Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
Sep 22nd 2015, 7:08 pm
#826
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Google Town
Posts: 7,532
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
I wouldn't be so sure about that - quite a few airlines make extra reward space available as the flight dates approach as by then they have a better idea of how much space they will have. For example, I booked my parents on a business class Singapore Airlines reward flight last week to travel today.
Sep 24th 2015, 7:10 pm
#827
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
This looks great. BA credit card sign up for new user. 50k avios points on spending $2k in 3 months + another 50K points if you spend $20k in the first year or 25k points if you spend $10k within the year.
"Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a “Travel Together Ticket” good for two years
In addition to the bonus Avios, you will also get 2.5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases and 1.25 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad
The interesting thing about Avios points—managed by British Airways—is that the best way to use them has nothing to do with British Airways. If redeeming for BA flights, you’ll pay some hefty fuel surcharges, diluting the value of the points.
So what do you do instead? You redeem them for flights on OneWorld partners, in particular American Airlines (for short-haul flights in the U.S.) and Iberia (for transatlantic flights with no fuel surcharges)."
"Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a “Travel Together Ticket” good for two years
In addition to the bonus Avios, you will also get 2.5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases and 1.25 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad
The interesting thing about Avios points—managed by British Airways—is that the best way to use them has nothing to do with British Airways. If redeeming for BA flights, you’ll pay some hefty fuel surcharges, diluting the value of the points.
So what do you do instead? You redeem them for flights on OneWorld partners, in particular American Airlines (for short-haul flights in the U.S.) and Iberia (for transatlantic flights with no fuel surcharges)."
Sep 25th 2015, 1:08 am
#828
Septic Sprout
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 7,993
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
This looks great. BA credit card sign up for new user. 50k avios points on spending $2k in 3 months + another 50K points if you spend $20k in the first year or 25k points if you spend $10k within the year.
"Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a “Travel Together Ticket” good for two years
In addition to the bonus Avios, you will also get 2.5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases and 1.25 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad
The interesting thing about Avios points—managed by British Airways—is that the best way to use them has nothing to do with British Airways. If redeeming for BA flights, you’ll pay some hefty fuel surcharges, diluting the value of the points.
So what do you do instead? You redeem them for flights on OneWorld partners, in particular American Airlines (for short-haul flights in the U.S.) and Iberia (for transatlantic flights with no fuel surcharges)."
"Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a “Travel Together Ticket” good for two years
In addition to the bonus Avios, you will also get 2.5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases and 1.25 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad
The interesting thing about Avios points—managed by British Airways—is that the best way to use them has nothing to do with British Airways. If redeeming for BA flights, you’ll pay some hefty fuel surcharges, diluting the value of the points.
So what do you do instead? You redeem them for flights on OneWorld partners, in particular American Airlines (for short-haul flights in the U.S.) and Iberia (for transatlantic flights with no fuel surcharges)."
Sep 29th 2015, 9:59 am
#829
Septic Sprout
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 7,993
Club Carlson Free Night for Visa cardholders
Reports of US Bank Visa cardholders receiving a free night voucher after complaining about removal of free night benefit from card.
How I Got a Free Club Carlson Night
How I Got a Free Club Carlson Night
Sep 29th 2015, 10:02 am
#830
Septic Sprout
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 7,993
Amtrak changes
Not new news as such, but info on new co-branded BoA Amtrak cards, and end of relationship with Chase includes stopping transfers from Ultimate Rewards from 8 Dec. Also note changes to Amtrak redemptions, generally making some Northeast travel cheaper but long-distance/sleeper more expensive.
Chase Transfers to Amtrak End December 8 - View from the Wing
My speculation - many trips get more expensive, but possible off-set if it turns out that you can apply for (and cancel) the new BoA cards on a regular basis. Watch this space (or just experiment for yourself).
Chase Transfers to Amtrak End December 8 - View from the Wing
My speculation - many trips get more expensive, but possible off-set if it turns out that you can apply for (and cancel) the new BoA cards on a regular basis. Watch this space (or just experiment for yourself).
Oct 1st 2015, 7:32 am
#831
Country Member
Joined: May 2003
Location: Moved from Georgetown to Round Rock, Texas. 15 miles closer to civilization.
Posts: 936
Re: Club Carlson Free Night for Visa cardholders
Reports of US Bank Visa cardholders receiving a free night voucher after complaining about removal of free night benefit from card.
How I Got a Free Club Carlson Night
How I Got a Free Club Carlson Night
I complained that I was more loyal than her, and they gave me one too.
Two free nights in the Radisson Royal in Dubai next March on my DFW-DXB-AMS A380 in F jaunt. Don't mind if I do.
Oct 2nd 2015, 4:57 pm
#832
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Google Town
Posts: 7,532
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
This looks great. BA credit card sign up for new user. 50k avios points on spending $2k in 3 months + another 50K points if you spend $20k in the first year or 25k points if you spend $10k within the year.
"Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a “Travel Together Ticket” good for two years
In addition to the bonus Avios, you will also get 2.5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases and 1.25 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad
The interesting thing about Avios points—managed by British Airways—is that the best way to use them has nothing to do with British Airways. If redeeming for BA flights, you’ll pay some hefty fuel surcharges, diluting the value of the points.
So what do you do instead? You redeem them for flights on OneWorld partners, in particular American Airlines (for short-haul flights in the U.S.) and Iberia (for transatlantic flights with no fuel surcharges)."
"Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a “Travel Together Ticket” good for two years
In addition to the bonus Avios, you will also get 2.5 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways purchases and 1.25 Avios for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad
The interesting thing about Avios points—managed by British Airways—is that the best way to use them has nothing to do with British Airways. If redeeming for BA flights, you’ll pay some hefty fuel surcharges, diluting the value of the points.
So what do you do instead? You redeem them for flights on OneWorld partners, in particular American Airlines (for short-haul flights in the U.S.) and Iberia (for transatlantic flights with no fuel surcharges)."
Oct 2nd 2015, 6:58 pm
#833
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Google Town
Posts: 7,532
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
I must be doing something wrong, but no matter what I do, I can't find any partner flights on BA's website.
I'm logging in on BA, going to Spend Avios, tried numerous dates in January and February, for flights from SFO to New York, or Portland, every single request comes back, no flights available.
I've read the link Tonrob posted, and this is what I'm supposed to do. Right? Help!!!!
I'm logging in on BA, going to Spend Avios, tried numerous dates in January and February, for flights from SFO to New York, or Portland, every single request comes back, no flights available.
I've read the link Tonrob posted, and this is what I'm supposed to do. Right? Help!!!!
Oct 2nd 2015, 7:09 pm
#834
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
[QUOTE=N1cky;11763508]I must be doing something wrong, but no matter what I do, I can't find any partner flights on BA's website.
I'm logging in on BA, going to Spend Avios, tried numerous dates in January and February, for flights from SFO to New York, or Portland, every single request comes back, no flights available.
I've read the link Tonrob posted, and this is what I'm supposed to do. Right? Help!!!![/QUOT
Try american airlines and alaskanair?
I looked at alaskanair (BA partner) and there was availabilty in february.
Redeeming British Airways Avios On Alaska Airlines - One Mile at a Time
I'm logging in on BA, going to Spend Avios, tried numerous dates in January and February, for flights from SFO to New York, or Portland, every single request comes back, no flights available.
I've read the link Tonrob posted, and this is what I'm supposed to do. Right? Help!!!![/QUOT
Try american airlines and alaskanair?
I looked at alaskanair (BA partner) and there was availabilty in february.
Redeeming British Airways Avios On Alaska Airlines - One Mile at a Time
Oct 2nd 2015, 7:28 pm
#835
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Google Town
Posts: 7,532
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
[QUOTE=petitefrancaise;11763517]
I'm just looking for ideas at the moment, and costs. So don't want to call. Literally every search I enter comes up with 'no flights available' and the calendar to show available dates never works.
According to the earlier link, I should be able to book AA and US flights on the BA website, but nothing ever shows up, which makes me think I'm doing something wrong. If I look on the individual websites, both show flights available.
I must be doing something wrong, but no matter what I do, I can't find any partner flights on BA's website.
I'm logging in on BA, going to Spend Avios, tried numerous dates in January and February, for flights from SFO to New York, or Portland, every single request comes back, no flights available.
I've read the link Tonrob posted, and this is what I'm supposed to do. Right? Help!!!![/QUOT
Try american airlines and alaskanair?
I looked at alaskanair (BA partner) and there was availabilty in february.
Redeeming British Airways Avios On Alaska Airlines - One Mile at a Time
I'm logging in on BA, going to Spend Avios, tried numerous dates in January and February, for flights from SFO to New York, or Portland, every single request comes back, no flights available.
I've read the link Tonrob posted, and this is what I'm supposed to do. Right? Help!!!![/QUOT
Try american airlines and alaskanair?
I looked at alaskanair (BA partner) and there was availabilty in february.
Redeeming British Airways Avios On Alaska Airlines - One Mile at a Time
According to the earlier link, I should be able to book AA and US flights on the BA website, but nothing ever shows up, which makes me think I'm doing something wrong. If I look on the individual websites, both show flights available.
Oct 2nd 2015, 7:31 pm
#836
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
sorry copied the wrong link
from here:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...rd-travel.aspx
to here to book
https://www.alaskaair.com/planbook?awards=yes
try this one-
from here:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...rd-travel.aspx
to here to book
https://www.alaskaair.com/planbook?awards=yes
try this one-
Oct 2nd 2015, 7:46 pm
#837
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Google Town
Posts: 7,532
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
sorry copied the wrong link
from here:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...rd-travel.aspx
to here to book
https://www.alaskaair.com/planbook?awards=yes
try this one-
from here:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...rd-travel.aspx
to here to book
https://www.alaskaair.com/planbook?awards=yes
try this one-
Oct 2nd 2015, 8:21 pm
#838
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
ok, N1cky, I am far from an expert here and maybe one of the others will explain better..
I am getting results from Ba.com with limited availability on American for your flights in January/February - not every day but mid-week yes.
BA.com; you have to first go to the Executive Club tab and click on Spending Avios; then click on Redeem, Use Avios, or Reward Flights
make sure when you get to the page where you're booking to/from dates and destination that you click on "reward flight availability" which appears to do nothing but it does.
After you click "get flights" you have the option of altering dates to see availability on other days
I am getting results from Ba.com with limited availability on American for your flights in January/February - not every day but mid-week yes.
BA.com; you have to first go to the Executive Club tab and click on Spending Avios; then click on Redeem, Use Avios, or Reward Flights
make sure when you get to the page where you're booking to/from dates and destination that you click on "reward flight availability" which appears to do nothing but it does.
After you click "get flights" you have the option of altering dates to see availability on other days
Oct 2nd 2015, 8:32 pm
#839
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Google Town
Posts: 7,532
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
ok, N1cky, I am far from an expert here and maybe one of the others will explain better..
I am getting results from Ba.com with limited availability on American for your flights in January/February - not every day but mid-week yes.
BA.com; you have to first go to the Executive Club tab and click on Spending Avios; then click on Redeem, Use Avios, or Reward Flights
make sure when you get to the page where you're booking to/from dates and destination that you click on "reward flight availability" which appears to do nothing but it does.
After you click "get flights" you have the option of altering dates to see availability on other days
I am getting results from Ba.com with limited availability on American for your flights in January/February - not every day but mid-week yes.
BA.com; you have to first go to the Executive Club tab and click on Spending Avios; then click on Redeem, Use Avios, or Reward Flights
make sure when you get to the page where you're booking to/from dates and destination that you click on "reward flight availability" which appears to do nothing but it does.
After you click "get flights" you have the option of altering dates to see availability on other days
What date did you see availability, out of interest, I'll see if I can see any for that day. That way I can check it's working, and the site is just crap, or whether it's me being a total numpty.
Oct 2nd 2015, 9:07 pm
#840
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Traveling cheaply and well using miles and points
I just looked for direct (not connecting flights) outbound.
Wednes 20th Jan 1 flight
Thurs 21st Jan 7.15am 2 seats
Thurs 21st Jan 12.25 1 seat
friday 22nd Jan 12.25 1 seat
Wednes 3rd Feb 7.15 am 1 seat, 12.25 2 seats
then nothing showing on direct til 17th Feb 15.15 2 seats
I didn't have time to look at return flights for you - sorry, little sprog has come home
What I've heard is that by searching on american airlines site, you see more availability and then you phone BA and tell them that AA site is showing availability - give them details and ask them to book it for you. If they try to charge you a phone charge then politely ask them to reconsider that bit since you tried to book online but couldn't. Same with other partner airlines - find the availability and then phone BA.
Wednes 20th Jan 1 flight
Thurs 21st Jan 7.15am 2 seats
Thurs 21st Jan 12.25 1 seat
friday 22nd Jan 12.25 1 seat
Wednes 3rd Feb 7.15 am 1 seat, 12.25 2 seats
then nothing showing on direct til 17th Feb 15.15 2 seats
I didn't have time to look at return flights for you - sorry, little sprog has come home
What I've heard is that by searching on american airlines site, you see more availability and then you phone BA and tell them that AA site is showing availability - give them details and ask them to book it for you. If they try to charge you a phone charge then politely ask them to reconsider that bit since you tried to book online but couldn't. Same with other partner airlines - find the availability and then phone BA.