US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - Go to Europe for $300, earn 32k+ miles

Just in case folks haven't noticed, USAirways reduceded their fares for travel to Europe (for dates prior to Mar 20 and not including Fri-Sun travel).

Out of PIT this prices out to around $300 for most destinations, including all taxes and fees. Most destinations require the Philly hop for an extra 500 each way, at least. I'm thinking about a trip to AMS which would net me

4222 miles each way (PIT-PHL-AMS)
+4222 miles for the other way
+8444 double miles due to status (Gold/Chrmn)
+8444 double miles due to promotion (8145)
+5000 miles due to Europe promotion (4743)
+2000 miles due to spcl online bonus (4709)
=====
32332 miles roundtrip for $302

Not bad, and these aren't E-saver fares so they are upgradeable. If anyone is interested, try USAIRWAYS.COM (they are only on that site, and I guess on Orbitz -- but they charge $5 now) and use Flexible Fare setting.

Good luck!

Thanks for putting those numbers together-

I think one can even do better if the leave from DCA. With bonus # 8923 (good until 2/28) get an addtional 5000 points per round trip.

DCA-PHL-AMS- $309 ~37K miles
DCA-PHL-FCO- $345 ~41K miles

This is a V class fare so that bonus you mentioned would net you only 2500 extra per the roundtrip. Still not bad!

True-- thanks for the catch!!

Hey PitFlyer,

If you're really thinking about a run to Amsterdam, let me know! I'm doing a PIT to FRA the end of January...Envoy already confirmed, but, I feel two more SWU's coming my way in the mail http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I WILL MAKE CHAIRMANS THIS YEAR (I hope) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif that way I can return the favor of bumping you back to coach from SFO http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

Take care!
Go Stillers!

Heheh, I think I'll take American to San Jose. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I've decided to switch my airline of choice to American starting this year...

I did end up booking the trip to Amsterdam, but all the flights I could take in January had no upgrade availability. I booked in mid-February. Total was $309 a ticket and will net the 32k miles each. Will also be my last flight as Chairman's Preferred ... aww, the memories.

BTW: Here we go Steelers, here we go.... I just hope we end the season with a sound trashing of Cleveland http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by pitflyer (edited 01-04-2002).]

I was in Amsterdam twice in the past year for business, had to fly United though...darn company rules http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif

Let me know if you need any info on where to go (and not to go!)

ps. Why American Airlines?

Take care!

Since we have such a tight knit community here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I'll go ahead and ask you and anyone else here for info about Amsterdam. I'm a first time visitor just there for four days, hanging around town. What are must-dos and must-sees?

As per switching to American, I'm getting tired of USAirways reluctance/inability to enter an alliance and the way the airline is plodding around. I also get great deals on AA through my company.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pitflyer:
Since we have such a tight knit community here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I'll go ahead and ask you and anyone else here for info about Amsterdam. I'm a first time visitor just there for four days, hanging around town. What are must-dos and must-sees?

As per switching to American, I'm getting tired of USAirways reluctance/inability to enter an alliance and the way the airline is plodding around. I also get great deals on AA through my company.</font>


Pitflyer. I went to Amsterdam for thanksgiving and had a great time. I enjoyed the van gogh museum and anne franks house. There are fun places to go out dancing, and dinners can be really nice too. The people are great. I also list AMS as one of my favorite airports, in terms of train connections and ease of checkin.

Email me for more details.

pitflyer: I lived in the Netherlands for a few months. Amsterdam is a great city. Here are some tips and recommendations. Email me if you want more info or have any other questions.

1) AMS TO DOWNTOWN BY TRAIN: There is a mainline railway station directly under the airport terminal. Buy your tickets upstairs under the big "Train Tickets" sign. Trains to downtown (Amsterdam Centraal) run about every 10-15 minutes and take about 15 minutes to get there.

2) AMSTERDAM PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: There are plentiful trams (streetcars) that go just about anywhere in the city. Buy a "Strippenkart" at any train station. Your best bet is one with 45 strips. There are little punchers inside each tram where you self-validate your Strippenkaart. Generally, tram trips inside city center take two strips per person. The Netherlands use the same Strippenkarts for public trams and busses nationwide, so you can use the same strippenkarts anywhere in NL.

3) INDONESIAN FOOD: I highly recommend "Indirapura" in Rembrandtplein for Indonesian Rijstafels ("rice tables"). Make sure to phone a day or two in advance to reserve a table, especially during the weekends. This place books very quickly, but it is well worth it. More information at http://www.indrapura.nl and bookings by phone at 020-623-7329 (inside NL).

4) MUSEUMS: The Rijksmuseum for classical Dutch art, The Van Gogh Museum for Van Gogh, The Anne Frank House--all very good.

5) DIVERSION: Go to Utrecht! It's 1/2 hour from Amsterdam by train from Amsterdam Centraal. Utrecht is a great, smaller city with less of an Americanised version of Dutch culture. Worth seeing in Utrecht is the Dom ("Cathedral") and Bell Tower. It is interesting because most of the cathedral collapsed, and there is a sqare running through where the church would be. This is also a good place to walk around and go shopping. The main shopping district is between Utrecht Centraal train station and the Dom, and part of it goes along a canal. Recommended eating here is a place called "The Pancake Bakery", located downstairs next to the canal at the end nearest the rail station. Great for lunch or dinner, but booking ahead is recommended unless you eat at off times.

I could write some more, but that should get you started. I'd be interested in hearing about others' experiences in the Netherlands as well. And, of course, feel free to email if you need/want more info.

TFNF, of course, has great suggestions. I just wanted to comment on #1. The train from the AMS to CentrAAl station (I capitalized the "AA" to make you feel more at home since you fly American now) is a great idea (and very easy, cheap, etc.) but only IMHO if you don't have luggage and can walk from the station to your hotel. If you would need to get a cab to your hotel from the train station, the cost/benefit analysis would tell you to just get the cab at the airport. It doesn't cost that much more (IIRC), and you only have to schelp luggage from baggage claim to taxi, not from baggage claim to train station to train to train station to taxi. Plus the trains aren't designed like the Heathrow/Gatwick Express (dedicated only to the airport run with plenty of luggage space). They're the standard trains that continue onto Rotterdam etc. They're multilevel, so luggage is a bit of a hassle. All that said, the train is still the best option of you have little luggage or are ok shlepping it around.

I was just in AMS in November. Its wonderful - maybe my second favorite Euro city behind Budapest.

A few comments/clarifications.

Agreed about the mainline train not being too baggage friendly. I traveled with a group of 4 and we all had those 'rolling' bags that also fit in airplane overhead compartments. There is room BETWEEN seats on the Dutch trains to slide them in, but bigger bags would not.

I dont want to offend anyone, but there is not a week's worth of things to do in AMS. Its a long-weekend type of place. Luckily, there are other Dutch cities close by (Leiden, Rotterdam and The Hague, for example). I'd suggest leaving AMS to see some of these as well. It might be hard finding 4 days worth of things to do otherwise.

The main part of Amsterdam is not too big. We stayed in a hotel in Dam square (which is in the center of the city) and were easily able to walk to everything: central station, canal boats, Anne Frank House, Reijksmuseum and Van Gogh. So don't stress about trams and trains. Trains are quite cheap though.

There's a neat little miniature city that's closer to The Hague. I think its spelled 'Madurodam'. Hard to explain, but imagine a really large model railroad layout - with all of the neat sights of the Netherlands. This thing must be 2 acres big.

One thing not mentioned is the 'rice table' restaurants are pretty novel - a 'Dutch specialty'. Big indoesian influence in Dutch history.

One note - AMS isnt too far from FRA by train, so if you're an A330 buff, do that.

Thanks for the great tips; I'll follow up with a few of you guys through email http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif As per the train, looking at the map I also quickly realized that it only makes sense if you stay nearby, and found a what-I-hope-to-be-ok hotel near the train station -- Die Port Van Cleve (http://www.dieportvancleve.com). I booked it through bookings.nl for 99 Euros a night for a Thu-Mon stay. According to that website its a five minute walk from the CentrAAl station, which may be ambitious for someone like me carrying luggage, but still doable http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Location, location, location, right? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Umm... OK. To be on the level w/ ya pitflyer, I don't know if you would enjoy a trip to AMS. Unless you plan to do stuff outside of Amsterdam, four days is a long time.

I just don't know if it's something up your alley (I could be wrong). It's museums, museums, and museums. Throw in a visit to the Anne Frankhuis and the Heineken Experience and a visit to alot of local drinking establishments and you have Amsterdam. And if you're bored, you can go to some more museums.

When walking on the same street w/ those trams, heed my word of advice and just stay close to the buildings! We don't need to lose any dg1's over there. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

As noted, the Indonesian food is good over there. But knowing you, I'll be honest in saying that there are plenty of Italian and "normal" restaurants where you can get pizza and the like... including numerous McDonalds's.

TFNF knows what he is talking about, including the side trip to Utrecht. The Dom climb is well worth it for a great view and an interesting narrative by the tour guide. Utrecht is also home to the Netherlands' only floating Red Light District, the girls work out of houseboats along the river Vecht. It is off Marnixlaan in the north of the city (Overvecht).

They have good ribs too! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

AMS is a huge cafe society... if sitting in/at a cafe having a coffee, beer, wine and/or "smoke" is not your thing, four days of museums awaut you. Just be sure to be ready to backtrack through some of them.

I'll be in Amsterdam in February, and this has been one of the most incredibly useful threads I've read on the subject. Thanks for all the helpful information!

But (with apologies) to turn back to the original subject of the thread: I attempted to register for USAir promotion #8923 (the promotion referenced in the second message in this thread) by telephone, and got a response that "the number you have entered is not valid." All of the promotions in the first message (8145, 4743, 4709) were accepted. Any insight into the mysterious #8923?

I'm not worried. Four days includes the day I arrive, which normally is a wash for me when I get to Europe -- walk around a bit, have an early dinner, and go to bed. I figure I'll be able to at least kill a couple of days at the museum, and Sunday (my last day there) is the day of rest, anyway. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

PS -- The trip was planned for three days, but USAirways sold out of the fare class I wanted on the later day http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

One question -- does it make sense to stay at an airport hotel before my flight back? It's at noon, so I don't know how early I have to get to the airport. Do most airport hotels have shuttles (any recommendations?)



[This message has been edited by pitflyer (edited 01-06-2002).]

pitflyer

Sounds like you've absorbed all of the relevant info.

I dont think there's a need for an airport hotel on last night, but if you get a good deal, take it and check in late. The train from central station to airport is less than 20 minutes and very convenient. And the flight doesnt leave very early.

Does the '4 days' also include the return flight day? You wont get anything productive done that day. If so, you can find enough stuff to do in 3 days in AMS. You have lots of good suggestions above.

No, it doesn't. I leave on Wednesday, arrive on Thursday and leave on Monday morning. The cheapest fares block out Fri-Sun travel, and Thursday was sold out in V class the weekend I wanted.

Well I've hijacked my own thread enough. Thanks to all for the input. Suffice to say, I will be getting ~65,000 miles for the $612 I spent for two tickets, not bad, and flying in Envoy roundtrip.

What international locations are services by A330s? Those are the ones with the upgraded entertainment system, right?

It's tempting. But didn't I just have a New Years resolution not to travel as much? Of course, I'm typing this from a hotel room, so maybe it's hopeless...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ebell:
What international locations are services by A330s? Those are the ones with the upgraded entertainment system, right?

It's tempting. But didn't I just have a New Years resolution not to travel as much? Of course, I'm typing this from a hotel room, so maybe it's hopeless...</font>


Well I Just convinced a friend to go to London with me on this deal. $281.20 tax inclusive each.

I know they fly the 330 to London, Frankfort, Manchester and Paris. This will be my first time on the 330, do the seat back TV's always work?

Chris

The entertainment system has worked fine the times I've flown the 330's; however, I've seen individual seats have systems that were not operating.

Hello, I am new to USAirways and am curious what a class V ticket flying out of Paris through Philly, to Toronto before the 31st of December, and back from Ottawa, through Philly, to Paris after the 31st of December, and booked offline since the site couldn't handle the different arrival/departure airports, is going to command roughly in frequent flyer miles.

I am also curious whether I can book my actual seat on the web or do I have to phone or even wait for the airport for that?

Any idea on either front would be most appreciated. Thanx, and yes, I am new to this,

Cure

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cure:
Hello, I am new to USAirways and am curious what a class V ticket flying out of Paris through Philly, to Toronto before the 31st of December, and back from Ottawa, through Philly, to Paris after the 31st of December, and booked offline since the site couldn't handle the different arrival/departure airports, is going to command roughly in frequent flyer miles.</font>

Welcome to Flyertalk, cure!

Your trip should net you 8438 preferred (status) miles. That's 3719 x 2 for the CDG-PHL and PHL-CDG segments, and the 500 minimum for PHL-YYZ and YOW-PHL segments. In addition, you may get various bonuses (such as online booking, etc) which will increase your total. You will want to read the bonus code threads in this forum, and sign up for the bonuses that apply to you.

As far as seats go, if you buy your ticket on usairways.com (which you should be able to, try the multi-city option) you can select seats online when you purchase. If you purchase your ticket at another website, such as Expedia or Orbitz, you will also be able to select seats online. If you are not given the option to select seats, just call US Airways reservations to get yourself assigned seats before the day of travel. Also, check http://www.seatguru.com/ for seating advice.

Enjoy your flights!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by markbach:
Welcome to Flyertalk, cure!

Your trip should net you 8438 preferred (status) miles. That's 3719 x 2 for the CDG-PHL and PHL-CDG segments, and the 500 minimum for PHL-YYZ and YOW-PHL segments. In addition, you may get various bonuses (such as online booking, etc) which will increase your total. You will want to read the bonus code threads in this forum, and sign up for the bonuses that apply to you. </font>

Perhaps these may help:

#4589 -- Join US Airways Dividend Miles and earn up to 5,000 bonus miles beginning November 1, 2002. New members will earn either:
(SNIP)

5,000 bonus miles with a first flight to any international destination in Canada, Europe, Central America, Mexico or the Caribbean

OR

#6935 (EXP 12/31/02) Fly US Airways to from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Manchester, Munich, Paris or Rome between September 15 and December 31, 2002 and earn up to 30,000 bonus miles. Eligible Fare Purchased Fly 1 Roundtrip & Earn
15,000 bonus miles (First/Envoy) * 10,000 bonus miles (Coach) ** Fly 2 Roundtrips & Earn 15,000 bonus miles (First/Envoy) *
30,000 bonus miles (Coach) *F, J or C fare classes. ** Y, B or M fare classes.

http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/6935.htm

Also, as seen here (http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/offers/usairways.htm#euro_promo), European residents get an additional 5000 miles for their first flight so it might be worth having your address in France as opposed to Canada.

Have a good trip!

Are these fares gone? A friend and I are considering 5-6 days in Paris or Rome in late Jan and the fares I'm getting from PHL are in the $550-600 range for upgradeable.

I've got 2 SWUs that expire end of Feb and 4 at the end of April and hate to waste them. I'm limiting our choices to London, Manchester, Paris, or Rome to fly the 330... just went to London and Manchester doesn't seem too attractive this time of year.

I'll book the $550 airfare, but was hoping for a little cheaper.

Transatlantic gurus -- on the days I'm looking (Thurs out, Tues return), I'm seeing 22/23 seats left in Envoy on the seatmap on the Rome flight. What would you put the chances of upgrade at? The Paris flights are slightly heavier...

[This message has been edited by kv99 (edited 11-29-2002).]

Don't forget they also fly the A-330 to Rome.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by FlyerAl:
Don't forget they also fly the A-330 to Rome.</font>

Correct, that's why I'm considering Rome.

edited to add -- I think you meant to say Frankfurt. Which is true (and my favorite of the transatlantic flights in terms of service, etc) but have you ever been to Germany in January??

Not a good option.

[This message has been edited by kv99 (edited 11-30-2002).]