Super low YQ ex-EU on BA (one way) using AS miles
Nov 15, 2020, 9:21 pm
#1
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Super low YQ ex-EU on BA (one way) using AS miles
Yes, I know, everyone likes to bag on redeeming BA using AS miles, I can almost hear the usual suspects getting ready to tee off.
But you're not going to see a lot better options from Europe in a premium class redemption in summer (UA redemptions on LH J are something like 20k extra miles, I'll buy your 20,000 UA miles for $83 all week, yes, I know, BA did a number on their inflight soft product, I'll still eat a good meal on the ground). Pray for a vaccine and Europe taking US travelers with proof of negative COVID test I reckon?
(BTW, you're better off going ex-USA to LHR on BA using CX miles- this also drops YQ compared to other options).
PS: BA 49 to SEA is the 787-10 with J suites, it's readily available.
But you're not going to see a lot better options from Europe in a premium class redemption in summer (UA redemptions on LH J are something like 20k extra miles, I'll buy your 20,000 UA miles for $83 all week, yes, I know, BA did a number on their inflight soft product, I'll still eat a good meal on the ground). Pray for a vaccine and Europe taking US travelers with proof of negative COVID test I reckon?
(BTW, you're better off going ex-USA to LHR on BA using CX miles- this also drops YQ compared to other options).
PS: BA 49 to SEA is the 787-10 with J suites, it's readily available.
Last edited by eponymous_coward; Nov 15, 2020 at 9:34 pm
Nov 15, 2020, 10:28 pm
#3
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Nov 21, 2020, 10:07 pm
#4
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FYI... BA 53 (the 777) they have running in the summer LHR-SEA is listed as having Club Suites, so both SEA flights are allegedly the new J product*. 60k AS miles and ~$210 isn't terrible for a modern lie-flat 10 hours in J to the West Coast.
*yes, I know, the schedules are fictional at this point.
*yes, I know, the schedules are fictional at this point.
Nov 22, 2020, 3:59 pm
#5
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For the same YQ and taxes (~USD 207 from AMS), and 10k more AS miles, you can fly First transatlantic. It's still BA (in dire straits), but much greater likelihood of being able to social distance even when there are the inevitable timetable/equipment changes. I see summer availability to the West Coast, especially to LAX.
Nov 22, 2020, 4:59 pm
#6
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For the same YQ and taxes (~USD 207 from AMS), and 10k more AS miles, you can fly First transatlantic. It's still BA (in dire straits), but much greater likelihood of being able to social distance even when there are the inevitable timetable/equipment changes. I see summer availability to the West Coast, especially to LAX.
Nov 22, 2020, 5:58 pm
#8
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Nov 22, 2020, 9:15 pm
#9
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If the routing is identical... maybe I’d take the better cabin and lounge for 10k AS miles.
https://viewfromthewing.com/whats-ri...ndon-heathrow/
The nice part about BA J/F is that assuming COVID is under control by summer for travel, it’s widely available at a reasonable price ex-EU during summer. I’d also say that BA F for 70k AS miles and $200ish USD probably beats 77k UA miles + taxes and fees for LH J, quite comfortably.
Last edited by eponymous_coward; Nov 22, 2020 at 9:25 pm
Nov 22, 2020, 11:23 pm
#10
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Also as some may already be aware, if you book a round-trip award US-Europe on BA, you'll get hit with the outrageous YQ in both directions, so it's almost always a better deal to book each direction separately (ideally with US-Europe on another carrier besides BA).
Nov 23, 2020, 9:00 am
#11
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IMO the BA F suites on the 380 are the only ones worth booking. The 747 and 777 F (I have not flown BA F on the 789) suites are pretty much jammed together and there is a real feeling on being cramped/congested. My experience on the 380 was much better. Especially with the seat in its sleeping configuration. I agree with much of the BA F criticism (that is is effectively a better business class product). But coupled with the BA F dining and lounges, it can be a very pleasant experience.
Nov 23, 2020, 10:39 am
#12
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IMO the BA F suites on the 380 are the only ones worth booking. The 747 and 777 F (I have not flown BA F on the 789) suites are pretty much jammed together and there is a real feeling on being cramped/congested. My experience on the 380 was much better. Especially with the seat in its sleeping configuration. I agree with much of the BA F criticism (that is is effectively a better business class product). But coupled with the BA F dining and lounges, it can be a very pleasant experience.
Also, 75Ks should be OWE fairly soon (and thus getting BA F lounges no matter what cabin they fly).
Last edited by eponymous_coward; Nov 23, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Nov 23, 2020, 10:53 am
#13
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I wasn't sure about the BA 744s but the 388s are still on the schedule for next summer (from ORD and the west coast). Whether they fly or not is to be determined.
Nov 23, 2020, 12:27 pm
#14
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https://simpleflying.com/british-air...aft-graveyard/
Nov 23, 2020, 3:12 pm
#15
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On a distantly-related note, BA J and F pax can get a free massage treatment at the Elemis spa; OWS/OWE pax can only get a shower.