Originally Posted by
hook
For all the gurus out there....what is the best way to use my miles/upgrades?
I have 312,000 miles, I am platinum, and I have 48 500mile upgrades
I want to go DFW-OGG nonstop on the 767 in first class (2-class airplane). I have 3 in my party. Since one is a minor at least 2 must be booked together (1adult and 1minor) but the other adult doesn't necessarily have to be booked on the same reservation or in huge same manner. We do want to sit together...with guaranteed first class seats.
Our travel dates are early June 2015.
5 years ago, I snagged the 2 plan aheads and bought one coach ticket and used miles and money to upgrade that third ticket. Plan aheads are just too hard to come by now..And we are outside the 330 day window.
I am looking for the least cost money-wise. What do you all think?
If you are flying in June, how are you outside of the 330 day window?
Have you checked the pricing for the options you have?
If you want first class guaranteed, you need to spend miles, money, or both (miles+copay upgrades)
DFW to OGG is not an easy Mileage Saver award.
You could wait to see if availability will open, but I suspect your date range is narrow and you are more limited with only that one route.
The 500 mile upgrades are a non-issue if you want guaranteed upgrades, and you can only upgrade yourself and 1 companion.
As a PLT, you have the option of choosing MCE seats for your whole group, if you don't get upgraded. I would recommend exit row if the third person is at least 15. Of course, if you do not qualify for PLT this year, changes could cause you to lose those seats. (Actually, even if you have the status, changes can cause anyone to lose seats)
Alternatively, you can look for connecting awards.