Cheaper with points

[mcmbenjamin]

Let me know if I am missing something but if you have an AmEx and are enrolled in the membership rewards (MR) program; why not buy the MR points when transfering them to VS to book a rewards ticket. You can buy up to 500,000 point a year at the cost of $25.00 per 1,000.

i.e.

PE 11JAN JFK - LHR
PE 17JAN LHR - JFK

Price quoted on virginatlantic.com: $2,012.47
50000*($25 per 1000): $1,250.00
Savings: $762.47

Well, yes I know I would not earn TP or miles but I would have an extra $762.47 to spend or in my pocket. What flaws do you see? Thanks

[mitchja]

I dont think UK Amex card holders can buy MR points.

The buying miles/points thing is only just hitting the shores of the UK (BA have just started it where you can buy Exec Club points - starting at £31 for 1000 miles). Maybe others will follow in time.....it wasn't that long ago that UK credit card holders were unable to rack up frequent flyer miles....

Regards

[RichardMannion]

DOn't forget to include your $100+ in taxes in the calculation for the reward ticket.

But yes a saving!

Thanks,
Richard

[mcmbenjamin]

Thanks. I did not know that "Reward Cards" were so new in the UK. Good to know. Seams that buying BA points is a real rip off. I should have include the taxes and the fact that on the upper class reward ticket you would not get the limo (unless for an extra 10K).

Also, AmEx now charges a fee (about 2/5 cent per point) to offset there excise tax on mile transfers to US based airlines, hotels, etc. from US based cards. This includes normal points you earn by using the card.

Hope AmEx MR UK intros this feature soon.