BGI reward seats - any chance?

Have tried to search for the answer but can't seem to find it so apologies for posting if the answer is out there somewhere!

Looking for UC reward seats from either LGW-BGI or MAN-BGI for May or June 2011 but nothing currently showing on the system so was wondering if all the reward seats are likely to have been snapped up or if they haven't been released yet. I've checked Economy & PE & there are reward seats available for both classes I think up until July 2011 but the UC reward availability ends in April. Just a bit confused as there seem to be reward seats available in UC for the more popular months (including easter) so seems strange that there's nothing available for the supposed less popular months.

I know it says some seats are released nearer the time (managed to get 4 UC reward seats from MAN-BGI last august & only booked a few months before) so wondering if we'll just have to sit tight & keep checking or if this is a waste of time & we should just look at booking with VH (who have availability for most of May in UC).

Also, does anyone know how many reward seats are available on these routes?

Many thanks for any help

[Nottingham Nick]

Not really familiar with the patterns on the BGI route, but I wouldn't rely on the VS website for accurate availability listings.

It has been mentioned quite a few times that it simply isn't fit for purpose on quite a few levels.

I would be tempted to give the FC a ring. If you get a decent agent, they may be able to give you some hints / pointers about whether any reward inventory has gone, or is yet to be released.

Nick

Isn't April when the A333s with no UC begin to start routes from LGW and MAN? I know they're not intended for BGI, but operationally it's possible they may be substituted so perhaps for that reason, VS hasn't released UC G inventory yet.

That said, the OP really has answered most of your own questions - you've been successful in the past at shorter notice, you know at least 4 G's can be available (VS never tells us how many on any flight / route), and yes perhaps you should sit tight and keep looking. BGI is often operated on a LHR 747 from LGW, so maybe keep that uppermost, and, Nick's suggestion is right, call FC, they'll at least be able to tell you if any G's have gone on the dates you're looking at, or if none are appearing on their system yet.

[Neil]

Isn't April when the A333s with no UC begin to start routes from LGW and MAN? I know they're not intended for BGI, but operationally it's possible they may be substituted so perhaps for that reason, VS hasn't released UC G inventory yet.

It is, but there only 2 a/c due in that config and they are both due to work the MCO route full time. In a way, it could have an impact though, with BGI currently being operated by a LHR 747 with 50+ UCS, they might move it back to an LGW 747 with only 14 UCS, as they are no longer needed on the MCO route, thus limiting the number of G's available.

Neil

I booked 2 UC rewards seats to BGI for May yesterday and there were loads available.

And looking again , there are seats LGW to BGI available on 15 days in May.

Ooops - silly me - I booked MARCH!

with BGI currently being operated by a LHR 747 with 50+ UCS

Tut tut Neil - it's 44 UC seats! ):

[Neil]

with BGI currently being operated by a LHR 747 with 50+ UCS

Tut tut Neil - it's 44 UC seats! ):

I must have had the figure from before they removed the UCS from the rear half of the upper deck!

with BGI currently being operated by a LHR 747 with 50+ UCS

Tut tut Neil - it's 44 UC seats! ):

I must have had the figure from before they removed the UCS from the rear half of the upper deck!

Yes it was 54 before.

BGI has never been a problem for me booking UC or PE reward seats at almost any time of year.

Many thanks everyone. Will give the FC a ring & fingers crossed they're more reliable than the VS availability list! Hopefully they aren't reverting to a 14 seat UC & they have a few seats available.

Thanks again

BGI has never been a problem for me booking UC or PE reward seats at almost any time of year.

Same here, I have been spoiled for choice of dates every time I have looked.