Jan 2, 2015, 8:37 am
Last edit by: theultimateflyer
Welcome to the thread — please read the wiki first as it contains lots of information which may answer your question. We keep track of other prices, as well as useful reference information for those planning tier point runs.
This is a community-maintained wiki post. Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below!
Current Promotions of Interest
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This thread lists attractive tier point (TP) runs under Ł3 per TP grouped within different (departure) geographies
Please note the following:
Please use the following convention when adding tier point runs to this wiki post:
Date fare checked | Price per Tier Point | Total Price | Total Tier Points | Route | Booking Classes | Booking Channel | Credit | Notes (if applicable) | Airlines
Please remember to:
From Europe
17DEC | Ł0.75/TP | Ł909 | 1200 | DUB-LHR-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-DUB | I/I/A/A/A/A/I/I | aa.com | perthflyer | BA AA
30JUL | Ł0.93/TP | Ł335 | 360 | JER-LGW-SSH-LGW-JER | J/I/I/J | ba.com | dom462 | CE | BA
01 NOV | Ł0.99/TP | Ł1343 | 1360 | CPH-HEL-LHR-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-CPH | I/I/I/A/P/P/A/I/I/I | ITA Matrix | MrMutton
19 AUG | Ł1.01/TP | Ł1,375 (1938 EUR) | 1360 | DUB-HEL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-DUB | IIIAAAAIII | OttoMH | J/F | AY BA AA
16 AUG | Ł1.22/TP | Ł1,675 (21.5k NOK) | 1360 | OSL-HEL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-OSL | IIIAAAAIII | OttoMH | J/F | AY BA AA
16 AUG | Ł1.27/TP | Ł1,518 (19.5k NOK) | 1200 | OSL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-OSL | IIAAAAII | OttoMH | J/F | BA AA
14AUG | Ł1.31/TP | Ł470 | 360 | OSL-HEL-AGP-HEL-OSL | I-I-I-I | ITA | Flythe96flag | SH J cabin + possible red-eye (!) | AY
04 SEP | Ł1.31/TP | Ł1,220 (1681 EUR) | 910 | DME-MAD-JFK-LAX-MIA-MAD-DME | all in I | iberia.com | henkybaby | J | BA AA IB | works till 6/16 so far
23AUG | Ł1.34/TP | Ł1148 | 860 | DUB-PHL-PHX-LAS-PHX-JFK-LHR,LCY-DUB | I/P/P/P/P/I/I | ticketed on aa.com | megaloman | AA & BA (UD on 747 JFK-LHR)
17AUG | Ł1.67/TP | Ł1408 |840 |BHX-JFK-PHX-LAS & back | I-A-A-A-A-I | aa.com |Swiss Tony | AA ski slope bed on TATL | AA
26JUL | Ł1.81/TP | Ł72.70 | 40 | MAD-FRA | Z | lan.com | Prospero | 787 flat bed | LA
23NOV | Ł1.89/TP | Ł377 | 200 | DUB-LHR-MAD-SVQ r/t | I-I-I-I-I-I | ITA | Lorcancoyle | IM0B IB DUB to SVQ | BA and IB flights (I2 for domestic under IB code), random dates in December available, A340 on some dates (helpfully pointed out by Temps that domestic Spain is only 20 TPs)
17 AUG | Ł1.89/TP | Ł1818 | 960 | OSL-LON-KUL//SIN-SYD/SYD-PER/PER-SYD-SIN/SIN-LHR-OSL | BugAlugs | J | BA QF | INCSALE ended 14thSep - (Applied GUF via TA (moves J to F on BA longhaul and scores 1260 TPS in total)
31 DEC | Ł1.91/TP | Ł1220 | 640 | AMS-LHR-MIA-SCL // EZE-JFK-LHR-BCN | J/I/I-I/I/J | AA.com | nufnuf77 (can also return to LHR for Ł20 less but 40TP less
13NOV | Ł2.56/TP | Ł410 | 160 | LHR-HEL | ? | BA.com | Lorcancoyle | wide open as flight+hotel, can reduce with TCB cash back | BA
1JAN | Ł1.85/TP | Ł444 | 240 | JER-LGW/LHR-HEL | J/I/I/J | ITA Matrix | flatlander | Available most weekends first half of 2016, fare IM0R
24NOV | Ł1.91/TP | Ł765.00 | 400 | BUD-DOH-SHJ | I/A/I/A | QR.com | Wozza2404 | A320 | QR
7DEC | Ł2.24/TP | Ł942 | 420 | MAD-MIA-SXM-CLT-JFK-LHR | I/I/I/A/I | ticketed on aa.com | megaloman | other routings possible earning more TPs could have lower the price with added LHR-CDG leg to Ł865 (Ł2.06/TP)
22JAN | Ł2.29/TP | Ł640 | 280 | FCO-CMB-FCO | I/I | book on SriLankan website | theultimateflyer
From North, Central and South America
31JUL | Ł0.39/TP | Ł484 | 1240 | HNL-LAX-BOS-MIA-BAQ-MIA-PHL-LAX-HNL | AAAIIAAA | ITA Matrix | Pawel Siewko | AA
16OCT | Ł0.55/TP | Ł298.50 | 540 | JFK-LAX-DEN-LAX-JFK | P-P-P-P | aa.com | Calum | AA A321t F seat between JFK & LAX (FARE GONE)
16JUL | Ł0.57/TP | Ł554 | 980 | LAX-LAS-PHX-PHL-CLT-TPA-MIA-PTY-MIA-PHL-PHX-LAS-LAX | PPPPPPIIPPPP | aa.com | Airprox | AA + US
27JUL | Ł0.80/TP | Ł15.94 | 20 | VVC-BOG-MDE | A | lan.com | JohnnyColombia | A is economy on LA | LA
08NOV | Ł0.84/TP | Ł772.50 | 920 | KOA-LAX-CLT-SJU-CLT-LAX-KOA | AAIIAA | aa.com | Lappe | Same day turnarounds available
30SEP | Ł0.87/TP | Ł808.00 | 920 | BOG-MIA-LAX-HNL-LAX-MIA-BOG | I-P-P-P-P-I | aa.com | JohnnyColombia | No comments
20SEP | Ł1.00/TP | Ł663.20 | 660 | LGA-BOS-LAX-PHX-LAX-BOS-LGA | P-P-P-P-P-P | americanairlines.co.uk | njf63 | TCON on 737 so not too comfortable but good availability next Mar/Apr
21AUG | Ł1.05 | Ł253 | 240 | BOS-PHL-PIT-PHL-BOS | PPPP | aa.com | Simon Schus | AA op by US
02NOV | Ł1.27/TP | Ł1250 | 980 | MCO-MIA-LAX-HNL | A | AA | Mr 1A
05AUG | Ł1.37/TP | Ł578 | 420 | LAS-PHL-LAS | A/P | aa.com | Lucanesque | First | AA op by US
28JUL | Ł1.43/TP | Ł400 | 280 | SCL-IPC-SCL | Z | lan.com - Chilean version | moonman85 | 787 flat bed | LAN
06NOV | Ł1.67/TP | Ł66.00 | 40 | JFK-YYZ | Z | tam.com.br | frb98mf | Fifth Freedom flight every Wed/Fri/Sun, 767 flat bed
13NOV | Ł1.06/TP | Ł705 | 660 | RIC-CLT-PHL-PHX-PHL-CLT-RIC | A | AA.com | wenzlydale | 2 trips this year - mixture of A320s and B757s not a lot of food offered but all the G&Ts you could wish for
07JAN|Ł1.24/TP | Ł668 | 540 | SEA-MIA-ATL-CLT-SEA | P/P/P/P | aa.com | EsherFlyer | 24h transcon bounce. All I could fit in...
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
18AUG | Ł1.25/TP | Ł440.00 | 360 | BKK-KUL-ICN Return | Z | www.malaysiaairlines.com | Wozza2404 | A330 Angle Flat for long haul sectors | MH
12OCT | Ł1.68/TP | Ł1,546 | 920 | TLV-MAD-LHR-JFK-LAX-JFK-LHR-MAD-TLV | I/I/I/I/I/I/I | iberia.com | frb98mf | Business (bonus: A330/A340 on the TLV legs!) | IB
24NOV | Ł1.43/TP | Ł803 | 560 | CTS-HKG-DPS-HKG-CTS | I/I/I/I | cathaypacific.com | zeltergiset | One 24hr+ stopover in HKG allowed | CX
06JAN | Ł1.86/TP | Ł856 | 460 | HND-HKG-DPS-HKG-CTS | I/I/I/I | cathaypacific.com | Gastrocnemius | One 24hr+ stopover in HKG allowed | CX
11JAN | Ł1.26/TP | Ł707 | 560 | KTM-KUL-TPE-KUL-KTM | D/D/D/D | malaysiaairlines.com | zeltergiset | MH
11JAN | Ł1.68/TP | Ł940 | 560 | TPE-KUL-KTM-KUL-TPE | D/D/D/D | malaysiaairlines.com | zeltergiset | MH
From Africa
11AUG | Ł0.89/TP | Ł748 | 840 | ACC-LHR-MIA-LAX-MIA-LHR-ACC | I/I/I/I/I/I/I/I | iberia call centre | njf63 | CW / AA J | IB
15NOV | Ł2.00/TP | Ł1200 | 600 | CPT-DOH-JFK-DOH-CPT | I/I/I/I | QR Website | Calum | QR J on the B788/A350 & 46hrs of flying | QR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need a year-end TP run (ex-LON) to make / retain status?
Some tips for searching for the year-end TP run for newcomers, the below is indicative only, but hopefully provides a bit of guidance for relatively straightforward runs ex-LON. Prospero's guide to using ITA matrix in post 3 (here along with these ideas, might come in handy. Feel free to share results, problems or general questions in the thread as these may not always work and there might be better deals out there...
For overnight trips remember to check BA and Iberia for their flights and hotel option as well, can get hotel for almost no extra cost at times
Need 80 TPs or less
Club Europe return somewhere close by is best - DUB, AMS and JER usually cheapest. AMS and JER easier than DUB for an immediate turnaround. The BA.com low fare finder can be very useful.
If you need as few as 45 TPs you might consider booking economy flights and hoping for a proactive online upgrade offer - but they're not guaranteed to materialise (so not one if you have no more time left in your TP collection year)
Or a slightly more interesting fun run
Need 85-120 TPs
Iberia flights via MAD to regional Spanish airports will get you 120 TPs as the domestic Spanish flights are 20 TPs in business. Under Ł300 including hotel can be available. Check BIO, GRX, VLC, BCN, SVQ etc. Example here
Need 125-160 TPs
Take a look at the shorthaul plus routes earning 80 TPs each way in business listed in the first post (here) MLA, IST, HEL and RAK are usually available. If time sensitive take a look at BA flight and hotel option to HEL, where you can usually get the last BA flight out on a Saturday, airport hotel and first return Sunday for well under Ł500.
Alternative options include positioning to JER and flying JER-LGW-XXX (AMS usually works well and avoids switching airports)
Need more than 160 TPs
You'll most likely be heading north then - OSL or VLL via HEL will get you 240 TPs, as will JER-LGW/LHR-HEL e.g. LHR-HEL-OSL for Ł520
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historic information
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
This is a community-maintained wiki post. Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below!
Current Promotions of Interest
- from DUB to US IJN8S4Z1 reported here, e.g. JFK - €1,074, MIA - €1,119, LAS - €1,224, LAX - €1,296, HNL - €1,623, needs to be booked by 2 February, for outbound travel over Easter and summer 2016, see linked post for details
- from DUB to US ILN8S4Z1 reported here, e.g. JFK - €920, MIA - €958, LAS - €1,048, LAX - €1,110, needs to be booked by 2 February, for outbound travel over November and Christmas & New Year 2016, see linked post for details
- from DUB to US ILR28AP reported here, e.g. JFK - €1,538, MIA - €1,601, LAS - €1,751, LAX - €1,854, HNL - €1,834, this is an advanced purchase fare so no book by deadline, no stopovers, see linked post for details
- from DUB to US ILN8S4E1 reported here, e.g. JFK - €1,538, MIA - €1,601, LAS - €1,751, LAX - €1,854, HNL - €1,834, this is an advanced purchase fare so no book by deadline, allows stopovers for €75, see linked post for details
- from CPH to US ILR21AP reported here, e.g. JFK - Ł890, MIA - Ł1,132, ORD - Ł942, LAX - Ł1,277, HNL - Ł1,361, this is an advanced purchase fare so no book by deadline, no stopovers, see linked post for details
- from CPH to US ILN2S4E1 reported here, JFK - Ł890, MIA - Ł1,132, ORD - Ł942, LAX - Ł1,277, HNL - Ł1,361, this is an advanced purchase fare so no book by deadline, allows stopovers for €75, see linked post for details
- ILN2S4Z1 from OSL to HNL (19.5k/21.5k NOK (Ł1,520/Ł1,675) via. LON or via. HEL & LON)
PERMITTED 23NOV 15 THROUGH 28NOV 15 OR 22DEC 15 THROUGH
01JAN 16 OR 27MAR 16 THROUGH 31MAR 16 ON THE OUTBOUND
TRANSATLANTIC SECTOR.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This thread lists attractive tier point (TP) runs under Ł3 per TP grouped within different (departure) geographies
Please note the following:
- Current availability is not guaranteed.
- All prices include taxes.
Please use the following convention when adding tier point runs to this wiki post:
Date fare checked | Price per Tier Point | Total Price | Total Tier Points | Route | Booking Classes | Booking Channel | Credit | Notes (if applicable) | Airlines
Please remember to:
- Convert currencies to GBP, rounding to the nearest pound.
- Post full routes and full booking classes.
- Note any restrictions on booking in the Notes section.
- List in order of price per tier point within the relevant departure area.
From Europe
17DEC | Ł0.75/TP | Ł909 | 1200 | DUB-LHR-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-DUB | I/I/A/A/A/A/I/I | aa.com | perthflyer | BA AA
30JUL | Ł0.93/TP | Ł335 | 360 | JER-LGW-SSH-LGW-JER | J/I/I/J | ba.com | dom462 | CE | BA
01 NOV | Ł0.99/TP | Ł1343 | 1360 | CPH-HEL-LHR-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-CPH | I/I/I/A/P/P/A/I/I/I | ITA Matrix | MrMutton
19 AUG | Ł1.01/TP | Ł1,375 (1938 EUR) | 1360 | DUB-HEL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-DUB | IIIAAAAIII | OttoMH | J/F | AY BA AA
16 AUG | Ł1.22/TP | Ł1,675 (21.5k NOK) | 1360 | OSL-HEL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-HEL-OSL | IIIAAAAIII | OttoMH | J/F | AY BA AA
16 AUG | Ł1.27/TP | Ł1,518 (19.5k NOK) | 1200 | OSL-LON-JFK-PHX-HNL-PHX-JFK-LHR-OSL | IIAAAAII | OttoMH | J/F | BA AA
14AUG | Ł1.31/TP | Ł470 | 360 | OSL-HEL-AGP-HEL-OSL | I-I-I-I | ITA | Flythe96flag | SH J cabin + possible red-eye (!) | AY
04 SEP | Ł1.31/TP | Ł1,220 (1681 EUR) | 910 | DME-MAD-JFK-LAX-MIA-MAD-DME | all in I | iberia.com | henkybaby | J | BA AA IB | works till 6/16 so far
23AUG | Ł1.34/TP | Ł1148 | 860 | DUB-PHL-PHX-LAS-PHX-JFK-LHR,LCY-DUB | I/P/P/P/P/I/I | ticketed on aa.com | megaloman | AA & BA (UD on 747 JFK-LHR)
17AUG | Ł1.67/TP | Ł1408 |840 |BHX-JFK-PHX-LAS & back | I-A-A-A-A-I | aa.com |Swiss Tony | AA ski slope bed on TATL | AA
26JUL | Ł1.81/TP | Ł72.70 | 40 | MAD-FRA | Z | lan.com | Prospero | 787 flat bed | LA
23NOV | Ł1.89/TP | Ł377 | 200 | DUB-LHR-MAD-SVQ r/t | I-I-I-I-I-I | ITA | Lorcancoyle | IM0B IB DUB to SVQ | BA and IB flights (I2 for domestic under IB code), random dates in December available, A340 on some dates (helpfully pointed out by Temps that domestic Spain is only 20 TPs)
17 AUG | Ł1.89/TP | Ł1818 | 960 | OSL-LON-KUL//SIN-SYD/SYD-PER/PER-SYD-SIN/SIN-LHR-OSL | BugAlugs | J | BA QF | INCSALE ended 14thSep - (Applied GUF via TA (moves J to F on BA longhaul and scores 1260 TPS in total)
31 DEC | Ł1.91/TP | Ł1220 | 640 | AMS-LHR-MIA-SCL // EZE-JFK-LHR-BCN | J/I/I-I/I/J | AA.com | nufnuf77 (can also return to LHR for Ł20 less but 40TP less
13NOV | Ł2.56/TP | Ł410 | 160 | LHR-HEL | ? | BA.com | Lorcancoyle | wide open as flight+hotel, can reduce with TCB cash back | BA
1JAN | Ł1.85/TP | Ł444 | 240 | JER-LGW/LHR-HEL | J/I/I/J | ITA Matrix | flatlander | Available most weekends first half of 2016, fare IM0R
24NOV | Ł1.91/TP | Ł765.00 | 400 | BUD-DOH-SHJ | I/A/I/A | QR.com | Wozza2404 | A320 | QR
7DEC | Ł2.24/TP | Ł942 | 420 | MAD-MIA-SXM-CLT-JFK-LHR | I/I/I/A/I | ticketed on aa.com | megaloman | other routings possible earning more TPs could have lower the price with added LHR-CDG leg to Ł865 (Ł2.06/TP)
22JAN | Ł2.29/TP | Ł640 | 280 | FCO-CMB-FCO | I/I | book on SriLankan website | theultimateflyer
From North, Central and South America
31JUL | Ł0.39/TP | Ł484 | 1240 | HNL-LAX-BOS-MIA-BAQ-MIA-PHL-LAX-HNL | AAAIIAAA | ITA Matrix | Pawel Siewko | AA
16OCT | Ł0.55/TP | Ł298.50 | 540 | JFK-LAX-DEN-LAX-JFK | P-P-P-P | aa.com | Calum | AA A321t F seat between JFK & LAX (FARE GONE)
16JUL | Ł0.57/TP | Ł554 | 980 | LAX-LAS-PHX-PHL-CLT-TPA-MIA-PTY-MIA-PHL-PHX-LAS-LAX | PPPPPPIIPPPP | aa.com | Airprox | AA + US
27JUL | Ł0.80/TP | Ł15.94 | 20 | VVC-BOG-MDE | A | lan.com | JohnnyColombia | A is economy on LA | LA
08NOV | Ł0.84/TP | Ł772.50 | 920 | KOA-LAX-CLT-SJU-CLT-LAX-KOA | AAIIAA | aa.com | Lappe | Same day turnarounds available
30SEP | Ł0.87/TP | Ł808.00 | 920 | BOG-MIA-LAX-HNL-LAX-MIA-BOG | I-P-P-P-P-I | aa.com | JohnnyColombia | No comments
20SEP | Ł1.00/TP | Ł663.20 | 660 | LGA-BOS-LAX-PHX-LAX-BOS-LGA | P-P-P-P-P-P | americanairlines.co.uk | njf63 | TCON on 737 so not too comfortable but good availability next Mar/Apr
21AUG | Ł1.05 | Ł253 | 240 | BOS-PHL-PIT-PHL-BOS | PPPP | aa.com | Simon Schus | AA op by US
02NOV | Ł1.27/TP | Ł1250 | 980 | MCO-MIA-LAX-HNL | A | AA | Mr 1A
05AUG | Ł1.37/TP | Ł578 | 420 | LAS-PHL-LAS | A/P | aa.com | Lucanesque | First | AA op by US
28JUL | Ł1.43/TP | Ł400 | 280 | SCL-IPC-SCL | Z | lan.com - Chilean version | moonman85 | 787 flat bed | LAN
06NOV | Ł1.67/TP | Ł66.00 | 40 | JFK-YYZ | Z | tam.com.br | frb98mf | Fifth Freedom flight every Wed/Fri/Sun, 767 flat bed
13NOV | Ł1.06/TP | Ł705 | 660 | RIC-CLT-PHL-PHX-PHL-CLT-RIC | A | AA.com | wenzlydale | 2 trips this year - mixture of A320s and B757s not a lot of food offered but all the G&Ts you could wish for
07JAN|Ł1.24/TP | Ł668 | 540 | SEA-MIA-ATL-CLT-SEA | P/P/P/P | aa.com | EsherFlyer | 24h transcon bounce. All I could fit in...
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
18AUG | Ł1.25/TP | Ł440.00 | 360 | BKK-KUL-ICN Return | Z | www.malaysiaairlines.com | Wozza2404 | A330 Angle Flat for long haul sectors | MH
12OCT | Ł1.68/TP | Ł1,546 | 920 | TLV-MAD-LHR-JFK-LAX-JFK-LHR-MAD-TLV | I/I/I/I/I/I/I | iberia.com | frb98mf | Business (bonus: A330/A340 on the TLV legs!) | IB
24NOV | Ł1.43/TP | Ł803 | 560 | CTS-HKG-DPS-HKG-CTS | I/I/I/I | cathaypacific.com | zeltergiset | One 24hr+ stopover in HKG allowed | CX
06JAN | Ł1.86/TP | Ł856 | 460 | HND-HKG-DPS-HKG-CTS | I/I/I/I | cathaypacific.com | Gastrocnemius | One 24hr+ stopover in HKG allowed | CX
11JAN | Ł1.26/TP | Ł707 | 560 | KTM-KUL-TPE-KUL-KTM | D/D/D/D | malaysiaairlines.com | zeltergiset | MH
11JAN | Ł1.68/TP | Ł940 | 560 | TPE-KUL-KTM-KUL-TPE | D/D/D/D | malaysiaairlines.com | zeltergiset | MH
From Africa
11AUG | Ł0.89/TP | Ł748 | 840 | ACC-LHR-MIA-LAX-MIA-LHR-ACC | I/I/I/I/I/I/I/I | iberia call centre | njf63 | CW / AA J | IB
15NOV | Ł2.00/TP | Ł1200 | 600 | CPT-DOH-JFK-DOH-CPT | I/I/I/I | QR Website | Calum | QR J on the B788/A350 & 46hrs of flying | QR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need a year-end TP run (ex-LON) to make / retain status?
Some tips for searching for the year-end TP run for newcomers, the below is indicative only, but hopefully provides a bit of guidance for relatively straightforward runs ex-LON. Prospero's guide to using ITA matrix in post 3 (here along with these ideas, might come in handy. Feel free to share results, problems or general questions in the thread as these may not always work and there might be better deals out there...
For overnight trips remember to check BA and Iberia for their flights and hotel option as well, can get hotel for almost no extra cost at times
Need 80 TPs or less
Club Europe return somewhere close by is best - DUB, AMS and JER usually cheapest. AMS and JER easier than DUB for an immediate turnaround. The BA.com low fare finder can be very useful.
If you need as few as 45 TPs you might consider booking economy flights and hoping for a proactive online upgrade offer - but they're not guaranteed to materialise (so not one if you have no more time left in your TP collection year)
Or a slightly more interesting fun run
Need 85-120 TPs
Iberia flights via MAD to regional Spanish airports will get you 120 TPs as the domestic Spanish flights are 20 TPs in business. Under Ł300 including hotel can be available. Check BIO, GRX, VLC, BCN, SVQ etc. Example here
Need 125-160 TPs
Take a look at the shorthaul plus routes earning 80 TPs each way in business listed in the first post (here) MLA, IST, HEL and RAK are usually available. If time sensitive take a look at BA flight and hotel option to HEL, where you can usually get the last BA flight out on a Saturday, airport hotel and first return Sunday for well under Ł500.
Alternative options include positioning to JER and flying JER-LGW-XXX (AMS usually works well and avoids switching airports)
Need more than 160 TPs
You'll most likely be heading north then - OSL or VLL via HEL will get you 240 TPs, as will JER-LGW/LHR-HEL e.g. LHR-HEL-OSL for Ł520
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historic information
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
BA Tier Point Runs | 2015 master thread
Jan 1, 2016, 2:39 pm
#6781
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,881
Ok. I have never done this before. Sorry if this sounds like a really stupid question. If one is looking for maximum tier points for minimum price, what do you type into the Matrix search engine, since it asks for your destination and the destination isn't important to me. In fact, what I need to find out is what destination would give me the maximum tier points for the lowest price.
You will need a starting point at least. Where are you based, how much do you want to spend, how long can you be away for, how may TPs do you need?
Jan 1, 2016, 2:45 pm
#6782
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 19
Happy New Year all!
I have a fairly subjective question, but would appreciate any insight anyone can give me - although I have 9 months of my TP collection year to run, I'm likely to be around 500/600 TP short of Gold, unless I really try, so I'd like to know whether it's really worth making the effort for Gold? I've read the BA tier comparisons and although the benefits sound 'good', they don't seem too different to Silver, but are there any 'hidden', or unwritten benefits that make it worthwhile? Thanks all!
I have a fairly subjective question, but would appreciate any insight anyone can give me - although I have 9 months of my TP collection year to run, I'm likely to be around 500/600 TP short of Gold, unless I really try, so I'd like to know whether it's really worth making the effort for Gold? I've read the BA tier comparisons and although the benefits sound 'good', they don't seem too different to Silver, but are there any 'hidden', or unwritten benefits that make it worthwhile? Thanks all!
Jan 1, 2016, 2:46 pm
#6783
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 14
It seems then, that when you have experience of doing this you basically know which destinations are likely to give you a good price to tier point ration and you type those in?
Usually I am based in London. Right now I am in New York, though, and it seems from reading these threads that sometimes there are better opportunities for gaining tier points by flying on partner airlines in the US. My time frame is somewhat flexible. I need a total of 800 more tier points to reach gold by April, but I have to travel anyway so some tier points will come between now and then. So my objective right now is to try to gain 400-600 tp for a good price, although if I could get all 800 that would be great.
Usually I am based in London. Right now I am in New York, though, and it seems from reading these threads that sometimes there are better opportunities for gaining tier points by flying on partner airlines in the US. My time frame is somewhat flexible. I need a total of 800 more tier points to reach gold by April, but I have to travel anyway so some tier points will come between now and then. So my objective right now is to try to gain 400-600 tp for a good price, although if I could get all 800 that would be great.
Jan 1, 2016, 2:52 pm
#6784
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: UK
Programs: GGL (2021-), BA Emerald (1999-2021), SPG Platinum, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 267
LAS to LHR options with max TPs (other than IAD)
Folks trying to get back from LAS to LHR (as part of a return TP run DUB-LCY(BA1)-PHX-LAS) and ideally I prefer a stopover at JFK with 12hrs+, but ITA is not giving me options.
I can get a decent 12hrs in IAD (LAS-LAX-IAD-LHR) and its 380 which would be good.
What other options am I missing, basically:
LAS-aaa-bbb-LHR such that:
LAS-aaa TPs is 60 and
aaa-bbb 210
bbb-LHR 140
Thanks!
I can get a decent 12hrs in IAD (LAS-LAX-IAD-LHR) and its 380 which would be good.
What other options am I missing, basically:
LAS-aaa-bbb-LHR such that:
LAS-aaa TPs is 60 and
aaa-bbb 210
bbb-LHR 140
Thanks!
Jan 1, 2016, 2:54 pm
#6785
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,140
Happy New Year all!
I have a fairly subjective question, but would appreciate any insight anyone can give me - although I have 9 months of my TP collection year to run, I'm likely to be around 500/600 TP short of Gold, unless I really try, so I'd like to know whether it's really worth making the effort for Gold? I've read the BA tier comparisons and although the benefits sound 'good', they don't seem too different to Silver, but are there any 'hidden', or unwritten benefits that make it worthwhile? Thanks all!
I have a fairly subjective question, but would appreciate any insight anyone can give me - although I have 9 months of my TP collection year to run, I'm likely to be around 500/600 TP short of Gold, unless I really try, so I'd like to know whether it's really worth making the effort for Gold? I've read the BA tier comparisons and although the benefits sound 'good', they don't seem too different to Silver, but are there any 'hidden', or unwritten benefits that make it worthwhile? Thanks all!
OK, FLounge access and F checkin is nice, but not a game changer. likewise the Gold phone line MAY be a benefit, but I've not noticed a massive difference since 'elevation'.
Much honestly hinges on your flying patterns, and Avios earn/burn rate.
Jan 1, 2016, 2:58 pm
#6786
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
(For a computer program to figure out this is the cheapest way to do this is very clever, and it is a testament to ITA that it did this nicely. It's quite possible that other autopricing software would not think to try this combination without prompting.)
Two of the four fares you have there are actually instant upgrade AA fares (VA00WNMH/WAUP on HNL-LAX and QA21ZNJ3/WAUP on LAX-LAS).
Code:
RULE APPLICATION AND OTHER CONDITIONS
NOTE - THE FOLLOWING TEXT IS INFORMATIONAL AND NOT
VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING.
NOTE - THE FOLLOWING TEXT IS INFORMATIONAL AND NOT
VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING.
AND - ECONOMY FARE WITH AN INSTANT ONE-CLASS UPGRADE
AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE TO FIRST/BUSINESS.
APPLICATION
CLASS OF SERVICE
THESE FARES APPLY FOR ECONOMY CLASS SERVICE.
CAPACITY LIMITATIONS
SEATS ARE LIMITED.
BOTH ECONOMY AND FIRST CLASS BOOKING INVENTORIES
MUST BE AVAILABLE AT TIME OF BOOKING. THESE FARES
PERMIT A ONE-CLASS UPGRADE AT THE TIME OF
BOOKING.
Code:
SALES RESTRICTIONS
TICKETS MUST BE ISSUED ON THE STOCK OF AA AND MAY NOT
BE SOLD IN VENEZUELA. AND MAY ONLY BE SOLD IN AREA 1/
AREA 2/AREA 3.
TICKETS MUST BE ISSUED BY ELECTRONIC TICKETING.
an open jaw booking DUB-HNL//LAS-DUB that BA can book (or anyone can book); and,
an AA instant upgrade P ticket on HNL-LAS
This should work out at the same price (give or take a few pounds) and it will be much easier to book, I think.
an AA instant upgrade P ticket on HNL-LAS
Last edited by Calchas; Jan 1, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Jan 1, 2016, 3:03 pm
#6787
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,881
Folks trying to get back from LAS to LHR (as part of a return TP run DUB-LCY(BA1)-PHX-LAS) and ideally I prefer a stopover at JFK with 12hrs+, but ITA is not giving me options.
I can get a decent 12hrs in IAD (LAS-LAX-IAD-LHR) and its 380 which would be good.
What other options am I missing, basically:
LAS-aaa-bbb-LHR such that:
LAS-aaa TPs is 60 and
aaa-bbb 210
bbb-LHR 140
Thanks!
I can get a decent 12hrs in IAD (LAS-LAX-IAD-LHR) and its 380 which would be good.
What other options am I missing, basically:
LAS-aaa-bbb-LHR such that:
LAS-aaa TPs is 60 and
aaa-bbb 210
bbb-LHR 140
Thanks!
Also use the multi flight search tab on itamatrix to help see the overnight options.
Jan 1, 2016, 8:08 pm
#6788
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 14
I am trying to figure out how to use the matrix search engine, but it doesnt give me the option to select one world partner airlines. I am trying to figure out if it is better to do a "tp run" from new york or from london. Does anyone have suggestions or advice?
Jan 1, 2016, 11:31 pm
#6789
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2
LHR JFK PHX / alliance oneworld
Jan 2, 2016, 12:56 am
#6790
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 4,510
You are indeed correct with the way to restrict to using just oneworld. I would point out that this needs to go in the advance routing box and that for the example you have used this would be for connecting via LHR so you would need your origin in 'departing from'
Jan 2, 2016, 1:52 am
#6791
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,726
That's the correct way to force availability to oneworld. The other thing you can do is in the advance routing options is to enter C:BA+ if you particularly want to see only BA's offerings, or C:AA+ for that matter. Sometimes it is worth not giving ITA Matrix too much latitude since it does sometimes miss things.
Jan 2, 2016, 2:29 am
#6792
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
Happy New Year all!
I have a fairly subjective question, but would appreciate any insight anyone can give me - although I have 9 months of my TP collection year to run, I'm likely to be around 500/600 TP short of Gold, unless I really try, so I'd like to know whether it's really worth making the effort for Gold? I've read the BA tier comparisons and although the benefits sound 'good', they don't seem too different to Silver, but are there any 'hidden', or unwritten benefits that make it worthwhile? Thanks all!
I have a fairly subjective question, but would appreciate any insight anyone can give me - although I have 9 months of my TP collection year to run, I'm likely to be around 500/600 TP short of Gold, unless I really try, so I'd like to know whether it's really worth making the effort for Gold? I've read the BA tier comparisons and although the benefits sound 'good', they don't seem too different to Silver, but are there any 'hidden', or unwritten benefits that make it worthwhile? Thanks all!
If you're going to make regular use of F lounges at LHR or internationally and value additional Economy award availability and extra Avios it might be for you but, for most, Silver is usually adequate.
Jan 2, 2016, 5:18 am
#6793
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 14
Thank you. I have been trying to do this but ran into trouble because I couldn't figure out the codes on the advanced. I was trying to restrict the search to one world, but now I will try BA and AA separately.
Jan 2, 2016, 11:27 am
#6794
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: BA Gold, DL PM, , Hilton Diamond (from being in a bed), SPG Plat, MR Plat
Posts: 922
Protection question
Doing a TP Run/ Holiday to Hawaii next year and have just found out that I will need to go straight back to the USA (ATL) almost immediately. I am scheduled to arrive back into Dublin on a Friday at 12.15 and need to be in America for the Monday. As I am already in Dublin I am probably just going to go EX-DUB again and do my transatlantic on the Saturday. I would quite like to do my DUB-LHR on the Friday night and then overnight in London before transatlantic on Saturday. Just wondering and probably being pedantic here but say I was very delayed coming into Dublin on the Friday from maybe delays out of the USA etc would I protected for my new EX-DUB starting that evening? Thinking of doing the 19.05 from Dublin. Sorry for the long winded question!
Thanks very much
Thanks very much
Jan 2, 2016, 11:34 am
#6795
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ±38,000 feet
Programs: LH HON, BA GGL, AF Plat, EK Plat
Posts: 6,426
Doing a TP Run/ Holiday to Hawaii next year and have just found out that I will need to go straight back to the USA (ATL) almost immediately. I am scheduled to arrive back into Dublin on a Friday at 12.15 and need to be in America for the Monday. As I am already in Dublin I am probably just going to go EX-DUB again and do my transatlantic on the Saturday. I would quite like to do my DUB-LHR on the Friday night and then overnight in London before transatlantic on Saturday. Just wondering and probably being pedantic here but say I was very delayed coming into Dublin on the Friday from maybe delays out of the USA etc would I protected for my new EX-DUB starting that evening? Thinking of doing the 19.05 from Dublin. Sorry for the long winded question!
Thanks very much
Thanks very much
If you are coming to DUB from US on AA (rather then from LON on BA), you could spend the evening in Dublin, and take AA on Sat morning back to JFK or Philly, this way you should be protected as AA does have an official protection even if on separate PNRs, though I have never tested this in Dublin.