Best use of miles ,help please

I know this is a subject that some of you like to get your teeth into by I just can't get my head round it so all help welcome!
The situation is this.
Originally I was going to take my eldest two to NY in aug but have decided to go end of may instead,working on the assumption that g fares will be available and I will have approx 100,000 miles to use and don't mind using tem all up what will be the most cost effective way to achieve at least UC one way with PE the other or UC both ways
Thanks in advance
Blacky

Huh, May?? Me too lol

Most efficient way to use miles in my view is in upgrades from flex eco to UC or PE..

M class fares out and back.. Upgrade to UC on the outbound all three for 60K. PE on the inbound for 30K miles or other way round depending on what you are feeling

If you have a bit more money to spend - 2 x M class ECO, 1 x S Class PE - upgrades into UC round trip for 100K miles

All above assuming G fare availability.... Next? :w 8D

Ha ha,I really must come up with something a bit more taxing for you joey!
Thought aug might be a bit hot and its too far away aswell
Cheers joey
Blacky

The best value for miles is always by upgrading. Have looked at random dates in May and hope this isn't too confusing:

<< MILES ONLY >>
LONDON to NEW YORK in PE will be 55,000 miles plus £400
LONDON to NEW YORK in UC will be 80,000 miles plus £505

<< UPGRADING >>
LONDON to NEW YORK in Y upgradeable is £657.
To upgrade to PE will be 10,000 miles. To UC will be 20,000 miles, each way. Plus difference in tax/fuel surcharge.

LONDON to NEW YORK in PE upgradeable is £1112.
To UC will be 10,000 miles, each way. Plus small difference in tax/fuel surcharge.

So, to use your miles, I would do this:

- Outbound in UC. That way they and you will get to enjoy the Heathrow clubhouse, and the full UC experience inflight.
- Back in PE. I really love the PE seats. No real hardship. If you want an arrivals lounge join Priority Pass and have breakfast and a shower in the Air Canada lounge at T3.
- Plus you get tier points and miles on the cash part of the fare.

Works out at roughly £2100 plus 90K miles for three. Where's my commission?

Just saw joeyc's reply. I wasn't copying!

Thanks aswell sealink ,good point about PE return aswell ,can't let them have luxury both ways !
Blacky

Yes , I agree with Sealink ! I think that if you are getting a night flight on the inbound its best you go PE as you will probably sleep ( I would ! ) therefore you can make the best of UC !

Are you sure you weren't copying sealink lol,
The dates I'm interested in are either the 24 th or 25th may out and 28 th or 29 th return . How do I check for g fare availability on these dates?
Blacky

Hi Blacky!,
UC outbound is your best bet because you can guarantee clubhouse!!

Hi Blacky!,
UC outbound is your best bet because you can guarantee clubhouse!!

JFK Clubhouse is nice

Been there once before penny and it is great but if I had to have a choice it would be LHR

Lol, appears I may be needed again

Which NYC flights you looking at Blacky?

Thanks joey,
I want to experience the old UC suite so I'm guessing the 45 is my only real option
Not too worried about the return although maybe the early morning one leaving NY
Thanks
Blacky

The 45/46 only runs on certain days at the moment.

The VS 1 into EWR is done on a 747, the 17 is usually a 346.... both with the old UCS.

If you do UC on the way home I would suggest do one of the evening flights to really appreciate the JFK CH and LHR revivals

P.S - If you are not worried about UC on the way back then do hit up one of the A333s, the IFE is brill and let's face it seats are newer and not as worn down yet

The 1 in UC looks good outbound ,prob the 18 or the 26 back in PE rather than a night flight this time I think if available

Are you sure you weren't copying sealink lol,
The dates I'm interested in are either the 24 th or 25th may out and 28 th or 29 th return . How do I check for g fare availability on these dates?
Blacky

Login to VS site, put in dates and to / from, select Spend Miles. Maybe worth selecting the one way option to ensure you don't get blanked because of lack of availability on one or other leg.

Outbound is showing nothing for 24th, 3G on VS17 for 25th.

I thought PE did look really nice coming back from Boston last week but then again it only had 7 people in it!

The 1 in UC looks good outbound ,prob the 18 or the 26 back in PE rather than a night flight this time I think if available

Cool stuff, let us know if and when.

You truly have the travel bug don't ya, very jealous of the opportunities you get to travel. Making a case for self employment - I am considering it tbh, playing by other people's rules is not as fun as it once was. 8D

Thanks for the info pjh,going to ring the flying club in the morn I think
Joey I'm just trying to please my kids lol ,I just love flying and am using every oppotunity I can to indulge in it ,self employment certainly helps things,I've been self employed for about 15 yrs and could never work for someone again ,I enjoy my freedom too much.
Will keep you posted about the outcome
Blacky

I hope Mrs Blacky appreciates all the quality time you are letting her have (AT HOME) as you (and the kids) jet off all over the place ! ): ):

Mrs Blacky deserves a medal (or at least a trip) of her own !

I think she has something planned tonty I told her caravans in Dorset are very nice in may

I think she has something planned tonty I told her caravans in Dorset are very nice in may

You are such a good hubby! ) )

Mrs Blacky deserves a round of ^) ^) ^)

Haven Holidays. 3 miles per £1 on Shops Away.

http://shop.virgin-atlantic.com/info/81 ... ys/afsrc=1

[honey lamb]

I hope Mrs Blacky appreciates all the quality time you are letting her have (AT HOME) as you (and the kids) jet off all over the place ! ): ):

Mrs Blacky deserves a medal (or at least a trip) of her own !

Quite frankly, if anyone had taken Aer John off me for a couple of days or so I would have given that person a medal - and taken myself off for a trip!