Originally Posted by krug

You probably need to put more structure around your request, and use this forum do understand what options are available.

Firstly, it seems you are looking to redeem United miles on a Star Alliance carrier. Is this correct?

Are you planning on redeeming in economy, upgrading with miles or travelling in a premium cabin?

How many miles do you have at your disposal for this trip – could you redeem in Business Class or Premium Economy of no economy seats are available? Do you know how many miles a premium cabin would cost?


July is obviously peak period for travel, and this is relatively short notice for an international peak period reward booking – most airlines can sell their seats in this period, especially from Europe to the Caribbean. But you do have flexibility on your side. But the savings made by redeeming miles for the flights may be wiped out by having to stay longer in a hotel, so do consider the overall cost of the trip, and indeed your friend may not want/be able to take such a long vacation from work/studies etc.

What is his ultimate destination – Kingston or Montego Bay? Do let the agent know KIN and MBJ are the locator codes for these airports, in case they are not familiar with them.

Originally Posted by krug

You need to have an understanding of which routes are available – and which hub he will be connecting through. What are the key connecting routes from Jamaica to US and between Bergen and the US/European hub. A routing Bergen-Oslo-New York-Montego Bay and then by road to Kingston would be a nightmare trip; do consider more direct routings - you are most likley to find availability on a LON-NYC routing, but given the hassle of multiple plane changes it may well not be worth it.

Originally Posted by krug

It may be easier to fly Bergen-Gatwick on a Low Cost Carrier (Ryanair or EasyJet or other?) and then direct to Jamaica from London on either ww.BA.com or www.AirJamaica.com Also, bear in mind what it would actually cost to pay for the ticket. I see a fare of around $1600 return including taxes from Oslo on BA the whole way, the Gatwick-Kingston return sector costs around $1200 incl tax on BA, from around $1000 on Air Jamaica. Are your hard earned miles worth more or less than $1000? Also there may be charter flights operating from his local market for much less than that, but at least they will be direct, and cheap.

Originally Posted by krug

It may be that there are no reward routings between Bergen and anywhere useful which can get you a Star Alliance trip across the pond, and that is most likely to be what is causing the problem. Try routing Oslo-Jamaica or London-Jamaica and see if you have any luck.

In summary, narrow down your request to help the agent supply you with the routings which are most useful to you. Once you have a range of possible options and have tried the ANA tool, call up, find a helpful agent, and keep calling until you get someone who can help. Make sure you call at a quieter time which means the agent won’t have a string of flashing red lights distracting him/her and will have time to assist.

But remember you have already spent several hours considering this, and there are huge variations in what is available. An agent should have a good grasp of what is out there, but this is not exactly a typical London – New York request, as Bergen is a little out of the way.

Also consider a package deal - hotel and flight all in one. That might work out very cost effective.