Hello! I'm currently planning a trip to London, leaving at Christmas and returning near the end of January, and I need a bit of help planning the trip. I'm in college and I don't have a large amount of money to work with, so i'm looking for any way there is to save money on this. I'm also very green - I'm not a member of any programs, I don't fly very often (yet), this trip is the first i'm planning on my own, and I haven't even opened a credit card yet. I'm unsure of what options are available to someone in my position, but if this one goes well and I happen to save a good chunk of cash while making my dream trip happen, I will be flying MUCH more often in the future!
So far, i've worked out an itinerary that would cost me just under $900 if I were to book it right now, flying with Aer Lingus and layovers in ORD and DUB. I feel like I can do better though. I just want to see what FFP options I have as a complete newbie and if they're worth pursuing or if I should just book the above itinerary.
Since I don't fly right now i'll be answering the questions with what would probably be my future habits and preferences.
1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.
>>> Reply: Probably upgrades and priority service, and best value for money obv. More free flights in business or first class.
2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
less than 25000 miles, 50000+ miles and 20-25 flights, etc.
>>> Reply: As of now I haven't stepped on a plane since August 2014. Later, anywhere between 6 flights and 24 flights a year.
3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: Now, economy. Later, whatever I can upgrade to for the best value.
4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: Travel for pleasure now. Will probably be business related in the future
5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: Domestic USA, Transatlantic
6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: MSP
7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: None.
8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: I like Delta, especially with MSP being a hub, but i'm not too partial to any right now. As far as my London trip, Air Canada has offered some good prices as well as AA and BA.
Basically i'm just looking to save as much money as I can on this one roundtrip in the short term while leaving options open in the long term. Priority seating isn't a priority, but if an upgrade is even a possibility I won't complain. I know a round trip to LON is probably small fry for most of you, but I'm so brand new to this that literally any advice will help! I just would like to take the opportunity to save some money and build the foundation for a lifestyle i've been curious about for a long time. Thank you!