The Flying Critic

Pool with A View - Daily Travel Photo

Pool at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort in Tucson, Arizona.  This picture was taken in June, 2008.  In August, 2008 they got new improved patio furniture.

Do people actually buy this stuff? - Daily Travel Photo

At the Hilton El Conquistador Resort in Tucson.

How to Transfer American Airlines Miles to Hilton HHonors Points

Need Hilton HHonors points for a free hotel stay?  Have extra American Airlines AAdvantage miles?

You can transfer American miles to Hilton points. It's easy.  And the exchange rate is good.

1 American Airlines mile = 2 Hilton HHonors points. 

The deal is only good going American -> Hilton.  It's a bad deal the other way around at 10,000 HHonors points = 1,500 American Airlines miles.

So if you have 20,000 American Airlines miles you can transfer them to Hilton and get 40,000 HHonors points.  40,000 HHonors points gets you one night at a category 6 hotel like the Conrad Tokyo - normally ~$600/night.  Or those 40,000 points could get you 4 or 5 free nights at Hilton's lowest category properties.

There is a $25 fee per transfer and you have to transfer at least 5,000 miles.  You can learn more about the transfer process at American Airlines' website.  If you are ready to transfer miles to points you can go straight to the transfer page.

You might also be interested in the latest American Airline news: American Airlines will charge $15 for checking your FIRST bag

Travel Tip: Save money on Hilton hotels with the USA Swimming discount

Most Hilton hotels (including hotels in the Hilton family like Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, etc.) are offering a 10% discount through the end of the year through a promotion with USA Swimming.  It books as 10% off BAR (best available rate) and is often a few dollars cheaper than the AAA rates.  Most of the bookings under this rate are also flexible so you don't have to pre-pay.  You don't have to be a USA Swimmer to use the rate - it's available as a marketing promo for use by anyone.

Go to the Hilton USA Swimming website to start your search for Hilton family hotels that support the discount and you might save a few bucks.

Daily Travel Photo: Pool deck at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok

The infinity edge pool deck at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok overlooks the Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok skyline.