Dear Joel,

I will be flying to Bangkok with my mother at the end of February on China Air as part of their special flight/hotel package to Bangkok. We have already asked them if it is possible to use her frequent flyer miles to upgrade (she has many AMEX miles). They told us this is not possible on this package. Do you know of any other way?

Thanks for any advice,
Kristina

Hi Kristina,

I did some research on your trip and can offer a few suggestions. You can upgrade you current excursion for an additional $600.00 per person. For further information about this opportunity, call the marketing department of China Airlines directly at 310-641-8888 ext. 867. Alternatively, you can redeem China Air Dynasty Club miles for an upgrade. Each upgrade costs 20,000 miles, although at this time you cannot redeem American Express Reward points into China Air Dynasty Club mile program. Another alternative is to use your American Express Reward points for a free trip to Bangkok. Currently you can convert your American Express Reward points into Continental One Pass mileage program, and then use those miles for a free ticket on Northwest (one of Continental partners). You will need 75,000 miles per business class ticket from the United States to Bangkok. Before you convert your American Express Reward points into Continental One Pass program, call Continental at 1-800-525-0280 to confirm availability of seats for the specific days that you would like to travel. Then use your American Express Reward points for a hotel. Currently, the American Express Reward program offers a package in Bangkok at the Grand Hyatt Erawan for only 21,000 points. The American Express Reward program also has hotel opportunities with the Hilton Hotels, the Marriott, and the Starwood hotels. You can call American Express Reward program at 1-800-AXP-EARN.

Good Luck.
Joel