US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - when to buy tix for eurpean summer travel

What's the best time? I want to go in July. I have upgrade certs and miles, will probably buy the cheapest ticket that can be upgraded with miles and the other with the "lowest published fares." When to buy?

1. after the shutdown (if there is one)
2. when the airline reopens and offers special deals (if they do)
3. if they don't shutdown, are there any times when a sale is likely?

richard-

You would know better than I!
Wait for a sale war maybe in April/May but... I just checked "upgradable" with points fares for DCA to CDG(Paris) for May 10-17 the upgradable fare is $1651! Uniteds upgradable fare for the same dates DIRECT from IAD to CDG is $665 - Makes it very hard to be a loyal US customer. I was saving the systemwide certs for europe in fall - figured everyone would be using them this spring/summer and since you have to wait until 48hrs before flight I did not want to chance it. Have some great hotel tips for Paris if ya want 'em.

MG

I'll have to look but I thought the one way systemwide certs that came in the welcome pack are good at time of reservation...

Richard is right. You have to use them AT LEAST 48 hours before your flight -- preferably (for YOU http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif) at reservation time!

YALL IS RIGHT!

Forget United - Its Envoy for me to Paree!

MG