In need of quick reply - question on redeeming FF miles to LHR
Aug 29th, 2005, 10:34 AM
#21
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Thanks for the info on the flights to Chania. I would prefer to fly direct into Chania without having to stop in Athens, but I'm still working on figuring if there is one that works with my arrival at LHR.
I've also considered the charter flights, but I think you're right rkkwan - I don't think we can make the 10:15 Monarch flight out of Gatwick.
The flights that get me into Chania at 9:00 pm is flying Alitalia through Milan to Athens, then Aegean into Chania. If I flew Olympic from LHR, I get into Chania at 10:00 p.m. - but perhaps it would be a better choice, as I could check my luggage all the way from LHR to Chania. Not sure if I can do that with the Alitalia/Aegean flights.
I'll have to check out Easyjet, hadn't considered that one. Thanks for the suggestion.
I've also considered the charter flights, but I think you're right rkkwan - I don't think we can make the 10:15 Monarch flight out of Gatwick.
The flights that get me into Chania at 9:00 pm is flying Alitalia through Milan to Athens, then Aegean into Chania. If I flew Olympic from LHR, I get into Chania at 10:00 p.m. - but perhaps it would be a better choice, as I could check my luggage all the way from LHR to Chania. Not sure if I can do that with the Alitalia/Aegean flights.
I'll have to check out Easyjet, hadn't considered that one. Thanks for the suggestion.
Aug 29th, 2005, 10:48 AM
#22
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I just book a November trip to London with miles. I am flying from Newark to London then onto Paris and back. United wanted to book me on a prop plane to Washington with a London connection. Instead I requested them to book me on Lufthnasa connecting thru Frankfurt with a BMI flight between London and Paris and a return thru Frankfurt again. I was looking for a Business class ticket but one part of the trip wan't available so I did First Class instead. (100,000 miles) .
It really doesn't pay to buy a ticket in advance because they don't offer any deals or discounts. I think you get the best prices about 30-60 days from departure. This also depends what time of year you are going and where you are going from. If its Summer, forget about it!
I think its no value to buy a $1400 ticket, and you are throwing away your miles. You might as well wait til a closer date when they are $700 each and save the miles.
Also remember that Uniteds websight doesn't show partner awards on Lufthansa or other Star Alliance partners. Depending on your city there are a few ways to get to Europe, Lufthansa thru Frankfurt, SAS thru Copenhagen, BMI thru Manchester, TAP thru Portugal and Austrian thru Vienna.
Go to the staralliance.com and see what the best option is from your city and then request from United. Its funny but I have really never been able to get a United ticket with miles to Europe and I am usually sent on Lufthansa, which I perfer over United.
It really doesn't pay to buy a ticket in advance because they don't offer any deals or discounts. I think you get the best prices about 30-60 days from departure. This also depends what time of year you are going and where you are going from. If its Summer, forget about it!
I think its no value to buy a $1400 ticket, and you are throwing away your miles. You might as well wait til a closer date when they are $700 each and save the miles.
Also remember that Uniteds websight doesn't show partner awards on Lufthansa or other Star Alliance partners. Depending on your city there are a few ways to get to Europe, Lufthansa thru Frankfurt, SAS thru Copenhagen, BMI thru Manchester, TAP thru Portugal and Austrian thru Vienna.
Go to the staralliance.com and see what the best option is from your city and then request from United. Its funny but I have really never been able to get a United ticket with miles to Europe and I am usually sent on Lufthansa, which I perfer over United.
Aug 29th, 2005, 11:35 AM
#23
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P.S. Be very careful when mixing and matching tickets for 2 reasons...
1. Luggage allowance. When you fly United on one ticket then hop to "el cheapo" airline on another you luggage allowance will change. Whereas United will give you 70lbs allowance, the cheapo airline may only give you 25 lbs and charge you dearly for the overage. Check each airlines websight. If you buy the complete trip as one ticket, your trans-atlantic liggage allowance should apply to all flights.
2. If you buy a combo of seperate tickets and happen to miss a connection, tuff luck. You may be forced to buy a full fare replacement on the spot. If it is sold as one connection ticket, you right to a replacement flight are maintained. You may also want to stick with a Star Alliance airline where possible.
2.
1. Luggage allowance. When you fly United on one ticket then hop to "el cheapo" airline on another you luggage allowance will change. Whereas United will give you 70lbs allowance, the cheapo airline may only give you 25 lbs and charge you dearly for the overage. Check each airlines websight. If you buy the complete trip as one ticket, your trans-atlantic liggage allowance should apply to all flights.
2. If you buy a combo of seperate tickets and happen to miss a connection, tuff luck. You may be forced to buy a full fare replacement on the spot. If it is sold as one connection ticket, you right to a replacement flight are maintained. You may also want to stick with a Star Alliance airline where possible.
2.
