Using Miles... can anyone help?

Hi,

I've managed to amass quite a number of miles now and I'm planning to take the family to Orlando next Summer (we are Disney Vacation Club Members and can have two weeks there - why not...) anyhow I'm beginning to get the impression that there's a trick to being able to use miles.

Is there any trick to booking LGW-MCO using miles during the Summer Holidays? I know I can't actually book them yet, but I'm doing my research now so that I can get it sorted as soon as booking opens.

I'm trying to get 4 Adults and 2 Children booked...

I've worked out that Saturdays are almost always out, but any more tips would be much appreciated.

If only the VS website would give you a list of options when you try to spend miles...

Thanks in advance
Stu

Ok so 6 rewards to a popular destination at a popular time of the year !

What cabin are you looking to fly in as that makes a difference on avaialability.

I think the main 'trick' is to be as flexible with your dates as possible and be prepared to have a slightly shorter or longer trip than the standard 14 days so look for 12/13/15/16 days and travel on the less popular days

6 rewards on the same flight might also be a problem so you should also consider have to look at splitting your party over the VS 15 & 27 flights outbound and the 16/28 back (theres only a couple of hours difference)

[Nottingham Nick]

If you are looking for 6 reward seats both ways to and from MCO during school holidays, I am not sure any tactics will help.

It is not a route I use, but people seem pleased as punch when they get two seats to MCO at this time of year.

I wish you the best of luck, but my tactics would be to look going indirect. LHR to MIA and a drive is a possibility, but 6 seats during school holidays is still a very big ask.

Personally, I would look at flying into New York and getting Jet Blue (or similar) to Florida. Even then I can't remember seeing reports of six seats being booked successfully with points.

I have got three UC reward seats during school holidays to the west coast a couple of times, but that is the best I can offer in the form of encouraging words.

Other Disney addicts may be able to offer clearer estimates of your chances on the MCO planes.


Nick

[Neil]

As has already been said, basically you will have to be either very flexible, very lucky or more likely, both. There is a chance you might get the seats one way, but I find it highly unlikely you will for both.

As Nick has said, Miami is a more likely option, but again a big ask. One option would be to grab as many reward seats as you can, but also to look at Miles plus Money seats. Okay they aren't full rewards, but can offer a saving over revenue seats, and as they are taken from a different allocation, you will often find MPM seats when full miles aren't available.

I have personally been looking at MCO reward seats for my trip next Easter, and have booked 5 MPM seats in Y and PE for some family, and also some in July for a colleague and haven't found any to suits his dates both ways (2 adults and 2 kids).

Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Neil

[Nottingham Nick]

A further thought - as the learned bear has already said, you haven't said which class you intend to try and book the rewards.

If we are to assume that you are looking to book economy tickets - is this really the best use of miles?

Whilst I accept there is some sort of mileage sale on at the moment, don't forget you still get whacked for massive taxes and fees - IIRC they stand at just over £190 per person right now.

Nick

As others have said, 6 reward tickets on the same flight might be a little difficult. However, maybe not the best solution, but look at a day the has the 027, the 015 and maybe even the 049 giving you a little more flexibility.

Maybe you could split into 2 or 3 groups and fly out on 2 or 3 of the flights on the same day. Not ideal, but always worth a look and might save changing planes or a 3 hour drive.

David

Whilst I accept there is some sort of mileage sale on at the moment, don't forget you still get whacked for massive taxes and fees - IIRC they stand at just over £190 per person right now.

Nick

y) good point Nick, but remember in the silly season even economy can be £700+ whereas in off peak it most certainly isnt worth while with economy available from around £350

David

Having done LGW-MCO return 5 times over the last 2 years and that's just me, the Mrs and kiddy, this is a big ask.

Not sure how you want to use your miles - miles+money, upgrades etc, but you're going to have a very hard time on this route for 6 people at that time of year.

Best general advice would be:-
* Be very flexible on dates;
* The later flight out, and earlier flight back are often less busy (ca't remember flight numbers, but it's the 1300ish out from LGW, and 1755ish flight back from MCO). These flights tend to be less popular.
* Flights are often released in bits, so it's worth checking periodically (seats released in blocks it would seem).
* Phone the flying club team - my experience is these guys are very helpful, know exactly what you can use miles for and what you can't, and will try really hard to find flights for you.
* Phone 336 days prior to your flights - in other words, get on the phone the moment your flights are released for booking (this means the return flight as well!)
* Perhaps consider paying for some revenue tickets and use miles only for some of your party - you may find this gives you more options.

My experience has been that I'm better using these for cabin upgrades to other destinations where availability is slightly easier - but there's no harm trying.

Hope this helps a little...

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

At the risk of upping the ante in terms of the tyranny of choice, you could also factor in whether you want some miles returned into the mix for future use, which you would get if you included some cash (not miles plus money) fares in your seat portfolio.

Paul