The story so far is:

Called the iCC this mroning to be told there is no availabilty on the BD ex LHR to CAI or on the return despite there being on both BD and ANA.

Called back immediately to be told that there is indeed availability.

So I tried to book but as we are connecting onto MS in CAI it transpires that I will haveto pay the full miles + cash for a C redemption. Is this correct??

So I tried to do LHR-CAI-LHR as a separate booking. All OK she says.

I then wanted to redeem CAI-SSH-CAI in Y (C only had 1 seat free and y none at all). The fare was 10k miles + £70 + £132 taxes. Expensive I thought so checked the MS website and 2 Y fares are £231 in total for 2 people.

So I now have the 2 x C with BD for 20k miles + £140 + £162 taxes plus £116 to go Y internally. £418 per person total. The BD flights are held for 24 hours so would appreciate any comments on my present strategy.

Then just the hotel to book!!!!!!!!

Thanks all.