Planning a trip to AK next summer and am wondering the best way to get the maximum stops on an award ticket. Travelling from PDX and would like to stop in Jun., Anc., and Kot. or Barrow. Also wondering the most effective way to secure first class; am an MVP Gold but not confident about availability for automatic upgrade. Is my choice $100 or 5000 miles per segment at time of ticketing?
Also any ideas for securing an award seat to Boston. I'm told that Tuesday is the only day of the week with any availability (Saver award) during all of October and November. Seems ridiculous to me.
Finally, considering a trip to the Cairns via Guam on Continental using 60,000 AS miles and wondering how a side trip/stop in Yap or Truk might be secured.