Originally Posted by
Joost0308
Therefore the most logical option would be to look at the direct KLM flight AMS-IAH to see if we can score a good deal on miles (think there are currently no direct flights to Dallas from Amsterdam).
Correct, KLM doesn't fly to Dallas. Don't forget, though, that KLM flies to Austin too (though not daily).
Originally Posted by
Joost0308
I usually just use the KLM website to check miles availability – assume this is the best way to search for FB deals? Is there any other way to check availability?
No; to check Flying Blue availability, you must consult either the AF or KL websites/apps
Originally Posted by
Joost0308
What is generally the best time to book? I don’t see a lot of good mileage fares at the moment for the return in April, but realize it’s 10 months out, so perhaps too soon?
The sooner, the better. With miles, generally the best availability should be around now, and it will decrease with time.
There's at least a chance that, at some time in the months prior to your trip, IAH or AUS may be available as a Promo Award, but the chances of that being in J, and in the timeframe you need, is so remote as to be advised that it is very unlikely to happen.
Originally Posted by
Joost0308
In terms of value, would it make sense to book economy and then pay for an upgrade instead? If so, what’s the best way to look for guaranteed upgrade availability?
Absolutely not. NEVER consider upgrading with miles as a viable strategy for getting into a J seat. Once you have committed to a particular flight by buying an economy class ticket on that flight, that's it - you have lost all flexibility; your hands are tied and you are completely reliant on award space opening up ON THAT ONE FLIGHT, rather that keeping yourself flexible to benefit when award space opens open on the day before or the day after, for example.
And, besides, paying to upgrade is always more expensive than just "buying" a J seat with miles outright from the start. If that particular flight had a "good" J seat, you would just book it now, with miles. If it doesn't, deciding to book it anyway, for cash and in Y, means it is very, very unlikely to ever have a "good" J seat available for miles. And even if it did, between having to pay so much cash for a Y seat to begin with, and considering how close in numerical value are the "upgrade" amounts to the regular outright redemption amounts for a J ticket, you will have paid way over the odds for the J seat even if you managed to get all the stars to align for a "good" J upgrade to later become available on the one particular flight that you had booked for cash in Y.
So please, do yourself a favour and forget all about trying to upgrade with miles from a Y ticket. That is something you should only ever investigate IF YOU ARE STUCK with the need to travel in Y, i.e. your employer/client will only pay your for a Y ticket, so that you *have* to start from a Y ticket.
There is no situation where, in your position, you want to start from sitting in a Y ticket. It is the worst way possible to begin a quest to travel in J.
Originally Posted by
Joost0308
· Is there any ‘better’ way to use my miles that I’m overlooking?
No, redeeming your miles for a J award is the only "good" use of miles.
Good luck with your search!
(And given that you have so long in the US, why not consider repositioning in order to get a better "deal" on the homeward flight? From a quick search it seems you can easily get to to Texas (IAH or AUS) in March for the cheapest possible FB price, but returning from Texas in April is (currently) very expensive. You could reposition somewhere else in NA from there, and possibly find a cheaper FB flight home (East Coast might be the best place to start searching)), just remembering to add your own paid sector, bought separately from the airline of your choice, that will get you to this other US/Canadian city in time for your return flight.)