Originally Posted by
sts603
Also, BA often opens up more award space very close in (within a week or less) for intra-Europe flights.
Thanks, didn't know that! I'd run a pretty big risk waiting though right? It'd mean I'd have to wait to book my LAX-LHR award to avoid a $150 fee so then I'd potentially get a less desirable seat, and then if the availability didn't open up for LHR-ZRH, I could get stuck paying a lot more than $170. Or are you saying book LAX-JFK-LHR and then hope LAX-LHR-ZRH opens up and change to that for free. Can't use expertflyer for alerts on BA right?
Originally Posted by
thomwithanh
I'd do the trip in reverse, hit LHR before heading to the mainland... you'll save anywhere between $150 and $300 in UK departure taxes that way. Switzerland and Germany have no departure tax - just a minimal facilities charge.
Not possible. Sorry I didn't give the full story. I actually don't plan on spending any time in LHR, just connecting through. I'm starting in ZRH and ending in IST. I was going to buy IST-LHR (since it was the cheapest OW gateway to get to and catch a direct flight to LAX) and just book an award LHR-LAX. If I do that, is there any way to get them to waive the UK departure tax (i.e call in and send them my connecting IST-LHR itinerary).