Best F/J redemptions from USA to Greece
#17
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Threads merged to keep in one place, as the original topic was recently discussed and still current.
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stut
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Europe
Please continue the discussion in this combined thread.
stut
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Europe
#18
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Another luxury option maybe ORD-AUH on Etihad, and then to ATH using AA miles, but it will probably price as two awards. Or American to London (if on the 77W), then BA to ATH.
For Skyteam, ORD-AMS on KLM 747 combi should be quite nice, and then AMS-ATH. Or ORD-FCO on Alitalia, and then to ATH. Both great J seats. I would avoid Delta NYC-ATH, terrible J seats.
For Skyteam, ORD-AMS on KLM 747 combi should be quite nice, and then AMS-ATH. Or ORD-FCO on Alitalia, and then to ATH. Both great J seats. I would avoid Delta NYC-ATH, terrible J seats.
#19
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Another luxury option maybe ORD-AUH on Etihad, and then to ATH using AA miles, but it will probably price as two awards. Or American to London (if on the 77W), then BA to ATH.
For Skyteam, ORD-AMS on KLM 747 combi should be quite nice, and then AMS-ATH. Or ORD-FCO on Alitalia, and then to ATH. Both great J seats. I would avoid Delta NYC-ATH, terrible J seats.
For Skyteam, ORD-AMS on KLM 747 combi should be quite nice, and then AMS-ATH. Or ORD-FCO on Alitalia, and then to ATH. Both great J seats. I would avoid Delta NYC-ATH, terrible J seats.
#20
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My true recommendation is ORD-DFW on AA and DFW-SYD on QF in First (72.5k AA miles pre-deval award), and then SYD-AUH-ATH on Etihad First (the Apartments)+Business for 60+30k AA miles, pre-devaluation. That's the only way to do this...
#22
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So I ended up booking J on Turkish Airlines, ORD-IST-ATH. I initially tried for Lufthansa J but I guess they only had waitlist which I did. Let's see if that clears.
As for Turkish, my only concern is seat selection. I can't do it on SQ site so maybe need to wait till my itinerary is ticketed and I can do it on TK's website. Sure hope so as I don't want to sit in the middle 3 section.
Also, is there any risk in getting my passport branded SSSS after traveling through IST?
As for Turkish, my only concern is seat selection. I can't do it on SQ site so maybe need to wait till my itinerary is ticketed and I can do it on TK's website. Sure hope so as I don't want to sit in the middle 3 section.
Also, is there any risk in getting my passport branded SSSS after traveling through IST?
Last edited by TMM1982; Jul 2, 2016 at 9:18 am
#23
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So I ended up booking J on Turkish Airlines, ORD-IST-ATH. I initially tried for Lufthansa J but I guess they only had waitlist which I did. Let's see if that clears.
As for Turkish, my only concern is seat selection. I can't do it on SQ site so maybe need to wait till my itinerary is ticketed and I can do it on TK's website. Sure hope so as I don't want to sit in the middle 3 section.
Also, is there any risk in getting my passport branded SSSS after traveling through IST?
As for Turkish, my only concern is seat selection. I can't do it on SQ site so maybe need to wait till my itinerary is ticketed and I can do it on TK's website. Sure hope so as I don't want to sit in the middle 3 section.
Also, is there any risk in getting my passport branded SSSS after traveling through IST?
#24
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#25
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My understanding is that the LH J seats generally kinda suck, probably better if you can get Swiss or Austrian. Or SAS to CPH. Turkish is probably a mixed bag (some people complain about the cabin temp--too hot, inop seats and seat config in J, but rave about the food and IST lounge). I personally also have some very mild concerns about both TK airline and IST safety, but for one time I would travel on TK J just to try it. I wouldn't worry about SSSS if you are just transiting IST.
Last edited by TMM1982; Jul 2, 2016 at 11:34 am
#26
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All in all probably comparable, Swiss and SAS better hard product, TK better soft product. Although I would be tempted to try TK, if you can get either of the other one and with no substantial differences in layovers or fees, I would chose them. Btw, I haven't flown any of the three in J, but that's from my reading of things. Of course, assuming that they are all one connection only.
#27
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I would also give a very good consideration to ORD-FCO (-ATH) on Alitalia, using your Skypesos. Good redemptions, great window/aisle single seats, nice long haul distance. The food is fantastic and they have the best amenity kits (Ferragamo).
#28
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Oh nice.. maybe I'll do that on the return
#29
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Keep in mind that Delta charges heavy taxes/fees on redemptions originating outside the US ($200-350, I believe), so it is better to book the outbound ($5 taxes/fees) or roundtrip.
The standard saver one way redemption to Europe btw is 62.5k skypesos and $5, don't pay more than that. These J redemptions to Europe is the only good use left for skypesos, imo.
The standard saver one way redemption to Europe btw is 62.5k skypesos and $5, don't pay more than that. These J redemptions to Europe is the only good use left for skypesos, imo.
Last edited by nk15; Jul 2, 2016 at 1:36 pm