Award ticket to LHR while not using UA
Jul 30, 2012, 4:54 pm
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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Award ticket to LHR while not using UA
I want to book a business or first ticket to LHR from PHX, but I don't want to redeem my MP miles on UA. I'd like to fly another SA partner (excluding US). I've seen UA list some US rewards, but have yet to see any LH, SK, options.
I'd even be willing to fly another segment. Say phx-lax-fra-lhr on LH for example. Any way to do this? I rememeber a few years ago using the ANA tool but don't know if that is still a way to find these flights.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
I'd even be willing to fly another segment. Say phx-lax-fra-lhr on LH for example. Any way to do this? I rememeber a few years ago using the ANA tool but don't know if that is still a way to find these flights.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
Jul 30, 2012, 5:03 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat *G/DL Plat/Marriott Ti/WoH Glob
Posts: 141
I'd recommend using expertflyer (you can set up a free 5 day trial) to track current award availability if UA site is not proving helpful. It's also worth calling UA and explicitly asking for LH or SK segments.
F award space is going to be hard to come by and especially difficult on LH. IME they generally release F awards within 2 weeks of departure.
F award space is going to be hard to come by and especially difficult on LH. IME they generally release F awards within 2 weeks of departure.
Jul 30, 2012, 5:24 pm
#4
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I'd recommend using expertflyer (you can set up a free 5 day trial) to track current award availability if UA site is not proving helpful. It's also worth calling UA and explicitly asking for LH or SK segments.
F award space is going to be hard to come by and especially difficult on LH. IME they generally release F awards within 2 weeks of departure.
F award space is going to be hard to come by and especially difficult on LH. IME they generally release F awards within 2 weeks of departure.
Jul 30, 2012, 6:05 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SJC/PIT
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ANA tool is more accurate than united.com when it comes to LH F availability. As smichelm said, however, LH doesn't release F award until ~2 weeks before departure. The good news is that this is pretty consistent. So I'd suggest to book decent flights available right now and look for LH F later (no change fee for 1K/Plat).
If you don't mind connecting in Canada, AC out of YYZ or YVR may be an option. Their biz product is quite good too.
If you don't mind connecting in Canada, AC out of YYZ or YVR may be an option. Their biz product is quite good too.
Jul 30, 2012, 6:09 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: world
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ANA tool is more accurate than united.com when it comes to LH F availability. As smichelm said, however, LH doesn't release F award until ~2 weeks before departure. The good news is that this is pretty consistent. So I'd suggest to book decent flights available right now and look for LH F later (no change fee for 1K/Plat).
If you don't mind connecting in Canada, AC out of YYZ or YVR may be an option. Their biz product is quite good too.
If you don't mind connecting in Canada, AC out of YYZ or YVR may be an option. Their biz product is quite good too.
Jul 30, 2012, 6:58 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ZRH / SEA, DL PM
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Jul 30, 2012, 8:09 pm
#12
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went back on the ANA sky tool. Totally useless. I'll sign up for the 5 day free trial and EP and see what I can find. Yes I'd like to fly LOT, SK, LH, etc. I have time and the miles. UA is offering me a AC ticket and it looks good.
Thanks for the input guys.
Thanks for the input guys.
Jul 30, 2012, 8:22 pm
#13
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Jul 30, 2012, 9:15 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2012
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Here is a good review on the tool
http://thepointsguy.com/2011/06/how-...-availability/
Jul 30, 2012, 9:16 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,187
Yes, but OP didn't indicate that double-connections were to be avoided. Indeed, s/he even suggested that they were fine:
I do not know why some are disdainful about double connections; I like them. They add to the flying experience, allow for more possibilities for VDB, and can break up long times in the tube. I have had my share of tripple connections and would not rule out a quadaple connection in certain circumstances. The only downsides to double connections are a) that they may increase total travel time, but not always, and that is not always a downside and b) that they increase the number of times one is at risk during takeoff/landing operations. But, then if one must go, why not go in plane?
I do not know why some are disdainful about double connections; I like them. They add to the flying experience, allow for more possibilities for VDB, and can break up long times in the tube. I have had my share of tripple connections and would not rule out a quadaple connection in certain circumstances. The only downsides to double connections are a) that they may increase total travel time, but not always, and that is not always a downside and b) that they increase the number of times one is at risk during takeoff/landing operations. But, then if one must go, why not go in plane?