Originally Posted by
iahphx
FWIW, the 10th month AF/KL award booking window is not a final obstacle to at least some AF/KL inventory being displayed on delta.com. I did book a KL return flight that was scheduled more than 10 months ahead.
Also, when you finally get something, have them set it up for online ticketing to save the $25 per person ticket fee.
At the end of the day, I did get seats, but I had to change my days because DL did not display the full FB inventory. I also wasted an incredible amount of time doing multiple searches and phone calls. I don't think "mere mortals" are likely to pull this off -- they're unlikely to find the seats. But persistent and flexible flyertalkers who won't take "no" for an answer and are willing to "fiddle" with the system should be able to duplicate my results.
As a FTer Evangelist, I think you should go in O, not X class. It is a LONG set of flights. ' India when you land is not for the faint and it is best to arrive well rested. Given the choice, I would never do India in Y, but can imagine doing NZ in Y. My worst flight should have been LH LAST row economy in front of the galley / lav in a 747 from EU to India, but I had great company and the time went well.
Since you are no fan of skymiles, burn them all. You will not regret it and will understand why I prefer Skymiles redemptions. I am sure you can find someone in CC to get the 240k extra you need for 200k on *A or OW. or just wait for a few Amex bonuses.