY Points.
Good luck.
on the last 2 pages I saw one that was 2.2cent/pt for a flight between ATL and PBI (such a short distance flight!)
the norm seems to be around 1.5 to 1.8cent/pt.
The Hawaii ticket was the poorest ratio.
Has anyone achieved 3cent or above?
Our situation does not normally involve travel at peak period (in fact we would avoid it, unless for the bump, lol), so that takes one positive out of the equation.
I used to redeem the TY pts for the plain 1c/1p giftcards - now I may rethink this.
Answer
I called today and booked two tickets from MSP-ATH May 10-20 on KLM/NW which is good bc i am Plat on NW. Two tickets $2750 for both for only 120,000 points. Around 2.5 cents per point, from which i can read is a good deal.
They have two systems to look in, make sure they look in both systems.
Thanks
Dave
Answer
Another thing to consider about the "value" of redemptions is the fact that you will earn miles on the redeemed tickets. For example, in the MSP-ATH example above the poster would be earning 225% of mileage flown (as NW Plat) on about 11,000 miles of flying. Even if you only value airline miles at a penny each, you're getting an additional $225 "rebate" on your redemption.
Answer
Actually a little bit more since they are booked in "B" class the whole way :) So another 5510 :)
Answer
here we go...
Date: 12/29-Jan 5, 2007
Airline: AA
Schedule: BRL-BOM
Qty: 3 Coach Class
Total Point: 180,000
Total Cost -- Will get in a few days
Date: 1/7/07 - 1/15/07
Airline: UA/LH
Schedule: RFD-BOM
Qty: 1 Coach Class
Total Point: 60,000
Total Cost: will get in a few days
Answer
My apology. I meant the 1.4cent SFO to BOS trip. Your Hawaii trip is a decent redemption for TY pts.
I guess the main positives for most people do not really apply to us - the peak period travel and the availability - the 2 strong points are out of our equation as we usually can travel at the drop of the hat if we see a good deal. Otherwise we just stay home. :) There is hardly ever a situation we MUST travel within a short notice... Over the last few years we haven't yet paid a coast to coast ticket price higher than $250 all-in... even earlier this year - FLL/OAK r/t all-in was about $150 on AA, and FLL/PDX r/t all-in was about $180 on AA also, for example.
The other drawbacks on the TY tickets are: there is no open-jaw or stopover permitted. Our award travel pattern almost always includes a stopover, and frequently an open-jaw together with a stopover. I guess that part offsets the miles earned flying TY ticket. So the 3rd advantage of TY ticket is a wash to us.
I also feel the premium tickets are out of reach using TY pts - and that is where we are most interested.
That said, redeeming for flights is still a better usage of pts than redeeming for gift cards.
I received the solicitation of the 20K TY pts for signing up Citi checking as well. However, the monthly maintenance of 2 billpays is a bit too much for me to bother. The offer will expires 12/31/06. I guess I would be on the lookout to see if Citi bring out new offers. I do know there is another CASH offer of 2x$100 offer out there thru March...
I dont know if you are referring to my ticket as being the "poorest" ratio but I guess I shall take 1.9c/pt when "the norm seems to be around 1.5 to 1.8cent/pt." :)
Anyways I doubt if people are going to be getting much more than 2c/pt in economy- think about it, domestic flights on expedia cannot cost much more than $500 (unless some short notice trips during peak seasons). So 2c/pt max.
The best thing about TY is its availability- you WILL be offered a ticket if you book 14 days in advance and have a Sat night stay in there, it might not suit your itinerary but you have an option. Dont think the other FF programs can offer that.
I love the TY program- just signed up for the EZ-checking to get 20,000 TY Points.
Answer
:) no problem.
I agree that there are pro's and con's of the TY program over the regular FF ones but overall I have been happy especially the ease of generating TY Points.
Regarding the EZ-checking, it says either a direct deposit or 2 bill pays or maintaining a $1500 combined balance for a period (think it is 6 months, maybe 12). So its not too bad, just set up a direct deposit from paypal or something for a $1 or maintain a $1500 balance, should be easy enough.
The 1500 can be in your savings as well.
My apology. I meant the 1.4cent SFO to BOS trip. Your Hawaii trip is a decent redemption for TY pts.
I guess the main positives for most people do not really apply to us - the peak period travel and the availability - the 2 strong points are out of our equation as we usually can travel at the drop of the hat if we see a good deal. Otherwise we just stay home. :) There is hardly ever a situation we MUST travel within a short notice... Over the last few years we haven't yet paid a coast to coast ticket price higher than $250 all-in... even earlier this year - FLL/OAK r/t all-in was about $150 on AA, and FLL/PDX r/t all-in was about $180 on AA also, for example.
The other drawbacks on the TY tickets are: there is no open-jaw or stopover permitted. Our award travel pattern almost always includes a stopover, and frequently an open-jaw together with a stopover. I guess that part offsets the miles earned flying TY ticket. So the 3rd advantage of TY ticket is a wash to us.
I also feel the premium tickets are out of reach using TY pts - and that is where we are most interested.
That said, redeeming for flights is still a better usage of pts than redeeming for gift cards.
I received the solicitation of the 20K TY pts for signing up Citi checking as well. However, the monthly maintenance of 2 billpays is a bit too much for me to bother. The offer will expires 12/31/06. I guess I would be on the lookout to see if Citi bring out new offers. I do know there is another CASH offer of 2x$100 offer out there thru March...
Answer
Can you post more info on the 20,000 bonus for a Citi checking account? I didn't receive the solicitation, but maybe with some more info I can call and get it? Thanks.
Answer
Here is the code which might help you if you are calling in to fill out the application - CED8.
Can you post more info on the 20,000 bonus for a Citi checking account? I didn't receive the solicitation, but maybe with some more info I can call and get it? Thanks.
Answer
:) no problem.
Regarding the EZ-checking, it says either a direct deposit or 2 bill pays or maintaining a $1500 combined balance for a period (think it is 6 months, maybe 12). So its not too bad, just set up a direct deposit from paypal or something for a $1 or maintain a $1500 balance, should be easy enough.
The 1500 can be in your savings as well.
I believe $1500 is the initial deposit, AND the balance to avoid monthly fee, unless you also open a E-Saving account to link with the Checking account.
The $1500 has nothing to do with the activities required to receive the 20K bonus. At least on the letter I received said you must make either one direct deposit, or 2 billpayments, each month for consecutive 6 months in order to receive the 20K bonus which would be posted within 120 days after the first qualifying activit(ies).
I haven't spent time to find out What is the definition of Direct Deposit - as on Citi's website, the Direct Deposit seems to refer to Direct Deposit from Payroll or Social Security. It does not say a word about an ACH transfer is qualified as a Direct Deposit.
Answer
I am not sure if the paypal thingy would work but I have read on a lot of forums that it does.
But I do plan to enroll for the savings account anyways, and chose the 20,000 TY points over a similar offer for $200.
I believe $1500 is the initial deposit, AND the balance to avoid monthly fee, unless you also open a E-Saving account to link with the Checking account.
The $1500 has nothing to do with the activities required to receive the 20K bonus. At least on the letter I received said you must make either one direct deposit, or 2 billpayments, each month for consecutive 6 months in order to receive the 20K bonus which would be posted within 120 days after the first qualifying activit(ies).
I haven't spent time to find out What is the definition of Direct Deposit - as on Citi's website, the Direct Deposit seems to refer to Direct Deposit from Payroll or Social Security. It does not say a word about an ACH transfer is qualified as a Direct Deposit.
Answer
Here is the code which might help you if you are calling in to fill out the application - CED8.
Many thanks! Was able to call today and get my 20,000 points. Just need to pay a couple of small bills each month for 6 months. No need to go to B&M; can do by phone.
Answer
1. Redeemed July 2006.
2. Travel 12/29/06-1/8/07.
3. Itinerary: DCA-ORD-SIN, SIN-ORD-DCA on United V fare.
4. Points needed: 60,000
5. Price if purchased: $1672
6. TY points worth 2.7 cents per point.
Answer
1. Redeemed July 2006.
2. Travel 12/29/06-1/8/07.
3. Itinerary: DCA-ORD-SIN, SIN-ORD-DCA on United V fare.
4. Points needed: 60,000
5. Price if purchased: $1672
6. TY points worth 2.7 cents per point.Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like booking so far in advance is not a good idea unless you absolutely want a specific airline and can get the airline you want for sure in advance, if you had waited until say early December they would have likely been buying you a full Y-fare or darn close, making it much easier to upgrade the trip if you wanted to and earning you more status miles for the higher fare on some airlines.
Answer
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like booking so far in advance is not a good idea unless you absolutely want a specific airline and can get the airline you want for sure in advance, if you had waited until say early December they would have likely been buying you a full Y-fare or darn close, making it much easier to upgrade the trip if you wanted to and earning you more status miles for the higher fare on some airlines.
well that al depends on where you are flying to...and how hot of a demand there is and what class you require.....
Answer
well that al depends on where you are flying to...and how hot of a demand there is and what class you require.....That's what I'm asking, I thought that stuff really did not matter too much, as long as there are some seats available they're on the hook to buy them for you as long as you call ahead two weeks in advance and stay over the Saturday night, or am I missing something?
As for "class required", I'd always prefer to have a ticket in a higher class than a lower class, whether or not I need it for a specific reason.
Answer
That's what I'm asking, I thought that stuff really did not matter too much, as long as there are some seats available they're on the hook to buy them for you as long as you call ahead two weeks in advance and stay over the Saturday night, or am I missing something?
As for "class required", I'd always prefer to have a ticket in a higher class than a lower class, whether or not I need it for a specific reason.
Actuall the demand to SIN or anywhere in ASIA during XMAS time is pretty HOT....MY dad is trying to get upgrade from Y to J and he is PPS and even he is waitlisted....
I am planning a trip to BOM next Dec and am planning to call TY in March so that I can get the flight and routing I want....and there are J seats....
Answer
Since I cannot duplicate the 12/29 - 01/08 DCA/SIN trip with the 14 day advance rule, I use 01/12 and 01/22 and found AA/JL combo is $1,174 rt, and $1,466 get you the flight + 8 night hotel on Travelocity.
Using the exact date 12/29 - 01/08 amazingly found a JL fare of only $1929 - this is rather cheap considering this is day after tomorrow's flight! The UA flight is $2743 though.
Answer
the risk is that you don't get offered flights on your preferred airline. For me, it would defeat the purpose if I ended up in a full Y or similar on AA when I only have elite status with NW. If my flight is available, I usually take it even if it seems early.
Answer
Since I cannot duplicate the 12/29 - 01/08 DCA/SIN trip with the 14 day advance rule, I use 01/12 and 01/22 and found AA/JL combo is $1,174 rt, and $1,466 get you the flight + 8 night hotel on Travelocity.
Using the exact date 12/29 - 01/08 amazingly found a JL fare of only $1929 - this is rather cheap considering this is day after tomorrow's flight! The UA flight is $2743 though.Intersting, do you know what fare class the JL flight was in for comparison? One thing to remember is that sometimes booking really far in advance is not the best way to get the cheapest fares, airlines charge more for the cheap tickets way in advance then lower prices only when travel dates become nearer (i.e., 3 months to 3 weeks in advance typically).
My point was that while the ticket toomanywords got was $1,672 it was only a V-class ticket, which is a pretty low fare class on United and I believe pretty much non-upgradeable, whereas it seems to me if they had waited until closer to their travel date to book that ticket for a peak travel time they may have scored a much higher fare-class ticket, one that is upgradeable. However, if they absolutely wanted to fly UA, then that may be the right move to get the seats on the airline you want when you can, no matter what fare class they are in.
If someone needs to fly a specific airline to get or maintain status, then that's the right move for them. Myself, if I were redeeming a coach award I'd rather take a higher fare class ticket that is upgradeable on almost any airline than fly a specific airline, I have enough slush miles in AMEX, Diners Club, and Starwood that I can make transfers to redeem for upgrades if I get an upgradeable ticket. If I wait until two weeks before travel to book, there's a good chance I would get a higher fare class ticket than if I book six months in advance I would think.
Anyway, I'm certainly not saying anyone's strategy is bad, I'm relatively new to this program and am just trying to plan ahead for when I want to redeem. I had originally intended on saving up for Business class awards to Europe and such, but now I'm wondering if I plan right if I can score Y/B class tickets in coach and just upgrade them at a much lower overall "cost" in points/miles in total. So if I wanted to go to London in June say, it seems like my best bet might be to wait until 15 days before and book coach tickets then, there's a good chance they will have to buy me higher fare class tickets that I can just use miles to upgrade, which is a better deal than the differential I'd have to pay in Thank You Points to just book Business tickets in the first place.
Answer
I think there is no single strategy how to best use TY pts as each person has his own needs and many factors need to be considered.
June to London I am not too sure you can get a coach seat 15 day in advance that would not go over the "unspoken" price ceiling TY network uses.
I do agree with you about booking far far in advance may not be a good strategy in many cases. Using a domestic flight example, I know a friend tried to plan a trip to Yellowstone in Thanksgiving period. She looked at the airfare about 60 days in advance - it costed upward of $600 and she thought that was too steep for a family of 5. A month later, the same routing dropped to $450ish. 3 weeks before Thanksgiving, it fell to $350 and she bought the tickets - she was about to give up the plan but just kept checking the airfares for curiosity sake and scored.
Of course taking such approach would be betting on seats are still available when travel dates approaching - there are always times seats are largely gone by the time desirable travel dates getting near, esp if it is long school holiday time.
I did not go into booking process to check the fare class on the JL / AA flights. You can do the same experiments on either Travelocity or Expedia and look up the fare classes. I imagine it would be a higher class than the lowest tier as the lowest tier(s) should be sold out by then.
Answer
Booked a trip to Athens from Minneapolis in May, They booked me in "B" on the way out and "M" on the way back, once the ticket was in my account, roughly 2 minutes after i called CITI, i called NWA and payed the extra 40 dollars to bump me up to B class the whole way. price of the ticket was 1378. I don't mind doing it earlier, bc i got NW/KLM and i will get the 150% Mileage bonus for the whole 11k miles.
Answer
Couple questions about redeeming TY points for flights as I get ready to make my first splash...
1) How flexible are they in getting you on the airline you want? I'm looking at flights to Hawaii where the United flights are close to $900 and America West is the cheapest at $775. Any chance I could get the United flights?
2) Has anyone had luck booking flights to Maui with TY points? How long was your layover(s) and how many segments?
Thanks!
Answer
I recently redeemed some TY points for a couple of tickets to Maui. I was offered either AA or UA from DAY to OGG - and they were the cheapest flights on expedia.com (they are the guys who run the TY travel program). The layover etc was very reasonable on the UA flight I chose. DAY-ORD-LAX-OGG and return through SFO. Tried getting the nonstop from ORD to OGG but no luck as for the dates I wanted it was $300 more.
Keep checking expedia and if UA's price drops, you might get that. Thats what happened with me eventually as initially I was being offered only AA but then UA dropped in price and they offered that as an option.
GL.
Couple questions about redeeming TY points for flights as I get ready to make my first splash...
1) How flexible are they in getting you on the airline you want? I'm looking at flights to Hawaii where the United flights are close to $900 and America West is the cheapest at $775. Any chance I could get the United flights?
2) Has anyone had luck booking flights to Maui with TY points? How long was your layover(s) and how many segments?
Thanks!
Answer
Intersting, do you know what fare class the JL flight was in for comparison? One thing to remember is that sometimes booking really far in advance is not the best way to get the cheapest fares, airlines charge more for the cheap tickets way in advance then lower prices only when travel dates become nearer (i.e., 3 months to 3 weeks in advance typically).
My point was that while the ticket toomanywords got was $1,672 it was only a V-class ticket, which is a pretty low fare class on United and I believe pretty much non-upgradeable, whereas it seems to me if they had waited until closer to their travel date to book that ticket for a peak travel time they may have scored a much higher fare-class ticket, one that is upgradeable. However, if they absolutely wanted to fly UA, then that may be the right move to get the seats on the airline you want when you can, no matter what fare class they are in.
If someone needs to fly a specific airline to get or maintain status, then that's the right move for them. Myself, if I were redeeming a coach award I'd rather take a higher fare class ticket that is upgradeable on almost any airline than fly a specific airline, I have enough slush miles in AMEX, Diners Club, and Starwood that I can make transfers to redeem for upgrades if I get an upgradeable ticket. If I wait until two weeks before travel to book, there's a good chance I would get a higher fare class ticket than if I book six months in advance I would think.
Anyway, I'm certainly not saying anyone's strategy is bad, I'm relatively new to this program and am just trying to plan ahead for when I want to redeem. I had originally intended on saving up for Business class awards to Europe and such, but now I'm wondering if I plan right if I can score Y/B class tickets in coach and just upgrade them at a much lower overall "cost" in points/miles in total. So if I wanted to go to London in June say, it seems like my best bet might be to wait until 15 days before and book coach tickets then, there's a good chance they will have to buy me higher fare class tickets that I can just use miles to upgrade, which is a better deal than the differential I'd have to pay in Thank You Points to just book Business tickets in the first place.
Actually, your point is pretty good, but we did indeed want to specifically fly United.
Also, the $1672 figure is probably inaccurate here -- that's what I paid for my own ticket (this one was for my fiancee) in H class, which was upgradable with miles. I think the cost to Citi TY for her V ticket was closer to $1100 or $1200, but I'm not sure. It says something about demand on United, though, that the $1672 H ticket was the cheapest one available for these dates when I bought it in July. By early December, these exact flights were no longer for sale, as coach had been oversold on the return trip.
In the end, we wound up buying up her V ticket to fly in business on the way back from HKG-ORD for $550, and I upgraded her using e-500 certificates from ORD to DCA. We also both got free op-ups from HKG to SIN and flew in business on that leg on the way there.
Answer
AMERICAN AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL FARES AND DOMESTIC FIRST AND BUSINESS CLASS FARES NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON EXPEDIA
http://www.aa.com/content/amrcorp/pressReleases/2007_01/11_expedia.jhtm
Discussion here...
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=646337
Unless AA and Expedia resolve this, or Citi makes some other arrangement with AA, this eliminates the ability to redeem Thank You points for international or premium class domestic tickets on American Airlines.
Answer
Unless AA and Expedia resolve this, or Citi makes some other arrangement with AA, this eliminates the ability to redeem Thank You points for international or premium class domestic tickets on American Airlines.
It's unclear whether this will have an effect or not on TY Network flight redemptions on AA. My guess is that Citi already has their own agreement with AA (and all participating airlines), and Expedia is merely handling the administrative details. I don't think there's any way that Citi is actually paying $1600 for 60k-point flights to India. Probably the only way to find out for sure is to call them up.
Answer
I agree acf- especially considering the significant relationship Citi and American already have with the miles cards. If American alienates Citi on the Thank You program, which Citi is really pushing hard, who knows what could follow.
Answer
Digging around I see that the program already has a mechanism to handle this situation...
Additional destination and travel options not offered through Expedia® (e.g. JetBlue Airlines) may be available from Your Wish Fulfilled, our unique service that allows you to request personalized rewards.
...but I do not see that they would necessarily price such awards the same as the Fixed Flight Options.
Answer
Digging around I see that the program already has a mechanism to handle this situation...
Additional destination and travel options not offered through Expedia® (e.g. JetBlue Airlines) may be available from Your Wish Fulfilled, our unique service that allows you to request personalized rewards.
...but I do not see that they would necessarily price such awards the same as the Fixed Flight Options.
I doubt they would.
Answer
I belive that YWF is priced at 1c/pt
Answer
This is not correct, at least not as you've described it.
If you flew 26k miles on tickets purchased with your cc, and spent 1k in the same month, you would have 1k "purchase points" and 1k "flight points" = 2k "Thank you points" transferred to your thank you account. You would also have 25k remaining flight points sitting on your cc account that would not be converted to TY points, nor transferred to your TY account, until you had earned 25k purchase, select, and/or bonus points. Until that happens, you do not have access to that 25k flight point stash.
Of note, all bonuses (sign-up and select category) do count as purchase points and can match unused flight points.
To my knowledge there is no way around this system, but if someone is in the know, please share!
Thanks for this! Geez, ive been reading for 2 days about 12hours and i wish I had just found your answer... (PLS STICKIFY! :) )
Sorry to be a pain, but: Your flight points ONLY convert to TY points (which is the currency you need to swap for tickets, correct?) once you match the amount with purchase points, if not they are worthless? 1Fly point + 1purchae point = 1 TY point?
Say someone flys a TON and Say he rarely uses a credit card (i know, far fetched) this program would be obsolete for this person. He would have a TON of Fly points but too little purchase points to convert them TY points... is my understanding correct?
I hope so or im just too thick for this program...:(
Answer
Sorry to be a pain, but: Your flight points ONLY convert to TY points (which is the currency you need to swap for tickets, correct?) once you match the amount with purchase points, if not they are worthless? 1Fly point + 1purchae point = 1 TY point?
Say someone flys a TON and Say he rarely uses a credit card (i know, far fetched) this program would be obsolete for this person. He would have a TON of Fly points but too little purchase points to convert them TY points... is my understanding correct?
I hope so or im just too thick for this program...:(
Mostly correct. 1 flight point + 1 purchase point = 2 TY points.
Answer
I am looking to redeem a DFW-KWL ticket this summer, and the best fare on Expedia is coming out to $2500.
Is there any experience here on one of these really expensive airfares whether this is one of the places they'll bump up the point requirements or not?
I actually don't have enough points yet even if it is 60K (meaning time to do some shopping or else sign up for a bonus of some kind). Man, this no AA thing is going to hurt on maintaining gold on AA for my father (whom the ticket is for).
Answer
How picky can you be in getting your airport? I live in WAS, and I rather not fly out of BWI. Ideally, I'd like DCA. Can you request the airport you leave from?
Answer
Thanks for this! Geez, ive been reading for 2 days about 12hours and i wish I had just found your answer... (PLS STICKIFY! :) )
Sorry to be a pain, but: Your flight points ONLY convert to TY points (which is the currency you need to swap for tickets, correct?) once you match the amount with purchase points, if not they are worthless? 1Fly point + 1purchae point = 1 TY point?
Say someone flys a TON and Say he rarely uses a credit card (i know, far fetched) this program would be obsolete for this person. He would have a TON of Fly points but too little purchase points to convert them TY points... is my understanding correct?
I hope so or im just too thick for this program...:(
now you've got it. your understanding is correct, with the small caveat that the unused TY Points aren't really worthless; they're just waiting in the wings for some matching purchase points to come along. Not worthless; just in hibernation.
Answer
How picky can you be in getting your airport? I live in WAS, and I rather not fly out of BWI. Ideally, I'd like DCA. Can you request the airport you leave from?
of course - BWI and DCA are not the same departure point.
Answer
^ Just got my PP card^
Registered my TYN account and now im ready to charge some massive purchases and about 50k miles of tickets for the enxt 2-3 months.
Q:
Seems like i will be maxing out this thing of 200K TYN points pretty fast. Anyway around this? i.e. Getting a higher limit?
Answer
^ Just got my PP card^
Registered my TYN account and now im ready to charge some massive purchases and about 50k miles of tickets for the enxt 2-3 months.
Q:
Seems like i will be maxing out this thing of 200K TYN points pretty fast. Anyway around this? i.e. Getting a higher limit?
get another TYN card like the professional card (3x points for restaurants, car rentals, gas stations, and office supplies, also there is a signup with a 15,000 bonus floating around out there) or the chairman card when it comes back.
Answer
get another TYN card like the professional card (3x points for restaurants, car rentals, gas stations, and office supplies, also there is a signup with a 15,000 bonus floating around out there) or the chairman card when it comes back.
thanks for this.
But will the points combine in one TYN account? Cant they see im trying to get around the limit?
Answer
thanks for this.
But will the points combine in one TYN account? Cant they see im trying to get around the limit?
The limit is per card, not per account. And this thread should be about TY point redemption for airline travel.
Answer
The limit is per card, not per account. And this thread should be about TY point redemption for airline travel.
thanks and i agree with you. apologies for hijacking the thread but i cant find the PP elite thread... help?
Answer
Any reason I couldn't get a flight to Key West for 25,000 TY points? It almost seems too good to be true!
Answer
Any reason I couldn't get a flight to Key West for 25,000 TY points? It almost seems too good to be true!
You should be able to redeem for 25,000. If you call the TYN rewards line, they will tell you what the flights & times are for 25,000 points, even if you don't have enough points in your acct to redeem yet.
Answer
You should be able to redeem for 25,000. If you call the TYN rewards line, they will tell you what the flights & times are for 25,000 points, even if you don't have enough points in your acct to redeem yet.
I have the points. United doesn't even have award travel to Key West I don't think. So this is another great benefit of TY. The bonus is that United and American are the cheapest flights to Key West (for $400-500) so I'll get a bunch of miles on one of my preferred airlines.
Answer
is there a current listing of the fixed point flight prices for TYPs? I tried forever looking on their website and it kept kicking me into expedia....
Answer
is there a current listing of the fixed point flight prices for TYPs? I tried forever looking on their website and it kept kicking me into expedia....
from https://www.thankyounetwork.com/faq.jspx (#4 under travel rewards):
4. I am eligible for fixed flight option Travel Rewards. What are the current prices and destinations?
Fixed Flight Option Travel Rewards (Restricted, Round-Trip)
Coach Business Class
Continental US & Alaska 25,000 60,000
Canada 25,000 60,000
Mexico 35,000 60,000
Hawaii & Caribbean 40,000 75,000
Europe 60,000 165,000
Asia 60,000 165,000
Middle East & Africa 80,000 130,000
Australia & South Pacific 100,000 180,000
Central America 35,000 60,000
South America 60,000 160,000
Puerto Rico to Continental US 40,000
These point levels are current as of January 18th, 2007, however, since point levels are subject to change please contact a ThankYou Network Travel Specialist for the most current point pricing.
Answer
from https://www.thankyounetwork.com/faq.jspx (#4 under travel rewards):
I understand that the Fixed Flight Option redemption will typically be the cheapest found on expedia. But what if I REALLY want to fly nonstop and the nonstop fare is slightly higher (ex MSP to YUL- $664 vs $642)- Will TYN give me the option of the more expensive flight?
I ask because after reading this thread, I am considering applying for this card. But with the little kids, we are willing to pay extra if it means flying nonstop. If we can't redeem NS tix with this card, it may not be worth it at this point for us.
Thanks.
Answer
I understand that the Fixed Flight Option redemption will typically be the cheapest found on expedia. But what if I REALLY want to fly nonstop and the nonstop fare is slightly higher (ex MSP to YUL- $664 vs $642)- Will TYN give me the option of the more expensive flight?
I ask because after reading this thread, I am considering applying for this card. But with the little kids, we are willing to pay extra if it means flying nonstop. If we can't redeem NS tix with this card, it may not be worth it at this point for us.
Thanks.
It's tough to say. My experience is that if it's this close, they will give you a choice, or at most charge you a small premium which in your case might be worth it. There is also airline preference - TY Network has historically preferred AA, though I don't know if this continues recently especially in light of Expedia and AA having their little spat. But I think a difference of $20 will usually come out ok one way or the other.
Welcome to Flyertalk!
Answer
Anyone have any experience changing tickets booked with TY points? For example, say you have to cancel a ticket you've used TY points for... will the airline let you use the amount that Citi paid as a credit toward another flight?
Answer
Just redeemed 25,000 points for a Thanksgiving weekend flight from PKB-CRP on CO. Lowest price on Expedia at the time was $792.10 + booking fee. Comes out to 3.2 cents per point.
Answer
congrats on the good value redemption.
serious, not an obnixious question.
Why book so far out when its not changable??
perhaps 14 days is a little hairy for holiday period but why not a month before
Answer
congrats on the good value redemption.
serious, not an obnixious question.
Why book so far out when its not changable??
perhaps 14 days is a little hairy for holiday period but why not a month before
I used the $792 for a ticket that I actually wanted and wasn't the cheapest available on its day. That's why. ;)
Answer
Anyone have any experience changing tickets booked with TY points? For example, say you have to cancel a ticket you've used TY points for... will the airline let you use the amount that Citi paid as a credit toward another flight?
I have. The airline (UAL) gave me coupons good for one year on another UAL (not codeshare) flight. There was a penalty of $100.
Mitch
Answer
1. 12/8/2006
2. 12/25-12-31/2006
3. RDD-PBI
4. 25000/ticket (2 tickets purchased)
5. waived
These tickets were $1632.21 each as one direction only had first class available, so they booked it. I did not even realize this until I reviewed the E-ticket on United!
Answer
Anyone have any experience changing tickets booked with TY points? For example, say you have to cancel a ticket you've used TY points for... will the airline let you use the amount that Citi paid as a credit toward another flight?
To answer my own question, yes this was allowed. I made sure to find a ticket that was only on one carrier, called up the carrier and changed the ticket. No problems, just had to pay the change fee. I'm hoping the change fee shows the new routing so I can get 4,000 of my TY points back. :)
Answer
Deleted Due to Violation of Card Rules
Answer
...probably not something we should be advertising.
Answer
...probably not something we should be advertising.
"loos lips sink ships !!!!"
Answer
Can you specify times of tickets on the fixed option?
i.e. if I want a weekend trip, the 6am flights will be FAR less than the 6pm flights I want (on both days). Will TY say I have to take the 6am flights because the system has them as the lowest cost flights?
Answer
This may not directly answer your question but it is kinda similar. I was trying to redeem the ticket to Hawaii... I requested UA but sadly enough I was only offered the cheapest flight available at that time (same as what it is shown in Expedia.com). So I decide to pay for the tix myself and keep the points for later.
My guess is that they will only book you the cheapest available. Other flight options did not even show up in their system.
Can you specify times of tickets on the fixed option?
i.e. if I want a weekend trip, the 6am flights will be FAR less than the 6pm flights I want (on both days). Will TY say I have to take the 6am flights because the system has them as the lowest cost flights?
Answer
Date: July 18-Aug 4th -- my dates exactly as my parents are going on a cruise
Destination: Copenhagen
Routing: ELP-ORD-LHR-CPH ( AA Metal from till LHR and then BA)( I am trying for VIPS for my parents so they can fly F)
Class of Service: Business
Cost in Points: 330,000
Cost in dollars including taxes: AA.com --$12600 RT for two
Expedia -- $ 7784 RT for two
Taxes for these tickets -- $598.44 -- covered by Expedia
Per point cost: AA.com -- 3.8 TYP per $
Expedia.com -- 2.3 TYP per $
Answer
double post -- deleted
Answer
trying for VIPS for my parents so they can fly F
You probably already know this, but for reference if the AA transatlantic segments have been booked in "I" class they are not upgradeable.
Answer
Per point cost: AA.com -- 3.8 TYP per $
Expedia.com -- 2.3 TYP per $
I think you mean 3.8 cents/TYP and 2.3 cents/TYP respectively.
Is there any particular reason why you're trying to get VIPs? You can upgrade using 25k miles w/ no co-pay (assuming not I fare basis as mia points out). Except around VIP expiration time, VIPs tend to go for 25k-30k anyway.
Answer
I think you mean 3.8 cents/TYP and 2.3 cents/TYP respectively.
Is there any particular reason why you're trying to get VIPs? You can upgrade using 25k miles w/ no co-pay (assuming not I fare basis as mia points out). Except around VIP expiration time, VIPs tend to go for 25k-30k anyway.
25k with no co-pay...how is that? because of J to F?
Answer
You probably already know this, but for reference if the AA transatlantic segments have been booked in "I" class they are not upgradeable.
As soon as I Get the conf# from TYP, I will check andn seew if upgradeable....
Answer
25k with no co-pay...how is that? because of J to F?
Sort of. There's also no co-pay upgrading from Y and B fares too. All AA upgrade rules are here:
https://www.aa.com/apps/...#upgradeAwards (https://www.aa.com/apps/AAdvantage/ViewMileageProgramsPartnerDetail.jhtml?fileName=am ericanAirlines.xml&repositoryName=AAdvantagePartnersContentRepository&repositoryId=100014&itemDescriptor=AAdvantagePartnersContent#upgradeAw ards)
Answer
Sort of. There's also no co-pay upgrading from Y and B fares too. All AA upgrade rules are here:
https://www.aa.com/apps/...#upgradeAwards (https://www.aa.com/apps/AAdvantage/ViewMileageProgramsPartnerDetail.jhtml?fileName=am ericanAirlines.xml&repositoryName=AAdvantagePartnersContentRepository&repositoryId=100014&itemDescriptor=AAdvantagePartnersContent#upgradeAw ards)
Cool...got it !!!!!
Answer
You probably already know this, but for reference if the AA transatlantic segments have been booked in "I" class they are not upgradeable.
Damn "I" fare.....that is what it is...
oh well...
Answer
Just to update an earlier question about whether or not you can choose times, I can now confirm from experience - no ...
You will in fact be offered the cheapest round-trip available on Expedia. It might include 1-stop + service even if a non-stop is also available at a few bucks more.
In my case I was hoping for a weekend trip, but of course the cheapest flights back from any destination people like for weekends will be the first flights out. I would not like to fly to Florida on a Friday only to have to be on a plane back Sunday at 5:20am :td:
To get an evening flight back that Sunday changed the price from 25K to 52K.
I'm not really surprised - just wanted to post for everyone since we weren't clear when I posted asking the question :)
As an aside - does anyone know a way to contact the fixed-flight people without wading through the TYN phone maze?
Answer
Award trip to Curacao summary
1. 11/27/06
2. 2/17/07-2/23/07
3. DCA-MIA-CUR; CUR-MIA-DCA, AA, Coach
4. 80K (two tickets, 40K each)
5. None
The original quote through the Expedia engine was nearly double this, by calling and getting the fixed price (had to add Saturday stay) it was brought down to 80K. Those tickets were about $800/each on AA at the time.
Answer
...original quote through the Expedia engine was nearly double this...tickets were about $800/each on AA at the time.
Correct, if you redeem using the Variable Flight option the points are valued at $0.01 each, so a pair of $800 tickets would cost about 160,000 points.
Answer
I think I might be the bearer of bad news... I just calle to try and redeem pts for a ORD-CUN trip. I was quoted 35,000 pts plus $108 in fees. I told the agent that I thought fees were included, and she said they used to be, until this past Monday. Has anyone else tried to book a trip this week?
Answer
Not surprising, I'm sure they were taking a bath on fees. That is unfortunate though (unless they show up as a trip and let you earn flight points, but I doubt they would allow that).
Answer
I am ready to buy a one-way JetBlue ticket but not sure should I use Citi PPE card.
Does anyone know JetBlue flight earns flight point or not?
Answer
Although it's not desirable, it's understandable that the Thank You Network offers the cheapest available flight. However, has anyone tried to pay the difference in fares to get the preferred flight (e.g., cheapest option is $400, desired option is $450, so I pay the extra $50)?
I've done this on an MBNA card several times, to get more desirable routing or times. It was well worth the incremental cost, at least to me. I'm just wondering if it's even an option on PP.
Answer
I am ready to buy a one-way JetBlue ticket but not sure should I use Citi PPE card.
Does anyone know JetBlue flight earns flight point or not?
Yes...You can earn points on Jet Blue flight...but I think with Jet Blue, you might have fax your details over to PP or PPE CSR's for them to credit the flight points....
You are buying the ticket right, and if you are , then you are posting in the wrong forum.....there is a forum for all PPE or PP cards....
FYI for future referance....
Answer
Not surprising, I'm sure they were taking a bath on fees. That is unfortunate though (unless they show up as a trip and let you earn flight points, but I doubt they would allow that).
Talked to Chairman CSR's who escalated it to a supervisor....here are the details:
All FIXED FLIGHT OPTIONS will now pay the taxes and Fess....The Vairable will not...
but I think you can still get the flight points earned on the INTL rewards since the taxes and fees are high enough to justify the cost of the ticket...
Answer
...FIXED FLIGHT OPTIONS will now pay the taxes and Fess....The Variable will not.
When redeeming a Variable Flight award you would pay the taxes and fees with points as part of the fare cost. For example, I created a dummy booking MIA-EYW 3.20.2007 - 3.30.2007. On http://aa.com it priced 188.00+20.80=$208.80. on http://thankyounetwork.com it priced 21,400 points which means they have included the $20.80 taxes plus the $5.00 Expedia booking fee.
Answer
I think you can still get the flight points earned on the INTL rewards since the taxes and fees are high enough to justify the cost of the ticket...
To be sure I understand correctly, you mean that if one redeems a Fixed Flight award Expedia will generate a charge for the taxes and fees and this will post to your credit card as a flight transaction?
I know this is what occurs when redeeming an award ticket with miles from some airlines, but I will be surprised if Expedia can also do it this way. Expedia buys the award ticket from the carrier using their own payment account. Expedia would then bill the cardmember for the taxes and fees, which means it should appear on the statement as a charge from Expedia, not as a flight transaction from an airline. I hope I'm wrong ;) .
Answer
Under the old Global Impact system, you were billed for the taxes. They specially coded the flight info that posted for that charge so that Citi's system would know to give 0 flight points. I don't remember the exact details. Coding the originating city as XXA or something like that. I would guess they have a similar thing in place for the Expedia awards now.
Answer
deleted
Answer
To be sure I understand correctly, you mean that if one redeems a Fixed Flight award Expedia will generate a charge for the taxes and fees and this will post to your credit card as a flight transaction? .
I don't have a Chairman card, but I do have the Premier Pass. Last summer, I booked 2 flights of award travel, and paid for a third ticket. I put the fees/taxes on my PP credit card, along with my paid ticket. A couple months later, all 3 flights showed up on my statement, but all three had zero miles. I'm tried to get credit for at least the fully paid ticket, but Citibank insists that I fax the documentation to a fax number that rings and never picks up.
I'm wondering if it just looks at the dollar amount of the transaction compared to the mileage, and makes a determination that way. Still, even that doesn't explain why I didn't get credit for the third ticket.
Answer
... put the fees/taxes on my PP credit card, along with my paid ticket. A couple months later, all 3 flights showed up on my statement, but all three had zero miles.
Do you mean it took a couple months for the charges to appear on your credit card statement, or are you referring to the Thank You Rewards posting? In my experience when you buy tickets through Expedia there are two credit card charges, one from the airline for the ticket and one from Expedia for their booking fee. Were the credit card charges for your transactions from airline or from Expedia or a combination?
Answer
Do you mean it took a couple months for the charges to appear on your credit card statement, or are you referring to the Thank You Rewards posting? In my experience when you buy tickets through Expedia there are two credit card charges, one from the airline for the ticket and one from Expedia for their booking fee. Were the credit card charges for your transactions from airline or from Expedia or a combination?
The tickets were purchased in April, and the charges appeared on my May statement. The ThankYou mileage summary (prints on the bill after all the charges) appeared on my September statement. On the September statement, I got zero miles for all of it.
These particular tickets were United MileagePlus awards, with me paying the taxes on my PP credit card. The award ticket appears on my statement just like any other airline ticket, but with just a minimal charge for tax/fees. I assumed that I would get credit for the fully paid ticket, and was hoping for mileage on the award ticket. However, I got zero miles in total.
Answer
... award ticket appears on my statement just like any other airline ticket, but with just a minimal charge for tax/fees. I assumed that I would get credit for the fully paid ticket, and was hoping for mileage on the award ticket. However, I got zero miles in total.
You certainly should receive Flight Points for the paid ticket. The fact that Citi's fax machine didn't work correctly is a coincidence, I'm sure they didn't know it was you calling ;) . I would try again.
I have received Flight Points for award tickets issued by other airlines. I think it depends how the carrier reports the transaction. In any event, this is not quite the same as the situation Anaggie was discussing which involves a travel agency, Expedia.
Answer
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like booking so far in advance is not a good idea unless you absolutely want a specific airline and can get the airline you want for sure in advance, if you had waited until say early December they would have likely been buying you a full Y-fare or darn close, making it much easier to upgrade the trip if you wanted to and earning you more status miles for the higher fare on some airlines.
Yeah, I am curious about this as well.
What is the "refund" policy on far planned out tixs??
I know that TY points can not be redeposited.
But will the respective airline treat you as if you , and not citi, had purchased the rev tix?
Answer
You certainly should receive Flight Points for the paid ticket. The fact that Citi's fax machine didn't work correctly is a coincidence, I'm sure they didn't know it was you calling ;) . I would try again.
I have received Flight Points for award tickets issued by other airlines. I think it depends how the carrier reports the transaction. In any event, this is not quite the same as the situation Anaggie was discussing which involves a travel agency, Expedia.
Just making sure you have the right fax number (I just used this # yesterday and it worked):
(859) 283-7709
Just a reminder you will need to fax the receipt for the ticket and boarding passes...
Also, talking with a PP Elite CSR, they were having trouble getting the correct information from United - sometimes getting city letters (like CHI for chicago) instead of airport codes. Supposedly they have fixed it. (I'm not sure if that was the problem for your flights...)
Answer
What is the "refund" policy on far planned out tixs??
See, e.g., post 153 in this thread.
Answer
You certainly should receive Flight Points for the paid ticket. The fact that Citi's fax machine didn't work correctly is a coincidence, I'm sure they didn't know it was you calling ;) . I would try again.
I have received Flight Points for award tickets issued by other airlines. I think it depends how the carrier reports the transaction. In any event, this is not quite the same as the situation Anaggie was discussing which involves a travel agency, Expedia.
actually, I have had great luck with getting flight points with award tickets....In Jan, I had an award ticket to ELP-ATL-EWR-GRU-ATL-ELP....then ticket got changed and Delta refunded and reissued, so I went ELP-ATL-GRU-ATL-ELP...
I earned flight points for both tickets even thought it was one flight....AWESOME !!!
And they never say anything to me even though they know it is an award ticket..Citi will give you the flight points knowing full well that you will charge more to get those points...
Fine by me...
Answer
dont mean to sound like a pain in the ass, BUT it would be good if we kept this thread exclusively for successful redemption posts of tickets through TYN currency.
Answer
Has anyone been successful in waiting until just a little before the 14-day window for international travel with the goal of getting tickets in full y or b in order to maximize eqm accrual while increasing the odds for an upgrade?
Answer
Has anyone been successful in waiting until just a little before the 14-day window for international travel with the goal of getting tickets in full y or b in order to maximize eqm accrual while increasing the odds for an upgrade?
this idea has been discussed before...basically, it is your call....remember that as time comes closer, the avilability drops....so you might not get the schedule/airline and so forth....
try it and see what develops...if you are sucessful/insucessfull, post
Answer
this idea has been discussed before...basically, it is your call....remember that as time comes closer, the avilability drops....so you might not get the schedule/airline and so forth....
try it and see what develops...if you are sucessful/insucessfull, post
Will do.
Answer
On DL. While coming back, I had to come BOM-JFK-ATL-SFO. Booked about a month in advance for a week long trip. Another option offered was SFO-LON-BOM RT on BA but the $370+ in taxes convinced me to take DL. Tried for LH/UA but nothing was available. Since SFO-BOM RT is about $1250 these days, I am quite happy :D
Answer
On DL. While coming back, I had to come BOM-JFK-ATL-SFO. Booked about a month in advance for a week long trip. Another option offered was SFO-LON-BOM RT on BA but the $370+ in taxes convinced me to take DL. Tried for LH/UA but nothing was available. Since SFO-BOM RT is about $1250 these days, I am quite happy :D
Great! I thought I saw somewhere that the points for India had gone up, glad to see that they haven't. Do you know how many points it would have been in business?
Thanks!
Answer
Do you know how many points it would have been in business?
Thanks!
No, sorry, can't usually afford business class, so did not check :(
Does anybody know how long the fixed point option is going to last? 60K for India seems too good of a deal to last long, especially as you can get ~20+K miles for the trip (from the West Coast), more RDM if you have status.
Answer
Great! I thought I saw somewhere that the points for India had gone up, glad to see that they haven't. Do you know how many points it would have been in business?
Thanks!
Its 165K fixed points option to Asia including India.
Answer
Its 165K fixed points option to Asia including India.
Thanks! I found the fixed point chart :). The interesting thing is that the Middle East needs 80k points for economy but needs only 130k for business.
Answer
1. date of redemption - April 2, 2007
2. date of travel - July 6-8, 2007
3. itinerary/airline/class - 06JUL PDX-MSP-DLH; 08JUL DLH-MSP-PDX; NW (Q class)
4. number of points cost - 25,000
5. tax and fees, if any - $82.14
6. cost if purchased with cash - $622.21 at NWA.com. Minus the taxes, and the 25,000 Thank You Points have a value of $540.07, or 2.16 cents each. Per Kayak.com, this was the cheapest flight available. Great value for peak season/weekend travel!
PS - From the moment I picked up the phone, called the TY Network, was placed on hold, confirmed my identity, was transferred to the travel center, was placed on hold again, searched for flight options, and then eventually booked, I spent 27 minutes. So, not exactly as easy as clicking "Purchase" on the internet - but minimal time actually on hold, and a very friendly and eager CSR. Can't complain.
Answer
Hi guys. I looked on the thankyounetwork.com and didn't see this specified. Must the award start from continental USA? What about Canada?
I know that pretty much all airline rewards treat international departures from Canada/USA the same way (requiring same # of miles). Does citi thankyou network allow this as well or the award tickets are strictly from US? Thanks!
Answer
Does citi thankyou network allow this as well or the award tickets are strictly from US? Thanks!
Strictly continental US48 for fixed flight option.
Answer
Strictly continental US48 for fixed flight option.Actually there is an award for Puerto Rico to the Continental US also in the fixed flight option award chart.
Answer
Any word if ThankYou Network is still waiving taxes for award tickets redeemed via the fixed point option?
Answer
Any word if ThankYou Network is still waiving taxes for award tickets redeemed via the fixed point option?
they are no longer waiving them. $82 on a recent fixed-point CONUS reward.
Answer
Will TY rewards honor a request for non stop flights on NWA, MSP- FLL in Dec.using the fixed award redemtion, or will I have to settle for the cheapest flights w/ lousy times?
Price diff. is $80.00/ticket
We are a family of 5 and I will soon have enough points for 3 tickets using fixed option and I will be purchasing the add'l 2 tickets.
The flight times are VERY important since we are going on a cruise.
Answer
Will TY rewards honor a request for non stop flights on NWA, MSP- FLL in Dec.using the fixed award redemtion, or will I have to settle for the cheapest flights w/ lousy times?
Price diff. is $80.00/ticket
We are a family of 5 and I will soon have enough points for 3 tickets using fixed option and I will be purchasing the add'l 2 tickets.
The flight times are VERY important since we are going on a cruise.
From my experience, you're getting the cheapest available flights unless there is another option that is only slightly more expensive. You have a chance of getting a little flexibility if the cost differential is very small.
Answer
Thanks for the info.
Answer
From my experience, you're getting the cheapest available flights unless there is another option that is only slightly more expensive. You have a chance of getting a little flexibility if the cost differential is very small.
this i