Originally Posted by UnitedSkies
To be fair, the fare basis codes that Silver Wings fares are in are the following:
VLX55APN,VLW55APN,VKX55APN,VKW55APN,VHX55APN,VHW55 APN
which means they are in a typically much higher class than the current low S fares to Europe).
Correct, V guarantees much more availability than an on-sale S fare. The OP says that these can be had for $330 RT in V fare basis. Checking a few dates BOS-LHR RT, you are looking at $490 for the same V class fare on that route, according to ITA:
Fare (A1): UA BOS->LON VKWANGE fare NUC 245.00
Fare (A2): UA LON->BOS VKWANGE fare NUC 245.00
Silver Wings most likely has its benefits, it just might not be where you assumed they were. Just like any other loyalty program, you have to find the good parts, and see if they are worthwhile to you. Besides, those $260 S fares won't be around for long
