FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Dilute Miles for better availability
View Single Post
Old Jul 11, 2011 | 9:16 am
  #8  
Disco Volante
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: London
Posts: 3,459
Originally Posted by Lee_Again
I am a recent Silver member and have just started my international travel career. I frequently read this forum and the advice and tips has helped me to reach 60000+ miles. I am presently in Lagos and the return J flight will give me another 15000+ miles. I have some points to convert in to miles and a flight or two planned for later in the year. My goal is for 100000 miles.

And here is my question (and frustration!!). The 100000 will, in theory, allow me to buy 4 WT+ returns to Miami and upgrade the family to CW (an impressive $ saving). However, availability is so poor that it may never happen. Would the system work better if availability was significantly improved but maybe the miles required increased? Where is the 'balance'?

To start, I would 'pay' 75000 miles (present *3) for a WT+ to CW return upgrade for a US route if... a seat available for cash is available for upgrade, no exceptions.

Lee
It is a problem. I think award availability has declined recently (see the thread on the subject) and particularly on the MIA route, which I keep an eye on. It is probably a combination of an upturn in business travel and the increased opportunities to earn BA miles. I'm afraid booking well in advance doesn't help very much on this route. You could try F availability, which is usually much better than J.
Disco Volante is offline