I am looking to fly to Brazil (GRU/GIG) from JFK this august, and looking to get First class (on Aeroplan or continental points). No JJ flights avail. Question is, does JJ have a specific time that they open up seats (like I know LX and LH and many airlines do)? Also, whats their award invintory code (so I can put on alert with ExpertFlyer) for J, F awards? Also, if I get a hold of "TAM Fidelidade" points, do they have a flex option to get J, F seats for more points? And whats the next best option to fly with? (I have points from all alliances). Thanks!
GetSetJetSet
Apr 12, 11, 11:21 am
I am looking to fly to Brazil (GRU/GIG) from JFK this august, and looking to get First class (on Aeroplan or continental points). No JJ flights avail. Question is, does JJ have a specific time that they open up seats (like I know LX and LH and many airlines do)? Also, whats their award invintory code (so I can put on alert with ExpertFlyer) for J, F awards? Also, if I get a hold of "TAM Fidelidade" points, do they have a flex option to get J, F seats for more points? And whats the next best option to fly with? (I have points from all alliances). Thanks!
I've heard nothing but bad things about TAM F. Does CO fly a 752 or 777 from EWR to GIG/GRU or just the 764 with the old seats? I'd take CO new BF if you can. My last trip to brazil I took AA F after a stop in MIA...to be honest I probably prefer CO new BF to AA F. I think you can take UA through IAD, not sure if they are 2 or 3 cabin on that route.
moebod
Apr 14, 11, 3:01 pm
its the ols seats, and besides, its not avail with co either! (even with plat). ua has 3 cabins from IAD but I would love to get either the TAM or AA direct... and whats the ruling with Tam or AA with when they open up avail? no seats are taken at all on either one....I've heard nothing but bad things about TAM F. Does CO fly a 752 or 777 from EWR to GIG/GRU or just the 764 with the old seats? I'd take CO new BF if you can. My last trip to brazil I took AA F after a stop in MIA...to be honest I probably prefer CO new BF to AA F. I think you can take UA through IAD, not sure if they are 2 or 3 cabin on that route.
neuromancer
Apr 15, 11, 1:05 pm
Question is, does JJ have a specific time that they open up seats (like I know LX and LH and many airlines do)?
Yes, 6 months in advance for intercontinental flights. You can't book award flights for more time in advance.
fly747first
Apr 15, 11, 2:44 pm
I am looking to fly to Brazil (GRU/GIG) from JFK this august, and looking to get First class (on Aeroplan or continental points). No JJ flights avail. Question is, does JJ have a specific time that they open up seats (like I know LX and LH and many airlines do)? Also, whats their award invintory code (so I can put on alert with ExpertFlyer) for J, F awards? Also, if I get a hold of "TAM Fidelidade" points, do they have a flex option to get J, F seats for more points? And whats the next best option to fly with? (I have points from all alliances). Thanks!
TAM F has extremely poor award availability. However, you are not missing anything great. Here's a link to a full report I wrote on TAM F:
Send me a private message if you would like to see some pictures.
Thanks, I guess all you FTers rule out my 1 friend who has mentioned that Tam F was better than AA and CO....but I trust you guys more!
Nothing is available with aa, co, (or ua stopover) though, either. Any suggestions?
Yes, 6 months in advance for intercontinental flights. You can't book award flights for more time in advance.I was refering to closer to the date of travel, if they open up a week or 2 before the flight....
fly747first
Apr 17, 11, 12:12 pm
Thanks, I guess all you FTers rule out my 1 friend who has mentioned that Tam F was better than AA and CO....but I trust you guys more!
Nothing is available with aa, co, (or ua stopover) though, either. Any suggestions?
I was refering to closer to the date of travel, if they open up a week or 2 before the flight....
Well, to clarify, AA does have a terrible international first class, but CO only has business class on international flights, not first.
In my experience, TAM won't open award seats closer to departure, especially in F.
neuromancer
Apr 17, 11, 9:12 pm
TAM has only 4 seats in first class, so I guess if they open a seat and it's taken, that's it.
moebod
Apr 18, 11, 11:08 am
Well, to clarify, AA does have a terrible international first class, but CO only has business class on international flights, not first.
In my experience, TAM won't open award seats closer to departure, especially in F.ok, but if I had a choice of CO J, or AA F, which would you advise is better?
TAM has only 4 seats in first class, so I guess if they open a seat and it's taken, that's it.Thanks for that info.
fly747first
Apr 21, 11, 11:32 am
ok, but if I had a choice of CO J, or AA F, which would you advise is better?
Thanks for that info.
Between AA F and CO J, of course the best option would be AA F. You will get a more comfortable flat bed with far more space. Crew/pax ratio will also be superior to CO since AA typically assigns 3 FAs to its 16-seat international F cabin.