Getting to AMS cheap in J?
 

Parents are planning to fly to AMS next May from YVR, and want to go there in J. They tried to book a reward but that didn't work, as each of them must find a D reward at least one way, and then standby for J on the other flight, something they are not too keen on. As my dad is not likely to get prestige for next year, and not willing to do an MR to get it, upgrading at the time of booking is not an option. I suggested using the CIBC 2 for 1 cards that each of them have, not sure on the expiry date, but at about 8K dollars for 2 tickets, it still comes back pricey. Their main concern is getting to LHR, preferably direct, but they are willing to connect thru YYZ or YUL to get there. The LHR - AMS portion, they can figure out later. My other suggestion was to book a Y or M fare now and upgrade it, but I don't think that they would be allowed to upgrade if my dad doesn't hold status at the time of flying. Anyone have any other suggestions??

Absolutely:

Business Class Restrictive
Booking class: D

Airfare 5445.00
Taxes & Fees 204.67

Total price
1 adult
Can$ 5649.67

But D is the booking code for J rewards. Is there anything for under 4000 bucks each, otherwise they may as well do the 2 for 1 CIBC thing, if it is still applicable.

Star Alliance composes of Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Spanair, Thai Airways International, United, US Airways and VARIG.

Gotcha, but nothing for under 4K with no status? :p

Absolutely, there is.

any suggestions on where to find those?

Perhaps on the internet, or maybe from any Star Alliance airlines reservation office or even a travel agent!

Get one of the new Diner Mastercards which comes with a 2nd BA business class ticket free voucher. That way they can fly in business all the way. Of course, you could always book 'em on AC's SuperComfortClass when AC starts up its seasonal AMS service next summer...

Hint: PHL-AMS in J is approximately US$2050 per person in May.

Hint 2: SEA-AMS prices out to C$2977 per person on a US fare basis on UA metal through IAD. Booking class Z.

The JR fare is $7672, which is the one to use with a 2for1 coupon.
CRT3 is the fare that Empress is quoting. D with LH.

KLM on a consolidator ticket is just over $4400.00. They offer direct service.

I found a restricted J fare on BA for just under 2800 CDN each. Apparently it doesn't earn mileage but for that price who cares, keeping in mind nobody flying has status.

does anyone have any experience using firstforless for booking cheap J class fares. I was quoted a price of just under 2800 dollars YVR - LHR in Club World on BA. Just want to make sure the company is reputable.

BA? It's fairly well-established. ;) Remember to keep your references clear when you write.