Reaching airline elite status may have just become very affordable.
Juicy Miles — the mileage run and award redemption travel consultants we recommend — now allows travelers to redeem American Express Membership Rewards points for purchases!
Depending on your Membership Rewards balance, this means a custom-built mileage run might cost you only $200 (the Juicy Miles mileage run design fee).
Because airfares purchased with Membership Rewards code as cash fares, you’ll earn:
- Elite miles (i.e. MQM, EQM, etc)
- Segment credit (i.e. MQS, PQS, etc)
- Elite spend (i.e. MQD, EQD, etc)
- Redeemable miles (i.e. SkyMiles, MileagePlus miles, etc)
I really like this new feature because it allows travelers to enjoy some lucrative mileage runs without spending a lot of cash.
And if you’ve never booked a trip through Juicy Miles, we’ll introduce you to them in a minute.
How the Juicy Miles / American Express Option Works
“We partner with a ticketing agency to hold itineraries and, in doing so, can secure specific fare classes,” said Miles Jackson of Juicy Miles. “That’s something many consumers who try to book themselves at an online travel site (i.e. Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights) have no assurance of. So through this partner ticketing agency we can actually transition from a crafted mileage run to ticketing in one simple step!”
Miles explains, “We have to verify your eligibility and calculate points needed by working directly with American Express. We use a client’s AmEx number, address, and CID number from the front of the card before processing.”
“Points conversions are determined by AmEx,” said Miles. He added conversions are generally in the range of 1 – 1.5 cents per Membership Rewards point.
“If you then choose to use points, they must be applied through us within 72 hours of ticketing or purchase of other pre-paid travel (cruise, vacation, etc.),” he said. “We often can hold a confirmed reservation in a client’s name — but usually must complete the ticket purchase within 24 hours.”
Why You Should Consider Using Juicy Miles
Custom-made mileage runs, special discounts, and personalized attention are some of the services Juicy Miles provides.
“Rene’s Points offers some great Elite Mileage Runs,” Mr. Jackson said. “But one size doesn’t fit all. Sometimes a client needs something very specific. That’s where we can be invaluable with all our resources.”
Our readership is scattered around the world — so it’s impossible for us to find mileage runs for everyone. But if we don’t find runs for your city, that doesn’t mean they can’t be created.
That, my friend, is where Juicy Miles comes in.
I call them “mileage run magicians” — because they can craft amazing trips for darn good prices. They have a full-time staff of people whose sole job is to design mileage runs.
Miles and company designed this astounding mileage run for a young passenger who went from zero status to Delta Diamond — during one trip that cost only $1,200 out-of-pocket, as they also used redeemable credit card rewards to make up the balance. Yes. Twelve hundred dollars.
“I also booked a client from SFO-CDG-SIN-AMS-CDG-SFO that earned $7460 MQDs, 37,300 MQMs for $1,721 in Premium Economy,” he added.
Pretty sweet, right? Now imagine paying with points for those trips — instead of cash.
Mr. Jackson explains, “Juicy Miles can create custom itineraries (stopovers, overnight connections, multiple connections specify connecting cities, fly one partner out, another back, etc).”
Juicy Miles even helps find mileage runs for people who are “hub captives” (i.e. Delta flyers in Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Detroit, Minneapolis, etc.).
“We also have a professional who monitors your itinerary for schedule changes, exclusive discounts that can save money off of published fares, and no hidden fees like online travel agents when you need individualized attention.
“Also as part of individualized attention, you have the ability to speak, text, or email directly with the agent handling your travel, rather than wait on hold.” So if you have any questions or concerns, your rep is familiar with your agent is familiar with your trip.
Plus, their reps take care of the little things for you.
“Your agent personally can take care of all seat assignments, make sure your frequent flyers numbers are in the record, establish a permanent paper trail, and be notified of ANY changes — even a one-minute schedule change!”
Stock Up on American Express Membership Rewards Points!
If you’re eager to jump on the Juicy Miles Amex redemption train plane and need some Membership Rewards points, consider getting the American Express® Gold Card (See Rates and Fees), which earns 4X at grocery stores (up to $25,000 in purchases each year) and 4X at dining establishments worldwide. Plus, earn 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com. (This is also the card featuring the monthly $10 statement credit for select food delivery services and restaurants.)
There are decent welcome bonuses for both The Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates and Fees) and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates and Fees).
Personally, I really like and regularly use my American Express® Gold Card. It can really rack up points faster than most other American Express products.
Give it a Shot!
This is such a great opportunity for you (assuming you have Membership Rewards) to test drive Juicy Miles and see what they can create for your specific mileage run needs.
Enjoy!
— Chris
To see the rates and fees for the American Express cards featured above, please visit the following links:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates and Fees)
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates and Fees)
- American Express® Gold Card (See Rates and Fees)
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Using points this way, would those with the Business Platinum lose out on the 35% back in points?
@MO: Miles said they don’t currently have the 35% rebate option.