Point Me To First Class 117. Making Smart Transfer Moves: When Speculative Points Transfers are Worth It (And When They’re Not)
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May 26, 2025 A major transfer pathway for points is closing soon, prompting discussions about whether to move Amex points to Alaska Airlines. Discover a personal strategy for evaluating speculative transfers with a 4-step framework. The episode dives deep into the implications of Hawaiian Airlines ending its partnership with Amex and how to make confident points transfer decisions, even without a specific booking in mind. Perfect for anyone navigating the changing landscape of award travel!
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Amex to Alaska via Hawaiian Insight
- Amex points could be transferred to Alaska Airlines through Hawaiian Airlines, creating a valuable but temporary transfer pathway.
- This was possible because Alaska acquired Hawaiian, allowing free movement of points between their accounts.
Four-Step Transfer Evaluation Framework
- Evaluate speculative points transfers with a four-step framework before making the move.
- Consider your points inventory, upcoming travel plans, familiarity with the program, and willingness to accept risks.
Risks of Speculative Transfers
- Points transferred to airline or hotel accounts lose flexibility, reducing your redemption options.
- Transferring points without a plan can risk losing value due to devaluations or limited use.