Mileage Run Deals - AY(AA): JFK-MAD/BRU/LHR/CDG/AMS/etc, from $605 a/i, post-AUG travel

Fairly decent prices for post-August travel on finnair.com. 3-day min, although some routings may require an overnight in HEL on the return, effectively making it a 4-day min.

RLWECO - R fares give full EQM/elite bonus on AA (although I believe the AA site is in error when they list AY "R" as "Full Fare Economy Class", but, whatever.) And, routing through HEL picks up a few extra miles over a more-direct routing from other carriers; for example, the MAD route is 5950 miles!

Wide-open availability.

Sample pricing:

JFK-MAD, 17JAN-20JAN, $605
JFK-GVA, 17JAN-20JAN, $616
JFK-BUD, 17JAN-20JAN, $623
JFK-BRU, 17JAN-20JAN, $629
JFK-AMS, 17JAN-20JAN, $634
JFK-CDG, 17JAN-20JAN, $636

Slightly higher in Sept:

JFK-MAD, 07SEP-10SEP, $693
JFK-FCO, 06SEP-09SEP, $700
JFK-GVA, 04SEP-09SEP, $703
JFK-PRG, 06SEP-09SEP, $708
JFK-LHR, 06SEP-09SEP, $721

How is Finnair coach compared to AA int'l coach?

lets hope Star matches.

How is Finnair coach compared to AA int'l coach?

And does AY give free beer/wine?

And does AY give free beer/wine?

I struggle to think of any aligned European carriers that do not, TATL.

One World Emeralds are entitled to free use of the spa adjacent to the HEL non-Shengen lounge. Four different kinds of sauna/steam rooms, plus whirlpool. A range of paid treatments (massage, facials, mud baths, etc.) available, too. Especially nice before or after a coach flight. The lounge isn't remarkable in the way of refreshments but after an hour in the spa you won't care.

EXPs are entitled to free use of the spa adjacent to the HEL non-Shengen lounge. Four different kinds of sauna/steam rooms, plus whirlpool. A range of paid treatments (massage, facials, mud baths, etc.) available, too. Especially nice before or after a coach flight. The lounge isn't remarkable in the way of refreshments but after the spa you won't care.

Is it free? I've also heard reports of an admission charge, even for EXP.

Is it free? I've also heard reports of an admission charge, even for EXP.

I last used the spa at no charge in December. Oddly, I can't find it on the website; perhaps there has been a change. I hope not!

AY is not a great carrier but it's good compared to AA coach. I flew on it in October. Free liquor in coach. Service is good but nothing to write home about. The lounge in Helsinki is spectacular. Finnish design, very modern. Simply the best one I have seen so far. You could use the spa for $$$ if you are in coach--I was not One World status then so couldn't use it for free.

Any EXP should be able to get into the spa free regardless of class of service, otherwise it's 45€ (unless policy has changed).

I was once op-upped to business and very much appreciated the 180 lie-flat seats, though the cabin and the food felt a little spartan. The northern lands have a different concept of luxury. Actually, the food was downright weird, especially in coach. But HEL is a very civilized airport IME.

Finnair Spa is closed permanently.

Finnair Spa is closed permanently.

Yeah, AY rep at HKG told me it was a big selling point for them... the loss of the SPA was not good

I've been looking at some similar BUD fares - also pricing in low $600s well through next year. The BUD fares have been around for about 2 months now, and haven't seen anyone match.

I've never been hungrier than on a transcontinental AY flight (ICN-HEL-TXL). Very little food and no snack service in the back. HEL is a lovely airport, though.

I agree lounge is beautiful, just used it last week, although premium alcohol has to be paid for, also food selection is limited to hot dogs and hot soup. I did fly business on intraeurope, food was more similar to AA's TATL coach.

This is an even better deal from the WC. LAX and SFO in play.

Example: SFO-ORD-HEL-MAD = 16,230 miles RT.

Sept/Oct from $905
Jan/Feb from $818

Finnair Spa is closed permanently.

too bad I enjoyed it few times

too bad I enjoyed it few times

The company that went bankrupt was Air Finland, a charter airline not related to Finnair.

How is Finnair coach compared to AA int'l coach?

There are similar fares on 'Finnair' out of Chicago running $50 -$100 higher but in the fine print the transatlantic segment says 'operated by American Airlines' so it is AA metal to Helsinki and then Finnair to your final destination. They are showing good fares to many non-hub destination cities which are usually pricier.

I am looking at ORD-DEL and while AY fares are good, there is an 11 hour connection in HEL. :(

I am looking at ORD-DEL and while AY fairs are good, there is an 11 hour connection in HEL. :(
Beats eternity! :p

Beats eternity! [11 hrs at HEL]:p

The incoming flight arrives in the morning. In the old days, I would have gone into town, but now visa fees have turned that into an expensive hassle. Had it been night time, one could try to sleep. They have even removed the Lounge spa. So, in the end, thanks but no thanks.

The incoming flight arrives in the morning. In the old days, I would have gone into town, but now visa fees have turned that into an expensive hassle. Had it been night time, one could try to sleep. They have even removed the Lounge spa. So, in the end, thanks but no thanks.

US citizens do not need a visa for visits shorter than 90 days (I guess aktchi's nationality is OT :)).

If you for some reason do need a visa, then it is valid for all the Schengen countries which include the desintations in the OP's post

This is an even better deal from the WC. LAX and SFO in play.

Example: SFO-ORD-HEL-MAD = 16,230 miles RT.

Sept/Oct from $905
Jan/Feb from $818

Outrageous pricing for a mileage run at 5.5 cpm, 11 cpeqm.

US citizens do not need a visa for visits shorter than 90 days (don't know about aktchi's nationality but considering the ORD-DEL talk he might be Indian and in that case in need of a visa)...If you for some reason do need a visa, then it is valid for all the Schengen countries which include the desintations in the OP's post

Good guess! I have Indian passport and US green card. While I need a visa in many countries for a proper visit (>24 hours), but this kind of transit is often possible for free. I just haven't looked into it and must come forth with the truth: My main hesitation is that I am not a young student any longer and an 11 hour connection gives me a pause; OTOH if it is several hundred dollars cheaper, I could be tempted. :)

Here is an article on rising visa fees you may find interesting: http://www.vagabondjourney.com/travelogue/tourist-visa-fees-on-the-rise.

Outrageous pricing for a mileage run at 5.5 cpm, 11 cpeqm.

It's only outrageous if you do the math incorrectly; I'm currently seeing $926 for 16602 miles which is right at 5.6cpeqm/2.3cprdm.

Beats eternity! :p

The incoming flight arrives in the morning. In the old days, I would have gone into town, but now visa fees have turned that into an expensive hassle. Had it been night time, one could try to sleep. They have even removed the Lounge spa. So, in the end, thanks but no thanks.

I don't think you got the joke.

I don't think you got the joke.

I did get the joke, and it was a good one. I just continued to brood about my choices and dilemma.