Originally Posted by
sound48
I'm looking to book a family trip next summer for 4 to Germany and Spain from ORD. I'm using American miles and was hoping to fly Air Berlin one way and Iberia the other to use their lie flat products. I was hoping to fly into one country, and out of the other on the return, whichever would have availability.
However, I know finding 4 premium seats will be next to impossible, especially on Air Berlin flights. I routinely see 3 seats on Iberia, but have yet to see 4. US Air has flights from PHL to MAD on their A330-300 which should be lie flat. Would I be better off just booking that and see if I can change the award ticket if Air Berlin or Iberia space becomes available? Is Air Berlin and Iberia's product much better then the US Air product?
You're more likely to succeed booking very early if willing to split 2 and 2 via different routings/carriers. Lately, however, I've seen good availability very late-in, if you're willing to risk it. There was F Saaver available direct DFW-CDG this week - something that is rarely seen in summer.