I just booked an award reservation for 2 in first: JFK-LHR. However, I do not have enough miles in my account for both tickets, while my wife is 35k short, which I could give her. (combined we have more than enough to cover both).
Unfortunately I am still in the process of retreiving 180k miles from a cancelled award but they will not be back in my account before the Hold date (Sunday 10/12 at 11PM ) is due.
The agent was extremely helpful, however, he said I could not donate part of the miles to my wife; I need to give all the miles. Per his suggestion ^, I put the reservation on hold so that I could try to figure out some way to get them.
Has anyone ever succesfully dealt with this? I would appreciate the help.

Not sure about the whole miles reposting quandry. I have, once, many moons ago, had US automatically hold an award ticket for an extra hold cycle because it was taking a long time for Amex points to convert over (back when they did that). Maybe if you find a sympathetic agent they can do that. Or, they can try and expedite the reposting of your miles.

The other option, which makes a bit more sense in my mind, is to not use the miles for first awards. Spend the extra bit less and fly in business. It's a relatively short flight (6.5 hours depending on wind) and perfectly comfortable in any airline's business class.

If you're stuck doing a Virgin award, in which case you're trying to avoid premium economy, may I suggest hopping over to FRA on LH or BMI and taking SQ to JFK. Less miles and better service. You just spend a few extra hours. (and if the SQ 25/26 times aren't convenient, just take an LH flight. They aren't bad in business at all.)

Not sure about the whole miles reposting quandry. I have, once, many moons ago, had US automatically hold an award ticket for an extra hold cycle because it was taking a long time for Amex points to convert over (back when they did that). Maybe if you find a sympathetic agent they can do that. Or, they can try and expedite the reposting of your miles.

The other option, which makes a bit more sense in my mind, is to not use the miles for first awards. Spend the extra bit less and fly in business. It's a relatively short flight (6.5 hours depending on wind) and perfectly comfortable in any airline's business class.

If you're stuck doing a Virgin award, in which case you're trying to avoid premium economy, may I suggest hopping over to FRA on LH or BMI and taking SQ to JFK. Less miles and better service. You just spend a few extra hours. (and if the SQ 25/26 times aren't convenient, just take an LH flight. They aren't bad in business at all.)


Thanks for the advice. It is Virgin indeed (expensive award but apparently quite an experience. and just for the weekend. Only * available was TAP via LIS; no thanks.

Will try the hold cycle.

If it's just for the weekend then I don't blame you wanting to avoid layovers, and especially TAP. I'm guessing your dates aren't flexible at all?

Another option is to buy a ticket on EOS. They're always running companion offers and if you book 21 days in advance for a weekend I think you can get 2tickets sub $2k USD. Might be a better value than 280,000 miles. Honestly.

Whether or not EOS is up to par w/ Virgin First, I can't comment on that. But I've heard nothing but positives. They leave from STN though, not LHR (which is a positive in my NY based mind).

To me, 280,000 miles is a lot, they can take you to a lot of amazing places very comfortably.

And am I the only one bothered by the lack of Star Alliance carriers that now do the LHR - NYC run since UA's departure?

They dont advertise this, but they do have the discretion to extend the hold on the reservation. you may have to call several times, but its worth a try.

Indeed fixed dates, could return 2/1, but like the day home since I'm traveling too much currently. This is purely a pleasure trip and although 250k is a lot of miles, we have plenty for the next business class trip, and Virgin, although expensive (CO charges 100k for this trip, Virgin itself 90k) is apparently worth the experience.
Have previously looked at Maxjet and EOS, look great, but why pay more than airport taxes if you have a bank full of miles....

Will definitely take your all your advice and try keep the the hold longer. Maybe Plat at the time and not have to pay the change fee for the miles that need to be redeposited.

Wow! My hubby must have had a super Angel yesterday. In the afternoon he called and changed our award travel for this summer. We had 2 coach premium awards to Ireland (100k each). They cancelled Itin #1, redeposited the 200K, reissued his 100K award, and issued me an 80K Envoy Milage Saver in one fell swoop. The 20K return posted within hours to his account and today he changed his 100k coach for a 160 premium Envoy. Now we have to hope another 80k milage saver opens up so we can recoup 80K. We figure it's worth the total of $300 for 2 Envoy Awards and enough miles for 2 more domestic RT awards. He's only an SP, but she made him feel like a King. I hope you can find another angel to make your special trip a reality.
EileenSRN