And just while we're along the edges of active mileage runs, how do I avoid that super expensive train to BLQ Bologna airport from the city center? I see that there are alternative bus services that end up in urban areas near the airport, but I haven't quite worked out the best option. I'll be coming from the B&B Bentivogli in via Guiseppe Massarenti, which isn't exactly near the main station. Maybe time to splurge on an Uber (we will be two people).

And although my ticket is the tail end of an XP run (GVA-CDG-VCE/BLQ-CDG-GVA) for €161, I bought an award ticket for the companion (BLQ-CDG-GVA). It cost 10,000 miles and €35 taxes and Flying Blue offered me the chance to buy back 2,500 miles for €25 which I accepted. The amount was added to the taxes, so the final price was 7,500 miles and €60. Although a basic paid ticket would have been quite cheap, it is good to have flexibility and a baggage allowance for the companion.