Going Nowhere Fast

(posted by Ange)

A while ago, my mom generously gave me her AirMiles to use for Europe. Recently, I had them transferred into my name and was tingling with the anticipation of finding out how many miles I had. I was hoping to see that I had more than enough miles to fly to Europe. Or at least close to enough. I have just returned from the AirMiles website. I have no HOPE of getting enough AirMiles by next September. Unless I want to spend a whole hell of a lot of money at participating retailers!

I am convinced that AirMiles has concocted their point scheme based on the premise that they will have to spend little money in doling out rewards as people are probably dying before they have enough points to do anything meaningful with them.

This AirMiles card was obtained when AirMiles first began, all the way back in 1992, when it was exclusive to Safeway. My parents used this card every time they shopped. 14 years later, and there are a staggering 5, 237 points. Just a little short of the 9,800 points it takes to fly to Europe. That means I am short 4,563 points. Basically, another 14 years of Safeway shopping!

But don't worry. I can use the points I have and then buy the rest…for $.30 cents each! Calculate that if you're bored and you will see that it probably costs the same as buying a ticket without using the points. My point? I guess I better budget in the cost of a plane ticket.

On the bright side, I do have enough of these airmiles to get me anywhere in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Hmmm….