V-Flyer

Got a bit of a dilemma!

We have decided to go to Dubai again this Christmas and I have spent a good deal of time trying to find 2 G return tickets. In late January two Gs came up for the return flight which I snapped up; however, since then there has been absolutely nothing available in either PE or UC for the outward date (21st December). I appreciate that this is an extremely busy time for flights to DXB, but wonder what you all would suggest as the best way to get out there (we are flexible a couple of days each way).

Would it be best to:-

- Buy an EC ticket and hope that a reward flight might become available nearer the time (I have no intention of actually flying in EC though!!), or,
- Wait and see for a few more months, or,
- Fly one way with another airline?

What would happen if I bought a return EC/PE ticket on VS but only used the outward portion. Would that count as a no-show even though I already have the G inward ticket?

Also, what would be the outcome if I bought a return ticket with another airline, but only used the outward? Would they penalise me in some way?

Sorry for all the questions, but would like to get something concrete in the diary before too long!

Your advice, as always, much appreciated!

Thanks
Sally

Turquoise wrote:Would it be best to:-
- Buy an EC ticket and hope that a reward flight might become available nearer the time (I have no intention of actually flying in EC though!!), or,
- Wait and see for a few more months, or,
- Fly one way with another airline?

Difficult. Have you considered a one-way economy or PE reward ticket? That will probably be cheaper than a one-way revenue fare (if you have enough miles -- or possibly even if you have to buy them) and it will be upgradeable if Gs appear.

Turquoise wrote:What would happen if I bought a return EC/PE ticket on VS but only used the outward portion. Would that count as a no-show even though I already have the G inward ticket?

Yes, I think it would count as a no-show in those circumstances.

Turquoise wrote:Also, what would be the outcome if I bought a return ticket with another airline, but only used the outward? Would they penalise me in some way?

If it is a one-off, I think that is unlikely, although technically they may have the right to reprice your fare to the fully flexible one-way fare. It might be possible to cancel the booking after flying the outward sector, but you'd have to check the fare rules.

I might be wrong about all of this -- I wonder what others will say.