Is This a Good Airfare for Germany??
It's been a while since I've traveled to Germany. I found an open jaw fare of $800 for May 2008. The flight is from Portland, OR to Berlin and then from Vienna back to Portland. Is this is a good fare for this destination and this time of year?
Thanks in advance. |
It's hard to predict whether the price will go up or not, but given the much higher prices to Europe I think it looks like a pretty good deal. My thought is that if you like the itinerary and the prices fits within your budget then go for it.
Tracy |
If it genuinely fits your needs - - right dates, satisfactory connections, and includes all taxes, then I recommend you buy it in the next three minutes.
Unless you are the kind of investor who knows how to double $800, with no risk, every six months. In which case - - I want to hire you to take over my portfolio. Best wishes, Rex |
hi nw,
That's pretty good, especially for non-stop. When in May? Where did you find it? ((I)) |
I doubt very much the flights are non-stop.
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I think it's excellent assuming that includes all taxes/fees, because Vienna isn't cheap. That can't possibly be nonstop, I'm sure. I'll bet there is no such thing to/from Portland.
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You're right it's not nonstop, but it does include all taxes and fees. The route is Portland-Dallas-London-Berlin and coming back it is Vienna-London-Dallas-Portland. With a switch from LHR to LGW on the return flight.
Ira, to answer your questions the airline is American and my trip is tentatively scheduled for late May. |
<< a switch from LHR to LGW on the return flight >>
Ah, there's the rub... Worth $150 less than without that fly in the ointment, IMO... All depends on the relative value you put on money vesus possible (big) hassle and inconvenience. Can you build a night overnight stay in London (your lodging and other expenses your own) and get the same fare? That's how I would do it - - time permitting. |
That sounds good enough to purchase.
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Hi NW,
Even with the multiple stops, it is a decent price. How much time do you have to get from LHR to LGW? ((I)) |
2 issues:
1) what Rex pointed out. Having to switch from LHR-LGW on the return flight. I know AA is moving one of its London flights from LGW to LHR sometime this fall, so I wonder if you couldn't just catch the new LHR-DFW flight? 2) You're not visiting the UK at all, but just by stopping in an UK airport you're paying an additional £40 Air Passenger Duty charge. Try looking at UA which flies to FRA and partner with LH. |
Looks like the LHR-DFW (AA 51) departs at 10:15am. Whereas your VIE-LHR arrives at 9:10am. With just over an hour to transit in LHR makes it an illegal connection.
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As long as the flight arrives on time in LHR (9:10am) I have about 3.5 to 4 hours to get to LGW (2:15pm), assuming you have to get the airport 60-90 minutes before the flight. Is that enough time? What are the options for getting between LHR and LGW and how long does it normally take?
I did check United and their fare for the same dates and route is over $2,000. And round trip to Berlin is over $1800. |
nwtraveler-
You have plenty of time for the LHR-LGW transfer. (check National Express coach website). You're responsible for the fare on the bus. I certainly thinks the UA prices are way too high, but believe it may drop some. Looking at UA/LH and the * alliance option, you can fly: nonstop PDX-FRA nonstop FRA-TXL nonstop VIE-FRA nonstop FRA-PDX If you need to get the tickets NOW, then go ahead and buy AA. If you can wait around a bit, I'd just keep checking UA's website for fare sale. I personally would pick 2 flights over 3 flights + LHR-LGW transfer. Last consideration, are you member of UA or AA's frequent flyer program? Do you have status in either one? That will make a difference in one's decision also. |
You wouldn't believe it (or maybe you would), but the LHR to LGW transfer has completely disappeared from the AA schedule for the dates I was originally searching and the airfare is now over $900. Too funny!
I am a member of both UA and AA FF programs, but don't have enough miles. |
Maybe the $384 inc. tax roundtrip Lufthansa special for May 2008 is something for you? Unfortunately only EWR/ORD/YYZ to DUS.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=725185 |
<i>I am a member of both UA and AA FF programs, but don't have enough miles.</i>
I guess I should have been more clear - do you have elite status with either FF program? |
I think it's a good price. When I fly from SFO to Europe, I usually pay around $1,100 (mostly on United, which is where I have my FF miles). I would take the $800, definitely.
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Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond to my post. I really appreciate the help. I was able to find the $800 fare again after completely logging out of the AA site. I have decided to buy the $800 fare and not look at airfares again for the next 8 months. ;-)
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