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Last week, I wrote a post about some options I’m considering for award flights to Europe next year. Since our trip is about a year away, I’m getting ready to take the plunge and book the flights.
After publishing my post, a wise reader reminded me that through yesterday, Chase had a 25% transfer bonus to Air France/KLM Flying Blue. What a great opportunity to turn my potential 56,000-mile business award flight into a 45,000-mile award flight. So why did I pass on this??? Am I crazy???
Passing on the Transfer Bonus
After much back and forth in my head, I passed on the transfer bonus simply because I didn’t want to take the risk. I still have a few weeks before my award booking window opens, so using the miles aren’t a sure thing.
Sure, award space looks good on Air France now. But, that’s no guarantee that it will be available for my trip dates.
If I had a crap-ton of points, I probably would have made a speculative transfer. But, I wouldn’t characterize my miles and points stash as a crap-ton.
Another factor is the award cost of Air France flights. While the DFW to Paris trip is 56k miles, adding a leg to or from another city to Paris really increases the cost. Taxes and fees for the flight home in business class are around $350 per person. Plus, we may need to add a cash flight from Rome to Paris. It all adds up.
There’s Always Next Time
Of course, this likely won’t be the last time there is a good transfer bonus to Flying Blue program. Maybe the next time there is one, I’ll be in a position to jump on an award flight booking immediately.
By the way, Citi still has a 25% transfer bonus to Flying Blue through May 20, 2022. Capital One has had a transfer bonus in the past, so I’m not counting that out for the future.
The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong way to book an award flight. Some ways use fewer points and are considered better deals. Of course, I’d love to get the best deal possible and look like a miles and points rock star. But in the end, I’m just happy when everything works out and we get the flights we need for our vacation.
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Different strokes for different folks. For me, I took FULL advantage of the 40% Amex transfer to BA to have enough for 2 RT’s in Business Class plus one in Economy ORD-MAD. At this point the deal is driving the decision. That said, I’m not travelling with kids anymore so don’t mind an extra connection.
Nancy, once you book your trip perhaps we should do a compare/ contrast article to let readers see the points, cash and time costs of each approach?
@Chris I’m glad you were able to take advantage of the transfer bonus and I’m a bit jealous! I’m holding out hope that I can find award availability on AA and book with Etihad miles nonstop. Of course, I may kick myself for passing on this transfer bonus. I suppose I’m a bit conservative when it comes to these deals. Hindsight is always 20/20. And yes, great idea for a post!
I had the same thoughts for passing it up this time too.
@HML One of these days the timing will be right (I hope!)