US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - Infrequent flyer - 1st time to London

Hi everyone:

My wife & I usually only fly once a year, but we always fly on USAir from PHL.

May of 2004, we will be going to London for vacation (1st time to London). We accumulate hotel points pretty well and will stay in London with hotel award points. Since we only fly once a year, we only have 22K USAir miles, so we will be paying for the flight. I'm looking for ideas to get the best rate:

as of today $608 RT PHL to London

1) Is it best to book early or could a promo
develop? Its very unlikely that my travel
dates will change.

2) Any other ideas of how to save $$ on the
flight? I looked at the US Visa Platinum
card-- companion ticket does not include
Europe. We wish to continue to accumulate
hotel points by credit card.

3) What is the difference between airports
LHR vs LGW? Price is the same.

We started the dining program, which is helping the points also.

Thanks so much for any Ideas.

Well, I can provide some info, hopefully others will chip in as well.

For May 2004 I would definately wait. There is quite likely to be a sale between now and then. There is a cut off, around May or June when the fares go up, if you go before that cut off date you should be able to get MUCH lower fares than what you found.

As to airports, US only flies to LGW, if you saw LHR it must have been United codeshare. Gatwick (LGW) is a much smaller airport. I usually fly into Heathrow (LHR) but it doesnt matter much. There is high speed direct train service from both airports to central London. From LHR it goes to Paddington Station, I think the LGW train goes to Victoria Station. Most of all enjoy, London is one of the true great cities of the world!

[This message has been edited by GadgetFreak (edited 07-05-2003).]

I agree with the previous person...it is too early to book a fare that high....especially from the east coast. From the east coast anything over 500 in may...including taxes.. is too much. I suspect that you could do even better than that. I wouldn't even think that around 400 including taxes wouldn't be too unreasonable to expect...with patience.. and you have plenty of time. Impatience is definitely an enemy with searching for low fares to Europe.

With the ever weakening dollar and the fact that London is, IMHO, very expensive, you want to save as much as you can on the airfare.

And don't forget to check the UA website for booking UA codeshare flights on US metal. If you've been reading the US forum regularly, you'll know that there can be vastly different fares for the same seats, depending upon form which carrier you book the ticket. If you can get a cheaper fare on US metal through UA, I'd advise you to book it and give UA your Dividend Miles #.

Since you're a once-a-year flyer, you're probably not aware that the US flights from PHL to LGW are A330's, which have vastly better inflight entertainment systems than what you're probably used to, and are also a bit more comfortable than other aircraft. Try to book seats in the first coach cabin on the A330, which according to seatguru.com has an inch or two more legroom than the rear coach cabin.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gs88:

1) Is it best to book early or could a promo develop? Its very unlikely that my travel dates will change. </font>

I would put in PHL-London (all airports) into the farewatcher engine on Travelocity.com -- they will automatically e-mail you to let you know when the fares drop, and you can watch for a few months to see how the fares might come down.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">2) Any other ideas of how to save $$ on the flight? I looked at the US Visa Platinum card-- companion ticket does not include Europe. We wish to continue to accumulate hotel points by credit card. </font>

Make sure that you are signed up for USAirways' e-mail list -- they will let you know when they are specifically having any sales or promotions.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">2) What is the difference between airports LHR vs LGW? Price is the same.</font>

Either airport is easy enough to get to/from. There is a Heathrow Express and a Gatwick Express train that goes to/from each and I suppose the cost is the same for either too. I just took the Gatwick train a couple days ago and paid around 30 pounds for a round trip (they say "return") ticket.

Once you get there (or even on the web prior to going) you can get a TravelCard good for all city buses/tube/local trains within a certain timeperiod. You purchase by the day, and this can save some money if you use buses or the tube to get around. Sites like http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes/london_travel_card.htm
will sell you the pass prior to leaving the US, but be warned that they will only send you a voucher -- which you still have to turn in at any major tube station in order to get the card. You might save a few pounds to buy it before you leave, but you could just wait and buy it there since they make you go to a station to pick it up anyway and you can just purchase it on-the-spot (I think it was 4.50 pounds a day last week). Also see http://www.thetube.com for more info

I agree with others -- London can be expensive, so you certainly want to save all the money you can on your airfare/hotel/transportation. At least right now the exchange rate is horrible for US dollars.

Also, I would heartily agree with taking USAirways -- but make sure you get on an A330 plane. My trip over was on an older 767 and the entertainment selection (personal movies and shows on demand) on the A330 is fantastic by comparison to the older plane (just standard screenings for all in the cabin).

Finally, heed the seatguru.com selection criteria -- it will help you select seats no matter which airline/flight you take.

It's a fun city, and they speak English! Have a great trip.

[This message has been edited by elbidercni (edited 07-05-2003).]

These are excellent questions for www.fodors.com (http://www.fodors.com) then click Europe Forum and ask.

If you are travelling on the cheap, consider laterooms.com. These hotels may be cheaper than using your points.

As far as Gatwick versus Heathrow, it depends on where one is going. Both are almost as equally convenient. Taxis are cheaper from LHR because it's closer. The cheapest way (if you have only 1 suitcase) is the Underground from LHR. Gloucester Road hotels are convenient this way. Victoria Station hotels are convenient via Gatwick Express. Baywsater hotels are somewhat convenient by Underground and very convenient by Airbus.

Fodors posters know very little about ff programs but can answer questions like "cheap hotels in Brussels"

I agree with everything said above. I would add that even after purchasing your tickets, continue to keep an eye on the fare. If it goes down below what you paid, call US and ask for a credit. They will mail you a credit for the difference to be used within 1 year on a future flight. You may not fly often, but as long as it's within a year, you can often save on future travel.

Most of all, have a great time. London is a super city. Be sure to check out the food halls at Harrod's (Tube to Knightsbridge).

Some good suggestions. Getting a TravelCard to ride the subway (tube) and buses is a great idea. I try to stay off the subway only because it is, well, a subway. It is cleaner than others but you are still flying around in a tube underground. The buses are slower, but they go more places and you can see the city. Last time I went there for a weekend I got one a TravelCard (this is for the city-run transportation system) and a bus ticket for one of the all day tour buses. That let me go all over and get guided tour info on the tour bus. I go to London sometimes 6 times a year and still learn something on the tours.

As to hotels, be aware that weekend rates can be MUCH, MUCH lower than during the week. As an example last time I was there (last month) I had a room for 80 pounds a night (weekend rate) that was about 300 pounds during the week. It may make sense to book weekend and week rooms if you are there to get the maximum discount. Some places may do that automatically, changing the rate for different days. Just be aware of the potentially huge difference.

As to things to see, the Tower is sort of a must. Get to the tower early in the day. I would also not miss the British Museum which has in it the refurbished and beautiful reading room of the old British Library. Another thing to consider is attending a service at Westminster Abbey. They let you in the central area which is normally closed. If you attend Evening Song the music on the pipe organ and by the choir is wonderful. Time for me to head back, I miss it already. I have a weekend or two open in August! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Right now just unjoying what is I suspect unseasonably nice winter weather in MEL.

To expand on the Heathrow/Gatwick discussion -

If you always fly from PHL, and you want to fly on USAirways, be sure your destination is LGW. If the USAirways schedules come up with LHR, then you'll be on a United codeshare and therefore making a connection somewhere since UA doesn't fly nonstop from PHL to LHR. Only BA does.

Thanks everyone for all the responses and ideas.

I'll be staying at the Hilton Paddington so I would like to take advantage of the direct train to Paddington station (stops at the Hilton Paddington) from LHR.

Therefore, I would like to fly PHL to LHR nonstop. Is this not possible with USAirways? I would like to get USAirway miles, nonstop flight and land at LHR if this is possible. If not, what would be my most convenient option to get USAirways miles?

Thanks again.

Unfortunately US only flies to LGW, as stated above. To get US miles, on a flight to LHR, you would need to fly with United, which means connecting or traveling to Newark, Washington Dulles or JFK.

In addition, US will, by May next year, have
joined the Star Alliance of airlines, which would then give you the option of flying from PHL to Frankfurt with Lufthansa, then connecting to Heathrow. I would prefer UA to Lufthansa in coach though (more room and you get seat-back TV's).

I would actually prefer LGW to LHR - it's an easier airport to use, and tends to be less crowded.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gs88:
Thanks everyone for all the responses and ideas.

I'll be staying at the Hilton Paddington so I would like to take advantage of the direct train to Paddington station (stops at the Hilton Paddington) from LHR.
</font>

Hi,
If you want to fly direct from PHL to LHR, the only carrier that does that specific route is British Airways, as mentioned above. If you want to accrue US Airways DM Miles, then your options would largely be based on where you want to land vs. number of connections.

If it is most important to land in LHR, then fly with United connecting in Chicago, New York or Washington [trying to get on one of their newer 777s]. If you want a direct flight to the UK, fly with US Airways [trying to get on one of their newer A330s] although they land in Gatwick, LGW.

From Gatwick you could either catch the train into Victoria and then get the underground (circle line) round to Paddington, or get a train to Reading and another one into Paddington. From LHR you can take the vastly over-priced BAA train direct into Paddington.

Personally, I would fly into Gatwick as it is a much, much nicer airport than Heathrow and then take the train and underground since the arrival time is outside of the rush hour. If you are lucky with the timing when you get to book tickets you should probably be able to get a cheap special discount 'esaver' like fare of around $300 or so. Try siging up for such promotions at USAirways.com

Regards,
lgw741

And to amplify on GadgetFreak's suggestion about the tour buses, we find them particularly useful to board just as soon as we get to London early in the AM after taking our bags over to the the hotel and leaving them with the bellmen.
At that time your hotel room will generally not be ready and this is an excellent way to orient yourself to the city and to wait for the room without knocking yourself out physically after a (sometimes sleepless) night on an airplane.

I would suggest flying on the nonstop to LGW, taking the train to Victoria station and a taxi to Paddington. It is a lot less hassle that taking a flight to IAD and connecting on UA to LHR. A lot less http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

My wife and I spent a week in London last fall...I'm sure you'll love it. It is a very expensive city, as mentioned, so be prepared.
The taxis are very expensive...a trip from LHR to the city can run you close to $100 USD. You can find private car services that will run half of what a taxi costs.
Based on advise I received before we went, I chose not to get the TravelCard...which was good advise. Depending on what zones you travel in (mostly zones 1 or 2 for downtown sights), it was cheaper just to buy a daily ticket in the Tube station each day. You can use credit cards at automated machines.
I would also recommend waiting on the airfare...you should be able to get it at $400 (or maybe less) if you wait.

[This message has been edited by ExpoTrac (edited 07-07-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ExpoTrac:

Based on advise I received before we went, I chose not to get the TravelCard...which was good advise. Depending on what zones you travel in (mostly zones 1 or 2 for downtown sights), it was cheaper just to buy a daily ticket in the Tube station each day. You can use credit cards at automated machines.
</font>


I also did this at the advice of a friend, and it ended up being a good money-saving tip.

One more thing to note -- Beware the Hilton Green Park. The location is fabulous, but the hotel is really shabby. My room had mold on the shower ceiling, holes in the walls, peeling wallpaper, etc. I requested a room change, but they told me they were fully booked. There were also holes in the carpet in the hallways, and the ground in the hallways was not level. In short, this hotel was so far below the standards of what I would expect from a Hilton -- even in Europe -- that I was appalled. I later found out that Hilton recently acquired this hotel, so maybe they plan to renovate, but proceed with caution. I guess it's true that you get what you pay for (except on US)!

(Post edited due to duplicate content. I would have deleted it, but that feature is likely to be "abused".)

[This message has been edited by ayb1 (edited 07-09-2003).]

Just to say that, as mentioned above, London is expensive. A good rule of thumb is that something which would normally cost a dollar in the US will cost a pound in England. Personally, as a Londoner, I would say try if you possibly can to get out of London on a day trip to some place like Cambridge, Oxford or Bath or Stonehenge or one of the dozens of other great places. The rest of the UK is very different and it's always a shame when Americans only come to see London.

[This message has been edited by Julian (edited 07-09-2003).]

I didn't care for the buses that much. They tended to get snarled up in traffic and using them for transportation was a little tricky for us since we did not really know where the stops are -- we ended up missing the stop we wanted since we weren't sure where we were.

The next time we visit London, we'll probably spend our tourism dollars on the London Walks. The two that we took were very good. The tour guides were very good story tellers and being able to interact with them was much better than a cheesy taped recording on the bus.

&gt;"The next time we visit London, we'll probably spend our tourism dollars on the London Walks. The two that we took were very good. The tour guides were very good story tellers and being able to interact with them was much better than a cheesy taped recording on the bus."

I think there is room for both types of touring. I find the bus tour good for getting the lay of the land, so to speak, and one can get on and off. London Walks are great, covering a particular topic or area of London.

Jane in PHL (PS: The ATMs in LGW are on the second floor by McDonalds, which, BTW. will give you change in BPs if you pay in US$.)

Regarding the train into the city, check the web regularly. Last winter Britrail had a number of sales on the Heathrow Express to Paddington station that were close to 50% off.

I agree with Jane about the getting the lay of the land on the buses. You can cover a lot of ground on them. While I love walking in London (especially down Whitehall and along the river) the buses (both kinds can get you around faster. The tube (if it isnt broken) is faster still but you cant see anything. A bus tour gives you a good overview of the city. Get some maps and look at them ahead of time. ALso people will tell you if you ask politely. I just dont have much of a problem with the buses.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JanePond:
...(PS: The ATMs in LGW are on the second floor by McDonalds...)</font>

Actually, there are two ATMS by the restrooms on the second floor (not sure if this is what you meant) -- I've found this is the easiest way to remember how to find them, since there are quite a few signs that point you there!

I always stop and get my pounds there rather than exchanging anywhere else. Makes it easy.

There are also some ATMs around the corner from Boots on the main floor as well as one directly across from the exit from customs next to the elevators down to the Envoy arrival lounge.

If you are taking the Gatwick Express train to Victoria, it is not necessary to buy your tickets before you get on the train. You can purchase your tickets on the train with cash or credit cards. I find this much easier than standing in the ticket line.

You pay for that benefit, though. It is cheaper to buy the tickets.

At LGW, you can even buy them while waiting to pick up your luggage.
--Alex

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ayb1:
You pay for that benefit, though. It is cheaper to buy the tickets.

--Alex</font>

How do you get the tickets cheaper? May was the last time that I took the Gatwick Express and one of my traveling companions bought his ticket at the airport, and his purchase price was the same as mine.

Some train systems charge more for the conductor-sold ticket than a station/kiosk purchased ticket. I've run into that situation in several European places, but never been to England (timing of cockroach fares hasn't been useful for me yet) so I can't speak to their policies.

As others have pointed out, I'd most definitely wait before buying.

Another option from PHL to LHR would be AA via BOS. There is a day time flight option here if you want to use that.

I'd also look at Newark-LHR flights. CO sometimes will sell tickets on that route (codeshare on Virgin planes) for several hundred dollars less than Virgin.

YOU MIGHT ALSO KEEP YOUR EYE ON LUFTHANSA
FARES CONNECTING THRU FRANKFURT.YOU GET PLENTY OF MILES..RIGHT NOW THEY ARE USING CONDOR PLANES FROM PHL (767)
lUFTHANSA HAS BEEN RUNNING LOWER FARES TO LONDON THAN TO FRANKFURT DURING SOME SEASONS.

YOU MIGHT CHECK THE STRAND PALACE HOTEL,
RIGHT IN THE THEATRE DISTRICT AND BEHIND COVENT GARDEN.IF YOU ARE THERE ON A WEEKEND.

I STAYED ON A WEEKEND IN MAY FOR 55 POUNDS
SINGLE AND THE DOUBLE WAS 75 INCLUDING FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST.. IT IS A LARGE OLDER
HOTEL BUT SO ARE ALL THE LONDON HOTELS.
BOOKED ON LINE.

IT IS RIGHT ACROSS FROM THE SAVOY..ONE OF THE RITZIEST HOTELS IN TOWN.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by billhar:
YOU MIGHT ALSO KEEP YOUR EYE ON LUFTHANSA
FARES CONNECTING THRU FRANKFURT.YOU GET PLENTY OF MILES..RIGHT NOW THEY ARE USING CONDOR PLANES FROM PHL (767)
lUFTHANSA HAS BEEN RUNNING LOWER FARES TO LONDON THAN TO FRANKFURT DURING SOME SEASONS.

YOU MIGHT CHECK THE STRAND PALACE HOTEL,
RIGHT IN THE THEATRE DISTRICT AND BEHIND COVENT GARDEN.IF YOU ARE THERE ON A WEEKEND.

I STAYED ON A WEEKEND IN MAY FOR 55 POUNDS
SINGLE AND THE DOUBLE WAS 75 INCLUDING FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST.. IT IS A LARGE OLDER
HOTEL BUT SO ARE ALL THE LONDON HOTELS.
BOOKED ON LINE.

IT IS RIGHT ACROSS FROM THE SAVOY..ONE OF THE RITZIEST HOTELS IN TOWN.

</font>

billhar - I noticed that last Friday, it was a LH 767, and then on Tuesday, a Condor 767 - interesting switch. Otherwise, good input, but please stop yelling.

As an advisory, it seems that US may be short-staffing the LGW check-in desk. My parents flew LGW-PIT yesterday, and reported that they waited in the check-in line for well over an hour, until all PIT pax were called to the Envoy desk for emergency check-in. Apparently only 4 agents were serving all coach passengers on the mid-day CLT, PHL and PIT flights.

I think they want to get US miles so AA wouldnt work for them. They could use UA or LH from JFK/EWR. I havent flown LH for 2 years or so but I would say their coach product doesnt compare well to US on a 330 or UA on a 777 (or for that matter AA on a 777 but I dont think they want that). Since they want to book ahead the super cheap fares that are SOMETIMES announced probably wont work for them (like the $99 each way JFK-LHR this past May). As to hotels, I have stayed at the Strand Palace 3 or 4 times and it is a good recommendation but I think they are staying at a hotel using points so probably not relevent. Strand Palace is a great location, not too far from anything in central London. Smallish but clean and nice rooms. Friendly staff. My favorite hotel in London is the Covent Garden Hotel, not to far from there but it costs rather more.