Do I splurge my miles for a once in a lifetime trip?

Hi all. Long time lurker though I seldom post I should see to sorting that really...

I am a 25yo PhD student who has been awarded a three month fellowship in NYC. I am very excited although the financial logistics are painful as the award was only $4000 and accommodation alone is exceeding that. Nevertheless, over the years I have slowly built up my VA miles to finally reach 100k. I know I know, compared to most of you that is nothing, but I've only ever flown economy and so it has taken me a long while to get here.

Now, I have decided to use my FC miles on this trip as it seems like the perfect opportunity to just go for it. However, I am reluctant to spend them all because the took so long to earn. Ridiculous really. I am seeking your opinions, although I know ultimately there is no right or wrong answer.

My plan is to fly to NYC towards the end of March, and return on a flight from Seattle mid-June. I can book both ways in UC for 90k miles and £563. However, part of me keeps saying that I could fly PE on the outbound leg instead (still UC inbound) and it would cost around £600 and 75k miles.

Now, V-Flyers. I am asking you tonight for your honest opinions. Should I just stop being so worried and live a little and go UC both ways? I've never experienced this and will be flying alone. Alternatively, is the NYC flight too short to make the most of UC and therefore better to be enjoyed in PE?

Thanks in advance for you help and I hope you've all had a fabulous weekend!

[mitchja]

I'd say just go for it and book Upper Class both ways. Also do it now if there is availability, as remember that after January 15th 2017, Upper Class reward redemptions are all generally increasing.

US West coast routes are the hardest hit as well increasing from their current 100K return year round to between 135K - 150K miles depending on which time of the year you travel.

Even East coast US Upper reward redemptions are increasing from their current 80K return to between 95K - 115K return.

Do it.

And then, sign up to everything which gives you points. There is no need to rely on your economy flights to generate those points. Hang around here long enough and you will eat, drink and sleep points.

I agree with James and say spend your miles now at the old rates.

The big issue will actually be availability of reward sets for the dates you want to fly so you might need to be a little flexible.

You'll also have a bigger luggage allowance in UC (3*32kg) compared with 2* 23 in PE and 1*23 in economy. Which may be of benefit as you may need to take more clothes etc with you than you would on holiday. The fee for one extra bag is greater in the fees you quoted in your miles/£s

Just go for it. You never know whats around the corner and you never know when the next devaluation will come. Enjoy

Thank you all for your input. You're absolutely right...who knows what is to come so I should just go for it whilst I can.

I wasn't aware that those changes were coming in January as I thought they were all took place in November. It seems to be a huge shift miles wise so I obviously need to book up soon! I had originally planned to fly home from LAX but opted for Seattle due to better availability for UC. I am fully flexible so that has helped.

Out of interest, is it likely I will get a better deal if I ring the FC to book or will it be the same as online?

Thanks again for your input! I might finally see the CH everyone talks about....!

Out of interest, is it likely I will get a better deal if I ring the FC to book or will it be the same as online?

No. same as online

Out of interest, is it likely I will get a better deal if I ring the FC to book or will it be the same as online?

No. same as online

Thank you! Might commit tonight then to avoid any more dillydallying....now to research seats to choose and get endlessly excited!!

Have you committed yet?

If you are still taking votes, I'd say go for it and congrats on the fellowship grant to NYC

You should definitely go for it. Problem is it's hard to go back to Economy afterwards

Have you committed yet?

If you are still taking votes, I'd say go for it and congrats on the fellowship grant to NYC

Thank you very much! I haven't committed yet as I am being indecisive. I really want to fly on a Dreamliner and would prefer to fly from Los Angeles but reward availability is not great. I have managed to find Gs for both legs of the journey individually, but not as part of a return multi city booking. The fees when booking separately work out more expensive though.

Flying home from Seattle is a compromise but I was hoping for the extra hour or so onboard...ridiculous, I know Nevermind, I have told myself I will commit tomorrow. It's looking like I'll finally get my chance to try the LHR CH!!

Blow your miles.
Don't forget the new redemptions that are coming in, so you will not have a better opportunity to book a cheap UC reward.

'Once in a lifetime trip'
No such thing. You are only 25.
Turn left when getting on a plane is something that weirdly affects the brain so you can never turn right again.
Spend your miles. There is no guarantee they will buy the same thing in a years time as we have seen with the recent changes.

Enjoy your trip whatever you decide.

Dick D

UC both ways, without a doubt.

Do it! You have your entire life ahead of you to build them up again! Life's too short to worry about things like that! Be decisive!

Do I splurg....YES.

Easy. Done. Book those G's if you haven't already!

Thank you all. I am well and truly convinced.

Just a quick query in case anyone pops back to this thread - I have found a G LAX-LHR which is what I would like, but it won't let me book it when I search for it alongside the G LHR-JFK. I could book the two fares seperately but this adds approximately £150 more to the booking. Anyone know any reasons why booking the two fares together via the multi trip function would prevent the LAX fare from appearing? It just tells me there are no available seats for that flight but if I look it up one way it appears.

Thank you all. I am well and truly convinced.

Just a quick query in case anyone pops back to this thread - I have found a G LAX-LHR which is what I would like, but it won't let me book it when I search for it alongside the G LHR-JFK. I could book the two fares seperately but this adds approximately £150 more to the booking. Anyone know any reasons why booking the two fares together via the multi trip function would prevent the LAX fare from appearing? It just tells me there are no available seats for that flight but if I look it up one way it appears.

Get on the phone to Flying Club and they should be able to work it out for you if there is a seat.
I have always checked each leg separately because things appear that don't always show if you put in a return trip.
Good luck
Dick D

I just want to extend my thanks to all who contributed to this thread - I have now secured UC return reward flights (to LHR and from LAX) for 2017. I decided to opt for LAX over SEA because I want to make the most of having Clubhouses across the globe. Thank you all for your encouragement and help and I look forward to posting my first UC trip report!