So I've got a trip planned to Boston in May 2015 with my wife. Figured I might as well add on a trip to Dublin
We're using SW pts and companion pass to get from LA area to Boston and Boston to LA area on way back.
What do you think about the itinerary below?
FYI, United award availability matched up perfectly with BA/Aer Lingus (except for biz class - United showed a couple biz seats available but BA rep said no).
Saturday May 2 - SNA-DEN-BOS on Southwest - leave at 6:45 am, arrive at 4:55 pm (7 hr 10 min) - 17,907 SW pts
Wednesday May 6 - BOS to DUB - leave at 9 pm, arrive at 8:05 am (Thurs. May 7) - EI 138 - 25,000 pts for 2 people plus $119 taxes
Tuesday may 12 - DUB to BOS - leave at 11:50 am, arrive at 1:45 pm (same day), EI 137 - 25,000 pts for 2 people plus $119 taxes
Tuesday May 12 - BOS-ATL-LAX - leave at 4:45 pm, arrive at 10:15 pm - 8hr, 30 min - 11,981 pts
(back-up SW flight at 6:30 pm)
Uber back to OC
We could do the exact same trip one week earlier (already checked availability), but we'd have to leave for Dublin on Tuesday so 3 days Boston, 6 days Dublin.
I was hoping to snag business class seats on EI but the rep said he didn't see any at all for any days, is this normal? Is biz class worth it on a 7 hr flight? I know it's only 7 hours but I think their new lie flats will be available and I have a lot of Amex pts that I'll be transferring so wouldn't mind splurging if it's a real nice product/worth it.
The other thing I just thought of is that we can come back on any route, we don't have to go through Boston. Is there a better way to do it? I have miles on lots of other airlines but I think I'll have to take EI from Dublin to BOS or Dulles in order to get the good redemption rates right? Also want to take advantage of SW CP.