US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - Envoy to LGW: Max Number DM Awards/Flight?

Hi, everyone --

I'm thinking about dipping way into the accumulated DM pot and splurging a bit -- I'd like to take a bunch of friends over to the UK, cashing in a boatload of miles to do so, in Envoy Class. (I got the idea last time I went over, four people who had cashed in miles sitting next to me in Envoy and were having a grand ol' time on the plane!)

Since mileage awards are normally capacity-controlled, does anyone know the maximum number of DM seats in Envoy per flight? It probably fluctuates, but I'm hoping I could snag five or six seats on one flight so we could all go over together... anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks!

Andy

I just returned yesterday from doing this. Me, my wife, her father and two other friends. Used miles for three of us and my SWUs for me and the Mrs. flying PHL to Manchester.

The flight out last Thursday, the plane was full, but no problem with our seats (we were ticketed in Nov. so that may make a difference) our return yesterday, the plane was half empty, only about 12 seats in envoy were occupied and one in FC.

First time on the 330. What a ride! We all had a great time and we're ready to do it again next year!

Yield management is a big business for the airlines... I'm guessing that day of the week, time of year, what's going on in that destination city at the time you want to go (ever tried to get a free ticket to the Super Bowl???) will all effect availability.

My best advice is get a bunch of dates that work for your crowd, then call the Div. Miles Intl. Award desk and tell them what you're trying to do and ask them what's available. The more in advance the better...

good luck.