Having been following FT for a few years and being an enthusiastic flyer (mostly staff travel or cheapest economy fares) it was only a couple of years ago that we reached the dizzy heights of Silver having splashed out on a BA holiday. Some more EU BAHs in J enabled us to renew and we are now on the merry go round – though clearly more difficult now.

Fast forward to Dec 2024 and with my impending 60th in June 2025, Mrs Salad asked what I wanted to do. Having been perusing the TP runs on FT I replied with ‘a TP run’. The fact that she didn’t have to ask what a TP run was, was encouraging and despite being BA CC for some years, she loves flying as much as I do.

So, we like walking (or hiking in the US) and planned a holiday round the run to go walking in Bryce Canyon for a few days and then drive to Scottsdale to do some more hiking. We’ve been before at this time and loved it though one needs to be out early (7 ish) else it’s rather warm!

Some time spent on Google Flights, then ITA Matrix and we had our plan to position to Dublin where we spend a night, then Dublin to LHR, LHR to PHL and PHL to LAS. Pick up a car the next day and drive to Bryce.

The return is PHX to JFK, JFK to LHR and then LHR to BCN. Then position back. All for the princely sum of £1200 or so each. Couldn’t book it online through BA so did it through AA. Booked it on the 20th December 2024, which as it turned out was good timing since we all know what happened at the end of the month! Originally planned for 620 TPs so more of a TP RUN (lite) but under the new system, hopefully around 8500 or so.

Had one schedule change where we now have longer at PHL (nearly four hours) but I don’t know how long immigration takes (we’re HBO) and anyway there is a new Flagship Lounge there so we can try that if we have time. The only tight connection is between JFK-LHR and LHR – BCN which is 70 minutes where we’ll have to get our skates on I feel. I’m almost hoping we don’t make it and get rerouted so I can have a shower somewhere!