Welcome to FT!
ShotgunKid
First -- you have asked a ton of question, most of which would take pages to fully answer. You have taken on a very challenging scenario given the limited amount of award / upgrade seats typically available.
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
... 1. When is the best time to book this? As soon as the flight becomes available or a few months out? ...
6 business award tickets to asia? that is going to be very difficult and you should start trying as soon as possible
If purchasing economy and then upgrading, pretty much the same -- but the economy tickets are likely to be cheapest 2-4 months out.
You may be looking at a scenario involving all of purchase, award and upgrades.
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
...2. There is supposed to be more inventory for saver awards for Platinum and above. If I wait longer, will there be more available for a given itinerary? ...
you may need to pick up 1-2-3 seats at a time
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
... 3. How does the "standby for international awards" apply here? ...
You use a premium cabin award and on a leg with the premium cabin is not available but economy is, you waitlist for the premium cabin. Believe at least one leg needs to book into the premium cabin.
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
... 4. With Platinum status and above, I can get economy plus for everyone at booking. I understand that there are no complimentary upgrades to Asia. ....
correct
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
... -Is it cheaper to book economy and use miles/cash to upgrade after booking? ....
versus directly booking business award ??? depends on how you value miles -- but if available bussiness awards are probably effective cheaper
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
... -If I am 1k and I get GPUs, how can I use them effectively? ....
no way to answer with just one or two sentances.
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
...-If I get business/first class award seats, should I buy my seat (to keep getting miles) and use miles for the rest of the family? ....
really depends of the availability of cash and miles but in trying to get 6 seats, it is easy of you can purchase some of them directly
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
...Is it better to buy round trip or two one ways? ....
the downside to OWs is two change/cancellations fee if they apply
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
...-Is it better to book each person separately on their own reservation? ....
provides greater flexibility in approach
Originally Posted by
ShotgunKid
...5. Since I am Star Alliance Gold from Platinum status (but I also have United Club membership), if I get award seats on partner airlines, what will happen to my lounge access with regards to my companions? What about the minors? The immediate family vs the friends? Do they inherit my status for access? It seems Business Class doesn't allow entry? ...
Business class does provide access to lounges, just no guests. *G or UC member is allowed one guest (not accumulative)