Jan 1, 2018, 5:20 am
Last edit by: OWBA
Welcome to the thread. This is a continuation of the highly popular 2017 Tier Point thread. We keep track of other prices, as well as useful reference information for those planning tier point runs.
Please read the first few posts in this thread first as it contains lots of information which may answer your question.
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 Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below.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
Sale Fares
Advanced Promotion Fares
See here in post #9 for a 2018 archive of exEU sale fare, and see this post in the 2017 thread for last years’ archive of exEU sale fares.
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This thread lists attractive tier point (TP) runs under £3 per TP grouped within different (departure) geographies
Please note that current availability is not guaranteed and 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:
Please see the links at the bottom of the wiki for archives of runs from previous years.
From Europe
From North, Central and South America
23Sep £1.48/TP £650 (US$853) 440 TPs JFK-CLT/BOS-LAX-LAS and return all I class aa.com
6Sep £1.50/TP US$457 240TPs RIC-CLT-DCA-BOS, BOS-LGA/PHL-CLT-RIC all I class aa.com
Jan/Feb wide open £1.94/TP £700(US$883) 360 TPs SEA-CLT-MCO-PHX-SEA all I class aa.com
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
18Jan £1.58/TP £883 560 CMB-xHKG-CGK return I cathaypacific.com ermen CX
28Feb £1.44/TP £575 400 MCT-DOH-BKK-DOH-MCT A/R/R/A travel.americanexpress.co.uk QR
21Feb £1.53/TP £860 560 HKG-CMB-MEL return I Expedia.com.hk Firemin UL
16Mar £1.22/TP £687 560 CGK-CMB-DXB return I srilankan.com Firemin UL
01Apr £0.87/TP £314 360 PEN-KUL-KTM return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
01Apr £1.19/TP £335 280 KUL-PER return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
01Apr £1.28/TP £335 360 PEN-KUL-PER return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
05Apr £2.00/TP £320 160 CAN-HKG-TPE return CathayPacific.com littlevoices CX/KA (flexible fare, bookable up to 24 hours in advance, allows stopovers, book with CX directly)
From Africa
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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. Some information on how to use ITA matrix is in post #4 of this thread (or just click 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 fewer
Club Europe return somewhere close by is best - DUB, AMS and JER usually cheapest along with UK domestic returns. Additionally you may find that trips in to mainland Europe require a one night stay whereas the cheapest domestic CE returns do not have any minimum stay so can be booked as a same day return. If doing a back to back AMS and JER can be easier than DUB for an immediate turnaround - more information can be found in the back to back thread listed in the forum dashboard. 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). Alternatively, booking a return to one of the 40 tier point destinations with one way in CE and the return in ET (or vice versa if cheaper). UK domestic route, Bilbao, Jersey and Amsterdam seem the most cost effective for this.
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 £300 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 of this thread, 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 £500.
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 VNO via HEL will get you 240 TPs, as will JER-LGW/LHR-HEL e.g. LHR-HEL-OSL for £520.
DUB-LHR-HEL return (or return to LHR) is currently a very efficient way of hitting 200-240 TPs
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Historic information
2017 Archive
2016 Archive
2015 Archive (6 months Jul to Dec)
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
Please read the first few posts in this thread first as it contains lots of information which may answer your question.
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
Sale Fares
- from JER to PDX IKN8T1S6 reported in this post, e.g. PDX £1,082, needs to be booked by 8 May, see linked post for details
Advanced Promotion Fares
- from OTP to PHX ILN8C8S4 reported here, e.g. PHX - £1,296, see linked post for details
- from AMS to BKK INCEU60 reported here, e.g. BKK - £1,340, see linked post for details
See here in post #9 for a 2018 archive of exEU sale fare, and see this post in the 2017 thread for last years’ archive of exEU sale fares.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This thread lists attractive tier point (TP) runs under £3 per TP grouped within different (departure) geographies
Please note that current availability is not guaranteed and 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.
Please see the links at the bottom of the wiki for archives of runs from previous years.
From Europe
Code:
3Feb 200TPs DUB-LHR-HEL/HEL-LHR all I class ba.com
23Sep £1.48/TP £650 (US$853) 440 TPs JFK-CLT/BOS-LAX-LAS and return all I class aa.com
6Sep £1.50/TP US$457 240TPs RIC-CLT-DCA-BOS, BOS-LGA/PHL-CLT-RIC all I class aa.com
Jan/Feb wide open £1.94/TP £700(US$883) 360 TPs SEA-CLT-MCO-PHX-SEA all I class aa.com
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
18Jan £1.58/TP £883 560 CMB-xHKG-CGK return I cathaypacific.com ermen CX
28Feb £1.44/TP £575 400 MCT-DOH-BKK-DOH-MCT A/R/R/A travel.americanexpress.co.uk QR
21Feb £1.53/TP £860 560 HKG-CMB-MEL return I Expedia.com.hk Firemin UL
16Mar £1.22/TP £687 560 CGK-CMB-DXB return I srilankan.com Firemin UL
01Apr £0.87/TP £314 360 PEN-KUL-KTM return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
01Apr £1.19/TP £335 280 KUL-PER return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
01Apr £1.28/TP £335 360 PEN-KUL-PER return Malaysian.com cgtechuk MH
05Apr £2.00/TP £320 160 CAN-HKG-TPE return CathayPacific.com littlevoices CX/KA (flexible fare, bookable up to 24 hours in advance, allows stopovers, book with CX directly)
From Africa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. Some information on how to use ITA matrix is in post #4 of this thread (or just click 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 fewer
Club Europe return somewhere close by is best - DUB, AMS and JER usually cheapest along with UK domestic returns. Additionally you may find that trips in to mainland Europe require a one night stay whereas the cheapest domestic CE returns do not have any minimum stay so can be booked as a same day return. If doing a back to back AMS and JER can be easier than DUB for an immediate turnaround - more information can be found in the back to back thread listed in the forum dashboard. 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). Alternatively, booking a return to one of the 40 tier point destinations with one way in CE and the return in ET (or vice versa if cheaper). UK domestic route, Bilbao, Jersey and Amsterdam seem the most cost effective for this.
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 £300 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 of this thread, 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 £500.
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 VNO via HEL will get you 240 TPs, as will JER-LGW/LHR-HEL e.g. LHR-HEL-OSL for £520.
DUB-LHR-HEL return (or return to LHR) is currently a very efficient way of hitting 200-240 TPs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historic information
2017 Archive
2016 Archive
2015 Archive (6 months Jul to Dec)
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
BA Tier Point Runs | 2018 master thread
Jan 25, 2018, 3:24 pm
#826
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 158
For the cheap F fares, you need the AA transcontinentals to have I class availability in Business and A class in First. AA limit their I class significantly vs. others carriers on these routes. Look at EF for flights with both A and I to get the cheaper First class fares.
Pilot37
Thanks also to rossmacd and many others who has also been a great help with this fare! Without the likes of you we’d all never fly as well as we do!
Jan 26, 2018, 12:47 am
#827
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 833
Hi - my return itinerary from PHX => OTP has a 1h 4m connection at LAX. That feels tight, but couldn't find any other viable options.
Is it achievable, or should I plan to be bumped to the next flight. Unfortunately, there's no flight shortly afterwards, so there is quite a knock-on effect - I would also miss the JFK => LHR flight.
I presume there is a risk that there is no F availability on the later flight, or they may push me onto a direct LAX=>LHR flight - i which case, I get reduced TPs ??
Is it achievable, or should I plan to be bumped to the next flight. Unfortunately, there's no flight shortly afterwards, so there is quite a knock-on effect - I would also miss the JFK => LHR flight.
I presume there is a risk that there is no F availability on the later flight, or they may push me onto a direct LAX=>LHR flight - i which case, I get reduced TPs ??
Jan 26, 2018, 12:59 am
#828
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Hi - my return itinerary from PHX => OTP has a 1h 4m connection at LAX. That feels tight, but couldn't find any other viable options.
Is it achievable, or should I plan to be bumped to the next flight. Unfortunately, there's no flight shortly afterwards, so there is quite a knock-on effect - I would also miss the JFK => LHR flight.
I presume there is a risk that there is no F availability on the later flight, or they may push me onto a direct LAX=>LHR flight - i which case, I get reduced TPs ??
Is it achievable, or should I plan to be bumped to the next flight. Unfortunately, there's no flight shortly afterwards, so there is quite a knock-on effect - I would also miss the JFK => LHR flight.
I presume there is a risk that there is no F availability on the later flight, or they may push me onto a direct LAX=>LHR flight - i which case, I get reduced TPs ??
If things do go awry, then AA will sort you out (likely find you a direct LAX-LHR, or some other combination). You will then be able to claim original routing credit (ORC) to ensure that you get the TPs that you had originally booked - so you won't miss out whatever happens. There is a thread on ORC somewhere.
Jan 26, 2018, 1:02 am
#829
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Jan 26, 2018, 1:05 am
#830
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 833
The MCT at LAX can be as low as 35 mins (for certain AA flight combinations), so I really would not be worried in this case. I wouldn't 'plan' to be bumped here.
If things do go awry, then AA will sort you out (likely find you a direct LAX-LHR, or some other combination). You will then be able to claim original routing credit (ORC) to ensure that you get the TPs that you had originally booked - so you won't miss out whatever happens. There is a thread on ORC somewhere.
If things do go awry, then AA will sort you out (likely find you a direct LAX-LHR, or some other combination). You will then be able to claim original routing credit (ORC) to ensure that you get the TPs that you had originally booked - so you won't miss out whatever happens. There is a thread on ORC somewhere.
But as long as I can get the original TPs - that's fine. I'll check out the ORC threads
Thanks
EDIT: Just noticed it's "OPERATED BY SKYWEST AIRLINES AS AMERICAN EAGLE" - From what I can see, American Eagle run out of terminal 4, along with the rest of AA, so I should be fine.
Last edited by zen100; Jan 26, 2018 at 1:18 am
Jan 26, 2018, 1:05 am
#831
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 4,510
You may also want to check the times of all the PHX/LAX flights that day and perhaps look to get to PHX a little early. You may be able to move to an earlier flight. That way you would get some time in the lounges at LAX or if not just spend a little more time at PHX before departure.
Jan 26, 2018, 1:12 am
#832
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: HKG
Programs: BA(GGL) QF LTS CX AM, Hilton Diamond, PPL(A)
Posts: 1,654
I'll put it here for now as I know others were considering it....
If you can get a mobile boarding pass it's likely doable with running and queue jumping. Mine wanted credit card verification on the ground. I called UL in London from Doha and they said this was false and I was good to fly. The app never gave me a BP.
Transfer security at Doha nor transfer agents in CMB could issue a BP and they said it needed to be done in CGK but all looked fine.
I sprinted off the plane (first off) and jumped the entire immigration queue (after asking a ground agent!) And the check in desks were not open. That's game over. There is no one else to help and no UL presence land side.
The annoying thing is the DXB b2b was good as they were clearly expecting me because they rang asking where I was!
If you can refund it now, potentially via chargeback?! I would and save yourself the hassle. I'm a little dissapointing in UL tbh and will be taking it up with them.
Happy to answer any more questions. I will be posting pics etc I took in the other thread soon that show how it would have been possible with a proper transfer route airside.
If you can get a mobile boarding pass it's likely doable with running and queue jumping. Mine wanted credit card verification on the ground. I called UL in London from Doha and they said this was false and I was good to fly. The app never gave me a BP.
Transfer security at Doha nor transfer agents in CMB could issue a BP and they said it needed to be done in CGK but all looked fine.
I sprinted off the plane (first off) and jumped the entire immigration queue (after asking a ground agent!) And the check in desks were not open. That's game over. There is no one else to help and no UL presence land side.
The annoying thing is the DXB b2b was good as they were clearly expecting me because they rang asking where I was!
If you can refund it now, potentially via chargeback?! I would and save yourself the hassle. I'm a little dissapointing in UL tbh and will be taking it up with them.
Happy to answer any more questions. I will be posting pics etc I took in the other thread soon that show how it would have been possible with a proper transfer route airside.
Seriously contemplating whether I should risk CX HKG-CGK (arrive 1:15pm) to UL transfer. MCT is apparently 1 hour (I/I) but there are definitely no more airside routes available at CGK T2 now?
Jan 26, 2018, 1:12 am
#833
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 833
You may also want to check the times of all the PHX/LAX flights that day and perhaps look to get to PHX a little early. You may be able to move to an earlier flight. That way you would get some time in the lounges at LAX or if not just spend a little more time at PHX before departure.
Jan 26, 2018, 1:15 am
#834
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Sapporo, Japan
Programs: Junior Jet Club, Nando's Card 1 Red Chilli, Tesco Clubcard, BAEC Gold, TK M&S Elite
Posts: 520
Kind of related question...
When you wrap a LHR-OTP-LHR round an OTP-PHX-OTP run, can you disembark at OTP, wait at the gate and get back on the same aircraft? I'm assuming this is what you guys call a b2b?
When you wrap a LHR-OTP-LHR round an OTP-PHX-OTP run, can you disembark at OTP, wait at the gate and get back on the same aircraft? I'm assuming this is what you guys call a b2b?
Jan 26, 2018, 1:22 am
#835
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Surrey, UK
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 484
Great to know - thanks. My PHX=>LAX flight is "Operated by Skywest", so not sure if they use the same terminal at LAX at AA. Can imagine if I have to change terminals, it's pushing it.
But as long as I can get the original TPs - that's fine. I'll check out the ORC threads
Thanks
But as long as I can get the original TPs - that's fine. I'll check out the ORC threads
Thanks
I have just given myself a scare because looking at today's flights it appears AA640 is due to come into Terminal 5.........
Jan 26, 2018, 1:25 am
#836
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
This thread has details of an FTer's experience at OTP
Jan 26, 2018, 1:33 am
#837
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Sapporo, Japan
Programs: Junior Jet Club, Nando's Card 1 Red Chilli, Tesco Clubcard, BAEC Gold, TK M&S Elite
Posts: 520
Check out the wiki in this thread for a list of airports and how easy, or not a turnaround is.
This thread has details of an FTer's experience at OTP
This thread has details of an FTer's experience at OTP
Jan 26, 2018, 1:43 am
#838
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Great to know - thanks. My PHX=>LAX flight is "Operated by Skywest", so not sure if they use the same terminal at LAX as AA. Can imagine if I have to change terminals, it's pushing it.
But as long as I can get the original TPs - that's fine. I'll check out the ORC threads
Thanks
EDIT: Just noticed it's "OPERATED BY SKYWEST AIRLINES AS AMERICAN EAGLE" - From what I can see, American Eagle run out of terminal 4, along with the rest of AA, so I should be fine.
But as long as I can get the original TPs - that's fine. I'll check out the ORC threads
Thanks
EDIT: Just noticed it's "OPERATED BY SKYWEST AIRLINES AS AMERICAN EAGLE" - From what I can see, American Eagle run out of terminal 4, along with the rest of AA, so I should be fine.
Jan 26, 2018, 1:55 am
#839
Join Date: May 2017
Location: U.K.
Programs: BA Exec; Miles&More; FlyingBlue; DragonPass; Hilton; SPG; Marriott; Hyatt; A-Club; Carlson; Avis
Posts: 13
Thanks DtB
Did you double book and let the employer ticket "expire"?
Did you experience any issues with two seats on the same flight?
Buzz0000
Did you double book and let the employer ticket "expire"?
Did you experience any issues with two seats on the same flight?
Buzz0000
Last edited by Buzz0000; Jan 26, 2018 at 1:59 am Reason: Typo's
Jan 26, 2018, 3:59 am
#840
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Ayrshire
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, IHG Spire Ambassador, HH Diamond, Scandic Top Floor
Posts: 139
You misunderstood, what I do is use my employers ticket and then when I get to the airport I ask at check in if there is an AUP (Airport upgrade) available, there is a Wiki and various threads which you can search for here that explains how it works. Basically it is only available on the day you are travelling and is subject to there being space available, depending on what ticket you already have and the cost (which seems to be dynamic now ?) it can be good value to gather increased TPs (and you also get the increased Avios for the cabin you upgrade to) you just pay with your own credit card and they give you a new boarding pass.
Hope this helps,
DtB