Jan 2, 2015, 8:37 am
Last edit by: theultimateflyer
Welcome to the thread — please read the wiki first as it contains lots of information which may answer your question. We keep track of other prices, as well as useful reference information for those planning tier point runs.
This is a community-maintained wiki post. Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below!
Current Promotions of Interest
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This thread lists attractive tier point (TP) runs under Ł3 per TP grouped within different (departure) geographies
Please note the following:
Please use the following convention when adding tier point runs to this wiki post:
Date fare checked | Price per Tier Point | Total Price | Total Tier Points | Route | Booking Classes | Booking Channel | Credit | Notes (if applicable) | Airlines
Please remember to:
From Europe
17DEC | Ł0.75/TP | Ł909 | 1200 | DUB-LHR-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-DUB | I/I/A/A/A/A/I/I | aa.com | perthflyer | BA AA
30JUL | Ł0.93/TP | Ł335 | 360 | JER-LGW-SSH-LGW-JER | J/I/I/J | ba.com | dom462 | CE | BA
01 NOV | Ł0.99/TP | Ł1343 | 1360 | CPH-HEL-LHR-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-CPH | I/I/I/A/P/P/A/I/I/I | ITA Matrix | MrMutton
19 AUG | Ł1.01/TP | Ł1,375 (1938 EUR) | 1360 | DUB-HEL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-DUB | IIIAAAAIII | OttoMH | J/F | AY BA AA
16 AUG | Ł1.22/TP | Ł1,675 (21.5k NOK) | 1360 | OSL-HEL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-OSL | IIIAAAAIII | OttoMH | J/F | AY BA AA
16 AUG | Ł1.27/TP | Ł1,518 (19.5k NOK) | 1200 | OSL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-OSL | IIAAAAII | OttoMH | J/F | BA AA
14AUG | Ł1.31/TP | Ł470 | 360 | OSL-HEL-AGP-HEL-OSL | I-I-I-I | ITA | Flythe96flag | SH J cabin + possible red-eye (!) | AY
04 SEP | Ł1.31/TP | Ł1,220 (1681 EUR) | 910 | DME-MAD-JFK-LAX-MIA-MAD-DME | all in I | iberia.com | henkybaby | J | BA AA IB | works till 6/16 so far
23AUG | Ł1.34/TP | Ł1148 | 860 | DUB-PHL-PHX-LAS-PHX-JFK-LHR,LCY-DUB | I/P/P/P/P/I/I | ticketed on aa.com | megaloman | AA & BA (UD on 747 JFK-LHR)
17AUG | Ł1.67/TP | Ł1408 |840 |BHX-JFK-PHX-LAS & back | I-A-A-A-A-I | aa.com |Swiss Tony | AA ski slope bed on TATL | AA
26JUL | Ł1.81/TP | Ł72.70 | 40 | MAD-FRA | Z | lan.com | Prospero | 787 flat bed | LA
23NOV | Ł1.89/TP | Ł377 | 200 | DUB-LHR-MAD-SVQ r/t | I-I-I-I-I-I | ITA | Lorcancoyle | IM0B IB DUB to SVQ | BA and IB flights (I2 for domestic under IB code), random dates in December available, A340 on some dates (helpfully pointed out by Temps that domestic Spain is only 20 TPs)
17 AUG | Ł1.89/TP | Ł1818 | 960 | OSL-LON-KUL//SIN-SYD/SYD-PER/PER-SYD-SIN/SIN-LHR-OSL | BugAlugs | J | BA QF | INCSALE ended 14thSep - (Applied GUF via TA (moves J to F on BA longhaul and scores 1260 TPS in total)
31 DEC | Ł1.91/TP | Ł1220 | 640 | AMS-LHR-MIA-SCL // EZE-JFK-LHR-BCN | J/I/I-I/I/J | AA.com | nufnuf77 (can also return to LHR for Ł20 less but 40TP less
13NOV | Ł2.56/TP | Ł410 | 160 | LHR-HEL | ? | BA.com | Lorcancoyle | wide open as flight+hotel, can reduce with TCB cash back | BA
1JAN | Ł1.85/TP | Ł444 | 240 | JER-LGW/LHR-HEL | J/I/I/J | ITA Matrix | flatlander | Available most weekends first half of 2016, fare IM0R
24NOV | Ł1.91/TP | Ł765.00 | 400 | BUD-DOH-SHJ | I/A/I/A | QR.com | Wozza2404 | A320 | QR
7DEC | Ł2.24/TP | Ł942 | 420 | MAD-MIA-SXM-CLT-JFK-LHR | I/I/I/A/I | ticketed on aa.com | megaloman | other routings possible earning more TPs could have lower the price with added LHR-CDG leg to Ł865 (Ł2.06/TP)
22JAN | Ł2.29/TP | Ł640 | 280 | FCO-CMB-FCO | I/I | book on SriLankan website | theultimateflyer
From North, Central and South America
31JUL | Ł0.39/TP | Ł484 | 1240 | HNL-LAX-BOS-MIA-BAQ-MIA-PHL-LAX-HNL | AAAIIAAA | ITA Matrix | Pawel Siewko | AA
16OCT | Ł0.55/TP | Ł298.50 | 540 | JFK-LAX-DEN-LAX-JFK | P-P-P-P | aa.com | Calum | AA A321t F seat between JFK & LAX (FARE GONE)
16JUL | Ł0.57/TP | Ł554 | 980 | LAX-LAS-PHX-PHL-CLT-TPA-MIA-PTY-MIA-PHL-PHX-LAS-LAX | PPPPPPIIPPPP | aa.com | Airprox | AA + US
27JUL | Ł0.80/TP | Ł15.94 | 20 | VVC-BOG-MDE | A | lan.com | JohnnyColombia | A is economy on LA | LA
08NOV | Ł0.84/TP | Ł772.50 | 920 | KOA-LAX-CLT-SJU-CLT-LAX-KOA | AAIIAA | aa.com | Lappe | Same day turnarounds available
30SEP | Ł0.87/TP | Ł808.00 | 920 | BOG-MIA-LAX-HNL-LAX-MIA-BOG | I-P-P-P-P-I | aa.com | JohnnyColombia | No comments
20SEP | Ł1.00/TP | Ł663.20 | 660 | LGA-BOS-LAX-PHX-LAX-BOS-LGA | P-P-P-P-P-P | americanairlines.co.uk | njf63 | TCON on 737 so not too comfortable but good availability next Mar/Apr
21AUG | Ł1.05 | Ł253 | 240 | BOS-PHL-PIT-PHL-BOS | PPPP | aa.com | Simon Schus | AA op by US
02NOV | Ł1.27/TP | Ł1250 | 980 | MCO-MIA-LAX-HNL | A | AA | Mr 1A
05AUG | Ł1.37/TP | Ł578 | 420 | LAS-PHL-LAS | A/P | aa.com | Lucanesque | First | AA op by US
28JUL | Ł1.43/TP | Ł400 | 280 | SCL-IPC-SCL | Z | lan.com - Chilean version | moonman85 | 787 flat bed | LAN
06NOV | Ł1.67/TP | Ł66.00 | 40 | JFK-YYZ | Z | tam.com.br | frb98mf | Fifth Freedom flight every Wed/Fri/Sun, 767 flat bed
13NOV | Ł1.06/TP | Ł705 | 660 | RIC-CLT-PHL-PHX-PHL-CLT-RIC | A | AA.com | wenzlydale | 2 trips this year - mixture of A320s and B757s not a lot of food offered but all the G&Ts you could wish for
07JAN|Ł1.24/TP | Ł668 | 540 | SEA-MIA-ATL-CLT-SEA | P/P/P/P | aa.com | EsherFlyer | 24h transcon bounce. All I could fit in...
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
18AUG | Ł1.25/TP | Ł440.00 | 360 | BKK-KUL-ICN Return | Z | www.malaysiaairlines.com | Wozza2404 | A330 Angle Flat for long haul sectors | MH
12OCT | Ł1.68/TP | Ł1,546 | 920 | TLV-MAD-LHR-JFK-LAX-JFK-LHR-MAD-TLV | I/I/I/I/I/I/I | iberia.com | frb98mf | Business (bonus: A330/A340 on the TLV legs!) | IB
24NOV | Ł1.43/TP | Ł803 | 560 | CTS-HKG-DPS-HKG-CTS | I/I/I/I | cathaypacific.com | zeltergiset | One 24hr+ stopover in HKG allowed | CX
06JAN | Ł1.86/TP | Ł856 | 460 | HND-HKG-DPS-HKG-CTS | I/I/I/I | cathaypacific.com | Gastrocnemius | One 24hr+ stopover in HKG allowed | CX
11JAN | Ł1.26/TP | Ł707 | 560 | KTM-KUL-TPE-KUL-KTM | D/D/D/D | malaysiaairlines.com | zeltergiset | MH
11JAN | Ł1.68/TP | Ł940 | 560 | TPE-KUL-KTM-KUL-TPE | D/D/D/D | malaysiaairlines.com | zeltergiset | MH
From Africa
11AUG | Ł0.89/TP | Ł748 | 840 | ACC-LHR-MIA-LAX-MIA-LHR-ACC | I/I/I/I/I/I/I/I | iberia call centre | njf63 | CW / AA J | IB
15NOV | Ł2.00/TP | Ł1200 | 600 | CPT-DOH-JFK-DOH-CPT | I/I/I/I | QR Website | Calum | QR J on the B788/A350 & 46hrs of flying | QR
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Need a year-end TP run (ex-LON) to make / retain status?
Some tips for searching for the year-end TP run for newcomers, the below is indicative only, but hopefully provides a bit of guidance for relatively straightforward runs ex-LON. Prospero's guide to using ITA matrix in post 3 (here along with these ideas, might come in handy. Feel free to share results, problems or general questions in the thread as these may not always work and there might be better deals out there...
For overnight trips remember to check BA and Iberia for their flights and hotel option as well, can get hotel for almost no extra cost at times
Need 80 TPs or less
Club Europe return somewhere close by is best - DUB, AMS and JER usually cheapest. AMS and JER easier than DUB for an immediate turnaround. The BA.com low fare finder can be very useful.
If you need as few as 45 TPs you might consider booking economy flights and hoping for a proactive online upgrade offer - but they're not guaranteed to materialise (so not one if you have no more time left in your TP collection year)
Or a slightly more interesting fun run
Need 85-120 TPs
Iberia flights via MAD to regional Spanish airports will get you 120 TPs as the domestic Spanish flights are 20 TPs in business. Under Ł300 including hotel can be available. Check BIO, GRX, VLC, BCN, SVQ etc. Example here
Need 125-160 TPs
Take a look at the shorthaul plus routes earning 80 TPs each way in business listed in the first post (here) MLA, IST, HEL and RAK are usually available. If time sensitive take a look at BA flight and hotel option to HEL, where you can usually get the last BA flight out on a Saturday, airport hotel and first return Sunday for well under Ł500.
Alternative options include positioning to JER and flying JER-LGW-XXX (AMS usually works well and avoids switching airports)
Need more than 160 TPs
You'll most likely be heading north then - OSL or VLL via HEL will get you 240 TPs, as will JER-LGW/LHR-HEL e.g. LHR-HEL-OSL for Ł520
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Historic information
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
This is a community-maintained wiki post. Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below!
Current Promotions of Interest
- from DUB to US IJN8S4Z1 reported here, e.g. JFK - €1,074, MIA - €1,119, LAS - €1,224, LAX - €1,296, HNL - €1,623, needs to be booked by 2 February, for outbound travel over Easter and summer 2016, see linked post for details
- from DUB to US ILN8S4Z1 reported here, e.g. JFK - €920, MIA - €958, LAS - €1,048, LAX - €1,110, needs to be booked by 2 February, for outbound travel over November and Christmas & New Year 2016, see linked post for details
- from DUB to US ILR28AP reported here, e.g. JFK - €1,538, MIA - €1,601, LAS - €1,751, LAX - €1,854, HNL - €1,834, this is an advanced purchase fare so no book by deadline, no stopovers, see linked post for details
- from DUB to US ILN8S4E1 reported here, e.g. JFK - €1,538, MIA - €1,601, LAS - €1,751, LAX - €1,854, HNL - €1,834, this is an advanced purchase fare so no book by deadline, allows stopovers for €75, see linked post for details
- from CPH to US ILR21AP reported here, e.g. JFK - Ł890, MIA - Ł1,132, ORD - Ł942, LAX - Ł1,277, HNL - Ł1,361, this is an advanced purchase fare so no book by deadline, no stopovers, see linked post for details
- from CPH to US ILN2S4E1 reported here, JFK - Ł890, MIA - Ł1,132, ORD - Ł942, LAX - Ł1,277, HNL - Ł1,361, this is an advanced purchase fare so no book by deadline, allows stopovers for €75, see linked post for details
- ILN2S4Z1 from OSL to HNL (19.5k/21.5k NOK (Ł1,520/Ł1,675) via. LON or via. HEL & LON)
PERMITTED 23NOV 15 THROUGH 28NOV 15 OR 22DEC 15 THROUGH
01JAN 16 OR 27MAR 16 THROUGH 31MAR 16 ON THE OUTBOUND
TRANSATLANTIC SECTOR.
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This thread lists attractive tier point (TP) runs under Ł3 per TP grouped within different (departure) geographies
Please note the following:
- Current availability is not guaranteed.
- All prices include taxes.
Please use the following convention when adding tier point runs to this wiki post:
Date fare checked | Price per Tier Point | Total Price | Total Tier Points | Route | Booking Classes | Booking Channel | Credit | Notes (if applicable) | Airlines
Please remember to:
- Convert currencies to GBP, rounding to the nearest pound.
- Post full routes and full booking classes.
- Note any restrictions on booking in the Notes section.
- List in order of price per tier point within the relevant departure area.
From Europe
17DEC | Ł0.75/TP | Ł909 | 1200 | DUB-LHR-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-DUB | I/I/A/A/A/A/I/I | aa.com | perthflyer | BA AA
30JUL | Ł0.93/TP | Ł335 | 360 | JER-LGW-SSH-LGW-JER | J/I/I/J | ba.com | dom462 | CE | BA
01 NOV | Ł0.99/TP | Ł1343 | 1360 | CPH-HEL-LHR-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-CPH | I/I/I/A/P/P/A/I/I/I | ITA Matrix | MrMutton
19 AUG | Ł1.01/TP | Ł1,375 (1938 EUR) | 1360 | DUB-HEL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-DUB | IIIAAAAIII | OttoMH | J/F | AY BA AA
16 AUG | Ł1.22/TP | Ł1,675 (21.5k NOK) | 1360 | OSL-HEL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-OSL | IIIAAAAIII | OttoMH | J/F | AY BA AA
16 AUG | Ł1.27/TP | Ł1,518 (19.5k NOK) | 1200 | OSL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-OSL | IIAAAAII | OttoMH | J/F | BA AA
14AUG | Ł1.31/TP | Ł470 | 360 | OSL-HEL-AGP-HEL-OSL | I-I-I-I | ITA | Flythe96flag | SH J cabin + possible red-eye (!) | AY
04 SEP | Ł1.31/TP | Ł1,220 (1681 EUR) | 910 | DME-MAD-JFK-LAX-MIA-MAD-DME | all in I | iberia.com | henkybaby | J | BA AA IB | works till 6/16 so far
23AUG | Ł1.34/TP | Ł1148 | 860 | DUB-PHL-PHX-LAS-PHX-JFK-LHR,LCY-DUB | I/P/P/P/P/I/I | ticketed on aa.com | megaloman | AA & BA (UD on 747 JFK-LHR)
17AUG | Ł1.67/TP | Ł1408 |840 |BHX-JFK-PHX-LAS & back | I-A-A-A-A-I | aa.com |Swiss Tony | AA ski slope bed on TATL | AA
26JUL | Ł1.81/TP | Ł72.70 | 40 | MAD-FRA | Z | lan.com | Prospero | 787 flat bed | LA
23NOV | Ł1.89/TP | Ł377 | 200 | DUB-LHR-MAD-SVQ r/t | I-I-I-I-I-I | ITA | Lorcancoyle | IM0B IB DUB to SVQ | BA and IB flights (I2 for domestic under IB code), random dates in December available, A340 on some dates (helpfully pointed out by Temps that domestic Spain is only 20 TPs)
17 AUG | Ł1.89/TP | Ł1818 | 960 | OSL-LON-KUL//SIN-SYD/SYD-PER/PER-SYD-SIN/SIN-LHR-OSL | BugAlugs | J | BA QF | INCSALE ended 14thSep - (Applied GUF via TA (moves J to F on BA longhaul and scores 1260 TPS in total)
31 DEC | Ł1.91/TP | Ł1220 | 640 | AMS-LHR-MIA-SCL // EZE-JFK-LHR-BCN | J/I/I-I/I/J | AA.com | nufnuf77 (can also return to LHR for Ł20 less but 40TP less
13NOV | Ł2.56/TP | Ł410 | 160 | LHR-HEL | ? | BA.com | Lorcancoyle | wide open as flight+hotel, can reduce with TCB cash back | BA
1JAN | Ł1.85/TP | Ł444 | 240 | JER-LGW/LHR-HEL | J/I/I/J | ITA Matrix | flatlander | Available most weekends first half of 2016, fare IM0R
24NOV | Ł1.91/TP | Ł765.00 | 400 | BUD-DOH-SHJ | I/A/I/A | QR.com | Wozza2404 | A320 | QR
7DEC | Ł2.24/TP | Ł942 | 420 | MAD-MIA-SXM-CLT-JFK-LHR | I/I/I/A/I | ticketed on aa.com | megaloman | other routings possible earning more TPs could have lower the price with added LHR-CDG leg to Ł865 (Ł2.06/TP)
22JAN | Ł2.29/TP | Ł640 | 280 | FCO-CMB-FCO | I/I | book on SriLankan website | theultimateflyer
From North, Central and South America
31JUL | Ł0.39/TP | Ł484 | 1240 | HNL-LAX-BOS-MIA-BAQ-MIA-PHL-LAX-HNL | AAAIIAAA | ITA Matrix | Pawel Siewko | AA
16OCT | Ł0.55/TP | Ł298.50 | 540 | JFK-LAX-DEN-LAX-JFK | P-P-P-P | aa.com | Calum | AA A321t F seat between JFK & LAX (FARE GONE)
16JUL | Ł0.57/TP | Ł554 | 980 | LAX-LAS-PHX-PHL-CLT-TPA-MIA-PTY-MIA-PHL-PHX-LAS-LAX | PPPPPPIIPPPP | aa.com | Airprox | AA + US
27JUL | Ł0.80/TP | Ł15.94 | 20 | VVC-BOG-MDE | A | lan.com | JohnnyColombia | A is economy on LA | LA
08NOV | Ł0.84/TP | Ł772.50 | 920 | KOA-LAX-CLT-SJU-CLT-LAX-KOA | AAIIAA | aa.com | Lappe | Same day turnarounds available
30SEP | Ł0.87/TP | Ł808.00 | 920 | BOG-MIA-LAX-HNL-LAX-MIA-BOG | I-P-P-P-P-I | aa.com | JohnnyColombia | No comments
20SEP | Ł1.00/TP | Ł663.20 | 660 | LGA-BOS-LAX-PHX-LAX-BOS-LGA | P-P-P-P-P-P | americanairlines.co.uk | njf63 | TCON on 737 so not too comfortable but good availability next Mar/Apr
21AUG | Ł1.05 | Ł253 | 240 | BOS-PHL-PIT-PHL-BOS | PPPP | aa.com | Simon Schus | AA op by US
02NOV | Ł1.27/TP | Ł1250 | 980 | MCO-MIA-LAX-HNL | A | AA | Mr 1A
05AUG | Ł1.37/TP | Ł578 | 420 | LAS-PHL-LAS | A/P | aa.com | Lucanesque | First | AA op by US
28JUL | Ł1.43/TP | Ł400 | 280 | SCL-IPC-SCL | Z | lan.com - Chilean version | moonman85 | 787 flat bed | LAN
06NOV | Ł1.67/TP | Ł66.00 | 40 | JFK-YYZ | Z | tam.com.br | frb98mf | Fifth Freedom flight every Wed/Fri/Sun, 767 flat bed
13NOV | Ł1.06/TP | Ł705 | 660 | RIC-CLT-PHL-PHX-PHL-CLT-RIC | A | AA.com | wenzlydale | 2 trips this year - mixture of A320s and B757s not a lot of food offered but all the G&Ts you could wish for
07JAN|Ł1.24/TP | Ł668 | 540 | SEA-MIA-ATL-CLT-SEA | P/P/P/P | aa.com | EsherFlyer | 24h transcon bounce. All I could fit in...
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
18AUG | Ł1.25/TP | Ł440.00 | 360 | BKK-KUL-ICN Return | Z | www.malaysiaairlines.com | Wozza2404 | A330 Angle Flat for long haul sectors | MH
12OCT | Ł1.68/TP | Ł1,546 | 920 | TLV-MAD-LHR-JFK-LAX-JFK-LHR-MAD-TLV | I/I/I/I/I/I/I | iberia.com | frb98mf | Business (bonus: A330/A340 on the TLV legs!) | IB
24NOV | Ł1.43/TP | Ł803 | 560 | CTS-HKG-DPS-HKG-CTS | I/I/I/I | cathaypacific.com | zeltergiset | One 24hr+ stopover in HKG allowed | CX
06JAN | Ł1.86/TP | Ł856 | 460 | HND-HKG-DPS-HKG-CTS | I/I/I/I | cathaypacific.com | Gastrocnemius | One 24hr+ stopover in HKG allowed | CX
11JAN | Ł1.26/TP | Ł707 | 560 | KTM-KUL-TPE-KUL-KTM | D/D/D/D | malaysiaairlines.com | zeltergiset | MH
11JAN | Ł1.68/TP | Ł940 | 560 | TPE-KUL-KTM-KUL-TPE | D/D/D/D | malaysiaairlines.com | zeltergiset | MH
From Africa
11AUG | Ł0.89/TP | Ł748 | 840 | ACC-LHR-MIA-LAX-MIA-LHR-ACC | I/I/I/I/I/I/I/I | iberia call centre | njf63 | CW / AA J | IB
15NOV | Ł2.00/TP | Ł1200 | 600 | CPT-DOH-JFK-DOH-CPT | I/I/I/I | QR Website | Calum | QR J on the B788/A350 & 46hrs of flying | QR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need a year-end TP run (ex-LON) to make / retain status?
Some tips for searching for the year-end TP run for newcomers, the below is indicative only, but hopefully provides a bit of guidance for relatively straightforward runs ex-LON. Prospero's guide to using ITA matrix in post 3 (here along with these ideas, might come in handy. Feel free to share results, problems or general questions in the thread as these may not always work and there might be better deals out there...
For overnight trips remember to check BA and Iberia for their flights and hotel option as well, can get hotel for almost no extra cost at times
Need 80 TPs or less
Club Europe return somewhere close by is best - DUB, AMS and JER usually cheapest. AMS and JER easier than DUB for an immediate turnaround. The BA.com low fare finder can be very useful.
If you need as few as 45 TPs you might consider booking economy flights and hoping for a proactive online upgrade offer - but they're not guaranteed to materialise (so not one if you have no more time left in your TP collection year)
Or a slightly more interesting fun run
Need 85-120 TPs
Iberia flights via MAD to regional Spanish airports will get you 120 TPs as the domestic Spanish flights are 20 TPs in business. Under Ł300 including hotel can be available. Check BIO, GRX, VLC, BCN, SVQ etc. Example here
Need 125-160 TPs
Take a look at the shorthaul plus routes earning 80 TPs each way in business listed in the first post (here) MLA, IST, HEL and RAK are usually available. If time sensitive take a look at BA flight and hotel option to HEL, where you can usually get the last BA flight out on a Saturday, airport hotel and first return Sunday for well under Ł500.
Alternative options include positioning to JER and flying JER-LGW-XXX (AMS usually works well and avoids switching airports)
Need more than 160 TPs
You'll most likely be heading north then - OSL or VLL via HEL will get you 240 TPs, as will JER-LGW/LHR-HEL e.g. LHR-HEL-OSL for Ł520
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historic information
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
BA Tier Point Runs | 2015 master thread
Jan 2, 2015, 2:22 pm
#46
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: KDFW/KDAL
Programs: BA , Hilton Honors Gold, SPG Gold, LQ Elite
Posts: 359
[QUOTE=chris1979;24089910] yes, there are great runs to be had ex westcoast. i did a tiring but fun SFO LAX MIA CUN MIA LAX MIA CUN MIA LAX SFO last year though that took 51 hours. you should easily be able to get a LAX LAS/MCO MIA PTY/GCM/CUN/SJU/STT run into 32 hours.
I'd have a play with matrix (or await suggestions from others on this). I've been looking at ex SFO runs in the summer and PTY, GCM and CUN seem to be best at the moment (though I really want to try STT). they aren't coming out 'amazing' at my dates (I got the SFO LAX MIA CUN return for Ł498 last year (and then nestled in the rest)) - though 1TP/Ł1 is still pretty good (and would be considered very good if it weren't for the current BA sales that over 1/1 or slightly below).QUOTE]
I haven't been able to find anything on the matrix below $1900. Clearly I'm doing something wrong. Any help on this? I'm flexible so dates can be anything.
I'd have a play with matrix (or await suggestions from others on this). I've been looking at ex SFO runs in the summer and PTY, GCM and CUN seem to be best at the moment (though I really want to try STT). they aren't coming out 'amazing' at my dates (I got the SFO LAX MIA CUN return for Ł498 last year (and then nestled in the rest)) - though 1TP/Ł1 is still pretty good (and would be considered very good if it weren't for the current BA sales that over 1/1 or slightly below).QUOTE]
I haven't been able to find anything on the matrix below $1900. Clearly I'm doing something wrong. Any help on this? I'm flexible so dates can be anything.
Jan 2, 2015, 3:29 pm
#47
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: East Anglia, England
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 2,056
Wiki Information
I too think that the TP runs should be dated as best as possible. I appreciate that it can be difficult to keep everything up to date.
One thing that I have found useful over the years is when someone posts how to search in the Matrix engine. I've had this bookmarked for a couple of years now: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13303030-post4.html. I've always favoured a broad stroke explanation followed by core specifics. I think at times those that know what they are doing forget the tiny steps it takes to get the result, but it is those tiny steps that can be important in the future. Ultimately, people will learn but those early impressions make a big difference for the further down the road.
I am always in awe of the contributions in this thread and am constantly reminded what a nice little community it is
H
One thing that I have found useful over the years is when someone posts how to search in the Matrix engine. I've had this bookmarked for a couple of years now: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13303030-post4.html. I've always favoured a broad stroke explanation followed by core specifics. I think at times those that know what they are doing forget the tiny steps it takes to get the result, but it is those tiny steps that can be important in the future. Ultimately, people will learn but those early impressions make a big difference for the further down the road.
I am always in awe of the contributions in this thread and am constantly reminded what a nice little community it is
H
Jan 2, 2015, 3:36 pm
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Some folks report that they derive a lot of information from keeping past, expired runs in the wiki.
Would it be better to move them somewhere else? Perhaps a separate thread?
Would it be better to move them somewhere else? Perhaps a separate thread?
Jan 2, 2015, 3:36 pm
#49
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold & GGL & CCR, HH Diam, Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Spire, Tastecard
Posts: 7,549
[QUOTE=Man_Utd_Fan;24090004][QUOTE=chris1979;24089910] yes, there are great runs to be had ex westcoast. i did a tiring but fun SFO LAX MIA CUN MIA LAX MIA CUN MIA LAX SFO last year though that took 51 hours. you should easily be able to get a LAX LAS/MCO MIA PTY/GCM/CUN/SJU/STT run into 32 hours.
I'd have a play with matrix (or await suggestions from others on this). I've been looking at ex SFO runs in the summer and PTY, GCM and CUN seem to be best at the moment (though I really want to try STT). they aren't coming out 'amazing' at my dates (I got the SFO LAX MIA CUN return for Ł498 last year (and then nestled in the rest)) - though 1TP/Ł1 is still pretty good (and would be considered very good if it weren't for the current BA sales that over 1/1 or slightly below).
I haven't been able to find anything on the matrix below $1900. Clearly I'm doing something wrong. Any help on this? I'm flexible so dates can be anything.
if you give us dates, I / we will have a look.
I'd have a play with matrix (or await suggestions from others on this). I've been looking at ex SFO runs in the summer and PTY, GCM and CUN seem to be best at the moment (though I really want to try STT). they aren't coming out 'amazing' at my dates (I got the SFO LAX MIA CUN return for Ł498 last year (and then nestled in the rest)) - though 1TP/Ł1 is still pretty good (and would be considered very good if it weren't for the current BA sales that over 1/1 or slightly below).
I haven't been able to find anything on the matrix below $1900. Clearly I'm doing something wrong. Any help on this? I'm flexible so dates can be anything.
Jan 2, 2015, 3:42 pm
#50
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 333
Are you looking for ex-LAX runs? You should look for trips which involve long (over 2000 miles) legs in First, as those bring 210 TPs each, and you want them to be in a two-class flight (so LAX-JFK is excluded, for example, as it's a 3-class and First will cost you much more). A cursory search shows LAX-MIA-LAX in First on AA in Feb for $877 for 420 TPs, and LGB-PHX-PHL-LGA is still available for $1088 for 660 TPs.
Jan 2, 2015, 5:40 pm
#51
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,865
Some interesting ideas on the wiki. Am currently on holiday and not back in the UK until Tuesday. I will have a think about it then and propose some changes.
Jan 2, 2015, 6:38 pm
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Thanks madfish!
Yes we have no plans to get any less welcoming. However it would be useful if we could provide a resource for newbies that was a bit more user-friendly, without devaluing the powerful knowledge we have here.
Would it be helpful if we had a dedicated master thread on using ITA, with focus on BA fares and tier point optimisation? Or would it eventually become a second TP run thread?
There is an unfortunate limitation in the wiki that we cannot have proper tables. So it looks a bit complex but there is actually a header for each of those fields to give context, albeit not in line. I shall raise this in the technical questions forum.
I did once advocate that out of date runs should be removed for this reason (and clutter reduction). The argument against that was the old runs were a useful guide and might return one day. But if the fare rules are changed or the price went up permanently or a route/schedule change makes it impossible now, it does seem less than helpful.
Yes we have no plans to get any less welcoming. However it would be useful if we could provide a resource for newbies that was a bit more user-friendly, without devaluing the powerful knowledge we have here.
Would it be helpful if we had a dedicated master thread on using ITA, with focus on BA fares and tier point optimisation? Or would it eventually become a second TP run thread?
I found the thread invaluable with the information in the wiki giving a good starting point. I am fairly intelligent and was able to use the thread to help replicate TP runs on ita (which I also had to get to grips with). Did take a moment getting used to the format of the runs and perhaps a little more detail explaining what each part of the code meant would be useful. For example the one below.
Ł0.75/TP | Ł685 | 920TPs | HNL-LAX-MIA-SAP-MIA-LAX-HNL | A/A/I/I/A/A | aa.com | JimmyTheJock | AA
Ł0.75/TP | Ł685 | 920TPs | HNL-LAX-MIA-SAP-MIA-LAX-HNL | A/A/I/I/A/A | aa.com | JimmyTheJock | AA
However, I would say that this is more because I was starting more or less from scratch, so fare codes was also something I had to pick up. As a new poster this was my responsibility to find out, whereas seasoned posters/flyers would be much more aware of this.
What would be beneficial would be dates of booking/flights as some of the flights will be out of date and no amount of trying will replicate these fares. I wonder how long some of the runs have been included for? Although, they do provide a solid basis for possible runs even if the same prices cannot be achieved.
What would be beneficial would be dates of booking/flights as some of the flights will be out of date and no amount of trying will replicate these fares. I wonder how long some of the runs have been included for? Although, they do provide a solid basis for possible runs even if the same prices cannot be achieved.
Jan 2, 2015, 7:15 pm
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Also, HKG-BOS on CX begins in May. Not sure if your list of >6000 mi routes is intended to be exhaustive or if it'll ever be in a sale but it's a long one!
Jan 2, 2015, 9:17 pm
#54
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: KDFW/KDAL
Programs: BA , Hilton Honors Gold, SPG Gold, LQ Elite
Posts: 359
Chris,
Ideally I'd like to start on a sat. & on a U.S. 3 day weekend i.e. Memorial Day but anytime in April or May is fine by me. Saturday start dates work best so I can use less days off and save them for a proper vacation. I only get two weeks this year
Thanks for the help! ^
Ideally I'd like to start on a sat. & on a U.S. 3 day weekend i.e. Memorial Day but anytime in April or May is fine by me. Saturday start dates work best so I can use less days off and save them for a proper vacation. I only get two weeks this year
Thanks for the help! ^
Jan 2, 2015, 9:44 pm
#55
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
What would be beneficial would be dates of booking/flights as some of the flights will be out of date and no amount of trying will replicate these fares. I wonder how long some of the runs have been included for? Although, they do provide a solid basis for possible runs even if the same prices cannot be achieved.
However, despite the value of the wiki and the opening post which I have used many times in developing my understanding, what is of more value to a new poster is the responses that are given by the regular contributors on this thread. As long as this thread (and the BAEC forum in general) maintains the positive approach to new posters (and those new to TP runs!) then I think that is the most important aspect. No amount of information or changing the format in the wiki will replicate the value of the responses given by posters on here.
As you point out, the fares list does at least provide an idea of the broader basics of what might be available even if the specific example isn't. That said, I don't believe there needs to be anything like the sheer number of them listed to achieve that and it has become hard to focus upon for me. I'll stick my neck out and say that many of them haven't actually been taken up by more the odd member, if at all. I would however keep the other entries because they're pretty constant and don't overly extend/clutter it.
I've come to regard it as a minor supporting act to the main thread and, as such, I can take it or leave it but if others find it helpful in its current form then we don't need to make any changes. I'm just grateful that it can be minimised so it doesn't take up the entire page when I log in.
Last edited by Blueboys999; Jan 2, 2015 at 11:42 pm
Jan 2, 2015, 11:24 pm
#56
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold & GGL & CCR, HH Diam, Bonvoy Titanium, IHG Spire, Tastecard
Posts: 7,549
Chris,
Ideally I'd like to start on a sat. & on a U.S. 3 day weekend i.e. Memorial Day but anytime in April or May is fine by me. Saturday start dates work best so I can use less days off and save them for a proper vacation. I only get two weeks this year
Thanks for the help! ^
Ideally I'd like to start on a sat. & on a U.S. 3 day weekend i.e. Memorial Day but anytime in April or May is fine by me. Saturday start dates work best so I can use less days off and save them for a proper vacation. I only get two weeks this year
Thanks for the help! ^
below are a few options from matrix (the way to achieve that is to input as follows: click on advanced routing:
from: LAX
routing "/ alliance oneworld" (later on, you might want to play with that to force it to e.g. route via LAS or MCO and MIA by putting "LAS,MCO MIA / alliance oneworld")
to: PTY (I've done a bit of trial and error (the current good ones are PTY, GCM, SAL, SAP, CUN and PTY comes out as the current winner. you can also just enter one of those and then click on the "plus 1,000 miles nearby)
routing: repeat the above, i.e. "/alliance oneworld" and/or the routing of MCO,LAS LAX
then click on calendar of lowest fares, start in say mid April and enter 1 or 0 for nights. finally, click on "business class or higher" and make sure the 2 other boxes are ticked.
results are:
LAX - MIA - PTY return for $809 in May on any saturday (generating 500 TPs).
my matrix is playing up at the moment so can't get it to price routing via LAS or MCO to increase TPs (should be possible and doesn't always increase price, i.e. that $809 may well be the fare even if it is LAX - LASorMCO - MIA - PTY return which would generate 620 TPs).
hope that makes sense and helps?
once you have found what you are looking for on matrix, try finding it on aa.com to book.
Jan 3, 2015, 1:50 am
#57
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 47
Hi Man_Utd_fan (and mkcol), so if i understood correctly, you are looking for an ex LAX run shorter than 32 hours.
below are a few options from matrix (the way to achieve that is to input as follows: click on advanced routing:
from: LAX
routing "/ alliance oneworld" (later on, you might want to play with that to force it to e.g. route via LAS or MCO and MIA by putting "LAS,MCO MIA / alliance oneworld")
to: PTY (I've done a bit of trial and error (the current good ones are PTY, GCM, SAL, SAP, CUN and PTY comes out as the current winner. you can also just enter one of those and then click on the "plus 1,000 miles nearby)
routing: repeat the above, i.e. "/alliance oneworld" and/or the routing of MCO,LAS LAX
then click on calendar of lowest fares, start in say mid April and enter 1 or 0 for nights. finally, click on "business class or higher" and make sure the 2 other boxes are ticked.
results are:
LAX - MIA - PTY return for $809 in May on any saturday (generating 500 TPs).
my matrix is playing up at the moment so can't get it to price routing via LAS or MCO to increase TPs (should be possible and doesn't always increase price, i.e. that $809 may well be the fare even if it is LAX - LASorMCO - MIA - PTY return which would generate 620 TPs).
hope that makes sense and helps?
once you have found what you are looking for on matrix, try finding it on aa.com to book.
below are a few options from matrix (the way to achieve that is to input as follows: click on advanced routing:
from: LAX
routing "/ alliance oneworld" (later on, you might want to play with that to force it to e.g. route via LAS or MCO and MIA by putting "LAS,MCO MIA / alliance oneworld")
to: PTY (I've done a bit of trial and error (the current good ones are PTY, GCM, SAL, SAP, CUN and PTY comes out as the current winner. you can also just enter one of those and then click on the "plus 1,000 miles nearby)
routing: repeat the above, i.e. "/alliance oneworld" and/or the routing of MCO,LAS LAX
then click on calendar of lowest fares, start in say mid April and enter 1 or 0 for nights. finally, click on "business class or higher" and make sure the 2 other boxes are ticked.
results are:
LAX - MIA - PTY return for $809 in May on any saturday (generating 500 TPs).
my matrix is playing up at the moment so can't get it to price routing via LAS or MCO to increase TPs (should be possible and doesn't always increase price, i.e. that $809 may well be the fare even if it is LAX - LASorMCO - MIA - PTY return which would generate 620 TPs).
hope that makes sense and helps?
once you have found what you are looking for on matrix, try finding it on aa.com to book.
Thanks - that's pretty much what I've come up with routing-wise. Time-wise none of the options actually fitted in with my existing plans except for a couple of LAX-MIA returns (some via DFW) however it would then mean that after my HEL-JFK-LAX sectors I'd be on the ground in LAX for 4 hours before then travelling for another 18 hours continuously to get back to LAX for about 8 hours' kip before having to head back home via JFK & HEL again.
The shorter trips eg: to LAS & back I'm not seeing much gain TP-wise for.
While TP runs can be "fun" there is a limit to how much I wanna make myself suffer during them!! Think I'll take a wander down to Dockweiler State beach instead to just relax & watch planes!
Col
Jan 3, 2015, 1:53 am
#58
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SZD
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 674
I wonder if an area on the wiki (or elsewhere) with a few examples of completed ITA Matrix forms with varying degrees of complexity might be useful, especially to those who are not well-versed in the complexities of ITA's language?
I'm thinking of maybe half a dozen examples starting with a simple search and getting increasingly prescriptive regarding routing, flight numbers, etc.
Each example would have some text explaining the conditions of the search, e.g.
I want to take advantage of the ex-CPH fares at the moment and travel to HNL on or around 16th July 2015 and returning 20th July 2015. I want to maximise TPs and so would like to fly out and back on the Babybus. I have a day's flexibility either way with travel dates.
and then the ITA Matrix form corresponding to that search, e.g.
along with some accompanying notes.
We could cover open jaws, AA,IB,AY Babybus codeshares, etc. etc.
I'd be happy to contribute to this if people think this is a good idea.
Happy New Year to all on the TP Run thread.
I'm thinking of maybe half a dozen examples starting with a simple search and getting increasingly prescriptive regarding routing, flight numbers, etc.
Each example would have some text explaining the conditions of the search, e.g.
I want to take advantage of the ex-CPH fares at the moment and travel to HNL on or around 16th July 2015 and returning 20th July 2015. I want to maximise TPs and so would like to fly out and back on the Babybus. I have a day's flexibility either way with travel dates.
and then the ITA Matrix form corresponding to that search, e.g.
along with some accompanying notes.
We could cover open jaws, AA,IB,AY Babybus codeshares, etc. etc.
I'd be happy to contribute to this if people think this is a good idea.
Happy New Year to all on the TP Run thread.
Jan 3, 2015, 1:58 am
#59
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
I like you suggestion and the fact that we're seeing some interesting options to tweak the wiki. My own ITA skills are definitely 4th Division but I'm also happy to chip in with whatever might need doing.
Jan 3, 2015, 1:59 am
#60
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond
Posts: 7,723
Pictures like that make it so much easier than trying to figure out the basics!
