Swapping miles between airline carriers is possible with the use of middlemen websites. These sites allow you to transfer the accumulated frequent flyer miles from one airline to the airline that flies to your desired destination. However, not all miles can be swapped, and sometimes there are fees involved. The following steps will show you the four middlemen websites and the basics on which frequent flyer miles can be transferred.
Review the frequent flyer miles you have accumulated and list how many you have obtained with each carrier.
Register for an account with Amtrak, another middleman, which allows you to transfer miles at the best rate of one-to-one. The swapping of frequent flyer miles is restricted to a minimum of five thousand miles and can only be transferred between Continental, Midwest and United Airlines.
Swap miles out of American or United using Diners Club Rewards, which has an annual fee of $98, but will let you transfer these types of miles to 11 of the United States' major airlines in increments of 10,000 miles. The transfer ratio is one-to-one into the program, and two-to-one out of it.
Sign up for Hilton Honors, a rewards program for hotel stays that also acts as a middleman for swapping miles between American and Midwest airline carriers. The exchange rate here is one of the worst of the four middlemen.
Transfer frequent flyer miles using the Points website between American, America West, Alaska, Air Canada and Midwest. This is your last and worst choice, because their conversion rates are less favorable than Hilton Honors and there is a $19.95 membership fee.
