2016 European Vacation for 6
Feb 23, 2015, 2:31 pm
#16
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
No First, full lie flat beds in Business; decent food, Spanish wines, comfortable aircraft. I've been flying them for decades, and IMO they've improved.
In Business they have great lounges; on your return drop by Madrid's Dalí lounge, munch, visit the wines tasting area...
Now that you're here, be sure to check the thread I mentioned - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html. We can even merge this into that thread.
In Business they have great lounges; on your return drop by Madrid's Dalí lounge, munch, visit the wines tasting area...
Now that you're here, be sure to check the thread I mentioned - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html. We can even merge this into that thread.
Feb 23, 2015, 2:38 pm
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 40
No First, full lie flat beds in Business; decent food, Spanish wines, comfortable aircraft. I've been flying them for decades, and IMO they've improved.
In Business they have great lounges; on your return drop by Madrid's Dalí lounge, munch, visit the wines tasting area...
Now that you're here, be sure to check the thread I mentioned - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html. We can even merge this into that thread.
In Business they have great lounges; on your return drop by Madrid's Dalí lounge, munch, visit the wines tasting area...
Now that you're here, be sure to check the thread I mentioned - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html. We can even merge this into that thread.
Feb 23, 2015, 2:39 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 40
Should I book myself in First/Business and associate another pax to my PNR, in the hopes of getting them upgraded without using a SWU? Or should I book myself in Economy and hope to get upgraded to Business?
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Feb 24, 2015, 6:22 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
I fly regularly to/from Italy on AA/OW. When you say you want to go to Rome, if you are considering a direct flight from the states then the chances of 4 SWUs clearing is virtually non-existent. IMO, the only way that many upgrades will clear is via LHR.
Finally, you mention
Also, I was thinking of not using the First Class ticket award on myself and hope that my EXP can get me upgraded to Business or First class. Is that an unrealistic expectation for a possible upgrade, even as an EXP
Feb 24, 2015, 6:23 am
#20
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
Feb 24, 2015, 7:16 am
#21
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott PP; Hilton Gold
Posts: 171
The complimentary upgrades you get as an EXP do NOT apply to international travel, only domestic. So you may get s free upgrade on any connections you make within the U.S., you will be in coach for the TATL legs if you don't use SWU or miles to get into business class.
Feb 24, 2015, 7:18 am
#22
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,049
You will not be getting anyone upgraded, not even yourself, without using a SWU, on the international flights.
Feb 24, 2015, 7:28 am
#23
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,388
Is the EXP you are shooting for the result of your natural travel patterns, or are you going to have to shell out a lot of cash and travel time to nowhere and back for your travel to get EXP, and this is all a scheme to get a bunch of folks some nicer flights for your trip to Europe?
If it's the latter... why aren't you spending the money you're going to spend on EXP on the 2016 Europe trip itself? Because as mentioned, your plan (2 F awards + 4 J upgrades on the same flight) isn't all that realistic, but the couple thousand dollars you're likely to spend on mileage running could go a long way towards Europe expenses, or even premium economy flights (and keep in mind that East Coast TATLs are fairly short experiences in F or J).
(I know, I'm discouraging someone from doing flying for nothing other than status. Please don't burn me at the stake...)
If it's the latter... why aren't you spending the money you're going to spend on EXP on the 2016 Europe trip itself? Because as mentioned, your plan (2 F awards + 4 J upgrades on the same flight) isn't all that realistic, but the couple thousand dollars you're likely to spend on mileage running could go a long way towards Europe expenses, or even premium economy flights (and keep in mind that East Coast TATLs are fairly short experiences in F or J).
(I know, I'm discouraging someone from doing flying for nothing other than status. Please don't burn me at the stake...)
Feb 24, 2015, 7:47 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
Is the EXP you are shooting for the result of your natural travel patterns, or are you going to have to shell out a lot of cash and travel time to nowhere and back for your travel to get EXP, and this is all a scheme to get a bunch of folks some nicer flights for your trip to Europe?
If it's the latter... why aren't you spending the money you're going to spend on EXP on the 2016 Europe trip itself? Because as mentioned, your plan (2 F awards + 4 J upgrades on the same flight) isn't all that realistic, but the couple thousand dollars you're likely to spend on mileage running could go a long way towards Europe expenses, or even premium economy flights (and keep in mind that East Coast TATLs are fairly short experiences in F or J).
(I know, I'm discouraging someone from doing flying for nothing other than status. Please don't burn me at the stake...)
If it's the latter... why aren't you spending the money you're going to spend on EXP on the 2016 Europe trip itself? Because as mentioned, your plan (2 F awards + 4 J upgrades on the same flight) isn't all that realistic, but the couple thousand dollars you're likely to spend on mileage running could go a long way towards Europe expenses, or even premium economy flights (and keep in mind that East Coast TATLs are fairly short experiences in F or J).
(I know, I'm discouraging someone from doing flying for nothing other than status. Please don't burn me at the stake...)
Feb 24, 2015, 8:10 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,388
I can see the logic if "hey, I do a lot of travel anyway, a little more to boost me a level is a good payoff in benefits returned" or "I'm retired and/or wealthy enough to do enough travel to make EXP as a leisure traveler, so why not?", or even "I have this 'weird' hobby and like to sit on airplanes for no reason other than it's an airplane and I'm flying", but the changes in the industry towards transactional/"we love you for what you spend today" spending patterns really do mean the glory days of mileage running are behind us, and if you want to boost your travel experience... it seems you can do it directly instead of indirectly through status.
Feb 24, 2015, 8:33 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 40
Is the EXP you are shooting for the result of your natural travel patterns, or are you going to have to shell out a lot of cash and travel time to nowhere and back for your travel to get EXP, and this is all a scheme to get a bunch of folks some nicer flights for your trip to Europe?
If it's the latter... why aren't you spending the money you're going to spend on EXP on the 2016 Europe trip itself? Because as mentioned, your plan (2 F awards + 4 J upgrades on the same flight) isn't all that realistic, but the couple thousand dollars you're likely to spend on mileage running could go a long way towards Europe expenses, or even premium economy flights (and keep in mind that East Coast TATLs are fairly short experiences in F or J).
(I know, I'm discouraging someone from doing flying for nothing other than status. Please don't burn me at the stake...)
If it's the latter... why aren't you spending the money you're going to spend on EXP on the 2016 Europe trip itself? Because as mentioned, your plan (2 F awards + 4 J upgrades on the same flight) isn't all that realistic, but the couple thousand dollars you're likely to spend on mileage running could go a long way towards Europe expenses, or even premium economy flights (and keep in mind that East Coast TATLs are fairly short experiences in F or J).
(I know, I'm discouraging someone from doing flying for nothing other than status. Please don't burn me at the stake...)
As for the plan, it's more of a "it'll be nice to do" to get everyone else upgraded to J or F. I have enough points/miles that the wife and I can get either F or J for TATL, so we're fine with that arrangements. I'm just trying to see if I can help out the other people traveling with us, to make that TATL flight a little better.
Feb 24, 2015, 8:37 am
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 40
I do enjoy the benefits that comes with having Airline status, and I'm a little disappointed that I'm losing all my status with US for a few weeks. Regarding the VIP treatment and F travel, I've know that it's a not right but a "consider yourself lucky" if you get it. Unless I'm paying or using award for F travel, I have no expectations of getting it.
Feb 24, 2015, 8:58 am
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 40
The complimentary upgrades you get as an EXP do NOT apply to international travel, only domestic. So you may get s free upgrade on any connections you make within the U.S., you will be in coach for the TATL legs if you don't use SWU or miles to get into business class.
Feb 24, 2015, 9:40 am
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Posts: 18,240
In regards to the original question getting more than 2 SWU's applied on a single flight is very, very difficult. I have managed to pull it off successfully twice in 8 years. Once by grabbing them as soon as they laded the flight and once by very careful monitoring of EF.
Feb 24, 2015, 10:27 am
#30
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinium
Posts: 1,334
1) You need 6 J/F tickets from TPA to anywhere in Europe? in this case, One-way USA-EU is 50k, 6x50=300k Advantage miles, or 3 RT in J.
2) You said that you will do the PLT Challenge, what's the point of that if you are going to get AA EXP by the end of October?, you should be able to get PLT before that date, unless you want the benefits (Lounge access/better seats) for those flights. Keep in mind that in order to get AA Exc PLT you must flight 100K in 2015 (US, AA and OW partners).
3). If you looking for July dates, you will be able to buy it (paid/miles) 331 days in advance, which means in August/September. Business (J) in July are hard to get, but if book it in advance (August), you should be able to get at least 3 J seats with AA.
4). You best option (for USA-EU RT) is get 3 RT J seats with AA miles, and 3 paid Y seats, then use 6 SWU for upgrades, and of course, you should be one of those Y seats, there is a high change you will get at least your seat in J (leaving 2 other pax in Y) thanks to your status (future EXP).
5). In order to avoid high YQ fees, look for AA, Air Berlin, Finnair and IB (YQ fees but lot less than BA). MIA-MAD-EU is a good option on AA+IB, AA usually release 3 J seats (and 7 Y) and IB around 2 J, departure time are similar.
6) Routing:
2) You said that you will do the PLT Challenge, what's the point of that if you are going to get AA EXP by the end of October?, you should be able to get PLT before that date, unless you want the benefits (Lounge access/better seats) for those flights. Keep in mind that in order to get AA Exc PLT you must flight 100K in 2015 (US, AA and OW partners).
3). If you looking for July dates, you will be able to buy it (paid/miles) 331 days in advance, which means in August/September. Business (J) in July are hard to get, but if book it in advance (August), you should be able to get at least 3 J seats with AA.
4). You best option (for USA-EU RT) is get 3 RT J seats with AA miles, and 3 paid Y seats, then use 6 SWU for upgrades, and of course, you should be one of those Y seats, there is a high change you will get at least your seat in J (leaving 2 other pax in Y) thanks to your status (future EXP).
5). In order to avoid high YQ fees, look for AA, Air Berlin, Finnair and IB (YQ fees but lot less than BA). MIA-MAD-EU is a good option on AA+IB, AA usually release 3 J seats (and 7 Y) and IB around 2 J, departure time are similar.
6) Routing: