Originally Posted by
Weereen
Still need to get my head around the Glasgow > Dublin options/benefits mentioned by JCM 9000 as I still seem to be missing it as the Gla > Dub with Aer Lingus gives no TP's, to get a few you have to go via Lhr and it's expensive for the number of TP's you actually get. I'll keep trawling through to find the best options and flight times
Noticed a few mentions of Instant Upgrades with AA , what does this actually mean, can anybody tell me as I'd prefer to do a long weekend in NY with a short hop somewhere rather than the Jersey, Amsterdam option
The Dublin thing is about
:
1) positioning with an Aer Lingus flight GLA-DUB (which won't earn any TPs itself.... but sets up 2) below...)
2) you can then go on a separate itinerary DUB-LHR-transatlantic (or wherever) in Club Europe / Club World (or First if you're feeling extravagant!) earning lots of TPs...
....and the cost of an ex-EU flight (ie one which starts outwith the UK, but within the EU) is hugely cheaper than one which commences in the UK. For example I have upcoming flights to SYD in Club World (using similar routing to the above) that are costing approximately half the cost leaving from OSL-LHR-SYD than it was going to cost from GLA-LHR-SYD (I'm a fellow Glaswegian)
Also have a look at the ITA matrix, which is explained in great detail on the thread below (links to the appropriate post, ignore the title) - I've used it to plan and book many itineraries, and it's great fun / addictive!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13303030-post4.html
Not too familiar with AA instant upgrades, but if you're looking at New York you should seriously consider the A318 LCY-JFK service, which is priced in business class (with all the ex-EU benefits as above if you look hard enough
) but gives first class TPs, ie 210 per leg. Ideal routing for you could be DUB-LCY-JFK return.