Newbie Question[s - getting from DEN to TLV on miles in WT+/J]
I did spend some time searching the forum, but I had some basic questions that I was hoping someone could answer.
The problem:
I am thinking of the wife and I joining EC in order to take part in the Chase Visa offers for 100k miles at 2k spend and a companion ticket at 30k annual spend. 30k is pretty much our entire cc spend for the year, so this is a big decision.
The goal:
R/T for three (and perhaps 1 lap child) DEN/TLV in WT+ or CW
The Pluses:
BA offers 1 stop routing DEN-TLV via LHR
BA offers free stopover in London.
Reasonable lap child policy; 10% miles not 10% of highest fare in class like most others. I'd rather pay 13k miles than $800 cash for lap child in CW.
The Minuses:
I have no idea what the typical award availability is at BA.
I am having a hard time figuring out what the fuel surcharges would be for the ticket passengers and lap child on that route.
The whole seat assignment fee bothers me. The web site says they waive that when traveling with a lap child, nothing about other young children.
Questions:
Is award availability reasonable like AA or "good luck" like United? Is it common/possible to find 3 award seats in WT+ or CW?
Does anyone know what the current fuel surcharges are for the DEN-LHR-TLV route in WT+ and CW? Do lap children pay them?
Could my 3 year old not be seated with one or both parents if we don't pay the seat assignment fee?
Is Heathrow still a black hole for checked luggage?
Thanks for the help.