Advice re using miles for UC returns next year.

Hi,

I'm sure someone will be able to help;

I've been saving up the miles for about 6 years. Haven't spent any for a while, (2 years I think). I've managed to clock up 152k and the girlfriend has about 115k. All disposable income goes into holidays and via the VAA AMEX card!

The plan is to cash them in on the honeymoon next year (2010) December time.

Obviously this is over 12 months away but she's planning the wedding now so I'm starting to think about the honeymoon! We want to fly to Boston drive down to Miami and fly back, taking about 6 weeks in total. Snow to start, sun to finish.

Generally speaking is it going to be better to buy an economy fare and upgrade or just go for the reward seat? I have a feeling that there is more availability for those upgrading as opposed to those pure reward sale fare seats. We need to go on Monday 13th December but the return date is flexible. From a historical point of view is that date particularly busy? What's the earliest we can book (12 months in advance?). If it makes a difference we can go straight to New York and skip the New England leg. We've both done Boston before and, although we love it, we dont really need to go again. I understand there are shedloads of flights NYC bound everyday.

Look forward to everyones opinions.

Thanks,

Craig.

[Nottingham Nick]

Purely personal view - go for the reward seats from the off.

Other's view may vary, but my MO has always been to use my miles to book UC tickets as soon as my return dates are released.

It is far less hassle than messing around with upgrades IMHO - if this trip is your honeymoon, you will have plenty of stress with the wedding, so make the honeymoon as worry free as possible.

Nick

[Neil]

Both a straight reward, or an upgrade from Y or PE use a G fare, so availabilty is the same. As for which one to use, well that depends on you. A straight reward will cost you less but you won't earn any miles or TP's, where as an upgrade from Y or PE will do but of course it will cost more. I agree with Nick about booking asap though, always safest to bag the rewards early, as it will give you the most flexibilty or what dates are available.

Neil

[buns]

As i am always in need of Tier Points [;)] I have recently taken to booking the Economy Fare and upgrading (all done via the phone once you have ascertained availability on line[}:)])

This way i have had some miles spare to book the CDC - given that this is your honeymoon, it might be something you want to consider to get you to LHR.

You say you are getting married in December - even though we are still far away, bear in mind that some points in December are very busy. Weekend shopping breaks to Boston in early December are likely to be popular and then everyone wanting to get home / go on holiday around Christmas

BTW Congratulations

buns

I'm with Nick on this one. It's a one off, blow the miles on the straight reward, otherwise you may start to think 'well, is it worth it?'. I was looking at a CA trip next summer and the cheapest Y upgradeable return ticket was just shy of 1000, which is a fair chunk of change. Now, rationally, I think it makes sense to take the economy and upgrade (as it works out cheaper than buying the miles, and you still have to pay taxes on a straight reward but that just may be bad maths on too much beer) but it doesn't quite feel the same as the straight reward.

Paul

I don't think it matters which way you do it, some people want points and further miles, some don't need them - as you witness in the replies.

Either way, you are booked in a G fare class and there are a finite amount of them however you get there. Booking, ISTBC, usually opens 330 days before the date of travel.

As to dates, others have mentioned that it is in the run up to Christmas and your return might clash with the just pre- or post-Christmas period which can be a very popular time to travel. Some planning and being on the spot with the telephone may be necessary.

HOWEVER! You must have your reasons for wanting to do this route, but, you have chosen VS's shortest service to enjoy Upper Class and you arrive in Boston in winter. I am somewhat surprised [:?].

EDIT Actually, if you look at Boston UC availability with miles now, for December this year, there are lots of choices so that should make you feel more comfortable [y].