Originally Posted by
birch97
Just found this site and it is a wealth of useful information, though a bit daunting too. If this is the wrong forum for this question I apologize. Anyways, my girlfriend's grandmothers 80th birthday is this coming July and we would like to attend but she is in London (UK), and flights are a bit pricey especially in the summer.
If it's even feasible, we would like to know how you would go about trying to get at least 1 free ticket there between now and July for a couple of miles newbies.
The specific airline isn't that important as we will be flying out of Pittsburgh and there are no direct flights anyways. For what it matters, my credit rating is excellent, we currently fly infrequently, spend an average amount each month (nothing extravagant), and the only 'miles' card either of us has now is the citi aadvantage american express select. Thanks in advance for any advice.
One problem you may run into is that award flights during peak season, which July is, get booked up 330 days out. That means that many of the award seats may already be taken. Airlines often release additional award seats throughout the year but you need the miles first to book the seat. Try looking at all the various airlines and sign up for their e-mail alerts. Then if there is a sale to your destination, be prepared to jump on it and buy the ticket. Make sure and look for alternate routes. Maybe through Miami, DFW or Chicago and not just New York. Sometimes the routes have good sales. Also try looking at Expedia and Travelocity type sites to get routing ideas. Getting creative can save money.
I remember when Iceland Air (I think) had a big fare sale. You had to spend a stopover there but the fare was half everyone else. Get creative and you may find you can buy two tickets and be happy knowing you're going when you want.