Thanks to everyone for the responses and the welcomes. I’m very glad to have stumbled across these forums and you helpful people!

In answer to some of the questions, yes – I’ve tried changing the destination to Johannesburg, but it has made no difference, the milleage seats also sell out immediately.

I hadn’t even thought of the idea of booking the discounted Club World seats starting from a different city in Europe. I would much rather pay slightly more and accumulate more miles, and guarantee the dates I want.

I had a look at the tool mentioned in post #49, but it currently doesn’t have dates for Jan 07. Raffles, how did you manage to calculate the £1,500? I tried Dec and also early which is the furthest dates they had, this came in at + £2k (prob due to Christmas) Dates in early December were £1,777 ex AMS.

I called BAEC reservations to investigate the cost for Jan 07 (which is the furthest dates they have released), ex MLA and AMS and the cheapest they quoted was £1,940. Do you think I could get this any cheaper, closer to the £1,500 you mentioned? Are Feb 07 fares published anywhere?

When booking this way and including a stopover which is greater than 24 hours, would I be hit with a surcharge?

The BA Amex card also seems like an excellent idea however when I looked up the details last night it mentioned spending £20,000 for the 2 for 1 voucher.

Thanks again for the advice!

Ps, what does MFU stand for?