Not worried about flying out or back together - in fact I think the two blokes have to fly back from Paris after 3 weeks and then us women will go on to London and have a week in the Cotsworlds or something like that.

Well if you're as flexible as that I think it could work....availability ex MEL is very good. Then there are loads of potential routings to Paris including a non-stop from BKK on Thai.

I have loaded up on miles....when I book I'm thinking of going for Swiss business or first next time - I think it is very highly rated and availability looks good too.

I think the rules are if you want to do an open jaw that you can't have any stopovers en route.

Well I did my first class flights to Uk and very nice too they were.

Have some somewhat better than expected PJ's (4 pairs actually) as souvenirs. And now know how to eat caviar nicely thanks to a sweet steward who coached me in 1st class etiquttee on my first leg when i was the only passenger for him and a stewardess to look after. Have to say that the other passengers weren't the almost royalty I expected. All very normal people - who obviously have a good deal more money than me to spend on flights.

Totally ruined for flying economy from now on though.........

Glad you enjoyed Safin. Who did you fly with?

Thai.

Slightly reluctant to reopen this can of worms....but, the offer is on again!

https://www.usairways.com/en-US/divi...s/default.html

Get a 100% bonus on your miles! From June 1, 2010 to July 31, 2010 automatically earn double miles when you buy or gift miles.

Of course the costs will have risen due to AUDs recent slide...but maybe something worth keeping an eye on.

Their partners must be just loving it!!!!!

Hooray, can book that flight now then. Hoped it would be re offered later in the year. Sister expecting to have new addition in the family in July so hopefully it won't be late and will be able to still get a deal.

Jane

Just a quick question can you find out availability prior to buying your points
And where can i find this???

J

Joining ANA's frequent flyer program online gives you instant access to the star alliance partner search engage which will show available awards on carriers you want. However, you should note that award availability can change pretty quickly.

You can, by doing what Centurion said...however I warn you the website is not that friendly. I can't remember where you wanted to fly from and to...it doesn't cope well with intra-Europe connections on top of long haul flights.

As long as your reservation doesn't involve Singapore Airlines, and depending on the helpfulness / skills of the person you speak to (varies considerably!!) you should be able to put flights on hold for around 3 days with zero miles in your account...then go buy miles.

Hi There

Thanks for that guys, did look at ANA but looked a bit confusing and doesn't take much to confuse me i can tell ya. Looking at going Brisbane to either Birmingham, Manchester or Heathrow. First would be preferable as only 45 mins to Mum's then. Will call them on Monday to see what availability there is then, not fussed when i fly as long as i'm in UK around they 3rd Sept to surprise my best mate for her 40th and the number 1 reason to see my new neice or nephew.

Jane

You definitly won't get a long haul flight into Birmingham or Manchester...you'd have to connect somewhere in Europe first...London, Frankfurt, Zurich etc

Have I got this right? I join, buy 50k miles (and thus get 100k). Hubby joins, buys 50k and gives them to me - I now have 200k.

I need 240k or 300k for two flights (me and hubby). Can my dad join and buy 20k or 50k and give them to me so that I now have 240k or 300k?

Nearly.

You can buy yourself 50k and get the bonus ONCE...and be gifted 50k and get the bonus that way ONCE. When I say ONCE I really mean a total of 50k for each type of bonus...buy & gift. So once you have your cheap 200k...you need to pay full price for any further miles.