FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Trying to be smart about Awards travel LAX-HNL AA, DL, UA?
Old Oct 14, 2010 | 6:48 pm
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tslugmo
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Question Trying to be smart about Awards travel LAX-HNL AA, DL, UA?

Hi, hope this is the right place to post this. I want to be sure I book this awards trip intelligently given my limited ability to earn more miles. The trip I want to take is
LAX <-> HNL roundtrip
Dep: April 9, 2011 Ret: April 17, 2011, though I'm somewhat flexible on those dates.

I have miles:
  • DL: 74,875
  • UA: 77,725
  • AA: 50,000 plus another 50,000 coming next July through Citi deal once I hit $100k in spending

LAX <-> HNL Ticket is available on all carriers right now. The cost in miles:
  • DL: 65,000
  • UA: 40,000
  • AA: 45,000

I also need to travel LAX <-> PRG in September of 2011, if there's a killer deal on airfare I'll purchase it, otherwise I'll use miles.
NA <-> Europe Mileage Cost:
  • DL: ~60,000-90,000
  • UA: 55,000
  • AA: 60,000

What would your strategy be? Waiting until June to get the extra AA miles means I'd only be booking 3 months in advance for the Europe trip, is that enough? I've heard some strategies like book on partner airlines for nicer quality flights and such? Or are DL miles so crappy that I should book that right away if I can find availability? Any tips you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks!
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