can one/does anyone want to sell some airmiles???

Azul says on May 21, 2008, 11:46:

Do airlines let you do that? If so, I have Continental miles you are welcome to buy :-)

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 11:48:

I'm not sure if airlines lets you do it, I never used that stuff before. I'll call and ask them, thanks

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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Jlove says on May 21, 2008, 11:49:

In the past contiental would not let you do that. Maybe they have changed although. What you can do although is go to continental.com and place the price of the ticket on a billmelater account. They will give you three months interest free to pay for the ticket. Bill me later is located at the end when you are getting ready to purchase the ticket through continental.com

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 11:53:

thanks for the info, but the price of the tickets are out of our leauge for now. Especially if she just has to travel again within a month.

For the round tripper she could pay for now, it would be the same money, almost, for her and our daughter to move to the states. Too much

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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ColombianoGringo says on May 21, 2008, 11:55:

Typically, the "owner" of the miles would have to purchase the ticket in the name of the passenger. I have bought AA airmiles tickets from my brother on many occasions. I pay him a flat amount and he buys the ticket in my name and pays the taxes. You can do the same thing with Continental. I don't think that either will let you easily transfer miles to another person's account.

BTW, Continental does not allow one way tickets to be purchased with miles. I tried not too long ago. I don't think AA allows it either, but I have not checked recently.

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 12:01:

ah balls

This whole thing revolves around stupid US policy, all she needs is an extra 2-4 weeks down here. Pathetic

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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ColombianoGringo says on May 21, 2008, 12:04:

You can still buy a ticket from someone. That is just the process you have to go through. I would recommend that you try to get an AA miles ticket. They have a lot more availability for Colombia-US miles seats than Continental at this time of year. Also, they make it much easier to change your itinerary if necessary.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on May 21, 2008, 12:05:

check out the individual airline sites. the policies vary widely. I bought some miles two weeks ago so I could fly on a Delta "award" ticket and was surprised at how different Continental and Delta were (Delta seemed to offer more options).

http://www.delta.com/skymiles/buy_transfer/index.jsp

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slguy says on May 21, 2008, 12:09:

"This whole thing revolves around stupid US policy, all she needs is an extra 2-4 weeks down here. Pathetic"

sounds more like poor planning than bad policy to me. what - the US just recently changed iimmigration policy, and forgot to tell you? ;)

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Mononoke28 says on May 21, 2008, 12:51:

I was thinking the same thing. The only reason it's a stupid U.S. policy for you is just because it doesn't fit your traveling plans.

Diana

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 13:00:

Sounds like (should say "reads like" it is a thread after all, make that a mental note for'ya) you have no idea what happened:

"Sure I'll miss them for the two weeks or so, but not the reason for all this. If anyone wants to sell some miles I'll gladly tell you the whole situation."

What happened was that I made a feature film here in El Quindío. We had planned for the big opening night to happen BEFORE my wife's going away. Let's see... I made a movie for my wife and daughter's (not to mention all of Colombia's) enjoyment, half of El Quindío is waiting to see it and I would like to have them here for it. Due to a technical glitch it has to be put off for an extra week, maybe two. If she stays she looses her residency, if she goes, well IMO all my work really isn't for all that much. Sure selling a movie makes money, sure I keep getting interviews, sure it's cool to go almost anywhere and have people spot me.

But I'd rather settle for having my wife and daughter enjoy it with me opening night - that's more valuable.

So check out this self-help recipie:

1. - Open mouth
2. - Insert foot

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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bradenmiami says on May 21, 2008, 13:32:

I have 13,971 American Airlines miles I can sell you - I don't plan to use them anytime soon - just PM me and we can work out a price. In addition to what you pay me, the AA fee to share them with you is $180.00

As a reference point, to buy this many miles would cost you $380.00

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

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dwr says on May 21, 2008, 13:35:

why don't you just pay the 600 bucks for a ticket?

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 13:41:

Thanks for the help braden. I called AA, turns out I need like 25,000 or 30,000 miles or so for roundtripper, I'm still checking so I may just take up your offer...

It is actually more than 600 bucks after taxes and all and we are running low on cash.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 13:44:

Ohhh, monodope does it again!

first you have no idea about Rubito's sarcasm (DUH!), theeeeeeen you write that it is "sick" for people in Colombia to not have baby-seats (OK bad idea, but SICK???), now you follow Slguy's blind lead.

Wait until you get all the info to opine.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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Azul says on May 21, 2008, 13:45:

Check out Continental...I've got just shy of 35,000 miles that I am willing to part with.

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 13:50:

Will do and thanks!!!

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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ColombianoGringo says on May 21, 2008, 13:51:

Azul, The best solution there would be for you to purchase the ticket for him. You would also have to buy some additional miles to complete the 35,000.

I am looking on the Onepass site and can't find anything about transferring miles.

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bradenmiami says on May 21, 2008, 14:08:

Well...yeah..if you purchase 25k miles, you pay about the same as you would for a regular ticket - hence the catch. That Continental deal might be the best if he buys the ticket for you... At any rate, if you can land another 11k miles, I can try to help!

Brad

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 14:14:

Thanks again to all. I'm working on all this..

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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ColombianoGringo says on May 21, 2008, 14:17:

bufalo, Since you are in Colombia, I am calling Continental to ask about transferring and buying miles. I'll let you know what they say.

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CatGirl says on May 21, 2008, 14:17:

bufalo; I am confused...is this new news for you? I tried to read your responses to find the answer. In other words, are you in this pickle because you did not research or plan (human error)? Sorry, it just sounds too important. I think we have all done things like this, at least once in our lives.....but

Well, let me see your response. Either way, good luck
And remember that successful people learn from mistakes ;)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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ColombianoGringo says on May 21, 2008, 14:19:

What's with all the hate? The guy is in a jam. Does it really matter why he finds himself in that situation? I suppose none of you have ever gotten in a jam for whatever reason.

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slguy says on May 21, 2008, 14:21:

"1. - Open mouth
2. - Insert foot"

blind lead?

who was responsible for creating/scheduling this cinematic masterpiece that the eager world will shortly have bestowed upon it, thereby making it's creator widely recognized and loved? pretty arrogant line of crap, for a guy who can't cough up $600....

i stand by my first post.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 14:28:

Actually the produer schedules these things and there are things out of our control. Never said masterpiece, don't want to be widely recognized, don't care about loved besides my own family, who was arrogant first, and even if I am arrogant what does having/not having $600 dollars have to do with it???

You can't back up, so maybe try to go forward????

and all this doesn't change stupid US policy.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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CatGirl says on May 21, 2008, 14:28:

CG - Maybe I should introduce you to my ex. He does this stuff on a weekly basis. Usually connected with some type of grandiose story such as this too.

PRIORITIES, that's all - NO Hate - just tough Love..You wanna teach someone to fish or just buy them fish?

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 14:29:

I'm trying to call continental from here now.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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CatGirl says on May 21, 2008, 14:29:

CG - AND don't tell me this is cultural!! B firiggin S

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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CatGirl says on May 21, 2008, 14:30:

Good for you Buffalo!! I am proud of you!

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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ColombianoGringo says on May 21, 2008, 14:30:

bufalo,

I finally got through to Continental. Here is the scoop on transferring/buying miles.

Transferring
Minimum Transfer: 2,500 miles (increments of 500 miles from then on)
Maximum transfer: 100,000 miles in a calendar year
Fee: $15 per 1,000 miles.

Buying additional miles
No Miminum
Maximum: Up to 25% of the total miles needed for a particular ticket.
Fee: $32 per 1,000 miles


The cheapest option would be to have Azul buy the ticket for you using his miles and the remaining miles bought or transfered into his account.

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ColombianoGringo says on May 21, 2008, 14:35:

Nobody said it was cultural, but unless you are here to help, why even bother posting in this thread? Your ex's character flaws have nothing to with this situation. Surely you aren't making generalizations based on his deficiencies. Besides, you do know that bufalo is a gringo right?

bufalo, I already talked to them. They kept me on hold for 15 minutes. Don't waste the long distance. If you need any more info, let me know.

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 14:40:

OK, lost the CatGirl postings, not sure if I'm good by her or not, but do agree with the fish thing. Either way ColombianGringo (and everyone else who pitched in) I'm going to run and make a ton of calls, maybe fix this out. Your info with Continental REALLY helped out and looks promising. Noone here had to help, nor offer to, but good to know people did.

Thanks!

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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Azul says on May 21, 2008, 14:48:

bufalo....pm me if I can help, I'm not always on PBH but I always have my email open.

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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CatGirl says on May 21, 2008, 15:06:

Bufalo - thanks...good for you. Sorry not meant to offend, only trying to understand the actual need and cause behind it. It looked very last minute to me.

CG -"Nobody said it was cultural, but unless you are here to help, why even bother posting in this thread? Your ex's character flaws have nothing to with this situation. Surely you aren't making generalizations based on his deficiencies".

Correct - nobody in this thread said it..."yet" --- but I have read it repeatedly in many other threads, posts and from PM;s of member in this forum and from my ex too, yadda yadda. Yes, CG I got ahead of myself because I am tired of people saying in this forum that these last minute pickles are common with the Colombian culture and in Colombia etc.... Sorry, I don't agree with this idea and I "reacted" My Bad.

I used him as an example from your comment: "What's with all the hate? The guy is in a jam. Does it really matter why he finds himself in that situation? I suppose none of you have ever gotten in a jam for whatever reason." And yes, it does matter Why. If he was dying or sick - different story. Sorry the statement created a response - as this is something I used to deal with daily. It is my baseline experience. I have found it to be indictive of bad things to come.
I am very fiesty today. I will back off now from this thread- good you could help CG.
No offense intended at all. I can only say that I could have worded it softer or not added my personal example, but right now - I really don;t care much

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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dwmte7 says on May 21, 2008, 16:28:

bufalo...sorry i can't provide any other support outside of moral support.

to others. compassion and tolerance seem to be a little more helpful than criticism and fault finding. what have the latter advanced? our mate chooses to be with his family and to insure no problems on the mrs' residency. how the problems arose seem unimportant. solutions, on the other hand, appear to be tantamount. those who can--as you above--lend a hand, for those who can't on a tangible level, mental/moral support don't cost you a dime and prove very helpful for the overall objective. there's an old saying from one of my elders, if one of us is in a fix, we're all in a fix. simply because you can't separate a part from the whole; anymore than you can separate water from the ocean and think it's not still ocean.

dwmte

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Atrevido says on May 21, 2008, 16:45:

Buffalo I´m sorry to hear you´re moving stateside. I was really hoping to hook up with you in Armenia one of these days. In any case best of luck with your endeavors.

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sloopskipper says on May 21, 2008, 16:51:

Man, I wish I could help. I have 38,000 USAir miles, which are almost worthless in the Latin American market, and I think they charge 2 cents per mile to gift them.

I think the closest place to use USAir is San Jose, CR, or Venezuela, Caracas, I guess.

Also about 35,000 AA miles, which maybe I maybe could use sometime. I don't know what they charge to transfer them. Does anybody know?

I would give you the USAir miles, if you pay the fees. But I doubt it would be helpful.

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sloopskipper says on May 21, 2008, 17:01:

I just paid $25 to hold those USAir miles for another 18 months, DAMN!

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 18:02:

Thanks all, from what it seems from the many phone calls. I either can't buy/or transfer some miles or if I can, it is almost like buying a ticket. I made a reservation for them to go one way next week and wait for me until I get everything done down here. I am however going to check for some last minute special in case something comes up.

If not and they miss it I'll just have to work something out. Who knows? Maybe I can get it into Cartagena in January and we all come back for a few days or so.

Reason for the stupid US policy is that : They won't give my wife a tourist visa-because of the typical Colombian-thing. I understand, most overstay their visas, fine. BUT they had no problem giving her residency which means she can go and live off the system, but they won't let her go and spend vacacion money - real bright right SL?????? Since she has the residency we have to move there or lose it.

I know several gringos down here in the same situation. One guy has a business worth over 300K here in Armenia and they denied his wife for tourism - she's not the owner (but they'll give her residency for being married to him)

Thanks for everyone's help, I'll keep you all posted in case anything major comes up. (and for an invite if it does make it to a fest)

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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Atrevido says on May 21, 2008, 18:27:

Yes it´s pretty discouraging for married gringos residing in Colombia. If your wife applies for a US resident visa she just has to show YOUR US tax return and gets the visa in about a New York minute. But when it comes to a tourist visa her economic ties to you (her husband) are moot and only property, business etc in HER name count. The logic I guess is that you the gringo agree to accept all finacial liability for her in the states but she on a tourist visa has only her Colombian resources to guarentee her support while in the states and her return to Colombia..

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bufalo says on May 21, 2008, 18:40:

yup, about sums it all up. Either way it is backwards. I also have had bad experiences in the US consulate in Bogotá (and great experiences in others in other countries to compare it to). I remember telling the dick that was helping us out to stop being an asshole. He actually did and then was Super Mr. Nice guy, even tried joking around with me.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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Jlove says on May 22, 2008, 08:33:

I have about 15,000 AA miles that I can sell.

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dwr says on May 22, 2008, 09:17:

I don't see the problem to use someone else's mile. I have done it for family members and friends. Right now it is 30,000 miles tax advantage fee with total 105 dollars. All you have to do is find someone with mile, AA password and a credit card. When they redeem the miles, they put in the name of your wife as the passenger. She would then have an electronic ticket that is valid to travel.

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dwr says on May 22, 2008, 09:19:

30,000 miles plus 55 dollars tax plus 50 dollars advantage fee
Go online and follow the steps and you will see how it works.

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dwr says on May 22, 2008, 09:21:

Look at el Tiempo today. I saw some low prices for Bogota-Miami-Bogota with Avianca advertised for the next few weeks.

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ColombianoGringo says on May 22, 2008, 09:21:

Transferring the miles is the problem. As dwr repeated, the only good solution is for the person holding the miles to actually buy the ticket for the passenger(bufalo in this case). That way, you avoid the transfer fees.

Otherwise, those fees make the whole exercise pointless. By the time you pay for the transfer and however much the holder wants for his miles, it ends up costing more than a normal ticket.

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dwr says on May 22, 2008, 09:26:

Sorry. Didn't read your post above. I come off as a genius don't I!

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ColombianoGringo says on May 22, 2008, 09:28:

Transferring the miles is a deal killer. It was well worth repeating. The funny thing is that I actually posted without reading yours. I edited to say that you repeated it so it didn't look weird. Ha Ha.

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ColombianoGringo says on May 22, 2008, 11:35:

This is only somewhat related, but I thought I'd share it.

A while back, I signed up for a few services that give you air miles for filling out online surveys. I was actually referred to these services by Continental, so they are definitely legit. The sites are e-miles.com and erewards.com. I don't use them much as I don't have the time, but for those that do, you can earn quite a few miles using these services.

Also, don't forget debit/credit card miles deals. You can get 20,000 miles just for signing up for a Chase/Continental credit card. There are also tons of other offers for OnePass, AAdvantage, etc. with all kinds of businesses.

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rocinante says on May 22, 2008, 16:39:

Bufalo I'm sorry to hear about your problem. But your wife's residency may be more important than her making it to your opening night thereby breaking the residency requirement regulations, yes?

But you have a lot to worry about right now so the rest of my post is for the others.

I don't want to hijack the thread but if she had gottent the tourist visa she would still have to go to the US to maintain her residency - yes? Doesn't residency mean she can get back to the US WITHOUT a tourist visa? And if she did have both she would still need the plane ticket to get to the US to maintain residency. I could be missing something but how does NOT getting a US tourist visa, say 4 months ago, relieve her of her residency responsibilities. Also why would she need a tourist visa if she has a US residency? I don't see how the two are related.

Lost = me and sorry I can't transfer over any miles. I just used all my Avianca/Delta.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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bufalo says on May 22, 2008, 20:28:

Since she, and a lot of other colombianas married to gringos, can't get a tourist visa, the only other route is to get the residency. With residency, she has to show up at least once a year.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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dwmte7 says on May 23, 2008, 14:49:

bufalo....sorry this thread has taken so many side roads....

for me, just hope that the score is soon in you and the mrs'. favor.

couldn't keep up with the posts any longer. keep the faith and it will all work out.

dwmte

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